Overall, I liked this series, despite its many flaws. Personally, I liked exploring a character with low self esteem. My first BF, despite great talent, had zero self confidence and very low self esteem. Supporting him and allowing him to realize his own potential was a large part of our relationship at the beginning. So this really resonated with me. But I don't think Mork did a very good job at it. In fact, I think he fed Pi's insecurities and did little to comfort & support him in the way he truly needed. It happened continually, including at the very critical moment in Ep 12 when Pi says, "If you want to stay my friend, do NOT follow me" and then Mork follows him and yells like a madman at his front door. He never really heard what Pi was saying and expressed that he understood. He also never really offered the kind of advice that might have helped Pi., aside from some cliche lines meant to make the audience go "Awww". This is where BL writing really falls down. Every now and then they want to explore characters and themes that are a bit deeper and more complex - but they think they can resolve those issues with a simple "I like you." or a kiss in front of a group of strangers. I understand this is meant for a young audience, and this is more of a sitcom than a romance/drama, but don't introduce complex issues unless you're going to address them. If, at the end of the day, you know you're only going to have banal answers, then your characters should be the kind who would accept and respond to those.
Nitpicky... Suddenly Pi is fine with his "before" pics, just a day after he admits how insecure he is. Sorry, doesn't happen like that. (and PS: he NEVER looked bad, even with glasses and braces... I know we're supposed to swallow that one with a grain of salt, considering it's TV and there are no ugly actors, but then maybe use some acne make-up or make him truly embarrassing, rather than stylish glasses)
Snow White for a college production? Looked like a grade school version. Have these writers ever been to college?
2 years into their relationship and Pi is lying because he's too lazy to get his own damn lunch? And doesn't appreciate that his BF is a doctor who has responsibilities? But then when he's actually hurt and can't get around with a VERY long scene of him hobbling about, he's going to say that he's capable of doing things on his own? It's as if the writer didn't remember what she had written 1 page ago. Lame. (This is one of my pet peeve BL tropes, arguing for NO reason. - I can do it - Let me help - No I can do it - Let me help - No I can do it. -- How does that show character or propel the plot??)
And then... 2 years into the relationship he's going to act like his BF has never seen him without a shirt, or pants, or underwear.
There were so many moments like this throughout that really showed me how little effort goes into BL story-telling. (I'm not saying the productions themselves. I know everyone works hard), but it all starts with the script and the characters and BL writers really need to step up their game. But then, as long as there is an audience who eats up this pablum (and there is apparently a very large audience), they won't be challenged.
Unpopular opinion... I was not a fan of the Duen character, nor Neo's portrayal (and I've liked him in several other shows). Meen was adorable and I'll watch him in anything but that pairing just pushed the limits of this farce too far for me. I wanted to FF through all of their scenes, but didn't because of Louis.
Despite it all, Phuwin melts my heart and I hope he has a long career. I've been a fan since "Cause You're My Boy".
Will I watch this again... not the whole series. But there are moments that made me happy and I will revisit those.
A couple of things I noticed in this episode... During the Smile For Me photo shoot, "Sister" is telling the photographer, move the camera a bit more this way... but the lens is pointed at the ground, not at the group. - And after rehearsal with the "big" stand-off (who's gonna take Jin to the bar!!!?!?), Jin says, let's go I just have to change my clothes. Then he drags Bomb into the bathroom. And doesn't change his clothes. So... why did he take him there? Did they really think the only reason Jin would have his phone was if he was taking a dump? -- While I'm enjoying the heck out of this one, the lack of attention to detail is comical.
A couple of good moments and plenty of ridiculous ones. I like the bodyguard trope but they play so loose with the concept. He doesn't even pretend to be the cousin and acts only like the guard, yet no one seems to notice. The shower scene was funny, but did he really need to dry his hair? I'm not expecting much. Gun has his moments (I prefer when he's playing realism rather than forced comedy), so I'll give it a few more eps. We'll see.
I have always thought that Japanese literature carries a kind of melancholy in its core, and this series does…
I totally agree about the melancholy. So apparent in much of the literature and then adaptations. I guess when society imposes such strict expectations on public behavior, it can make for a lot of angst.
Dropped. A perfect example of how NOT to direct/edit/light/record a series. Entire scenes without the faces of the actors visible, so we never see what they're feeling. And we are left feeling nothing.
Watched the first hour, but won't watch the second. Then I read all the comments here and am glad Ive dropped it. Feels like the characters back-tracked instead of progressing. Direction/editing worse than the series. I was fast forwaridng through 2/3 of the hour. A real let down. This industry KNOWS that the fans will swallow anything, so they hardy even try. Disappointing.
