J-atty

Some things just can't be fixed

When the preview dropped for this, I was already invested. Now that I've seen it, it was worth it in every way. It was intriguing and captivating. I was mostly awed by the quality of acting. Expected from the main but the support really stepped up and delivered.

Ken and Bright wowed. Ken in the role of Pleo with a limited education, marginalized and constantly ridiculed never gave up til the end. His determination to find the truth created an emotional and electrifying performance.

Bright as Korn, broken and cowered by previous events, found the strength to fight for what was right, no matter the cost. One thing he was sure of, Pleo was the best thing that happened to him and he wasn't going to fail him. Bright embodied the timid Korn.

Linn, as Best, did a wonderful job. There was no love in her heart and it showed. She was the 'best' manipulator and pulled all the tricks out to get whatsoever she wanted. Collateral damage meant nothing to her. While I enjoyed her acting, I welcomed karma. She was very polarizing.

Typhoon, Poom and Noom stand a cut above the rest of the supporting cast with their believable portrayals. Ter, his father and the gambling druggie Man, brought the corruption, violence and proof that the present cannot be changed. It may be different but not changed.

Enjoyable as it was, there are still some things that could have been done differently. The script felt a little dumb with the repetitive lines. It was a bit frustrating with the constant time jumps. Too many actors daring the other to shoot them with the barrel against their forehead. Korn's 2024 deductive skills were a little slow. Why did Pleo choose to live 17 yrs in hiding? I believe this was to keep the timeline correct for the future. But, here I will ask, if Ter was erased in 2024 following the timeline, why couldn't Pleo knowing the date, do differently to stop Korn? Had he tried to come back to the future, he also would have been erased as he was already dead. Those events may not still be possible to exist as it doesn't show Best and Man in the future after his last return. Then, why did the accident still occur as it did? All of that should have been erased as Korn's coworker had an appendectomy and not beaten by Man. Probably, this is just me fishing for a different ending or the script didn't quite capture the events to fix the ending.

Lastly, interjecting the last shoulders touching, Pleo holding Korn's hand with Korn saying that Pleo is the best thing that happened to him, didn’t sit too well with me. Was that done to entice / appease bl fans? They could have used different words to convey brotherhood without alluding otherwise. I'm a bl fan but the script didn’t need it.

I would definitely recommend this series. Action filled, entertaining and acceptable outcome. I really liked it.

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The Prince and His Suitors

"Yoo Do Ha!" Gyeon would shout his name as if he owned him. His person. His love that he has patiently waited to hold for the past 10 years. He protected. He supported. He encouraged. In doing all of this he created a bubble surrounding Do Ha who didn't recognize his feelings until he was forced to. Other participants wanted to be his person also. Ha Ram, who tried to be seen and Yeon Sang, who waited from afar. From the onset, it's pretty obvious who would win. Therein lies where the story falls short.

Do Ha held the cards but played the safest most timid hand ever. There were no standout moments to catch your breath or agree that he made the right choice. They shared memories and in those memories, he saw how Gyeon put him first. The only difference between Gyeon and Yeon Sang was the ten years of frienship. Yeon Sang was just as direct and open about his feelings for him. He sought his best interest and fought for his reinstatement.

There was no real spark between Do Ha and Gyeon. It felt like a transition than a passionate love. Ha Ram the first to express his feelings was never really a part of the scenario as he was only given about 10 minutes of screen time to prove his worth. He failed. He hurt the most.

I liked the gentleness of the story. It didn't feel rushed. It also was too gentle. This rippled down to the end with no bang. No build up. Flashbacks used to create Do Ha and Gyeon's relationship and those of the initial approaches of his other suitors were delivered with some warmth. It was not a pleasant experience of Gyeon constant shouting of his name. Given the roles their acting was good as each character was well defined. The story telling was just a little too serene.
It is still a very decent watch. Enjoy.

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Unpopular Opinion - Maybe?

