J-atty

Good Things Come In Small Packages

This is one of them. George and Mike. For approximately 10 minutes over a period of 6 episodes, you believed in their love. It's the usual story of underage boy forced to leave his boyfriend behind due to family pressure only to return years later to win him back. The thing though, George, the one left behind, is about to get married. She is smart, she is pretty and she loves George. Her only fault, she denies George his freedom to enjoy his passion for painting. George, happy enough with the structure of his life designed by her, concedes and focuses on her plan for their future. Until Mike reappears. He doesn't hide his feelings and let's George know, he's not giving up. He also creates a space for George to free the artist within. After a night of drinking and a strong cup of soul searching honesty, George is left in a quandry. What is he to do? Who is he supposed to choose? Is it too late to walk away? His fiance has been his support for a long time and their future is certain. Is this wrong? Why does Mike still feel like home?

For a very very small budget film, this delivers. It's not perfect but it was a nice Monday morning watch. The actors are competent, even those that give support. The story acceptable but the writing and production could greatly improve. One of my peeves with any show and not only bl is kissing. Either do it properly or don't do it at all. There are other ways to show how deep desire or love can be without a kiss. In this regard it suffers. Mike's voice with more training can be his biggest asset. George's facial reactions, his. The fiancé was portrayed as she should be without bringing anything new. Camera angles at times were a bit awkward. With all that could have been done better, it was still an okay watch. I would like to see them again as they fit well together. Don't take my word for it, go watch.

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Didn't you know....

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. The sincerity of Nut and Phob is the heart of this beautiful love story. Childhood friends into lifelong lovers. Be prepared, if you are going to watch this, forget the tissue and get a beach towel. You are going to need it.
Why was this gem hidden, I don't know.

Phob and Nut have to very opposite personalites and in this, thier conflicts begin. Saved from a dog, Phob protects Nut, who as they grow together, falls in love with him. Nut is sensitive and treasures every moment with his friend. Phob is outgoing and very protective of Nut, without letting anyone know, even Nut. He hides his true feelings behind his ever present smile which is the catalyst for their misunderstandings. He shares with others but not Nut, protecting him from the pain his situation will cause. They grow distant but always with the help of Kong, a mutual friend, they reconnect.

This series deals with a real life topic which is hard to deal with. Phob struggles with it personally and gives up until Nut's re-entry into his life. Finally, they speak freely of how they affected each other's life and Nut begs him never to disappear again. Phob promises and with the help of Nut, he makes the decision take on life again. Phob, at the end, reciprocates and asks Nut, to always be by his side.

Phob and Nut's personaities are a perfect match and it is beautiful to see. The script is not bogged down with melodrama but guides the slow direction of the story. That is not to say it is perfect. The flashbacks are a hindrance rather than a propeller. This could have easily been a 6 ep instead of 8. The romance is warm but limited as there are missed opportunites for tender touches and soft kisses. Their eyes tell that story. The constant rehashing of their pivotal meeting became tedious. After the pov of each, it could have been put to rest. The ending of the story is odd as it gives the impression of a S2 to be made but wasn't.

The entire cast did a great job with minor hiccups from the support cast. The main were solid. The back drop realistic for a rural setting and the time period 2002 - 2006. The antique phones, ringtones, phone booth and computers were a perfect touch. This added to the obvious charm of the series. I believe Mean wrote a short which was expanded on. He co-directed and acted in it. He did good with this.

Overall, it was a nice heart breaking watch which I fully recommend.

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Monsters are loveable too

I went in with a completely different expectation and was pleasantly surprised. Not overjoyed but pleasantly surprised. The entire cast did a good job BUT... Big did great! I've always loved him and found that he was greatly underappreciated. He filled this role with such ease that it was great to see him shine. Bui/Proud also stood out in her role. Would love to see more of her.

Pros:
Park exhibited the true traits of an introvert.
God and all of extroverts were believable also
The realtionship between Diew and his grandfather
Diew's reconciliation with his mother - heartfelt
Depiction of both extro and intro, showing both have areas of either trait.
God being patient with Diew
God protecting Diew as he did from everyone.
Conclusion of all storylines in an unrushed manner
Misunderstandings were dealt with without being too drawn out. Diew and God's rift. God's crying was a little ott but fixed by next epi. Also with Wan and Beer. Beer has the patience of a saint.
Big and Park looked natural together considering the size difference.
The way God looked at Diew...


