Tales of the City meets Queer as Folk
I felt inexplicably nostalgic watching this show. It was hilarious and it was painful and had me staring at the credits with a pit in my stomach and it was definitely imperfect. In fact, there’s bunch of things I wish were done differently, but guess what? That’s how most of us can feel about our own lives and it rubs us the wrong way when fiction doesn’t go the romantic way, the perfectly cohesive and sensible way, when it leaves us with uncertainty and unfinished business. I’d love a second season to wrap up a bunch of incomplete storylines, but in the back of my mind I’m kinda hoping this right here is all there is to it. It’s a strange feeling ‘cause I know I’d like to see more of the characters, though at the same time I feel like I’ve seen enough to say mission accomplished, they got their point across. Whatever doubts I have left, the biggest accomplishment for me here is that I saw people getting through life for 8 episodes and that it felt utterly real to me. The lines of dialogue were amazing, the cinematography was amazing, the acting was amazing, the representation was amazing. It was NOT perfect, but it WAS amazing. Probably one of the best things I’ve seen this year, not only in the BL side of cinema, but even among the western media. This, Imaginal Disk and The Substance made 2024 for me. Hoping to see more projects from this team in the future!Was this review helpful to you?
Heartbreaking but amazing
This series broke me, If you want a happy ending with a loving couple - don't watch it. It's so touching and heartbreaking, yet so relatable and beautiful. It shows you so many ups and downs, it shows you the beauty of friendship and the dark sides of being a part of LGBT community, the beauty and pain of love, the comfort you can find in loneliness and the sadness of it. The realisation that love is not always enough and that sometimes you have to let the person go so at least one of you can move on and live a better life. I haven't stopped thinking about this story since I finished watching it, it's a masterpiece.I think sadly a lot of people can find comfort in this series, it's breaking but it's real - it happens, and people have to live their lives this way sometimes, no matter their sexuality
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Heart wrenching yet so endearing
I cannot fault the heartfelt love, longing, loss and loneliness depicted in this drama. I literally journeyed with our ML, GoYeong, such a beautiful man yet flawed in many ways. From each encounter he meets, a layer is peeled off him exposing the joys, the hurt, regrets, all the highs and the lows that defined his existence, in the end, he makes the decision to remain true to himself. We live in a fickle and harsh world where we can't always get what we wished for, this is the reality, not fantasyland, seldom a happy ever after. I was emotionally torn for our Go Yeong wanting him to have lasting happiness with Gyu Ho, his true love. I see this ending as an open one.... one day they'll be together again, never to part. Kudos to the all the cast, production crew, director and the screenplay adapted for the show by Park Sang Young, the author. Great cinematography, vibrant colors depict the city nightlife, the soundtrack, everything perfection. Thank you.Was this review helpful to you?
Masterpiece
Love in The Big City is a true work of art, a series that is both stunningly beautiful and profoundly moving. The creators masterfully portray the complexities of life, painting a vivid picture of love, loss, joy, and sorrow.The show's exploration of romance is both idealistic and grounded in reality. The characters' love story is a captivating tale of passion and devotion, but it is also infused with a sense of melancholy and longing. The ability of the writers and directors to capture the bittersweet nature of human relationships is truly remarkable.
Moreover, LITBC is a significant television series due to its historical context. It is a movement of revolution, inspiring viewers to question societal norms and strive for a better future.
In conclusion, it is a masterpiece. It is a series that celebrates the beauty and complexity of life, while also serving as a catalyst for change.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Promising and dynamic
(This was after episode 2). So far this has been a candid portrayal of modern youth both heterosexual and gay. The uncertainties, the joys, the friendships, the sadness of irrevocable mistakes...all these occurred in just the first two episodes. I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. Without being overly graphic we're given a glimpse of how it feels to be gay in a society that is very traditional. Even those that were critical of this series would say "well done".(Continuation of review after completion.)
I binge watched this series. It is indeed a masterpiece!
This was a unique series...a bl with "slice of life" moments. I loved the friend group that remained supportive throughout the series. There were so many variations of an eventually failed relationship. I think the flashbacks in Bangkok of Go Young's romantic relationship was enlightening. The lantern scene seems to indicate his deep love for his boyfriend which would imply he released him from their relationship when he moved to China to pursue career opportunities. However, from a different perspective whether a relationship is heterosexual or gay a long-term relationship is going encounter struggles and varying degrees of excitement. Any healthy relationship requires nurturing, compromise and communicating. It seemed sad that in a passive way none of the gay romantic relationships portrayed a healthy loving long term one. It seems that all of the relationships were transitory and brief except the four friends. This movie definitely made you reflect and, also, included the element of risk in unprotected sex. After recovering from the sadness of the ending, I think rewatching this would bring discoveries of new aspects in the story. This brought the "bl" of this movie to a different level. I guess what I'm trying to say it was superbly produced and ended up being a drama more than a typical "bl" series.