After Thap sat in In's lap, I was bored. Why? Gmmtv's formula for stretching something longer than it should be and with unnecessary melodrama. Keeping that high that the series started with proved to be a challenge. Every single episode In cried. Like how many tear inducing meetings can there be. Now I'm not against a good cry, but 10 episodes? 2 or 3 maybe, not 10.

The story line was ok but no wow factor. One believed in what the eyes could see. The other believed in the tarot realm. The events that brought their coming together combined both. Everyone's acting was on par with the other. Well, for a moment I thought Thiu was either an ornament or mute. First few times he was seen, he just sat there like a dashboard dog. Personally, First's mannerisms are very predictable, so it felt flat. Save is a natural in front of the camera and it was good to watch. Jimmy upped his game drastically with this role. No longer stiff in delivery, he filled the role admirably. Playful, angry, endearing, smart mouthed. He delivered. Both Junior and Book weren't needed. Wan and Tul did nothing to the storyline.

I like all of the actors but truthfully, there is no freshness to anything that was seen. I will still recommended to be watched but with a sobering mind. If these actors are your favs you will find some enjoyment.

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Button Cute

One word - cute. From Han Tuo to Jun Xi. Xiao Yang was really cute as a button. Wardrobe cute. Locations, cute. Jun Xi looking up at Han Tuo, cute. Everything was just ..... you get the picture.

Predictable plot was executed with just enought humor and cuteness to keep the interest going. Could have been shortened a bit, too many flaskbacks, but the younger versions of themselves were so cute, it's forgiven. Jump starting a change in a relationship with a hand in your crush's pants while whispering in his ear, "You can't resist.", may not be the right way to go about it, but hey, it worked for them. My true pleasure in watching this was Jun Xi's responses. Even though Han Tuo determination came forcefully, he was the one to set the pace of their relationship. In his own timing. He took time to adapt and recognize what he truely felt. Another great addition that kept the balance was Xiao Yang. Her friendship was never biased and became the protector and advisor of both. Her future girlfriend was annoying but yes, also cute.

It's a light hearted comedy romance that hit the mark for me. From the first episode it set the tone and never faltered. Han Tuo grew wiser and softened his approach Jun Xi. Jun Xi grew from being afraid of other's opinions and boldly owned his. They're good together. Yes, a rewatch is in order. Pleasantly cute.

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Tada.... Yes, please!

This was a beauty in storytelling. Everyone did well in their roles but truthfully some shone more than others. Pond, PeterPan, Intanont, Alexander and Bom. Yes, the hate for his character Thiwthit is there but he brought the histrionic psychosis at every turn. I enjoyed watching a series that knew when to end and not dragged on beyond its welcome.

The chemistry and skill of Pond and PeterPan sealed Armin and Tada and brought them to life as they meandered through the twists and turns to finally enjoy a future that was meant to be. Tada, as a protective fan turned lover was a joy to see and did set the standard. His mistake to not dealing more harshly with Thuwthit, would cause countless interactions that brought immeasurable pain to their lives. Armin, desparetely determined to avoid previous mistakes, inevitably still did make some in jumping the gun on many occasions which was painful to see. He also did learn not to take the only family he had left for granted in his rise to the top. The dedication and wisdom of Janine and Veynai helped protect Armin and Tada's love while opening a door to theirs.

There were flaws that were tiring at times to view. Hearing Pond say Tada in the most breathy tone as it's the most spectacular name ever, was irritating. Thiwthit's dramatic temper tantrums, though part of his character's mental issues, was a bit over the top. Lilly's bathroom visits were crass and not needed to bring out the crudeness of the character itself. First in the role of Ren was not the best of him and it was lesser than what was expected. How many times can Armin be shot at close range and still live? Hmmm.

I was a very entertaining watch. The action scenes were skillfully done. For the most part production, writing and direction came together cohesively. All bl actors at large, please note how to deliver a believable kiss. Full of passion and desire. A miniscule few match this and it elevated the believability of two people intensely in love. Worth mentioning, the wardrobe dept did not disappoint. It ended nicely on the right note.

