The BL Xpress
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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Bromance with Added Sismance, Truly Perfect!
Guo Jing Ming’s projects are always fraught with homoerotic tones; starting from Painted Skin: The Guo Jingming Edition, Wuliang, L.O.R.D 1, L.O.R.D 2, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity and the recently concluded Fangs of Fortune, all stand testament to his amazing prowess to pass Chinese censorship.Some stories leave you exasperated whilst others leave you with a ray of hope and earnest longing; that someday, you might be able to meet these characters again. “Fangs of Fortune” was one such drama for me. It taught me valuable life lessons- you can redeem yourself once you accept you were in wrong; love should set you free, not imprison you. Also, you can love someone despite hating them in the past. Adapted from the classic text and the mythology and geography collection “Classic of Mountains and Seas” (山海经), the show has the most endearing characters that slowly become a family. The best part is that they aren’t all human- we have a makeshift family made of a Great Demon, two powerful Demon Hunters, a Half God and a Mountain God. The only thing that connects them is their yearning for familial ties and bonds. They become each other’s solace and peace of mind; they evolve and mature together, drawing inspiration and courage from one another. Another important aspect of Guo Jing Ming’s shows is the magnanimity of the settings and the mesmerizing locales. The costumes are posh, keeping in line with the stature/position of the characters. We bring you the evergreen queer romance that is characteristic of most Guo Jing Ming’s stories.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/11/20/fangs-of-fortune-series-review-ep-1-to-32/
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Smells Like Green Spirit
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The Most Realistic Depiction of Queer Community
Adapted from the manga series “Smells Like Green Spirit” (スメルズライクグリーンスピリット) by Nagai Saburo (永井三郎), the show is set in the 1990s era where homophobia wasn’t any less prevalent than it is now. In the midst of a school setting, we have “Coming Of Age” storyline which retraces how transgenders were hugely perceived. The ridicule coupled with rampant bullying made their existence rather difficult. There were many who succumbed to this pressure while few daring ones choose to live their life fearlessly. This story belongs to one such brave persona, Mishima Futoshi. The subtleties of this character are portrayed so boldly by Araki Towa, that you want to celebrate their independence and freedom. MBS is engaging in stories that are intrinsically interwoven with the dynamics of the queer community. They are thought-provoking, mindful and also captivating. One man’s struggle against societal prejudices becomes the crux of this storyline. From the way you dress to the way you behave, society judges you on everything; but who are they to judge others & are their opinions that important?Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/11/16/smells-like-green-spirit-series-review-ep-1-to-8/
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An Inspiring Dating Show, Best of the Lot!!
I never thought that I could get addicted to a reality dating show, but “Sparks Camp” proved me wrong!Black Sheep and ABS-CBN Studio’s “Sparks Camp Season Two” ended on a high note and I’m already suffering from the withdrawal symptoms. Honestly I really loved the contestants this season, it could be the quirky Miggy Ruallo, brave Pipoy Oreiro or the fabulous Ejay (doesn’t mean, I didn’t like the other contestants). Each camper bought a different flavor to this potboiler that was wildly exciting and spontaneous. The sparks were sparkling yet meaningful, “Moment of Truth” was honest and insightful while Mela Habijan as Mother Camper was a soothing presence. Directed by Theodore Boborol (whom we recently interviewed), the show was bigger, bolder and more versatile; and we are not just talking about the contestants who were from different walks of life. They had stories to share; some endearing, others remorseful. We are going to talk more about the intricacies of this show in our review, so buckle your seatbelts!
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/08/15/sparks-camp-season-two-series-review-ep-3-to-8/
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A Century of Waiting for Your Love!!
Love is a powerful thing. It is powerful enough to bridge generations, erase hate, and overcome prejudices. If we let it. Love is powerful enough to bring two people together so intimately that it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.Thus is the story that the Thai BL Century of Love tells.
Starring Daou Pittaya (San) and Offroad Kantapon (Vee), Century of Love follows a devoted man named San who spends a hundred years waiting for the woman he loves to reincarnate after she died to protect him only for her to return as a man named Vee. This begins an unforgettable love story that becomes much more about who we are and less about the bodies we’re born with.
