LIFE

If you are looking for a feel good story with no drama this is it. It's simple and formulative. It doesn't surprise in any way and yes, the cook gets his man. Still it left me smiling, and anxiously waiting each week for approx 30 min of cuteness. Isumi and Amasawa delivered every week. Truth be told, it shouldn't take 9 episodes for this series, but I'm glad it did. At a relaxed pace, it showed the internal struggles of one sided love and the courage it took.

College student meets older policeman and ends up cooking for him. Along the journey, Isumi falls in love with Amasawa. Amasawa, not thinking beyond their friendship, doesn't realize until the confession. That's it. Yet, Isumi and Amasawa are a pleasure to watch as they match so well. Think Mitsuya's Planned Feeding with a younger cast. At least, Isumi got his kiss. The main actors are easy to believe in their roles which was a huge plus. No exaggerated interactions beside the usual misunderstandings but they always thought of each other's happiness.

I will miss them as it doesn't take much to fall in love over good food with a smile.

Leia Mais

Worth the watch but....

Sukfilm has struck gold with their actors. They deliver in every performance from Blue Boys/Bad Guy/Seoul Blues. If you are a looking for short piece to relax after a long day, go for it. Usually between 8.5 - 11 min per episode. It's on a very low budget but the scenes are shot in a way that it's not a hindrance but an asset. They make the viewers feel a part of the conversation as it's very intimate.

While the storyline is very formulative, it can be thought provoking at times. Should they or shouldn't they? As with this series, should Dae Yeoung not have cheated on Jeong Ha? Should Dae Yeoung have easily walked away from Do Jin? Was Min Ji a pawn? Was Jeong Ha the catalyst for the series of events? Should Jeong Ha have forgiven him?

Let me explain:
Dae Yeoung cheated because he wanted some sort of closure and answer for his disappearance. He was still hurt and having been with Do Jin for a long period, he had lingering feelings for him. He previously thought this was the person for him so it will be hard to let go. You can love 2 people at the same time. Do Jin was selfish, greedy and a great manipulator. He set out to destroy Dae Yeoung's relationship to get him back.

Min Ji was used but she put herself in that position. She saw from the beginning how close Dae Yeoung and Jeong Ha were, even hinting at it. Yet, she chose to reach for something that was out of her grasp. By asking one to be in a relationship, wouldn't she have eventually broken their bond? Dae Yeoung knew and should have done better.

Had Jeong Ha been honest with himself from the beginning, the events would have been different. Their friendships would have changed but Min Ji would have respected it. Had Jeong Ha not let his ego be stroked by Do Jin and listened to Dae Yeoung, he would have saved himself a world of hurt. Reflecting on the part Dae Yeoung played in his life and his own failings, he chose to forgive.

I like how more complex the characters are becoming. No easy answers. The script writer on the other hand needs help. It's becoming too obvious what the next words would be and nothing new is learnt. Women can be supporters and not only antagonist or manipulative. Cheating is always a dividing subject but not the only one. Social disparities, abuse, mental health, etc There are other stories to be told.

Overall it was a nice series. The actors chemistry is there with better storylines, it can grow.

Leia Mais

The Best Interest of Everyone

What's right may not be legal and what's legal may not be right. The opposing views on euthanasia was discussed in great detail and according to the end, legality won. I want to say unfortunately but the other side of that coin would send a message of acceptable wanton killings.

It is legal to execute a prisoner by lethal injection but illegal to give someone peace who suffers daily from excruciating pain.

The plot was very interesting, thought provoking and with a few unexpected surprises. The acting was wonderfully done by everyone. A Thai production of this caliber done in 8 episodes is a miracle in itself. The pacing, flash backs and character development produced a drama worth watching and watching again.

The divide between Thiu and Kan was bridged for only a moment and what a beautiful moment it was. Their moment of intimacy was tastfully done as expected from mature individuals. Thiu, tho a bit hesitant due to Kan's wound, encouraged by Kan, gave in. I must admit I was not expecting this as the previous meetings would show desire alone. Truthfully, I would have preferred for it to have not happened due to the ending.

The only question that should have been asked of Thiu but it wasn't...

If his mother, in extreme pain, had begged him to end it, would he have stepped back and refused, leaving her to suffer. The morality of these situations are ambiguous from the both positions taken.

