J-atty

When Zai Rong met Lu Xiao

Yes, once again, China has stepped into the arena and delivered. Well, for the expectation from China. Place two decent actors in a scarcely decorated room with the right script and watch soft magic happen. The acting, esthetics, and chemistry between Lawrence Zhang (Zai Rong) and Su Yu Hang (Lu Xiao) carried this short series. Immediately, upon meeting, they held the screen captive. This presented itself as the beginning of the life LX and ZR would share. Do not expect more.

Cornered into an upcoming arranged marriage, ZR seeks the help of LX to extricate himself and live freely. Unfortunately, his family and their connections may not allow for this as there may be severe consequences. The moment ZR looked into LX eyes, he knew he didn't want this to end. LX, an actor, is naturally charming and proceeds to play the part he was hired for. To be ZR love interest. While preparing for a visit from the intended fiancé, LX gives ZR what he craves. A warm ear and genuine attention as they bond. ZR nestles within LX arms and believes that his lifetime love will come. He desperately wants to believe. LX has told him so.

The budget used in the production of this series was not extravagant and truthfully not necessary. All that was needed were these proficient actors, an ocean wall, and two rooms. Together, they made a beautiful couple. The viewer also believes in LX by the way he held and reassured ZR. He was the man for him. Their dance, mesmerizing. The fiancé pleadings and silent exit were gracefully done.

Five episodes were enough for this to be told with little to improve on. No excesses, no lulls, evenly paced. The script was simple but effective to propel the story along. The last episode had a slightly different texture to the previous as it felt performative. The music a bit erratic. Ultimately, everyone involved did well. This was a very nice watch.

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Finally, at the end....

Synopsis: Kevin and Jamie were close school friends who drifted apart before Kevin emigrated to Australia. Kevin was willing to embrace himself and Jamie was not. Years later, Jamie goes to find Kevin after attending a school reunion and hears his ex school mates discussing Kevin's situation. He had been hospitalized at some point for depression. They meet and discuss their lives. Then Jamie asks him if he has any desire to return to Hong Kong. Here the story begins.

Kevin openly talks with Jamie about his need to be on medication to keep him functioning. He accepts this as part of his life. He knows those who see him, recognizes how closed off he is and keep their distance. All except Fai, a teenage gay student, who takes a liking to him. Jamie, who has placed his mementos of their relationship in a box, watches on. After dinner, Fai realizes that Kevin is into Jamie and after a brief altercation, walks away. Kevin, lost and lonely, turns to promiscuous sex to get some sort of feeling within himself. Frustrated, he throws the pills away.

His agitation off of the drugs, the actions he takes, finally culminate in his decision to go back to Australia. There he was at peace. Living in a world in which Jamie is so close but still unavailable to him, proves to be too much. Jamie, previously disengaging himself from his past by dumping his mementos in the bin and proposing to his girlfriend, follows him into the street from another reunion. He can not deny himself or his feelings anymore. He begs him not to leave.

The unknowing element of this film creates the interest. There is a stillness felt throughout which builds to a climax at the end. I loved this film for the realistic depiction of depression. The drugs manage his depression but also diminishes any response to stimulation. He feels empty. Nobody, ever discusses this. Lei Jeun Sek nails it. At every stage, he allows the viewer into his desperate mind and what he is feeling without saying a word. The flashbacks and pacing are perfect. My mainstream heart would have loved to see more interaction between Jamie and Kevin. They acted well with each other but it is with Fai that we get the honest responses. This was definitely a palate cleanser from the generic bl being offered and a good watch. Try it, at least once.

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1 min

Previously stated, I'm not a fan of 1 min episodes. 81 of these were irritating. The plot was not riveting and neither the setting. The very limited budget was evident. The loud shrewish quarreling between the uncle and aunt would make you wonder if there was any love between them. This too was tedious. The acting could have been better as An movements were stiff and unnatural.

The mains complemented each other and this is what kept me watching. Their confessions made for a tender moment.

If a full version without the breaks be uploaded would make a better watch.

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LIFE

If you are looking for a feel good story with no drama this is it. It's simple and formulative. It doesn't surprise in any way and yes, the cook gets his man. Still it left me smiling, and anxiously waiting each week for approx 30 min of cuteness. Isumi and Amasawa delivered every week. Truth be told, it shouldn't take 9 episodes for this series, but I'm glad it did. At a relaxed pace, it showed the internal struggles of one sided love and the courage it took.

