They wish to have a different outcome.

I've been in the BL world for a long long time, and I have watched a huge amount of BL stories from many countries in many different settings. More Than Words (MTW) is a good BL series but nothing much for offering something new. Mieko is a character that is rare to see in most contemporary BLs. She is an ally, the main lead, with her fate going south. Makio is a boy, innocent young boy who gets crushed before entering adulthood. These two develop a friendship while getting to know Eiji. It takes more than 70% of the series to explore Eiji's intersection with Makio and Mieko before introducing Asato. Asato comes to enter Makio's shaky world, staying there where I, as an audience, see it too late, because I seal my faith to the first guy.

I recommend MTW to BL fans, even though I know, some maybe are disappointed with how the story goes. But, it's a very dedicated BL product with committed production outcome, set, and soundtracks.

Finally, I am with the trio of Eiji, Makio, and Mieko. They seem to wish to have a different outcome, so do I.

Leia Mais

Lazy writer

I watched episode 15 last night and thought, "Wow, I haven't seen a Korean drama adopt an Indian soap opera style before." I had been watching patiently week by week, hoping the writing would improve, but it didn't. It mixed up everything: divorce, a mean mother-in-law, cancer, memory loss, etc.—you name it. I thought the writer was being creative in offering something new because people said the writer was a big deal. However, it turns out the writing is just like a story created by a middle-schooler on Wattapp.

I know for sure this drama will be successful in terms of viewership since the writer went back to basics by having good-looking casts and glamorous styles. This recipe guarantees ratings. But, it makes the work look cheap. No wonder the Baeksang tossed this drama out of the window by only giving it one nomination (even though the committee might regret this later and wish they had given zero nominations to this series).

Leia Mais

Jae Woo's smille sends me over the moon

As the headline, Jae Woo won this drama with his smile. He offered his sweetest smile to Ji Hoon and us (audiences ) which is to me, one of the cutest and sweetest smiles in BL history. Moon Ji Yoong transformed into Jae Woo and successfully displays his feelings, pains and unstoppable love for Ji Hoon after holding them for 15 years.

I believe they can do better if they (the production and creative team) have all support (budget and time) for their need. As of now, this is good enough for this web series.

The ending, though, reminds me of the Korean drama series in the early 2000s; melodramatic and a need to separate the couple, which is unnecessary my opinion. I wish they could come up with a better solution so audiences feel more entertained and could sit with a smile, not a tear. Man, people already have bad things in real life, maybe a good and happy ending drama in the fiction world could bring joy to them and suffer less anxiety. A good closure is needed during this dark time, am I right?

Leia Mais

The most unique and original BL story this year!

"Just like my insomnia that has no reason. Just like the shower without any warming. You just showed up like that." Ban Dong Wook's opening monologue was the pitch in selling this drama to me. In a romance story, when searching for a soulmate, we want to have a reason why 'you' to validate the feeling. This drama does not answer why; it does not give the reason why Dong Wook has his insomnia; however, this drama gives solid contextualization of the presence of love between Dong Wook and Do Hyun.

In my BL series dictionaries with all long couples; Dong Wook and Do Hyun are winning in terms of unsettled interaction. Sometimes high school Do Hyun seems to be eating his words when talking to Dong Wook, who seems to be actively approaching him. But, all their interactions are well-resonated; both of them are a bit surprised by what takes them from their encounter.

"A Breeze of Love" story is unique and original; it is solid and focuses on narrating the main point. This story material can be told as short as it is now, or it can grow big to be a lengthy series, for example, a solid 10-16 episodes with 40-60 minutes running time per each. "A Breeze of Love" has two points of direction to follow that can complement each other. In character development, "A Breeze of Love" can delve into Dong Wook's background; it does not have to answer why he has his insomnia, but it tells from where and when it happens and how it impacts at any level in his life. Also, Do Hyun can be explored more by telling how and why he was conquered by Do Hyun. Besides this character development, another point is about basketball. Basketball can play a vital role where they meet and have fun together, but it also can be something that challenges their relationship when they don't have equal interest and passion for this sport.

I give this series 10/10. I acknowledge this is not a perfect series in terms of giving details; for example, Dong Wook's appearance is too perfect and not convincing as a guy who is troubled sleeping. He needs to be less glowing and have a bit of make-up under his eyes. But, I am a sucker for a unique and original unexpected love story. And "A Breeze of Love" has this and it entertains me and gives me an easy feeling that makes me less anxious for no reason. Maybe it is because it is nice to think something, somewhere, there are people out there meeting their person that makes their sickness or problem go away. It makes me feel hopeful and happy.

Leia Mais

Yoon Ho should have said it; he had many chances and had nothing to lose.

