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ShanTeaTime
Buffalo, NY
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So Close!
I appreciate the attempt at adding suspense, drama and thriller elements into this because it feels more like a show and not just a BL. However, the writing in this was not it for the most part lol. Especially with the medical part of it. That's so inaccurate and from what I understand the author of the book is a medical professional? So why not consult with them on the accuracy? Or hire someone from a medical field to come onto set and help? Total missed opportunity. The chemistry between the leads is top tier but what else is new with MaxTul. The mystery actually didn't have me fully grasped at first but they kept adding more and more to keep it interesting enough. It got hella confusing sometimes with the names and lack of character screen time to attach those names to people, but overall it wrapped up alright. With more care added into the accuracy and more time to really flesh out some of the characters, this could've been up there on my list! It didn't get there, but I would say watch it if you want something different and Max & Tul always are fun to watch.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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We'll Call This A Half-Success
I knew not much going into this. I had seen the trailer of this series and was interested immediately. A show calling out the BL industries darker side? Much like K-pop, its not all glamor and fun. There are many toxic elements in any entertainment industry! What we get is a showing of unhealthy practices in the BL world. Kinda like "Lovely Writer" but shown in a more serious sense. Unhealthy dieting. beauty standards, Labeling as "tops" and "bottoms" rather than character names or actors names. No cell phones, the agencies posting for their actors. Total control over their lives during unhealthy contract sentencings. This is important stuff to discuss and apparently this show is based on true events? Which we will get into more later.One thing I take issue with is the power dynamic between James and the one actor Ait. Love or not that's abuse of power and just wait until after working together. I understand they are both adults, but I guess the original idea was to actually show that uneven power dynamic and how problematic that is. I wish they would've stuck with that because its so relevant. Another negative was the green screen while there driving scenes. It was so bad! Like it was distractingly bad lol. I get this was probably really low budget because what advertisers wanna work with a show calling out other shows? But if it's that much of a problem just don't have scenes in moving cars. Keep it to stationary locations, even simply having it so the car is parked! Simple fix.
Moving onto the background of this show. It is (supposedly) heavily based on the "2Moons2" controversies which I looked into. First hint: in the show the company is "Motivation Village" where the actual company is "Motive Village" that's enough for me already lol. But their past controversies speak for themselves. Even with the lead actor Earth dropping out of the 3rd season, which who knows how that'll work! If they recast again that's ridiculous. The show within this show being called "2 Nights" very similar to "2 Moons". Talking about how the previous cast was fired, like with the entire recasting that apparently kept the old cast out of the loop. New actors claim indirectly that the studio Motive Village played favorites and left them jobless while being contractually bound. Company responds with claiming they were "imagining things". As well as the dietary issue with Pavel, mention of it in show. It's a lot and makes me glad I never liked the "2Moons2" franchise in the first place if the management and owner are this toxic and trash!
So where does this show shine? Pretty much all in the actor who played Bas. He's fantastic. His descent into depression and suicidal thoughts from trauma was done really well. Building it up and him brushing it off until the end. Tees sexual abuse, disgusting! Like I wanted to hug Bas so badly! Marco being a supportive dude was also really nice. These elements were key to my investment in the story, because this is something to be heard! The actor did such an amazing job with the emotion and I really teared up for him.
I'm lowkey surprised they got an actual actor from "2Moons2" Kaprao to play himself basically. I mean I think he's going to be in season 3 so shocked about that. There are also heavy implications at the after credits scene that there will be a season 2. I'm not sure how much they can really do with that, other than Tee getting what he deserves. JAIL. But I would watch it if it happens! I wanna see more growth from this series. Let's go even further into this stuff and give it the spotlight it deserves!
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For what it is, its aight
Most of this is just recapping Leo & Fiat's story from TharnType season 2. There is some added stuff though which is pretty damn good! Like what happened right after the kidnapping/threatening scene which I still cannot take seriously lol. We see these two get it on for the first time and explain more why they didn't divulge to each other their feelings sooner.So, this was just a lead up to "Don't Say No" the series after all. Don't expect too much! This is also coming from someone who hated their story arch within TharnType, but as a separate entity it's much better
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The Drama Is Strong With This One
This was a series that pleasantly surprised me! Was it overly dramatic to be overly dramatic sometimes? Yes, yes it was but it was a fun train wreck to watch. Before I start the review part, yes I also liked the "straight" couples in this series. So we can move on from that, though I will say my favorite couple happened to be Earth and Sam whom happened to be a gay couple.Right off the bat the show felt more realistic than a lot of other Thai dramas I've watched. We see very real money problems, struggling relationships, trying to find your niche in life, etc etc. The characters each have their own set of problems and it was interesting to see how they dealt with them (or didn't deal with them). My favorite characters ended up being Earth (duh), Boom and Good. They were the characters that pissed me off the least amount of times lol and were all good people throughout the show. Though every character was interesting, even if they frustrated the hell out of me. I gotta say too, Boom is gorgeous though, mad crushing on her for real!