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Level Down!

Everyone changed and not for the better. What was previously an entertaining series turned into a snorefest of stupidity. S2 was very flawed with very little entertainment and a healthy dash of cringe. Every single time Papa and Mama were said, I vascillated between rolling my eyes or watching on mute.

After 1 yr:
Alan, who would have been open with everyone and never hurt anyone, decides to go to Tony for help. Tony, who had robbed him of Way. Yes, that Tony. He showed how frail mentally he was when faced with aging and how human. Becoming Tony's victim and puppet was just sad really. Why try to become invincible? Jeff lost his reclusiveness but became bold and boring. Being with Uncle Alan turned him into Uncle Jeff.

Babe, Babe, Babe. He became stupid and more reckless. By all means, follow the perp to the bathhouse, whom he suspects has powers, but he doesn't know what it is. I'm not sure if I wanted Charlie to save his butt. Literally. Charlie decides to take away Jeff's powers without thinking of the consequences. Stupid. So he has his, Babe's, and Jeff's which caused a system overload and memory loss. Only at the end, would this prove to be an asset on meeting Tony. The question to ask here, why wasn't this thought of before?

Kenta was caught, escaped and allowed them to recapture him again. Let's put that down to all the hits he probably took in his head while working under Tony. Kim was sitting around being a babysitter for an entire season. Save that drift in the car to save Kenta. He was like a comma in a sentence. Just there.

North was more direct with his bestie in S1 but suddenly shy in S2. Sonic wants the relationship but wants North to do the asking. Hmmmm, why? They were open to each other in S1 with no secrets.

Way was interesting. Chris is not. The most interesting thing he did was sit on Pete. When compared to S1 CharlieBabe and AlanJeff, it was a meh kinda moment.
Pete, well, what can be said. He had a "deep" love for Way by keeping a "shrine" for him. Chris steps into the picture. Suddenly, Way became just someone he knew. Loyalty flew out the window the second his nose flew wide open. Very wide. The many times Pete's house was entered by anyone who chose, uninvited and unannounced, and caught before or after the act, well, it did not have the wow factor the writers had hoped.

Two people stayed true to character. Winner remained a weak lackey, and Tony returned as a losing villain. He had all that money and all that power and couldn't do anything that could change outcomes. He should have stayed dead. He rejuvenated to create poor schemes that backfired and remained on the losing end. One would think that capturing Babe from the first episode to lure Charlie would have made better viewing.

I loved the character of Willy. He was the only reason to reach episode 12, but in true stupid fashion, as this was the S2 common thread, it was wasted. He could have done better. He had guile, intrigue, and charm. He could have snapped those fingers in episode 1 and saved us at least 9 episodes of chronic stupidity by all.

The writing depreciated greatly in this season. Save to addition of Willy, the script was dull and repetitious. None of the characters has layers to peal back like Way did. Other than the engines revving, everyone just stood around and chatted. At this rate, they should not think of continuing with another season unless the acting and script get a major overhaul. Though it was great to see them all together again, it was not worth it in the end.

Copious amounts of coffee will be needed if watching.

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Was it the right choice?

It started with a nice simple feel to the story with a hint of the spirit world added for mystery. Fine. There was a close knit rural setting which felt like it was secluded from the outer world at times. It started off well enough with TK and Nan Krai (NK) as childhood best friends now into adulthood. NK harbors a romantic love for TK, who seems oblivious to it. On meeting Victor, TK immediately is smitten and its reciprocated. NK realizes this and although he confesses, TK sees it as a brotherly love confession. NK resolves to wait for him as he knows in his heart, only TK would make him happy. Victor returns home and TK grieves for him. Within that period, NK kisses him and TK gently rebuffs him. His heart has made the choice for him. So far so good. On receiving an invitation from Victor he happily travels to meet him. He arrives to find that Victor had passed away.