Since the beginning, I knew the story would end with these three characters – two boys and one girl. In this melancholic drama, the trio is destined to experience a love triangle with an unsuccessful outcome, a narrative that transcends both straight and gay storytelling. In summary, this drama offers nothing new; it has been written many times before.

However, the acting and production values play a significant role in making this drama engaging. Hong Seung Hee, known for her performance in "Move to Heaven" (Netflix), delivers another commendable performance here. Yoon Na, portraying the heartbroken girl, makes logical, rational, and unselfish decisions throughout, standing firm until the very end.

Yoon Ho is introduced as a scared and confused boy, but he is not as dangerous as initially portrayed. The writer develops his character as unselfish, innocent, and soft, adhering to a common archetype in this genre. There is hope that the writer would push Yoon Ho's character into unexplored territory. Given Yoon Ho's awareness of his impending death, a suggestion is made that he should confess his love to Jae Woon instead of adopting a more traditional approach. Yoon Ho, in his position of hierarchical power within the trio, has nothing to lose.

From the outset, little is expected from Jae Won, who appears to be set up as a loyal and handsome character. The narrative leans on Yoon Na to carry the emotional weight of the love story. Yet, the writer mercifully confirms the canon by subtly hinting at Jae Won's reciprocated feelings for Yoon Ho.

The moral of the story is clear: regardless of the circumstances, if you find yourself falling for a friend you've known for almost forever, express your feelings. In this case, the characters have been friends since childhood, and their familiarity with each other should make the fear of rejection the only potential negative outcome.

Leia Mais

A danger to count on to fall for a character who doesn't know what they want.

In the beginning, I was hopeful, but then I started to lose hope every minute; I desperately begged one of the boys to say, "I love you!" No need to kiss or something, just I wanted to hear someone say it. The turning point, the final act of this drama, was devastating; it was cruel. As for the ending, I felt betrayed. But I realized I didn't know Naomi well. Or maybe I pretended not to know Naomi. He said he didn't know what he really wanted; I just didn't listen because I was too drawn to the idea he would have had a young love with Maki. I was disappointed with Naomi.

This is purely a comment from an audience perspective and I don't include any technicality comment for this title.

Leia Mais

I enjoy this series

I am not type of watcher who wants all people to be suddenly gays in the BL series. So, this series is my type. It is not too gay. Side characters are not designed to be gays all so suddenly. All characters are put where they belong in terms of the story's setting.

The deliverable of the characters, to me, is believable, and fun to watch. Kim Tae Hwan (Ji Wo) and Han Hyun Jun (RoA) seem to be enjoying their role and I would like to give them more opportunities by seeing how they will develop their interactions, if any, in season 2.

Ji Wo is definitely behind RoA on understanding his sexuality and feeling. And I feel like, it is a normal experience for a person who does not live in a society where LGBT is broadly accepted. RoA and Ji Wo can be a perfect match to see what is next steps in that type of relationship. And I want to know more about Ji Wo.

Leia Mais

Context and interpretation

I am a fan of Leslie Cheung. Leslie Cheung is one of the key points in this A Balloon's Landing drama.

I haven’t read an official statement from the director clarifying whether this film is or isn’t a gay or BL (Boys' Love) story. All I've come across are headlines from people who were upset that the movie confirmed it’s not a BL, feeling that the promotion relied on queerbaiting. I did watch some promotional videos on YouTube, but I don’t really have a strong opinion on them.

Leslie Cheung, who tragically committed suicide in Hong Kong, never publicly confirmed his sexual orientation (though some people feel the need to know). I read his suicide note, which was published by the media, but it didn’t offer any clues. I used to think he was gay, but it’s no longer important since he chose not to share that part of his life with the public. I like to think the reason the director of A Balloon's Landing doesn’t confirm whether this movie is a BL could be because they wanted to go beyond labels and make something more universally relatable.

A Balloon's Landing is beautiful, but it’s not an "A" movie—it’s a "B" movie. The story feels complete by the end, with everything presented, including a key detail about one character's fear of the dark, which is explained in the final part of the movie.

I enjoy road movies because they often showcase landscapes and settings as integral parts of the story. A Balloon's Landing captures these landscapes well, but it doesn't quite do justice to small details—like how the two boys carry small bags, yet their clothes seem to change every day (is it like a magical pocket, a la Doraemon?).

Lastly, I was reminded of The Lake House (with Sandra Bullock), as the mailbox setup in A Balloon's Landing was similar. It helped me connect with the film's story in a more familiar way.

