J-atty

Only reason to watch.

Let's see:
Episode 9 - 32:54 to 36:01

That's it. No need to watch anything else.

Tutor and Yim have a connection. It is apparent. What is not apparent is why why why do they do shows that do not bring out the best in them. I'm reminded of Mos and Bank, but I digress. It's like they put a large amount of actors names in a bag and chose randomly.
Then in another bag they put a few mixed scripts and did they same thing. What is unfortunate is that TutorYim keep getting either the bad scripts or bad directors. I like them. I like them together. In and out of the fantasy world, they click. What doesn't click is the lackluster crap that eventually comes out.

A series such as this had too many couples to keep track of in and out of the fantasy world. I must admit after seeing Jack and Chat here, I lowered my expectations. Playboyy kinda left a wtf taste in my mouth. The only reason I watched was for the both of them but I was real about it. That was just to see how far they would go for shock value. Again, I digress. The erratic jumping between 3 worlds, coupled with the different relationships in each and writing alter egos proved to be too much. After episode 5, I found myself using this on a Monday to go to sleep.

If you like convoluted fantasy stories with a slightly erotic but more dramatic bed scene, refer again to episode 9, this is for you. The way Tutor looks at Yim alone will help get you through the episodes. Focus, Mark and Gems were decent enough. I was hoping for so much better, at least a better storyline, but that's just me. Others seem to love it. I will give them one more chance if they do another series.... because I do like them together.

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Royal Pains

It was decent but ZeeNuNew storyline of Charan and Khanin was leaning to boring and pedestrian. The pomp and ceremony was there but one needed to check their pulse after ep 3. Their meetings for want of a better word was just as bland as Charan's expressions. Khanin's fire was a short match, the spark didn't excite any interest one way or the other. If darling sweet bubbly Chakri was not a part of their lives, one could ff and not miss anything.

What kept me watching?
Ramil and Paytai, Wasin and to a lesser degree, Calvin and Jay and Ava. They made the experience bearable. Their storylines were far more interesting and played well. Personally, I would have felt more satisfied if the king had died before seeing Khanin's win. The many lives lost over the years due to greed was disheartening. Keeping a father away from his child as a chest piece, this he should not be rewarded for. Ava, desiring her father's approval could have been done differently. She fought for a seat at the table for all womanhood and once she received his approval, she quickly reverted. Poor message.

The ending was too long with nothing worth that time. Possibly two clips of Ramil and Paytai enjoying a moment of true happiness and Prince Tharin meeting with Calvin and Jay to get a ground level pov on the environmental issues could have been added.

I wish the script would have been as rich as the royals were dressed. The action scenes could have been carried through the episodes to liven up the viewers experience. Overall, not bad but could have been better.

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Gangster whaaat?

It seems to be the mo to produce super short shorts with very little if any cohesiveness at all. Don't get me wrong, the story is good, the production is terrible. Added to this, the 2min, vertical viewing is a big deterrent. Then throw in one of the worst translated series. What do you get..... disappointment.

Plot:
Gangster meets idol trying to get away from someone trying to kill him. Upon meeting, he's attracted to him. He offers him money to be with him for 3 months. Yada yada yada, they fall in love. Now throw in a harem of guys willing to serve the Gangster. The idol getting drunk an passing out numerous times. The gangster's brother and father continuously at odds with him. An ex lover trying to kill him.

Instead of 70 × 2-min episodes, why not make a full length movie. The storyline is good. The acting meh. The production cheap. Jarring choppy scenes. If 10% of the translation could be believed, script needs major rewrite. Attraction between the mains, believable. There was just too much wrong for this to be salvaged. Had potential but was lost.

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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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Different Kind of Happy

Very rare a series can pull off both stark grittiness and tender love as this did. This is not about a romantic tender love but of two people meeting at the worst times in their lives, needing what only the other could give and held on.

Chihiro stuck in a cycle of exchanging sex for being taken care of by whomever, all in the name of 'love'. He couldn't get past the betrayal he endured when his secret lover dumped him and got married. Aimless and jobless he sleeps around, not caring what tomorrow brought. Until he met Keito.

Keito, abandoned, abused and mutilated, mired in the sex trade by Maya, a drug addicted sex peddler. Maya keeps undocumented and forgotten youths hostage with the threat of violence due to his erratic behaviour. Keito, broken by his circumstances, doesn't have a desire to escape, until he overhears Maya agreeing with a customer that Keito can be killed if they wish. Here, the spark for life is ignited and runs away. Hired to retrieve stolen items, he meets Chihiro.