Cons:
The pace wasn't rushed but it was toooo serene. Diew's personality overshadowed the entire show. It felt dead at times.
A bit preachy at times. Like a PSA.
Wan was annoying and too childish. Plus irl, he could do with more acting lessons.
Hated that the antagonist was a female influencer. Do all shows have to stick in the annoying female trope. Let's hope they know that anyone can be used.
Pi served his purpose but after apologising to Diew why did he still have to be shown as an idiot when speaking with God.
Using Pi as a tool for the drama between God and Diew was so boring. Had they used God to be in a situation where Diew needed to step up and didn't which caused great harm to God, would have been more effective. A true introvert has a great fear of the unknown and being judged. So him not breaking that barrier would have been their rift.
Series could have wrapped up in 10 epi....again too calm for that length.

Rewatch - nah. Though it was nice, once was enough. It's time BL move from a school setting to other areas. Hope to see Big in other projects because he has the ability to do more than this.

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I Want One

Yup, I said it. I want my own personal AI Ever 4. I want to wake up every morning next to someone who will love me for me as I age, until the day that my bolts get rusty and I leave this earth, peacefully of course. My AI has to be a replica of Sam Lin tho, my Taiwanese perfection. No offence to Kevin Chang. You see, I do understand why Bu Shi fell in love, yes it was love, with him.

Bu Shi was frustrated with his world as it was. He was tired of depending on people who saw him as a nuisance or a walking atm. He rebelled as any person would confined to the expectations of a father who had no time for him. I can not say that he didn't love Bu Shi, as he displayed immense patience with his rude reckless behavior and the best thing he could have done is to unknowingly find his son a partner for life. Someone who will be there for him, protect him, always have his best interest at heart(well really it would be the centre of his AI life force) and under no circumstances would he leave him.

So the burning question is, how can AI love a human and vice versa. Here's why the script worked. Ever 4 was the latest model of AI and the most expensive but like every program, he was governed by set rules. He warned Bu Shi early on that the removal of his glasses would change his programming. Bu Shi didn't listen and found out the hard way. Yes, sitting was an issue until he got accustomed. Up until this point there is no difference between the AI and a human. We are all governed by our environments laws and precepts and when we do F around, we do find out.

Petulant, full of pride and willful as ever, Bu Shi runs away, not before giving his best friend all his cash to help his boyfriend clear his generational debt. At no time did the script say Bu Shi was smarter than the average person. Even those with the lowest wattage would know, the streets are unforgiving and if you do not have life skills, you will starve. Here Ever 4 steps in and patiently step by step, walks the path with him. He could have just as easily, man handled, well robot handled him and forced him to go back home. He didn't because he had already begun to care deeply for him. He shifted from his protector mode to partner and lover.

How can he care? All of his AI is artificial and limited to the input info. He gets upgraded as new info is inputted and adapts to said info. He sees Bu Shi for what he is with all his faults and integrates it in his responses to him. So where is the difference between Ever 4 and a human who is deeply connected to their partner? He said I love you. What would AI know about love? He was programmed with the knowledge of love and loyalty. As humans, we are shown what love and loyalty is by those who nurture us. Same info different methods.

He allows Bu Shi to go through his emotions while he provides the means to do so. Albeit, the highest level of intelligence should have known better than to do manual labor but again what professional proof of his abilities did he have. No high school diploma. No college degree. Why then a love motel? No questions asked and cheaper than a standard one. He then becomes an escort and at this point, I have to agree, he knew his worth.

Here is where the script diverts into a bit of nonsense and lost points. Why include a plot of trying to kill the young master when it abruptly stops as it starts after Ever 4 steps in. This should have been woven throughout and not just verbalized by the father. The second couple, though cute in their own way, really wasn't necessary to the plot. Was it to show Bu Shi's heart of gold? Was it to elongate the episodes to 12? Was it to show the loyalty and love between two humans? We liked Anti-Reset because it dealt with the relationship between AI and a human. Why wouldn't we like the same here? If it was used to show that there was no difference in how love is given and received, then it succeeded. We are all caught up in this feeling we call love.

There were moments that the acting was not the best and the lengthy professions of love at the end detracted rather than added to the series. I did like the part where they adopted an AI son. Bu Shi, matured by then, truly thought of Ever 4 as his partner and lover. He didn't want him to be lonely should his demise happen before Ever 4's. How could he love an AI? The better question is, how could he not. He met him intellectually, he always spoke from a place of care and concern, he showed him that his feelings were valid and made him happy. As a human who wouldn't want that? Have you seen what is passing for hoomans lately? Yes, one Sam Lin replica to go, please.

