The Sign (2023)

THE SIGNS OF A GOOD BL?

What makes a BL 'good'? This is subjective of course. I can't tell you how to live your life. But I can tell you that you need to watch this series! And why.

1. The story is so unique for the BL world (and that makes me very happy). We are so past the high school/college universtiy student phase! We need something new and substantial with actual plot, depth and relevancy! The story is a mix of mythological reincarnated lovers and thriller with Phaya and Tharn working as detectives of a special unit (theyre cops lol) and i think this adds to the tension because phaya and tharn often are in dangerous situations.
however they do have a lot of unresolved conflicts left that deserve some more explanation.
THE SIGN is unlike any other BL series i've watched and i predict it will become one of those staple BLs in a few years.


[i will admit that though i was ecstatic when watching the finale, it is a fact that it is very rushed and SPOILER!!!

spoiler:
tharn should not just have returned Just Like That with no nothing stakes or consequences of him carrying a Naga soul in a human body.]



2. the acting is just superb! I can't believe that this is one of babe's first series (i think i read somewhere that this is his debut but i'm not sure about that). he did so well as tharn! the ensemble cast was also great, and also had everybody's favourite 2 grandmas ;)
i am kind of sad that the GL storyline was kind of unresolved at the end, but the post credit scene for the finale makes me hopeful that we're getting a season 2 (please please please)
3. the cinematography and production was also great! the cgi, for a tv-series was pretty good and impressed me.
i love when they use different colour lighting :)

all in all, it was a very enjoyable series and im waiting for a season 2

Leia Mais

you definitely SHOULD give it a watch, terrific acting!

HI! to start, i have to say that this show requires more attention. for a show that has a lower budget, it has beyond exceeded my expectations. the pacing of the show was great and i never felt like any episode was lacking anything. compared to other bls with weird pacing and random new information, everything was well connected. here are some points for you!

1. the action was done really well, it wasn’t cringe! surprising honestly… i think the actors were well trained to carry out the role and make it look realistic and good

2. there were so many diff characters with their own unique stories. somehow, the director managed to tie all these subplots back to main plot in a meaningful way. we managed to see the stories of all the side couples and even their dynamics

3. there were so many diff types of genres (?) like romance, reincarnation, karma, thai mythology, family relationships, action, suspense and many more but somehow, it didn’t feel overwhelming and flowed really well

4. the attention to detail was absolutely incredible! from the lighting to the costumes, it was all well done and had many details. i do think the CGI could’ve been better but ykw? it’s a small sacrifice for the incredible story

5. THE ACTING. the two main characters were billy and babe. when i tell you my jaw dropped when i watched their more intense scenes. i NEVER expected billy to be able to act that well. babe’s acting worked so well with billy and you can tell that they have major respect for eo. there were some scenes that felt so real, these scenes could’ve gone so wrong if not for their terrific performance. can i just say, EVEN THE SIDE CHARACTERS HAD TERRIFIC ACTING??? the villain acted so well that i hated his face. there was this guy called Art later on in the drama and his acting blew my mind.

6. chemistry. THEIR CHEMISTRY WAS OVERFLOWING. i can talk about billybabe’s chemistry for HOURS. they had incredible tension before they got together and i could feel it through the screen. when the got tgt, you could see the pure adoration, love, vulnerability and protectiveness they had for/with eo. it was so incredible, i don’t think i’ve seen a bl couple with such good chemistry in such a long time. their raw emotions made their scenes tgt so intense, special and beautiful.

7. lastly, the directing. basically the show was directed by an actor named saint. he has been in a few dramas and i think bcos of that, he was able to direct the show from the perspective of an actor as well as a consumer. the attention to detail was amazing and all the camera angles were really good

OKAY IM DONE YAPPING. i would definitely recommend this show but i have to warn that it is a bit intense at times. i love this show sm, definitely in my top 5. there have been quite a few different opinions here and there but overall, it’s a good watch

(do note that i am rating it based on other thai bls i have watched and i’m not comparing it to korean bls or straight dramas)

Leia Mais

Reinventing Thai mythology for a modern romance

It’s quite hard to pinpoint the genre of this series because it combines so many – historical fantasy, true crime, comedy and BL — and rolls it into one jam packed series.

What I liked about The Sign is that it’s a uniquely Thai production and showcases the potential for Thai soft power.

The show is a real cultural treat as it weaves in the battle between the Naga and Garuda, spinning a rich tale of Thai mythology reimagined for modern times. At the heart of The Sign is a trope that we are not unfamiliar with; a Romeo and Juliet-esque tragedy, the forbidden romance that spans generations.

