I finishing watching this film it was beautiful ❤️ tragic but beautiful. I really enjoyed watching true samurai culture and how they deal with such topics. If I heard they were making a future remake, I would be excited. Although this film as stunning in its own way and no modern retelling can live up to the costume design and settings. I loved being thrown back into a good slow detailed old film that was skilfully made. The fight scenes amazingly choreographed, you really felt the dance of the swords and how one slice could end it all.
I needed to process the ending and then double check all the symbolism behind the last few moments. Spoiler to the ending... But if you finish it and need a moment to work out things. This I found helpful. I read this and then rewatched the ending and wow it's some really good work. No wonder it had Global Acclaim. Check my post below 👇
Also if you are a person who needs a happy ending, no this is not for you
Who Kills Whom at the Ending * Kano kills Tashiro: Commander Kondo and Vice-Commander Hijikata order Kano to execute Tashiro, who is accused of attacking a fellow samurai (and suspected of murdering Yuzawa). Kano fights and slays Tashiro by the riverbank. * Okita kills Kano (off-screen): While watching the duel, Hijikata and Okita realize the truth: Kano himself was the actual culprit behind the internal murders and attacks, having framed Tashiro with planted evidence. Okita excuses himself and follows Kano into the mist; a sword clash and off-screen shout signify that Okita executes Kano to purge the discord he brought into the militia. Key Characters & Roles * Kano Sozaburo (Ryuhei Matsuda): A skilled, strikingly handsome new recruit. His presence acts as a catalyst for jealousy, obsession, and division within the strictly disciplined Shinsengumi ranks. * Hijikata Toshizo (Takeshi Kitano): The pragmatic Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi. He acts as the audience’s analytical observer, struggling to maintain order while recognizing the disruption Kano causes among the men. * Okita Soji (Shinji Takeda): A master swordsman, unit captain, and confidant to Hijikata. Calm and perceptive, he operates as the militia's ultimate enforcer of loyalty and discipline. * Tashiro Hyozo (Tadanobu Asano): A fellow recruit who becomes openly infatuated with Kano. He becomes the scapegoat for Kano's violence and is ultimately executed by him. * Kondo Isami (Yoichi Sai): The Commander of the Shinsengumi, responsible for top-level authority and rigid adherence to the samurai code. Why Hijikata Chops Down the Cherry Blossom Tree In the final scene, Hijikata stands alone, reflects on Kano's bewitching influence ("He was too beautiful... a demon possessed him"), and severs a blossoming cherry tree in a single sword stroke. This symbolic act carries multiple layers of meaning: * Severing the Illusion / Seduction: The blooming cherry tree represents fleeting, intoxicating beauty—a direct metaphor for Kano. By cutting it down, Hijikata symbolically purges Kano's disruptive presence and severs his own repressed fascination with him. * Enforcing Order over Chaos: The Shinsengumi operates on absolute discipline. The tree's destruction signifies the violent reassertion of military control over individual desire and emotional chaos. * Elegiac Fall of the Samurai: Cherry blossoms traditionally symbolize the ephemerality of life and the samurai spirit. Felling the blooming tree foreshadows the imminent collapse of the Shinsengumi and the end of the samurai era itself at the close of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Finished this BL. Sadly the last two EPs fell a little flat. The main thing that annoyed me at the end was when Kang Jae hurt himself on the hike they were on. For one you didn't see the fall, so not sure what happened. Anyway he was passed out and Jung I Hyeon was at his side trying to wake him. He wakes rather suddenly for someone passed out and says he is ok. Jung I Hyeon gets upset with him and says it's not ok to play games, then simply gets up and leaves him.
Luckily the other side couple were still there and helped Kang Jae because he had a sprained wrist.
Who does that. Just leaves someone you love on a hike when they had just fallen... ?? That was just so odd to fight about..
Dude got alpine divorced... And no one bats an eye about it. Even he never addresses it.
I loved this series except that they stretched the sister storyline way too long. I was at the point of man is…
Totally agree with you. I feel like the sisters story was drawn out so long we missed chances to look into Teng Mo's backstory. Which was what i was excited for.
Added heads up for today; Kiss or Kill, new BL not on MDL starts tonight on Gagaoolala
Please stay turned for updates on when our new Discord The BL Twins Library (opening soon). Feature of this discord - bots that update and host events for when a BL is airing - real time community discussions - news and quick links Never miss a BL again.
