The BL Xpress
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A Heartwarming Show Depicting Friendships and Love
I have been watching reality tv dating shows for as long as I can remember and no matter how much other people found it refreshing and true, I always felt every moment of it was scripted. Whether it is about their interaction, connections, fight or arguments, for me everything felt fake and too much formulaic.Surprisingly, “Boys like Boys” was like a new refreshing introduction to me to Taiwan’s first LGBTQ reality dating series. While observing the episodes, I saw how realistic it felt to watch a relationship as it progresses from friendship to dating in real life. For me, It was as pragmatic as a reality tv show can get. The most positive thing about it was that the show focused on the contestants getting to know each other, developing a good friendship before getting into a relationship, which is what ideal relationships come close to. The way every contestant was not afraid of speaking out about their feelings and what they want without being too dramatic felt good to watch. Personally for me, I felt a lot closer to Eri, as I found him to be a genuine and real person; well he has a very kind and good heart. The show had a total of six contestants named Bobo, Shih-Feng, Nio, Gino, Guan- Yu and Eri. The introductory scenes were nice and everyone seemed unique, kind; they respected each other so much that they made sure to ask each other pronouns so as not to offend anyone and make them uncomfortable. Gino and Guan-Yu were one of the couples who I thought had a wonderful chemistry. Eri’s friendship with everyone was my favorite part about the show, especially with Bobo, who was also one of the contestants. As the show kept moving two more contestants, Jiang- Han and Susu were introduced. Personally, I felt more connected to Eri, Bobo and Gino.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/01/11/boys-like-boys-series-review-ep-1-to-10/
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Could Have Been So Much Better
The series begins interestingly enough. Even with a worn-out theme of a withdrawn boy who has an unrequired love for his best friend, it was charming for a while. Their friendship seemed sincere and intense. Guy (Ping Krittanun) is a lonely, reserved, socially isolated young man. He is the classic ‘wallflower’ that no one pays much attention to. However, who suddenly pops into his life is Wahl (Winner Nichakoon), a rather outgoing, socially adept, yet surprisingly caring young man his same age. But strangely is possessive of Guy. Over the years Wahl becomes his only friend outside of some gaming acquaintances he meets online. While Wahl has had a steady girlfriend, Guy still pines over Wahl wishing for something to happen between them but knowing that nothing will. Yet always feeling as if there is a deep connection between them.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/01/03/my-dear-gangster-oppa-series-review-ep-1-to-8/#more-14455
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A Disappointing Watch Despite a Good Casting
This show is a horror series through and through. Dealing with evil entities and spiritual witchcraft that made no sense and would have been enjoyable had they made it fun. But the whole story was dark, brooding, almost pointless, and incomprehensible to figure out. It mixed religious beliefs like you were mixing ingredients for a cake batter and expecting us to believe the cake was going to come out looking like something edible. Instead, it was half-baked, and it fell flat. Frankly, I do know what this series was supposed to be. However, I can tell you what it is not. It is not a BL. And it is not scary. It is not mysterious or even a thriller. But it is confusing as hell (no pun intended) wasted the talents of fine actors, and offensive on two fronts. I am rarely offended by anything, but this series was offensive to gay people and to how it portrayed Catholics, and I am no great admirer of the Catholic Church.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/02/08/shadow-series-review-ep-1-to-14/
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Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun
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An Endearing Romance Between a Delinquent & His Teacher
It takes courage to love. While it doesn’t seem like love requires an ‘I can do this’ mentality, it’s a fragile, easily broken emotion.Adapted from the manga series Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun by Toriya Ko, starring Kizu Takumi (Sahara Ichiro) and Hachimura Rintaro (Toki Kanade), Mr. Sahara and Toki-kun spins a heartwarming and humorous tale that beautifully intertwines the worlds of a tough-as-nails delinquent, Toki Kanade, and the unexpectedly charming Sahara Ichiro, his dashing PE teacher.
Despite the over-the-top humor and stereotypes, the story unfolds with a keen attention to detail, revealing Toki’s pure-hearted nature beneath his rough exterior. Kizu Takumi’s portrayal of Sahara Ichiro adds charisma to the character, making the growing connection between teacher and student all the more captivating.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/02/07/sahara-sensei-to-toki-kun-series-review-ep-3-to-8/
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BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen
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A Hilarious, Over Dramatic Romcom
Adapted from the manga series BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita by Suzuri Machi and starring Abe Aran (Akafuji Yuichiro) and Akutsu Nichika (Aoyanagi Hajime), I Became the Main Role of a BL is precisely what its title implies. It follows two actors in two different stages of their careers–one famous, the other a child actor waning in popularity–cast in the leading roles of a BL series.It’s fun. It’s over-dramatic. It’s full of heart-fluttering tropes. It resonates deeply.
