segos
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Worth a Rewatch
Suspend reality and let yourself soar.I had started this a couple years ago when it first came out, but never got to finish it. Going back now to watch it, the series stuck with me even in the first 6 episodes because I remembered so much, which to me is always a good sign.
I don't typically care much about music in a drama, but I actually really enjoyed it here. There was intensity when it needed to be there, and softness in other points. The music set the tone in a way that often doesn't happen for me. And of course, I love an over-the-top storyline, and can you really get more over the top than a messy family and the mafia?
But truthfully, what really sold this show for me was the support characters. Yes, the main couples and actors were lovely, but the supports just added so much to the show. Chan, the head bodyguard, despite having very little context or story, still gave such a strong character that I felt a connection to him. Then you have Boss, who I initially had a strong dislike for (as they wanted me to, I'm sure), but the character redemption was fabulous. Pair that with other characters such as Erika, Tankhun, and Arm. The cast created such a special story that made it worth so much more for me than just the title couple. And while I am considering Vegas a main, he isn't listed as such, but the way they took you on a rollercoaster with him was wild. He wins for most traumatized character by far, even without them showing you everything (which doesn't excuse his actions, mind you).
Finally, I have to give a mention to the final episode. The series had action sprinkled throughout, but then episode 14 hit and you got punched in the face with it and I loved that. It was everything it needed to be, except I am in agony over going back and forth about Korn.
Needless to say, enjoyable and one I would rewatch again.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Crazy little thing called love.
Oh boy. This series was a ride and a half, and I'm still not entirely sure about my rating.There were points when I was so frustrated watching this, but it did a fairly good job at engaging me. I'm a sucker for complex relationship dynamics, and I think each of the pairs in this delivered on that tenfold. So to best assess, let's look at the couples.
Mew & Top: When I started, I wasn't sure about them. Mew's character was relatable for me, and I wanted Top to be a good guy -- but of course, nothing is that easy. The fist shaking and face palming done during certain scenes with them was numerous. Surprisingly, I feel they did a good job at redeeming Top. I was rooting for him by the end, and in a weird twist, I was annoyed by Mew. His character flip due to heartbreak was enraging at points, but they pulled it back together. This was the pair I was least engaged with, though. Also can we talk about the random storyline they threw in at the end? Literally insanity to me because it had zero development and felt like someone was like "but wait... fire!"
Nick & Boston: This dynamic hit so much on Queer as Folk, but couldn't live up to that series. Still, Nick was endearing, though naive. Boston was not meant to be likeable and they did a fantastic job of conveying that. I really wish they would've explored more of his character, especially after what Nick said to him about wanting to be loved. I feel like that hit so hard, but wasn't fleshed out. Furthermore, they tried to redeem Ton, but there was no real moral dilemma evident when he just repeated his usual patterns. I feel like if they wanted us to believe he had some signs of hope, they needed to show that more. Ton grew on me, but like mold grows in a poorly ventilated bathroom. I'm sad but happy in the end that Nick chose himself. Boston has some growing to do, and he can't do it if he is enabled.
Sand & Ray: I actually chose to watch Only Friends because I enjoyed First so much in Note Me. This couple is really the star of the show for me. Ray was so enraging at points, and I think Sand was such a beautiful person, which they conveyed well. They were ying and yang at points, but complimented each other. As someone who works with mental health and addictions, Ray was a particularly heartbreaking character. His one therapy session had me near tears, and I wish we could've seen more of his exploration. I would've loved for them to delve more into the dynamics of recovery and loving someone in recovery. Their chemistry was palpable. One thing that bugged me a bit is the lack of closure related to Sand's dad.
Boeing: Not a pair, but he gets his own line because he created so many feels. Love the actor, hate the character -- so basically, he did another great job at acting. He was like Ton but boss level Ton. Any time he walked into the room, I was ready to throw something at my screen.
The ending felt a bit flat, but I enjoyed by journey (well, most of it).
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Love in Translation: Uncut
0 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Destiny... or something.
Love in Translation has a lot of adorable traits to it. The two mains are very cute together and their chemistry isn't terrible, though also not the best I've seen. There was a lot of silliness, which I enjoyed, and for a large part there was a light-hearted nature. The two start off on the wrong foot, find common ground, and then one is star-obsessed while the other develops a crush. It's sweet and endearing.Where the drama lost me was in the last couple episodes. I have a huge pet peeve for drama being thrown in just for the sake of having some kind of stressor in the storyline. I wish that they had just let this be a cute, fluff piece instead of adding in that extra layer -- which I say add in, but it didn't actually add anything. It felt silly, but not in the sweet way.
