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The smoothest series, watchable- not bad but not exactly amazing.First a quick recap. The cutest motorcycle driver (Mork) was dumped by his girlfriend for being poor. The (probably rich) doctor (Tawan) was heartbroken by a cheating lover. Together, they formed a friendship, and becasue the doctor, who brings his own protection(i mean the helmet), keeps riding the cute guy, I mean getting his services, I mean as a driver (SPOILER ALERT) they fell in love. And lived happily ever after. The end.
But seriously, who wouldnt fall for those dimples. Those sweet smile can make one wet and flood the dryest of the Saharan desert. The real question is why it took Tawan approximately 9 episodes to finally admit his feelings for Mork, still puzzles me.
There are so many things to love about the series. First, its a breath of fresh air that the series is not school or university themed, because god knows we have way too much of that already. Second, the main couple, their chemistry is not exactly electric but its hard to hate them. Did i mention how cute Fluke is? Everytime i think the show is too boring, this guy hooks me back in. Third, i love Mork's uncles specially since it is rare to see long-term same sex couple in a series. Fourth, the motorcycle ride in episode 7, when Tawan fell asleep behind Mork is BL gold.
On the other hand, these are some of the things they could have improved. First, Mork's friends were ok, but the riot act during the festival was totally unbelievable and could have been played better. Next, the second couple Toy and Boss. I loved seeing Yoon but Best could use some acting workshop, i just cant believe their chemistry. Third, I also hate to say this but Nadia and Mayom couple didnt make much impact, if only they gave them better arc. Fourth, and i dont know why, has something to do with the pacing, sometimes, it can feel a little too boring.
So, in overall, would i recommend? Yes, like i said, the dimples alone deserves the screen time. Would i rewatch? Hard to tell, but maybe not anytime soon.
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The story was just ok, im just glad they didnt drag the Pha&Yo getting to know stage and just summarised it in the first few episodes. Its good that they gave the other 2 team enough time to shine too. I especially ship Forth & Beam cause that guy Forth is the goddess gift to mankind :). I could watch a whole series with Forth and Beam just being cute together.
All other stuff are just your yada yada usual trope. Yes, after watching my fair share of BL, this one doesnt offer anything new.
What i probably hate most is the cliffhanger. They were slowly building up to an ending and then suddenly new conflicts are introduced at the very last episode only to not reach a climax/closure. Thats a bit lame and a bit of an insult to fans especially if the sequel is just being planned.
Rewatch just to ogle at the cute guys. Is it enough to watch the whole series? No, not really.
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First and for the love of god, why is Type's character written like the biggest asshole in town. If ever id meet someone like Type in real life id definitely run the other way. Yes there was a traumatic experience but its not an excuse to be an arse.
My advise to my fellow LGBTQ memebers here, dont ever date someone like Type in real life. He will make your life a living hell, this guy is so toxic and you deserve better. And also when your roommate tells you he hates gays like you, you go away as fast as you can, not secretly touch him when he is sleeping. That's called sexual harassment. And all the more reason for him to hate gay guys. And also, when somebody sexually harasses you, you dont open the cave to let them in, you go to police. The show is just not sending the right message.
One of the most annoying character ever is Tar. He was annoying in Love by Chance and he was as equally annoying here. (i dont hate the actors just the character). He was introduced so early in the show only to really matter in the last 2 or 3 episodes - and a bit creepy almost incestious onesided relationship with the stepbrother.
When i reviewed SOTUS, i said there was almost no intimate moments - this one is the exact opposite.
Hard to rewatch. I give it an overall rating of 6.
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The original Present Perfect is a good film, albeit has a very serious tone. This director showed us how to top up a good movie and not suffer from sequelitis.
Toey is once again in his 'escape trip', and after four long years, Oat decided to show up and reconnect. If I may say, Oat and Toey both somehow managed to look 'hotter' than when they shot the first film. The hotel is the perfect romantic backdrop, and the new character - Jen - provided what i never expected to be a needed lightness to the story. Kenta was cute but a little bit underused.
Yes, the story isnt unique by any means but our connection with the characters kept it engaging. I like the fact that Toey isnt all that selfsih and is self aware of the damage he could cause. I am specially moved by how they handled the situation with Oat's wife. One thing that surprised me negatively is that they made Yumi a divorcee in the end, as i didnt think it was necessary.
Is it a must watch? No, not exactly, its not a waste of time but it is NOTunforgettable. Is it rewatchable? To be honest, no, once is enough. If you're curious, go see the first film before watching this. At least the subscription to gagaoolala (for that month) was made worthy because of this. Overall rating 8 out of 10 stars.
