Not For Everyone
The best and most inappropriate way I can describe this is imagine if Dario Argento (Italian film maker known for Suspiria) and Orson Welles (of Citizen Kane fame) got really drunk and decided to have a threesome with The Manchurian Candidate- Black Stage might be the head scratcher, imaginary love child of that drunken encounter.If that sounds intriguing, this second season of Enigma is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the fusion of old world belief with contemporary celebrity culture, although the execution was a little clunky.
I truly wish they had done two or three more episodes to really explore some of the post-modernist, Marxist, and capitalist social indictments that seemed too tacked on to really make for cohesive themes. This is a series that suffered from brevity- a more expansive third act might have made this a real contender for classic status.
It feels incomplete and my high rating is more of an appreciation for what was there instead of what was missing.
Season one started by sowing chaos on a small scale while season two attempted to bring that chaos to a national stage. Again, the brevity of the story, the lack of revealing the impact on the watching audience, and a budget that couldn’t allow for a more expansive story really makes the narrative they were attempting to tell feel incomplete. Ironically, a character speaks at length about what happens to understanding when chapters in a book are missing or skipped. This season feels like some of the best chapters were referenced instead of given to the audience.
But I enjoyed it. It was different (which is becoming increasingly rare) and if you are a true fan of horror that attempts to hold a mirror up to society, give it a shot. Even imperfect horror is better than no horror at all!
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More Authentic Than Rumored
Notice the wide range of reviews for this follow-up series- ignore the vague reviews and zero in on specific criticisms.I watched season one (Kiseki Chapter 2) owing to its infamy- and in many ways, that infamy is earned.
Both season one and two do something most casual BL watchers don’t see too often- slice of life very much from the male perspective. Most BL is written by women for women and (especially season two) I feel Kiseki Chapter 2 and Shimane are written from the male perspective, which is what makes it a unique BL entry.
The interplay amongst the male characters runs the spectrum from awkward to vulnerable not the way women imagine men to be, but more how men are. Male bonding and friendship is written realistically here and it happens over fart jokes, homoerotic drinking games, and a slow slip of their masks to reveal more authentic feelings.
Shimane definitely has the more traditional story map of conflicts and resolutions, but for me, that isn’t the strength of this series. The strength of the series is in the quiet moments between characters who are unsure if feelings are enough to overcome problems. The quiet and tender moments in bed, the more realistic visual of men enjoying each other’s bodies without all the female-written romanticizing.
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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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The Story of Bi Hyeong: Enchanted Master of the Goblin
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Whimsical & Lighthearted
A truly whimsical tale done with love and executed well. Animations provide backstory and they are illustrated with a classic timelessness that truly sets the mood for the early episodes.It is a fairytale plopped right into the contemporary world and much like Secret Vampire, offers a humorous glimpse into how otherworldly creatures acclimate to being a part of- yet apart from- the human world.
The acting stays solidly grounded in realistic performance, ensuring the fantasy tone and story elements also stay grounded.
This is a lovely piece to watch on a cold night with your favorite blanket and a cup of cocoa with marshmallows.
It was delightful.
While it does complete the narrative arc, the slight open ended final moments leave the door open for a second season or a few special episodes.
Fresh characters, fresh folk tale presentation and some adherence to trope and genre does make it a little predictable, but the cast is so likable, you won't mind that you know where it's going.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Master Class in Acting
What could have been a banal, enjoyable watch is elevated tremendously by the sheer will and force of Fujibayashi Yasunari's (Enaga/Ae) performance. I noted that this review contains spoilers and it's a rather minor spoiler considering that all the characterization, conflict, and themes rest on what happens after the "big reveal" very early in the show's run.Yasunari has created two distinct characters in his performance: Enaga and Ai. He has accomplished this on a genetic level. Each "character" he plays has a distinct walk, posture, line delivery, and even gaze. In the hands of a lesser actor, this role could have merely let the piece be what it's script delivered- a "mistaken identity" romantic comedy that bordered on farcical. But the subtlety of what Yasunari has accomplished is what elevates the show above it's material- it is completely believable that Nagano Ryota's character (Chiaki) is entirely oblivious as the "two" men he is spending so much time with are so disparate and even unrecognizable to each other in juxtaposition. The amount of commitment to craft is obvious and it is a shame that this genius performance will go under-recognized simply because of the genre in which it was delivered.
But this praise of performance does not end with Yasunari; after all, he needs a scene partner and this is where Ryota's choices really shine. It is tremendously challenging to play the "straight man" to an "over-the-top" character and Ryota delivers the foundation on which Yasunari builds his performance. Ryota is tasked with delivering "unbridled admiration" for his bias in their "AE" scenes and what could have very easily been "cringe" or scene chewing is given such a sweet, hot, shyness: a sense of being slightly overwhelmed by the brilliance yet basking in the warmth of his personal sun in such a way that his growth and comfort feel organic. There were times I felt a phantom blush and reddening of my own ears watching this dynamic and this attests to Ryota's talent.
