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The story is told from the perspective of Tam, a lonely teenager who’s mentally and physically abused by his family and classmates because of his sexuality. The film dives deep into the emotional maze of Tam’s mind, and over the course of nearly two hours, we witness his slow mental unraveling. It constantly blurs the line between reality and delusion, creating a sense of discomfort and introspection that makes you feel exactly what Tam feels: lost, rejected, craving connection, but surrounded by pain and darkness.
The Blue Hour doesn’t hand you easy answers. Instead, it invites you to reflect on how trauma distorts our perception of reality, and how the longing for connection can either destroy us or set us free.
Gun Atthapan and Oab Oabnithi deliver stunning performances. The cold blue color palette perfectly mirrors the sadness, melancholy, and emotional isolation Tam experiences. Director Anucha Boonyawatana crafts a poetic, introspective atmosphere that’s both ambiguous and deeply sensitive. He treats Tam’s fragility with care, never judging him, and portrays his queerness with honesty and nuance, highlighting the impact of bullying and family rejection without falling into simplistic victim narratives.
The slow pacing gives you space to fully sink into the emotional world of the characters. The whole film was a haunting, powerful experience.
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To me, Bishonen is, at its core, a film about loneliness, even though it’s wrapped in romance and longing. That loneliness is the emotional thread that ties all the characters together.
Jet is a young gay sex worker whose beauty makes him highly sought after. He’s portrayed as someone who owns every room he walks into — charming, seductive, magnetic. But behind that polished exterior, he carries a deep, aching solitude. The film doesn’t judge him for his work, quite the opposite. It shows him as someone using his body not just to survive financially, but emotionally. What he’s really searching for in Sam is something real , a connection that money and sex can’t buy.
Sam, on the other hand, embodies the loneliness of repression. He leads a double life, hiding his sexuality from his conservative parents and from society. He’s weighed down by family expectations and the pressure he puts on himself. Past heartbreaks have made him hesitant to open up again, and even when he’s with Jet, there’s always a wall between them. His loneliness feels suffocating.
Then there’s KS, who hides his own isolation behind the spotlight of fame and the impossibility of loving openly.
Even as they walk through the crowded streets of Hong Kong, the city is portrayed as cold and indiferente, a place that marginalizes queer desire. The loneliness of those who can’t live their truth, who exist on the fringes even while being desired, mirrors the experience of so many LGBTQIA+ people who are tolerated in certain spaces but never fully accepted.
But Bishonen is also a film about love, even when it’s fleeting or impossible. Real love, the kind that lives deep in your heart, doesn’t just fade with time. Time might quiet it, but it doesn’t erase it. Even a short-lived relationship can leave a lasting emotional imprint.
Love isn’t rational or controllable. It doesn’t care what others think or what society demands. The heart follows its own path, no matter the pressure. And to love — even if it’s not returned, or doesn’t last, or ends in pain — is still a transformative experience.
Jet loves Sam deeply. That love is brief and painful. But it defines Jet. It gives meaning to his journey. And it stays with him, like a permanent memory. To love, in the end, is an act of courage and beauty.
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It’s a cute slow burn with touches of humor and romance. The highlight of the series is definitely the cast, especially the chemistry between Ki Hoon and Ji Yu. The story is simple and easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the subtle glances, the smiles, and the sincere, genuine way the actors brought their characters to life.What did bother me, though, was how the show handled alcohol. Ji Yu is drunk in most scenes. Having a drink with a meal? Totally fine. But drinking at every meal? To the point of being wasted? Showing up to work hungover and reeking of booze?
I actually liked Ki Hoon’s initial stance of banning alcohol in his restaurant, even if it didn’t sit well with some customers. But then he suddenly gives in to pressure and changes his mind. I wish he had stuck to his original decision.
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At first, I struggled to get into the story, mostly because Nishime reminded me way too much of Peat (probably just my delulu brain making connections that aren’t there 😂 ). Peat has these super cute expressions and mannerisms that are kind of his signature, and I felt like Nishime was trying to mimic that, but it didn’t really land for me. But when it got emotional, he truly shined as Ai.
The chemistry between Kunigami and Nishime felt so natural and genuine. It made every scene between them hit just right. On the other hand, the GL couple was a letdown. Fumi’s over-the-top innocence got on my nerves a bit.
Still, I really enjoyed how the story unfolded overall. I’m a sucker for the “opposites attract” trope, and Kaishin breaking through Ai’s emotional walls was beautiful to watch. Despite their differences, they found a home in each other’s hearts and that always gets me.