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RUSTED SPOONS
The biggest flaw of the story is giving out way too many golden spoon, it kind of reduced the importance of an otherwise powerful selling point.I will be honest. This is the first Yook Sung Jae series that I have completed (I tried his last show but i cant get past the second episode). This guy is handsome and has the acting chops to boot. Here, as Lee Seung Chun, he caught me in his trap from the very first episode. Something about his pain from being born poor felt effective and believable, and you want him to get out of his desperate situation even if it means somebody else will suffer in his place. As a viewer you'd want to give him the best too.
To be rich, he has to take the place of Hwang Tae Yong, who at first, seems like a despicable character. After a few episodes he managed to switch places, unfortunately for Seung Chun, it is not all greener on the other side as he found out that even the rich Tae Yong has his own personal challenges and demons of his own. Even more unfortunate for Seung Chun, Lee Jong Won's good performance as the new Seung Chun is even better than the original, that you cant help but root for him even more than Sung Jae.
Golden Spoon has managed to convey the rich versus poor comparison very well, albeit, they showed it in a way that poor is synonymous with good and rich is synonymous with evil.
We later found out that there was not only one but quite a few of these golden spoons, which, like I said in the beginning, kind of reduced the importance of the show's most powerful selling point. It felt like a lazy attempt to build the show's tension, to the point that when the last spoon user was revealed, it didnt have the imapct they hoped to create and my eyes just rolled up too high thought it left my skull. It was a waste of cameo from Na In Woo.
Has anyone noticedbhow the seemingly good hearted granny selling these golden spoons is nothing but a creepy Rumpelstiltskin-like character. She just doesn't give a sh*t if the spoon destroys lives, just as long as you buy the spoon. I would have wanted to see her true evil colors, and that she gives all those who used the spoons get what they deserve in return, which comes to that ending that I hated - Seung Chun should have been punished (or at least got the karma he deserved) but instead he got out almost unscathed and looks like he will manage to win the girl after all.
Overall, im still giving it an 8 out of 10. Would i rewatch? Probably not, although Im looking forward to seeing more of Yook Sung Jae and Lee Jong Won's other works.
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I AM KNOCKED DOWN, HARD
Oddly satisfying and arguably one of the best last episodes in a series, BL or not.Dont hate me, i will be honest for a little bit. I watched it because all the other BL series (except one or two) being aired at the same time are mostly lackluster. It wasn't as popular as the other series from bigger companies, as a matter of fact there was hardly any mention of this series from any YT BL vloggers. The story is nothing special (on paper) and the initial pacing was a little off for me.
The first episodes, although engaging, are hard to watch. Its the story of a (slightly dumb) high school gang leader trying to bully a senior college student into doing his bidding. I find myself dumbfounded as to why someone would put himself in an awkward position by someone a lot younger than him. I wasnt buying the premise, i hate the bullying.
However, as the episodes go by, i find myself eagerly following their story and waiting for the next episodes to come. There is something about Noey's demeanor, innocense and cluelessness that keeps you hooked. The awkward acting of Thiwa is puzzling - was it because he was an amature actor or was it an intentional choice? In the end, it didnt matter because they blend well together. Auntie Tim, NidNhoi and Thiw are also good addition to the story.
By episode 8 I found myself inlove with the series.
The set and location are amazing. Above average production quality and photography. There was also a few scenes where the actors are allowed to shine, without it being too dramatic. Take note other series creators (ahemmmmmm 12% and Between us) - you dont have to make your actors cry unnecessarily just to showcae their acting skills.
Oh i have to make a special mention of the very unique end credit scenes, cause that is effin genius and I really loved it! It is unique and I specially loved it in episode 11 when Thiwa was dancing alone (after that heartbreaking cliffhanger confession) and in episode 12 when they were dancing together via videocall.
This is arguably one of the best BL series right now. And, yes i loved the last episode and the satisfying way they wrapped things up. I hope there are more projects for Tar and Bom. Definitely a good series to reccomend and rewatch - 9 stars!
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I SHOULD HATE IT BUT I DONT
It started out as a typical "im a poor orphan boy and i work gazillions of job to make ends meet - you should love me and sympathyze with me because im poor but Im kind" story. It should sound overused on paper, but for me, it still worked.Lets begin by talking about the gorgeous cast - they're all just beautiful! Kaitoon and Nont is already a good pair, but Valen won me over. The second couple is intriguing too. Oh, and I love Valen's sister, and how she knows what's going on but is not being nosy and is just being a forgiving and supportive sister. I even like Valen's friends and how they're just nonchalant about their 2 friends love interests.