Their meeting is as voilent as their surroundings, but something attracts Chihiro to Keito and he is unwilling to let go. Keito is cold and blunt. Chihiro is still a bit niaive but completely open and honest. Somehow, they fit. Through unorthodox methods, Keito saves Chihiro by showing him how much he is worth. Chihiro, over numerous events, reciprocates the love through his loyalty and care.

The stark brutality is ever present and not for everyone. The scenes are graphic and Maya's offensiveness can be off putting. The series is still very beautiful for it's points of views and the telling of it. The actors did a brilliant job and truly embodied their roles. Even to the point of evoking sentiment where needed. The production was perfect with the depiction of the cold sordid environment to contrast their love as it blooms. Against all odds, love can grow even here.

Definitely worth the watch. Japan didn't disappoint.

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Where is the warmth?

This was good but I'm not too sure if this was good enough. The similarities between this and Love is Poison stops at: they are both eccentric successful lawyers with private investigators partners. Don't look for anything beyond that. Which I was grateful for. I enjoyed the format of one continuous story running concurrently with a new short story every two episodes. The differing reasons behind every divorce or separation were varied, thought provoking and harsh. The brutality of their resolve was not sugar coated and Hajime ensured his clients needs were met.

Then there was his sister. She was dying and enthrusted her daughter to his and his partner's care. The usually stoic and closed off Hajime began to thaw and let others in. Two of the most heart wrenching moments were because of her death. The daughter being present when it happened and his release in his solitude. The battle to gain custody of his niece began.

I can not find fault but still I felt something was missing. The acting was great. The stories interesting. The mannerisms suited to every character, tho the secretary can be a bit irritating. The ending as it should be. I think I didn't quite get Hajime and Kai's real connection. It was there but felt matter of fact. He felt more to be a helper than a helpmate. The focal point of the series was how and why divorces happen. I felt while watching them for the entiety that they interacted as already divorced but cohabitating. The lack of intimacy that would make their conversations precious. I'm not speaking of nc, but moments where they felt right together.

As I said, it was interesting. If you get your hands on a properly subbed version, go for it.

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Are they already dead?

The problem with Exclusive Love is that the formula being used is outdated. The storyline is actually interesting on paper, but the experience of it was not. Where was the drama? The well modulated tones of each actor seemed more of a sedative than an energizer. It does nothing to the performances that drag on for no apparent reason. 10 episodes in, and I was questioning why all this could not have wrapped up in 5. Granted, they're part of the funeral business, but they're not dead.

Moments are missed when the romance could have been enhanced but falls flat. TDZ asks WZ to lay on a table to show him how the dead, in their final moments before burial, are treated with respect. He proceeds to use oil to massage WZ. They're interrupted, and I happily say with good reason. It did not have the intensity needed and was as boring as paint drying. TDZ, who has feelings for WZ, was not affected by actually touching the pliant flesh being manipulated by his fingers.

The impending death of TDZ's brother brought no urgency to the story to push it further but more of the dull lackluster acting. On hearing that, Ian has feelings for him, WZ is shocked. I am truly grateful for the addition of Ian, as he is the only one who seems to still be in the land of the living. The second couple fared a little better but not by much. The subterfuge of JH inadvertently got YQ to the point of reaching the alter. A double wedding that fit well into the lifeless pattern of this series. The one aspect that really irked me was the living funeral. Why? Anyone will speak kind words when they know that you are dying. How everyone treats you in the course of your life is what should matter.

Taiwan used to produce intriguing storylines and enigmatic acting. Sadly, this is a reminder that everything changes and has an end. In this case, thankfully, also. 12 episodes was too much of this dribble. If after watching, your consensus is the same, don't say I didn't warn you.

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Who's smiling with me ....

I was ambivalent. Initially I wasn't going to write a review as there really wasn't anything to say. Boy meets boy. Boy falls in love with boy. Boy stays with boy forever. Then they did it. I was smiling like I've never smiled before, looping the moon and back. I loved watching Thame and Po together. I loved Thame and Po together bcuz Thame was the person that made Po realize his true worth. Po needed to be loved entirely, fiercelessly and deeply. Thame had the courage for everyone and more than enough for himself. Their magic had me smiling. Grinning, actually.

Acting, which we know needs work but forgiven as newbies, was much better than expected. What tied this entire show together was the soft way Thame loved Po. Gently, they took the steps together and held each other close. The all night phone call and THE walk to and from the bus stop set the standard for future romantic moments in any series. Yes, the usual mistakes and misunderstandings happened and I will say this, those 2 episodes fell flat. The light of the series was missing. Thame.