Lastly, Ever 4 began to think independently hence the reason he defied his previous protocols and followed Bu Shi. If this isn't being human, I don't know what is. Bu Shi went against the expectations and chose Ever 4. So a pair well matched. The only deterrent to the pairing is Ever 4's eternal youth. Just as humans age and adapt to the changes in their relationships, so would theirs.

Did I enjoy it? Yes, to a degree. Would I re-watch, probably not. Lately, Taiwan standards are being lowered and providing stories that do not capture your attention for long periods. Their plots have always been a bit outrageous but captivatingly so. This was not so, at all. If you are not looking to be dazzled but welcome a few chuckles inbetween, give it a watch.

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Nothing To See Here....

This has got to be the most boring hearbreak ever. How can a series with such promise be stifled by the uninspiring storytelling. After episode 2 be prepared to sleep through 4 more levels of boredom. Shi Wen and Shin Nan meet. Are about to share their feelings. SW dies. They meet. They share their feeling and fight for their love. He dies. They meet. SN keeps his feelings to himself. SW lives. The ending lines are apt: If we are doomed to be apart, what is the meaning in meeting? Exactly. What was the purpose of this series? How not to meet your soulmate? There isn't any other conclusion.

The production was just as poor as the script and lackluster acting. The lack of funds is clearly shown in the recycled wardrobe and even more so when it was not changed at all. The mother arrives in one dress and spends days in it as seen when SN is locked away from his lover / step brother. She departs with her husband in the same dress. At least, in these instances, allow the actors to use their own wardrobe. They are not rich so this could have easily been implemented.

SW appears to be clueless to all the events surrounding his deaths. The shows never shows how he gets his rebirth, but like magic he is there waiting to die again. The only continuity is SN. He remembers all the lives. So his purpose is to feel pain at his loss but for everyone else to live blissfully. Really pointless. SW's last death was really hilarious. An overhead light falls, causing a fatal blow to SW as he is on stage giving his speech on winning the prize for his painting. What's funny? He falls, SN rushes to his side and the entire audience and his friends run away leaving them alone. No assistance given whatsoever. The writer of that scene should be made to re-watch it every day for the rest of their lives. The script was going in the same circles with the same conclusion. The director to be fired immediately.

China has produced better than this with probably a lesser budget. Blue Canvas of Youthful Days comes to mind. The actors were like animated caricatures but not giving life to their roles. The unbelief could fill a chasm. Will I recommend this to be viewed, yes. Only if China gets better at producing bls after seeing the reviews of these low funded films and if a person struggles with getting to sleep and needs assistance. Rewatch - definite pass.

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The Best Interest of Everyone

What's right may not be legal and what's legal may not be right. The opposing views on euthanasia was discussed in great detail and according to the end, legality won. I want to say unfortunately but the other side of that coin would send a message of acceptable wanton killings.

It is legal to execute a prisoner by lethal injection but illegal to give someone peace who suffers daily from excruciating pain.

The plot was very interesting, thought provoking and with a few unexpected surprises. The acting was wonderfully done by everyone. A Thai production of this caliber done in 8 episodes is a miracle in itself. The pacing, flash backs and character development produced a drama worth watching and watching again.

The divide between Thiu and Kan was bridged for only a moment and what a beautiful moment it was. Their moment of intimacy was tastfully done as expected from mature individuals. Thiu, tho a bit hesitant due to Kan's wound, encouraged by Kan, gave in. I must admit I was not expecting this as the previous meetings would show desire alone. Truthfully, I would have preferred for it to have not happened due to the ending.

The only question that should have been asked of Thiu but it wasn't...

If his mother, in extreme pain, had begged him to end it, would he have stepped back and refused, leaving her to suffer. The morality of these situations are ambiguous from the both positions taken.

Boss, the pharmacist, gave a stellar performance. From lover, to psycho, to unrepentant murderer. The difference between him and Kan would be the matter of choice. The patients chose Kan. Boss forced his choice on them. His death was his choice and I was happy that he was not a hypocrite at the end. Rin, a surprise, kept her self righteousness to herself on hearing the truth but with conditions. Every story was not rushed and given enough time to be completed adequately.

The ending was as society would want but it did not hurt any less.

"Would you confess?"
"Only if it's you."
Painfully, they hug. Placing a petal in Kan's handcuffed hands, Thiu says, "I love you."

Both Kan and Thiu proved how much they loved each other.