The Sign hasn’t gotten much publicity but it’s probably one of the more underrated BLs so far this year.

There’s nothing to hate about it. BUT save for the mythological element, which is unique to The Sign, there was also nothing particularly memorable about the storyline.

The story is well-paced but the ending proved to be on the weaker side. The resolution came a little too easily, and was rather abrupt and anticlimactic.

Overall, though, the show is still highly enjoyable because of Billy and Babe’s good onscreen chemistry – one of Billy’s many talents is having chemistry with anyone, even a plastic chair.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/04/07/the-sign-2023-bl-review/

Leia Mais

Infravalorada

Está serie tiene de todo, por dónde empezarrr. La trama policial es muy buena, protagonistas que resuelven casos y en eso desenmascaran problemáticas sociales muy jodidas, como trata de personas, impunidad, y falta de justicia en general. Por otro lado tenemos una conexión de almas ligadas desde vidas pasadas, mitología, karma, etc, y un romance hermoso que surge de eso. Mí primera crítica es que fue un montonazo, quisieron abarcar todo y no digo que quedó mal pero si la sentí un poco sobrecargada, demasiados casos policiales y demasiado denso todo el tema de las vidas pasadas, al final un poco repetitivo ¿Por qué denso? Por el mayor problema que PARA MI tuvo la serie: los efectos especiales.
Cada vez que contaban la historia de los naga incluían esos efectos nefastos que perdía total seriedad, le bajó calidad a la historia en si, y siento que siquiera era necesario incluirlos tanto para que la historia igualmente tenga su valor. Sin tanto de esto los casos policiales pudieron tener un mejor desarrollo y también la pareja, es lo único que crítico.
Fuera de eso se la jugaron, y la pareja la rompió, escenas que valen la pena, y una tensión sexual que fue aumentando desde el capítulo uno, ame demasiadooo, vale mucho la pena y si bien es una vorágine nunca pierde el centro ni el amor que transmite la pareja pese a todos los obstáculos. Muy buena serie

Leia Mais

Se suma al grupo de BLs que son el estándar

Esta serie es pura calidad. Muy buena historia, la mezcla con la tradición thai quedó increíble, la trama de thriller y misterio se logró y aprovecharon los casos que investigaban para tocar temas importantes (la inutilidad de la justicia legal, los supervivientes de abusos, depresión, traición, etc). Las escenas de acción están bien hechas y se logra mantener el foco en el desarrollo de la trama y la relación romántica, sin quitarle importancia ni seriedad a los otros temas.
Me habría gustado que el final fuera mejor desarrollado, creo que fue apresurado ese epílogo conn una explicación corta, el besa de reunión y fin. Poco satisfactorio. Pero todo lo demás, muy bien.
Amé ver a Billy en este papel, demostró una buena actuación y muchísima más química con Babe que parejas anteriores.
Me sorprendió saber que es de Channel 3, ya que las otras series que he visto de la productora (Lovely Writerm GAP y Secret Crush On You) me agotaron en distintos niveles; me hizo mirar ahora con atención, esperando que ojalá mantengan esta calidad en los proyectos que saquen en el futuro.

Leia Mais

Mi sa che in Thailandia non sanno fare i drama di azione....