Boss, the pharmacist, gave a stellar performance. From lover, to psycho, to unrepentant murderer. The difference between him and Kan would be the matter of choice. The patients chose Kan. Boss forced his choice on them. His death was his choice and I was happy that he was not a hypocrite at the end. Rin, a surprise, kept her self righteousness to herself on hearing the truth but with conditions. Every story was not rushed and given enough time to be completed adequately.

The ending was as society would want but it did not hurt any less.

"Would you confess?"
"Only if it's you."
Painfully, they hug. Placing a petal in Kan's handcuffed hands, Thiu says, "I love you."

Both Kan and Thiu proved how much they loved each other.

Beautifull writing. It tugs at the emotions that are kept in check. Sammon, the author, and Sirilux Srisukon, the screenwriter, thank you. The dialogue was enhanced by every actor's performance and well worth the praise. I will look forward to seeing these actors in the future. I hope a S2 is made.

Go watch!

Leia Mais

Good guys don't win

Two things irritated me. The vertical filming and the expected outcome. The narrowing of the screen would put a greater strain on your eyes to watch. Not a very good idea. Watching like this did not enhance the plot or the enjoyment.

The script tried to be introspective and cute. I said tried. Pa Rang sees Tae Min seduce a guy and just as quickly dumps him after having fun. Yu Bin, kind and friendly, openly shows Pa Rang he is interested but guess which one he chooses. No brainer. When will shows stop portraying the good guy as a loser? Is this supposed to make it more interesting? It didn't. All three had issues but it is Yu Bin who fully understands his and keeps trying without looking for pity.

The acting was done well enough. The 2 seconds that Pa Rang's mother was onscreen did more for the story than everything else. The despair, the pain, the words uttered before she jumped were portrayed very well. Tho the script had too many references about drowing and sinking and looking up from the bottom. Ok, we get it.

The expected outcome: Pre-planning to die on the same day his mother died, Pa Rang goes to jump. Yu Bin recognizes something is off and tells Tae Min, who instantly knows where to find him, he rushes to save him. Yu Bin - see what I mean about the good guy. Tae Min, who supposedly loves him so much, didn't know. Tae Min reaches in time, pulls him off of the box he stood on and tells him he loves him so much. No intensity, like standing on the wall, but a box next to the wall. Lazy writing.

The theme of Pa Rang planning his death could have easily shown to change by him falling in love with Tae Min and by seeing how Yu Bin keeps pushing no matter his limitations and finally facing up to his father about how he blamed him for his mother's suicide. As is, there was no electrifying moment that warranted the cost of paying to see this. It's now available on YT for free as a full length series combined but for how long, no one knows. I will not watch this again. The irritating background music was not to the show's benefit. Everything felt dull and monotonous.

Leia Mais

1 min

Previously stated, I'm not a fan of 1 min episodes. 81 of these were irritating. The plot was not riveting and neither the setting. The very limited budget was evident. The loud shrewish quarreling between the uncle and aunt would make you wonder if there was any love between them. This too was tedious. The acting could have been better as An movements were stiff and unnatural.

The mains complemented each other and this is what kept me watching. Their confessions made for a tender moment.

If a full version without the breaks be uploaded would make a better watch.

Leia Mais

Only reason to watch.

Let's see:
Episode 9 - 32:54 to 36:01

That's it. No need to watch anything else.

Tutor and Yim have a connection. It is apparent. What is not apparent is why why why do they do shows that do not bring out the best in them. I'm reminded of Mos and Bank, but I digress. It's like they put a large amount of actors names in a bag and chose randomly.
Then in another bag they put a few mixed scripts and did they same thing. What is unfortunate is that TutorYim keep getting either the bad scripts or bad directors. I like them. I like them together. In and out of the fantasy world, they click. What doesn't click is the lackluster crap that eventually comes out.

A series such as this had too many couples to keep track of in and out of the fantasy world. I must admit after seeing Jack and Chat here, I lowered my expectations. Playboyy kinda left a wtf taste in my mouth. The only reason I watched was for the both of them but I was real about it. That was just to see how far they would go for shock value. Again, I digress. The erratic jumping between 3 worlds, coupled with the different relationships in each and writing alter egos proved to be too much. After episode 5, I found myself using this on a Monday to go to sleep.