Kudos to the director for trusting the subtlety of what his actors were doing and just letting them deliver. The performances are what really elevate this material to the position of noteworthy.
You've seen this type of story play out one hundred times if you are a BL fan. But you've never seen it played out in the hands of two master craftsmen like Yasunari and Ryota. One caveat though- Ryota's character is slightly underwritten so his performance pales slightly in comparison to Yasunari's.
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Quiet, Heartfelt, Amazing Chemistry
There is nothing achingly original about the story line- a well-traveled BL fan has seen this sweet story of childhood friends turned awkward lovers countless times, but there is a freshness in the way the story unfolds. The use of flashback enhances the emotion of the present day story and it’s through those flashbacks, so well integrated into the present day story, that really brings the depth of the love story to your heart.And the chemistry between the male leads is a perfect balance of sweet, tender, romantic love, and a more primal, fierce, I need to possess you intensity.
now that the series has finished, I can see this becoming a comfort watch that I come back to time and time again, not unlike Time of Fever.
both actors bring such earnestness to their portrays of their characters that you are immediately enamored with them as individuals and as a couple.
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The Actors Slayed
I am not really a fan of the vertical drama format, but I have to give respect to this production team- they knew the format and told a really well-executed story in it. As a former film teacher, I recognize the talent and technical know-how to pull off as tightly crafted a story as this in this format. I truly respect the craft that is evident here, even if this mode of storytelling isn't my cup of tea.But what truly shines here is the acting. it's natural, understated, and despite a script that missed important story beats, the actors' performances somehow provided those beats. There were scenes and arcs that seemed alluded to and not explored, and yet the actors' tight performances made me feel like I had witnessed those scenes.
Overall, it had the warmth and naturalness of Thamepo with a slightly more mature couple. Highly recommend.
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Earnest, Honest, Understated Tale
Such an earnest, honest, and understated tale. A simple, quirky little story that seemed bigger than the sum of its wonderful parts. Kudos to the actors for their sincerity and to the entire team that clearly made this with a great deal of love for the script. It shined through.An interesting spin on vampire lore, but the vampiric element is truly incidental, I honestly felt like this tale was more of a "Coming of Age" or "coming to terms" metaphor for what happens when you cut people off from the shared history, cultural identity, and necessary information to navigate their burgeoning queerness. These vampires don't know what it means to be a vampire. An early running joke has them doing "research" about what it means- the physicality, the actuality, and the practicality- all of which they have been denied. Devouring books, films, and "urban legends" around vampirism was intelligently humorous and what led me to the conclusion that this is really a metaphor for the challenges queer youth have in coming to terms with themselves when they are bereft of reliable information and community. Left to muddle through with what scant information is available has a psychological and emotional toll and I think this series- through humor and monster archetype- illustrated this struggle with a light touch and in a non-preachy way. Even the emotional fall-out of said isolation was dealt with lightly, though sincerely, by the script and the performances.
But fundamentally, it is a simple love story and the actors' performances invest you in that story. The chemistry amongst the entire cast is palpable and the chemistry between the obvious pairings is sizzling underneath the words and actions.
As others lamented during the show's run, the episodes are short and there are only eight, and we all wanted more.
Tuck this title away for a time when you need a short story arc to soothe your weary soul. The actors, the script, and the production values are all on point. This one may not change the genre, but sometimes that's okay too. Sometimes well-done familiarity offered with sincerity and love is just what you need.
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It Shouldn’t Hit Like This
I remember seeing the trailer for this and thinking to myself, “well this is straight up porn”. I figured it would be a passable titillating and forgettable watch- and I am thrilled to admit how wrong I was.THE GOOD/GREAT:
1- Boat and Oat are a part of the wave that is redefining boundaries in Thai BL (think SmartBoom). They rise above what’s written on the page to give more dimension and depth than what I believe the script demands. Their chemistry is not only undeniable, but it has layers. Yes, they are trending for the NC scenes (which are fire) but it’s the super subtle chemistry in the forehead kiss, the carnival, the way in which right under all that fierce passion is an emotional connection that feels so tenuous yet so strong (because of each character) that you are transfixed when they are on screen together. It feels like you are watching two people whose absolute trust in each other allows them the safety net needed to act a difficult relationship that should not have us rooting for a happy ending. GMMTv better pay attention and take notes or they are going to be left in the dust.
2- They lean heavily into one theme for character growth (you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone) which serves the story and character arc well. Loss usually is a great motivator for change, and it’s a solid theme on which to build character growth.