Molto carino che ci siano degli esseri soprannaturali, Naga e Garuda, anche se non so quanto la loro rappresentazione sia reale rispetto alla mitologia thailandese.
I primi episodi sono una vera bomba e sollecitano veramente delle grandi aspettative che però, man mano che prosegue il drama, vengono un po' ridimensionate.
Mentre è lodevole l'ambientazione in ambito poliziesco, in contrapposizione all'abusato Cliché del dramma scolastico, devo purtroppo rilevare come la plausibilità delle indagini sia una completa sconosciuta in questi lidi. Purtroppo anche le scene di azione lasciano parecchio a desiderare, siamo ben lontani dal montaggio di una scena coerente: troppo spesso accade che qualcuno dopo aver sparato rimanga fermo diversi secondi ad aspettare che qualcun altro lo abbatta, le incoerenze durante gli appostamenti si sprecano, con telefoni che vibrano in modo molto udibile in mezzo a un bosco quando tutti comunicano a gesti, con telefonate personali in mezzo all'azione, con combattimenti al limite del ridicolo, con l'assoluta mancanza di rispetto per gli ordini dei superiori, e così via.
Si salva fortunatamente la computer grafica che, pur senza arrivare a vette di eccellenza, riesce comunque a fare un buon lavoro, che non fa piangere agli occhi lacrime di sangue.
Il commento musicale si difende abbastanza bene, non sarà musica da Oscar ma è adatta alle scene che descrive.
Sul fronte dei costumi, mentre guardiamo con molto piacere degli aitanti giovanotti in canottiera che fanno allenamenti fisici vari, rischiamo di doverci cavare gli occhi quando (e per fortuna si tratta di poche scene) intervengono gli esseri superiori: costumi così pacchiani penso si vedano soltanto al carnevale di Rio tra le ballerine di samba...
A parte ciò, il drama si lascia guardare in modo piacevole fino all'ultimo paio puntate. I ragazzi sono tanti e una vera festa per gli occhi e, onore al merito, recitano anche decisamente bene. Specialmente la coppia principale è molto affiatata e, soprattutto nelle scene di intimità e tenerezza, rivela una chimica più che soddisfacente. Sarebbe stato molto più carino se al cattivo della situazione non avessero imposto dei ruggiti ben poco attraenti e convincenti, ma comprendo che non si può avere tutto.
E, a proposito del non avere tutto, a 10 episodi di storia tutto sommato non dico credibile ma soddisfacente, sono seguiti gli ultimi due in cui le cose sono andate un po' a catafascio. Ci sono delle situazioni di pericolo che non si capisce bene come si siano risolte, dei salti temporali, dei cambiamenti di scena che non si capisce bene come siano avvenuti, e così via. Anche la risoluzione finale di tutto il conflitto è piuttosto tirata là, decisamente insoddisfacente visti tutti i precedenti. I santi finiscono in gloria, ma non si sa bene che strada abbiano preso per arrivarci.
Sul fronte dei personaggi secondari, molto azzeccato il dottorino e anche i vari poliziotti; un po' meno le piagnucolose famiglie. Menzione di disonore per il personaggio del monaco che, pur dovendo in teoria svolgere una funzione di protezione, al momento del bisogno non è stato di nessun aiuto. Ridicoli i delinquenti, a partire dal loro capo.
Insomma, sicuramente un buon drama, per essere un BL, e un BL thailandese. Così contestualizzato, è sicuramente un ottimo prodotto, ma solo a patto di non cercare verosimiglianza nella parte poliziesca. Sicuramente meglio di Manner of death, ma da questo punto di vista c'è ancora tanta, ma tanta strada da fare.
In compenso, ci sono specialmente all'inizio diverse scene di spogliatoio e doccia con nudi anche integrali pixellati nei punti topici, idem per una scena di letto verso la fine. Decisamente un buon fanservice per gli amanti del genere.

Leia Mais

Soy Phaya y no me siento orgullosa de ello

Phaya es tan intenso por momentos en cuanto a su amor por Tharn que definitivamente soy ese y claramente no estoy orgullosa de eso por que puede verse medio feo pero equis.

Teniendo en cuenta que es una serie hecha para televisión y basada en un libro (por lo cual no se pueden hacer cambios muy bruscos) es una muy buena serie, ósea cumple muy bien su función de entretenerte y mal hecha no esta que diría es la mejor de Idol Factory o al menos se pelea el top 1 por el momento con GAP (porque quien sabe, por ahí mas adelante sale una muchísimo mejor).

Para ser una BL (que si has estado en este mundillo lo suficiente en cuanto a Bls tailandeses te das una idea del panorama) tiene una trama muy original y creo es la primera que no solo me pone cosas de fantasía sino que igual me pone gente grande y no nenes cosa que se nota algo esa madurez que esperarías en un adulto no solo al tomar decisiones sino al COMUNICARTE CON QUIEN ES TU PAREJA, es excelente aunque, hablando de la trama yo sinceramente espero que haya una especie de segunda temporada porque sentí que falto tiempo para explicar muchísimas cosas y una de ellas es TODO lo relacionado a la especie que es Phaya ya que en toda la serie te explicas todo lo relacionado con las Nagas pero de la especie de el no y la verdad que el final después de los créditos e incluso el mismo final da para una continuación donde se explique ahora todo sobre eso y en especial el porque Phaya no tiene ningún tipo de poder y el porque pareciera que incluso en su forma original le faltaba como que fuerza lo cual contrasta un poco eso de que su especie es fuerte y poderosa igual que las Nagas.

