J-atty

When Love Hurts

I applaud this series for not giving the usual generic story, daring to try something else but it still used the familiar to get the point across.

Yujun, feeling inferior in the relationship, decides to leave because he doesn't want to hurt Yeonho by staying. Yeonho over compensates to keep him. This alone could have made the story and delved deeper into the barriers. Unfortunately, they inserted the third party, Hyunseo, to create the distraction. Both Hyunseo and Yeonho have the same request: Stay by their side. One he doesn't love and one he loves too much. The obvious choice is glaring.

A better story would have been them separating, Yujun getting a job and feeling comfortable to return the love in kind. BUT this ending was better in one regard. They chose to stay even though the dynamic wasn't perfect and issues not solved. It finally dealt with a relationship in a realistic manner. They loved each other enough to stay, set the temporary boundaries that make it habitable and will work on doing better. This felt earned.

The acting was better than kost of the recent mini series but felt too concentrated. Too heavy that it became overdramatic.

Still the differences made it enjoyable enough too root for their love.

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Along The Way, They Did.

I liked the story arc of both Hiro and Natsuo. Two very different people growing from teenage insecurities into realistic acceptance of each other, flaws and all. This is not to say that it was smooth sailing upon reconnection. Memories still shaped Hiro's view of how he has to be for the world to accept him and he himself. Bullied in his school years, he worked on presenting a more accomplished and polished person no one would dare take advantage of. Natsuo, on the other hand, held on to fond memories of the school version of Hiro, who helped him successfully finish school and listened to him. Unknowingly, with the changes Hiro made, he didnt recognize him and began pursuing him again. Ironically, it's Natsuo who grew emotinally and gave advice from a place of honesty while Hiro's childish plan for revenge felt hollow. His holding on to a grudge 5+ years after their last meeting gave insight to his lack of growth. Ultimately, through a final confrontation of sorts, Hiro is able to speak truly what he feels now. In this time of their lives.

It took awhile to adapt to Natsuo's unexpected outburts of emotions, specifically enjoyment. It can be a turnoff but was true to his character. As the series progressed, he felt more comfortable with Hiro and this diminished greatly. Hiro, looking down on him initially, turned out to be his defender when opportunists tried to take advantage of him. Here we see where the changes in him has taken root and he had begun to need his companionship.

The actors portrayed the awkward, clumsy, opposing attitudes of both well enough to believe the story. I appreciated Natsuo's boss for helping him see the changes he hadn't seen in himself. The unexpected romantic moments at the end were heartwarming. Natsuo and Hiro, as lovers, can speak freely of what is or is not pleasurable for them and is able to enjoy it completely.

I have not read the manga and will not. The reason being that I always try to see a piece of work for what it is and not through the lense of another. Here, I wasn't disappointed.

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Good Dentist, Bad Result

The cast reads Mark, Ohm, Jimmy, Poon, View, and Khao. All skilled actors. What went wrong. Jimmy, Poon, View, and Khao filled their roles well. There was nothing to fault in their performances. Believable, not over the top and none onscreen more than they needed to be. Jimmy felt 100% comfortable in this role and was a joy to see. Poon has perfected the art of being sincere and clueless while being very cute. I can never get enough of him. So nothing to fault here.

Mark and Ohm. Sigh. They're great, but sadly, in most of this script, they're not great together. Mark proved the quality of an actor he can be with his versatility from Only Friends to High School Frenemy. Tho here it felt like he knew the lines, but the delivery was dead. He didn't connect well with the character he played. Ohm also did well with his roles in Last Twilight and Kidnap. Here, not so much. Personally, bar one time in the entire series, I felt nothing for him. They're chaotic and funny outside of the roles in real life. The connection is there, so they fit well as a couple. In the series, it comes across as two comedians trying to outdo the other's act. Then that leaves the script.

The idiotic, nonsensical script.
After a night where neither remembers what happened, they wake up in bed. There's no real shock factor. After deducing something may have happened, they're ready to jump right back in. Really. I have mixed feelings on his reason for becoming a dentist. His brother dies and he assumes the same dream, to make his mother happy. Questionable. Sant's mother abandons him. Yes, there is no other word for this. She leaves him by the dentist and disappears for years. Yes, she fell on hard times and took a while to recover. Once on her feet, what was the reason for no reconciliation with him? Pride? She watched him grow on the TV. Seriously! Where was his happy time? She comes back, and he is supposed to forgive. True to Thai logic, he forgives the years of trauma because his grandmother wishes for this before she dies. Then, grandma would have had to prepare to die with this unresolved. What unrealistic writing is this? They made her a monster and then tried to make her a saint. Kak proceeds to try to win over Yada, a confirmed girl lover. Who comes out to their family in a stage production? Apparently, here they do. Though the show is about a good dentist, there were times it felt like the 11 episode were more about dental health than a love story.