Leia Mais

The knife from the past

JY does everything right except understanding Dohoe's relationship with his dad. JY seems to want to fix that. That's the reason why he does not wish Dohoe to sell Taekwondo place. The day Dohoe had the knife to his dad, their relationship was beyond unfixable. People are right; JY is an angel and a really good guy. He might be too good for Dohoe. But I cry for Dohoe. When you have a knife between you and your dad; I don't think anything can fix him. Your life is entirely dark. JY is only the light and happiness in Dohoe's life, but if JY keeps bringing the shadow from the past, Dohoe might cut those two things altogether and choose his empty life.

And people go so hard on Hyunho, calling him a bully. Hyunho never really lies a finger to Dohoe. He never hit Dohoe. If this is in a different universe, people will call Dohoe and Hyunho's stories an enemy to a lover. Dohoe and Hyunho have something in common, as both are dying to come out from their hell. At some point, they understand each other. Even though Hyunho does not stand a chance as Dohoe's heart has already sailed for JY. However, I think Hyunho is a good example of a character present in the third person in JY and Dohoe's relationship.

Leia Mais

Do you think the love is still there?

Soo Hyun is the lucky one in this sudden dramatic turn from the car accident story. This accident might put him in a coma but he was just like in a long sleep. Meanwhile, His mom: Mi Kyung and his lover: Yong Joon were in battle facing difficulties in life. Mi Kyung's season after this accident was a rough season, she had to face her divorce and deal with money to keep Soo Hyun. Yong Joon's season was tough as well. This young man barely survived the season in doing so, he even exchanged sex for money. Difficult seasons may change people, just like how Mi Kyung changed his views on Yong Joong as they were on the same page---having unconditional love for Soo Hyun.

I watched this movie several times. And it's still hard for me to make a piece with this movie. It's just like the Love of Siam (Thai movie), they closed the movie while the hope is up. For this In Between Seasons, I keep asking whether Soo Hyun's love towards Soo Hyun is still there after he wakes up. Whether Soo Hyun lost something during his sleep or dreamt a different thing that made him wake up differently. I thought Soo Hyun forgot Yong Joon completely, but he remembered Yong Joon was a smoker.

The end of the movie can be interpreted differently. Some might say Mi Kyung is still not accepting of her son so that's a reason Soo Hyun sets a distance from Yong Joong. Soo Hyun indeed feels a need to return to how his mom stays with him all the time. From my perspective, Mi Kyung called Yong Joong as a gesture that she was okay with these two boys' relationship.

I still hope they will make In Between Seasons 2 with the same cast. I want to make a piece with this movie and I am not shy to say that I need validation to see they are together and still in love.

Leia Mais

Rain will help to water this dry storyline, but too bad, it rarely falls.

To summarize my review of this title in one sentence, I use this famous line, "Ah, they could've done better." They have everything they need, such as good casts, good cameramen, lovely sets, catchy soundtracks and long slots (16 eps). It turns out all those resources don't match their passion. I feel like this series lacks of passion. The main lead, Khim, seems to be bored and angry all the time. So, it is hard for another main lead: Sun, to light the show alone. Khim and Sun interactions seem to be forced. After 14 eps, they still don't have a complete discussion where they can completely discuss one in-depth topic. Both Khim and Sun hardy have a finished sentence to say to each other. As a result, their chemistry fails to take off due to bad writing for their characters.

While the main leads fail to nurture the show, Rain comes to the rescue as a supporting role. From the beginning, every time Rain falls, he solves the problem and issues of other characters in the story. His present offers a warm and calm atmosphere that engages audiences fully with him. However, the director takes him out entirely in Ep 13-14. Consequently, it brings the series down. The rating goes down, and critics go south.

As a fan, I won't give up on this series until the finale. But I do hope BL creators keep improving their work in the future. So no talent and resources are being wasted.

Leia Mais

FRESH - he has solutions to all the problems he faces.

Some dislike this series because it changes the direction from the original source material, shifting from BL to Bromance. From a copyright perspective, the author/creator of the story allows for this change; without the creator's permission, it wouldn't have happened. Well...

I have not read the original source and have no plans to do so. Therefore, my comment is based solely on what I have watched from the series so far. From my observation, the series is well-made and fresh. Although the story isn't particularly new, the cast is perfect. They have found the ideal male lead in Yoon Chan-young, who not only matches the role physically (very athletic) but also delivers strong acting performances. Chan-young is on point throughout, and his co-stars help him shine. For example, his interactions with Se-kyung (Yiheon) stand out, showcasing his masculinity and alpha qualities, which are satisfying to watch because they give the sense that he has solutions to all the problems he faces.

When this series ends, I am going to miss it completely.

Leia Mais

Drama of the first gay young love. Does it hurt?