The moment he entered again, the world brightened considerably. The glow in his eyes made us believe again in their love. The Negative Nellys and Horrendous Horseface easily forgot as I was blinded by the brilliance of their soft sweet love. The connection between Thame and Po is palpable. It's felt. WilliamEst/EstWilliam have IT.

Lykn did well. Est, one of my favorites, did great. William shone. With more practice, they all will be better as time goes on. Special mention here of Nut and his role. He aced every moment he was on the screen and proved to be the strongest actor of the group. Jun's cunning smile fooled everyone but the audience. He gave up his chance for happiness for Thame to have his. Signs of true friendship. The level of ease amongst the entire cast was refreshing.

The empty script could have been much better. The repetitive convos, Po's one word answers - Huh, a timeline of events that did nothing to move the story from one position to the next. Thame started sadly owing Oner and ended happily owing Oner. Po started in the tailor shop depressed and ended in the tailor shop happy. Ok, well the perspectives changed but a little change in finances would have been nice. I would have loved to see the fire in Po that was ignited in episode 1 carried through but he had to dim a little for Thame / William to become the star. I was left with a good feeling at the end despite all the glaring errors. This definitely should be rewatched time and time again. If only to let your heart skip a beat . 💓

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Mark and his Golden Blood donor

I wasn't feeling it. There was so much wrong with episodes 1-5 that had me searching every person who was involved. From the director, production team, actors, and the two kids. What in the bl black hole was this? Nope. We waited too long for this. I did not sign up for this. Joss and Garwin were to bring Mark and Tong to life. Who doesn't like a series led by a good-looking vampire. I apologize. A gorgeously handsome vampire. Let's begin.

Three things were missing. A little gloom, suspense, and copious amounts of blood. You know, the things vampires are known for. Speed, mind reading, and biting a few necks. Well, the director probably wasn't having it. Gloom, non-existent. For people who were supposed to be protecting the golden blood, Tong sure was out and about a lot. Like he wasn't hard to track. Find Mark, and you will find him. Suspense, when the little girl was creepy crawling with the knife to kill Tong, I said finally. Less than 2 minutes, and that's it. Mark to the rescue. The most amount of blood seen was when Kla died and the junior vampire in episode 1. Jnr vamp nailed it. I was getting hopeful when he appeared because nobody was going to convince me that there wasn't room in the budget for better cgi. Joss writhing in electrical pain from a taste of the sacred golden blood had me chuckling. They probably used the same company that did Daou's midnight tremors in Century of Love. Those electrical shocks looked familiar. Then, if that wasn't bad enough, Mark had to save him by going through the glass on the upper floor while holding Tong as they descended to his car. It was so visually depressing. It would have been so much better had they been shown fleeing and then appearing in the car. I get it, budget. The pacing was erratic. The beginning didn't set the tone, whether it were a drama or a rom com. Neo's acting was oddly off. Like he couldn't find the rhythm of his character. He was just there. Voicing his part and going through the motions. When he died, he was probably relieved at that point. Gawin's screwed up face made him look more childish than a 20 year old man. The camera panned away to a far-off look with good reason. Two of them just there looking at an impaled Kla was not good. Also, does Gawin know that self care is important as an actor? An overgrown armpit in one scene and a very rough leg in the first nc scene. Razors are cheap.

What kept me watching? Joss. Joss in his whities. Joss in his blueies. Joss stripped down bare chested. Joss's superior look and constant frowning. I kept vacilitating between ogling and cringing. The director knew that they needed help big time, so him being half naked the most was expected. When Mark said, "If it looks good, why hide it?" Assignment understood.

Then, between 7 and 12, magic happened. The story started coming together, and the real action began. The true enemies revealed themselves, and the plot was finally realized. Special mention of their conversation and Mark fulfilling Tong's request was one of the most beautiful deliveries and emotionally charged scenes in all of Thai history. By the time Tong said, "I do." I was crying buckets. Their connection had ripened to that poignant moment. What a moment! What Joss and Gawin share can not be classed as chemistry. It goes beyond that, and in that moment, it was felt.

I'm not going to gloss over all that wasn't right with the production. The graphics, at times the weak script, Joss's bland acting, Neo's unnaturally bad acting, and the worst fighting scenes in all of vampiredom. When Joss entered through the window, shirtless and bruised, I couldn't contain my laughter. Like he was strong enough to fly, obviously shirtless for impact, but on landing was so drained he had to be held. When Thara descended from the upper floor with one leg bent, yes, another cringe moment. What were the entire team thinking. I'd probably do the same thing because at that point, there was no other way to mess it up. It was what it was.

