J-atty

Engaging production of love and dance

This lived up to the expectation of two polar opposites falling in love in the world of dance. One fiery, bold and full of passion on and off the dance floor. The other elegant, polished and a perfectionist. Visually and tempermentally contrasting, they fought to find the balance. What one lacked the other supplied in movement style and execution. They sharpened each other whilst falling in love. Sugiki and Suzuki were well matched but never equals.

They commanded the screen. Every frame held my attention from the moment it began to the end. The storyline was as expected and then it wasn't. They both admired each other for their technique and style. Being drawn to one another reached a head on the train. That scene was artistically and beautifully done. Previous hesitations, gave way to honesty. It is within this honesty, that Suzuki pushes and prods to get more of him. Sugiki opens the doors for him to reach to greater heights. Their love is apparent in every action. Their love language - dance. The final scene was as I hoped it would be. Previously, Sugiki rejected a night with Suzuki acknowledging they could never be one. In the final scene, in front of the entire Japanese Dance competition, Sugiki proved his love. He chose Suzuki as his dance partner. Unwilling to face the hurt of seeing Sugiki dance with his partner, Suzuki's back was turned. Then he heard him. Shocked, hesitating for a brief moment, he reaches for the outstretched hand and follows. At the end, uncontrolled, Suzuki kisses him. He responds. His parting words give Suzuki the clarity he needs. He smiles.

I loved the entire production. Machida and Takeuchi filled it admirably. My only drawbacks were that even in the heated part of their relationship, it still felt a bit clinical. Reserved. The kiss on the train did not up the pace in their interractions at it still felt restrained. There was no hunger from Sugiki. If this was a parallel love, where was Suzuki's voice? I'm hoping there is another part that would place them head to head and equals. Also, the backdrop for the Cuban style community was admirably done but it lacked a bit of credibility.

Final take, this was worth the wait and the watch.

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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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Not there yet... so why?

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

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

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

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Dirty Handshakes and Fake Smiles

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

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

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

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

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

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Life is too short.....

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

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

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

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

Watch at your own risk.

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What happens when they talk too much...

I tried my best to find the sweetness between the couple. I couldn't. Twelve episodes of too much talking. Apparently, they didn’t know how to create a series that let events speak and the audience gets involved with the emotions. They talked everything to death. The side characters talked too much also.

Heavy dialogue is only fun when it moves the plot along and is whitty. This felt like 12 lectures. Even the nc felt like an assignment. The morning after was the most amount of warmth between them and it was nice to see. Also, Wataru's unexpected tears. It doesn't help that both their personalities are basically the same.

I kept thinking of Sunspot everytime they were together and the difference.

They weren't bad but they didn't capture my interest beyond why they got together in the first place. Their love for movies. It's a quiet introspective series that doesn't do anything different than any other generic series.

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The Dynamic Duo

I liked it.
It was original to a degree.
Everyone's acting, especially Sky, Nani, Great (believable in every character) and Krist were better than okay. In fact, Krist left an impression.
SkyNani have a real bromance vibe and that is partially due their features and not anything particular. Sky's soft protective look towards him and Nani's innocent face does the work.
expressions are their shitck.
It's okay marketing them as a bromance couple and once it stays that without inferring more. They did it, because the expectation was there, but light on the romance.
I enjoy action and mystery, so it was not boring but it still didn't blow my mind.
The story flowed along culminating without the usual overdramatization. Bonus.
The script was okay. The demon within and without being conquered by the Wu. Both finding their center along the way. I think I want something that breaks boundaries for them. This is still within the safe zone.
It was funny, a bit emotional at times, action geared and good enough to stick to the end.
S1 is enough. I don't need a sequel.

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The Prince, The Prince and The Prince.

The tragedy that tried and delivered for the most part. It was entertaining, dramatic, slightly humorous and definitely a bl worth the money spent. Is it another Kill To Love, no, but closer than expected. The young actors made the best of what was before them. Both relatively new and they stole a piece of my heart. Their body movements are what caught me. No grand standing, posing or arrogance. Yan Zi easily believable as a grassland prince and Yin Qi, self willed and a prince now entering court. The stellar performance that overshadowed them though was Yin Zhou, the scheming jealous power hungry maligned half brother of Yin Qi. One could easily forget the kisses and nc of the ml when compared to his final scene.