Beautifull writing. It tugs at the emotions that are kept in check. Sammon, the author, and Sirilux Srisukon, the screenwriter, thank you. The dialogue was enhanced by every actor's performance and well worth the praise. I will look forward to seeing these actors in the future. I hope a S2 is made.

Go watch!

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Who doesn't love good Honey

Jin and Akin have taken us on a roller-coaster ride, and I liked it but...... The true story of was lost in the overdramatic acting at times. From their first meeting, Jin has had an agenda, and his purpose never shifted. How to bag Akin? How to be the one who can make Akin the happiest? I will say that after the first nc scene, he had nothing to worry about. Akin was giggling like a teen with his first crush. Racing heart beats, shy hesitant looks, and my man Jin made full use of the kryptonite, honey. I'm sure the demand for honey must have skyrocketed after that episode. We were served and, I must say, served very well. Jin's members (tongue, fingers and.......) should be framed and held in high esteem for eternity. The award winning honey should be glass encased. Viewed but never touched. A population surge, we do not need.

Jin gave new meaning to the term green flag. He came in every sense, he saw and he conquered. He knew that getting through to Akin would take loads of patience, perseverance, flexibility, and vision. He walked beside him, holding his hand every step of their journey. He gently drew him out of his shell and understood him. He allowed him to express himself, validate his feelings, and made him feel safe. His dreams always included Akin at the center. He teased the inner freak out of Akin and was up for the challenge. He was that good.

From being an high strung pampered introvert, Akin matured over time to be a strong, thoughtful decisive lover. Yes, he was a handful, but good actors usually are. Once the reality of his position in the acting world hit, he changed his agenda from ego to lover. Jin had quietly entered his world and gave his life the much needed assurance he craved. He was loved and would be truly loved for himself and not the adoration he had known as an actor. Akin's strength was bringing each actor he worked with to a higher level. It worked well with Jin as Jin loved him. Johnny, on the other hand, should have been left alone. Though, being a perfectionist brought him unwanted pain. He doesn't know how to do mediocre.

Two times Akin let me down. The night after the 'rape' scene and when he was going to be blackmailed with the picture. Firstly, the night after the 'rape'. Unless his anatomy was acting a role and disconnected from his body, he must have known if he was violated from recent activity. Drugged or not, a quick clench would let him know. Either way, confront Johnny instead of running away and continuing to act with him. I didn't like Jin saving him. A good kick to the groin by Akin was needed here. Secondly, why did he feel that taking on the blackmailer by himself was the best way to go? There are different levels of dumb. He chose the highest level. If he wanted to protect Jin, discuss with him what is the best option. But it did make for an anguished nc, which is good tv.

Best lines of the script:
"Did I mean so little to you?"
"You were never supposed to mean anything at all."

Johnny, being a royal pain, should have understood his role from the beginning. A clown will always be a clown, whether he wore fancy clothes or not. I did like his unknowing confession. He knew what he was and the lengths he would take to reach his dreams. Still, don't overreach your position.

What was a big plus for me in this series other than the chemistry and the benefits of honey, was the different difficulties being presented over the course of years. They were together but with the core nemesis still trying to break them as an ongoing thread. It could have become a hindrance if it became too convoluted. It gave the series a realistic passing of time. The secondary actors all did well enough to make it credible. I would have preferred that the series surrounded the battle of an aging actor vs a new actor replacing him. A neurotic Akin would have made must-see moments. Their interractions at this point was electric. Jin winning the award caused the best friction between them. Everything else felt lackluster.

Adding the multiple stories that were solved within an episode or two kind of made it less engaging. We would have still got the honey scene at the end when they got together and would end with a bang. In the other nc scenes, it felt like a decline. Didn't they know that you always save the best for last? Their character growth would be double and not more one-sided as it happened. Jin came in strong and stayed that way throughout. His sole purpose was to be at Akin's side. They way to do it was to become an actor to catch his attention and once that was achieved, follow Akins instructions. Akin is the only one shown to evolve.

The nc scenes aided a lot in the popularity and were done for adults. Boom's go-to crying for sympathy was becoming a little tedious. His baby girl antics, though cute but unrealistic, for a grown man. The ending unbelievable as the entire script felt like a soft breath leaving your lungs. No impact whatsoever. Smart has grown as an actor and adapted well to the script. Smart and Boom made good. This was enjoyable, a little too sweet and not enthralling enough. Should you go watch? Yes, if only for the sweet taste of honey.