I didn't care for Amm and Bern's story, Amm was fine, Bern's ass I would beat so far into the ground though I swear. But their collective story didn't interest me much. Also Tor needed to go, holy crap that guy doesn't deserve a rock let alone Boom! Stud was a ticking time bomb from the start, he had some development as the story progressed like admitting he shouldn't of hurt people he loved (ie. Earth) but even with the development he's kind of a character you love to hate. Which is totally fine and totally worked for me watching his scenes!
I gotta also say, Earth and Boom's friendship yaaaasss. It was so solid and I was here for it. And thank you Earth for not putting up with Sam's BS and trying to spin it around on you. You are enough and he effed up big time, he starts making up for it in the end but we don't forgive that easily. Something that bugged me in this show though was the constant digs at Boom's profession. Modeling is indeed a PROFESSION. It doesn't mean people can take pics without consent from you, you also cannot be grabbed without consent. Wear what you want and don't quit a job for a man (looking at you Tor!)
Watch this show if you want some drama, some of it pretty shallow but entertaining!
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Red Wine in the Dark Night
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What Even Was This Random Vampire Film?
Okay so I watched this because I'm a fan of Fluke. He's a great actor so I knew his acting would at least be good, and I was right! However, that doesn't mean the movie overall was good because it wasn't. I liked the opening shot on Fluke's face as he was talking to the camera in an intimate way. It was a good setup for the film, though it didn't really hint at what the premise was.So basically this was an entire film of me screaming at the scene that Wine (Fluke) deserved better. His character is treated like total disposable trash throughout the film from 2 guys and then he ends up having a vampire boyfriend...yeah random I know. Wine definitely got around with all these men dude! I mean do your thing, but it was confusing as to what timeline we were on most of the time. I'm not really sure what the point was to the film, though I got the basic premise. Basically once Wine finds this vampire (named Night) with a comically prominent widow's peak like Dracula they basically agree on an arrangement that Wine will give him some of his blood, kind of in exchange for love in a way? When I realized this I was like babe...please don't do this! But it happens and here we are. We also get some sexual scenes along the way, with some semi-nudity thrown in there which surprised me. It's nothing crazy but it threw me off guard
All of this happens and I asked myself. How is this going to go on for 1 hour and 40 minutes!? Then the film took a turn, which I actually kinda liked. Basically Wine decides in order to please and save his vampire bae he's going to kidnap his former douchebag exes and use them for blood on the daily. It was interesting. This would've all been more impactful if Wine and Night actually had an established relationship that wasn't terribly rushed, but it was at least something. Then the movie just kept being weird, which I'm into weird but I was just like what? Then we get some scenes of remorse from Wine, Night drinking blood comically out of a wine glass and then Wine gets arrested. I didn't think they allowed you to bring guitars into a jail cell? But what do I know lol! I also don't know if the ending insinuated that Wine will now just wait in jail for Night to come rescue him? Or...he's just hallucinating now? Either way the ending sucked but Fluke didn't in the film.