College student meets older policeman and ends up cooking for him. Along the journey, Isumi falls in love with Amasawa. Amasawa, not thinking beyond their friendship, doesn't realize until the confession. That's it. Yet, Isumi and Amasawa are a pleasure to watch as they match so well. Think Mitsuya's Planned Feeding with a younger cast. At least, Isumi got his kiss. The main actors are easy to believe in their roles which was a huge plus. No exaggerated interactions beside the usual misunderstandings but they always thought of each other's happiness.

I will miss them as it doesn't take much to fall in love over good food with a smile.

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Don't!

I can't help but wonder if they had replaced Cho Myeong Gyun with Jeong Ri U how much more entertaining this would have been even with rookie Hyun Woo. We know what these scripts are like at 7 min but this ......

The guy is terrible. His low voltage drops an already limiting script to comatose level. It's either he's working for free so they use him or he's related to the producer. One would think with more exposure he would get better, sadly no. Another irritating character, the bartender (Lee Jae Sung). My skin actually crawled. Not worth the effort. My 4.5 is for the rookie. Better but marginally.

Concensus: a resounding NO!

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Goodbye is never easy

Saying goodbye is never easy especially with the one you love. I liked the premise, the execution and visuals. They fit. The theme from the prequel was maintained for continuity and it was very subdued. They realistically dealt with a situation that could have gone differently. Thankfully, there weren't any desperate moments. The one drawback is that this wasn't necessary to be made as is. Had this been a 4 part series showing the aftermath of the decision after the designated period, it would have worked better. This feels unwarranted. It's less than 20 min in total so give it a watch during lunch break.

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Love, know thyself....

What stood out the most was the complete acceptance by and of everyone. A newly formed group, allowed everyone their freedom to be themselves and proved their loyalty by the protection of each other. Especially Watarai with Hioki . Watarai was drawn to him and very gently he inserted him within the group and himself into Hioki's life.

Their moments:
Watarai drew the curtain shielding this gentle bud from the harsh sunlight (everyone's gaze), he held on.
Hioki, eyes closed, resting sofly with the comforting embrace at the beach, he felt safe.
Watarai, speaks his love, he quietly waits.
Hioki's shocking recognition within, blurting out his true feelings, he shared his love. Hioki's awakening is beautiful. Hioki is bold in his innocence and it shows how much he is intune with himself. He doesn't run away, he walks forward in truth always.

I love how Hioki's character is written. He questions but continues believing, growing more sure of himself in every moment. He's unafraid of Watarai's feelings for him. It's new but not unwelcomed. He also did not forget his previous friends for the new ones.

Watarai, also, is a fresh breath. His unashamed adoration opens them up to speculation which he does not deny. He knows with all certainty, Hioki is his love. He doesn't seek his friends acceptance but grateful for it.

What I would have preferred not to be included, the petty jealousy of the female student. Again, not every adversary is a cliche. Given the ages of the students, it's given a pass. The story and direction were good as it gave time to develop the characters. This was cute and so was Hioki. The cast did well and were enjoyable. Yes, I will rewatch.

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Variety is the spice of life

This was an enjoyable ensemble showcasing the varied talents of numerous artists, various plots with just enough variance to capture the wide range of the viewing audience. Some were liked more than others and with good reason. The main theme remained the same Kiss Kiss Sex.

Ep 1 - Raise Me
This was a nice introduction. Nothing shocking but a cute beginning for us and them. This was the sit down and relax piece for us to get comfortable. Here the characters fell in love over the care of one plant. It was nice. 7

Ep 2 - Folding? You!
Then it jumped to this. The most juvenile of all would see a fanatical origami artist be enticed by his only fan. It was irritating to hear the artist's constant chatter but his fan found a way around it and into his heart. 5

Ep 3 - Sweet Mischief
I don't like blackmail even tho this was used to encourage the budding feelings of the blackmailer for his prey. He was cute and funny whilst creating scenarios for them to meet and for the latter to loosen up and hopefully learn to like him. It worked. 6