Couldn't even get through one episode. Horrible scripting. Scenes wasted on dialogue that does nothing to propel the plot nor expand the characters. Poor treatment of the trans/fluid characters for comic relief only. Amateur all around. Sorry guys, not for me.
This was painful and heartbreaking, filled with longing and remorse. The acting is unparalleled. The director really focuses on their reactions and lets the camera linger on their expressions so we really understand their emotions. It's a master class in acting/directing. Very realistic and that means, it's troublesome, problematic, characters are flawed, nothing is resolved easily. It's not the type of movie I WANT to watch again, but it's so beautifully executed that I probably WILL watch again. Loved seeing a different type of BL/Gay story, warts and all. Was NOT expecting the very graphic sex scenes, but they were super hot, and hotter because they made sense from a character and story point. So much symbolism, layered meanings. Just exquisite. Sometimes pain can be beautiful.
In all honesty, could only skim through eps 3 & 5 because I could not find them with subtitles (my site had age restrictions, even though I logged in as over 21). But I got the gist of those eps and since I watched the other eps, I have a good sense of the whole series. Dark, thought-provoking, uncomfortable, highly erotic. No easy answers here (if there are ANY answers). I enjoyed it for showing a completely original story/take on the genre and for not shying away from taboo material. I'll look for Mood Indigo. Strong performances, compelling characters, moody music all made it a good series for me. DO NOT WATCH IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED BY TABOO MATERIAL AND NON-CONSENSUAL MOMENTS.
Not sure when the censorship occurred, but it feels like it was in the editing room, because this is a very choppy movie. Everything is surface level. Characters aren't very well drawn, the bromance feels forced and sudden. I like the basic premise, but feel like much more could have been done - even just as a bromance or buddy comedy. Nick Yang is wasted here. He is so much more talented than he's allowed to display in this vehicle. Not worth the watch, IMO.
I appreciated this, even though it portrays the darker sides of homosexuality and homophobia. It does get a lot right. Gay kids still feel like outsiders, many struggle and are in pain, many gay people still live their lives in the closet, many others live "other" lives for a myriad of reasons, especially in countries that are less progressive. I didn't necessarily like it. I don't think it shed any new light on the issues and I'm not particularly fond of characters and series that portray gay as "less than" in any way. And this one seemed to really embrace the idea that a happy life was near to impossible for all the gay characters. I suppose there was some hope at the end, but far too little and so late that the hope literally gets cut off in mid-sentence.
Odd things... I didn't know fujoshi were so looked down upon in Japan. The BL manga industry is enormous. With millions of readers, I would think it would be normal and accepted . But I guess, if they can't accept girls who read BL manga, how could they possibly accept actual gays? - Also, Jun is in his last year of high school, so he's maybe 17. His lover is supposed to be 12 years older... 29. But they cast a 45 year old, and then after a short walk in the zoo, this (29 year old) complains about how tired he is and calls himself an old man. He also says, "When I was your age it was much tougher for gays". You mean 12 years ago? Yes it was. But not THAT much harder. - And finally, Fahrenheit's BF dies of AIDS. In 2019? He was also 12 years older than his boyfriend, so that would have made him 27. Do they not have any HIV meds in Japan? Yes, there are still deaths every year, but I found that an odd choice. Maybe the original manga is from decades ago?
All in all, decent but depressing. Not worth a rewatch, despite some good performances.
A mediocre effort. Too many montages in place of actual character development. Neglected the emotional arcs of its leads. Some nice moments, excellent potential unrealized... but not something I would ever watch again (and that's even without the tragic ending).
The story is nothing new, but the acting is strong and the chemistry is powerful. It all felt rushed and in need of some more layers (and storylines), but overall very enjoyable. Would certainly watch again, as it's short and satisfying. Another top tier Korean BL.
I'm heartbroken, but not surprised or upset. This has always been (from S1 on) a very realistic look at a relationship, that never shied away from the difficult moments. It's a romance and it's a DRAMA, not a comedy. So of course they have to have problems occur between the main couple. Infidelity is one of the most common issues with real-life couples, and they've been drifting apart from the start of this season, so it almost HAD to happen. One of the best things about this franchise for me is that these two have always talked through their issues in an honest manner, so I expect that will happen in the next ep or 2. It would be horrible, yet (again) realistic if they did not end up together. Honestly, how many high school romances last a lifetime? I don't expect that (fans would riot), but it's realistic. - My first love, whom I thought I would be with forever, broke my heart after 5 years together. But I still remember him with great love and tenderness. Should we have stayed together? No. But that doesn't mean the love we shared was not real. I'm grateful for every moment I feel love in my life, even if it is followed by heartache. Teh and Oh-aew have so much to be thankful for, however they end up.
