Definitely Could Have Been Better

Edited 12 June 2022 after episode 10.

Story. 6/10
The plot progressed more quickly this time. A new story arc has been developed, and some resolutions have been reached. The romance is still in the foreground.

Despite the chess analogies, I still find the plot weak and unconvincing. The protagonists are not particularly smart, and the villain is manipulative and cunning. Even if he really is just average, he just happens to be dealing with naive, gullible and stupid characters, making him look brilliant in comparison.

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The plot is plausible within the universe of the series, in this case, the mafia universe. My expectations of dark themes, violence, morally questionable standards, greed, lust for power, control and money, and illegal and heinous dealings were met, albeit as a backdrop to the more important romance.

Characters. 8/10

The main characters are multi-layered, and have their own hopes, desires, weaknesses and aspirations. They are multi-layered and motivated. The main actors played their roles well. The characterisation of some of the minor characters could be better. But that does not detract from the enjoyment of the series.

Storyline: 6/10

The comedic parts are a bit too much for me. But maybe that's progress (an improvement in standards) for a Thai series BL. Still, I personally think the "in-your-face" comedy does not fit this theme. I would have preferred a satirical treatment like in Joy of Life or Inglorious Basterds.

Dialogues 7/10

The dialogues are a step above the Thai BL standard. I wish they had put the same attention to detail and care into the dialogues as they did with the cinematography. Then it would have been an even more enjoyable experience. The dialogues between the leads are almost always a hit with subliminal subtext. The rest is mostly a miss.

Cinematography: 10/10

There is a consistent visual language enhanced by lighting and wardrobe. This has been done deliberately and thoughtfully as if each image tells its own story. The result is beautiful and poetic.

Fandom meta-enthusiasts will go into raptures and gain absolutely delightful insights into these scenes, the meanings behind the photographic compositions, the use of colours and lines and even the use of costumes. Every detail is part of the whole story.

This is only possible because the staging was very consistent in its thoughtfulness.

Editing and effects 8/10

The production likes to use 2 different types of transitions between the storylines.

Butterfly cut: The butterfly cut brings a scene to an abrupt end, usually at its climax. It creates the greatest possible contrast with the following scene: from ominous to harmonious, from euphoric to depressed, from complete darkness to glaring brightness or from loud to quiet. This can be a little irritating and to some it seems bipolar. Personally, it does not bother me.

Cross cuts are the cuts between alternating storylines of a parallel montage. Normally, this shows simultaneous events in two different storylines, giving the audience the illusion of real-time action and making the viewing experience more exciting and intense. The production uses this style very cleverly.

Staging 8/10

The main theme, the romance, is well-staged. The fight scenes and the stunts are well choreographed. As I mentioned earlier, the comedic scenes could use more work. The potential was there.

Unique 10/10

The series is unique, innovative and groundbreaking in terms of cinematography in its genre. There is no other BL series like it. There is something unique about the series, the cinematic shots are poetic, and the acting performances are phenomenal, especially those of the lead actors. The dedication and hard work of all the actors, staff and production lifts the series to unparalleled heights and deserves a special place in our hearts.

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