Was this review helpful to you?
Worth it!
I am not even surprised by the ending. I don't know if I like it. However, it feels very realistic, and I think many people can relate to it. Besides the ending, let's talk about the production and acting. Holy Cow, every single cast member on the show did an incredible job, and I would like to mention that none of them were cringy! This is how a BL is done. I also want to give the stylist some credit. Their outfits were fantastic. They all looked great at all times. I wish Korea would make more BLs like that because they know how to work chemistry between the leads. It's an incredible show, whether you like the ending or not.Was this review helpful to you?
Wholesome
What can I say about this? This series hits different as this shows the real life experience of a gay/queer man, this is so relatable I experienced the same exact experience of Go young (except having Kylie on me Im negative) in this big city. You will meet a lot of people specially guys and will experience a lot including happiness,love,pain and all of that. I just love how the series ends, it shows a true situation of a gay man who’s regretting and realized things but his hope for finding the love again is still there even if he’s tired and make a lot of wrong decisions. This is so realistic, unlike any other series that has a fictional storyline and always happy ending story. This series is not sad for having a bad story of something this is sad because it shows the real life experience of gay man, I cried because I can relate to young I felt the lost of someone bc you need to let them go, and in the end you just need to hope that someday someone will come and give you the love that you deserved. I really like Gyu and young to have a sequel even if just one special episode or movie that shows Gyu’s pov how he felt and how was he when they broke up and went to china because we saw young’s pov after their break up. And I was hoping in the end that they will be happy together I just feel bad because they love it other they deserve to find each other again after realizing what’s lacking in their relationship. Im not expecting for S2 and such because in the book they have the same ending as the series. But im hoping they could make atleast a movie or one episode that shows gyu’s pov 🥹Was this review helpful to you?
Rewatching Immediately
I just finished this series today. It took every fiber of my being to not binge it all when it first dropped. I wanted so badly to watch it in its entirety but also didn’t want it to be over too soon. This series is a masterpiece. I’ve read the book on which it is based and remember liking it but now - in addition to rewatching the series - I will immediately be rereading the book. The cast is pitch perfect, the filming style is naturalistic yet romantic, and my favorite bits are whenever the group of friends are on screen. I cannot recommend this show enough and I hope it receives all of the acclaim it very much deserves.Was this review helpful to you?
the love we think we deserve
Before its release, Love in the Big City faced a lot of pushback and controversy. I admire the production team’s dedication in bringing this story to life despite the challenges.South Korea, like many places, still harbors prejudice toward LGBTQ+ themes, and BL dramas often face additional scrutiny. But it’s disappointing that this artistic expression, which reflects real experiences for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, would encounter so much resistance. This is the reality for countless people, and I can’t understand why two men sharing a love story on screen is any different from the heterosexual stories we’ve seen for years. Why should it be restricted when it’s simply another story about connection, pain, and growth?
Nam Yoon Su’s performance is a standout and exceeded my expectations. His portrayal was nuanced, layered, and showed a clear dedication to understanding and honoring his character’s experiences. It’s refreshing to see a character like Go Young evolve in multifaceted ways, allowing us to see vulnerability, strength, and a journey to self-understanding that isn’t one-dimensional.
Nam Yoon Su didn’t just bring Go Young to life; he made him feel relatable and genuine, and it’s clear he did his homework preparing for this role.
I’d been keeping Love in the Big City on my watchlist for a while, anticipating what the series would offer. When it was finally released, it delivered the satisfaction I expect from a well-made Korean drama. I’m not someone who often reads the original source material, but judging from feedback and reviews, it seems like the production team really respected the story’s roots. They captured the essence of the characters and crafted a realistic, engaging portrayal that felt true to the lives and relationships it was representing. I’m glad they paid attention to the finer details that make characters feel real, without compromising or simplifying their struggles.
The storyline can be complex and might feel a bit chaotic to those who prefer a straightforward plot. In reality, though, the mixed pacing and emotional highs and lows added a raw authenticity. Love in the Big City is definitely a roller-coaster of emotions, from heartfelt to heart-wrenching, with steamy and even uncomfortable moments mixed in. This range, I think, is part of its charm—it doesn’t sugarcoat relationships or emotions. Each of Go Young’s love interests brings their own traumas and past scars, adding depth to the plot and enhancing the storytelling. Their baggage isn’t there just for drama; it plays a role in their development and helps paint a fuller picture of who they are.