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The Best of The Best Wrapped in a Red Ribbon
Watch this show. Let me repeat that again, WATCH THIS SHOW. Give it love, because it's amazing. I don't even know where to begin with this. I guess the plot? So "Until We Meet Again" has a really interesting premise, super sad and sweet rolled into 1. It comes from the same director of "Love by Chance" which totally makes sense. I thought this was literally an LBC reunion show for a second because we literally see 3 actors from it, like Perth whose acting in this was short but really really powerful. That guy has some major chops and had me heartbroken. Wanted to throw in BISEXUALITY VISIBILITY YES and its upfront, FINALLY! And a safe sex discussion, hell yeah!I loved the LBC series as well, but this one took the cake. I have never seen a drama series with 3 couples that I equally loved! First and foremost, this show deals with very dark themes. Like suicide, abuse, mourning and depression, etc. So be prepared for that, because it gets very heavy. I ugly cried many times throughout this, especially with the final 2 episodes. Going onto specificites, I loved the incorporation of the gun shot wounds on both Pharm and Dean. Also the other parallels with the cooking and confidence changes, we (the viewers) got to see two different perspectives and that was awesome. In and Korn's characters were just as interesting as Pharm and Dean. Both relationships were so healthy, no crap and all preciousness. Seriously I would die for In and Korn, ugh we love them and wanted better for them. In became my favorite character, he had this ferocity to him and tenderness too whenever he was on screen. I adore that actor (Earth). Korn (Kao) was a really interesting and tragic character. He actually was kind of the catalyst for all of the events to come and you feel for him deeply but also become frustrated with him. Not in a bad way, but in the way you should as a viewer intentionally! I was also shocked that the series dove into topics like Korn's depression and the repercussions of not only the families grieving over In and his death then and years later, but also In having to watch his love kill himself before him. That came up and I'm so glad it did, because it made for a damn heartbreaking scene with Pharm later on that had me ugly crying. Like that entire sequence with Pharm and the gun was one of the best tv emotional acting I've ever seen, bravo to the actor portraying Pharm (Fluke) because damn I was shook. Also doing things for the past selves of In and Korn while also trying to maintain Pharm and Deans self in the present and having individual identity, as well as the relationship between them being there's and not just influenced. Damn dude so many layers.
The only plot devices that I would've tweaked or changed was saving the reveal of the Romeo-Juliet esque suicide until more towards the end instead of right at the beginning. Have it be more of a twist and knife to the heart revelation! We could've learned with Pharm and Dean by piecing it together with the flashbacks and the red-string reveal. Also I wish the past time was signified more with the clothing choices (since its set in the 70s) and even the film gradient so we can tell immediately when were in the past other than seeing certain characters. The switching of the families in the next lives was a little confusing and concerning at first, but since we're dealing with reincarnation it's not that deep I guess. The best parts of this series are the first half and last half, some of the middle episodes dragged on too long and the scenes didn't need to be as long as they were. But I also understand that the director wanted to capture more genuine emotions. I also wanted Alyx's character to stick around longer, he kinda disappears and though I didn't want him to continue trying to get Pharm I wanted to see his relationship with Del blossom. Also Mean is just gorgeous so...there's that. Finally, I wanted more screen time with Win (whose also really attractive btw, those tats and piercings though) and Team. I loved them too as a pairing, though apparently they are getting their own series so....there's that!
This review is long I know, but there's so much to discuss. First of all, any scene with In & Korn was perfectly done in pacing, acting and emotion period. Moving on lol, some of the other things/scenes that I really loved were the first face-to-face meeting of Pharm and Dean's. Pharms crying got me though, Many emotions all around from his overly expressive eyes. The scene with Pharm struggling to breathe in bed after a dream, very well acted and heartbreaking. As well as the aforementioned gun scene towards the end. Also the first kiss was AMAZING with the cute curtain moment. Dean's actor (Ohm) did a good job with portraying softness around Pharm, while maining a distance from others. The swimming side of Dean was cool to watch, made me think of the anime "Free!" lol. One random thing I noticed was the choice of having the actors (ie. Pharm and Dean) in the same room basically acting out the text message exchange early on rather than just showing them on the screen with voiceover like normally done. I really really liked that and it was smart and way more interesting to watch as a first legit interaction. Cool artistic choice! The show also has a really nice orchestral soundtrack which I fell in love with and downloaded.
Well shot. Really well acted. Heartbreaking while also endearing, wrapped up in a red bow. Slam dunk that hit different than other series I've watched. I'll leave off with 2 quotes from the show that I enjoyed.
"You might like something that is not similar to others. But that doesn't make you different from everyone else. Your life belongs to you."
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"If the past memories come back to me. I will choose to remember the good ones. So there will be only the beauty of tomorrow."
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Underrated Series Please Watch!
