This review may contain spoilers
THAT WAS UNEXPECTED
To be honest this series actually exceeded my expectations.
Is it a masterpiece??
NO BUT IT ALSO HAD NO RIGHT TO BE THIS GOOD. The studio really thought this story through thoroughly.
PROS
Storyline
The storyline was cliché but it the cast and crew made it work to their advantage.
I like the fact that they turned around the story especially addressing the issues of pedophilia, sexual assault and sexual exploitation. I also enjoyed the fact that it did not shy away from the the very hard subjects of sexual assault, gender identity, gaslighting, willful blindness/ignorance and homophobic tendencies especially among parents who always want their children to be "perfect".
It also made sure to give comeuppance to the perpetuators of crimes especially pedophiles to that you cannot sleep with someone against their will (rape) and go scot-free.
It also addressed a very important point about how institutions would rather be quick to sweet abuse under the rug and protect their own people in power just to keep the institutions "good name".
Addressing issues like suicide especially in LGBTQ+ Youths was very good and loved the way the series handled the subject with sensitivity and care. This shows attention to details. It also takes a more nuanced approach to these topics instead taking a sledgehammer to it.
The actors really did phenomenal jobs selling the series.
Characters Development
The characters were so well developed. Each character even the very minor ones who had very small roles to play had an impact to the story. No character was wasted. And that is great storytelling.
The fact that they also included and divided the attention between BL and the GL storylines connect show how dedicated the team are. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters even the assholes who later turned a new leaf.
Special Effects/VFX
I really appreciate the way they handled this part especially with rainfall (leaning into sunshower - genius by the way). Also using the advantage of night and daylight to generate the preferred atmosphere to almost every scene.
The studio really thought this through very well.
The film within the series was just the icing on the proverbial cake.
CONS
The pacing was quite too slow. Certain scenes were dragged too long though did not affect the quality of the story, it also sometimes made the scene redundant.
The episodes shouldn't necessarily be an hour long especially when the message has already been put forth. The main message is the important thing. Certain scenes don't need so much expositions. Sometimes, a little mystery goes a long way to help the series.
CONCLUSION
I'm very glad I actually watched it. I had a great time just watching and I've been re-watching some episodes over and over.
It was all in all, a cult classic.
Kudos to the team for a good series
Is it a masterpiece??
NO BUT IT ALSO HAD NO RIGHT TO BE THIS GOOD. The studio really thought this story through thoroughly.
PROS
Storyline
The storyline was cliché but it the cast and crew made it work to their advantage.
I like the fact that they turned around the story especially addressing the issues of pedophilia, sexual assault and sexual exploitation. I also enjoyed the fact that it did not shy away from the the very hard subjects of sexual assault, gender identity, gaslighting, willful blindness/ignorance and homophobic tendencies especially among parents who always want their children to be "perfect".
It also made sure to give comeuppance to the perpetuators of crimes especially pedophiles to that you cannot sleep with someone against their will (rape) and go scot-free.
It also addressed a very important point about how institutions would rather be quick to sweet abuse under the rug and protect their own people in power just to keep the institutions "good name".
Addressing issues like suicide especially in LGBTQ+ Youths was very good and loved the way the series handled the subject with sensitivity and care. This shows attention to details. It also takes a more nuanced approach to these topics instead taking a sledgehammer to it.
The actors really did phenomenal jobs selling the series.
Characters Development
The characters were so well developed. Each character even the very minor ones who had very small roles to play had an impact to the story. No character was wasted. And that is great storytelling.
The fact that they also included and divided the attention between BL and the GL storylines connect show how dedicated the team are. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters even the assholes who later turned a new leaf.
Special Effects/VFX
I really appreciate the way they handled this part especially with rainfall (leaning into sunshower - genius by the way). Also using the advantage of night and daylight to generate the preferred atmosphere to almost every scene.
The studio really thought this through very well.
The film within the series was just the icing on the proverbial cake.
CONS
The pacing was quite too slow. Certain scenes were dragged too long though did not affect the quality of the story, it also sometimes made the scene redundant.
The episodes shouldn't necessarily be an hour long especially when the message has already been put forth. The main message is the important thing. Certain scenes don't need so much expositions. Sometimes, a little mystery goes a long way to help the series.
CONCLUSION
I'm very glad I actually watched it. I had a great time just watching and I've been re-watching some episodes over and over.
It was all in all, a cult classic.
Kudos to the team for a good series
Was this review helpful to you?