I would watch the actors again, but the drama is one I feel like I'll forget within a matter of days or weeks, unfortunately. Sweet, but forgettable.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Two for the price of one
When this show came on my radar, I was just excited for the racing component. Granted, that ended up really not being a heavy part of the storyline, it was still an enjoyable element.Each of the couples have episodes dedicated to them, and to be perfectly honest, I struggled at first with Rain. He struck me as an annoying younger brother. For a lot of it I felt an urge to smack my forehead, but he started to grow on me after a few episodes, so I was glad I stuck it out. There were components until the last portion of their story where I also really appreciated that the "drama" felt like authentic things (related to education, for example) as opposed to something over-the-top. Of course, we ended up getting something like that, but I almost pretend that part didn't exist and just had the wholesome story. Well, wholesome to an extent. The praise kink was next level for Rain/Payu. Whew.
Sky made the show for me. I thoroughly enjoyed his banter and armor. There is always a character with some layers of trauma, and while it again felt over-the-top because this is a drama, I appreciated that they didn't just shove it entirely to the side. Could it have been handled better? Sure, but compared to how I've seen things handled in dramas, it was not bad. Prapai was a wonderful partner and the way he provided reassurance was, imho, very healthy and loving.
The intimacy in the series was top notch. Each couple felt believable in their connections with each other (simple intimacy and otherwise).
I think my biggest gripe is how it ended. It felt incredibly rushed and like an oreo where they forgot the stuffing. I'm hoping the special episode makes up for the rush job, but regardless it was a lot of fun.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Cute but surface level
This was a cute follow-up for Tharn and Type. I appreciated that the drama didn't feel so layered on, but it again glossed over so many things to try to put a bow on stories quickly. I was disappointed with how they handled things with Type's dad. It felt like "well, he hates you, Tharn, so sorry" and that was it. Again, kind of a shrug without much depth or action. The actors pulled the weight of this for me, but it did feel like a cute story with little substance or development. We still have yet to deal with Type's homophobia and I'm about 10/10 sure we won't even in the sequel. So all in all, it was fine, but that's just about it.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
A mixed bag
This was a rewatch for me as it was one of the last BL series I watched before life taking over for a few years (plus). It was just as problematic the second time around, and I hate myself for enjoying parts of it, but I did. I'm partial to the main actors, as I think a lot of BL lovers are, and so sometimes I overlook the glaring issues.That being said, despite years between watches, when we got to the exes returning to meddle start of the storyline and then the additional blackmail hot mess express that followed, I remembered a large part of why I was so irritated with the series It felt like a lot of unnecessary drama -- literally just thrown in to draw out episodes. I think that time and energy would've been better spent dealing with Type's not-so-internalized homophobia and maybe starting to better understand and love himself as well as others, but no one asked me so extra drama it was. They also didn't actually deal with the storyline they presented at all. There was no legal involvement for anyone, and the emotional damage of everything and the gravity of the situation was totally glossed over. Hence, again, it was just thrown in to make the plot more dramatic IMHO and without actual forethought or appropriate care.
Techno will probably forever me one of my favorite side characters, though. His facial expressions never ceased to make me laugh and he played the typical side BFF to a T.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Taiwan BLs Strike Again
Time and again, Taiwanese BLs prove to be favorites. The acting and production just always seems to be a different level than what I am used to with most Thai BLs.It's totally unrealistic, but I was hoping for a story that was an escape, and this totally fit the bill. I know a lot of people talk about Chen Yi and Ai Di, and I totally adore them too, but I actually really enjoyed the main couple. Zongyi taking time to warm up and the cat analogy was adorable and fitting. I usually get annoyed by overly sweet tie ins with things like baking, because it often feels like it comes out of nowhere, but they actually layered in that element perfectly (I know it sounds like an odd thing to get bothered by, but I think it usually reminds me of Hallmark movies, which I'm not a fan of).
I was not very excited with the amnesia trope, but it made things a bit more interesting. The reunion scene had me tearing up, which is another rarity. To top it off, the twist in the final episode actually was a bit of a twist for me. I knew something was there, but it hadn't hit me until they revealed it quite what it was, and I'm glad they didn't end up killing anyone off.
Thoroughly enjoyable and one I wouldn't want to miss.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Not for me, but maybe for you.