Japan’s romcoms rarely fail me. They pull off over-the-top comedy in a way no other country has quite yet mastered. While the trope-filled comedy scenes in this series could come off as cringe, it somehow doesn’t. The secret but not-so-subtle crush that popular actor Yuichiro has on child actor Hajime is sweet and endearing, full of giggles and warmth, which makes each scene a delight to tune into.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/01/02/i-became-the-lead-in-a-bl-drama-crank-up-edition-series-review-ep-1-to-3/
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Reality Television Here We Go
The only thought that comes to my mind when I think of this season is-“It’s pretty awkward, situations and people included”
“His Man Season Three” is bigger, bolder, more angsty and slightly disconcerting. After watching the first four episodes, I did try to draw comparisons to the season predecessors. Not withstanding the fact, that the reality show has new twists and turns, this season has new set of rules that bring along unprecedented complications. The first thing that comes to mind after watching the pilot episodes is the awkwardness between the contestants, and after two days stay at the Men’s House, it doesn’t decrease; the situation goes overboard. So, you can anticipate more complexity in this season as the contestants blow from hot to cold easily. Of course, it is a reality show, so there will be opportunities galore, some people tend to stick to the same choices while others move to greener pastures at lightening speed. Some are too cautious, others are too curious.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/06/29/his-man-season-three-first-impressions-ep-1-to-4/
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A Beautiful Pairing with a Complicated Romance
Adapted from a novel of the same name, this mini-series is a spin-off of the famous GL “Gap The Series”. This an age-gap GL between Khun Nueng (Faye Peraya) and Anueng (Yoko Apasra), though I want to make it clear that the characters are at the right age to date, so the age difference doesn’t seem inappropriate. The series is a fresh breath of air in between lots of cringy and plain situations. The chemistry between the leads is cute and Yoko’s acting has an innocence to it that will make you adore her with all your heart. Faye as Khun Neung is brilliant, her acting is commendable, her expression doesn’t seem forced or awkward and is very detailed. She has put a lot of effort into her role and while watching the series you won’t find awkward pauses, forced acting, or expressions. Faye has grasped the very essence of Khun Neung’s character, who can mask her feelings.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/06/07/blank-series-review-ep-1-to-6/
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Totally Unimpressive
Admittedly, this series is perfectly named. It did seem to continue to go on and on endlessly. It was like being adrift in a rudderless boat floating in an ocean of tropes, cliches, banalities, stereotypes, and platitudes. Sooner or later, you would bump into one of them on your way to wherever it was you were supposed to be going. Unfortunately, this series went nowhere because it had nowhere to go to.Honestly, you have seen this story hundreds of times if you are an avid BL watcher. If not, you will no doubt run across its plot again because it is standard. It is another high school love story between two best friends. Ji (Fluke Pongspat) and Achi (Junior Kajbhunbitt). Both are handsome with each focused on wanting to be successful in different ways. Ji is obviously in love with Achi as he is a bit more overt about it. Achi senses it. Although he likes it, Achi is understandably terrified of reciprocating. This is all such a confusing time for teenage boys.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/05/21/to-be-continued-series-review-ep-1-to-8/
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A Love Story Full of Yearning & Longing
Sometimes beauty is born out of tragedy, out of a broken place that doesn’t seem capable of growing something beautiful.And yet, even roses have thorns.
The Taiwanese BL Unknown, adapted from the web novel Da Ge by Priest, is a stunning example of a relationship built from a broken place. Starring Chris Chiu (Wei Qian) and Kurt Huang (Wei Zhiyuan), it delves deeply into a story about two boys who don’t belong anywhere but whose hearts seek a home and family in each other’s brokenness.
And it succeeds.