Aww thank you for saying that x I have another update today. I've just been a little busy setting up a BL Discord, with bots that will tell you when a show is airing. Along side many other features that will keep a BL fan keep fully up to date. X
Payback joins the ranks of elite dark BL dramas for me like KinnPorsche, Revenge Love, Knock Out, Khemjira, Kill to Love, Not Me, and The Bangkok Boys - all strong stories that build to a pinnacle high. Like KinnPorsche did years ago, Payback breaks new ground in delivering more mature, dark storylines to mainstream BL audiences. The NC scenes were handled with remarkable maturity, the skinship performed so well it sent shock waves across the BL community. The difficult topics and murders were hard to watch but essential to bring the story to a place where light could finally overshadow the darkness.
As a long-time BL watcher, I've witnessed the evolution of the genre firsthand. While high school BLs were our origin and still hold a special place in our hearts, as we've matured, so have our tastes. Payback represents that evolution. A high-stakes dark drama that hits all the right notes. For me, it's been the peak of this year's viewing, a testament to how far the genre has come in tackling complex themes without sacrificing emotional depth or entertainment value. The future of BL looks more mature, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
I'm confused. If that security guard 🍇 gao zhun in the basement then what the table scene for?
Remember they called the actor in to re-film a couple of scenes..I am guessing the table scene is being cut and the director is writing in he was saved in time.
This is what I can find about it so far. Produced by Strongberry The Story: The narrative centers on a dramatic tug-of-war between an office worker and his team leader. As their professional working relationship begins to blur, one of them firmly warns the other: "Team Leader, if you cross the line any further... I won't know what to do either."
Most likely will be on GagaOOLala, which frequently licenses STRONGBERRY projects.
This is what I can find about it so far. Produced by Strongberry The Story: The narrative centers on a dramatic tug-of-war between an office worker and his team leader. As their professional working relationship begins to blur, one of them firmly warns the other: "Team Leader, if you cross the line any further... I won't know what to do either."
Most likely will be on GagaOOLala, which frequently licenses STRONGBERRY projects.
I needed to process the ending and then double check all the symbolism behind the last few moments. Spoiler to the ending... But if you finish it and need a moment to work out things. This I found helpful. I read this and then rewatched the ending and wow it's some really good work. No wonder it had Global Acclaim. Check my post below 👇
Also if you are a person who needs a happy ending, no this is not for you
* Kano kills Tashiro: Commander Kondo and Vice-Commander Hijikata order Kano to execute Tashiro, who is accused of attacking a fellow samurai (and suspected of murdering Yuzawa). Kano fights and slays Tashiro by the riverbank.
* Okita kills Kano (off-screen): While watching the duel, Hijikata and Okita realize the truth: Kano himself was the actual culprit behind the internal murders and attacks, having framed Tashiro with planted evidence. Okita excuses himself and follows Kano into the mist; a sword clash and off-screen shout signify that Okita executes Kano to purge the discord he brought into the militia.
Key Characters & Roles
* Kano Sozaburo (Ryuhei Matsuda): A skilled, strikingly handsome new recruit. His presence acts as a catalyst for jealousy, obsession, and division within the strictly disciplined Shinsengumi ranks.
* Hijikata Toshizo (Takeshi Kitano): The pragmatic Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi. He acts as the audience’s analytical observer, struggling to maintain order while recognizing the disruption Kano causes among the men.
* Okita Soji (Shinji Takeda): A master swordsman, unit captain, and confidant to Hijikata. Calm and perceptive, he operates as the militia's ultimate enforcer of loyalty and discipline.
* Tashiro Hyozo (Tadanobu Asano): A fellow recruit who becomes openly infatuated with Kano. He becomes the scapegoat for Kano's violence and is ultimately executed by him.
* Kondo Isami (Yoichi Sai): The Commander of the Shinsengumi, responsible for top-level authority and rigid adherence to the samurai code.
Why Hijikata Chops Down the Cherry Blossom Tree
In the final scene, Hijikata stands alone, reflects on Kano's bewitching influence ("He was too beautiful... a demon possessed him"), and severs a blossoming cherry tree in a single sword stroke. This symbolic act carries multiple layers of meaning:
* Severing the Illusion / Seduction: The blooming cherry tree represents fleeting, intoxicating beauty—a direct metaphor for Kano. By cutting it down, Hijikata symbolically purges Kano's disruptive presence and severs his own repressed fascination with him.
* Enforcing Order over Chaos: The Shinsengumi operates on absolute discipline. The tree's destruction signifies the violent reassertion of military control over individual desire and emotional chaos.