Here is where a very sharp turn from credible occurs. He returns home and continues to grieve. After a few days, he goes in search NK after remembering NK's love for him, only to learn he too has died in an accident. Broken and distraught, he rushes to the cave and cries out in anger in his despair. He is given a reboot and returns to the day Victor first arrives. He meets him, with tears aflow, he wishes him well and goes to meet NK who comforts him.

My concerns in the story:
Rather than lose two, he settles for NK in the reboot. Does NK deserve to be a second choice?
After the reboot, why did he make the choice to walk away from Victor when he could have made a different choice and be with him since he knows the time of his demise?
His mother's love for him kept him from growing into a man making his own decisions until it was too late. His counterparts were already working. Why did he still need her permission ?
What was the purpose of the twin San Lian telling him to stay? He has read the diary. He is still a stranger to him. He was close to his brother so he invites his lover to stay? No time period given. A week? A month? Just stay. Really?
He welcomes his own death, and feels content in leaving both behind. In doing so, he still causes pain to NK alone and resolves his.
Is all of this a dream sequence to deal with the losses?

My concerns with the writing:
If this is not a dream:-
How can Victor meet him in the afterlife as someone he loved, for the reboot had occurred which prevented their love story from beginning?
Why on his return, no one told him of NK death? After his grieving had abated, he now remembers his friend? Why didn't he question his absence? Their relationship had been written as close friends, why wasn't he told? This felt like, ok since Victor is dead, let me turn to NK.
If he had settled for NK, didn't NK now have the right to meet him in the afterlife as NK was the one who loved him in both versions? Victor didnt know him as such in the reboot.
Why did the writer opt for the easy way out, rather than choosing a partner and sticking with it? It shows an unwillingness to resolve the situation and straddle the fence between. It didn't solve the situation, it erased it thus nullifying the reason for the whole story.
Why do writers create irritating desperate women as the spurned love? Is this a way to show that it's understandable to refuse her advances?
Why were the conversations at times extremely childish and immature? Poop on his shoes. TK touching Victor in the gallery.
Why wasn't a common language used and understood between TK and Victor? Wasn't this the reason for his hire? This felt truly odd.
Why was the humor not humorous and as for the spurned female, consistently outlandish? A woman can be warm, loving and beautiful and still be refused. Rather than making her a caricature.
Why was it necessary to show 2 nc fantasies? The script shouldn't require 2 as he was not the end game. The first could have been omitted. This created a deeper sense of loss to the viewer and more empathy for him than anyone else as he was the one to lose everything in both versions.

Honestly, there were times that were enjoyable as the 3 mls felt matched. The interractions felt natural. NK with TK and also TK with Victor. The writing overall needed to be better. The acting from some needs to be improved and the script, well...... Scenery was ok as it was basically a tour guide while falling in love. Though this could have shortened a bit to allow for the last episode to not feel crammed. I would have preferred a more realistic ending. Watchable, yes.

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Nothing To See Here....

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

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

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

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

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Ohm P maybe

I'll grade it as I see it:
Ohm P = B-
Ohm T = C
Papang = C+
James = C
Leng = D
Kidnap = D

Reason:
Ohm P is a very natural actor. Even with a terrible script he still manages to bring some charm to his character and tries to elevate a series that should have been better fine tuned before filming. I truly love seeing him on screen so he gets a pass, though even here he seems a bit too relaxed. His talent was wasted here.

Ohm T is also adorable. He is believable as a sick brother and brings the humor which really helps. Again, the script would have someone who had open heart surgery up and about in a few days like nothing happened. They should have chosen a different medical condition. (Idk....Temporary paralysis due to trauma from parents death. With Min going bankrupt due to rehabilitation and therapy bills. Min feeling guilty due to him causing their death. At one of Mhen's therapy sessions he meets Q.) This scenario might have been more in line with the acting level displayed here.