From the moment a young Yuan follows Qian from the darkness surrounding him in the streets to the warmth of Qian’s home, Unknown becomes a story about finding light in a period of darkness. It’s a concept that threads well throughout the series; from youth to adulthood, strangers to brothers to lovers, light and darkness balance each other, intertwine, and then become one. It’s a transformative experience that grips the soul and doesn’t let go.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/04/23/unknown-series-review-ep-3-to-12/
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Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka
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Quite a Disappointment
Love is an unpredictable journey that leaves a lot up to chance and complicated individual human emotions. We don’t choose who we fall in love with. Sometimes that leads to heartbreak. Other times, it leads to joy and healing.Adapted from the manga Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka by Chiba Ryoko, the new Japanese BL Although I Love You, and You? tells the story of two men who find healing and new beginnings inside a love that takes them both by surprise. It follows Matsumoto Sakae (Kan Hideyoshi), a straightforward restaurant owner in Osaka, and Soga Hisashi (Nishiyama Jun), a shy, reserved office worker who instantly connect at Sakae’s restaurant before falling into a friendship that blooms into love.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/03/19/although-i-love-you-and-you-series-review-ep-3-to-10/
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Could Have Been Better
Simple, Sweet but OrdinaryGu Jing (Stan Huang) is a good chef who owns a creative and retro restaurant. He opens his restaurant anytime he wants. Gu Jing finds that there is a young man who always gets the quietest seat, and that is Liu Li (Chen Xuan Yu). Liu Li is a gay-themed novelist who rents a room upstairs from Gu Jing’s restaurant. Gu Jing starts to send Liu a bowl of spicy beef noodles. Slowly, Gu Jing becomes the person that Liu Li confides in, the person who keeps him company during his hard times. Gradually, Liu Li realizes that his fantasies may be different from reality.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/03/09/vip-only-series-review-ep-3-to-10/
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Chaser Game W: Power Harassment Joshi wa Watashi no Moto Kano
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A Scintillating Revenge Saga
All’s fair in love and war; hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. These idioms perfectly capture the essence of the new Japanese GL Chaser Game W: Power Harassment Joshi wa Watashi no Moto Kano.The drama’s initial episodes, led by Sugai Yuuka and Nakamura Yurika, set the stage for a captivating power play intertwined with undeniable love as it explores the intricate dynamics of a love-hate relationship between Harumoto Itsuki and her ex-girlfriend, Hayashi Fuyu. All set against the backdrop of a corporate gaming world where the Chinese company Fuyu works for and the Japanese company Itsuki is employed by are prepared to collaborate.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/01/25/chaser-game-w-power-harassment-joshi-wa-watashi-no-moto-kano-first-impressions-ep-1-to-3/
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An Entertaining Watch Indeed
At first glance, “We Are” seems like a cliché bubblegum show without much substance, however, as you delve deeper into the show, without any cynicism it is pure swoon worthy romance and presents a genre I quite like which is equivalent to the early 2000s chick flicks. Although it doesn’t have much to say or has no edge, it gives us heartwarming love stories, actual courtship and although there are elements of slow burn romance in some of the couples, the show balances it out by giving us different solid story lines to follow that are all wholesome and you can’t help but root for each single couple. Comfort shows with low stakes, that are written to make the audience feel good are severely underrated and its easy to write them off as bubblegum shows that lose flavor quickly, however, you cannot deny that when they are sweet, they are indeed sweet.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/05/01/we-are-series-first-impressions-ep-1-to-4/
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As Entertaining as the Prequel
After watching Season One, I was so excited to watch season 2 especially after the way the prequel ended. I was so happy with the outcome because, from the first episode, this series had me in its grip again. It’s cute, soft, angsty, and dramatic; this series is like an amazing dish full of perfect flavors and spices.Neung (Faye Peraya) giving Aneung (Yoko Apasra) her bracelet was so romantic and beautiful. You can see how much these two care for each other without any worries in the world is bewitching. Especially Sam (Ice Papichaya) and Mon (Marissa Lloyd) being there for Neung and supporting her was nice. The first episode was dramatic and a little angsty but the second episode was adorable, full of their enchanting chemistry. Faye’s acting skills are so perfect, she is one of the best Thai actresses I have seen in a long time. I mean her crying scenes made me sob and it was so realistic. Yoko is still as adorable as any person can get and I love that her character in this season has become even more sassy. The mature-sassy pairing works for well for them.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/06/27/blank-season-two-first-impressions-ep-1-2/
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An Impossible Romance Between A Robot & A Historian
“Anti Reset” is the story of Chu Yi Ping (Wu Ping Chen), is an aloof and unsociable history professor who gets into an accident at his college and injures his arm. To take care of him, his uncle, the head of a scientific company which is secretly experimenting with artificially intelligent human-like robots, sends him their latest model, Ever 9 (Huang Li Feng). The two spend time together as Ever 9 helps nurse Yi Ping back to health, and feelings develop.Despite the scientific premise, if you go into “Anti Reset” expecting it to answer deep philosophical questions about the power dynamics of a romance between a human and an artificially intelligent robot who is designed to serve him, whether artificial intelligence can truly gain the sentience to become fully human, what being ‘human’ even means, you might be disappointed. The show brushes off the scientific explanations as being top secret, and presents Ever 9 as already close to completely sentient. He feels both positive and negative emotions, including jealousy of a robot vacuum and fear of being replaced by another model. At this point, the show would have been virtually the same had Yi Ping’s uncle sent him a human caretaker instead of an AI.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/02/16/anti-reset-first-impressions-ep-1-to-3/
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