I am also hooked by the way they showed same sex relationships is a non-issue and doesnt need to be discussed as if its the most normal thing in the world. I also appreciate that there are no villains in the series.
However, I wouldnt even call the series short and sweet cause there were a few times, even at 6 episodes, when i cant help but fast forward. There was also a few plot points left unexplained and the way they presented it made me ache for the second part BUT even if some unforeseen events come to pass and they can't continue the series, the ending still feels like a good conclusion.
What i hate is the way Kaitoon treated Nont, cause Nont doesnt deserve that. The problem with that however, is even if the second lead is lovable, i still love Valen even more.
Im giving it an overall 7 stars. Lets just hope that when, and if they return, that they'd make this an even better show and not ruin it just like a lot of sequels out there.
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The idea of putting together the trinity, in a setting that somewhat reminded me of 'Friends' was genius(ok well maybe not genius but the fanservice is totally appreciated) - it was a break from GMMtV's usual Friday night BL schedule - even without the BL elements.
The plot was kind of forced and silly - six guys with the same name living in one house. Each one has their own phobia and will overcome it with the help of each other. This is a family drama with each one having their own backstory and a time to shine, although i feel like Singto's screentime was less than the others.
The acting and the production is outstanding, their house (production design) is also great, i especially love seeing the full glory of the house during the end credits. The pacing is perfect.
What i love the most is just seeing all of them together. Their chemistry is fantastic, its like watching real friends in real life.
What i hate is the fact that it is shorter than the average Thai dramas, and with only eight episodes i am left wanting more! Also i feel like i may have enjoyed this drama simply because im already a fan of all these 6 actors, but if it maybe a different stort if this was seen by someone who doesnt know them at all.
Still, im thankful for this series and will be rewatching.
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After years of being together, we got a glimpse of the life of Arthit and Kongpob, but the more i see the more i question if they really love each other - almost no intimacy, and a couple who doesnt really know each other. Signs of an unhealthy closeted gay guys' relationship. Yes I went there. The fact that it always feels like Kongpob is chasing after Arthit just hurts me. I wouldnt want to stay in that kind of relationship. These 2 are so intent on keeping with their narrative that THEY ARE NOT GAY so we dont do intimacy - is forgivable in SOTUS, but here, it is just too tiring to watch.
The show also introduced a lot of new characters while the rest of the old cast were left to be extras - a lot of useless annoying characters especially that super annoying unremorseful HR staff that should have been fired the moment she leaked those photos . That old accounting lady, as much as i hate her character, should be whiplashing almost everyone in that company.
Cannot rewatch it even if you pay me. Im still giving it a 7 overall just because Krist and Singto are amazing actors. Otherwise dont waste your time.
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This PART 2 Should Never Have Happened
If you loved the first part, DONT WATCH THIS. You have been warned. This series suddenly made All of Us Our Dead a masterpiece.The first part was an ok mess, there were some things that can be improved if you are nitpicking but still it was a fun gory watch.
Then this happened. The awaited conclusion, that sadly wasnt what it was expected to be. There was a sudden shift in tone and genre - what was initially an apocalyptic scifi horror show became a teenage psychotic drama.
Unlike some people who enjoyed it till episode 9, i was already dreading the ending from episode 7, the shift in pacing was noticeable after the action sequence at the beginning of the episode, and was constantly waiting for the action and the momsters to attack. By the end of episode 8, i already had the feeling the cute alien monsters are never coming back.
I can only conclude that the studio decided it is not worth to give this series the budget for special effects but they're already shooting so they changed plan mid-way that forced them to give it a totally different ending.
Dont get me wrong, these whole second part is not a bad drama - if it wasnt the conclusion of Duty After School Part 1. The problem is, this is not what i signed up for. I was waiting for a gory end, a satisfactory conclusion. I want answers to the questions that arised from the first part, but none of that were resolved. In the finale, suddenly we are led to believe that after 2 years, a magic wand was brandished and everything is back as it used to be. Where are all these people during the war? What we get is a drama that reminds me so much of the series Happiness.
There was a line in the last episode that perfectly summarizes the whole PART 2, when Chi Yeol said that a weapon was developed and ridiculously all the spheres were eliminated. This part 2 is exactly that - a total pointless waste of time and money.
Whats even worse is how they treated the actors - because everyone was quite good in it. Their characters doesnt deseeve their endings and its such a waste as this could have been a career-launching show.
It is such a shame because there could be a wealth of ideas to mine from the original story that could have been used to extend the span of this series into multiple season.
