Love on Lo - feels like a very looooong advert or music video

Ok so reading the synopsis suggested it was more BL than it was. You have two guys staying at a 2 bed resort and one loses his keys and has to share with the other on NYE.

This is a 2 episode series with very little happening. I left thinking maybe they were advertising one of the following
1. Lo
2. The photo /video app on the phone
3. The OST??
4. New Years Eve

I really don't know. The one thing is that the beach IS beautiful and if you can ignore the staff at the resort it's not a complete waste of time but, it either needed to be longer or have more of a point .

I'd skip this one as it feels more like a pilot for something or an advert

Leia Mais

The new employee movie flows better than the series

If you've watched the series then you will enjoy this. It's nice to see it all at once and is one of those dramas that works well as a film.

Seung Hyun and Kim Jong Chan are both loveable characters and the actors are well cast. It was lovely to see them again after so long and whilst there have been a number of workplace BLs in 2022/23 this is one of the stronger, more consistent ones. It's well acted and the story works. It's based on a webtoon which was better in my opinion but this is a decent adaptation. This was definitely worth the nearly 2 hours of watch time. It may have been nice to see more on the lesbian support characters.

I've copied the description from Viki for those who aren't sure of the story.

Enjoy!

Chelsea Black

In his late twenties, Seung Hyun (Moon Ji Yong) has yet to settle into what most would consider an “adult” life. Something of a late bloomer, Seung Hyun has had about as much experience in his professional career as he has in his personal life. Which is to say, he hasn’t had much experience in either. But everything changes when he finally manages to land the internship of his dreams.

Excited to be interning at such a successful advertising company, Seung Hyun’s enthusiasm is curbed almost immediately when he runs into an incredibly handsome, yet unbelievably cold man on his first day of work. Thrown off by his encounter with this frigid adonis, Seung Hyun’s first day is a memorable one, to be sure; but becomes even more so when he realizes the man he ran into was none other than his boss, Kim Jong Chan (Kwon Hyuk).

Unable to shake the feelings that stir inside him as he recalls this first encounter, Seung Hyun tries his best to avoid making the same mistake. But it seems no matter how hard he tries, he can’t escape Jong Chan’s presence. As if drawn together by some unseen force, will either of these men be able to avoid the fate that seems determined to bring them together?

Adapted from the webtoon of the same name by Moscareto, “The New Employee” is a 2022 South Korean romance film directed by Kim Jho Kwang Soo.

Leia Mais

The movie (roof)tops the series

So I loved the series but the movie is better as it doesn't break as much and have as much of the game element. Plus you are blessed with more of the context so how they were back in school and their feelings. I felt so much more like I was seeing the why for a lot of what they did instead of being confused

The acting is top notch and I've rewatched the series MANY times but think, like Semantic Error I'll switch to the movie for rewatch. You feel the chemistry, shyness and emotion between the two actors and it really is all about them. No side couples to distract which is good as it's so short. The movie is nearly 2 hours though.

Highly recommended and one of the top 5 KBLs to come out in 2023.

Enjoy

Leia Mais

Hidden gem?

So Hidden Agenda is one of those stories where we are waiting to figure out what the agenda is. It quickly becomes apparent that Joke is not what he appears and has some secrets. But Zo wants Nita and accepts his help. Let the misunderstandings etc ensue. There's some family angst and we have a side couple, over involved friends and a stalker so lots going on.

Honestly, this should have been 8 to 10 episodes as some of the themes in the last few episodes feel rushed and not really deep enough. Joong is carrying this and their chemistry is still strong. Dung has improved somewhat although he still does that bobbly head thing too much. And someone give Joong some decent jeans!

If you're into Joong as a singer then you will enjoy some of the earlier episodes.

I've rewatched some of the scenes which highlight their chemistry but overall, this is a cute Sunday evening watch. Glad to see some improvement from JoongDunk but, we need a stronger script to really test this ship.

OK last episode was weak but still worth it for JoongDunk fans

Leia Mais

Tame and Traditional ending

So this was basically the missing ep 8 that the series needed as closure.

