I mean, there are a lot of ways that this drama can be made into 12 episodes, even being a fast-paced romance. And honestly, i've been hoping for a drama to do it for so long now. I really hope we see it.
The weird FWB I’ve ever seen??? Like sometimes they act like full bfs and I’m like when did this transition…
King has never considered Uea a FWB. He was clearly interested in Uea from the beginning, but settled for whatever label Uea would accept of him, after being blatantly dismissed in every other regard.
And Uea has never been a FWB before. So he's also just falling into a dynamic that he's used to, he just won't accept it with that label.
ok but after the ex did try to r*** him why he didnt sue him? he has a witness there and maybe there is camera?…
Uea, and a lot of other victims of abuse, believe that reporting will escalate things. Especially towards their witnesses. Plus, the ex's father is an important politician, so he may feel like there's no point, as long as he leaves him alone moving forward.
The way BL fans like to fetishize gay people for their entertainment is really tragic. The BL watchers like he…
I feel like you might be adding sentiments to OP that they didn't say.
The issue is not necessarily that these topics are getting discussed, but rather that there is so much here, in an 8 episode drama, at the same time, with no build up towards healing or consequences. Bed Friend is throwing all of these different and heavy sources of trauma at Uea with no sign of resolution for any of them (except maybe the most recent instance of his ex-boyfriend), even though we're already halfway through.
It's not just about what Bed Friend is doing. It's also about what Bed Friend is likely to do, based on dramaland precedent. Based on dramaland precedent, the eventual "resolution" for these conflicts is going to be a) apology; b) realized they did wrong and disappear from the story; c.) redemption; and/or d.) forgiveness. And absolutely none to these abusers deserve any of those. Additionally, we're probably going to see his trauma responses disappear once he and King move from FWBs to actual boyfriends.
So all of this has a lot of viewers, myself included, feeling very wary about 1.) There's already so many elements of conflict and tension already, but we're only halfway through, so what are we going to throw at Uea next? Especially, what are we going to add or escalate that will finally start making the plot make moves towards resolution/consequences? 2.) When are we going to start making moves towards resolution/consequences? Is it going to be like most BLs, being done in the finale or the episode before the finale? 3.) How rushed will that resolution be? Will it be properly built up to so that it actually feels realistic? 4.) How will it be resolved/what will the consequences be? Will it be like 98% of other dramaland titles (BL or otherwise)? Will it feel satisfying/appropriate enough for the severity of these problems?
As for why people want Uea to open up to King, is because King has been a rock to Uea. Uea has been vulnerable in front of King several times, and has never received judgement or a "let's fix it" lecture. Jade hasn't (and seems like he can't) provide that. Uea needs an outlet for his trauma, and so far doesn't have one (except sex). Communication is often praised as the best route for trauma coping. And in the absence of therapy, people want Uea to open up to someone close to him. Who will take him seriously and won't judge him. Who will comfort and help him. Sooner rather than later (so that we can get that build up to resolution/consequences sooner). Thus, King. Who we as audiences can tell has been in love with Uea for quite some time, even before becoming FWBs.
People have largely moved to dramaland in general, not just BLs, because the west feels this need to make everything dark and complex and morally grey. There's nothing wrong with wanting escapism when the real world is as bad as it is (or an idealist world that we would love to see and work towards in real life). You don't know what these people deal with on the other side of this screen. You don't know if seeing this kind of content on the screen reminds them of the very life they have and were seeking a break from. Or if it reminds them of friends and family that they can't/weren't able to do anything for.
And just because someone was hoping for lighter content in an 8-episode BL drama that was not advertised as heavy on trauma, does not mean that they avoid such serious topics in all dramas.
Wah he just started?? Can't wait to see more of his acting in the future!!
Yep! He's a performing arts student. He appears to have acted in stuff before, but they seem to be student works. So Choco Milk Shake might very well be the first public-oriented work he's been in.
I'm still enjoying the simple-minded humor and cuteness. And I'm getting a good chuckle out of it for the time being (still worried about the talkative ML). This second episode in particular. Maybe because I set my expectations early on?