Avoid at all cost. Not worth your time.
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It is just one of the many 'what the f' moments, and there was a lot.
First the story - a love story with a supernatural twist and that's what brought me to the series. It was slowly setting up the mistery and then midway i felt duped into watching the show - the supernatural elements was so scarce (or was intentionally dialed down) that you almost dont feel it. To add to the insult, none of that was explained, not in the tiniest bit. The writers are just taking the viewers for a ride and they think you'd be ok with it. Seriously, more on that in the end of this review. Also, the way people grieve for their dead in the series is just over the top, its as if their love ones died just recently when the fact of the matter is, both featured loved ones died at least 5 years before the present time.
Second, the characters. Runway is pretending to be an angel but a user in real life. Dream is a perverted being. Guide is a 'confused' gay guy with a mustache. Yim is, i dont know what Yim is, you take advantage of him and he will say thank you. Yaimai is a martyr pretending to be a mean girl. Good may be the only good one here. Elle is a shapeshifting homecrasher/homewrecker demon. Oh there's also a rapist and a crazy mother. Did i mention 5 of them are in a love pentagon?
I do appreciate that they tried to do a series without any real antagonists and that comflicts and complications were the result of the characters acrions rather than creating fake bitches and villains.
The pacing was so painstakingly slow where in some episodes nothing really happens and then they just insert one small moment to tease the audience. Its like they had a story in mind and then the producers had a brilliant idea that this series can go on for three seasons and instead of thingking of new twists to the plot they just decided to cut their story into three parts and stretched the middle part into these 12 very long episodes. Yes this is the middle part because apparently from the teaser there is SUPPOSED to be a next season which is going to be a prequel of some sort. Whats worst, like i mentioned earlier, is when you realize in the end that nothing will be resolved and explained after very slowly building up the events, not even a single happy ending. To add salt to the injury, it looks like there is no more second season so yeah full marks for leaving all the stories hanging and bailing on the viewers.
I finished the series screaming to the telly "what the effin f**k?"
Stay away from this one. Dont even think about trying it. I wasted my time to see it so you dont have to waste yours. You are warned.
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For real, my PREJUDICE is showing
I am going to be biased in this review, whether i like it or not. If youre a big KPop fan, who doesnt fantasize about the scenarios in this drama. Its a fanboy/fangirl dream come to life.Kim Kang Min played Choi Si Yeol perfectly as a member of an ageing idol group and Kevin as the almost geeky and perfectly relatable teacher Na Ae Jun. The moment the show started i am immediately transported into the shoes of Ae Jun - the slowmo moments and the cute fangirling - my heart would have exploded and i wouldnt have his self control when faced in similar situation.
Im glad that the episodes were a little bit longer than the usual KBLs and isntead of 8 we got 10 episodes. It was the perfect length to tell the story without rushing things.
The show, however, isnt perfect - first, it felt like there was a little bit of budget constraints especially when acquiring songs because this is a show about a KPop idol but there wasnt really any great song for the soundtrack. I also felt like there was a lot of missed opportunity to tell a deeper story as they glossed over the difficulties faced by idols (and their partners) especially when it comes to their personal lives.
This series also amped up my anxiety to the max. When it was revealed that Si Yeol is only using Ae Jun to exact revenge on Ji Kyusong i felt afraid for him and imagined how devastated it would be if he found out that his bias has been deceiving him. I sincerely felt that the show didnt handle that situation very well because that was some weird dark sh^t and it was downplayed as something to be forgiven easily just because "i like you first for a really long time".
What could have been an impactful romance drama became a cute, fluffy and light fantasy (yes i consider it a fantasy since i think everything is just a fantasy happening in the mind of Ae Jun) series that lacked real depth.
Dont get me wrong, Its not a bad drama but its definitely not on the level as some of the best KBLs like Semantic Error, To My Star, Bleuming and Love for Love's Sake.
Would I recommend? Yes, definitely.
Would I rewatch? Probably not.
Giving it a high 8 just because i love all of the 4 main cast. I told you im going to be biased.
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FAILED
A good attempt that failed miserably. If you havent seen this just stay away, otherwise youd be watching "The Sandee Show".The good:
1. Good actors - Enzo and Darwin are good as Ken and Shake, Keijiee was also convincing as Heaven, even John as Romeo. I also love Yayo's subtle strong single mother acting (more on Yayo later);
2. There is a number 2?
The bad:
1. Sandee. BIG PERIOD;
2. The crying Yayo;
3. The deaths and that ghost-seeing character;
4. The second half of the story;
5. That horrible horrible Ken hospital makeup;
6. The title. How the hell did that title connect to this series? What was so extraordinary???
The moment it was implied that one character can see ghosts and then really saw one at the theater, i knew immediately that something was off with this show, and that things will turn sour. I was hoping i was wrong but damn, they had to go there and it immediately went downhill.
