As much as people dis on vanilla cake, a good quality, well made vanilla cake with premium ingredients can hardly be ignored by people with a sweet tooth. This show is exactly that. There is nothing madly unique about the story....hardly has a plot and is an amalgamation of all sorts of drama world cliches. But because the casting was well thought off, the production quality was high and the story narration more or less constant (though I would've preferred if it ended by episode 30-32)....it turned out to be one of the better c-dramas this year. This show is absolutely worth watching for the protagonists. Their chemistry is one of the best from the industry....hands down. This can be a good a in-between show after one has watched an intense or angst-y show.
"Last night, I experienced something new: an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core".....
These were the lines said by Anton Ego, the traditionalist critic from one of my all time favorite movie Ratatouille. I now can now somewhat relate to the meaning behind these lines. When this drama came out in 2018, the hype it received was insane. As a long time jdrama lover, I was of course temped to watch it. But when I read the synopsis, I couldn't bring myself to go ahead with it. As one of the mature audiences who enjoy East Asian dramas, I try to stay clear from all sorts of misappropriate tropes practiced by the entertainment industries for multiple reasons.
But somehow I saw myself revisiting this page again and again. I have not read as many comments and review for any other show on this website as I've read for this one. The debate on whether this show endorses/glorifies pedophilia or not was and will continue to be fierce . On a whim I decided to give it a chance so that I can decide it for myself. And now that I'm done all I can say is" EXQUISITE". I will not try and convince people to watch this because lets be honest this a troubling theme. The type of age-gap and student-teacher relationship this one shows is problematic, to say the least. But......the fact that this show was rooted in reality and facts of life, debunks that it glorified pedophilia. The way the story tellers navigated their way in narrating a complex story, the way they explored this seemingly grey but in reality a white relationship is truly commendable. It is a work of art. And the purpose of this art was to stir debate on love, traditions, convention, commitment, sacrifice, heartbreak, expectations, family and most of all society. The purpose of every art is to be shared with the world....but once its out in the public.....each person decides for itself, derives meaning from it in his/her own way. The conceptions of right and wrong are tested by humanity on a daily basis. Some cases are easier to judge and some aren't....this clearly falls in the latter category.
Chugakusei Nikki is not for everyone. And I am understanding of the criticism it has received for its theme. But that's where my understanding ends. From the standpoint of film making, this show is "gemme rare". The actors were breathtaking, especially Okada Kenshi. In my view, he was the real star of this show, That man was a vision, every time he came onscreen. Apart from the fact that he is one of the most good looking Japanese actor I've ever seen (acc to me), he is a natural. Being the challenging character that drove every facet of this story, he delivered it with an unseen panache for a rookie actor. I can't wait to see his other work. The background score was perfect, the cinematography was ambitious and the writing was fluid. Out of so many Japanese shows I've seen over the years, this one is easily one of the best.
Korean counterparts? You most not be a BL watcher.... The Philippines BL scene has nothing to do with Korean BL…
I am talking about acting. Korean actors are one of the best in the industry...BL or not. Thai BL actors are mediocre at best. Most of them are teen newcomers with zero experience. Thai BL are known for galore of fan servicing over quality content. And yes I’ve been a BL watcher for years.
I understand the hype this show is getting. There are many good things about it. The actors are not as polished as their Korean counterparts but they have massive potential and truly shined in some scenes. The story was simple yet endearing. But most of all....it was the attitude of the makers that could be felt through Sky-Ace relationship. I’ve realized that Philippine BL in its own way is attempting to change many accepted stereotypes in the BL genre. For example the show attempted at making BL skinship more natural rather than the usual mechanical lust. Also, the protagonists accepted they are gay rather than following “I don’t like other guys but I like you” trope. Such developments were very refreshing to watch as a viewer.
But where this show lacked was in core aspects of film making. As thoughtful the script was, it genuinely lacked a polished consistent structure. The director failed to salvage many awkward situations as the story tackled inconsistent narration and choppy pace. Nevertheless, I’m hopeful that with the success of this season....they will be able to attract bigger sponsors for Season 2 which can lead to massive improvements. Have great hopes for the team ☺️ Deserves a strong 7.5 ☺️
AND THAT'S HOW YOU MAKE A BL SERIES !! What a precious little gem this was....honestly this show is a revelation in the BL genre shows. All the other countries should take notes from this one. Gameboys set the record straight about how BL shows should be made in this time and era......it talks about consent, both the protagonists being husbands (making it clear that these relationships cannot be viewed from the purview of straight relationships), inculcates positive relationship environment that rests on communication & understanding, doesn't play into traditional BL stereotypes, did not even bother to discuss the top-bottom trope and so much more in midst of a global pandemic. This was an ambitious attempt on the part of the makers which they delivered like a BOSS !! This is what crystal clear script writing and earnest acting can do....it can tell a story with oodles of conviction. I was in absolute awe of all the actors, especially Kokoy, Elijah and Adrianna. Cannot stop congratulating the whole team......Philippine BL industry has massive potential....so looking forward to Season 2 :) Also I read somewhere that this was all shot on an Iphone.....if so....waaaaooowwww !!