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When it's no longer fun being alone

There is good. There is bad. Then there is this. It just is. The only name that this wears is called life. It's the conversations too difficult to have but must be done to move forward. To feel as close to whole as you think you can be. The thing is, both Min Jun and Jin Hwan couldn't have those conversations in university. They were both inexperienced at it. Rather than find the truth in what was between them, the both took the hard way out. Misconceptions abound, they retreated and disappeared into their safe worlds.

Min Jun is stuck in a holding pattern as life moves on around him. He has changed with the passing of years but he hasn't lived either. Jin Hwan assertiveness has grown and in this he resolves to make Min Jun his. Unfortunately there are three obstacles to face. Min Jun's truth. Jin Hwan's truth. Which one is the truth. In the past, each in their safe cocoon, they deconstructed the events that separated them and their views were sadly very different.

Min Jun assumed that Jin Hwan was playing a game with him and held onto the hurt. Jin Hwan believing Min Jun to be an indecisive coward, never made the situation clear. Now working together, their daily interactions unavoidable, they have the difficult conversations. Ultimately one thing between them is true, they still have great love for the other.

This is life. No one is right or wrong. They're just two people dealing with their emotions, expectations and pain. They have to decide if it's worth it. They do.

As much as I loved the lessons taught it was not as engaging as it could have been. There were moments of good writing but the majority were just words to keep the vehicle mooving. Min Jun's depressive state from university to present weighed too heavy at times. Jin Hwan attitude seems a bit too bright in his fight to get through to him. A homophobic father and depressive ex lover, he had to be. The biggest drawback was the monotone through out. A flat line running straight through with no real spark of emotion to make the drama between them life effecting. Each episode a repeat of the other.

What's to like: It's a realistic take on two people with contrasting personalities, vowing to stick together. It's shows what can happen when lack of communication is left to it's own device. Lost years. It's two people ensuring that the past will not repeat itself. What's not to like: It can be sleep inducing. Don't raise you expectations too high and you won't be disappointed.
At other times a nice surprise.

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Who knew we would love Pokpa

Anyone who has watched this series can agree, LITW has an innocence to it. Rural living on an animal reserve in the heart of nature. It's slow, but like an early morning, it begins to reveal the beauty of the relationship between Hem and Fifa. Complete opposites, but in reality, the same desire. Without a plan, they find a safe space within the other.

Scarred by a previous relationship gone bad, Hem runs from his past, but his past won't let him go. He drinks to ease the pain. A weakness that Fifa is not afraid to address. Hem understands the criticism is for his own good, and welcomes it as no one has dared to speak to him in such a manner. In Fifa, he feels drawn to him. He sees the rebellious head strong person he once was.

While I didn't like the methods used to get him there, I did understand the reasoning. He was enjoying the benefits of what Pokpa provided without an appreciation for it. How could he? He was into art and design. Fashion and everything modern that could be embraced in the city life. Pokpa was the furthest from this as you can get. Muddy roads, mosquitoes, geckos, and no internet. He was lost.

His struggle to fit in with his new environment showed. Outdoor baths, a gecko that had a specific mission and his clumsiness. Mistakes made can have serious consequences, as seen with a food allergy that sent an employee to the hospital. Distraught, Fifa agonized over it and gave a heartfelt apology. Here, Hem sees Fifa in a different light. He's not spoiled or a coward. He's from a different world with different dreams but his heart was good.

They easily found their warm relationship growing and valued what it meant. They hold each other accountable in their daily living. The obstacles that should keep them apart, didn't. Hem's past no longer defined his present and an opportunity for Fifa's initial dream came through. Hem's declaration of always being there for him, gives Fifa the strength to embrace it. We are left with the hope that their story hasn't finished. They made sure of it. The moon, the key and the bunny head. We are sure of it.

The beauty of this story needed to be told. This is not to say there weren't faults within. The choppy scenes at the end to bring it to a conclusion were noticible. Hem's resolution of his previous relationship could have been expanded on. Fifa's pain felt for his sprained ankle came and went. Then there were moments that erased all the faults and all that is left is beauty. Hem holding Fifa as his heart breaks. Fifa being brave enough to kiss Hem. Ton and Arm did a wonderful job. The connection is there without being overproducted. The ending was as it should be. This is what good stories are made of.

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Same But Different

There were many drawbacks to this production and it showed. The 2 min choppy breaks were not pleasant to watch. The acting was over dramatic and poor at times. The location was somewhat on par with the storyline. These short shorts can be beautiful like Match Play and truth be told most aren't. Yet, still, I kept watching on Shortime app because it was interesting. The themes touched on were relevant and impactful. Parental emotional abandonment. Abuse. Religion and homosexuality. Teacher student sexual relationship. What is love? Betrayal and friendhsip.

