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Challenging but worth it
I didn't want to get too detailed, but okay let me be real I have Thoughts.The narrative explores the themes of guilt and regret and asks each character to look at their life and choices through the lens of the mysterious moments, the four minutes, between life and death.
What's challenging and provocative, I think, about this series is the non-linear narrative, which appears, at first, very tangled and confusing. However, this series unravels those tangled webs of time and memory and provides us with, in actuality, a very simple story. The non-linear approach effectively shapes that simple story about the follies and sins of its characters into a rumination on the unknowable mysteries of consciousness, memory, and imagination. Using memory as a vector, the series takes moments from its characters' past, connects it to their present, and transposes them into the "4 Minutes" dreamworld: the intangible, fourth-dimensional liminal space between life and death. This space crosses the boundaries of consciousness and imagination itself, with characters reliving past moments, making changes to their own memories and even, seemingly communicating with each other through shared imagination.
One character quantifies this into his "4 Minutes" theory, exploring the idea that these moments between life and death can reveal a person's true character, or at least who they want to be. At the same time, the Real World looms over, telling us that no one can change the past, letting each regret hang over like an executioner's axe. As the series progresses, we're painfully aware that Great couldn't actually do anything to change the events that preceded his near death experience, that his experience in the 4 Minutes was just his regret and imagination at work.
Still, though this is the 'truth' revealed about 4 or 5 episodes in, we're still left with many unknowns about these 4 minutes. Indeed, in a very fitting ending, we're left questioning some aspects of what was real and what was in these 'dreams'. If it was simply "imagination", then why did it seem as though characters learned things they didn't know before? Or seemed as though they were having a shared experience within the 4 minutes?
The series never really aims to answer these questions and so doesn't, because the real heart of the story isn't to give a definitive answer to these mysteries but rather to answer the question of whether, given the chance, a person would change themselves for the better. And so, a change does happen; perhaps Great couldn't change the past, but he could and does change his future, which is, ultimately, what saves his life in the end.
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Finally, something challenging!
It’s been a while since a BL challenged me and I appreciate that greatly as a viewer. Some BLs can begin to feel like stagnate rehashes of stories we’ve already seen, but 4Minutes is wholly its own and takes big risks when it comes to storytelling. I understand that some people may not like the non-linear narrative, but for me, that’s what made the show. Once I realized what was actually happening, I audibly gasped. Brilliant. It’s writing so good that as a writer, I’m mad I didn’t come up with it myself.The acting was fantastic for the most part. The NC scenes had me blushing behind my sweater sleeves. The characters were nuanced and flawed in a way that most BLs wouldn’t touch. It was free of so many of the BL cliches we’re used to and I think that’s created a disconnect for some viewers. Nothing about this show is straightforward and it doesn’t try to make you comfortable. It’s suppose to make you uncomfortable and then force you to sit with the discomfort and that’s not what a lot of people want out of their BL. It’s exactly what I want though. For me, this was the perfect show. It may even top Manner of Death and Not Me which sit at the top of my list.
I’m also not one to rewatch BLs; there are maybe a few I’ve seen more than once out of the countless dozens I’ve watched, but 4Minutes is sure to have me back again. I’m sure there’s a plethora of things that I missed on first watch. That’s how deep this show is. It helps that the entire show is beautiful too. It looks high budget and screams quality.
MORE BL LIKE THIS PLEASE!
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Phenomenal, but confusing until I “got it”
Starting from episode 1 and beyond, the series kept me intrigued. Later on, the storyline became confusing until I figured out what was going on.… Then my intrigue became sadness, but brightened by the end. Here’s my formula: fantasy, reality, fantasy, reality. Hope it helps.The acting was phenomenal! I loved Great and Tyme as a couple. The actors’ chemistry was off the charts. Shout out to Jes Jespipat Tilapornputt (as Dr. Tyme). I had never seen his work before; he was top tier in this series. In fact, all the actors were fantastic. Their acting kept me immersed in the show and coming back for more.
The sex scenes are definitely NSFW, but I didn’t feel like they were just thrown in there for ratings. Depending on how they had sex and under what circumstances, I felt these scenes established the emotional and mental state of each of the characters. For example, “Do me raw” indicated (to me) the character’s feelings of worthlessness and guilt with their need to be punished for their “crimes.”
I found the camera angles really interesting. Also, the use of colour throughout was excellent and well thought out. I liked that the support roles had substance and weren’t mere shadows.
I look forward to rewatching this series with an even greater understanding next time. I appreciated the time and effort by the cast & crew that was put into the making of this show. I imagine it was exhausting, but I think it was well worth it!
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Meh. Bland.
Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea on this series, and some of y’all might not like what I have to say. But hey, it is what it is. I didn’t love it. I didn’t hate it. It just... existed. Let’s get into it.First off, I STILL can’t move on from BibleBuild. Like, I’m sorry, I’m just not over VegasPete, okay? I was already out here starving for closure after *KinnPorsche*, and then BOC decided to snatch Build away with that whole legal mess? The audacity. I thought this series might fill that gaping hole in my soul, but NOPE. Not even close. Anyway, I’m *trying* to let that go, but clearly, I’m still salty.
