J-atty

Mystic Force Thai Style

What in the Mystic Force Power Rangers Khemjira style did I just watch. I would be lying if I said I wasn't entertained. I truly was but not in the way I should have been. The finale goes down in the books as one of the most unbelievable endings ever. Everyone who needed to die, did and even those who didn't. Oh well, Kor, them's the brakes as they say. They did you dirty.

One bonus that I appreciated was the unfamiliar fresh faces. Sometimes a palate cleanser is needed to appreciate the new. For the most part, the acting was okay to decent. Funny when it was supposed to be and even when it shouldn't. Like how many times is Maria supposed to be elegantly poised by a campsite, like she's on a safari and not a murderous rampage. Kor gets shot point blank range to his chest, has the energy to break someone's neck and then poetically dies. With or with out trackers, Dean keeps showing up at the right time to assist. Let's just say their mystic powers needed a hearty lunch, because those little puffs were not it. Lastly, what was Siwat? A reincarnated Naga or Sleeping Beauty? The kiss to awaken him caused a little snickering on my part. How many genres were they going to touch on?

I'm certainly not saying it's bad but you know the errors in script, pacing at times, and graphics could be better. Thara, I really felt it for you. Past, present and future present, Siwat is not for you. I actually loved that Siwat died taking down the bad guy. Like some atonement for the pain he caused, but to bring him back again, in the same environment for Thara to lose again, is some brutal work. I felt more chemistry between TharaSiwat than KhunSiwat. So they couldn't kill Kate and leave Kor? Or bring him back, too? Nope, that's asking for too much.

The story kept moving which was a huge plus, tied up all the ends and did entertain. So in a way it achieved it's purpose. I will like to see the actors again. I'd probably rewatch at some time just for the laughs. Overall, it was okay.

Read More

Who knew.....

Who knew that Thailand can do a good sci-fi drama that can sit amongst the world's offerings with pride. Truthfully, I was pleasantly shocked. Veering away from Thailand's penchant for dragging a story with unnecessary fillers and histrionic character portrayals, this was concisely wrapped and delivered on the perfect platform, Netflix, the doorway to the world. DMD chose the best of their stable of actors, and despite some minor moments, they were credible.

One could imagine the daily drudge of Aunt Jit, going from job to job to enable a son with a gambling habit. Then diving into the portrayal of the zombie leader, rabid and ferocious, Jaa made it happen. It's sad to note that many older actors are given bit parts when clearly given the opportunity, they can bring life the the screen. Dr Viroj, the frustrated overworked science professor, locked between duty and love filled admirably by Weir. Boy, from Mandate, also come to mind.

As the story evolved, this progressed at a respectable pace, with no jarring splices. The carnage and chaos maximized by the accompanying musical score. Graphics, wardrobe, makeup depts were of the best. Every interraction that more believable because of it. The roles selected for each cast member were aptly chosen though it was evident that they delivered at different levels. Jimmy, Janis, Praew and Max stood a step above the rest. Praew became the cunning conscience and agent of change Prao. The cheerleaders and jocks, in their respective groups, filled in adequately with the spot of humor and arrogance needed to balance the tone. Who does a cheerleader chant with a building overun by zombies in an effort to save one? See, humor. Self preservation is innate unless the person you love represents the best part of you and worth saving. How to differentiate? Bonds are broken and betrayed with the fight to collectively stay alive.

I was saddened that they still linked Zee and Nunew as being close, hinted relationship here. I would have loved to see them go head to head and break away from the expectation. With the actual reveal, they're still linked. Hey, why jeopardize the cash cow, right?

The only issue I would take with the ending would be the time frame. A month later, the serums have been issued and there is hope. Are we to believe that the students, left as insignificant cast offs, have survived the entire time with no one else dying, making secret forays for food and the zombie population contained within the school and not venturing out for fresh victims. That is a stretch and a reason for a special episode to bring clarity. The bait left behind, which I believe Ning and Viroj have disappeared to retrieve, was brilliant.

This series depicted how well this genre can be produced when time, vision and dedication to the artform is encouraged and financed properly. DMD and Mandee, by extention Thailand, kudos. You did well.

Read More

Takumi, that was trauma.

A 25 min 6 ep series ahould not have four couples with separate storylines to keep track of. Given that the main story was about Takumi, this was completed nicely. The progression was steady and the differences in his persona as he was freed from the internalized trauma were evident. That was some serious trauma. His behaviors were very understandable once the truth was made known. Before knowing, Gii's actions may have been seen as forceful but just what was needed to get through.