Lots of fun comedy in this ep and I'm so excited to see Pi happy and in love. Wish he had gotten here sooner so we could have enjoyed his glow for more eps, but glad it's finally arrived.
1 
Overall, I liked this series, despite its many flaws. Personally, I liked exploring a character with low self esteem. My first BF, despite great talent, had zero self confidence and very low self esteem. Supporting him and allowing him to realize his own potential was a large part of our relationship at the beginning. So this really resonated with me. But I don't think Mork did a very good job at it. In fact, I think he fed Pi's insecurities and did little to comfort & support him in the way he truly needed. It happened continually, including at the very critical moment in Ep 12 when Pi says, "If you want to stay my friend, do NOT follow me" and then Mork follows him and yells like a madman at his front door. He never really heard what Pi was saying and expressed that he understood. He also never really offered the kind of advice that might have helped Pi., aside from some cliche lines meant to make the audience go "Awww". This is where BL writing really falls down. Every now and then they want to explore characters and themes that are a bit deeper and more complex - but they think they can resolve those issues with a simple "I like you." or a kiss in front of a group of strangers. I understand this is meant for a young audience, and this is more of a sitcom than a romance/drama, but don't introduce complex issues unless you're going to address them. If, at the end of the day, you know you're only going to have banal answers, then your characters should be the kind who would accept and respond to those.
Nitpicky... Suddenly Pi is fine with his "before" pics, just a day after he admits how insecure he is. Sorry, doesn't happen like that. (and PS: he NEVER looked bad, even with glasses and braces... I know we're supposed to swallow that one with a grain of salt, considering it's TV and there are no ugly actors, but then maybe use some acne make-up or make him truly embarrassing, rather than stylish glasses)
Snow White for a college production? Looked like a grade school version. Have these writers ever been to college?
2 years into their relationship and Pi is lying because he's too lazy to get his own damn lunch? And doesn't appreciate that his BF is a doctor who has responsibilities? But then when he's actually hurt and can't get around with a VERY long scene of him hobbling about, he's going to say that he's capable of doing things on his own? It's as if the writer didn't remember what she had written 1 page ago. Lame. (This is one of my pet peeve BL tropes, arguing for NO reason. - I can do it - Let me help - No I can do it - Let me help - No I can do it. -- How does that show character or propel the plot??)
And then... 2 years into the relationship he's going to act like his BF has never seen him without a shirt, or pants, or underwear.
There were so many moments like this throughout that really showed me how little effort goes into BL story-telling. (I'm not saying the productions themselves. I know everyone works hard), but it all starts with the script and the characters and BL writers really need to step up their game. But then, as long as there is an audience who eats up this pablum (and there is apparently a very large audience), they won't be challenged.
Unpopular opinion... I was not a fan of the Duen character, nor Neo's portrayal (and I've liked him in several other shows). Meen was adorable and I'll watch him in anything but that pairing just pushed the limits of this farce too far for me. I wanted to FF through all of their scenes, but didn't because of Louis.
Despite it all, Phuwin melts my heart and I hope he has a long career. I've been a fan since "Cause You're My Boy".
Will I watch this again... not the whole series. But there are moments that made me happy and I will revisit those.
Odd things... I didn't know fujoshi were so looked down upon in Japan. The BL manga industry is enormous. With millions of readers, I would think it would be normal and accepted . But I guess, if they can't accept girls who read BL manga, how could they possibly accept actual gays? - Also, Jun is in his last year of high school, so he's maybe 17. His lover is supposed to be 12 years older... 29. But they cast a 45 year old, and then after a short walk in the zoo, this (29 year old) complains about how tired he is and calls himself an old man. He also says, "When I was your age it was much tougher for gays". You mean 12 years ago? Yes it was. But not THAT much harder. - And finally, Fahrenheit's BF dies of AIDS. In 2019? He was also 12 years older than his boyfriend, so that would have made him 27. Do they not have any HIV meds in Japan? Yes, there are still deaths every year, but I found that an odd choice. Maybe the original manga is from decades ago?
All in all, decent but depressing. Not worth a rewatch, despite some good performances.