Yuho and Jin-gu story is the same but the interest lies in the outcome. Both of them trapped by circumstances beyond their control, come face to face and in the end, after holding my breath for one minute, were saved.

There were moments when the acting was good and there were times it was not. Yuho main expression at the beginning was that of apathy or depression. It is only the last 15 episodes we see some life in his performance. Jin-gu was more pleasant but rather limited in what was required of him. When they are together, the connection is there. Had this been properly funded, and allowed to develop properly, could have been a go to. The themes were not allowed to end naturally. I did enjoy it for what it was.

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When the sides are better than the main

Let's get into this. This series suffered the same fate as Fourever You. Placing popular actors as the main draw who then become the most forgettable. The series as a whole dealt with various issues of love, abandonment, becoming self accepting, true friendship and maturity.

ArcArm.
Their arc lasted the longest and had it not been determination to see it through to the end, it would have been dropped. Friends, close friends, should not act as lovers on film. I stand by this deduction after enduring numerous episodes of tantrums, bad acting and no chemistry whatsoever. The usual enemies to lovers fell very flat and tedious to endure. I will say aging Arc out of the school environment was a good move and allowed the passage of time to develop the other characters.

YothaGun.
This is where the series gains traction and moves in the right direction. Yotha a hot head introvert had a lot to overcome and with the help of Gun does this almost realistically. I say almost because I can not believe a child emotionally and physically stifled for love from a parent can so readily accept and embrace said parent with no residual ill will. Gun shows up and continues to forgive his bad behavior all in the name of love. With the help of Arm, he begs forgiveness and is basically forgiven within the same episode. Let's not forget Gun's parents said "he is the sunshine of the world". The difference between the two feelings can be easily felt. There is a radiance that emits from Gun when he's happy. Gun/Beagle is as loyal as they come. Though the over the top theatrics when he is in beagle mode could have done with a little dimming.

FaiWine
This is the healthiest relationship of all but again with its own drawbacks. Fai being used by a pawn feels emotionally forgotten within the entire family unit. This transfers into being a people pleaser. Wine, who recently became self aware of his sexual preference, becomes his favorite person. Fai offers to teach Wine about love and romance as he believes Wine is still in love with his previous crush. They are drawn to each other, though it it Wine that orchestrates their continued meeting. The notebook is purposely left at the dorm, thereby ensuring the lessons continue without and end in sight. Here Fai learns the meaning of special. While communication is key to a healthy relationship there is a thing as too much talking. The step by step discussion of every detail of their coming together weighed a little heavy at times. This is off set by Fai's ability to make a funny comment to either diffuse a bad situation or hide his feelings. They are perfectly matched and Wine fills the gap left by a cruel mother. She is again forgiven too easily. Fai's nature would not allow otherwise.

PondSand
They met. They felt the attraction. They got together. They stayed together. No drama. No issues. What was the purpose of them being here? Don't get me wrong. I love them as a couple. I love that Pond made Sand feel special with his dumb bunny thoughts. Not everyone can be in a relationship that is intellectually mismatched and this could have been explored more. The only hindrance with this pairing is that Marc has a standoffish way of acting with limited facial reactions. This is the closest I've seen him with anyone as he always comes across as a bro and not a lover. If they can bridge this gap, I'd love to see more as Poon is a delightful character on and off the screen.

KlaoWarit
The side couple who stole the show. This couple is the meat of the series and shows the most growth throughout. The anger, frustration, devotion, reconcilliation, maturity and eventually proposal was what tied the entire series together. Their interactions are as real as can be. Klao, a hot head jealous idiot at the beginning, turned his life around for love. Warit with the patience of a saint held on and was rewarded with a love that matched his. Klao also proved to be a friend worth having. Without knowing the reason of a fight that Gun was in, jumps in without a second thought even though at the time they were arch enemies. The passion between KlaoWarit surpassed all the others and realistically displayed with every look. As an onscreen couple for many years, their bond can be felt almost immediately on meeting. The proposal made my eyes moist when I took into consideration all that they endured to reach to this point.

On viewing the bonding between Yotha and Faifah at the end, I'm a little sad that Newton wasn't included. Though older, he too must have felt hurt. Watching this as a whole, it was not bad at the ending. The final scene ended perfectly. The series was not perfect by any means. How many times is Arc is going to tell Arm he wants him in every aspect of his life? How many times characters are cute? How many times over the top asinine behaviors unbecoming a young adult is displayed? Does Arm speak on shout or only with Arc? Irritating. While the actions of Yotha and Faifah were a direct result of past trauma by their mother, this was dealt with superficially and all is forgiven and well again. The extras were used like a pop up service. Except AouBoom, they all kissed like their lips have castity belts on.