Papang is a very proficient support actor. He can fit in many roles and he did okay. The thing is, the industry probably doesn't see him possessing the 'IT' factor to carry a series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love him and have never been disappointed with his acting. They know how good he is that's why he's everywhere. I would like to see him more, even as a second lead with something of substance. Another actor's potential wasted.

Title was all over the place with his roles and I do mean roles. First he was Min's agent, then he was part of the underworld, then surprisingly he became a production assistant, then back to being an informant and finally an actor with aspirations of producing his own film. Couldn't they just pick one? You didn't know whether he was coming or going. He brought some comic relief where needed, so he, also, gets a pass. His acting or his roles could have done with a few more workshops.

Leng is new and one of the downsides of the series. Give him time and he will get better but here it was very obvious. He did fit with Ohm but that is because Ohm is a skilled actor. Leng's body language and facial expressions need work. Real hard work. His interactions came across as rehearsed steps and were not fluid. Out of character, he appears to be fun and open with a big dose of charm. Hoping that he can tap into that for future roles. This vehicle was too much for him.

Script - this was a hodgepodge of scenes stitched together with a plot that verred between a love story, a family drama, an action drama and fantasy. Pick two and mix well, not all four. The expectation of it finally hitting its stride never materialized. This is probably the weakest film for Ohm P but as stated before, he is forgiven. Ohm P makes you believe, even a little. Every Friday, Kidnap did not kidnap me, Ohm P did. The terrible script and sub par acting greatly affected the outcome. At the end, the film within the film, saw Ohm's presence shine more than the original film. So that in itself says alot.

It's watchable but no wow factor. Rewatch....Ohmmmmmm maybe.

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Mercy, no.

Tbe intrigue was built on the schemes behind doors and crossed alliances. The reason behind it all began 11 years prior and ended at his death. Along the way, the second generation with their own grandiose plans became the engine of the sub plot. Stripped down, one by one, they all paid the price.

I like the acting, but found the plot a little lacking, the action repetitive and ml a bit tiresome. A John Wick with the same sense of dread and inevitability but without the charm. He came across too flat to be enjoyable for the long haul. I will not lie, I began rooting for the mastermind behind it all but still wanted the man with vengeance to win. How that was going to happen, go figure. Too many wasted fight scenes.

Ultimate lesson, be careful of what you wish for and the means you take to get it. Overall, it was better than most of its genre. It will keep your attention but the mismatch between the ml and the mastermind was very underwhelming. By the end, I was saying, ok die now. Incredible presence by all the actors. Just needed a little more pop in the light and less heaviness in the dark. The ending as it should be.

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Why the wait

This left me with more questions than answers.

The acting and story was good. The use of blind spots and silence were effective. We get the stark reality of what it is to be deaf. Albeit, we know sound and he doesn't.

The questions that remain:
Why did he wait until the other was getting married?
Why was it so important then?
What made them lose contact?
What purpose would it serve now than earlier?
Was it to show that he operated on a different frequency to everyone else?
The symbolism of him at the end being a face in the crowd, then looking back, would suggest regret. When he got the answer at the wedding, his face conveyed everything. Why the ending?

He keeps saying, he is trapped among the crowd.
He traps himself and speaks too late. The word friend has no warmth. It does show how important he was to his friend as the friend continues to practice and use sign language even though they have been separated for five years.

For me, these are the types of films that are rewarding to watch as it creates further thought. It could have been longer.

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Life From The Rooftop

I'm writing this in 2026 so I'm a few years to late to this funny, endearingly sweet, precocious bundle of fear, regret and true friendship wrapped in love. This had the right touch of humor and drama evenly placed throughout. I found myself warmly embracing it for the entirety.

