It’s been a while since a BL challenged me and I appreciate that greatly as a viewer. Some BLs can begin to feel like stagnate rehashes of stories we’ve already seen, but 4Minutes is wholly its own and takes big risks when it comes to storytelling. I understand that some people may not like the non-linear narrative, but for me, that’s what made the show. Once I realized what was actually happening, I audibly gasped. Brilliant. It’s writing so good that as a writer, I’m mad I didn’t come up with it myself.

The acting was fantastic for the most part. The NC scenes had me blushing behind my sweater sleeves. The characters were nuanced and flawed in a way that most BLs wouldn’t touch. It was free of so many of the BL cliches we’re used to and I think that’s created a disconnect for some viewers. Nothing about this show is straightforward and it doesn’t try to make you comfortable. It’s suppose to make you uncomfortable and then force you to sit with the discomfort and that’s not what a lot of people want out of their BL. It’s exactly what I want though. For me, this was the perfect show. It may even top Manner of Death and Not Me which sit at the top of my list.

I’m also not one to rewatch BLs; there are maybe a few I’ve seen more than once out of the countless dozens I’ve watched, but 4Minutes is sure to have me back again. I’m sure there’s a plethora of things that I missed on first watch. That’s how deep this show is. It helps that the entire show is beautiful too. It looks high budget and screams quality.

MORE BL LIKE THIS PLEASE!