* Elegiac Fall of the Samurai: Cherry blossoms traditionally symbolize the ephemerality of life and the samurai spirit. Felling the blooming tree foreshadows the imminent collapse of the Shinsengumi and the end of the samurai era itself at the close of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The main thing that annoyed me at the end was when Kang Jae hurt himself on the hike they were on. For one you didn't see the fall, so not sure what happened. Anyway he was passed out and Jung I Hyeon was at his side trying to wake him. He wakes rather suddenly for someone passed out and says he is ok. Jung I Hyeon gets upset with him and says it's not ok to play games, then simply gets up and leaves him.
Luckily the other side couple were still there and helped Kang Jae because he had a sprained wrist.
Who does that. Just leaves someone you love on a hike when they had just fallen... ?? That was just so odd to fight about..
Dude got alpine divorced... And no one bats an eye about it. Even he never addresses it.
The Sound in My Heart
https://kisskh.at/811972-the-sound-in-my-heart
Secret Lover: The Last Promise
https://kisskh.at/811998-secret-lover-the-last-promise
- Connecting to You will have a special ep airing on the 18th of September after it has finished up airing.
https://kisskh.at/811820-connecting-to-you-special-episode
My Plantito (YouTube Cut) - airing 7th of October
https://kisskh.at/811812-my-plantito-youtube-cut
Can You Kiss me First? - airing late 2026
https://kisskh.at/811810-can-you-kiss-me-first
Already out but added to MDL
Dosei no Shinyu ni, Nande Sakerareterun daro?
https://kisskh.at/811808-dosei-no-shinyu-ni-nande-sakerareterun-daro
Beside the Sky Special Episode (2026)
https://kisskh.at/811666-beside-the-sky-special-episode
The Sun from Another Star Special Episode (2026)
https://kisskh.at/811668-the-sun-from-another-star-special-episode
Love on the Needle Tip (2026)
https://kisskh.at/811896-love-on-the-needle-tip
Added heads up for today;
Kiss or Kill, new BL not on MDL starts tonight on Gagaoolala
Please stay turned for updates on when our new Discord The BL Twins Library (opening soon).
Feature of this discord
- bots that update and host events for when a BL is airing
- real time community discussions
- news and quick links
Never miss a BL again.
I have another update today. I've just been a little busy setting up a BL Discord, with bots that will tell you when a show is airing. Along side many other features that will keep a BL fan keep fully up to date. X
Payback joins the ranks of elite dark BL dramas for me like KinnPorsche, Revenge Love, Knock Out, Khemjira, Kill to Love, Not Me, and The Bangkok Boys - all strong stories that build to a pinnacle high. Like KinnPorsche did years ago, Payback breaks new ground in delivering more mature, dark storylines to mainstream BL audiences. The NC scenes were handled with remarkable maturity, the skinship performed so well it sent shock waves across the BL community. The difficult topics and murders were hard to watch but essential to bring the story to a place where light could finally overshadow the darkness.
As a long-time BL watcher, I've witnessed the evolution of the genre firsthand. While high school BLs were our origin and still hold a special place in our hearts, as we've matured, so have our tastes. Payback represents that evolution. A high-stakes dark drama that hits all the right notes. For me, it's been the peak of this year's viewing, a testament to how far the genre has come in tackling complex themes without sacrificing emotional depth or entertainment value. The future of BL looks more mature, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
- Four Hands, Two Sonatas airing August 29
https://kisskh.at/795728-four-hands
The Last Lock of Love - no airing date yet
https://kisskh.at/811676-the-last-lock-of-love
Play Me - airing Jul 31, 2026
https://kisskh.at/811678-play-me
Beonneunsai - no airing date
https://kisskh.at/811688-beonneunsai
Twisted Tie -
https://kisskh.at/811590-twisted-tie
Trailer: https://youtu.be/fFHTgUnmDhY?si=B_G6rcGk0j7HeGKH
This is what I can find about it so far.
Produced by Strongberry
The Story: The narrative centers on a dramatic tug-of-war between an office worker and his team leader. As their professional working relationship begins to blur, one of them firmly warns the other: "Team Leader, if you cross the line any further... I won't know what to do either."
Most likely will be on GagaOOLala, which frequently licenses STRONGBERRY projects.
This is what I can find about it so far.
Produced by Strongberry
The Story: The narrative centers on a dramatic tug-of-war between an office worker and his team leader. As their professional working relationship begins to blur, one of them firmly warns the other: "Team Leader, if you cross the line any further... I won't know what to do either."
Most likely will be on GagaOOLala, which frequently licenses STRONGBERRY projects.