This review may contain spoilers
It had the right idea!
I liked the plot they planned for Stay Still, but honestly, the duration just wasn’t enough to really explore it fully. The drama itself isn’t anything super special, but it’s not bad either. This is actually my second time watching it, and the first time there wasn’t even a 5th episode, so I ended up rewatching when everything was out. To be real, I didn’t feel like I gained or lost much from watching it again—it’s an okay drama with a lot of potential that didn’t quite get there.One thing that bugged me was the third couple. I didn’t really get why they were there. They didn’t add much to the story and honestly just felt kind of pointless. I could see how the first and third couples were connected, but Hayden and Damien? I had no clue where they fit into the bigger picture. It felt a little random like they were thrown in just to fill time, but without a real purpose.
Overall, Stay Still had great potential, but it didn’t fully live up to what it could’ve been. It’s not a bad watch, especially if you’re looking for something light, but it might leave you feeling like something’s missing if you’re hoping for more depth.
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I could easily give this a 10...
..If it was a higher budget production.But i have to say that with the budget they had they did an amazing job!
Stay Still lacks nothing compare to high investments and large production companies..but money!And i wish anyone who is wiling to make a BL/gay drama and has the funds to do it,take examples from all those underrated low budget projects which deals with more realistic,dark and troubled issues and show raw and real feelings.
90% of all the low budget mini series and sort films i have watched are little gems indeed.I had to rate them lower only because the quality. The money -not-spent really shows and unfortunately most of the time ruins the entertainment value.And i personally as a viewer always take into consideration the technicalities when rating.
Ok end of the rant but if you ever come across my watchlist and see low rates on such dramas you know the reason.
So back to the drama itself.
The cast did their very best.Acting wasn't the best,i don't even know if they are professional actors.One thing i know for sure.The kisses and all the hot scenes were more real than -many-others we see in high-rated ,high budget series where we just laugh with those dead fish kisses.Here at least show some genuine passion.Also Im glad at the end credits shows everyone's name(it will be really nice if here in MDL add them too)
Yes it is too short to properly develop the story(ies).Yes we don't get enough time for the primary couples and -why not-for the side hetero too.
And i want to start with this couple.Ive read many found it unnecessary and even skipped all their scenes etc.First of all i liked the idea the story to be told through them.It also somehow connected the 2 main couples as their stories are totally irrelevant and most likely never will cross paths.
So many complaints about this couple.But i don't agree.Showing them in bed,having sex,talking and smoking wasn't a filler neither wasted screen time.Not to me.Was a very clever way to show us that every couple,no matter their sexuality,homo or hetero,all faces problems,all struggles for different reasons,all have to deal with society/family/friends etc,one way or another.
We see the hetero girl is forced to marry someone she doesn't love and her lover asks if she can cancel it.I was happy we get the first happy ending among the couples, when she nodded "yes".
This is a very short drama and i don't want to go deep into the main characters and their stories.
All i can say is that both stories portrayed in the most realistic way.Is not always fluffy,cute and full of butterflies because life is not either!
Both couples in their own way fight, for their happiness.I was so glad they didn't give up on each other.
My last comment is about Kelvin and Archie story.Is NOT a cliché story.Is NOT a common,lame or boring trope.
Kelvin is a married, with a son, gay man who was trapped in a life he never wanted,by a bitchy woman who uses their kid to keep him.Don't take such stories as a bad trope.It is the real thing,in real world.
I want more series like this.I hope such productions get more sponsors in the future.
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Short but worth it!
This series was unexpectedly beautiful and has become one of my favorites of 2023.It was my first hongkong bl series and it really surprised my expectations and also made me a little emotional.
Its strong point is the script, it's really really great and the music too.
The only flaw is the fact that it's very short ㅠㅠㅠㅠ it would be nice if they did a second season but I'm afraid it's destined to end like this :‘) we'll see...
Despite this, I think they managed to tell the characters' stories well and correctly, without any rush and they managed to make me fond of the characters.
Watch it, it's worth it!
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This review may contain spoilers
Miss Out on Soulmate?
Very interesting how this show has thrown us into a moral dilemma so early. The second couple, Kelvin and Archie were not part of Episode 0 and so we were not sure what to expect upon meeting them in Episode 1 except now we've learned they've known each other since they were in high school and formed a connection then which continues to this day except Kelvin has a whole entire family. A woman and a child. We've watched enough dramas to know the reasons for this.This is what brings me to the question - should he miss out on his soulmate just because he is married? No one is wrong here. Kelvin did not ask for the society he was born into, neither is it his fault for being born the way he was. Archie is not wrong for falling in love. The woman is not wrong for imagining she found a husband and they will grow old together.
Ultimately, this is an example of how obtrusive love can be. Such a disruption and unfortunately, it cannot be ignore. It seeps out in the most insidious ways and makes itself known. Love is the villian here. 😮💨
We are in for a ride and I personally, am terribly excited.
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The Best Off-Beat BL!
This series is phenomenally unique and truly a work of art. It is really Avant-Garde and told through the eyes of a straight couple as they themselves struggle with their own demons. The saga parallels three couples seemingly unrelated but, in truth are all grappling in their own way wanting to become accepted and to move forward as lovers. My thinking is people will either love this series or not and ‘see’ it in toto. I loved it because it felt like a mind-bending journey.If you want to read my full review of this rather astonishing series, go to BLBliss.com.
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Sweet like Silver Chrysanthemum Tea with a touch of Sadness
Some great story telling in this short series. Well worth a binge watch. It’s a low key small budget kind of a situation but I’m here for it. Why? Because of it’s simple but effective script, simple but effective cinematography and simple but effective acting.The old style tenement building with grandma looking after her grandson gives this BL some authentic nostalgia, the hard working bar owner and the arranged marriage third story weave a trio of sad but true to life stories.
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