Don't get the wrong idea. There were times the humor did come through. Sant offers 'seconds' to encourage Jay to return home faster to which Jay promply turns around and promises to 'make it quick, he still has time'.
JimmySea moment felt perfectly in place. Jay and Sant discussing openly everything that was an issue and understanding each other. Thankfully at the end, Jay and Sant finally felt like a real couple. Where ever they were, they would be happy.

I want more of MarkOhm. They're good together and with the right script, they could be magical.

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Really Really Cute

This is really cute. I'm not a fan of 2 min episodes unless I can binge watch, so that is what I did. I was not disappointed.

Do Ha was cute, witty, petulant, direct and a whip smart intellect that he hid under a non chalant facade. Jae Yeon was interesting, elusive, reluctant, intuitive and perfect for him. Do Ha took his time to figure out what he was feeling but when he did, he didn't hold back. He engaged all of his charming wiles and made sure Jae Yeon had no choice but to choose. He chose.

Pros:
Visuals
Whitty conversations
Playful banter between leads and support
Partners who enjoy being together
Partners who match intellectually
A script with a little surprise
Actors that are entertaining
A series that doesn't need a nc scene to carry the romance.
No unnecessary drama

Con
2 min episodes.

It was fun, a delight to view and light enough to be entertaining. Main and support interacted well together. Would enjoy seeing them together again. Rewatch, yes.

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The Prince and The Lying Princess

What started as a very engaging series derailed itself with a fairytale ending. The good parts were the roles of Nara and Junichi. They actually captured my attention every moment they were on screen. The pacing was nice except for just a little too many flashbacks.

What messed up the storyline:
Makiko manipulating everyone at any given time.
Naoto willingly going to jail to protect someone who doesn't and never will love him.
Junichi using the nurse as a place holder for the one he wanted. At the end, she says she loves him. He is even forced to admit that he loves Makiko. She deserved more respect than that.
Makiko wanted to sleep with her ex-husband then changes her mind when Junichi shows up.
Makiko lying to her ex-husband the entire time without telling him the entire truth. Here I wonder if all fingers pointed at him, would she have allowed him to go to jail for her wrong doing.
Junichi basically inserting himself in Keisuke's life since childhood.
While I understand Makiko's pain, she was rewarded for everything at everyone's expense.
The most unrealistic end to a series about reality.
The last 15 minutes left a sour taste.

So no on a rewatch for me.

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Unrealistic reality

Mishima is in his last 2 years of highschool. Bullied by those who perceive him to be gay due to his long hair and soft appreance, he endures the scrutiny of all and sexual abuse at the hands of a closeted teacher. He internalizes everything and barely responds to his external environment. At night, he sneaks out his mother's lipstick and on occassion dresses as feminine as he can, while living in a small country village. In one scene he is mistaken for a girl as he's dressed in shorts, tshirt and walks a liitle gently. He doesn't pretend to be what he's not but he doesn't admit it as well.

Awakening to himself, he befriends two previous bullies, Kirino and Yumeno. Kirino, an ally, also aware of his own nature, bonds with him. Together, they navigate the complexities of desires, dreams, the need to feel included and protected. Yumeno, crushing secretly on Mishima, has a fierce sense of wrong and right, and struggles to come to terms with his feelings for him. Mishima welcomes the attention from Yumeno.

Mishima was seen hugging both at different times for completely different reasons. After the physical attack, Yumeno comforts him publicly. Unashamed. Kirino, in turn, understanding his pain, comforts him after being rejected. This is how the rumors start and story veers to similar coming of age trope. Who will they become? This where my disappointment begins.

The subtitles are a little shaky from different sources, so I'll take it with a grain of salt but it has the same outcome no matter the true meaning - Kirino, conflicted on the getaway trip to Tokyo, says to Mishima, "I chose this." Previously, he expresses his desire for men, make up and being gay. He acknowledges the path ahead is difficult but assimilates into being straight for the love of his family. My disappointment stems from the path he chose - to be not himself but the path someone else sees for him. His parents will eventually die and he as it's shown, he will be in a marriage with a child but will he be happy. Even he had concerns of this. He avoids Mishima and their bond is broken. His loss. Yumeno, who sees all, follows Mishima, apologizes for past hurts and asks to keep thinking of Mishima.

