Liltsu

yes totally agree and that's exactly right, he's intrigued by Porsche as a whole and not so much for more superficial aspects which is nice to see given the context of the story

same

Whilst, again, I do have some reservations about the decisions in the writing (such as Porsche drinking to a stupor on the job, probably my least favourite scene so far), I am actually really enjoying the slow-burn romance that the show seems to be setting up. From the first trailer, it seemed like Kinnporsche's relationship would be much more toxic, manipulative and predatory, but from the looks of it, it seems to be more subtle, not as aggressively sexual, and more meaningful in a way. Kinn seems drawn to Porsche, and intrigued, but he's not targeting him nor sexualising him as I would have expected from his character. His attraction to Porsche is physical for now, sure, but it's not vulgar, and you can tell he's somewhat growing fond of him and his antics. Kinn's character seems softer. Decisive and authoritarian, but warm. Perhaps a bit similar to Yuan Zong from Advance Bravely. I like that a lot.

I will say that I don't mind some of the comedic elements of the show either, but I wish those scenes didn't drag on so much (I'm specifically thinking of the mermaid costume scene. The length of some of the shots was unnecessary). They could have paced it better to condense the storyline. Another issue I have, which I mentioned in a previous comment, is the wide shots that they keep on using, as in their avoidance of using close-up shots. It distances the audience from what's going on in the story, making the scenes feel slow. I might be repeating myself a bit, but it really bugs me.

As for Porsche's character, I'm starting to like how silly he can be. Seeing as how this is the character trait that this episode focused on, it makes me that much more excited for the weightier scenes of the story. The contrast will be thrilling and wonderfully poignant (I hope). Especially, the small exchange between Kinn and Porsche about "Are you the real Porsche?" made me curious. Maybe it was supposed to be a joke that went over my head. However, in the case that it wasn't, could it possibly have been hinting that Porsche was purposely causing trouble and appearing weaker in skills because he is still intent on leaving? Or perhaps that he does not want to show the others his true potential? Maybe he's testing the waters. Either way, I still liked the exchange, inquiring about each other about their 'true selves'. Showing that they'll eventually open up to each other authentically.

My comment was a bit all over the place but I hope that whoever read this found it interesting :)

may i ask where you found the final episodes? x

what do you mean by BL is not allowed? x
As in the rating of a BL is automatically not able to reach a certain number in the official rules? sounds quite homophobic if that's the case...

Thanks a lot! <3 I will see if I can reference the character you mentioned in my essay, it's really helpful that you included a detailed description of her character development as well! Thanks for taking the time to reply and for wishing me the best with my essay :D

I see where you're coming from! Thanks for your response, it really helps :))

The specific stereotype I was thinking of was of how female characters in c-dramas tend to be infantilized. Some stereotypical aspects are (for example): acting like a child even if they're supposedly adults, not having agency over themselves, being naïve (and lacking in intelligence), being physically weaker than their male counterparts, or at least their love interest, being pure-hearted (so not capable of cruelty), etc. The reason why I was thinking of Ashes of Love for instance, is that the FL can't think for herself at all, and the male love interests make decisions for her even before they even have anything between them (with Gu Xiang for example, one can argue that she is bossed around because she is a maid/disciple to WKX, not because she is a girl).

For Gu Xiang from Word Of Honor, I was thinking that she does derive from the stereotype, but that the show also subverts her character in some ways. For example: making her equal to Cao Wei Ning in martial arts (at least that's what it seemed like), being more intelligent/perceptive than she seems, being capable of ruthlessness (killing without hesitation), she is given independence (the world of WOH is very dangerous but WKX still makes her go on missions by herself), and she can be quite fierce (instead of simply crying when her love interest dies, she actually starts seeking out vengeance right away (really angrily at that). There's also the fact that the other female characters in WOH aren't infantilized at all, which makes it seem like Gu Xiang is child-like because of her individual personality, not because of her gender.

I thought that maybe those traits were unusual and made her more complex as a character as a result, which would then make her a character that subverts the stereotype that she originates from. But what do you think about this? Do you think that my reasoning is convincing enough? <3

I appreciate if you've taken the time to read all of this :D

Thanks for your answer! I'll have to take that into consideration then. Maybe I'll aim to say that she is stereotypical but has some traits that differ from it. And unfortunately I can only use fictional characters from series in particular but I appreciate your suggestion :)
Thanks, I'll try my best <3
ps: it was def useful dw xx

Thanks sm! :) Do you know of any examples where the character is actually very stereotypical?

This is directed toward the WOH fans, I'm just going to copy-paste this on here:

Guys, I need your help. I'm going to write an essay about Word Of Honor for one of my modules at university. The question is about stereotypes, and when stereotypes are actually subverted. I was thinking of using Gu Xiang as an example of a character who first appears to be the stereotypical child-like, "dumb" girl that is often seen in cdramas, but who ultimately subverts it. Though the more I look into it, the more I question whether her characterization is enough to SUBVERT the stereotype.

So I wanted to ask, what do you personally think, do you believe that Gu Xiang is just another stereotype, or does she challenge it enough to overthrow it? Do tell me why you think the way you do as well. It's just so I can widen my perspective and solidify my own opinion since I'm unsure.

Otherwise, could someone please give me a bunch of quotes from Gu Xiang, I am going to find some myself too but I'd love to hear from you as well to make sure I don't miss anything.
Lastly, I need examples of other shows that do reinforce that female stereotype. I already have one in mind, which is Ashes of Love, but if you know of any others, they're happily welcomed!

