This review may contain spoilers
one of the best lgbtq+ series
It's a masterpiece. I fell in love with everything, the story the cinematography and the actors. It was so nice to see a character struggling with his mental health and speaking about it openly and dealing with his trauma. The Eighth Sense is probably a comfort series for a lot of people because even if we probably all cried it's such a comfort serie because it was just the perfect amount of sadness and happiness. honestly my favorite part is probably the friendship it was so nice to see jihyun so well surrounded with so much support. I also love the fact that they didn't make a big of the fact that jihyun fall in love with a man because it's just loveWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I almost dropped this at 8th episode!!
( I'm not a movie critic! )I've really enjoyed this drama since the first episode. The storyline is pretty confusing but full of value; the problem is common in society nowadays, but a lot of people are still struggling without knowing how to get out of their situation. For me, their love story was a little bit slow and gray; I believe they are falling for each other due to sympathy at first instead of attachment (I have no idea how to describe it). I didn't see how many episodes it was, and I thought the 8th episode was their last episode. The way Jaewon left without saying anything almost makes me so upset. The way the camera moves as if we are witnesses to their story is so satisfying to watch, and their BGM also suits the scene! I even cried a little when they played Conan's song in the background.
Also, do not forget to mention that the other cast members' acting is so great; despite having a pretty big age gap, they are able to portray their characters very well. I am still in awe of how cute Jinwon (Joonpyo) was acting goofy around Jihyun and Jaewon, or when Meera (Yoonwon) cried when nothing was going well for her. I also get a bit upset whenever I see Eunji on the screen. The actress plays the character so well, but realizing there are people like Eunji in real life makes me sad.
It's 8 out of 10 for me. I will add two more if you make it to season 2, where they are finally a couple! ^^
Was this review helpful to you?
They made me cry
I need to say that im not used to writing reviews, but i had to this time.At first I thought that it will be a basis bromance and at the beginning it low-key looked a bit boring. But now I know that if you really want to experience that full feeling, it was made just right. Actors made a very good job. Both main characters were so believe, as for their role (which both had some traumas and fears).
The way how I started to emphasise with the characters was so strong. The whole gradation of good and bad things was not bad at all.
I want you to know that I cried like a 12 year old while watching episode 9 and the whole last episode was just drying my tears, smiling.
The ending was also very enjoyable, I really recommend watching the series ❤️
Was this review helpful to you?
Different to most LGBT dramas
Finally a Korean LGBT drama with more than 20 min episodes! This feels like progress.Although the sound editing (and editing in general ) is a bit off, I appreciated the art house vibe and neon/surfer aesthetic.
The characters feel well developed given the short run time. The leads have a convincing romance and intimacy. The university setting feels authentic and I could relate to the surfing trip and drinking games. I enjoyed this and hopefully it is a signal of growing LGBT representation in the genre.
Was this review helpful to you?
just simply beautiful
i just love how they made us feel so connected to every scene in this show from ep 1 to the last ep i would be invested through it all....ironically i'd say they made me feel it through all my senses...and i haven't felt this way towards a show in a very long time everyone involved in the making of this show did a great job and im sure the budget wasn't much but they still executed it so brilliantly.....i also loved how the episodes were lengthy enough it made it sm better.....i hope this bl would be successful enough so other bl producers get to take notes from it!Was this review helpful to you?
Almost Perfect
This drama is incredibly well-directed. Easily the best "BL" production to come out of Korea but this feels a little more special than that. It does not feel fan-service-y or cringeworthy in any bad ways. Instead it will make you feel shy and sad and hopeful and all those things that your average romance drama will make you feel. The issue with this drama is unfortunately the writing. it's good but it's not as well-written as it needed to be for such a heavy topic. They did everything they could with the material. The direction will make you forget that for the most part. The MLs are both great and their chemistry is very authentic. If you're a lover of love check it out. But it has some heavier grief-related subjects so it may be harder for some than others.Was this review helpful to you?