I've followed this BL closely. I had no idea about the time setting until episode 4, where they watched Love of Siam (2007). So this series setting could be in 2007-2008. Love of Siam was popular at that time in Thailand, baiting straight audiences into thinking they went to the cinema to watch straight romance. The movie marketing techniques focused on showing boy-girl couples, but then boom, it was boy love. Love of Siam, indeed, is one of the best BL movies Thai ever had.

Back to My Only 12%. In ep 5, Eiw shared his feeling with his sister Hom. This scene would be powerful, noting Earth was really trying hard to pull it through to make this scene believable. But, his co-actor, Hom, was not at the same level; she was a bit flat. Hom failed to show the deepness of her sympathy and cares for her brother. Maybe because she is still new in the industry, I hope she gets better.

Rin is still being kept. We have not seen her, only one or two scenes so far. But she already created conflict by indirectly affecting Eiw and Cake relationship. Rin made Eiw realize that one way or another, there will be people coming to their small happy relationship. Rin is new to Cake, and Cake seems hard to manage his priority. But, I don't blame Cake because I think for Cake, Eiw is just a really close friend or like a little brother. Most teenagers will go for his/her love interest over their friends, and most friends will understand if their friends bail on them because they are catching a girl/boy. This is a long series (14 eps), so, I think we will see Rin more in the future to contest Cake and Eiw's relationship.

We just knew Sand from ep 4. Sand is still a mysterious guy. So far, he seems to be a perfect boy in terms of his attitude. There are two routes for Sand. One, the director and writer play dirty on him by twisting his behavior to turn to be a bad boy. And somehow, Cake will be a savior for Eiw from Sand. If this route will be chosen, the implication of Cake and Eiw's relationship will be Cake, the boy who stays with Eiw because Eiw is too vulnerable to be alone in this cruel world. The second route is, Sand stays a good boy with very clear about what he wants by showing his love interest to Eiw. We've seen this route from Bas (ITSAY). In this story, Sand's job is to challenge Cake to win Eiw over. Even though (from the title) he won't win, he needs to complete his purpose. I think Sand is a perfect opponent for Cake. If they choose Sand to be a good boy, it will be interesting to see how far Sand can go and how his presence can impact Cake's emotions.

Lastly from my note, while the story keeps intriguing and developing, the production seems backward. The color tone becomes inconsistent and visual assets for the location become too redundant. I hope they will manage to up their production quality game like the earliest eps because we still have like 9 eps. Overall, I am happy with this series. Keep up the good work, guys.

Leia Mais

The dentist guy won my heart

I give it 9 out of 10 because this series is simply entertaining. All casts are full of pretty boys. Eps 1-3 I mostly felt nothing, I started paying attention to ep 4 and 5. Even though they have inserted Bai Land's backstory, Bai Lang as a character seems to be forced and his whole personality seems not to make sense. The dentist, on other hand, at the beginning his character seems to be boring and one-dimensional but it comes out he's more believable than Bai Lang. So, the dentist guy won my heart so far. He doesn't contain many expressions and manages to be like a real 'dentist.' He shifts little by little to make people love him and be the soul of this series.

Leia Mais

Who is the Doctor?

This is a good crime drama with a well-written plot and characters. The overlap between characters flows nicely, so it does not feel forced. The pacing is also smooth and well-controlled, preventing the series from feeling slow or boring as the audience learns new things and sees developments in each episode. To me, this is an A series; I give it a 9.

I assume I'm not dropping spoilers since what I'm writing here is my guess, as this crime drama plays with a detective theme. To answer my headline question, I'm guessing the 'real' or the 'first' doctor is already dead. Now, who is playing the 'Doctor'? (whom I call the new Doctor). The new Doctor seems to care more about money above all, rather than maintaining control and power. It could be the prosecutor, the widow, the loyal secretary, or the narcotics chief.

While from enemy to friend story is cute and heartwarming, friend turning into an enemy is devastating. In this crime drama, I particularly enjoy the exploration of a friend becoming an enemy, as in this story, they were classmates in high school.

Lastly, Jae Kyung seems to be one step behind. Although it's a bit blurry, someone appears to be reading his moves. Let's see if the writer or director isn't too shy to push this narrative. I believe someone in the Narcotics Team is involved, my bet is on the lady boss. If it's not her, then the head of the Anhyeon Police Station might have something to do with it.

Final note: I understand that it takes a really smart writer to pull off a crime detective story where the culprit is someone close and well-known to everyone. It requires well-crafted settings to cover the tracks without flaws. Otherwise, it will result in plot holes. It would be safer if the writer used a side character, who the main lead is not very close to, as the main culprit.

So, let's see!!!

Leia Mais