The other three couples, while there wasn't much to resolve, it was very confusing to remember who's who, who wants to be with who and what were their issues that prevented them from being together. Takabayashi, the slapper, finally admits he likes Yoshizawa whom he previously was abusive to. Arata, sleeps with Kanemitsu, quickly reverts to pretend coldness to keep up the facade. Though this is one of the traits that Kanemitsu seems to like. It was refreshing to see Shozo stay true to himself while rebuffing Shun's declaration and maintaining a relaxed friendship at the end.

It didn't help that the majority of the supporting cast had generic features. I would have liked to see either more episodes to have a better flow as the other relationships were interjected with no warning and just as abruptly, shifted to another. The viewer has to mentally pause to remember which storyline is currently shown. The slapper's aggression took awhile to understand the root. I will say, there was no fault with the acting. Just, keep a notepad on hand to note who's who, what's what and where it's going. One confusing ride.

Read More

I wanted to but couldn't

What started as a very interesting plot eventually turned into a tolerated old uncle at a family gathering who overstayed his welcome reciting uninteresting dribble.

The premise and first omegaverse pregnancies were new. The manipulation by HY was unparalleled in any universe. You may hate his acts of deception but it is to be admired the skill and duplicity levels he delved to, to pull it off. Sheng stood no chance. Truthfully, after being manipulated from the get, who forgives that easily. Especially after the HY sexually abusing him, pretends that he's sacrificing himself with the infamous goodbye letter. Nope, sorry, not on board. They reconcile, lives happily with the most disrespectful 3yr old ever. One would think, Shen was the donor of that seed.

GT, suppressing his true self, doing all that to be with his crush. His life long love. Literally taking drugs that with every dose could kill him. Shen with all his connections couldn't connect the dots when it came to GT. Talk about a blind fool. How obtuse could one person be? Sorry, S Alpha. Like his braincells vanished every time he was in his presence. I blame GT for all of their drama. I did love how easily he kicked him out of the apt but like come clean. Either he loves you or not. Move on.

So what irked me:
About 10 ep of manipulation and a few kisses and a heat and all is forgiven.
15 ep or 10 yrs of GT lying about his true self just to be in the presence of his love. Mental.
Why didn't Shen not smell GT Omega scent when he stopped using the drugs to protect his baby?
Why did the script allow for a child to be like that to a parent? Repeatedly.
Sheng literally was like a king with no power. HY was the hand turning his neck before and after the reconciliation. Does he know the decisions he makes are the ones he's allowed to make.
Does HY's warmth only extend to Sheng? None felt for the child. The same child he begged to have. Visually, it felt like Shen had a better connection to Peanut than HY did.
HY seeking Shen to advise on what to do should Sheng die. Like is he for real. He would go where ever Sheng goes. He would leave Peanut behind. Again, the child he wanted.
3 yrs apart from GT and Shen and all they got is a hug and an honorable mention.
The fighting scenes? Nuff said.
Acting became monotonous. 16 ep was not warranted. 10 would have surficed and with a tighter script might have captured the real essence better.
The last ep felt like a drive tru. Collect an order and go. No place to sit and savor the meal.


I liked:
GT telling Shen to shut up.
GT evicting Shen from his apt. King in his own castle.
HY forcing Shen to face up to his feelings.
HY telling Shen he doesn't entertain conversations with stupid people.
Shen going psycho in his rut for GT. Cathartic.
HY ability to eliminate the evil people at will.
HY level of devotion, in his cold detached demeanor, to the people that mattered to him. Why else would he keep Shen around. He just doesn't say it.
HY revelation to Sheng's father when it only mattered.

So yeah, it was okay. Watchable and entertaining at various points. I do like D4 outside of the script. Will I watch again, no. Do I regret watching, no. Just hoped that it would have been better.

Read More

Gotta Love That Ghost

It's so short you can watch all in 20 min, tops. The acting is bad bad not just bad but not the worst ever. The script is so bad you don't where it's gonna take you because random things just occur. Random even for a ghost story.

The guy is sleeping and the ghost decides to sexually take advantage of him. What started as assault soon turned into happy moment for both. The guy wakes up and fully complies. No resistance. No questions. Just total compliance. More like, "So we're doing this now, ok." When they meet again, he asks if this will be a nightly ritual. Fun times. I should have prefaced this by saying, the new tenant told the ghost on meeting him that he's not afraid of ghosts. Still.

The ending I think made up for everything else. It was nice. Finally, it felt like some sort of decent acting was happening and the slightly expected twist was the best part. I will say that they do look comfortable together. The interraction playful and warm, as friends would be.

Would I recommend to watch, it's midling to okay. It's 20ish minutes. Do it during your lunch break. 😁

Read More

Lukewarm Suzume

I went into this with the hope that I would be thrilled like I was with Old Fashioned Cupcake. Same premise. Older boss, bolder subordinate. Fairly attractive and likeable cast. The first few episodes did deliver. The last didn't. Mainly because of Suzume-chan. Its expected that in the beginning he would be completely opposite to Keishi and over time they would grow closer together. In the story line they did, but visually it never clicked. The directors allowed them to check off the list but forget to check off them visually complimenting each other to finally be a couple.