The plot and pacing were okay for a short length bl and as Yan Zi waned, it became emotional. Always the voice of reason, he held Yin Qi face his responsibilities. Seeing his re-entry at the end would soften the most hardened critic. I breathed a whole lot better watching his melancholic eyes. They made a good pair.

There were parts needing a bit more polish but excusable. Again Yin Zhou's storyline and performances more than made up for the lack. I did enjoy the entirety and after viewing, hope to see them again.

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A little humor, a little drama and a whole lot of love.

I've always felt that Big was an actor who could do more than the roles he was given. In Monster Next Door, a window of promise was opened, and here he fully owns it. Suriya was his own man making his own decisions and stood on business. He was not about to play with Phop. Phop, after being in an accident, winds up in the body of Apo, who had the reputation of being a royal pain. Early on, his behavioral change was handled by him having amnesia. Sweet, endearing Phop was allowed to live and finally have someone good in his life.

Their relationship was shaped by honesty, which was initially helped with Suriya's ability to read minds. This gift helped him to have the conversations needed for them to both open up to each other. His brother, Jan and Tai, would also share a similar fate as the gift passed through the men in the family. Throughout the series, there were fun, chaotic moments that were enjoyable. Francois, the butler, did not disappoint. The peacock's cameos were interesting. We needed to know.

Big and Park really owned their roles. The quiet beauty of Suriya and Phop's love was even more intimate with every look and touch when they came together. The swift transition from Apo's theatrics to Phop's shyness was smoothly done and appreciated. The writing and production were good, though I could have done with fewer sounds added to enhance the comical moments. The ending packed too much and would have been better pace between 9 and 10. Park's wardrobe as Phop could have been better, but being on the petite side probably posed a challenge for both personalities. Underwhelming, at times. Suriya's mom's hairpiece did not say wealth.

Each episode was enjoyable and entertaining. I hope to see Big and Park together again. Professionally, they were paired well. Esthetics and personality, they checked every box. I don't like pairing, but sometimes it's delicious enough to want more. Me and Who - a little humor, a little drama covered with a whole lot of love. You will not be disappointed.

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Funny cute, but.....

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

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

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

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Seven years to forever.....

People change and people in love are those who feel it the most. They grow comfortable with the pattern of living and most often it is the one who is more sensitive that struggles. Conversations are pushed aside for the drive to succeed at a job. Especially when one party is experiencing life at a slower pace and in a totally different environment and with a different set of friends. Over time, they drift apart, and the unspoken conversations become the wall between them. The midnight discourses wrapped in each others arms are replaced with turned backs and cold pillows. Anniversaries are forgot and the feeling of being abandoned is felt by the one noticing but still too hurt to speak. Seven years is all it took.

Hyeon and Jin were not the exception. They fell into the pattern as they sought different goals and didn't remember to hold each other. Jin, the sensitive one, felt it when his feelings were pushed aside and ignored as Hyeon buried himself in the corporate world. A subordinate brings a drunken Hyeon on their forgotten anniversary. The following day, a generic gift suggested by Hyeon's subordinate was the last straw. The break happens. Roles reversed, he collects a drunken Jin, and the words he receives finally sinks in. He understands.

The actors filled these short episodes with decent acting that the message lands squarely at our feet. Treasuring the person who is your person is what will make forever worth it. I loved when Hyeon realistically said, "Nothing lasts forever. The day will come when we see the end. That day... let's make it the day we start over." Life will happen. Obstacles will come. Let's take that end and make a new beginning.

The message that it delivers with the limited resources makes it worth the effort to watch. Jin's pain was effectively displayed and so too was Hyeon's remorse and pleas for forgiveness. A mature resolution to a situation that would see some couples choose differently. Worth a thought.

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A Tale of the Unbelievable

This had the potential to be a decent series but in true Thai fashion dived into the unbelievable and absurd. Put drama and romance aside, it should also fall into the realm of fantasy. How on this side of sanity can this entire series be anything else but a long fanciful dream?

