Bittersweet &Funny Coming of Age
I truly respect fans of the source material and it’s always difficult to watch your beloved source material be adapted to the screen: which is why I think the ratings here don’t reflect the work as its own independent story.While superficially the narrative seems like pretty well-worn territory (first crushes- both same and opposite sex) what this drama is doing beautifully is simply reflecting life the way it is: some kids in class are straight, some are gay, some aren’t even sure yet, but at the end of the day, there is both a common humanity in the first love “rite of passage”, as well as differences unique to your sexual orientation. While there is a commonality of emotional experience, respect is given with regards to the intersectionality of sexual identity and how that identity may make the rite of passage a much different journey than the journey of your straight counterparts.
The acting is not always subtle which is fine- these are high school kids and teenagers tend to react with much broader strokes than adults.
The drama explores an interesting romantic quadrangle and gives equal weight and respect to the varying combinations. The effect on the MLs’ friendship is quiet and understated (although at some point, I am anticipating a direct confrontation).
I can’t give a complete review as episodes are still dropping. But seeing the “front-facing” reviews, I felt compelled to throw an initial review together- it would be a shame to miss such a mature and honest look at the rite of passage known as your first crush- especially since it honors the reality that is often underrepresented in drama, or represented in a very narrow definition. I truly appreciate that both gay and straight identities are given space to coexist in one drama.
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Honest and Authentic
I have yet to see a narrative that so respectfully and lovingly expresses the joys, pain, longing, and frustration of queer and queer questioning youth finding their way in an unforgiving and unknowable world.This narrative serves as a prequel to Unintentional Love Story and frankly, it is the far superior and genuine story. You do not necessarily need to watch the first to appreciate this story, but if you do, you will notice the stark difference in the two tales.
The acting is sublime and each of the leads offers such warmth to their respective roles that you will long to spend more time with them.
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Overcoming Intergenerational Traum
what a heartbreaking, bittersweet, human story of the long reach childhood abuse and neglect can have. Like Love in the Big City, I don’t feel this romance is center stage- the human pain and drama will sear into your memory.The acting is stellar. Tje awkwardness of first physical love is handled with honesty and dignity, all while forcing the viewer to remember their own unsure first steps into a romantic relationship.
Tjere is a significant time jump that is jarring, but by the end, I truly understood why the writers made this choice.
Solidly number one in my favorite BLs of the year.
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