The script lacked the charm past the awkward stage. Suzume remained in that stage to the end. Wardrobe was lacking with Keishi who didn't look the part outside of his suits. It's a given that Suzume would be conservatively dressed as he was on the threshold of turning 40. Keishi didn't have the finesse in casual clothes which was a bit offputting next to Suzume.

Their conversations were base level with nothing outstanding or humorous. The entire feel of the series was hindered by 11.5 episodes of Suzume's reclusiveness and self denial. It's as if they lifted the blueprint of Old Fashioned Cupcake and left the majority of the good bits behind.

The office environment was shown to be hectic but very complimenting and helpful. So, we are left wondering, how self deprecating a person can be with so much positivity and good will surrounding him. It stands to reason that he would have opened up to at least one person without putting up any walls. Here Keishi fits in. Though he was triggered by Keishi impromptu response at a certain point, he himself was not ready then to open up to everyone around him. He knew he loved him but was choosing to stay alone for what reason? It shifted from safeguarding his heart to protecting Keishi's reputation and finally to desperation.

It was enjoyable to a degree but so less than what it could be. I appreciated the part where Keishi refrained from pushing the sexual part of their relationship due to Suzume not being ready. The numerous stuffed toys gave insight to his desire to create his own world. The cute plushie speaking reminded me of Love is Poison but without the humor. Still was cute. The entire staff offering assitance and rooting for each other was a welcome change. Especially Keisuke who was genuinely concerned for his happiness. This was a pleasant enough watch. I just expected more.

Read More

I loved it. Here's why.

The weakest part of this drama was the acting. It was poorly done in parts by all. They weren't skilled enough to bring across the subtleties without it being too pronounced. Also, the over dramatization of Haoran shock was amateurish. We get that Haoran was distraught and a bit panicked when Junhao was suddenly leaving, but it felt more like a tantrum than a reaction to an emotional gut punch. Audio needed a bit of work. The all knowing girlfriend doesn't always have to be portrayed as controlling to be dumped. This idea that couples don't change over time and drift apart needs to be adressed. It might have come across better that she was the one coming to say goodbye as their lives were going in different directions. Greater dimension to the script and characters.

I loved the premise and most of the execution of the story. It gave backstory to both characters, it showed where the turn in their 'friendship' began, and also a realistic ending. It gave time for them to both face their feelings and embrace it without the usual denial. The ages of the actors made their backstory believable. They have lived and had experiences that led them to this point. One wishing to get away from erotic modeling. The other wishing to create something better than his position in the photography world. A big plus is when the actors are comfortable with each other and it feels right. They did have this. They also looked well together as a couple. Separating from a partner is never easy but from what was shown both needed a change. The drama within a drama is always a nice take. The blurred lines helped to push both storylines to a climatic conclusion. The ease with which Junhao and Haoran switched from role playing to real life when both saw the unwanted end was near, truly was the best part. Beautifully done.

China is stepping up and becoming better by the day. The amount that was dealt with in 4 episodes was commendable. It was low budget but within the context of both storylines, nothing more was needed. Good storytelling doesn't need much. Looking forward to more and better. Worth a watch as it was short and decent.

Read More

Sleeping Aid

This series allowed me to sleep with my eyes wide open. The monotone and bland expressions from Yooha and Minwoo had me zoned out. The conversations so calm and sedated caused me to wonder if they were programmed robots. It wasn't the worst I've seen but it sure could replace the use of sedatives.

The premise of the plot is fine. Doing odd jobs to become independent and not rely on your close brother. I was ready for scenarios that would entertain and would give an outright laugh or two. It started with good intentions but fell into a lull after a while. This was not from the lines being verbalized but more from the overall delivery. Hushed. I expected the introvert Jaemin to be this way but not Minwoo and Yooha who supposed to carry the series.

Taeha, with his detachment issues, while understood was a little too much at times. Why didn't he want his brother to become self sufficient and have a life apart from his? To the point of disappearing to see the outcome. Shouldn't this be the goal of any person in a parental role? Odd. Though I will say Myeongcheol aced this role as well as Hyunkwon as Jaemin. Visually Taeha and Yooha felt more natural together than Yooha and Minwoo. Suyeon, sly manipulative determined, delivered. Seeing a female in this role is beyond overdone. A welcome change would have been a male manager using Yooha as a level up to his abusive boyfriend without catching feelings.

Strongberry has created beautiful series before and I will keep looking.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Caught by surprise

Heesu did everything he could to guide everyone to love and in so doing captured mine. As simple as the formula is, it works. Meandering through the myriad of teenage relationships, it feels fresh, confusing and exciting. Heesu's expressive eyes and high smile carries every flittering emotion of a young heart opening up to love.