It is worth the watch and for the most part entertaining. Re-watch no. Thai productions can be shortened and still be fun. Something that eludes their production team. Suggestion: Watch the first 10 episodes at 2x speed, nothing will be missed and be more enjoyable. Lesson learned the hard way.

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Cute Disappointment

What started as a cute coming of age series soon turned into a snooze fest around episode episode 4. Other than waiting to see the evolution of his initial attraction for his teacher, there was nothing interesting to see. There was no drama to propel the story or keep the viewer engaged. UH revealed his feelings for his teacher, who after a brief flight, gently turned him down in the most caring way possible. After all UH was his favorite student. It's at this point an overwhelming urge to sleep took hold of me. I actually felt at some point this series was pulling a Benjamin Button. Two teenagers in their final year at school before college with as much exuberance as that of 80 yr olds. Seriously. Writing this, I actually yawned. Yes, it was that dull. The emotions expressed were so contained and soft that even the ending held no real happiness for the viewer beyond them being together. So Ri, his friend, called him clueless and he lived up to it. Very quietly.

DH, his friend and eventual partner, made a bet with him. They would date until graduation with the hope that UH would get over his feelings for his teacher and fall in love with him. The only issue I had with this was that DH was setting himself up for failure and when this happened, proceeded to act very hurt by UH's confusion. Who among us can turn their emotions off and on like a switch, was never in love in the first place or very fickle. Let's go with the former. Their reunion later held no impact. Their admissions of missing each other saw no passion or desire beyond a light kiss.

Was the story told in entirety? Yes, albeit very serene. Did the actors make the roles believable? Yes, again, very softly.
Was anything learnt that wasn't done before? An underwhelming, no.
Will I rewatch? In keeping with the tone of the series, I will gently write, no.

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The acts of fate or faith?

It's been a while since a story as realistic as life has been told. The complexities of relationships and the motives propelling the willing and unwilling participants to their ultimate fate. Somehow, this series is very cathartic. Processing the reasons why each individual acted in the manner they did, brought what was a one sided relationship to full circle, laid open by honesty, kindness and forgiveness.

Nakarei Sei and Hagiwara Kazuaki both cohabitate with their significant person. Cohabitate is used correctly as neither receives any warmth reciprocated at them. For varying reasons, they live emotionally isolated in their homes. Any form of intimacy is rebuffed or easily side stepped under the guise of being occupied or of tiredness. Though throught to be an error, NS and HK start sharing their thoughts on their similar plights via email. I am reminded that NS views on life changes what was thought to be an error to destiny. He resolutely believes that no one is to blame for the death of his parents. They were to die at that time. We, the viewer, must then believe that the first email was fate. NS and HK were always going to meet.

HK's girlfriend's actions were duplicitous and selfish. She desires the title of wife but doesn't share with HK the reason she no longer wants to be intimate. Stringing him along, she feigns tiredness and preoccupation. Unwilling to share with him, she tells a friend who is in the same predicament. Falsely entrapped into marriage by a husband who doesn't desire sex with her, she knows the pain of her existence and reveals the partial truth to him. He is stunned.

NS desires his roommate and as this is not returned, in essence this is what they are. Predetermined events place them in each other's lives. There is a nonchalant detached coldness that NS displays in every action. This is his armor. He appears disinterested with life beyond his home but cannot escape the fact it is in his home that his armor is essential to his survival. He knows a secret is being kept and wishes to return the hurt he has felt. He rebels.

It is at a point of mutual frustration that NS and HK meet. The culmination of their desires both shock and release pent up feelings of rejection. NS places boundaries on their meeting but it is HK who makes the bold move to seal their fates. In their tender moments, he rocognizes what he feels and acknowledges that he has bonded with NS. This is just a moment, he wants a lifetime.

Returning to their homes, their meeting sets off a ripple effect of events fated to happen. Eventually, they both learn the reasons for their partners attitudes. HK's girlfriend admits, she cannot maintain desire for her partner beyond a certain point as it has happened before. Selfishly, she forces him to break up with her to appear as a victim to their acquaintances. HK does so as he really wants to be free of the relationship. His other motive is his kindness and decency to everyone. His secrets are for their protection.