This series blew me away! I went in with zero expectations, I didn't even know it was a sequel series (yes I went back and watched all of Pete and Kao's scenes from the other show, though I don't think it was entirely necessary) so I went in knowing nothing. First off, the intro sequence is everything. Such drama, such vampire realness with their dark suits, blue lighting and wanting stares. I was immediately brought in by the adorable pool scene between Pete and Kao, so cute and I must say those 2 actors somehow got WAY more attractive in this series than the other one. So did Sun, thank god.The show tackles the struggles of coming out to a parent and friends, which was fantastic. We also get great pacing and respect between our couples which is much needed in these series. None of the tension felt unwarranted from either side during arguments which is great. I actually could identify with every party going through various struggles. The show also made some really really sweet realistic moments and I was HERE FOR IT. There's a discussion of gay marriage not being legalized in Thailand yet, which impressed me that they talked about. Also the discussion of becoming a better person for your significant other. Really well done.
Now obviously I think Pete and Kao were great, but they did have more development because of the other series. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed Sun and Mork's story too. We get a best friends brother scenario which was interesting and those actors had great chemistry as well. We don't need steamy scenes every episode to drive forward a plot, actually it gets in the way a lot of the time so this show didn't do that and I was relieved. There's solid side characters in Pete's dad (only supportive dad figure I've seen thus far), Kao's mom (sweetheart), Kitty (beautiful and says she likes girls which is HUGE), etc etc. Honestly 95% of the characters I loved, aside from 1 of the friends from the "gang" and Non. But obviously you aren't supposed to like Non, I wish we would've gotten a better conclusion to his arch but maybe that'll happen in a sequel? Other than that great cinematography, like really good and solid music. WATCH THIS SERIES!!!
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2Gether Could've Been So Much More
This had a cute story at the beginning, with some really adorable moments sprinkled in there between our two main actors. Though the side actors are actually the highlights of this show (like Mike as Man for example), without them it would've been a total disaster. Especially the actor who plays Green, he's hilarious and super adorable what an icon! I want to see him in more stuff because I love him so much! However, even with the side characters the story dragged on wayyyy too long and should've sped up some at the beginning. Every romance has to have buildup, but too much buildup can create a problem with the payoff and I feel like that's what happened with this series. There just wasn't much between the two mains for me to fully buy them as a couple. They just seemed like friends who were roomates that kissed twice unexpectedly. Maybe the actors were uncomfortable with it? But then again you're actors lol get over it! Though I did find Tine's character to be super adorable (his outfits too were so cute!) even if he was thick-headed in the show. The side-couples were meh too in this because nothing much happens with them, though I kinda started to get into Man/Type's relationship by the end. It was just introduced too late properly and rushed, the two actors have great chemistry though I can tell! Better than the leads even.I would say watch the first half of the series until the note and bottle scene happens. Then dip out because once they (Sarawat/Tine) move into that apartment it's a rapid decline after all that goes down, though the condom bouquet was a nice touch lmao, the moving in montage was adorable and I liked Tine coming out to his brother. Also I will rewatch strictly for some of the really funny scenes, including all of the Green scenes, though again parts of the main plot I did really like. Also also I really liked the music in this series, a lot more than I usually do in BL's! The intro I never skipped and it introduced me to SCRUBB who I know love.
Update: The sequel series fixed pretty much all of the problems I had with this first season! Yay! Definitely give that one as much love as this one has gotten!
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What Even Was This?
So let's just all agree paying for this was asinine. Cool? Cool. This special episode was completely pointless except for seeing more of Fiat & Leo. Which those were even just okay, though spicier which is appreciated I guess lol. Were set 3 years into the future which is really stupid. Like why did we have to jump that far into the future?! Leon & Pob are still broken up and the entire episode is just of them almost crossing paths but always missing each other in the dumbest ways. What a tease and not in a good way! This should've just been them reconnecting, but no. I'm guessing there will be a second season for them? Not sure, but don't buy this it's seriously not worth it. No progression of the plot to be seen.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
What A Side-Story Can Be And Should Be
A lot of what I said about "I Told Sunset About You" can also be said about this side story. Beautiful breathtaking shots, seriously whoever is working on these projects needs recognition. Using bright colors that carry meaning with them (blue and red, as well as mixing the two together). Incredible acting and chemistry from our leads, they melt your heart. Music and tone that will make you crumble. It's all so freaking solid!This takes place after ITSAY season one and in between season two where Ohm is about to go off to college. Were seeing how he's handling that change and Teh wants to give him a last great day where they are. Sweet and simple, while also effective. Of course I wanted more but we gotta wait for season two soon! Can't be too greedy lol. I think if you're going to do a side-story for this show this is the only way to do it well. We don't really need anything else before the second season, so bravo!