The characters were enjoyable, the story appropriately placed on the roof, the direction light. Heavy enough to make Ha Neul's breakdown at the hospital sympathetic. Jeong Min, his recent ex had gotten into a car accident. Light enough to make his crumble into a blubbering mess with Jeong Yeon, Jeong Min's sister, funny real. I will forever remember the green suit. Oh, how I loved his honesty while still protecting Jeong Min's sexuality. It was his story to tell. The sister's attitude - a huge plus.

Bong Shik's hesitation was palpable. Fear of rejection had him self sabotaging the best situation of a lifetime. Faced with the a choice to accept or walk away from, he falls into the waiting arms of trust, understanding and quiet determination. His living for the present would soon change to planning a future. His passion for growing plants on the rooftop would symbolize how they faced life. Growth happens facing up towards the sun.

I'm also convinced that Korea has the formula to deliver the best in this genre. Their acting skills alone are above the best with Japan being their closest rival. At some points, I was remined of Love In The Big City - the series. Funny and playful with a message. Lastly, I would not change the ending for anything. Nicely completed.

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In Every Universe

This was insightful from beginning to end. Three separate planes but common apsects in alignment with the outcomes. I truly liked the idea of his desire to reinvent himself in different universes hoping for a different future. A different happy. Away from the turmoil of youth and decisions that shape a world he didn’t have the power to control. One singular act with different effects. It was good to see human behaviors rather than contrived ones. I was happy to see the threads used to weave all together. The people he loved and who loved him. He just needed to forgive himself and to live.

A reclusive alcoholic desperate for connection.
An kind hearted alcoholic finally standing up for himself.
A hardworking professor who pulled away from his family.

The similarities: A mother who loved them, a sister who never gave up on him, a love he couldn't forget and literature.

The ending was as it should be and was welcomed. The actors did great. The despondency permeating the film was as it should be. In any universe, your core being will always be true. How you live with yourself will be different. I love this. A really good watch. Something to think about.

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Teacher, do you love me?

I like viewing old movies and most times they are more interesting when we watch them in context. The constructs are different as well as the production style. I went into this thinking that the ending would be full of pain and frustration, and unresolved. Most teacher - student relationships end either badly or ambiguously. I was suprised that this was not the case and was handled with the only outcome that best suit their situation.

The greatest asset of this film was that the players that were introduced were used effectively. Amakami entered the school as a new student and both recognized each other immediately, tho with different responses. Amakami with intrigue and pleasure. Aoi, the teacher, with fright and horror at the thought that he slept with a student. Amakami game of toying with him began.

Here we insert the other characters worth mentioning. Ichiyo and Riku. One spinless and the other ruthless. Ichiyo, Amakami's room mate, immediately was drawn to him while Riku, the school's bully, only felt disgust and jealousy. Amakami's aloofness and popularity irritated him. Coupled with the fact that Amakami refused to sleep with him, this set in motion events that change the lives of both Amakami's and Aoi.

Whatever business you enter, there must be a goal and a time to achieve it. Amakami's side gig as a prostitute wasn't any different but like any plan, it came with the unexpected. He didn't expect that one of his clients would be his soon to be teacher and the main reason for doing this, would no longer exist. The home he puchased would not be for his lost family. His brother had already forgotten him.

I hold no sympathies for anyone else other than Amakami. Aoi, constantly acting from a position of fear, could do nothing that would help Amakami. Ichiyo's actions proved how desolate he was and Riku's proved how depravity can thrive off of wealth and power.

What I didn't like were the quotes directing the audience on how to feel on the given scenes. Let the work speak for itself. What I liked at the end were the words spoken by Aoi to Amakami.

Amakami: Teacher, do you love me?
Aoi: Maybe
Amakami: Then would you kill me? Living like this will be a burden on us. I like this moment, I want to end it now.
Aoi: Is that so?
Aoi kisses him.
Aoi: Let's go home.

Later
Amakami: Are you going to kiss me again if I say I want to die?
Aoi: That kiss wasn't for a guy who wants to die.

Decent watch. If this is your type of film, I recommend viewing Suddenly Last Summer.

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