The writing had flaws, but I will agree with the ending. The culmination of everyone's forever was apt. I was happy to see the fate of Nakhan. Yes, Tonkla died, but Nakhan also had been living in a shell that he too sought release to be with the one he loved. The all seeing Thara not seeing her own demise was perfect. The acting, for the most part, was good enough to keep me watching. Gawin's facial expressions changed over time, and in the end, he was the one who brought the show together.

I recommend seeing it but don't compare it to foreign productions if you are to enjoy it.

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Not there yet... so why?

Sukfilm usually delivers in this format. Short. Low low budget but decent. While the storyline in itself was interesting enough, the tall male lead was not. If it wasn't for the cheeky and cheerful disposition of the shorter male lead, there would be no need to watch. He is as stiff as cardboard and has the personality of paint. His sister, his friend and obviously his love interest had some vitality, he sadly was very tedious. I should also add, it's not all the scripts fault, which was more choppy than usual, it's him. Sadly, he appeared in another, Bound Contract and pretty much was just as unlively.

Sukfilm produced much better fare in the past. Bad Guy, Blue Boys and Soeul Blues had better actors, continuity and script. So what's going on. I hope this is just an anomaly and they revert to getting the best actors that can deliver within budget.

These shorts are usually a sweet treat where much brain activity is not needed. This left a mostly bland taste due to one actor, which is a shame. Still, I'll be looking out for more from Sukfilm or at least rewatch the good ones.

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The Prince, The Princess and The Dreamer

I loved it! Melodramatic to its core and that's exactly its charm. Every episode either ended climatic or had drawn a strong emotion whether good or bad. One could never call LITM boring. The story was well thought out and acted. To say that the ml were the stars alone would be a bit far from the truth. The majority of the cast were engaging to the point that some were very entertaining. Inthra and his wife brought the humor which gave the series the right balance for it to be enjoyable.

The build up to the finale was so well executed that I did not miss more of Saenkaew and Sasin's cute moments. Every character was given ample time to develop and push the story along in the right direction. Pin, through all she endured, proved that ultimately love would win in the end. There were a few moments that one would wonder if she was a distant relative of Dhevi's. Those she cherished did her dirty. She was allowed. By refusing to continue being a pawn in everyone's game, she found her voice and finally understood what true love was. I believe her character was the most evolved.

I refuse to believe that Prince Kamfa was Saenkaew's father. He was throwing hands and feet whenever and whomever he felt needed it. Khamsu, proved to be a very strong and agile right hand man. Oh, a chuckle or two did escape me. Kamfa definitely acted like he was from the streets. His intentions were understandable though most times not warranted. How does a parent give their child over to the world to ravage. I will not say that this was his only motivation but from a position of royalty, as I said, understandable.

Grandma, I loved her, but she could have kept those lips shut at times. Again, here we could see how her character was used to escalate the rising anxiety. She did what every grandmother would do. Love their grandchild unconditionally. Homthip deserves her place in their family. A worthy confidante for the lovebirds.

Sasin and Saenkaew love story evolved. It took its time to grow, be recognized and embraced. This was so good that it bordered on great. The revelation in Sasin's eyes, beautiful. He himself didn't know until it was too late. He was drawn to be in his presence for the smallest of reasons and Saenkaew half way through became his willing partner. The director deserves an award for creating one of the most beautiful scenes. Sasin smilingly eats out of Saenkaew's palm and the look of dawning wonder on Saenkaew's face. There was only one way for their story to end. The drama between their meeting and forever after, brought enough excitement to make the 12 episodes worth it. Sasin forgiving being shot for the sake of love, is one for the books.

I readily admit, the last episode was rewarding but too sweet. Then again most melodramas are. I would have preferred that karma return to all, but hey, Sasin and Saenkaew's hands weren't clean either. So, the ending was acceptable. The scenery, wardrobe and direction: no complaints. In true melodrama style, copious amounts of tears flowed; Saenkaew's, Pin's and mine. This is worth the watch.

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Life is too short.....

Life is really too short to watch this teen drama (this was not college behaviour) more than once. Honestly, it was in my line up and I forgot about it. Got stuck at epi 2 and decided to give it a rest for a while. Kla's brutal honesty and protecting his space had me a little interested. Should have left it forgotten but at 2am with a little insomnia, why not. Why, indeed.