Heesu shares a home with his three sisters who go through their journeys and indirectly help shape his experiences. His friends paths are no different than his and add to the complexities of a teenage world. He starts determined to make his confession to only to be stopped by Seung Won who, in his awkwardness, knows Heesu doing so would make him lose the one he loves. Quietly and steadily, he loves.

In his obsession to create happiness for those around him, Heesu cluelessly continues on his mission. Misunderstandings and unspoken feelings add to an already chaotic world. Finally, bravery wins for all. Life is not a stagnant pool and whether they liked it or not, the constant changing from day to night meant that their lives changed also. With every interaction, confession, rejection and acceptance came maturity and wisdom.

Heesu's narration felt like a warm blanket, gently imparting the new found knowledge at the end of the day. This was a huge plus to the series. When the day was done, we all processed at the same time. Opening the window into Heesu's current mood through his anologies emerging from his knowledge of astronomy. Like a butterfly breaking free from his cocoon, he would hurt before receiving his joy. The boy he loves, loves him.

The six couple relationships were seen to maturity over the period of 10 episodes. It was well interwoven within their daily activities that none were rushed. Their differering stances at the end would see the growth of all. In many series the bl focus is so strong that the hetero world is either ommitted or shown to be lacklustre. Not here. In a world where we all co-exist, here the value of each group was beautifully displayed. This was a huge benefit to the actual storytelling. Seung Won's relationship with his two moms would be briefly touched on, but the bond would strengthen as they both wanted to have lives unencumbered with lies.

There are many who may not have liked it as according to mdl's feed, it veered away from the original webtoon. I was not disappointed as I've never read it nor will I. There were two versions of Love in the Big City and I liked both. The expectation that a piece should be specific to it's source material will always be disappointing. Embracing a piece as it's given should be enjoyed on it's own merit. The acting was competant and inviting. The production did a wonderful job of bringing their stories to life. The accompanying score would create the wonder of Heesu's confused environment. The darkened room needed only the soft voices revealing their truth.

This is going onto my rewatch list and I'll boldly add, should be on yours, too.

Read More

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 scrutiny and to seek help. She is too proud to admit she is at fault for the distance between them. 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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

We all need Ju Yeong

Ju Yeong made me believe. Smiling bright eyes coupled with an open smile, he made me believe in love. Real unapologetic love. Imperfect love. Ride or die, no matter what, I'm never going to leave you kind of love. The - I will wait patiently in my hurt, while I fight to save you from your hurt - kind of love. From the moment, he bared his soul on the opposite side of the wall, freely letting Do Hoe know, "I like you." I knew he was the real deal. Without fear, he spoke. When he hugged him after sparing and and giddly exploded "Yes, I'm crazy. I live with the person I like and always train together". Blissfully happy just to be with him, no matter the circumstances. He was the one. He would do it all just to be with him.

Do Hoe lived in pain. Abusive muted pain that pressed against him, no matter the direction he took. He breathed in hate and let out despair. In his solitude, his only solace was that he would leave. Though, with the arrival of Ju Yeong his dream began to change. They would leave together. In their dream, they would create acceptance and warmth in each other's arms. Do Hoe for a brief moment dared to believe in his dream beyond the pain and loved Ju Yeong deeply.

But the pain wouldn't let him go. It held on, railing at any given opportunity to remind him that he was useless. The pain squeezed tightly to extinguish any flicker of hope to be better than his surrounding and ultimately better than himself. On the final day, the day of exams, the pain won. Traumatized by the frantic beating Ju Yeong endured because he dared to defend him, he failed his exams. Pride and a need to feel worthy, he lies. A lie that would trap him for 12 years in a different type of pain. Self loathing. Hyeon Ho, the only person who knew and he could depend on, became an ally. Only an ally. In Do Hoe's heart of hearts only one could exhist. Unknowingly, a death would bring back the past, a reckoning to survive and the truth to lay bare for all to see. Do Hoe looks over at Ju Yeong and keeps repeating, "Shin Ju Yeong, Why do you keep crying?" He knows. Sometimes, everything has to burn to ash for clarity to occur and the dream to take root and grow. Hyeon Ho, forever on the outside looking in, craved what he lost 12 years ago. He has also existed within his pain.

Every titbit of storytelling was beautifully and artistically laid out leaving the viewer both satisfied and aware. Satisfied that all that needed to be told, was captured and skillfully portrayed by excellent actors. Even the ones that were hated were eventually understood. Aware that if perchance a love like this fortunately enters your life, hold on and fight for it. Ju Yeong will make you believe.

Must see. Rewatch every chance you get.

Read More