A young adult Keen, who recently lost his father, steps into the world of thai boxing to conquer all boxing crimes, brings down the biggest criminal behind it, solves mostly all situations leading to the criminals downfall, and ultimately his actions bring fortune to his circle. By the end, it would not have been a shock if he was elected as the minister's replacement as only he seems to be the best problem solver. Well, he and his female friend, a reporter. She alone could find the clues concerning the untimely deaths as the entire police police force was corrupted, or so we are to believe. Save one officer was shown to be of assistance. A corrupt minister, forced to eat poison at the end with no blow back. A convicted ex boxing promoter, an aide to the disgraced minister for more than a decade, is given less than a year in prison for assisting the police. A convicted ex boxer who was part of the minister's regime is given lifetime in jail. Can anyone spot the disparity here? Keen asking his new roommate Thun to bathe him as his wound stings if it gets wet (must be a Thai thing) to him buying back his childhood home at the end, was too much. The great escape deserves a worthy mention. Really? There is more that can be said but I won't.

Let's put the script down for a second and delve into the acting. Tears in abundance and either bland or shocked expressions. The interractions of the two couples felt natural for the most part and whatever that was bordering on bad or unrealistic, I will attribute to the script. Gunner and Nice worked well together but some more acting lessons are needed. Itt's tone though it fit his role became a bit irritating. Side characters were fair to okay but no wow moments worth mentioning. Tuck and Gap above the rest in delivery.

As stated before, this is not the worst but it could have been so much better. Script and direction. Script re-writing or remove the nc and market it for 13+. The director used was the same for Jack & Joker. So he's familiar with the unbelievable. He also did I Feel You Linger In The Air, Lovely Writer and others that were popular. I'll cut him some slack. If you are in need of a long fanciful tale of a young boy's fearlessness, give it a watch.

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Good for a laugh

If you have nothing else to do and I really do mean, nothing else.

This showed every single thing that could go wrong in making a series. The script - bad. The actors - bad. The club - bad. The arch nemesis - bad. The mother's fainting spell and approval - hilarious. If you want to get a partner - go watch a scary movie. Proven to work, at least here.

Here's the thing: Taiwan. Not China but Taiwan put that out for everyone to see. There is low budget, no budget and what the hell were they thinking? The last category is where this fits. The premise was good. The execution was not. I actually kept watching to see the aftermath from the big reveal. Disappointing.

There was one moment that I did like: Cheng Shiao reveals his love for Shiran and the way it was handled. That about it.

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I will wait for you

When I thought nothing could touch Unknown, along comes The On1y One, which effortlessly outshines any other for 2024. It's that great. Lead by the director Lui Kuang Hi who gave us Your Name Engraved Herein, nothing but an intense slow burn insightful unique piece of perfection should be expected. He definitely knows his art. With each episode he teases and plays with our emotions, giving the viewer the belief that with every other episode, we will be satisfied. We are not, we want more. He knows how to tell a story and tells it well. The script was mastefully brought to life by a truly gifted cast.

Wang and Tian's story unfolds in a way that shows with clarity the angsty teenage years. The urgency of emotions are hidden behind stoic facades that fool everyone but themselves. Their bond is unbreakable. One would think that the pouty Wang needs to be constantly taken care of, but we see that he is the one who creates a 'home' for Tian to feel safe. To rest the burdens he carries. Little by little their worlds fuse and being without each other becomes painful for them and us. The beauty of their relationship is the innocence and sincerity in which they hold onto each other. At 17, with past hurts, their emotional insightfullness is more mature than their peers.

Xi and Benny's relationship shows that at any age, love is hesitant, confusing and frustratingly emotional. They're both the other's anchor. With 15yrs of friendship behind them, they too struggle to shape what is truly between them. Xi sneaks moments to embrace Benny's acts of love without anyone knowing. Benny, hinting at his true feelings, is the one to actually bring to the fore what cannot be ignored any longer. His round hesitant eyes look directly at Xi, "I like you." I'm left to wonder, why Xi previously pretended not to know. Is he unwilling to lose an irreplaceable friend if something goes wrong? Has a past hurt made him cautious? Benny, I'm rooting for you.

Rather than putting every nugget that made this series gold, I will not. This is a series that everyone should experience with fresh unknowing eyes. I will say, the whole gamut of emotions will be felt. With the hint of a proposed season 2, I will be waiting.

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Mark and his Golden Blood donor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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