I loved how this story had Teh saying "I love you" for the first time to Ohm. That was really nice. There's definitely some growth already showing in characters. There's also use of no sun anymore as the day ends, so now it's looking at the moon. Nice transition into second season. So many callbacks and look forwards. Can't wait until season two!
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A BL That Subverts Expectations
So I won't lie. The first episode of this series I was like... this is okay? However, by the fourth episode I knew this was a special show. Full of subverting expectations, really important lessons, such sweet moments it made my face hurt. A heavy emphasis on consent in this which we STAN. It's got a lot of really really amazing stuff in it. Though I think episodes 11 and 12 kind of took it down in rating for me. But we'll get into that more.So lets start with how much I love the love scenesssss lol. There was so much skinship in this and passionate kissing that I lost track. Like the intro song says at the beginning "I wanna kiss you!"They weren't lying lol. I think also the director wanted to poke fun at other series lacking on that aspect in their shows? Or showing subpar kissing? That's what it felt like anyway. Kao as Nubsib was gorgeous and the best you can get in a man literally. He did such a good job playing the ideal role and yes I got sucked in. I've loved him since UWMA and I shall continue to love him in anything he does! Up as Gene was really good too. Though his character frustrated me later on, the acting was great. Gene is such a mess sometimes and awkward, Up did a really good show portraying that appropriately. Then put these 2 together and you have some of the most solid chemistry I've ever seen in LGBTQ content let alone BL content.
The story doesn't really start going until Nubsib actually moves in and they start "practicing' for material in Gene's book and Sib's acting role. That stuff was hilarious and a great gateway into exploration between them. That entire scene with Gene being drunk off his a** and Sib rescuing him from the bar was stellar. Not only in acting, but in representation of consent dude! So important to show that even if Gene appears to really want Nubsib in that moment, he cannot consent if he's that drunk ya'll and Sib knows that and respects it. I freaking loved that scene. Moving onto Sib and Gene having a history. I thought it was fine, though the child actors don't look the ages they are meant to portray. Which confused me, but it was well done. Gene didn't have to get so angry, but I get Nubsib was technically lying to him about stuff. However, trying to understand goes a longgggg way.
Fast Forward to them FINALLY getting together. Which was...lit lol. The interaction with coming out to the family was something else! So proud of Gene and his brother for sticking up to the dad. Acceptance from the family is what matters most. You don't need it but it's so important. So I for the most part was okay with how it was represented. Though Nubsib's family talk I'm conflicted about. It wasn't very "accepting" to me since the dad clearly cares more about reputation than his son or else he wouldn't of brought that up. Also wtf does his son being in a gay relationship have to do with reputation? Its annoying and I wanted so badly to be in that room and set him straight. Damn right you can't stop him from being an adult and living his life stupid. It works out in the end but that kinda irked me.
Before we get to the slight downfall of this series, I wanted to talk about side stuff. Aoey's character was interesting to say the least. I'll talk about his demise at the end, but his character was so interesting and I wanted to see more of his backstory danggit! Hin I didn't care for at all. He was annoying at the beginning, gets slightly better because he has less screen time and just doesn't do much. Tum and Tiffy were cute, however I don't understand why Tiffy straight up assumed he was gay? Wtf was that about? That was some stereotyping if I've ever seen it and she of all people should know better! She's a bada** girl who doesn't give a crap about labels and she's gonna do that? Unless I missed something. Didn't vibe, but together they were okay.
Time to move on, to the dreaded 11th episode f*** up. First thought. They couldn't chill secretly until the end of the series shooting!? Gene had to end it!? I get he thinks doing it for Nubsib's career or whatever. But what a load of crap. You know that's not what he wants! Why have this show make fun of cliches and then do one that sucks this late into it!? So hear me out and let me elaborate. Legally Sib's company CANNOT under any circumstances force their actors to do anything in their personal relationships. Unless it's part of a contract, which its made clear its not they will catch a lawsuit! Nubsib and Gene are not slaves to the system. So that entire boardroom scene was nonsensical. Look at this from an outsider perspective too. It reeks of homophobia without the context of it being for a BL show. So that wouldn't fly either! Then followed up with Gene wimping out again got me aggravated to say the least. This show should've not done the obvious thing and had them fight it together. Because a breakup is cliche at this point. You can't dictate who people date and Tum's sister is the biggest b**** ever. By then Aeoy was cancelled too because he escalated the situation by garnering sympathy from fans during the livestream. Really bad move dude. Very reminiscent of a real-life situation that happened between 2 BL actors...if you know you know.