Ep 4 - Sleep Around, Still Mine
What happens when Mr Casual catches feelings for Mr Clingy? He tries to keep it without any strings attached due to a previous intense relationship but realizes who really matters now. It was a nugget of raw emotions. 6.5

Ep 5 - Craving You
I liked this one even with it's clichés. The manager restraining his feelings for the success of his artist under his control. Said artist craves him with all his emotional baggage. What's not to like? 7

Ep 6 - Not A BL
A club where fantasies are fulfilled. The line blurs between acting and being a host. This was different but seemed a bit over dramatic in delivery. Music was all over the place. 4.5

Ep 7 - Something Sweet
The amateur scenarios didnt quite fit and when coupled with their performances, it was not an easy watch. Tried to be funny cute. Failed. 3.5

Ep 8 - A Killer Recipe
Saved the best for last. This was the best execution of all the stories. The history between them would help propel the story and raise expectations. The acting was above all and though it was rushed to complete the story, inserting the diary, helped the time jump to the resolution. 7.5

Final concensus:
For the most part, the stories were interesting. The weaknesses lay in the performances but as a whole was enjoyable. Don't go in with high expectations but take it as a little escape for 20 min per story to unwind after a long day.

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Shirasaki's Pity Party

I truly loved the character of Asami. He was private, introspective and warm. His face radiated a quiet love for Shirasaki and it was felt. S1 ended with both of them declaring their love and here with each episode, it felt that it kept growing and maturing. S2 started beautifully with open communication, keeping both of them on the same wavelength and in sync. They both decided to audition for the same role and then it happened.

For nine episodes I couldn't wrap my head around Shirasaki and his mindset. Why was everything always on his terms? They separate for the audition until he gets the role, then all is well again. While Asami's kept everything he was going through to himself, he was never petulant with him. There was a necessity in the harshness of Shirasaki's words, I believe Asami needed to hear them. Reason being, everything Asami did was to please everyone but himself. What I didn't like was the selfish breakdown Shirasaki was having and during such, lashed out. Asami had always seen him through love and it was a shame that Shirasaki's pity party was the moment he chose to reset Asami's compass. I'm a bit disappointed in this version of Shirasaki. S2 made it about a self created competition to be worthy to stand by his partner when his partner already thought he was worthy as is. Shirasaki came off as clingy, selfish and childish. Last ep of S1 showed us differently. Disheartening. Tho Asami who knows him best says, "Thank you Shirasaki, for letting me meet you". He knows what was said, needed to be said. It is only in the final episode with the success of the play, Shirasaki and Asami repair their relationship. Both happy to have met each other.

I still prefer S1 to S2. The actors delivered believable performances and it was interesting to a certain degree. I may watch it again.

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Best Side of Beautiful

The best from Thailand and BeOnCloud. Without a doubt there has never been anything of this calibre and I applaud everyone involved in this production. Shine lived up to the expectation and it's name. Apo, Mile, Euro, Son, JJay, Nok, Kob and Por. Every actor embodied their character fully and made beautiful art. Every week was viewed with a bitter sweet feeling as I knew the culmination would bring a pain that couldn't be escaped. What was won would never overshadow the magnitude of what was lost.

Shine started with Trin arriving in Thailand after a tragic event, hoping to find himself. There he would meet two people who would have a profound and everlasting effect on his life. Tanwah and Victor. Polar opposites vying for his attention. Tanwah offered freedom from the claustrophobic environment he barely breathed in and Victor, passionate conviction in his beliefs. Freedom won but at a cost no one was ready or willing to pay. Causes and effects burst forth shattering dreams and lives along the way. The sobering reality of life would eventually play out.

We now have Krailert and Naran both fighting on opposing ends for the same goal. To shine light on the corruption and the figures pulling the strings. Krailert given the option to marry Dhevi or die as his lover did, chooses to live. I will still not call it a marriage as there really wasn't another option. But in living he stumbled upon Naran, his intellectual equal who proved to be a worthy adversary in and out of the library room. Their fire would burn bright but too bright for them to hold onto. Power plays behind the scenes, long put in action would see them reluctantly go their separate ways. One would be silenced and neutered for the other to be free. Dhevi played her hand well. Optimistically I hope that an end will come. One can only deny onself before ultimately seeking what one desires. Here I will add, Dhevi was not worthy of anyone's love, let alone Veera's. Veera's death was painfully in vain in more ways than one.