The series ends with Mishima asserting himself. He is no longer shy and detached. He is a gay man, in men's clothing and still maintaining a strong relationship with Yumeno. Though the implication is more, as Yumeno kisses his cheek before leaving. As a makeup artist, Mishima's world has grown and he is proud of who he is on his terms.

Araki Towa, who played the role of Mishima, did a wonderful job. There is a vast difference between the teen and the adult. Which I applaud. Sakai Wakana, Mishima's mother, was also wonderful. Her unwavering support ensured that Mishima would succeed and Sakai did this beautifully. I am not a fan of easy choices or choosing to be what you are not. Yumeno's character makes it appear to be a choice. Even in the1990 setting, being gay or not being gay, shouldn't be a choice. I'm reminded of the series More Than Words here. The only choice that should matter is loving yourself, finding your happiness and pride in the human you are. Thank you, Mishima.

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Good but...

While I liked the simplicity of the story, mainly it was trying to show purity and innocence while coming to terms with their feelings, it was too light and at times naïve. I did like the actors chosen for each role. This didn't have the impact it should when it’s compared with shows like The On1y One.

The dubbing was part of the detraction. Everyone sounded breathless while trying to speak through a handkerchief. The final event felt a bit overdone. Why would officers ask for a full confession before he reached the station? Already arrested, move on. Why would Ye stay with bloody hands until Ke awakens hours after? Why wouldn't his sister bring a change of clothes and have him clean up? Wouldn't it be more traumatic for Ke? Why would Ke's mother bring a photo album to see her son who was just stabbed?

Han and Ming made this more enjoyable as they were more honest about their situationship.

I've said it before, you never know what you're getting out of China, no matter where it's filmed. It works for the period it was captured in but could have been better. This wasn't a bad watch as there were some good moments. Their first kiss was nicely done. Honestly, the last ep threw it off a bit with too many flashbacks. I would have loved to see Ke's mother’s feelings on their relationship.

Overall, watchable.

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Where to start.....

Please save yourself while you can. Seriously. I mean it. My Stubborn knew not to take itself seriously and we laughed along with it. When a series feels like it's a serious take and we get Playboyy and this, there is nothing to laugh with or at. The peach references to Elio and Oliver were not lost to the audience but the narratives were a bit overdone.

When a plot revolves around sex, it's already on thin ice. Then add poor acting, cringy acting, stiff acting, non acting....well you get where I'm going. Po's expressions that were meant to be shy and virginal came across as creepy. The 2nd cp took it to another level. Weird. There was no chemistry whatsoever. Sasom was the only character that was a smidgen better.

By ep 8 Po had to choose between having an unrealized fetish of being with a porn star and being with someone who truly loved him? I struggle to understand how this was an issue for someone who wasn't a drug addict or desperate for cash. If he needed closure, why couldn't he ask Sasom to wear the mask to bed? At least he knew to get therapy at the end.

Now to the forgotten threat. His father. The man had 9 ep to get to him but only showed up in ep 9. Did he forget he was dying or did the director? The fight scene? That was one of the most ridiculous things on film. Keep in mind we have Sorn's beard and the overstuffed briefs from Playboyy as worthy contenders. Sasom breaks down the thinnest door ever, rushes to save Po, fights off the henchmen, pauses to have a chat with Po while everyone stops to listen like a soap opera and then continues to fight, all of them, alone, with no assistance and defeats all of them. Including Po's father. Who makes a stupid comment on exit. Who wrote this mess should be banned from using any form of writing apparatus.

The repetitive vapid conversations made it even more torturous. The scenes went nowhere sometimes which detracted from the experience.

The final ep was cute-ish. I liked Sasom and Po together even with this script. They appeared comfortable with each most times. Sasom's alter ego was more captivating.

This was something. What is it exactly is the issue.

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The value of friendship

This has to be one of the best Thai productions for this year. It surpassed expectation because Thai productions have a penchant of doing everything over the top. There were a little but easily forgiven in the overall outcome of the series portraying the beauty of forgiveness and friendship forged out of love.

