J-atty

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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Pure Entertainment

It was ludicrous, hilarious, dramatic, poignant, heartbreaking and endearing but most importantly very entertaining. The thin bare plot broke down after ep 3 and picked back up in the last 5 minutes of ep 9, but it's worth sticking for everything else. The both cp have chemistry in bucket loads. Just a glance, a deep inhale or a gentle touch and the atmosphere was crackling with electricity. I must admit it hurt when Chen Gong (?) died, he also had a presence that filled the screen.

Yes the script was chaotic, childish and unbelievable at times but forgiveable when taken in entirety. China producing in Thailand, what else could be expected. Am I waiting for S2, yes and hopefully with a slightly bigger budget. Will I expect better, no because it will make S1 insignificant. Let this stay in the lane it has chosen: pure entertainment.

The only reason I gave this an 8 because I was never bored, even in the nonsensical moments.

Taken in the vein it was produced in, you will enjoy.

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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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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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Appreciate Now

It was enjoyable, chaotic, a bit far reaching but just right. Sure there were moments that felt a bit repetitive, the circle it ran in, just to get to the conclusion but it didn't feel too unnecessary. All the actors had character. They felt natural in their surroundings, even the supernatural ones.

Ultimately, a story about choices, good or bad, would have repercussions. Also, I liked the aspect of valuing yourself and never feeling a failure to who matter. Self and those who love you and those you love. Failing at something doesn't mean you are a failure. Show up for the people who love you.

What I loved about this was that each had a story interesting to be told. The cp's complemented each other well. The island life free flowing body movements were refreshing. Uncle and Dad were an easy watch. Wisdom without heaviness.

I knew Jed Chung could act and I was happy to view him here. His smile just makes the angst worthwhile.

Note to Sam Lin: I miss seeing you.

It was fun, lively and Taiwan redeemed their legacy..... a bit. It was more coherent than what we have seen in a few years.

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How To Stay Undead?

I'll make this short. It was very entertaining from beginning to end. Though I've seen many ghost/ ritual stories, this was a cut above the rest in the same vein. Specifically the occult without reincarnations. The actors delivered for the most part. Pavel was good in his role. Graphics, make up and special effects set the scenes which made it credible. This is the best I've seen of Michael and TopTen as a cp. Finally in sync and comfortable interacting with each other.

My criticisms lie in the structure of the story itself. Thup moving from victim to resident spiritual advisor to boyfriend to procedural advisor. How many hats? His methodical way of thinking seemed to outshine those who have been officers for years. Singha's questionable protection practices. Singha losing it at the end and going all crazy instead of trying to free them. While it is said mentally ill people do possess superior strength when in psychosis, but like he outsmarted and overpowered every one until the end. Victor / Bom did a spectacular job.

I'm not a fan of Pooh and his acting abilities. It's on the short end but here it was passible. His nasal monotone does not help. The script was well chosen to suit Pavel's. I will also suggest that Pavel next to Otto gives a more believable dynamic that Pavel with Pooh. It's underwhelming, with Pavel carrying the weight.

Overall, very intriguing and entertaining.

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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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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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Good guys don't win

Two things irritated me. The vertical filming and the expected outcome. The narrowing of the screen would put a greater strain on your eyes to watch. Not a very good idea. Watching like this did not enhance the plot or the enjoyment.

The script tried to be introspective and cute. I said tried. Pa Rang sees Tae Min seduce a guy and just as quickly dumps him after having fun. Yu Bin, kind and friendly, openly shows Pa Rang he is interested but guess which one he chooses. No brainer. When will shows stop portraying the good guy as a loser? Is this supposed to make it more interesting? It didn't. All three had issues but it is Yu Bin who fully understands his and keeps trying without looking for pity.

The acting was done well enough. The 2 seconds that Pa Rang's mother was onscreen did more for the story than everything else. The despair, the pain, the words uttered before she jumped were portrayed very well. Tho the script had too many references about drowing and sinking and looking up from the bottom. Ok, we get it.

The expected outcome: Pre-planning to die on the same day his mother died, Pa Rang goes to jump. Yu Bin recognizes something is off and tells Tae Min, who instantly knows where to find him, he rushes to save him. Yu Bin - see what I mean about the good guy. Tae Min, who supposedly loves him so much, didn't know. Tae Min reaches in time, pulls him off of the box he stood on and tells him he loves him so much. No intensity, like standing on the wall, but a box next to the wall. Lazy writing.

The theme of Pa Rang planning his death could have easily shown to change by him falling in love with Tae Min and by seeing how Yu Bin keeps pushing no matter his limitations and finally facing up to his father about how he blamed him for his mother's suicide. As is, there was no electrifying moment that warranted the cost of paying to see this. It's now available on YT for free as a full length series combined but for how long, no one knows. I will not watch this again. The irritating background music was not to the show's benefit. Everything felt dull and monotonous.

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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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Play Something Else

I kept thinking if this had better actors would it have been enjoyable—maybe. Then I looked at what I really didn't like: Dead plot, no real angst, no atmosphere, no urgency, time period of the story When I say time period, I mean this might be more appropriate for teen age setting than adults.

The acting though was the real drawback. It was matter of fact. The only two showing any real talent were Yang and Shin. They seemed more relaxed and projected well enough. Most were stilted, expressionless and flat.

The usual shenanigans in the plot occurred with no urgency whatsoever. I will ignore the need for the last bonding session in the wilderness. Unnecessary and served no real purpose.

If this is missed, nothing will be missed.

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Nicely done

I loved every moment of this and then it lulled. Only one reason: length. Beautiful concept. Great acting. Humorous. Playful, light but emotional. It was good, not denying this, but carrying it to this length waned the enthusiasm. The broken phase lasted too long. This is not to say that forgiveness should be given easily but a bit more concisely.

I have no fault with any of the actors. The old and new cp did well. I will say the series benefitted with Louis in that role. He made the moments a bit more enjoyable. Poon has a way of being adorable even when he's not trying. Ohm a better fit for Poon but still he lacks the chaotic energy to make them perfect. Mark and Junior still good but I will like to see them 'youthful'. The dress code used here aged them rather than refined.

Storyline: I struggled to forgive Tim more than Yu. Yu tried his best to make North happy, giving him what he needed. Tim kept inserting himself in Pai's life without allowing him the space to heal or giving him reasons to forgive. Pai's love for him, as he met his emotional needs, was really the reason for their reconciliation. Yu became a scammer as he was trained to do so and out of necessity. Tim chose this as an easy out to keep his family home and bring his family back. Ironically, they didn’t want it. I felt his pain but I didn't feel the remorse.

The ending was nice without dragging on. A good watch

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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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I just couldn't.....

No matter how I tried, I just couldn't get past how choppy, nonsensical and boring this was. 12 episodes that basically lived on a loop for 10. The ending, the tatooed butt thong and the father being gay. Make it make sense and maybe my opinion would change. I struggled through the last 3 episodes ending with a headache because of nothing having any impact to warrant this.

Were there any moments that were endearing? I can only think of one - When they were in the hospital room and he weepingly begged him to live for him.

I was blindly rooting for the second cp until they allowed an older ex teacher to kiss a younger student on the school compound infront of the entire school. Now, where is this acceptable? All sanity left the script at this point coupled with the revelation of the thong. Another thing that felt very unrealistic: older brother is gay, younger brother is gay, sister is a lesbian, father is gay. I was waiting to see if they'd make the mother surprise us, too.

Their acting skills were passible. The older brother's face had one emotion. Dead. The script existed just for shock value. In entirety, it was not horrible but it was too much for me to care that much about. Easily forgotten.

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