Imagine a loaf of bread....dip it in water.....now give it to someone who's famished. It'll fill that person's stomach...but it'll be ridiculously bland and unpalatable. This show is exactly like this. Its fluffy, gooey, has good looking people, decent production and oodles of fan service. But the script is superficial at an astonishing level. I wasn't expecting kdrama level depth...don't get me wrong....I had a decent idea of what I'm getting into. Its just I had no idea it'll be light and brainless to this extent. This is a perfect brain cleanser after you watch a heavy intense show. Nothing more nothing less. Deserves a very generous 7.
It was so painful to see Jang Geun Soo devolve right infront of my eyes. I was hoping so bad that the writers will not go the usual route of bastard son trying to prove his worth trope.....but I was so wrong. He was one of my favorite character. Nevertheless... all in all a great show. They presented classic makjang and underdog plot elements in a refreshing modern way. Definitely one of the best of 2020. The ost deserves its own share of applause. Bravo!!
Okay I've heard so much about this one...and I'm surprised no one has asked this question as yet....so let me do it....Does this have a happy or sad ending? 2020 is a shitty year so don't want to watch a sad show.
PHEW what a nice ride for this series! Although it had no solid plot (it doesn't have to), I love the overall…
Omg I cannot agree more. The makers really took their time to build tine and Sarawat’s relationship. Contrary to what everyone’s been saying....the writing for this one isn’t solid ! This deserves the hype it’s been getting.
I feel the makers read my comments about 2gether series....and worked on whatever review I gave...lol. Even though I liked the first part way more than the general public...I had my fair share of criticism. I complained that their chemistry fluctuated....but this one was all about flirting, gazing and warmth. I complained that bright was better musician than an actor and he needs more training.....but bright improved drastically in a short span of time....it’s clearly evident. Even though I didn’t complain that the original series missed elements of skinship....this one gifted fans with a memorable scene. All in all....these 5 episodes are absolutely amazing. 2gether series is definitely one of the better Thai BLs out there....a benchmark series for sure.
This is one of those few series that has an invincible lead pair. As an audience you just can’t take your eyes off of them Yes these boys have got mad attention for how handsome they are....but it’s also about their onscreen chemistry, good writing, balanced direction and overall atmosphere of the show. All the upcoming Thai BL series have a lot to live up to.
P.S: I’ve said this in the past and I’ll say it again....our boy Win can ACT....he’s natural infront of the camera and is all about instincts. That boy is not only about looks....I can’t wait to see what sort of projects he will take in the future.
These were the lines said by Anton Ego, the traditionalist critic from one of my all time favorite movie Ratatouille. I now can now somewhat relate to the meaning behind these lines. When this drama came out in 2018, the hype it received was insane. As a long time jdrama lover, I was of course temped to watch it. But when I read the synopsis, I couldn't bring myself to go ahead with it. As one of the mature audiences who enjoy East Asian dramas, I try to stay clear from all sorts of misappropriate tropes practiced by the entertainment industries for multiple reasons.
But somehow I saw myself revisiting this page again and again. I have not read as many comments and review for any other show on this website as I've read for this one. The debate on whether this show endorses/glorifies pedophilia or not was and will continue to be fierce . On a whim I decided to give it a chance so that I can decide it for myself. And now that I'm done all I can say is" EXQUISITE". I will not try and convince people to watch this because lets be honest this a troubling theme. The type of age-gap and student-teacher relationship this one shows is problematic, to say the least. But......the fact that this show was rooted in reality and facts of life, debunks that it glorified pedophilia. The way the story tellers navigated their way in narrating a complex story, the way they explored this seemingly grey but in reality a white relationship is truly commendable. It is a work of art. And the purpose of this art was to stir debate on love, traditions, convention, commitment, sacrifice, heartbreak, expectations, family and most of all society. The purpose of every art is to be shared with the world....but once its out in the public.....each person decides for itself, derives meaning from it in his/her own way. The conceptions of right and wrong are tested by humanity on a daily basis. Some cases are easier to judge and some aren't....this clearly falls in the latter category.
Chugakusei Nikki is not for everyone. And I am understanding of the criticism it has received for its theme. But that's where my understanding ends. From the standpoint of film making, this show is "gemme rare". The actors were breathtaking, especially Okada Kenshi. In my view, he was the real star of this show, That man was a vision, every time he came onscreen. Apart from the fact that he is one of the most good looking Japanese actor I've ever seen (acc to me), he is a natural. Being the challenging character that drove every facet of this story, he delivered it with an unseen panache for a rookie actor. I can't wait to see his other work. The background score was perfect, the cinematography was ambitious and the writing was fluid. Out of so many Japanese shows I've seen over the years, this one is easily one of the best.
But where this show lacked was in core aspects of film making. As thoughtful the script was, it genuinely lacked a polished consistent structure. The director failed to salvage many awkward situations as the story tackled inconsistent narration and choppy pace. Nevertheless, I’m hopeful that with the success of this season....they will be able to attract bigger sponsors for Season 2 which can lead to massive improvements. Have great hopes for the team ☺️ Deserves a strong 7.5 ☺️
This is one of those few series that has an invincible lead pair. As an audience you just can’t take your eyes off of them Yes these boys have got mad attention for how handsome they are....but it’s also about their onscreen chemistry, good writing, balanced direction and overall atmosphere of the show. All the upcoming Thai BL series have a lot to live up to.
P.S: I’ve said this in the past and I’ll say it again....our boy Win can ACT....he’s natural infront of the camera and is all about instincts. That boy is not only about looks....I can’t wait to see what sort of projects he will take in the future.