my short review of this masterpiece
The eight sense was so beautifully made, you can tell how much effort was put into crafting everything from the characters, storyline, cinematography, and the talent of the actors is incredible! i love how you can see different kinds of relationships and growth in the characters and how even without saying or having to explain how they feel you can see it in their eyes and their actions. honestly i truly love every aspect of the show and highly recommend watching it because you simply cannot dislike the masterpiece which is The Eight Sense !Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful story
One of the best Korean bl series to ever come out. The acting was superb and makes the viewers feel the emotion that the characters are feeling. Production, lighting, and music really added to the effect the director was going for and ultimately came out to be a masterpiece, Side characters were amazing and did not take away from the main characters and their stories. I loved the deeper meanings in parts of this series that keep the viewers on edge. I hope to see more of this show in another season possibly going even deeper into some of the characters.Was this review helpful to you?
A reflection on life
With influences to the production such as Skam and Skins, The Eighth Sense brings upon fairly common critiques on life and youth with unique qualities in a Korean drama. It essentially uses artistic elements and the surrounding atmospheres to introduce us to these characters, mainly in the perspectives of Jihyun and Jaewon.The one issue I have is that while I firmly respect the directors' visions towards production, I can see why not everyone is able to follow the storyline cohesively during some parts. Whether it be abrupt scene changes, dreamlike blurriness to focus on the character, or "choppiness" in the editing, it's not a familiar usage (at least in my case) and thus had me confused.
With that said though, I truly enjoyed the experience of watching this series build all the way to the end. I loved that this series had a focus on the "human-ness" rather than just exclusively romance. These characters expressed their aspirations, struggles and relatable navigations that added more three-dimensionality than just "insert character here" for "insert scene". Obviously this feat couldn't have been done without the acting, which once again, shocks me as a lot of the cast seem to be very new in the acting world. They did a tremendous job in their roles. It's rare to find a drama that includes mental health in a very raw, respectful and realistic setting. Too many series I find tend to stereotype mental illness that it makes it difficult for me to watch a series that includes these themes. But in The Eighth Sense's case, the inclusion of mental health showcases the debilitating inner battles but also the outward support systems to show that one should not have to fight those battles alone, and they are worthy of seeking help. Though the production at times interrupted my enjoyment, I do have to say the intentional methods in which they light a scene to add onto the authenticity characters feel did have me audibly go "wow", because I could see the TLC in so many layers of the production. And of course, the gradual relationship between Jihyun and Jaewon hooked me into watching more and more. It felt so candid and typical, especially portrayed in early 20's, but there was a magic to their spark that grew into a flame fuelled by their love (I know, ridiculous and cheesy, but there's no other way to describe it). Though the fire was temporarily put out, there was still love in the eyes of these characters shown in different, subtle ways, and I enjoyed every second of it.
I appreciate the dedication the directors, writers, cast and everyone involved in this project put forth into making this beautiful series that went sneakily under our noses until the big trailer drop. By god I hope it doesn't go under the noses in terms of seeking something to watch in one's spare time, because this is an absolute, positive, MUST WATCH. Please support the cast and crew, watch this fantastic series, I doubt you'll regret it. A solid series.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
No doubt, one for the BL (LGBTQ+) books.
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ ꜱʏꜱᴛᴇᴍ: 10 = [ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɪᴛ, ɴᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴀɪɴᴛꜱ, ɪɴ ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ 'ᴘᴇʀꜰᴇᴄᴛ', ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇᴄᴄ ɪᴛ]It may just be my opinion, but I've always felt there is a difference between BL shows and LGBTQ+ representative shows, and I feel like The Eighth Sense dipped into both genres, but definitely, and successfully, crossed the finish line in the latter.
It's been compared to SKAM in comments by many people, myself included, and as a fan of SKAM (multi), I can agree that 8th Sense resonates and has many parallels with it, but this show stands alone as well and had the grace to finish in a way that was satisfying as an ending, and yet leaves it open for a second season (if we should ever be so lucky).