There was nothing particularly wrong with this. The acting was fairly solid and the actors had overall nice chemistry, but the storyline just didn't capture me. This is clearly very beloved for a majority of people, so it's not something where I would write it off entirely, but a true measure for me is that I watched this less than a week ago and already forgot a majority of it. There have been others where I remember them years later, and it seems like this is a story like that for some people, so it may be for you.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Adorable Storyline & Spot-on Chemistry
I've been away from BL for some time. This was one of the first couple I watched to dip my toes back in after years away. It fit everything I expect from a good BL. It had cliche storylines, was super cheesy at times, but all around was also heart warming and a story where you rooted for the main characters to find their way. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the rivals to lovers storyline is easily one of my favorites. The dynamics of their friends was realistic despite being layered with extra drama (I mean, it is a drama, so checks that box).Overall a super gooey adorable story that I would highly recommend.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
A battle between the head and heart
Taiwanese BLs have always come out a cut above the rest, IMHO, and Unknown showcased this perfectly. From the start, there is a solid story, and moreover, it's relatable and offers depth that is rarely found in BLs. You are able to see and understand struggle vividly, and that's a compliment to both the writers, director, and actors.Unknown comes out as a slow burn, and it's like gradually being wrapped with a warm blanket. You start to feel for the characters, and the pacing assisted in providing context without any drag. Wei Qian struggles for his family, and Xiao Yuan struggles for his love. In both cases, their dedication is entirely pure and salient.
When the story reaches its tipping point, it's an audible change. That struggle from before shifts to something else, and again, attesting to the strength of the actors, you can feel the difference. Life doesn't get easy, but letting the wall down for them allowed for a comfort and happiness. Wei Qian carried himself differently, and the entire time prior to this, we didn't really see him be truly happy -- but then we did and it was magical.
It's one you have to watch for yourself to not just understand but experience.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
If he's bravery, I must be fear
Every once in a while, a story or show comes along that far and above exceeds the genre and expectations. Not Me perfectly encapsulated that.The idea of twins and swapping roles has been around for ages (Parent Trap, anyone?), but to see it used in this context and as a BL was completely original and different. Then you take this brilliant idea for twins and you add issues around social justice, ones that two years after airing are still so prevalent around the world. Next, give yourself actors with undeniable chemistry and a cast that fits together seamlessly, and then you add a script worthy of awards. That's where you get Not Me.
Off and Gun have a casual intimacy to them that came across beautifully with their characters. It's the reason why for many they are a top couple, and hopefully will continue to be for years to come. Not only that, but the support roles all served a purpose. Too often there are characters thrown in just because, but that was not the case here. The side relationship involving Yok in particular felt very moving, and it took yet another angle to look at society, the demands it puts on us, and our roles as cogs within the machine -- and what you might do to disrupt that machine.
While not entirely unpredictable, I still found it enjoyable. I saw things coming, but it didn't deter from the overall message or heart of the show, one that has me continuing to think and grateful that a show was brave enough to put spotlight on what others make an effort to hide.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
A dash of spice, a whole lot of cute, and the tiniest drop of drama
WinTeam became my favorite couple easily within the first four episodes and that didn't let up at all. The series had some of the nostalgic feelings that reminded me of older BL, but in a more progressed stage.There is some overlap with UWMA, as this takes place concurrently with it. Sometimes that felt a bit much for me, but that's always because I had just finished UWMA. If I hadn't, I don't think I would've been feeling that way. It was fun to see in time how the relationship grew and took place.
What drew me most to this couple and the drama is the authenticity of it. The relationship felt realistic for the most part, and oddly, quite healthy considering the characters ages and the setting. We saw their insecurities, and at times how that got in the way, but they each spoke with people around them and made efforts to progress. It was refreshing, especially with all the common tropes that we usually get in BLs involving more toxic elements. This didn't feel like that at all.
There was some drama around Team's past, but again, that felt very authentic. They presented his symptoms and his management of the feelings related to the event in a very realistic way. Honestly, my biggest issue was the overabundance of side romances. None of them were able to be fleshed out and those were the scenes I ended up zoning out on at times. But the ABSea trio made up for some of that by grabbing my attention right back.
I'm not one to typically rewatch, but this will be on my list.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
I'm not crying; you're crying.
I had the chance to watch this during its initial airing, but after seeing the first 10 minutes it was an instant-no for me. Years later, I circled back and saw how beloved the drama was. For me, the topics approached in the drama, particularly in that opening scene, are especially sensitive.I am glad I gave it another go and pushed past that initial gut response. First off, it hits one of my favorite tropes (which isn't done often, and when it is done, it's not usually done well)--reincarnation. I thought they handled that beautifully, pairing in the layers with family. It aligned the elements of food to have a common thread (hah), but I do wish some of the other scenes had a more fluid alignment (like mirroring the past, but different).
I've commented in other reviews I don't usually care much for music in dramas, but this one was actually pretty good and did add to the scenes usually (though the doom song, as I call it, did feel overused at some points).
I think my biggest gripe with the story is actually the interaction with Dean and Pharm in the last episode. It felt unnecessary to me and that they could've handled Pharm's concerns differently. I also got annoyed with Pharm's reactions to intimacy. It often felt dub-con-y, even though it isn't meant to be at all.
Outside of those things, the acting was really great and they did emotional scenes beautifully. It may have been cool to see the families come together, but I can live without that.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