If you like convoluted fantasy stories with a slightly erotic but more dramatic bed scene, refer again to episode 9, this is for you. The way Tutor looks at Yim alone will help get you through the episodes. Focus, Mark and Gems were decent enough. I was hoping for so much better, at least a better storyline, but that's just me. Others seem to love it. I will give them one more chance if they do another series.... because I do like them together.

Leia Mais

Didn't you know....

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. The sincerity of Nut and Phob is the heart of this beautiful love story. Childhood friends into lifelong lovers. Be prepared, if you are going to watch this, forget the tissue and get a beach towel. You are going to need it.
Why was this gem hidden, I don't know.

Phob and Nut have to very opposite personalites and in this, thier conflicts begin. Saved from a dog, Phob protects Nut, who as they grow together, falls in love with him. Nut is sensitive and treasures every moment with his friend. Phob is outgoing and very protective of Nut, without letting anyone know, even Nut. He hides his true feelings behind his ever present smile which is the catalyst for their misunderstandings. He shares with others but not Nut, protecting him from the pain his situation will cause. They grow distant but always with the help of Kong, a mutual friend, they reconnect.

This series deals with a real life topic which is hard to deal with. Phob struggles with it personally and gives up until Nut's re-entry into his life. Finally, they speak freely of how they affected each other's life and Nut begs him never to disappear again. Phob promises and with the help of Nut, he makes the decision take on life again. Phob, at the end, reciprocates and asks Nut, to always be by his side.

Phob and Nut's personaities are a perfect match and it is beautiful to see. The script is not bogged down with melodrama but guides the slow direction of the story. That is not to say it is perfect. The flashbacks are a hindrance rather than a propeller. This could have easily been a 6 ep instead of 8. The romance is warm but limited as there are missed opportunites for tender touches and soft kisses. Their eyes tell that story. The constant rehashing of their pivotal meeting became tedious. After the pov of each, it could have been put to rest. The ending of the story is odd as it gives the impression of a S2 to be made but wasn't.

The entire cast did a great job with minor hiccups from the support cast. The main were solid. The back drop realistic for a rural setting and the time period 2002 - 2006. The antique phones, ringtones, phone booth and computers were a perfect touch. This added to the obvious charm of the series. I believe Mean wrote a short which was expanded on. He co-directed and acted in it. He did good with this.

Overall, it was a nice heart breaking watch which I fully recommend.

Leia Mais

Monsters are loveable too

I went in with a completely different expectation and was pleasantly surprised. Not overjoyed but pleasantly surprised. The entire cast did a good job BUT... Big did great! I've always loved him and found that he was greatly underappreciated. He filled this role with such ease that it was great to see him shine. Bui/Proud also stood out in her role. Would love to see more of her.

Pros:
Park exhibited the true traits of an introvert.
God and all of extroverts were believable also
The realtionship between Diew and his grandfather
Diew's reconciliation with his mother - heartfelt
Depiction of both extro and intro, showing both have areas of either trait.
God being patient with Diew
God protecting Diew as he did from everyone.
Conclusion of all storylines in an unrushed manner
Misunderstandings were dealt with without being too drawn out. Diew and God's rift. God's crying was a little ott but fixed by next epi. Also with Wan and Beer. Beer has the patience of a saint.
Big and Park looked natural together considering the size difference.
The way God looked at Diew...


Cons:
The pace wasn't rushed but it was toooo serene. Diew's personality overshadowed the entire show. It felt dead at times.
A bit preachy at times. Like a PSA.
Wan was annoying and too childish. Plus irl, he could do with more acting lessons.
Hated that the antagonist was a female influencer. Do all shows have to stick in the annoying female trope. Let's hope they know that anyone can be used.
Pi served his purpose but after apologising to Diew why did he still have to be shown as an idiot when speaking with God.
Using Pi as a tool for the drama between God and Diew was so boring. Had they used God to be in a situation where Diew needed to step up and didn't which caused great harm to God, would have been more effective. A true introvert has a great fear of the unknown and being judged. So him not breaking that barrier would have been their rift.
Series could have wrapped up in 10 epi....again too calm for that length.

Rewatch - nah. Though it was nice, once was enough. It's time BL move from a school setting to other areas. Hope to see Big in other projects because he has the ability to do more than this.