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I usually steer clear of writing negative reviews because I know how much heart and hard work go into making a series. This one had real potential, but sadly, it didn’t quite deliver.
After two episodes, I had to put it on hold because the subtitles were a total mess. But since I never leave a show unfinished, I eventually came back to wrap it up. Honestly, if the series had kept its six episodes but trimmed them down to 20–25 minutes each, it might’ve worked better. It had all the ingredients to be super cute.
1. Production
The script was weak and dragged through each 45-minute episode. On top of that, editing and sound issues really hurt the overall experience.
2. Acting
It’s tough to judge the performances fairly because the writing didn’t give the actors much to work with. There were flashes of personality here and there, but the script didn’t allow for any real depth. It seems like this was the debut for several of the cast members, and they honestly deserved better material. Still, they gave it their best, and the acting had its ups and downs.
Meen & Tul: A sweet couple who got more interesting once they started dating. Looks like this was the first series for Sky and Kong. The chemistry is definitely there. They had moments where they were just going through the motions, and others where they truly brought their characters to life. They’re raw talent, rough around the edges, but promising. I’ll definitely check out more of their work, hopefully with a stronger script.
Pokpong & Sun: This couple won me over from the start. I wish they’d had more screen time. Park and Tiger felt more natural together, and their chemistry came through effortlessly. They genuinely seemed comfortable in their roles.
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Kanade Shinichiro is a quiet, reserved man living a quiet routine as an office worker. He carries deep emotional wounds and has chosen to hide his sexuality as a way to protect himself. But despite living an almost numb existence, cause he's afraid to allow himself to feel, he’s incredibly sensitive underneath it all.
Mashiro Kosuke, on the other hand, is more spontaneous, but he’s not without his own insecurities. He represents a part of Kanade’s past that he tried to bury, but that keeps knocking at his door.
I saw some criticism about the intimate scenes between the two characters, and while I agree with most of it, I honestly wasn’t expecting anything different from what we got. To be honest, a different kind of scene would’ve felt off to me cause it just wouldn’t match their personalities.
The rain in the story isn’t just a symbol of cleansing, it’s also nourishing. It washes away their repressed emotions and makes space for love to bloom. That little “wedding” scene in the café, which felt like an emotional sanctuary for them, was absolutely adorable. They’re not alone in the world anymore.
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BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen
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With its smart, lighthearted humor and beautifully sensitive storytelling, the series won me over from the very first episode. I couldn’t help but root for Aoyagi and Akafuji’s happiness. I really loved how the characters evolved, and how the story kept a playful tone while still respecting the deeper emotional themes.
But what truly elevates the series are the stellar performances from Alan Abe and Nichika Akutsu. Their chemistry is effortless and magnetic. Both actors deliver emotionally rich, expressive performances that pull you in completely. They bring real depth to their roles and have pitch-perfect comedic timing, stealing every scene they’re in. Highly recommended!
PS: Kijima and Yukari deserved a series just for them.
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The premise is intriguing, and honestly, it deserved a stronger script to make the emotional moments hit harder. But even with its storytelling flaws, I really appreciated how the characters navigated life, death, loss, and personal growth along the way. The supporting cast did a solid job, though I do wish we had a few more episodes to dive deeper into their stories.
It’s far from perfect, but there’s something uniquely charming about it that just keeps you hooked!
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At 45 episodes, it might seem long, but trust me, the story flows so smoothly, you’ll be hooked. Gorgeous cinematography, amazing performances, and a soundtrack that hits every note. Plus, it delivers powerful messages about ethics, respect, and perseverance. A total gem for martial arts drama fans.
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The Wayu/Thanu/Pha love triangle remains unbearable, with a drama that drags on endlessly. If Wayu and Thanu were simply dull, chemistry-free characters in the first season, they’ve become utterly unbearable in the second—completely devoid of empathy.
Mark and Kit: The second season really should have focused on the evolution of their romance, especially since Mark has always loved Kit more deeply than Kit loved Mark. This season highlights Kit opening up and becoming more affectionate toward Mark, while Mark struggles with insecurity due to Kit's decision to apply for a scholarship abroad. They completely steal the show whenever they appear.
Jack and Koh: They remain the comedic duo that adds a playful and lighthearted touch to the series. Their story deserved more attention in the second season, and after Mark and Kit, they’ve officially become my favorite couple!
It’s clear the actors deserved a better script and did the best they could with what they were given, but this time, not even Mark and Kit or Jack and Koh could save the series.
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