Force and Book are not going to be able to convince me they have on-screen romantic chemistry any time soon. GMMTV's trademark equal rights and anti-prejudice messages are going to be in your face explicit at least until Thailand's marriage equality bill passes. None of these things are new. And maybe it's because I watch so many GMMTV shows (and while airing too), I'm relatively desensitized to it.
(Not that I'm saying there's a problem with NOT being desensitized to it, at all. Please don't get me wrong).
But this drama is doing a few things that are relatively new: -One of our MLs is already out of the closet -The romantic story beats are breaking Thai BL formula -This dynamic between boss and employee is typically one you find in straight romances, not BL ones. -Cher called out BL drama fans for being hypocritical and judgmental (just because you watch BL doesnt make you a good ally - just gonna put that out there).
Are schools pulling a reefer madness routine on alcohol lately or something? When I'm here I feel like I'm in…
I'm not seeing anyone on MDL calling that rape. They aint even done anything. He just passed out on the table.
I can definitely see why people consider Ji Yu an alcoholic. He seemingly drinks way beyond just the standard Korean drinking culture. It's not just a few glasses at dinner or getting drunk at work meetings/special occasions. He's consistently getting himself drunk. He's drinking even during the daytime. He's always thinking and talking about alcohol. He can't seem to eat a single meal without it. And after he wakes up from passing out drunk, it's immediately about getting more alcohol. Alcoholism isnt about the volume of alcohol, it's about the habits surrounding it. Especially once it interferes with his life or relationships - which it did, remember his recent ex at the beginning of episode 1? Remember his coworker commenting about how he cant show up hungover all time?
But yea, I agree. I love this little minidrama. I don't find it bad at all. Especially looking at several of the other airing dramas right now. But character-driven minidramas aren't everyone's cup of tea.
It's a cute little minidrama. The actors are selling me on the emotions of their characters. And I actually would say the chemistry is there. I love seeing the two open up for each other and taking each other by surprise. I'm really enjoying it.
But here's the reason why there are so many people who don't like it: 1.) It's a character-driven drama. Not a plot-driven one. It's very much focused on who these characters are, their dynamics with each other, and how they progress after knowing each other. The plot is just a background that brought the characters together. So it doesn't get much focus.
2.) The chemistry is not of the skinship variety. It's very much focused on the gazes and the small acts they do for each other. I know so many current drama fans (BL or not) like to define chemistry in that way, but that's not the kind they are serving. It's also a very innocuous and tentative kind of chemistry.
Oh dear. It reminds of those like super random sitcom-esque kids shows from the 90s and early 00s. Like, there is legitimately no plot whatsoever. So many things don't even make sense.
Like for one, are we in a village or the suburbs? Because it gives off village vibes, but the zoomed out transition scene (again, very 90s/00s) shows big giant houses and nice yards.
The entire community has this intriguing teasing flirtatious thing going on. In the first episode I was like "how could you not know that he likes you?" Well now I have an answer: THEY'RE ALL DOING IT! You get a flirt. You get a flirt. How are you supposed to tell?? And you know how kids like to play house on the elementary school playground? Apparently 3 of them have kept some of that dynamic up into adulthood. Which was initially confusing, but is now kinda fun to watch if I'm being honest.
Also, do these characters know that Tin is gay? Because 1st episode made me think they did. That everyone did. But then second episode has several "are you going on a date with a girl?" (and yes, it wasn't a translator's mistake, i know those words). Was it teasing? Or do they not know? I'm confused.
And then just truly random mess-ups: -Tin walking home, getting stopped, and then walking home in the OPPOSITE direction. -Tin arriving home, only for the people who supposedly left after him to already be preparing food. -Is Tin in high school, college, or just taking extra classes? Because Tin keeps mentioning he doesn't know what faculty to choose (so he's high school?), the girls are wearing university uniforms (so college?), and the guys aren't wearing uniforms at all (so extra classes?) -And what's with all the children?? There's different children coming out from every nook and cranny i swear!! . . . We got serious once, and I really liked it: About how, when you're different, you feel additional pressure to be a good person. Because if you're not, suddenly the reason why you aren't a good person is because you are different. And it not only effects you, but the perception of your marginalized community. And how, when you're different, you're often only accepted once you have success. But it's still might not be enough when compared to someone who is not different. You're going to be compared regardless. I liked how it was posed and phrased. Very well done.