Leia Mais

And that is what they did...

In San's and Xiaowen's minds they are father and daughter and looking at them from the moment they met, no one could say otherwise.

San, a mortician, meets Xiaowen upon her grandmother's death. Xiaowen, not fully understanding what death was, kept looking for her. San was given the task of keeping her as her closest relatives refused her. San, an ex-con, and Xiaowen, still lost, fought every moment they were together. Ultimately, over a period of happenings, misfortunes, and death both smoothed out each other's rough edges and a fierce bond was forged. Each fighting for the other and selflessly becoming each other's protector. The heartbreak would come but so too the immediate forgiveness. He would not fail her again. After all he was BaBa.

Zhu Yilong deserved this win. He gave his all with this performance and it showed. His vulnerability was laid open and with Yang Enyou brought every emotion out. It's fast paced, angry and rough. Yet, still the genuine love between the two was evident in every act. Every gut wrenching emotion was felt.

Go watch!

Leia Mais

I don't think I've ever seen a series with so many layers, so beautifully delivered that it captures the essence of each role uniquely. Unknowingly, from episode one we are led to believe that this would be eight episodes of different stories and in each, they would always choose each other. Who wouldn't enjoy a series of romances with happy endings? So,I sat, every Sunday afternoon expecting blissful bl happiness. Something else was in store.

Mick and Top played with our feelings and played it well. They made us believe in heros and soulmates. Office romances with a 'fairy' grandmother. Then the emotional rollercoaster took a dive into the suffering a loved one feels being left behind with unfullfilled dreams and painful memories. I'm not ashamed to say I cried as if my loved one had died. But it is here the real story begins. Actors portraying roles, becoming lovers and losing their way. It is difficult in real real life to navigate the multitude of happenings and feelings to continue in love, even though you make take diverging paths. To portray the tone deafness and closed off responses given in defense, all the while knowing that deep love is still there. They embodied every character and the nuances that brought them to life. No traits lapping over until the real story emerged. They were unique.

The series rose to different heights each week and I was never disappointed. Episode eight is my favourite for the fact that we don't always get what we want when we want but with growth and love we might get what we need when we most need it. Through it all, it was a beautiful to see a small ensemble deliver each week. There were things that could have been done differently. The predictability of the first two episodes didn't have any outstanding dialogue to make it any different than what was heard before. The switch from acting to real life was a bit confusing at first. Inn and Pun started dating in ep four and then they went straight to breaking up. Only in episode eight, it was revealed the reason but still not convincingly enough as the breakup still felt one sided.

Mick and Top interact beautifully together. They have the skills to pull every emotion from every scene in subtle ways. This vehicle was a great way to showcase their talents. Ball and Fiat also did well. It would be nice to see them together again. Rewatch - definitely.

Leia Mais

Ohm P maybe

I'll grade it as I see it:
Ohm P = B-
Ohm T = C
Papang = C+
James = C
Leng = D
Kidnap = D

Reason:
Ohm P is a very natural actor. Even with a terrible script he still manages to bring some charm to his character and tries to elevate a series that should have been better fine tuned before filming. I truly love seeing him on screen so he gets a pass, though even here he seems a bit too relaxed. His talent was wasted here.

Ohm T is also adorable. He is believable as a sick brother and brings the humor which really helps. Again, the script would have someone who had open heart surgery up and about in a few days like nothing happened. They should have chosen a different medical condition. (Idk....Temporary paralysis due to trauma from parents death. With Min going bankrupt due to rehabilitation and therapy bills. Min feeling guilty due to him causing their death. At one of Mhen's therapy sessions he meets Q.) This scenario might have been more in line with the acting level displayed here.

Papang is a very proficient support actor. He can fit in many roles and he did okay. The thing is, the industry probably doesn't see him possessing the 'IT' factor to carry a series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love him and have never been disappointed with his acting. They know how good he is that's why he's everywhere. I would like to see him more, even as a second lead with something of substance. Another actor's potential wasted.

Title was all over the place with his roles and I do mean roles. First he was Min's agent, then he was part of the underworld, then surprisingly he became a production assistant, then back to being an informant and finally an actor with aspirations of producing his own film. Couldn't they just pick one? You didn't know whether he was coming or going. He brought some comic relief where needed, so he, also, gets a pass. His acting or his roles could have done with a few more workshops.