Irritant:
Every single actor in this show besides Kla, Itim, Gam and Poon.
Poon acting like Gam owed him something
The females with no braincells or pride. The boy don't want you.
The purpose of this was what: How to stay safe during covid? How to date via FT 101? How to be a stalker?
AF acting like a FA. The boy don't want you.
5 episodes was too long for this nonsense.
Cake acting like he don't know if he's ready. First night in Kla's room. He's ready.
Boss/Tong: Your role in Unforgotten Night should have been the base line. Then For Him, which speaks for itself. Now this. The direction you should be going is up. Not lateral or downward. Up.
After being stalked, targeted and your personal space invaded let's all forgive and forget with an apology.

Pro:
Kla always being blunt. He's not giving false hope.
Poon realising he was an idiot and fixed the situation asap.
Cake's brother Itim
Cake's brother with the condom.
Cake's brother hitting on AF.

I think it's a poor message to send out to the audience that criminal offenses could be forgiven with just an apology and a chat. Also, dating in the digital age is very scary. This did not appear to be an issue.

Watch at your own risk.

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Funny cute, but.....

This was a funny cute series but.... Yes, the but is there and glaringly so. I don't think this was delivered with the right formula. Placing Cheoyong throughout the series would have given it a little more balance and might have made the hap hazard scenarios funnier. Gil Dal's dramatic seriousness would have weighed heavier and not felt as tho, he alone was bringing the drama. Geum Bok and Bi Hyeong felt like a continuous joke, enjoyable yes, but their plight seemed trivial.

Overall, their moments were humorous. The love between the both couples were unique to themselves and didn't feel generic. I liked the way Ji Gwi's presence was introduced within the main's love story. I didn't like the interjection of the ex who wanted more. Gil Dal and Ji Gwi's story didn't need this. Please, stop with the random pathetic exes. The playful banter between Geum Bok and Bi Hyeong was really funny. Bi Hyeong's ego was on a bigger scale but easily put aside for Geum Bok. Their moment of anguish appropriately done.

The ending implies their trials are not over which suited their 1000 + year old relationship. Gil Dal's and Ji Gwi's final meeting showed how easily all could be forgiven in the name of love. Tho the implication is there, I'm hoping this is the end. The cast and storyline didn't grab me as much as it could. Still, it was a nice watch.

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Dirty Handshakes and Fake Smiles

Politics is a dirty game and Mandate brought everything and served it well. Corruption at its core with back door deals, murders, payoffs and power hungry derelicts who refuse to die quietly and continue to rage against time. Their personal lives used as chest pieces for gain and strategy. Yes, Mandate was the one to watch and truly enjoy.

This is not an ordinary bl as many would have began viewing to enjoy seeing love spark and blaze bright to the end. This was a political drama that happend to have a bl secondary story. It was sobering in every way. Their meeting, the disagreements, Dr Nong's learning curve, their both failings and ultimately the inevitable fall out from their actions. Dr Nong and Wi lacked one critical part in their relationship - trusting that communication between them would always be truthful and open. Desparate to hold on, Dr Nong's unwise decision would almost be his most fatal act. Thankfully, Wi proving in the end, his experience and the ability to see the end game, would be his saving grace. They will have their moments.

Of all the deals made the most disheartening was Jump. Allowing himself to be used as a distraction from Dr Nong. Loyal to the core but at what price.

Boy's acting, especially his last scene, was supreme. Ben proved how much he has grown as an actor and was beautiful to see. The rest of the supporting cast rounded out what could be the most solid acting after Shine. Nong, Pitta and Akk were believable and committed to their roles.

The pacing, cinematography, direction and script tied perfectly together to create the intrigue, emotional pangs and revengeful schemes. The suits and ties of deception. The few moments of bl between Dr Nong and Wi were as it should. Tender, savoring and deep. Their moments together would be just as captivating as the primary plot. I loved it all.

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A Love That Wouldn't Die

I can not let go of the hold this series has on me. In 12 ep, they managed to break me over and over again. Perfectly paired they have delivered the best yet. The desire, the angst, harsh decisions, resolute convictions and in the end, a love that didn't die.

Caught between two kingdoms, political plots and selfish ambitions, Zi Ang and Shu He, fought to be but in the end, on opposing sides, they fought each other. Finally, left with no other option, Shu He takes revenge but ultimately creates the only world they can live happily in. Free to be as they were meant to be, they greet each other with a smile. I will not go indepth with every detail as this entire series is worth viewing with fresh minds.

I easily bypass how small the production was Zhang Zhe Xu and Min Jin performances blotted out what was lacking. Central to the plot that delivered, was their meeting and the intense love borne of it. One raging and rash and the other sure and serene. Yet, both were bonded forever

The supporting cast is worthy of a mention. All of their parts were handled believably. This is a series I can fully recommend as its execution was effectively painful as it was beautiful. A period piece that will never age. It's worth watching time and time again.

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