Immediately I was like Nubsib better cancel his contract with these people. I would've on the spot, however if he doesn't after he's nuts. These people are unethical and how disrespectful you have to be to try and decide for an actor of yours how important his relationship is to him. With his partner RIGHT THERE!!! Holy crap I wanted to throw that woman out the window! It's not for his benefit girl, its for yours don't lie. The reporters too, why do you feel the right to dig into someone's private life like that? Though realistic I suppose, that's none of your business and disgusting. I live for the scene of Nubsib hugging Aoey though out of nowhere and being like "see? I can act too" oof that was a win.
Past all that nonsense. We get to more nonsense lmao. The show becomes the butterfly effect for a hot minute, with Gene living through his memories again. It seemed like they were gonna have him live in the past unhealthily for material and I was like really? That's what we're doing!? Then out of literally NOWHERE Nubsib shows up at the house and kisses him like THAT. All is forgiven? WHAT!? I appreciate the cuteness and that skinship scene with Gene afterwards had me in a flutter. But me and my friend watching this thought it had to be a dream because of how outlandish it was. But nope! It actually was happening! No resolution or talk about it. No redemption of Gene bailing out after lying. No big stick it to the man scene of them coming out as a real couple to crappy stans. NOTHING. What a disappointment. I guess at least Tum said screw you to his sister and made his own management company. That was nice. I can also say Aoey's ending was surprisingly dark though and I'm 50/50 about it. He's left with noone, Tiffy abandons him and his love interest moves on. All he has is gifts from fans and their support online. I feel like he even ate a flower from the bouquet at one point (fact check me) because he's lost it completely and is finding validation from consumption. Dark stuff and idk how I feel about it. I appreciate the thought process behind it, but I think he deserved redemption too. Maybe in another season? I doubt it heavily but damn.
As lackluster as those last 2 eps were. The role-playing genderbend recreations of Snow White, Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet were funny and cute! I didn't need to see another lover die on top of Kao via a gunshot wound, but those scenes were cute. We get a wink fourth-wall-break at the end that was clever, which ends with a kiss of course. The ending meta thing with the author of the books we didn't need and it was hella confusing. This series overall was still fantastic! Idk what it is though with series failing during the last few eps. We need to figure out how to fix that guys! Watch this though, you won't be overall disappointed with the results!
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Theory Of Love Will Make You Feel Nostalgic And Warm On The Inside
I actually quite loved this one! I knew very little about this show going in and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. I've never identified with a main character more in a series than I do with Third. His entire situation with loving his best friend and not wanting to admit it at risk of losing him, I've been through that exact same situation. It's heartbreaking to see him cry over and over again. Literally Third be third-wheeling on a regular basis, its upsetting! So I think his arch was really really well done. Even when he becomes much more closed off and reserved, we as viewers totally get it because we've seen what he's gone through.Since the series is basically divided into 2 POV's (which I adore that concept btw) we also get to see Khai's side of the situation. Which is much needed since his character is so frustrating during Third's first half. He's such a hoe literally, but he has his moments that make it make sense why Third puts up with it for soooo long. Also Khai clearly doesn't really like any of the girls he's "dating". It's kind of just clout in a way. He's never been in love and admits that upfront. Everything changes once he watched Third's private confession video. Though it did take me time as a viewer to get over the reveal of Khai actually knowing that Third likes him. That was so messed up, really well done but messed up. I actually gasped out loud and gaped when him and Bone were talking about it like he would just undress Third and bang him if he was "actually into him". Ugh, the hell Khai! But eventually he got there for me as a character.
Two is actually one of my faves in this series. He's a true friend, especially when he finds out so quickly about Third's feelings. He's supportive immediately and tries to help by playing matchmaker. Also his film t shirts are great in this. Though his relationship love triangle with Un (whom I've called discount Type for some time because of the actor playing in LBC lol) and Lyn. At first I was like oh yeah Un likes Two duh, but then they set it up like Un likes Third for a bit and then Two gets with Lyn. So I was like, okay? I was find with it because Lyn is super cute and sweet. But then jealousy started happening and its revealed I was right the first time! The bisexuality is strong with this one. It sucked for Lyn because she's so sweet, but I guess it worked out.