Leng is new and one of the downsides of the series. Give him time and he will get better but here it was very obvious. He did fit with Ohm but that is because Ohm is a skilled actor. Leng's body language and facial expressions need work. Real hard work. His interactions came across as rehearsed steps and were not fluid. Out of character, he appears to be fun and open with a big dose of charm. Hoping that he can tap into that for future roles. This vehicle was too much for him.

Script - this was a hodgepodge of scenes stitched together with a plot that verred between a love story, a family drama, an action drama and fantasy. Pick two and mix well, not all four. The expectation of it finally hitting its stride never materialized. This is probably the weakest film for Ohm P but as stated before, he is forgiven. Ohm P makes you believe, even a little. Every Friday, Kidnap did not kidnap me, Ohm P did. The terrible script and sub par acting greatly affected the outcome. At the end, the film within the film, saw Ohm's presence shine more than the original film. So that in itself says alot.

It's watchable but no wow factor. Rewatch....Ohmmmmmm maybe.

Leia Mais

Our Damn Business

This was fun. It was light. It was humorous. It was also very predictable. One thing it definitely wasn't, it wasn't boring. From the moment Jin laid eyes on Su An it was off to a great chase of how to get Su An interested in him. From massages to stretches to after work drinking. He tried it all. He was his late night bestie, bad mouthing Su An's exes as if he knew any of them. The one thing he was sure of, he was lost to Su An and the only solution, was to make him his. Su An, fearful of being hurt, was not going to be rushed or played with. Hwang, their office co-worker, resigned himself to be the unwilling viewer and with his penchant of walking in at the wrong time, provided some of the comedic charm.

Jeon Yu Bin (Su An) is a good actor and together with Jung Jae Bin (Jin) had great connectivity. It was a pleasure seeing them interact with each other. Su An's blank stoic expressions were the exact opposite of Jin's continual happiness. Even when angry, his face still invited Su An in.

What I truly liked about this short series was that it knew what it was and didn't have grandiose plans. It kept within the boundaries of a light comedic office romance and every moment wasn't wasted. JYB seems to fit well into these shorts and anyone viewing any would not be disappointed.

It's worth the watch.

Leia Mais

Good Things Come In Small Packages

This is one of them. George and Mike. For approximately 10 minutes over a period of 6 episodes, you believed in their love. It's the usual story of underage boy forced to leave his boyfriend behind due to family pressure only to return years later to win him back. The thing though, George, the one left behind, is about to get married. She is smart, she is pretty and she loves George. Her only fault, she denies George his freedom to enjoy his passion for painting. George, happy enough with the structure of his life designed by her, concedes and focuses on her plan for their future. Until Mike reappears. He doesn't hide his feelings and let's George know, he's not giving up. He also creates a space for George to free the artist within. After a night of drinking and a strong cup of soul searching honesty, George is left in a quandry. What is he to do? Who is he supposed to choose? Is it too late to walk away? His fiance has been his support for a long time and their future is certain. Is this wrong? Why does Mike still feel like home?

For a very very small budget film, this delivers. It's not perfect but it was a nice Monday morning watch. The actors are competent, even those that give support. The story acceptable but the writing and production could greatly improve. One of my peeves with any show and not only bl is kissing. Either do it properly or don't do it at all. There are other ways to show how deep desire or love can be without a kiss. In this regard it suffers. Mike's voice with more training can be his biggest asset. George's facial reactions, his. The fiancé was portrayed as she should be without bringing anything new. Camera angles at times were a bit awkward. With all that could have been done better, it was still an okay watch. I would like to see them again as they fit well together. Don't take my word for it, go watch.

Leia Mais

We all need Ju Yeong

Ju Yeong made me believe. Smiling bright eyes coupled with an open smile, he made me believe in love. Real unapologetic love. Imperfect love. Ride or die, no matter what, I'm never going to leave you kind of love. The - I will wait patiently in my hurt, while I fight to save you from your hurt - kind of love. From the moment, he bared his soul on the opposite side of the wall, freely letting Do Hoe know, "I like you." I knew he was the real deal. Without fear, he spoke. When he hugged him after sparing and and giddly exploded "Yes, I'm crazy. I live with the person I like and always train together". Blissfully happy just to be with him, no matter the circumstances. He was the one. He would do it all just to be with him.