We see the couple 2 years later on a trip to Chiang Mai where Lom has a secret plan and everyone is on it but Namnuea. Even the GL couple make an appearance which is nice to see that they're still together after two years.

For those wondering there is no guest appearance from the LITA boys - I know, I was disappointed too. It's also more sweet than hot and heavy. Really out of the honeymoon phase I guess

What is nice is that you see some of the local customs and traditions around Thai ceremonies which isn't seen in other BLs . I still think Marine and Nuea could work on their acting at times but it's better than early on in the series

Would I pay to watch this? No. Is it worth a watch, yes if you are wanting more of the MC. Is there rewatch value? Not really. But, I'm happy we were able to see the ending as often times we don't get to see it.

Enjoy !

Leia Mais

Triple the fun in Love Class 2

Initially I was expecting this to be a continuation of LC 1 with the same cast - it didn't happen. The concept of a Love Class at University continues but this time there are 2 other couples.

Three Couples

Friends to Lovers - the funny one
Teachers Assistant and Student - the frustrating / lack of communication one
Old Crush hurt / comfort - the darker one

All 3 stories are engaging and worth watching to see how they end. I switched favourites week to week

The kisses vary from hot and steamy to mannequin idol kisses so be warned !

This is definitely worthy of a binge watch. It is confusing in places and it would have benefitted from more interwoven interactions between the 3 couples throughout the series.

Didn't really notice the OST so can't comment. Casting and acting were generally good. I've rewatched bits already.

Can't wait for season 3

Enjoy!

CB x

Leia Mais

A cute and VERY loose adaptation of the Thai original

You have to watch this with a different lens

The storyline is loosely the same but the plot, characters and scenarios are quite different.

I'm enjoying it so far but it takes a few minutes to forget JimmyTommy SaintZee and just accept these characters as they are without comparing it with the Thai version.

The episodes are short and there are 2 a week so it will be done really shortly but it's nice to see KBLs doing more than one couple dramas and giving us 'more' on the intimacy scale.

Here's hoping the ending is just as satisfying.

Just finished and yes, whilst it felt rushed we got the ending we hoped for I guess. Would have liked this to be 10 or 12 episodes to give us more couple time?

Enjoy

Leia Mais

Gritty short BL from Hong Kong - stick with it

This was short (1(named zero or 0) +5 episodes and most 14 minutes long) about 2 M/M relationships told through a straight couple.

Hayden and Damien
Kelvin and Archie

I don't want to give too much away but there's dealing with grief, sexual non consent, being closeted etc all in these 6 episodes. the subject matters are heavy but the ending is hopeful so definitely worth the watch.

Grandma is my favourite character . The other female character my least favourite

I would have loved to have known what the post-it notes said but we can infer eventually

Definitely better as a binge watch as it takes a while to realise what's going on especially with the second couple. A treat in the last episode where we hear music used in a few BLs . Very cute. Can you spot where else it's been used ?

Enjoy!

Leia Mais

Great acting albeit with a clichd soapie plot

I was excited to watch this as I like both the main leads from different dramas (especially FF from History2 a BL)

Trigger Warnings: Suicide, Abortion

What they did well:
- Casting - top notch. You were behind the MC and really hated the others
- OST - sweet
- Kissing scenes - both Puff and FF are expert kissers
- I found myself wanting to watch the next episode
- The food porn - I was craving cake by the end of it.

What wasn't so good:
- The plot is ok but there are so many coincidences you would think it was based in a village not a city. Like there are literally only 4 families in this whole show
- The majority of the women are really unlikeable. From the mums to the 2nd FL to the sister Xia Anni they were problematic.
- Stalking seems to be normalised behaviour. No means No
- They resolved some issues quickly such as trauma and others were left with holes (e.g. the debt). Maybe they're saving it for the last 2 episodes but I doubt they could fill that many.
* 1 thing I didn't like is that the villains were noticeably darker skinned, highlighting a continued issue with the Asian media.

Overall a decent binge watch over the weekend and if you like that soapie style then definitely worthy of a watch.