No se si es porque en el libro asi tal cual estaba narrado, pero honestamente el equipo de DIF (? al que pertenecen dejaba mucho que desear y eso que se supone eran los mejores, pero como que no sabían primeros auxilios, no sabían apuntar bien, no sabia hacer estrategias (lo cual es la principal razón por la que muere gente aquí por ejemplo Ning, como vas detrás del criminal sin siquiera tener la confesión y evidencia del testigo primero? y sobre todo, como dejas al testigo SOLO y con el cuidado de policías cuando sabes que los policías estaban comprados?) y como que el único fuerte era el combate cuerpo a cuerpo que por cierto, las secuencias de pelea estaban muy bien hechas a mi opinión aunque si lo pensamos aun asi un solo tipo pudo contras dos lo cual anula su única especialidad.

La actuación no esta mal pero tampoco es excelente, no quiero tirar nombres porque honestamente le tengo cariño a los artistas de Idol Factory pero como que unos les falta mejorar lo que es su actuación y en especial el como transmitir emociones claves para darle el impacto que se quería a la escena, que hablando de actuaciones, ¿Cómo es posible que Billy se vea tierno y lindo MIENTRAS ESTA DEPRIMIDO? Cada que salía el deprimido por x cosa se veía tan tierno y encima si le creía que estaba triste que me parece increíble, creo que un nivel de actuación asi se necesitaba con otros actores aunque igual le falta mejorar en cuento a como mostrar otras emociones que eso ya quede a criterio de cada quien qué emociones le faltan mejorar.

Tengo quejas con el "villano" asi es, hablo de Chalathorn, no se si es que en el libro sea asi pero es muy mediocre y parece que actúa por pura obsesión y celos eso sumado a que no se siente como un villano en si, mas villano se sintió a Montree que él, no se si es que ese es un problema que viene desde el libro o es solo de la serie por motivos de tiempo.

No me voy a extender mas porque la verdad me da pereza y que les digo, a pesar de que tengo como 50 quejas mas realmente disfrute este programa, es tan telenovela que te mantiene enganchado en todos los caps de una u otra manera (a no ser que seas del publico que le gusta que la historia vaya por un solo hilo, en ese caso siento que no es tú serie ya que tiene varias subtramas las cuales no ayudan a la trama principal directamente o nada en si pero a ver entretenidas son, como cuando te cuentan la historia de Khem y Thongthai, no sirve de nada de nada para la trama principal pero entretenida es), ya casi el final no se que paso ahí, como que se durmieron los guionistas o se les perdió el guion que hay muchas cosas que no se entienden, ¿Cómo Phaya se salvo de morir cayendo del acantilado? ¿Tharn lo salvo? esto ultimo me da sentido porque cuando Phaya cae se ve a la izquierda una luz amarilla cayendo hacia Phaya lo cual tendria algo de sentido teniendo en cuenta todo lo que vimos en la serie pero, cuando vez el final después de los créditos puedes llegar a pensar que en realidad no fue Tran quien lo salvo sino el personaje que interpresa Saint en ese final cosa que si es asi, ¿Entonces como Tharn llego donde Phaya en la cueva? ¿Cuánto tiempo paso desde que Tharn se "murió" hasta que vuelve a aparecer? ¿Qué significa eso de que "lo dejaron ir a verlo"? ¿Qué significa el final después de los créditos? ¿Acaso estoy desvariando? ¿Harán segunda parte? Porque si no hay segunda parte de esto ¿Cuál fue el objetivo del final después de los créditos?

Leia Mais

It’s definitely unique.

It’s midnight in my country and I still have to write a review. Because I have just finished this BL, and also bawled my eyes out like a baby.
Anyway not a sad series if you not as emotional as me. A little action parts there, some famous faces (even directors), cute lovely scenes and enough of quality NC scenes.

If you love that action genre and are interested in some spice of mysterious legend with lots of love. You should for sure watch this. It’s definitely unique. We never had religious based BL before I believe.

I do recommend to watch it. <3

Leia Mais

A very creative project, definitely a must watch except just take out the character Dao?

Not anyone has done a good thriller fantasy BL drama and have executed it well. Specially with this good CGI production. This one I must say is the best.

Everything is on point the thriller plot that connects to the main story, has been executed really well.
The VFX effects were really good. Made the series even more intresting to watch.
Acting of the whole cast was on point.

And yes there are things that I didn't like:
1. The character Dao: Why was she even there in the series. I rarely dislike a non-negative character but My God!!! She was the most annoying character in the series. Not just the character, the actress was equally stiff in her acting. She needs to work on it...

2. Unnecessary comedic angle introduced between Khem and Thong made me Cringe

3. Why are the camera angles in the kiss scene soo bad?

4. Last episode Love scene could have been shortened and they could have detailed showed what happened to Montree or how Tharn convinced Chalothorn.