Thank you to whoever read this until the end ;)

Guys, I need your help. I'm going to write an essay about Word Of Honor for one of my modules at university. The question is about stereotypes, and when stereotypes are actually subverted. I was thinking of using Gu Xiang as an example of a character who first appears to be the stereotypical child-like, "dumb" girl that is often seen in cdramas, but who ultimately subverts it. Though the more I look into it, the more I question whether her characterization is enough to SUBVERT the stereotype.

So I wanted to ask, what do you personally think, do you believe that Gu Xiang is just another stereotype, or does she challenge it enough to overthrow it? Do tell me why you think the way you do as well.

Otherwise, could someone please give me a bunch of quotes from Gu Xiang, I am going to find some myself too but I'd love to hear from you as well to make sure I don't miss anything.
Lastly, I need examples of other shows that do reinforce that female stereotype. I already have one in mind, which is Ashes of Love, but if you know of any others, they're happily welcomed!

Thank you to whoever read this until the end ;)

Very interested in this one, seeing as how it completely diverges from other Thai BLs in terms of plot. Can't wait to see what it has to offer. It for sure has great potential. The acting (from the 9 min trailer) seemed to be great as well.

After FIRST EP:
It's good. Can't say it blew my mind but I think it's because I'm impatient. I want to see it all go down already. But still, there are some negatives that I must point out: cringy English scenes that are dragged out just a teeny bit too much. The music department is a bit lacking and doesn't quite reflect the emotions of each scene to its fullest potential. There aren't enough close-up shots: with the stellar cinematography, they could have easily added some gorgeous shots of the characters' expressions, but they're oddly shying away from it. It would help the viewer immerse better if they dedicated a few shots to see the reactions of the characters from up close. Some scenes feel a bit slow because of this. The last negative trait that I noticed is that some of the delivery can fall a bit flat. This is something that I noticed in the trailer actually (which is not a good sign). For example with the "50 000 baht!". I feel like it's mostly because they've mixed comedy with heavy tones in a way that feels like a bit of a mismatch. It's clumsy.

Now, for the positives. ITS FUCKING KINNPORSCHE. The expressions of the actors when we do get to see them are marvelous. The fight scenes are pretty well shot too. In fact, the fight scene between Kinn and Porsche was surprisingly creative, to say the least. The trailer made Porsche seem overly cheeky, and he is (good for him), but I like how they've also humanized him. The care that you see between the characters is already compelling, and that says a lot. This makes me excited for when we will get to see the main characters interact romantically/sexually because I know that it will be heartstopping, beautiful, sincere. One other thing to note is that I am actually quite glad that Kinn isn't immediately targeting Porsche in a sexual light. In fact, he's not even the one who really wants him as his bodyguard. It feels less predatory and I can see their relationship build up more naturally, and in a way that is more substantial. From the looks of it, it might even be a type of enemies-to-lovers. I dig that. Judging from the second episode preview, I think things are going to start getting very interesting very fast, and I can't wait to see what's in store for us.

What are your thoughts on this first ep?
Are my criticisms and praise reasonable?

it's the way we all know this series will shake the bl industry and fandom during the course of its air time (i just truly hope it lives up to the expectations)

I love that, "it didnt pretend to be anything other than what it was", captures it perfectly

my new comfort show

I love the idea of a journey of empathy, love, and attainment. It has its clunky bits but it's such a joy to watch and it strikes a perfect balance between comedic elements and heavier scenes. The cinematography is beautiful and adds to the traveling experience. Earth and Mix have wonderful chemistry in this, they portrayed their characters very well. I liked how each monk basically conveyed a life lesson:

-First Monk: Illusion, Fear, Courage
"If you see with your eyes, not your heart, you won't see anything clearly. If you cover your eyes with your hands, you are not completely blind. But if you shut down your heart, you will be."

-Second: Inner conflict, Darkness, Hostility
"Whenever a person is dominated by intoxication, there will be darkness. If your mind is in the wrong place, it will be lost without a way out. Karma is a result of one's actions."

-Third Monk: Forgiveness, Release, Healing
"Before blaming others, why don't you look back on yourself first? You have built up a lot of anger in you, isn't it heavy? Think...what do you get out of this anger? Does it have a good or bad effect on you? The only thing that can make your heart feel at ease is none other than your heart itself."

-Fourth Monk: Silence, Sincerity, Communication, Breaking away from Ideology
"Try to be silent and listen to your inner voice to find out who you are. Words can be fabricated, from sweet to bitter. Spoken words can lead anywhere. When the mouth closes, the mind opens."

Finally, the symbolism of the four bottles of holy water (also representing the four characters who have the stocks of the farm), how it's poured on the foreheads of Win/Lin:
-4 BOTTLES = 4 seasons (a cycle)
-> symbolic of a new beginning, getting a clean slate

totally agree! BL is really thriving at the moment, particularly this year. I really hope that it can last for as long as possible, it'd be a shame if there is a drop in quality given the little masterpieces that we've been getting (Not Me, Blueming, Cupid's Last Wish, Bad Buddy...)

It's lovely! In the beginning, I felt the acting was a bit stiff but they quickly made up for it. The reactions of the characters to events also felt more 'realistic' which was nice. This is a mini-series that has a tender atmosphere, it's not overly dramatic and the flow of the relationship feels natural, simple, loving, and mature. I was pleasantly surprised by the kisses and skinship! I thought the series would refrain from more sensual scenes but they went for it and it really worked, particularly with the way it was shot. It was quite poetic and the viewer is immediately drawn into the warmth of the moment.

does anyone know how long these episodes are going to be?

the ending was based on a true event that happened in thailand! :)

heya, so either one is good <3