Despite initial expectations that it might lean into a sex-driven narrative, the series proves itself to be far more meaningful. It balances intimacy and substance thoughtfully, presenting a story that is about much more than physical attraction. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community, I found certain elements hit home, especially in how Mi Ae and Go Young’s partners portrayed their relationships and the complexities within them.
There’s a rawness here that resonates, particularly in Go Young’s romantic pursuits, which examine the universal truth that overfamiliarity can slowly erode relationships. His interactions with both Gyu Ho and Nam Gyu show how desire and boredom intertwine, a reality that often mirrors many modern-day relationships.
The chemistry among the actors was undeniable; nothing felt forced or out of place. Even the sensual scenes were handled delicately, with genuine connection in their kisses—a refreshing change from the lackluster, “fake” kisses we’ve seen in the past.
One of the most profound themes Love in the Big City explores is the idea of “the love we think we deserve versus the love others are actually able to give.” We often go through relationships looking for something specific, believing in an ideal form of love. But at the end of the day, real love is about mutual understanding, and we have to learn to accept the love that aligns with who we are. My only disappointment is in Go Young’s character arc; while he found solace and support among friends, I wanted to see a more resolved arc for him—a deeper, more satisfying exploration of self-love and fulfillment beyond friendship. The series does so much right, but leaving Go Young’s development open like that left me wishing for a bit more closure.
Was this review helpful to you?
BEST K-BL 2024
Nam Yoon Su undoubtedly delivered his most brilliant performance as an actor. From the beginning, I grasped the depth of the experience that awaited me. A show anchored in a raw, harsh, painful, but authentic reality. The work portrays with sublimated darkness the daily life of a young gay man in Seoul, exposing the inquisitive gaze of society and his family's opposition to his sexuality. He appears as a dynamic, playful figure, at the forefront of fashion, surrounded by a multitude of friends but carrying in him a sensitivity on the surface of the skin, chaining conquests without ever finding the chosen one of his heart. The true journey of our protagonist lies in his self-acceptance and his hopeless quest for love, a quest full of pitfalls. What particularly touched me was his kindness towards his mother despite her lack of support. I was receptive to solidarity between him and his roommate, who, on the contrary, gave in to family expectations. Despite divergent aspirations, their mutual support was unwavering, and I greatly appreciated their friendship, stronger than blood ties.Each of his relationships had its charm, and each partner, in a somewhat strange way, revealed new facets of our heroes, creating a captivating dynamic where exchanges enriched them, sometimes without words, simply through a visually striking and disturbing carnal relationship for those used to seeing Nam Yoon Su in more reserved roles. I was fascinated by the wisdom of life transmitted through the dialogues of the characters, their erudition, their questions about identity and the quest for oneself. However, I would have a reservation about HIV prevention, sometimes addressed lightly: an approach like "okay for this time without protection" as if it were an option. On the cinematographic level, many scenes are distinguished by their remarkable staging. Although the entire BL is tinged with dark, often nocturnal or confined to the apartment, the shots always remain sublime. Nam Yoon Su has been able to create a synergy with each of his partners, carrying me as a time in his loneliness and pain. His interpretation deeply moved me, and I found this BL work of striking depth and realism. I can only warmly recommend it! 20/20.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The best korean bl
After watching this series, it has become one of my favorites.It is that kind of series that when you finish watching it leaves a void in your heart, it has been a roller coaster of emotions, it excites you, it saddens you, it makes you happy and many other feelings that I can't explain.
The direction, performances and story are perfect and you can tell that they have put a lot of effort and hard work into the series, even though it has been criticized by a certain group of people, it has been totally worth the wait for the series.
It does not have a fairy tale ending, as it is a very realistic series that touches quite serious issues that anyone, whether or not in the lgbtiq + community, can identify with.
I recommend it 100%, everyone should definitely watch it. And if you liked it as much as me , you can also read the book.
Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful, moving, poignant
It’s really no surprise the original won the Booker Prize—this adaptation is just so damn good. Such a beautiful, brutally honest meditation on what it means to be happily, darkly, stupidly human. The characters feel completely real—flawed, complex, lovable—and the themes hit hard without being heavy-handed. There’s a rhythm to it that just works; it gives you space to feel without dragging. The acting is incredible, totally immersive, and the directing ties everything together in this quietly powerful way. It’s the kind of thing that stays with you after it ends.Was this review helpful to you?