And offcourse I need to give special mention to Yai:
This man totally charmed. I have become a fan of him 😍😍. Everytime he was on screen I couldn't focus on anything else other than his 💪. Lol!! Sorry not sorry!! Everyone wants a friend like him. I wish we could have seen more of his romantic story with Sand... It would have been absolutely beautiful.❤️. Please cast him in other projects!!!

Leia Mais

I think it’s underrated for how good it is

The production quality is amazing! The actors did an amazing job at portraying emotion it felt really real and the story is amazing on how they’re love was never meant to be since the beginning and in each new life they become lovers but the enemy always destroys it, but the enemy had a change a heart after learning the truth. The grandmas are also amazing and Tharn/Phaya being a couple isn’t always the main focus because they are cops and go on different missions together where it eventually leads up to the truth about the past

The only part I didn’t like is when Tharn and Phaya had dreams of them kissing each other which I hate when they do in BLs because it kinds of ruins the moment for me when they actually kiss.

Leia Mais

It Really was just OK!

The Sign wasn't nearly as good as its MDL rating would suggest. I've seen many other BLs from different countries that were far better in the plot, cinematography, direction and action that didn't receive the rating that The Sign received (8.6). For example (and these are merely examples): My School President 8.5, KinnPorsche 8.1, Last Twilight 8.5, The Eclipse 8.3, and HIStory3: Trapped 8.4. All of these BLs were just as good or even better than The Sign in many aspects, which further makes me believe that probably much of a poster's rating is based on their personal likes and dislikes, which is still ok.

What i like about the series:

1. The first episode was interesting and had a good premise.
2. I thought it was good that the producers brought in other aspects of Thai culture, such as their belief system in past lives (reincarnation) and the various gods and deities that play part of their beliefs.
3. There was good attempt to make this series a cinematic masterpiece, and the addition of CGI.
4. The actors were ALL gorgeous and definitely great "eye candy," especially Babe! He's certainly got the appropriate nickname.
5. I thought it was interesting that the story would have almost a complete unit of police officers who were lgbtq+ AND lovers! Again, I know it's fantasy. I guess there's no one who could protect your back better than someone you have sex with.

Now, what I thought was a little much (at least for me):

1. I though that Tharn (Babe) went from being a badass early on in ther series to a crybaby wimp near the end of the series. But, Likewise, so did Phaya (Billy). I guess their love made them "weak."

2. The doctor's story as the villain wasn't really hashed as well as it could've been, especially in the ending episodes. We never really got to see the real connection between he and Tharn.

3. I know they were trying to look like a big budget production. But the CGI scenes really needed some work. At times, it looked more like a saturday morning kids show than adult production.

4. Someone else commented there were too many subplots. YES THERE WERE!!!

Now, that I've stated these points, I will say that I did like the series. I didn't particularly like the ending with the way Tharne left and Phaya was so broken hearted that he would become a broken down bum. But, it was interesting. Is it worthy of an 8.6. IMO, if all were talking about is whether you personally liked it not, then probably so. However, if you really wanted to apply equal merit to its scenery, cinematography, direction. and plot, then probably not. One other Thai BL received a MDL rating of 8.6 was Night of a Thousand Stars. Hmmm! Think about it.

Leia Mais

Too draggy, a bit disappointing

Giving it 7 was me being nice, I had high expectations mainly due to the extremely high ratings of 8.6, but was very unfortunately disappointed.

I wasn't really even emotionally invested in the Main cp, and that's a huge flag for me. They really do lack communication, lots of unnecessary misunderstandings happening, lots of explanations that could've saved them from danger. But they were cute in a way, and it's my first time watching a BL with fantasy tropes, which was pretty interesting. (though it wasn't done nicely at all)

The fantasy bits were just confusing (slight spoilers) - e.g. why did the sister look for Phaya instead of Tharn? She could've explained everything to her ex-sister instead, but she chose not to for reasons unknown. It could've been a lot more cohesive, but instead it adds only confusion to the plot.

Now for the 'police' plotline that underlies the entire series, I found it pretty unnecessary honestly. Them being a police didn't add to the main focus of the series - aka Phaya and Tharn's relationship. It would've made no difference even if they weren't police officers, except maybe they would've gotten into a lot less trouble and danger.

Now for the ending, the most unsatisfying part of the show. Why the hell did they shorten the reunion to 2 minutes. That was just unacceptable. They decided to cut out everything that would show us the dilema Doc had to go through, Tharn trying to explain his love for Phaya. Just everything important was cut out. All we got was 2 minutes of Tharn and Phaya reuniting happily, and Doc the sea-dragon leaving. Why did they cut out all the emotional parts, the conflicts, the important scenes?? I could never understand this.

Leia Mais