Do Hoe lived in pain. Abusive muted pain that pressed against him, no matter the direction he took. He breathed in hate and let out despair. In his solitude, his only solace was that he would leave. Though, with the arrival of Ju Yeong his dream began to change. They would leave together. In their dream, they would create acceptance and warmth in each other's arms. Do Hoe for a brief moment dared to believe in his dream beyond the pain and loved Ju Yeong deeply.

But the pain wouldn't let him go. It held on, railing at any given opportunity to remind him that he was useless. The pain squeezed tightly to extinguish any flicker of hope to be better than his surrounding and ultimately better than himself. On the final day, the day of exams, the pain won. Traumatized by the frantic beating Ju Yeong endured because he dared to defend him, he failed his exams. Pride and a need to feel worthy, he lies. A lie that would trap him for 12 years in a different type of pain. Self loathing. Hyeon Ho, the only person who knew and he could depend on, became an ally. Only an ally. In Do Hoe's heart of hearts only one could exhist. Unknowingly, a death would bring back the past, a reckoning to survive and the truth to lay bare for all to see. Do Hoe looks over at Ju Yeong and keeps repeating, "Shin Ju Yeong, Why do you keep crying?" He knows. Sometimes, everything has to burn to ash for clarity to occur and the dream to take root and grow. Hyeon Ho, forever on the outside looking in, craved what he lost 12 years ago. He has also existed within his pain.

Every titbit of storytelling was beautifully and artistically laid out leaving the viewer both satisfied and aware. Satisfied that all that needed to be told, was captured and skillfully portrayed by excellent actors. Even the ones that were hated were eventually understood. Aware that if perchance a love like this fortunately enters your life, hold on and fight for it. Ju Yeong will make you believe.

Must see. Rewatch every chance you get.

Leia Mais

Keep Going South

It took me a while to write this because I was angry. This film affected me to the point of wanting to reach through the screen and punch Young. Tae should have been the one with the rock above Young, smashing his skull in. Yes, I was that angry.

Perspective:
It's 2012 and homosexuality is still considered a crime. So it's understandable that Young would be hesitant to continue a relationship with Tae for everyone to know. It's 5 months since Young was discharged and Tae still has some time to complete his service. On his last leave, he visits Young. Young, driving Tae back to compound, tells him coldly, "Don't contact me again." Tae, hurt and grappling with the change between them, decides to drug him and desert. It is revealed through a series of conversations and tussles, that Young had sent a letter telling him that he liked him as a "person". How much more humiliating could he have been? Young was the one who approached Tae. Enticed him and encouraged him to have sex. Young was the one who told him he liked him. Tae believed. He fell deeply in love with him. During the 5 months they were apart, Young is denying his homosexuality, their relationship and has a girlfriend. He says to Tae, "he feels nothing for him, it was the army." Here, he as heartless as they come. The denial, selfishness and cowardice Tae endures, finally rips through him. He has a point to prove. He asks for sex for the last time, in exchange for the letters Young had wrote to him. Sitting on top, Tae rides him and as he senses Young about to ejaculate, he reaches for his small camera and snaps Young's face. He has his proof. He would not have enjoyed it, if he did not feel anything for him. After another hard to watch scene of them fighting in the mud for the camera, Young gives up. After all this, he still chooses to be 'straight'.

This is what causes the anger. Had he taken the time to break things off properly with Tae, rather than discarding him like dirty rubbish, Tae might have had a better chance of handling it. The film ends with Tae
telling Young to get lost. Dancing defiantly and more than a little drunk, with the music glaring, he chooses himself. It's as if he's saying, I know who I am. I will live true to myself. You didn't break me. Young, continues to walk in the opposite direction. Going back to the army would only remind him more of Young and what he thought they shared.

Tae's anguish and emotional ride he took us through was felt. Kim Jae Heung shines. He carries the film. Jeon Shin Hwan had the easier role and I'm still left wanting to see when he would show up to fully deliver. He seems flat against Kim. His true rage only evident when he raises the rock to hit him. Here, Kim steals again, crying in the mud, controlled by the betrayal and pain he feels, he cries out, " Don't treat me like I'm invisible. You had a hard on!"

The short is good and worth a watch. At least once.

Leia Mais