Does anyone knows how's production going? We're halfway through february and the lack of updates on this one makes…
It's not releasing in March. Rumor has it that the First Look is in March. But we are getting consistent updates via this english twitter account: https://twitter.com/viushadow They appear to still be filming.
It was a high school student film, presumably for a literature or poetry class judging by how prominent poetry was throughout the film (which, I liked as a poetry lover). But I liked it. It gets its message across very well, about how fear can take away your happiness and you may never get that moment back. A simple lesbian coming of age film.
As a student film, there's a lot of performance and technical flaws, but that's to be expected. Kudos to the director for even still having it up, I cringe every time I see my high school project/performance files on my flashdrive.
And Uea has never been a FWB before. So he's also just falling into a dynamic that he's used to, he just won't accept it with that label.
The issue is not necessarily that these topics are getting discussed, but rather that there is so much here, in an 8 episode drama, at the same time, with no build up towards healing or consequences. Bed Friend is throwing all of these different and heavy sources of trauma at Uea with no sign of resolution for any of them (except maybe the most recent instance of his ex-boyfriend), even though we're already halfway through.
It's not just about what Bed Friend is doing. It's also about what Bed Friend is likely to do, based on dramaland precedent. Based on dramaland precedent, the eventual "resolution" for these conflicts is going to be a) apology; b) realized they did wrong and disappear from the story; c.) redemption; and/or d.) forgiveness. And absolutely none to these abusers deserve any of those. Additionally, we're probably going to see his trauma responses disappear once he and King move from FWBs to actual boyfriends.
So all of this has a lot of viewers, myself included, feeling very wary about
1.) There's already so many elements of conflict and tension already, but we're only halfway through, so what are we going to throw at Uea next? Especially, what are we going to add or escalate that will finally start making the plot make moves towards resolution/consequences?
2.) When are we going to start making moves towards resolution/consequences? Is it going to be like most BLs, being done in the finale or the episode before the finale?
3.) How rushed will that resolution be? Will it be properly built up to so that it actually feels realistic?
4.) How will it be resolved/what will the consequences be? Will it be like 98% of other dramaland titles (BL or otherwise)? Will it feel satisfying/appropriate enough for the severity of these problems?
As for why people want Uea to open up to King, is because King has been a rock to Uea. Uea has been vulnerable in front of King several times, and has never received judgement or a "let's fix it" lecture. Jade hasn't (and seems like he can't) provide that. Uea needs an outlet for his trauma, and so far doesn't have one (except sex). Communication is often praised as the best route for trauma coping. And in the absence of therapy, people want Uea to open up to someone close to him. Who will take him seriously and won't judge him. Who will comfort and help him. Sooner rather than later (so that we can get that build up to resolution/consequences sooner). Thus, King. Who we as audiences can tell has been in love with Uea for quite some time, even before becoming FWBs.
People have largely moved to dramaland in general, not just BLs, because the west feels this need to make everything dark and complex and morally grey. There's nothing wrong with wanting escapism when the real world is as bad as it is (or an idealist world that we would love to see and work towards in real life). You don't know what these people deal with on the other side of this screen. You don't know if seeing this kind of content on the screen reminds them of the very life they have and were seeking a break from. Or if it reminds them of friends and family that they can't/weren't able to do anything for.
And just because someone was hoping for lighter content in an 8-episode BL drama that was not advertised as heavy on trauma, does not mean that they avoid such serious topics in all dramas.
Force and Book are not going to be able to convince me they have on-screen romantic chemistry any time soon. GMMTV's trademark equal rights and anti-prejudice messages are going to be in your face explicit at least until Thailand's marriage equality bill passes. None of these things are new. And maybe it's because I watch so many GMMTV shows (and while airing too), I'm relatively desensitized to it.