While I’ll admit I initially had trouble becoming immersed in San and Vee’s story, I found that, with time, San’s love and his interactions with Vee aged well. Ironically, a story about a man who spends 100 years not aging and trying to rediscover his first love becomes a love story that ages slowly on screen before suddenly capturing the heart.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/08/13/century-of-love-series-review-ep-3-to-10/
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Could Have Been So Much Better
When I first started watching this show, I was very excited to see a Korean-Thai crossover BL series, especially with Mew in it. But as much as I wanted to enjoy the show, it was disappointing, to say the least. There was no plot, no chemistry, no romance, no anticipation to watch the next episode and I really didn’t care about what will happen next. If you are watching a romantic drama, you can ignore all the emptiness if the romance, chemistry, and interaction between the two main leads is toe-curling but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case here which ruined the show. It felt forced and awkward, even the confession part, I didn’t feel anything watching it.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/05/24/love-is-like-a-cat-series-review-ep-1-to-12/
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An Impressive Watch Indeed
Watching this series is like wrapping yourself up in a warm cozy blanket on a cold winter’s night as you are reading a romantic allegory. While the sensation is comforting, the fable still provides you with enough stimulation to keep you awake. But you suddenly realize that you reach a part in the story where one of two possible endings can happen. Either a fairy tale one or a tragic one. While I certainly love a fairy tale ending (and these two guys deserved one), I was preparing myself for a tragic one as the series did seem a bit dark overall. Unfortunately, I got neither one. And I threw off my warm blanket and started to cry with disappointment. Let me elaborate.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/05/23/memory-in-the-letter-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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Could Have Been Better
This is the real thing. Acting that does not look like acting.” – Quote from The StarThere is honestly so much to unpack here in this short series that goes way beyond the plot or story. Reality and fiction merge together to make this series unique. As the abstract states, this series is based on a ‘true story’. Perhaps a more apt description might be closer to a docudrama.
It begins with a hapless and sad young man, ironically named Hope (Night Yodsakon), who sets up his vendor cart selling fried meatballs in front of a BL production company. He looks and acts defeated and forlorn. Yet maintains a sense of optimism outwardly; merely for show. Inwardly, he seems to have given up ‘hope’.
One day he is approached by the owner of the BL production company who asks if he would like to star in a BL series. Indeed, there is something enticing about Hope that draws you to him. His face tells it all and there is something about his demeanor that is raw and organic. If he could learn to act, channel his difficult life experiences into real meaningful and believable enactments, he could evoke a freshness about a series. Hope knows nothing about acting or even what a BL is but is willing to try.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/04/25/the-star-series-review-ep-1-2/
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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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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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Disappointing Watch Indeed!
Wasted potential. That is what this BL was, which is such a shame as the premise was initially entertaining. Then it slipped into banality and triteness.It is a story of two neighborhood boys who grow up together. Their tale on how they become connected, to say the least, is a real tearjerker. Ai (Ryu Ingkarat) is the younger of the two. He is in college now but is still rather immature and at times an emotionally fragile individual. Meanwhile, his very best friend, who is slightly older, and an established photographer, is Yu (Putter Phubase). While they advanced together as next door neighbors, their relationship seems more like a blended family, remaining exceptionally close. Yu, an astonishingly handsome young man, is deeply reflective, always eager to help and please, but has a somewhat impassive personality. His affect, however, seems a bit laid-back. Throughout their friendship, he has always been unmerciful in teasing/torturing/pranking Ai. Ai, now that he has gotten older and is beginning to flex his wings, forthrightly expressed his dislike and displeasure for this constant humiliation. From that point, the foundation for a more serious relationship is established. A bit at least.
Read the complete article here-
https://theblxpress.wordpress.com/2024/12/28/i-saw-you-in-my-dream-series-review-ep-1-to-12/
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One of the Most Entertaining Thrillers in 2024!
As the curtains close on Spare Me Your Mercy, the Thai BL series delivers a poignant exploration of morality, love, and loss. Adapted from Sammon’s novel Euthanasia, this melancholic drama probes the fine line between compassion and crime, framed by a chilling mystery involving rising deaths among terminally ill patients. Starring Tor Thanapob as Dr. “Kan” Kantaphat and JJ Krissanapoom as Police Major “Thiu” Wasan Khambunrueang, the series challenges viewers to grapple with the ethical complexities of life and death.The show opens with a gripping investigation into stolen potassium chloride from a local hospital, setting the stage for a tightly woven web of suspicion. Potential culprits emerge, including Nurse Onanong (Fresh Arisara Wongchalee), Pharmacist Boss Chanchai (Aelm Bhumibhat Thavornsiri), Dr. Rin (Prim Atchareeya Potipipittanakorn), and Hospital Director Somsak (Gandhi Wasuwitchayagit).
Read the complete article here-
https://theblxpress.wordpress.com/2024/12/26/spare-me-your-mercy-series-review-ep-3-to-8/
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A Short Web Series Worth Watching!
“Blue Boys” is a short and earnest portrayal of a couple falling in love while facing challenges to their relationship.Jaemin (Choi Seungjin) meets his old high school classmate Nami (Lee Hoorim) after years. They have a one-night stand, which leads to something more than their feelings develop for each other. However, they face obstacles to their relationship both from other people, such as a jealous acquaintance who wants Nami for herself, and from their own miscommunication.
“Blue Boys” ended up being quite an entertaining watch for me, especially the first part, which introduces Jaemin and Nami’s relationship up until the point of the first major conflict in their relationship. The issue there stemmed from their very different perspectives, to the job market, and to life in general. Nami has a carefree outlook on life, while Jaemin is a lot more reserved and conscious of what others would think of them. It is ultimately this that is exploited by Sori (Lee Sooha), an acquaintance of Nami’s, to try to break them up.
Read the complete article here-
https://theblxpress.wordpress.com/2024/12/12/blue-boys-series-review-season-one-two/
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