Tropes and my snide remarks aside, the truth is this series had so much potential in the beginning. The first few episodes can actually be considered good - the characters, the acting, the script, and specially the non-Covid plot ( Covid-related fictional stories from the Philippines is just so overused now). Remove the girl best friend and i would gladly give this show 9 gold stars out of 10. Why the heck then do i think the show failed?
It is because of the second half- when the two gay lead characters became extras and the two female characters became the leads. The first episode promised a well produced series with its two gay characters at the center of the story, not as villains, and not as a source of comedic and idiotic relief - something we havent seen in a normal Philippine primetime tv show. What they delivered instead was a confusing mess, and an attempt to give the veteran Yayo the heavy lifting in acting. The story shifted from a love story into a preachy information campaign - "End Homophobia Now" or your child or your friend could die.
The show would also like us to believe that the love between Ken and Shake is so EXTRAORDINARY, that heaven and earth will move just to bring them together even in the afterlife- something that wasnt even established enough before their demise . What little time they got in the first half is a beginning of a love story, at best, they're not even officially a couple yet. They could have spent a couple more episodes to make us believe that what they have is real love.
Also, this series became a semi-supernatural show with a cheap attempt to copy that "Sixth Sense" twist that you can see from miles away. Then they gave extended screentime for the wailing mother, and that best friend who is actually a selfish insecure b*tch. If i was the mother and after realizing what i did, i would have beaten that pretend angel into a pulp. That character lacked remorse and would forever be etched in my mind as one of the worst characters ever.
Overall im giving it a 5.5 just because of the good first half. Should you watch it? No you shouldnt. Will i rewatch? Hell no! Oh, did i mention i hate Sandee?
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Sweet B*thcy Life
A testament that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach!Its a story of two guys, both living alone and finding comfort in ach other through good food. One is an awkward cutie college student and one is a suave police officer.
What i liked about it is it's sweet and slow-paced approach to the story. Both characters hinted of having a sad backstory, but that wasnt the focus of the story and was only slightly brushed upon, instead they decided to keep it light and palatable that unfortunately if you look closer may make you feel that the show lacked depth. The intention of the show is just to show life is better experienced with someone you love!
Of course it didnt hurt that they cast two very good looking leads and the Japanese robotic (that should have been patented by now) acting worked out great in its favor. To be perfectly honest, nothing much has been happening every episode and the whole series would have been perfectly ok in maybe 6 episodes but seeing both of the actors just being cute together is enough to keep me watching the show. I also liked Isumi's friends especially Yohei, who acted more like a fairy god BL mother in the story.
HOWEVER, in what feels like a big clickbait BL thirsttrap, I initially thought that they were spoiling the story in the credits sequence which showed a lot of scenes of Isumi and Kyosuke being sweet together and holding hands in public. The truth is those sequences wasnt even shown in the actual series (the same exact sequence and a just a tad more was just shown in the last few minutes as a closing montage of their time together). There was even a time around the middle episodes when i was even questioning whetherthis was in fact just a bromance show and a one-sided unrequited love and that Amasawa only really saw Isumi as a younger brother and Isumi was only misinterpreting Amasawa's actions. Every next episode preview would tease us that something sweet will be happening in the next episode only for it to turn out into nothing the next week. It only really paid off during the last few minutes of the finale and by that time you feel like you just havent seen enough of the two as a couple together.
With that consideration aside, i still feel like it is a good enough show that would even be better binged in a day or two seating. Will i recommend the show? Yes definitely. Will I rewatch? Maybe not entirely.
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I WANT MORE!
What others think as its weakness, i think is its strength - for me the short length of the series is whats makes me yearn for more.Lets cut to the chase - lets discuss the good things. First is the story, yes its nothing out of the ordinary but the non-school/university is refreshing for a BL. I also like shows which dont try to explain everything as if viewers are kids. I also liked the pacing.
Second, the cute charismatic leads - have you seen Kang in Soo's body? Third, the soundtrack. Fourth, the production and the photography.
The only bad part i can think of is that they left me wanting more.
The last few Korean BLs were all short and sweet and all deserve to be expanded into full blown series. For now, im just glad that they are producing more and more of these and hopefully the day for normal Korean series featuring LGBTQ characters will come sooner.
Overall, an 8! Easy to watch, easy to rewatch.
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