The entire cast portrayed each character with infinite dedication and they truly shined. Displaying each charachers nuances to bring forth their individuality. While Sky and Nani proved the quality of actors they are, it is Mark who showed his versatility and stole the show. Mark has shown how great an actor he has grown to be, be it drama or comedy, he nails it.

While the series is based off of a Korean show School 2013, I was glad to view this on its own merits and not as a comparison. The rainbow of emotions, from dark to bright, was felt. The production did well and I especially loved the 'gay' bromance. They teased with conversations and moments that bordered on them actually being a couple, but within the last 5 minutes of the final episode, we got as close as we are going to get.

Shin staring intently in to Saint eyes, he says
Shin: " I don't like you. I love you."
Saint, caught a little off guard, responds
Saint: "Yeah, I love you, too, Saint"
They both pause, silently holding each other's gaze under the shared umbrella, recognizing and admitting what they truly feel between them.

It's may only be a matter of time.

Plot: Two schools, arch enemies, are joined and so ensues the chaos. Teenagers at their worst will create havocand that they did. The Shin and Saint on opposing sides, clash regularly mainly due to pasts hurts that can not be easily forgiven. Backed by Ken and Thui and their respective crews, the voilence is constant as each is easily aggrivated by every perceived slight. Grappling to take control of the teachers are at a losz and must use unorthodox methods to help direct them in the right direction. Eventually, the battle is won but not before the entire school goes through the very painful process of rebirth. The end result is very emotional as each lowered their pride and held on to each other for support and protection.

Criticism: The repetitive sequences of the clashes became tedious as the script struggled to create reasons for each encounter. Basically the same conversation was had. 16 episodes was too long and with better editing 10 - 12 would have been enough. Some storylines dragged on for no apparent reason.
The students were allowed to show disrespect with no real consequences. A teacher chastices herself infront of the entire class, becomes depressed and resigns before the school year ends. She is repeatedly begged to return and only does so on the 4th or 5th try. While it makes for good tv (insert copious amounts of tears flowing by said writer), in reality, what kind of message does it send to the student body? Sone charactets were one dimentional (Jeng, Principal's assistant) and became a bore. After physically abusing his son for many years, a teacher has a conversation with him and immeduately he stops. Realistically, after one conversation with no apology to his son(which would have been another cryfest), was a message that was missed. The fight scene at the end: no words to describe that mess. Why take a bromance and insert bl language to create hype? While I liked it because SkyNani have a beautiful connection and play off of each other effortlessly, the quality of the acting should bring the buzz.

This was a very good watch and I believe I would rewatch this many times. I'm going to watch the original also. The music used complemented the scenes well. Would love to see Sky, Saint, Mark P, Kay, Mark J in more projects. Honorable mention, Shin's sister was adorable and Saint's father, despite his unfavorable first appearance, brought the warmth to Saint's lonely life.
One of the best.

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A Different Perspective

This is exactly that, a different perspective but with the same ingredients. They meet in college. Weather the rumors as they move in together. Classed as a romance, this is definitely a drama with a very serious take on the prejudices of being different. In contrast with the later released 'in your feelings' series, this is the thinking version. With equal screen time, both sides of the relationship is revealed between a gay man and a fearless woman who refuses to cower to her male counterparts.

In both their relationships, at one time or another, they both deal with the consequences of not using a condom. In the pursuit of love and happiness, they both act unwisely. Their fierce bond tested from the fallout, they separate. One beaten by her jealous abusive lover, the other waking up too late to recognize what he had. They can only call each other. No one knows them as intimately as they know the other. Life has it's way, maturity comes and permanent choices are made.

This deserves the same level of awareness as the later released version. The acting is superb. On a smaller budget, the story is engaging, entertaining and very intense. His admission of losing an important love and the ensuing breakdown is felt. Had this been released much earlier, my belief is that this adaptation would have garnered more praise for the different perspective.

Good watch.

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Better Than Expected

This was an ambitious project and it worked for the most part. Relative newbies given the task to portray layered characters. Jun Su shows his experience when tackling the difficult heavier parts. Ja Woon a bit stiffer and restricted needs more practice to be more engaging. Together they did well. The story was a good concept.

Sae Byeok's adoration for Ha Neul was always felt. He had a single minded devotion that kept everyone out except the enemies. His care and protection to keep him safe fell short at the important times. The excruciating pain he felt in the fallout and ensuing aftermath was palpable. The reconciliation as it should be.

Their bodies felt natural together. They do have chemistry. The lack of acting skills were glossed over when they looked at each other. Their nc scenes were tastefully done. Intimate without being exploitative.