Now, the concept of this show is cute or whatever—Great can see 4 minutes into the future before something bad happens. Cool, right? Except they don’t even bother explaining why. Like, okay, sure, it’s because he “faced death” or whatever, but give me more! Why 4 minutes? Why not 3? Why not 5? Do y’all know that in Chinese culture, the number 4 symbolizes death? They could’ve worked *that* into the plot, but nah, let’s just throw in a random supernatural ability and call it a day.
Jes, though? Love that man. He can act, no doubt. But you know who stole the show? The side pairing. Korn x Tonkla x Win were out here serving all the drama, all the spice, and all the *mess*. When I say their scenes were giving, I mean it. Korn and Tonkla’s first *big* moment? I was on the edge of my seat like, “DID THIS JUST OUTDO THE MAIN PAIR?” Yes, it did. It’s giving *SomTam*—spicy, bold, and unforgettable—while Tyme and Great are out here being bland *boiled rice*.
And don’t even get me started on the love triangle. The drama had me yelling, “OOP, WHAT NOW?!” every five seconds. Meanwhile, the main couple was out here serving... nothing. I mean, yawn central. Y’all really had *this* concept and *these* actors, and that’s all you gave us?
Oh, and JJay’s scene. You know the one. YEAH, THAT ONE. I was NOT prepared seeing his d*ck, and now I’m just sitting here, wondering how my life will ever go back to normal. Thanks for the trauma, I guess? Or maybe not trauma. WINKWONK.
The ending for Korn x Tonkla x Win? Chaotic. Trashy. Perfect. I lived for it. But the main pairing’s ending? Zzz. I needed more. I needed theories, twists, SOMETHING to make it worth my time. Instead, we got... vibes.
Overall, the actors carried this series on their backs, but the plot? Sis, it dropped the ball. If you’re here for "Triage" series vibes but with added spice, maybe give it a go. Me? I’ll pass on a rewatch. Unless it’s for the side couple or, let’s be real, the steamy scenes. Those? Worth it. The rest? Bye.
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One of the best gay drama series I have seen!
Fantastic series. Great acting from main cast. Great cinematography. Story had me on edge of my seat. A knockout for any fan of BL drama, I loved this show. It is definitely in my top BL shows of all time. I hope the trend continues for more shows to branch out from typical tropes that hamper other BL showsVond je deze recentie nuttig?
Bl of the year goes to 4 minutes the series
BL of the year 🤩Wonderful plot, acting, cinematography, costume, everything is top notch.
First time it feels like the plot is actually plotting. This series is not like other typical bl drama, it has its different aura and quality which will attract you and make you crave more and more.
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Better than any other BL I have watched
4 Minutes is really a cut above the BLs I have seen before. Indeed, as a casual BL fan, I never imagined I would create an account here and post a review. But here we are!The show sets itself up quickly. Despite the synopsis, this is really the story of two hot, young rich brothers: Twinky 'Great' and hunky 'Korn'. The bros' lives are turned upside down almost immediately as the series starts. Korn, because he finds out his parents' business is not simply the respectable freight and shipping company it seems to be. Great, on the other hand, realises he can see exactly 4 minutes into the future. (Or can he?)
Now we are ready for the super-fun, dark, twisty and sexy romp to commence. What sets 4 Minutes apart is that it actually stands its ground as a very solid, if implausible (and the best ones are) crime thriller, part gritty, part glamorous. The characters' personalities make sense, and their decisions are believable, given the extraordinary situations they find themselves in. The pacing is, uniquely for a BL, suitably fast, even propulsive at times.
The acting, directing, editing and set design make your typical BL look like first-year drama school productions by comparison. The show also avoids some of the more irritating, common BL tropes. The bad guy goons are not universally incompetent, for example. (Though their masters still spend an inordinate amount of time drinking posh spirits.) The bottoms are not all wide-eyed virgins - they are even on PrEP and beg for it raw!
The supernatural element is also devised and deployed with great care, maturity and sophistication. Some have complained that some plot elements remain frustratingly vague and confusing. But, for me that works, because it serves to advance the ambiguity around the nature of Great's seemingly magical ability.
Lastly, the 'NC' - I still have no idea what that acronym stands for - scenes. Wow! These are sexy and hot, but not at all gratuitous. They serve the plot very well. My only gripe. they are edited in such a way that the tops appear to climax within a couple of minutes of penetration. That is not how it is supposed to work, lads!
We will have to wait and see whether the writers are able to bring all the various threads of 4 Minutes' plot together satisfactorily in the conclusion. But, even if they don't, the ride will have been worth it. I cannot wait for the next episode! Just watch this drama!
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confusing plot, bad chemistry, bad acting, too much NC scene
confusing plot, bad chemistry, bad acting, too much NC sceneup until this momment i write this review, there is no one that really explain to me what is the 4minutes plot. i guess not all people get the storyline. its look like the title 4 minutes its not match with the storyline. everything doesnt make any sense.
the main couple face too look a like, both look like brother than a lover so its very hard to imagining them together as a lover. the chemistry is 0. their nc scene is meh for me. not adding any plot and no chemistry at all. the main couple storyline is too force, flat and blend. no dinamic. after all i dont like it at all.
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