Moira, a power player in her own right, held secrets both open and privately. She watched from afar, and only released what needed to be known when it was best suited. A true survivalist. One to be admired. She mingled freely with all the power players with none having a hold on her.

Sucha, possibly an eternal pot head, would deliver wisdom in periodic spurts which impacted those around him and added to the bits of humor that would liven a mood when it became too deep. JJay, did well here.

I intentionally went not in depth with every titbit or the specifics of Shine. My hope is that after reading, someone would be interested to view this beautiful piece of work on their own and reflect on the choices made by each character. Whether right or wrong, they embodied the best and worst of humanity.

Shine, I think I love you

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Fighting is okay

It's just okay. The plot was fanciful. The actors were competent. Grandma was a surprise but somehow expected given how everything was going. Personally, I would have preferred the cop with the criminal but the other option wasn't bad either. Possibly the cop and criminal love story might have been a better watch. The mls in the last episode were way too sweet and by this time, I was rushing for the end.

The production was okay. The script somewhere between 'are they for real and yup it is what it is'. Don't go in thinking high drama, tension and realism. Keep your expectations at slight rom-com sprinkled with a decent dose of fantasy. With that mix, you will not be disappointed.

It was not a bad watch, but it could have been better. I've said it before, Taiwan needs to step up. After a hard day and a gentle unwind is needed, go watch.

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Something's Not Right For Real

One of the perks of this series was that it wasn't a straight open and shut case of unrequited love. It played out far differently than expected and truly was a welcome change from the norm. Yes there was the burdensome pining of one for the other but with a twist. What if, both loved him back? Do Ba U, Ji Hun and Jung Ha Min. Yes, one too many. Over 8 episodes, we were pulled to the depths of despair, confusion, resignation and euphoria. Good stuff.

Do Ba U was in love with Ji Hun and Jung Ha Min fell in love with Do Ba U. All of this would hinge on Do Ba U. By the 6th episode I was ready to slap Do Ba U and banish Jung Ha Min to the furthest region I could find. He didn't deserve hell but close enough. What right does the interloper think he has to dare speak to Jung Ha Min and outrageously speaks commands as if they were to be obeyed. Do Ba U, unable to tell Ji Hun of his love, unilaterally decides, to end their long bff friendship. Ji Hun, confused, struggles to understand and follows him around to get to the bottom of it. Gradually, he contacts him less and less and Jung Ha Min fills in more and more. There is an ease between them as the contents of a diary encourage more interactions. Over the course of their meeting, he has fallen for the soft words he as read in the diary and adapted it to his comic book project. He also develops feelings for him. The can discuss any and everything and they do. The viewer feels the shift as it happens. The outsider is left unknowing and his pain and confusion is palpable.

This was smartly written, a bit depressing but enjoyable. Do Ba U's feelings were strongly conveyed through his eyes. Truth be told, Ji Hun was the cutest lost bunny throughout. He was bewildered by Do Ba U's request but remained as faithful as anyone can be. He felt like he was losing part of his soul as they had been friends for most of his life. These actors did well. The slow burn gl couple were also a joy to watch.

My only peeve, Ji Hun was left to be in pain for far too long. A friend would not treat a friend like this. At least, Do Ba U, no matter how conflicted he was, he should have had a believable excuse. The ending is as it should be and to answer the previous question: What if, both loved him back? Go watch.

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Worth the watch but....

Sukfilm has struck gold with their actors. They deliver in every performance from Blue Boys/Bad Guy/Seoul Blues. If you are a looking for short piece to relax after a long day, go for it. Usually between 8.5 - 11 min per episode. It's on a very low budget but the scenes are shot in a way that it's not a hindrance but an asset. They make the viewers feel a part of the conversation as it's very intimate.

While the storyline is very formulative, it can be thought provoking at times. Should they or shouldn't they? As with this series, should Dae Yeoung not have cheated on Jeong Ha? Should Dae Yeoung have easily walked away from Do Jin? Was Min Ji a pawn? Was Jeong Ha the catalyst for the series of events? Should Jeong Ha have forgiven him?