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Worthy Entry Into the Genre
It was fantastic.The joy (at least for me) in teaching Monster Archetype theory has always been about the evolution of the genre.
Monster Archetype theory is predicated upon this idea: the monster and its stories that a culture creates gives you tremendous insight into the sociopolitical reality of that culture. To watch what the culture does over time with its monster stories allows you to understand what fears and ideology the "common man" has in any given time period. It's a Common Man approach to history (instead of the traditional Great Man Approach).
The writer's nailed the social commentary. This incarnation speaks directly to power with its full chest: economic power, patriarchal power, and legacy of power.
The script was brilliant (although I'm sure some things were lost in translation).
A powerful statement deeply rooted in global fears and anxiety about the control the ultra wealthy have been able to wrest from our democracies.
Highly recommend
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A Worthwhile Story
It is the rare BL (although I'm not sure this could be called a BL drama) that tackles head-on serious issues and then doesn't resolve them neatly at the end of the show's run.This show hits hard with its subject matter and the camera does not flinch for a moment in capturing the physical, emotional, and psychological pain these characters experience. There are some very bold choices made by the director, and those choices may not be safe or comfortable for all viewers.
What begins as (what we assume ) will be another trope-filled college drama actually drops very subtle hints that all is not what it appears. It would be very difficult to say more without giving spoilers so I will leave it at this. A devastating and traumatizing incident and the emotional and psychological aftermath of this incident are handled with maturity, honesty, and an unflinching camera. This is not a "comfort watch" but a watch that will take you down a very raw path.
It is absolutely worth watching once but is not a journey I would take again- not because it is not done well, but precisely because it is done very well.
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Scream+The Glory+Incidental BL
Headline says it all. If you took the movie Scream, added The Glory with a peppering of Thai BL, DFF would be the result.what starts as a love letter to American 90s slasher films quickly plants its roots in Thai culture. The result might have been messier in less capable hands (definitely not perfect by any stretch of the imagination). The director was able to get some really decent performances from a very young and inexperienced cast (Jin, Phee, Non, Tee) and there was nothing gratuitous about the NCs- in fact, I felt they served narrative purpose you don’t often find in Thai BLs.
For fans of smartish slasher films, I strongly recommend. For fans looking for a morally ambiguous romp, I highly recommend.
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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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Standing Ovation
First and foremost, I have to state my utmost respect to Mile and Apo. They leveraged their clout, brand, and fan base to not only bring a stellar work to fruition, but to hand over the spotlight to other actors and cast themselves as supporting characters. The humility and commitment to their acting community, authentic and damn good storytelling, and the audience's experience should be loudly noted. This type of generosity should be resoundingly applauded and acknowledged.This should not be billed as a BL- not because it is lacking in BL romance and spice (oh, it brings it all) but because the representation of gay and bisexual love is incidental representation- gay and bisexual humans have existed throughout history, lived that history, and had to find ways to love and survive in that history. The history and the lived experience is what SHINES in this production. The human experience- gay, straight, and bi, young, old... human- is represented beautifully.
The storytelling does not paint villains and heroes easily. Instead, it leans into the moral ambiguity that often exists when fighting for what you believe. Living the consequences of your choices is a major theme to the piece, and instead of moralizing by assigning "happy endings" or "just desserts" to characters, the storytelling firmly takes the position that making the choice is what is important; to do nothing, to not choose, is the greatest sin we commit. This is a thematic statement that feels incredibly poignant to me as an American at this time and place in my nation's history.
The acting and delivery is truly next level, the production values are top notch including the sound engineering (a particular pet peeve of mine with regards to many Thai productions), and no budget was spared in recreating this indelible moment in Thai history. The script, directing, and execution are award-winning worthy.
Early in its run (as episodes were dropping) a great deal of negative reaction was popping up on social media. For some, I think they were expecting a redux of the Kinn Porsche aesthetic and storytelling. For others, I think they expected to be spoon fed important histocultural details that makes the viewing experience a little easier. It doesn't take much time to hop on Google and get some context to this period in Thai history so you can understand the sociopolitical implications as you watch. If we are going to embrace the art of a culture, don't we have a little bit of an obligation to do our homework and meet the storytelling halfway when we are lacking prior knowledge to enhance our understanding? I firmly believe the answer to that question is, "yes." For every 20 BLs that require no effort on the part of the international audience in order to understand and enjoy, you will find that beautiful treasure- like Shine- that requires a little more effort to participate. Take five minutes to gather some prior knowledge as it will truly make this viewing experience better.
I will rewatch this someday. But for now, I just want to sit with it in my heart and in my brain and give myself some time with it before I rewatch.
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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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