Moving past the characters individually. I love that they're all film students because I'm a film student! Also finally not engineering in a series like this lmao. Seeing all the movies and discussions made me so nostalgic! Like when Third wanted to recreate a film love confession scene, so freaking cute. Random side note, I noticed these college students had Michael Kors, Balenciaga bags, givenchy, etc designer brand merch and I'm sitting here like where is this money coming from!? I'm a student and sure as hell don't have that kind of money. Okay back on track, I also really loved the background music/ambiance in this show. Very nicely done.
So as a couple, Third and Khai needed time to develop because of the buildup of crap we had to go through (in the best way). Once that first (real) kiss happens though its really really good. Not the bs in the bathroom, that was not okay. I'm talking about in the room when Khai went for it, the chemistry was there and it was strong my dude. I know the actors are quite close and have worked together before, so keep it up guys! You play a couple well. Like that entire "500 Days of Summer" sequence/reference they did was super cute in the furniture store. I die for that! Or when Khai said something along the lines of using his body with those girls, but his heart with Third. Damn.
All of that makes Third and Khai's fighting hit hard. The bar scene, followed up by the throwing of the bottle, getting cut by glass and the sex insinuation from Third. Oof, it was hard to watch. Third's actor (Gun) is very good and it was well done, however I wish it would've happened after more time of the two being officially together. Either way though, we get great dialogue and solid gut punches. Like Khai explaining why he didn't just tell Third the girl kissed him forcefully because he knew he wouldn't be believed due to his past. Then we think we'll get some levity, but nope we get Third hitting us with "but the Khai I know loves no one but himself" f****** ouch dude! This is followed by the train station scene...which is all I really have to say but...he waited dude! Serious character development in Khai. At the end too when he watched so many romance movies to find out what love is. "But instead of finding the answer, I found you in every one of them." UGH! I died!
Some of the things I didn't particularly care for in the series were the motorcycle crash. It was a little cliche and looked really dumb lol. Like the shots were weird of Khai just flying through the air and then bloody on the ground. Though him walking to find Third was pretty powerful. I also didn't care about Bone's plotline at all with the teacher. First of all, eww girl don't mess around with a student. I get you didn't know but still. It's also kind of out of place feeling in the story, he could've just been the side friend and coffee guy.
The ending was great. Cute couple montage, graduation and successful film career and the ending Third always wanted. Looking into his loves eyes for a final kiss, or set of kisses in their case. Would definitely recommend this one!
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I really like the idea of this series. Seeing different flat scenarios play out. However, I was disappointed by this series mostly because I was under the impression that it was very openly LGBTQ friendly. Which it's really not. When discussing Korean television or film, gay representation is slim but getting more diverse! This show started off cute with Takuya and Junjae, the actors chemistry is actually pretty good. But like many other shows, the build-up and anticipation never pays off between them. Ever. Sure they have a "happyish" ending but nothing is ever confirmed so the show really isn't that open. We don't need blatantly explicit scenes as an audience, but some sort of intimacy is needed to show growth between relationships of characters. Which we never got, but yet their storyline is still the most interesting! Which says quite a lot! Also the humor isn't really my humour, at least the gross-out kind. The innuendo was funny occasionally. I would say if someone rewrote the script in a way that didn't shy away from development between characters, this show could've been really good. Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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A Continuation That Explains Too Much And Not Enough
So "Mood Indigo" I watched directly after I rewatched "The Pornographer/The Novelist", because I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything and I'm glad I did. Though technically you could watch this series without seeing the first season, you'll be confused by the very first scene at the bar and the final scenes with Kuzumi. I will say off the bat, though I enjoyed this series as well, its not as solid as the first and though its enjoyable I don't think its necessarily necessary if that makes sense? We didn't need this much information about Kijima's and Kido's former relationship, I would've liked to see instead more on Kijima's life even before that since he's such a gripping character and then added in Kido halfway through the series.So this show is shot just as well as the first one, even better at points sometimes. Like that shot of the rose with the droplets on it was freaking beautiful, euphemism and all. As well as the shot of the first kiss in the taxi with the light perfectly placed between their lips. So well done and I loved it. We get the same musical score as well for the most part, which was great. Though the ending song (for credits) was replaced and it makes more sense this time around, its more melancholic where season 1's was too romantic and lighthearted. This season has the same director and writers, which I could tell immediately. I think that helped out with some scenes overlapping from the first season, like Kido pouring coffee behind the blinds in the office area with Kuzumi. That's done again here but with different context and it's such smart storytelling. Watching this felt like putting together a puzzle with pieces that fit into the first season.