Let me explain:
Dae Yeoung cheated because he wanted some sort of closure and answer for his disappearance. He was still hurt and having been with Do Jin for a long period, he had lingering feelings for him. He previously thought this was the person for him so it will be hard to let go. You can love 2 people at the same time. Do Jin was selfish, greedy and a great manipulator. He set out to destroy Dae Yeoung's relationship to get him back.

Min Ji was used but she put herself in that position. She saw from the beginning how close Dae Yeoung and Jeong Ha were, even hinting at it. Yet, she chose to reach for something that was out of her grasp. By asking one to be in a relationship, wouldn't she have eventually broken their bond? Dae Yeoung knew and should have done better.

Had Jeong Ha been honest with himself from the beginning, the events would have been different. Their friendships would have changed but Min Ji would have respected it. Had Jeong Ha not let his ego be stroked by Do Jin and listened to Dae Yeoung, he would have saved himself a world of hurt. Reflecting on the part Dae Yeoung played in his life and his own failings, he chose to forgive.

I like how more complex the characters are becoming. No easy answers. The script writer on the other hand needs help. It's becoming too obvious what the next words would be and nothing new is learnt. Women can be supporters and not only antagonist or manipulative. Cheating is always a dividing subject but not the only one. Social disparities, abuse, mental health, etc There are other stories to be told.

Overall it was a nice series. The actors chemistry is there with better storylines, it can grow.

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Than and His Nine Lives or A Guide To Stupidity, Chet 101

This is what this should be called. Either one would fit cause no way common sense or brain cells were used in this entire series. The sequence of events proved no one cared for their lives at all. The reach for power and revenge was vicious and relentless. Even if most of it was nonsensical.

Than has been injured so many times and still survived that it became laughable. The ring probably gave him the power of instant healing, who knows. Chet, like a petulant child, was giving tantrums left and right and was so crippled by his 'lovely' parents that he couldn't see truth. Pheem literally had to connect the dots like a pre school teacher for him to see what others could. Then, again, 6 feet of handsomeness was daily right infront of him and nothing happened. Pheem, rather than include Than in the final plan, does everything in silence and causes Than more unnecessary emotional pain. Everything else aside, that action was unforgiveable. Thanet, ping ponging between his children, was disgusting on every level. Like why were they all vying to be related to that? The shots fired at everything else but the real targets downgraded the credibilty of the series.

I enjoyed seeing a strong woman. Risa's bodyguard was worthy of her screen time. Daou stood out a little more as he can deliver an emotional sceen with true sincerity. The acting was ok but while I expected it to be dramatic, it was a bit much. Chet and Thanet both throwing their papers in the same frame, caused a few eye rolls and sighs. The plot was fine, even though the end was expected. Risa, plotting her way, without being caught until the end was good, also.

The predictability of every scene really didn't work in its favor but it was not unwatchable. There were a few decent moments. Just not enough to warrant a rewatch.

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AE's Dilemma

Japanese productions stand out due to their unique style of delivery. They do not shy away from tackling different topics and their acting is of a higher standard. Their body language, speech and esthetics add to the quality of work. This series was no different. Though the story in itself lacked a certain punch to it, the production, scenery and acting delivered a polished piece.

Chiaki, blunt, awkward and singleminded, loved two things, fashion and AE. AE, cool exciting and handsome, seemed untouchable until he did come into reach. Chiaki felt seen and chosen. Then, he wasn't. Enaga, clumsy introverted and introspective, observed the effects he had on Chiaki. He got to see the real version of Chiaki. Chiaki had one rule. No lies. AE/Enaga's dilemma.

AE creates the avenues for freedom and self-expression without inhibitions. AE's character is very vivid. In both personas, he hesitates from hurting him. It is with Enaga that Chiaki can be himself. Instinctively, Chiaki separates reality with fantasy with the avoidance of the kiss. Chiaki's confusion and hurt due to the deception is completely understood. Both versions deceived him.

The ending was not as impactful as the previous episodes. As Chiaki said, he expected a better confession. So did I. The previous slight touches between felt very intimate. The last scene felt more like good friends than intended lovers. AE had lost a bit of his aura. I'm not a fan of a constant flow of voiced thoughts but theirs did not feel obtrusive. This is definitely worth the watch.

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