> excellence in production (cinematography)
The list where I put my opinions on the cinematography in BL series, as an unqualified theatre professional.
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1. Playboyy
Thai Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
I will stop ranking Playboyy at the top of every production list when it stops being the best at every aspect of production. This show was beautiful and so interesting. I loved the way that this show played on tropes of various types of media to create a textured, self-aware and interesting show. It's an absolute feast for the eyes.
Personal Highlight: Prom holding Nont at gun point, both times.
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2. BKPP
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
This show is simply absolutely gorgeous. The way in which the cinematography and framing expresses the longing and closeness/distance of Teh and Oh-Aew is marvelous. I love the dramatic staging of so many of their confrontations and the super smart use of space. It brought so much character to this work.
Personal Highlight: It's a small moment, but Teh facetiming with Tarn, with Oh-Aew directly behind the phone.
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3. The Hidden Moon (Uncut Ver.)
Thai Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
The way in which this show used atypical editing to invite the audience into the main character supernatural experiences was very clever. Aside from this, the framing was absolutely gorgeous and dreamy, creating an unreal visual experience to enhance the unreality of the story.
Personal Highlight: The conversation between Mas and the housekeeper, overlooked by Khen, that takes place in front of two large windows.
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4. Not Me
Thai Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
The way that this series worked within the visual context of protest, performance art, and graffiti was truly stunning. The cinematography team had a really wonderful gift for the capturing the feeling of each moment and transcribing it visually. They were especially excellent in capturing representations of the art Gene, Yok, and Namo were creating as they performed.
Personal Highlight: The staging of the pride protest cannot truly be beat, but I do have to throw a bone to Sean using roman candles as flashbangs.
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5. Pornographer
Japanese Drama - 2018, 6 episodes
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6. Unknown
Taiwanese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
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7. My Stand-In: Uncut
Thai Drama - 2024, 12 episodes