So right off the bat, we get confirmation at the beginning that Kijima and Kuzumi are together at the end of the first season and its official. He states it to Kido at the bar and it was a nice way to introduce the continuation aspect of this without doing too much. It's also a great reassurance for the audience that it did get better for Kijima so even though we're about to see a lot of awful things happen to him it gets better. So there were some questions from the first season surrounding Kijima and Kido's past relationship (again I don't think we needed all the details, but we got them) and they are definitely answered. Immediately I thought that their tension could've stemmed from Kido convincing Kijima to write porn novels and I was kinda right! "I would rather quit writing than write trash" this is how Kijima felt about it at the beginning. So it's obvious it was a poor decision coming from a sort of peer pressure from Kido, especially during the forced apprenticeship. Which was so gross by the way, eww old man eww. But Kido clearly had so much jealousy that he didn't care how it hurt Kijima throughout. Though he did him a favor with the drinking problem telling him to stop.
Kijima is such a fascinating character to watch. In this he's ironically so much more broken, where in the first he learned how to mask that with false confidence, humor and sex until we see him really break. In this he's cracking throughout until he eventually kind of embodies Sensai a little bit aka. replacement father. That was such a great addition by the way, I remember him saying his father died in the first season and the fact that his drinking stems from not going to the funeral and feeling guilt. So good. You can also see how he became this kind of sexual being after everything that happened with this replacement father-like relationship, as well as how Kido basically used him for sex in a lot of their "relationship" though of course Kuzumi changes that for him eventually after he proved he wasn't just in it for sex. This entire season made the scene of Kido handing over the key to Kuzumi in the first season that much more powerful, and it was powerful enough before! It's like finally moving on from their past together.
Kido really did mess Kijima up though, so I hope this really is the end for them. He really used him for a new job and to get married, like my god it was difficult to watch. "You're despicable" yeahhhh Kido I would say that about. Also spineless and selfish, such a complicated character who left by the end. There's so much of this where if these 2 hadn't crossed paths in the way that they had it would've been so much better off. Kijima meeting Kuzumi right off the bat would've saved a lot of heartache, though we wouldn't of gotten the porn novels though lol. By the end though, it's clear Kijima wants to actually support Kuzumi with that last great scene. Kijima has moved on for the better and Kido will be left watching and have to accept that. The line "there will always be a flickering flame in my heart" was a great way of showing where Kido's character stands after everything. Both relationships (Kido vs. Kuzumi) are so different in how they function/functioned and its fantastic.
Though I had some issues with the story-telling, how graphic some of the scenes were and validity of this season, it was still a good addition and I cannot wait for the film sequel to come out! More Kijima X Kuzumi continuation please! I would say watch this season if you really want to know all the hidden truths from the first season, but if you're like me and were fine with open endings and guesses than its not necessary.
"You are someone special to me. You always have been and you always will be."-Kuzumi
"Words are amazing aren't they? I didn't really know that even though I'm a writer."-Kijima
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Huh? Why You Gotta Do My Boys Like That
So let me get this straight. The trailers lied to us and this totally isn't the story of their love being deleted and having to get it back? Well then wtf is the point of this mini side series!? Just for more fluff? Listen they were my favorite couple of 'Why R U' but this is completely unnecessary. We barely even got fluff to be honest, it was just weird filler than I'm glad wasn't in the original 'Why R U' series. It didn't make any difference in the story so why release this? I think I'll just stick to watch Saifah and Zon's scenes from before and go with that because I'm confused lol. This also contradicted the whole "seeing TharnType" out of nowhere in the first season, which I chalked up to the whole in a novel nonsense. Now it's super unclear as to what's happening. Scrap this and just stick to the OG series please! Even if it wasn't one of my fave BL's I still love Saifah & Zon's story.Some other random things I noticed in this. Jimmy and Tommy were super sweaty in this, give the boys some AC please! They also did their makeup really poorly, what was the thick eyeliner and washed out foundation? Bye budget I guess?
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