(Not that I'm saying there's a problem with NOT being desensitized to it, at all. Please don't get me wrong).
But this drama is doing a few things that are relatively new:
-One of our MLs is already out of the closet
-The romantic story beats are breaking Thai BL formula
-This dynamic between boss and employee is typically one you find in straight romances, not BL ones.
-Cher called out BL drama fans for being hypocritical and judgmental (just because you watch BL doesnt make you a good ally - just gonna put that out there).
I can definitely see why people consider Ji Yu an alcoholic. He seemingly drinks way beyond just the standard Korean drinking culture. It's not just a few glasses at dinner or getting drunk at work meetings/special occasions. He's consistently getting himself drunk. He's drinking even during the daytime. He's always thinking and talking about alcohol. He can't seem to eat a single meal without it. And after he wakes up from passing out drunk, it's immediately about getting more alcohol. Alcoholism isnt about the volume of alcohol, it's about the habits surrounding it. Especially once it interferes with his life or relationships - which it did, remember his recent ex at the beginning of episode 1? Remember his coworker commenting about how he cant show up hungover all time?
But yea, I agree. I love this little minidrama. I don't find it bad at all. Especially looking at several of the other airing dramas right now. But character-driven minidramas aren't everyone's cup of tea.
But here's the reason why there are so many people who don't like it:
1.) It's a character-driven drama. Not a plot-driven one. It's very much focused on who these characters are, their dynamics with each other, and how they progress after knowing each other. The plot is just a background that brought the characters together. So it doesn't get much focus.
2.) The chemistry is not of the skinship variety. It's very much focused on the gazes and the small acts they do for each other. I know so many current drama fans (BL or not) like to define chemistry in that way, but that's not the kind they are serving. It's also a very innocuous and tentative kind of chemistry.
I'm over here on the edge of my seat worried that he's a recovering alcoholic or allergic to alcohol or something.
NOPE.
Why you gotta make me worried like that?!?!
And the stare and smile...
They're awkward, but I am behind this ship/pairing now.
Like for one, are we in a village or the suburbs? Because it gives off village vibes, but the zoomed out transition scene (again, very 90s/00s) shows big giant houses and nice yards.
The entire community has this intriguing teasing flirtatious thing going on. In the first episode I was like "how could you not know that he likes you?" Well now I have an answer: THEY'RE ALL DOING IT! You get a flirt. You get a flirt. How are you supposed to tell?? And you know how kids like to play house on the elementary school playground? Apparently 3 of them have kept some of that dynamic up into adulthood. Which was initially confusing, but is now kinda fun to watch if I'm being honest.
Also, do these characters know that Tin is gay? Because 1st episode made me think they did. That everyone did. But then second episode has several "are you going on a date with a girl?" (and yes, it wasn't a translator's mistake, i know those words). Was it teasing? Or do they not know? I'm confused.
And then just truly random mess-ups:
-Tin walking home, getting stopped, and then walking home in the OPPOSITE direction.
-Tin arriving home, only for the people who supposedly left after him to already be preparing food.
-Is Tin in high school, college, or just taking extra classes? Because Tin keeps mentioning he doesn't know what faculty to choose (so he's high school?), the girls are wearing university uniforms (so college?), and the guys aren't wearing uniforms at all (so extra classes?)
-And what's with all the children?? There's different children coming out from every nook and cranny i swear!!
.
.
.
We got serious once, and I really liked it:
About how, when you're different, you feel additional pressure to be a good person. Because if you're not, suddenly the reason why you aren't a good person is because you are different. And it not only effects you, but the perception of your marginalized community. And how, when you're different, you're often only accepted once you have success. But it's still might not be enough when compared to someone who is not different. You're going to be compared regardless. I liked how it was posed and phrased. Very well done.
But we are getting consistent updates via this english twitter account: https://twitter.com/viushadow
They appear to still be filming.
As a student film, there's a lot of performance and technical flaws, but that's to be expected. Kudos to the director for even still having it up, I cringe every time I see my high school project/performance files on my flashdrive.