NS has to face his demons also. The unwilling partner reveals the pain and guilt he feels towards NS. He believes that NS only grew to have feelings for him as he was cared for by him after NS was left an orphan. He believes he was the reason they were killed. He becomes twisted mentally and shuts out NS. He feels some pleasure in knowing he has created a vacuum that seals them in and allows no one to be close to NS. The pain he inflicts on NS is his internal struggle projecting at him. In one scene, he presses NS swollen toe, inflicting more pain to get a reaction.

I feel no sympathy for the girlfriend. She shifts the blame to avoid scruting and to seek help. She is too proud to admit she is at fault for the distance betweenthem. The roommate hides his guilt, and makes NS feel vulgar for wanting more from him. They could have had happy lives had they been honest at the beginning. After his revelation, we see how his methods caused his loss but the kindness shown to him, he is thankful for it and vows to do better.

I applaud the writer for tackling adult subjects in a mature fashion. Here, we see:
The effects on relationships when true feeling are not expressed.
The lack of desire for sex can affect both parties at any given time.
Under the weight of a lie a relationship will not flourish. The prejudices that can still cloud the judgement of a supposedly modern woman.
Two hetero males entering a gay relationship without fear of the outer world's perception. Previously, NS says to HK that until he fell in love with his roommate, his desire was for the opposite sex. It is with HK that he delves into gay sex. He feels safe.
Truly loving someone will allow you to forgive, give them grace and encourage healing.

I will remember this series for its use of the actors and the script. Every interaction and word was necessary for the propelling of the story. None were wasted. The actors were utilized skillfully. HK's declaration of his growing feelings for NS at the office was very descriptive. The pain etched on his face was believable. I especially loved the ending as both intending on sacrificing their personal feelings for the other, meet again by fate at the museum.

This is worth every moment of viewing pleasure. Trust fate.

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And that is what they did...

In San's and Xiaowen's minds they are father and daughter and looking at them from the moment they met, no one could say otherwise.

San, a mortician, meets Xiaowen upon her grandmother's death. Xiaowen, not fully understanding what death was, kept looking for her. San was given the task of keeping her as her closest relatives refused her. San, an ex-con, and Xiaowen, still lost, fought every moment they were together. Ultimately, over a period of happenings, misfortunes, and death both smoothed out each other's rough edges and a fierce bond was forged. Each fighting for the other and selflessly becoming each other's protector. The heartbreak would come but so too the immediate forgiveness. He would not fail her again. After all he was BaBa.

Zhu Yilong deserved this win. He gave his all with this performance and it showed. His vulnerability was laid open and with Yang Enyou brought every emotion out. It's fast paced, angry and rough. Yet, still the genuine love between the two was evident in every act. Every gut wrenching emotion was felt.

Go watch!

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I don't think I've ever seen a series with so many layers, so beautifully delivered that it captures the essence of each role uniquely. Unknowingly, from episode one we are led to believe that this would be eight episodes of different stories and in each, they would always choose each other. Who wouldn't enjoy a series of romances with happy endings? So,I sat, every Sunday afternoon expecting blissful bl happiness. Something else was in store.

Mick and Top played with our feelings and played it well. They made us believe in heros and soulmates. Office romances with a 'fairy' grandmother. Then the emotional rollercoaster took a dive into the suffering a loved one feels being left behind with unfullfilled dreams and painful memories. I'm not ashamed to say I cried as if my loved one had died. But it is here the real story begins. Actors portraying roles, becoming lovers and losing their way. It is difficult in real real life to navigate the multitude of happenings and feelings to continue in love, even though you make take diverging paths. To portray the tone deafness and closed off responses given in defense, all the while knowing that deep love is still there. They embodied every character and the nuances that brought them to life. No traits lapping over until the real story emerged. They were unique.

The series rose to different heights each week and I was never disappointed. Episode eight is my favourite for the fact that we don't always get what we want when we want but with growth and love we might get what we need when we most need it. Through it all, it was a beautiful to see a small ensemble deliver each week. There were things that could have been done differently. The predictability of the first two episodes didn't have any outstanding dialogue to make it any different than what was heard before. The switch from acting to real life was a bit confusing at first. Inn and Pun started dating in ep four and then they went straight to breaking up. Only in episode eight, it was revealed the reason but still not convincingly enough as the breakup still felt one sided.

Mick and Top interact beautifully together. They have the skills to pull every emotion from every scene in subtle ways. This vehicle was a great way to showcase their talents. Ball and Fiat also did well. It would be nice to see them together again. Rewatch - definitely.

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