As usual, I'll begin with the;
THE GOOD
- This show's story has RANGE, but not in that way where screen time is wasted taking us down deviating extra unnecessary character exploration which distracts from the point and causes frustration. Rather, we see many sides to many characters, and they all have a part to play toward the main story, but in a very succinct and definitive way, which adds perspective to the realistically unflowery plot; because life isn't all unicorns and cotton candy. However, the story remains focused on the developments and up and down romance of the leads, while also touching on the human condition and how difficult it can be to deal with and navigate and make sense of people, life and social norms. Even at the end of the last episode, we see the difference in temperament and personality between the entire group, but especially the two leads.
- The filming style is very much to my personal taste, and I'm not just talking about the use of angles, cuts and LUT, but the way the story is told in a way that keeps the viewer guessing about Jae Won and the state of his various relationships with the people around him. I also really appreciate the lack of suffocating music, in this show there is music where it should be, not all over the place, and the music is suitable. Additionally, there is also no obnoxiously, eye rolling and drawn out stares or lean ins between the two leads.
- I have zero complaints about the acting and certainly no complaints about the ML's chemistry with one another.
- The theme of surfing was utilized well, in that the show did not revolve around it, but instead we discovered Jae Won loves the ocean because it calms him, and the surfing theme was also used as a major plot device to develop the relationship between Jae Won and Ji Hyun. Very well executed in only 10 eps.
- This show has complicated but healthy conflict resolution relative to the circumstances, realistic problems between friends and non-friends, believable awkward, ugly, confusing and sad moments between people. Even the fact that Jae Won forgives Tae Hyung for the bullshit he pulled is believable, because people often struggle to cut bad people out of their lives, especially when they feel insecure about their own personalities, worth and feelings. And Jae Won's depression and hints of PTSD throughout was portrayed well without trying to overdo it, they introduced it with some mystery, and then even when it became clearer, it remained subtle but relevant. In fact, in all scenarios, I feel we saw and learned as much as we needed too to follow the story.
Honestly, I could say more, but really, the overall show was just fantastic in my opinion.
So there is no BAD or UGLY, but I will say;
People like Tae Hyung and Eun Ji are trash people, from the start they were jealous, rude, disrespectful, condescending, bitchy and self absorbed. Eventually Tae Hyung even became malicious in actively intending to get Jae Won suspended, and Eun Ji was revealed to be a flat out liar, clinging to Jae Won while blatantly lying about effing around on him just because she thought he didn't know. She was not sorry for being shitty, she was only sorry she was caught. Trash people my dudes. This show may depict the truth of how hard it is to shake them off, but honestly, trash people should be tossed out with the non-recyclables.
HIGHLIGHTS;
Jae Won and Ji Hyun's kiss in the ocean, a great depiction of how they were just looking for a reason to close that final distance between them.
Jae Won nervously joking when asking if Ji Hyun's boss would do something inappropriate to him.
JP and YW hooking up. I did not see that coming 😂
The Eighth Sense is something I would definitely recc watching, it's up there for me with SKAM (Norway/Belgium/France/DRUCK), Young Royals, Sense8, HIStory; Make Our Days Count, and Not Me in terms of shows that manage to touch on different issues and situations while still incorporating LGBTQ+ and great love stories that are well depicted.
I have no complaints about this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
best kbl ive seen!
it's not perfect (their age gap creeped me out sometimes, jihyun is 19/20 and jaewon in his mid-20s, sometimes it felt a bit strange) but it comes very close, it has a lot to say and imo, does so very well! it kept me invested and i wish there would be more kbls of this length. it was a lot of fun.my fave part is where they get back together because of a conan gray song
Was this review helpful to you?
The most beautiful and deep bl seen so far!
Perhaps words will not be enough to describe the emotions felt for this bl. I loved everything: the story, the cast, the osts, the dialogues, the colors and the care of every single detail.The story is deep and deals with an important topic: depression.
The actors were extraordinary, I would even say magnificent in interpreting complex characters.
The colors are emblematic and perfectly represent the moods of the protagonists.
Wonderful music and osts.
Watching this bl was like taking a roller coaster ride of emotions; I felt joy, anger, sadness, happiness. My heart was pounding in some scenes and in others I felt like a punch in the stomach.
This bl is undoubtedly a small masterpiece because it is deep, touching and thoughtful.
It has become my favorite bl.
Was this review helpful to you?