The pacing of the script was good as well though the unbelievable did occur. How does a convicted felon continue to send death threats from inside without authorities intercepting? A convicted deranged fan convinces her brother to join a deranged plan for no explicable reason other than them being siblings. How does someone get access to a stars hospital room without opposition.

The honesty of Ha Neul's mother in protecting her son above Sae Byeok's was touching. I usually hate when characters sell out to progress a script. She allowed her son to process at his own pace.

There were cut corners. Some worked and some glaringly didn't. The vocal delivery wanting most times. The light scenes more rewarding than the heavy. The radio announcer relaying that Never Forget Your Enemy would be Sae Byeok's last project was funny. For reality's sake, I hope not.

For what it became, I would recommend for someone looking for light viewing. The newbies did good.

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Could be better

Here's the thing, it's a decent story with but was limited by the 1 min timing.

Plot: Student can read everyone's minds except the one he is interested in. His love interest hides behind glasses, cigarettes and being popular. Enter the third element. A troubled school mate also is attracted to the mind reader. Jealous, the love interest creates a situation whereby the troubled teen has to live with him.

The plot was not original but had promise. The 1 min episodes did not work in its favour. The script was choppy to cover everything in 30 episodes which made for a rushed fractured viewing. The acting was okay and the attraction was felt between the two leads. Had this been developed smoother, the story would have been received better. Match Play seems to be the benchmark of shorts with Please Teach Me, another okay watch.

These short shorts, unless fully thought out and planned before filming, do a disservice to the art of producing a story worth viewing. Actors, who have promise, are forgotten immediately as there is no room shine or capture your attention. It's an okay watch with little to no rewatch value.

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ThitDao Made Magic

Of all the stories this one surpassed the others with interest in the supernatural, emotional moments, bonding and resolution.

Ngern proved his worth as an actor by embodying the character and effortlessly portraying Arthit. His emotional breakdown with the acceptance of never being able to connect with his mother again, will live in memory. There is a fluidity in his body movements and speech that doesn't appear to be over rehearsed.

Oat filled Dao admirably. His stoic and dead pan delivery created many humorous moments and welcomed after the overly sweet moments of previous couples. Though I will confess, the bedside conversation at the hospital was rewarding.

Together they blended beautifully to create the most natural pairing of all. This is the jewel. I cried, laughed and loved along with them. Direk included. A pleasure to see their bond. I truly appreciated the complete honesty the three shared.

As with most Thai productions, they tend to over state the obvious. The translation a little not stable coming to the end but understood.

I will miss them.

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And the award goes to

Certainly not them. This was so painfully disastorous that it was laughable. Pat was the proverbial door mat. No, paddle ball. The more Elyes would hurt him, he would pull away, only to come back for another rap, to pull away again. Not that I cared. They were all distasteful except for Pat's female co-worker, Kim and Run. There really was nothing of interest that would warrant 12 episodes.
Elyes - controlling, obsessive, manipulating, condesending, whore
Pat - idiot
Kim - loyal fwb
Run - didn't know the meaning of his own name. Stuck around in an abusive relationship in the name of love. A loyal idiot
Fei Long - abusive, controlling, despicable, insecure, obsessive, coercive
Thiranai - ineffective petty clown

Base line: poor script. Terrible acting. Sub par apologies for hurtful behavior. Misleading messages delivered in the resolution of issues. Really not worth the effort. Rewatch - never.

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I hate how much I love it!

I hate what this did to me. I hate the director, screenwriter and every single actor. They broke me. I hate the 16+ hours of pain that I willingly and eagerly felt for this series. I hate that none will ever come close to this level of storytelling. I hate that I won’t ever watch it again. Like my other favorites Egoist and 180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us, it will live in memory and not rewatched to nitpick after. This is the first series that I've ever happily rated 10. It was perfect.

I loved the cycle of life relived through generations. I loved the enduring love, the late love, the forgiving love and parental love. Every parent loves their children but some may not know how to teach them to fly. I loved the failings of both. It showed their imperfect love. I loved the hedge formed around them and the admiration. I loved their resilience.

I will not lift one performance above another. They all did exceptional work. Even the ones we were supposed to hate. This series deserved all the accolades it received. Beautiful cinematography. This was a very satisfying watch. It brought the emotions out, raw and flowing. Watch with boxes of tissue and bottles of water. You’re going to need it.

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