I'll come back after the ending but that's it for now. Enjoy!

Post ep 24: Nothing to add except the mum stuff was resolved a little too easily. There was a lot of emotion at the end and it was well acted. The OST did the mOST with the paino and string instruments but, at this stage I would expect nothing less. I'm just glad they didn't give us amnesia in the last episode as with all of the cliches it could have gone there.

Leia Mais

Papa what did you do!!

Context - the Screenwriter and Director of Papa What is Love passed away last year. This is a befitting sequel that would make Shandii Bacolod proud.

The issues first:
It's too short. We want more, we want more!
It won't be out on Youtube for a few months as they have to edit out the seggsy bits. You can pay to watch it on ticketme though especially if you want to see the uncut version.
UPDATE: This is now available on GagaOOlala from 3rd September
Some of the messages weren't subtitled so I had to guess at what had been said.

The good:
Great to see Papa out there on the apps and meeting new people but good to see the struggles of dating older and managing grief.
The series showed the importance of communication and being honest despite feelings of guilt etc. really well
Did I mention the seggsy bits? Look out for pancakes and syrup ;)
It was shot really well so kudos to the Director
None of these angle or mannequin kisses. There was a lot of pro verse scenes as well which is what we like to see instead of gendered / heteronormative roles
No sad ending

Some of the characters I wasn't sure of at first like Alex and Dominic but, those pesky issues get resolved

Overall a really decent watch with episodes averaging about 15 minutes each. Maybe next time we could have 20+ minutes

Leia Mais

Sing it loud for another cute Korean BL

First of all I'd like to thank the team for dropping all 8 episodes of this on the same day instead of giving us the week to week angst we've had to suffer with Our Dating Sim and The Eighth Sense. Kamsahamnida!Second we continue with the school friends to now adults theme of 2023 and we are here for it all. Good to see grown up stories being done without the toxicity.

Yes this is a walking green flag BL. This is a light watch and an easy watch which is just what we need right now. It's got shades of Love Tractor and Im Hantae is adorable and silly. The female characters are also great which is always nice to see, especially the mum. There's some angst of course and some evil idol stuff that we have to navigate. They really did this well included OTT fans!

The Songs are good and the storyline with the idol / music industry backdrop work well

Will add more later but lots of you haven't seen it and I don't want to spoiler it but I defy you not to fall for Ba Ram and Han Tae

Enjoy!

Leia Mais

This should have been 2 episodes of an 8 part series

Good points:

It is translated quickly and the production quality is high. It's a small but good looking and well acting casts.

Points for consideration:

Having finished it I can say that whilst it was cute it should have been 2 episodes of a much wider programme. There was a lot of empty spaces and scenes that didn't add much to the storyline

It is very slow moving and a lot of it is happening in the characters' heads. So far the most exciting thing in this has been a couple of 'trip and falls' into each other (classic BL) and the OST which is really carrying the show.

The show has flashbacks showing their friendship prior to the writer disappearing 4 years ago. So it's a kind of mystery as to why he disappeared. At the same time he's writing a novel series in which a straight couple seem to mirror the event and his feelings. We are slowly starting to see what MAY have happened to make him end the friendship.

It's great if you like cute Korean guys and not a lot of talking but half way through and I'm not sure that it's going to really compete with other KBLs which have captured audiences. January Korean releases were weak last year as well so it may be a scheduling thing? Just a theory.

I'll update when it's complete but my advice would be to wait on this one and binge watch it after the 9th Feb when it has finished airing

Enjoy!

Chelsea

Leia Mais

Short and poor script and sound

I'm all for supporting low budget productions and this is one of them. 4 episodes makes it short and I think with a poor script it was hard to really get into what the writer was trying to do. It felt choppy and disconnected. The sudden appearance of characters in ep 3 and 4 just threw you. The actors did well though but it's hard if the raw materials aren't there.

I would recommend those who have patience and aren't really bothered by the (lack of a consistent) story line should binge watch this whilst doing something else. They are raising sponsorship for their next project already so hopefully a bigger budget will give these actors a better end product.

Leia Mais