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This review may contain spoilers
Flawed
I have such mixed feelings about this!#1.) On the one hand, I almost recommend everyone watch this drama just for having the extremely rare representation that is an AroAce lead and discussing Asexuality. On the other hand, I have to criticize the drama for incorrectly using the term "Asexual" for its FL when it should be AroAce.
#2.) On the one hand, the Queer characters are shown to come to their own conclusions regarding their sexuality. Example: Asahi, the Pan ML, mentions how he once thought he was Gay and even uses the label "Bisexual" for a short time before settling on calling himself Pansexual. On the other hand, there was this subtle idea that Queer people should be the ones comforting and easing the guilt of others. And by having a character come out solely for the person they love, that coming out is something to do for others rather than yourself.
#3.) On the one hand, the conversations between characters about sex education and other "taboo" topics are great! On the other hand, the group of girls often will start an episode being insanely judgemental about a topic only to completely open up and be understanding by the end. I felt whiplash from the sudden shift!
I would absolutely love to cover my eyes and give this a 9/10 or even a 10/10. But there are issues here that I just can't unsee.
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Not for everyone, but it was for me.
This was refreshing. It just jumped right into it. You quickly realize there will be no hand-holding and very little leading.Different. That's how I would describe the experience of watching this. It was a serious drama. Not in the way of intense romance, love triangles, physical fights, or big twists though. In fact, I didn't feel as if they shoe-horned in anything unnecessarily. I wasn't able to point out anything that was added in to drag out the runtime. It uses its time to seriously show the difficulty/horror of being a health care worker and the challenges and in-fights between hospital owners and staff, as well as carefully thread a message that becomes clear only at the end.
What sticks with me even now is the uncomfortableness they managed to make me feel by showing the "bad guy" show some humanity. I felt this "wrongness" from it, as if he didn't have the right to. But that is how people are. They aren't as easy to categorize into good and evil as we would like them to be.
And, the message. The ending isn't satisfying. It doesn't have a true "conclusion" as it were. It seems to say, "This is what life is." You get by, you face a fight, you manage to get your head above water, you find something to brighten your day, and the cycle repeats. One stumbling block is dealt with, only for another to come down the road. We struggle and we smile, alone and with others.
Did some part of me want the easy satisfying ending with a pretty bow on top? Of course. But it was a realistic ending. And one I didn't mind. Because, this is life.
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This review may contain spoilers
The New Normal (really only a spoiler about a supporting character)
It's so quirky, weird, oddly relatable, and fun. These two guys were a great dynamic duo. They played off each other really well. Most of this drama's episodes are generally stand-alone in nature, until we get near the end and have to bring about the final conclusion.I started this because the premise itself was really different: Two Blue Vampires on a quest for blood so they can become full vampires, however, COVID-19 has changed how they live their every day lives and gets in their way (along with many other things, of course).
I loved the repeating of how Aoi and Sou needed to embrace the "new normal," because of COVID. And not only that, it became a sort of mantra for them to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, break old habits, and/or rethink their perspectives and thoughts.
Accepting or embracing a/the "new normal," can be starting a new job, getting used to wearing a mask, standing up for yourself, accepting yourself for who you are, trying to make the world a better place, allowing your mind to be changed about something you used to believe strongly, etc.
This gave me the same inspiring feelings that "Colorful Love: Genderless Danshi ni Aisareteimasu" did.
Even if we've been set in our ways for months, years, decades, or even centuries, it's never too late to start working to make the world better for others or yourself, even if it's in small ways like just being your authentic self. It may be tough for you now, but you will give others the courage to do the same and make it easier for the next person by making society more accepting.
Aoi and Sou have great character development over the course of the drama and don't let the lessons they learned go to waste in the end. Neither should we the viewers. We need to accept the new normal of this pandemic, and aside from that bring about our own new normal by advancing social causes. Older generations (or Vampire Elders) may scoff and tell us what we are doing is wrong because it's not how things have been done, but we are living in the 21st century and it is the time to move forward, not backward by staying set in our ways because, "That's how it's always been done."
I loved how though Aoi and Sou at first act as if their only intention is to get blood so they can stop being Blue Vamps, you can tell throughout each episode that--in the end--they really just care about helping people (as much as Sou wouldn't like to admit it. Lol). And by the end of each episode, we, the audience, and them have completely forgotten/no longer care about them being successful in their original mission.
This drama managed to cleverly sneak in a Lesbian character, feminism, discussions of toxic masculinity and stereotypes, anxiety, the meaning of true strength, the struggles of finding a job in a failing economy, the negatives of peer pressure, the importance of being yourself and accepting yourself, and that to grow as a person you need to leave the bad views of those before you behind and move forward to a "new normal."
Side Note: I loved how when Sou was told by Mia that she thought he and Aoi were boyfriends (she also mentions that she is a Lesbian), he doesn't get upset or offended at all at her assumption or say something like, "How could you think that?!" or, "Of course not!" You know why? Because he knows there is nothing wrong with it so why would he get upset. Exactly, Sou! Exactly!
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Sinking Ships but not a Sinking Show
Note about overall rating: For comparison, I also gave an 8.5/10 to Season 3.Ahhh. His Man. The love/painful relationship we have.
You make me get attached and see promise in couples, only for any and all I root for with my whole heart to never work out. All my ships sink . . .
*sigh*
C'est la vie.
Again, I should be used to it by now. I think I am the iceberg to these Titanics.
But, at the end of the day, these are real people with real feelings and free will. No one can be made to like/love anyone. And, for those who do work out, I am genuinely happy for them, including those from this season. One couple, in particular, I didn't expect to be so natural and sweet, but really saw hope for a long-lasting relationship in the end.
As for the different choices made in the production side this season, I have mixed thoughts.
Obviously, re-shooting an entire season with only a few new people isn't ideal. But circumstances made it this way and I understand why they'd ask everyone else to come back to film again and did find value in people perhaps being braver/taking a second look at someone or even approaching a newcomer.
The diaries were another thoughtful addition that encouraged self-reflection for the contestants. I thought it was also a nice way to wrap up evenings and track dates/the progression of feelings.
And taking time at the end of the show for everyone to voice their thoughts on their time on His Man S4, even after making their final selections/finding out if they were mutually chosen, felt like a great way to carve out space for those who didn't end up with a partner. After all, their experience matters, too. Especially when S3 failed to follow up with everyone.
Eliminations, though? Believe it or not, I can see both sides of it.
Eliminating someone from a dating show for being closed-off/not interested in anyone does make sense; it removes those who aren't truly participating, frees up airtime for others, and encourages contestants to be more proactive in pursuing those they're interested in.
On the other hand, eliminations do ultimately hurt the feelings of the contestants who are eliminated (even if only temporarily) and take away the chance for them to break through someone's walls and reach their heart by the end. It also sends shockwaves through the house, putting people on edge.
I didn't want to see anyone be eliminated. But I could see why they introduced this new, controversial element to the show.
All in all, I still adore His Man and the journey it's taken me on (4 years now! Crazy!), and I hope we get yet another season.
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Queer Women Exist, Too
For Korea's first Queer reality dating show exclusively for women, I thought this was a thoughtful endeavor and a great step forward pushing real life representation. Compared to His Man, chance, competition, and missions played less of a part in determining dates. I felt this created a more mellow atmosphere for all the participants, with heartfelt notes, small interactions, and group meals/events making feelings develop more naturally and thoughtfully over time.All this praise being said, I did find the finale lacking. I felt we didn't get to hear enough from everyone, and wish the time was spread more equally between all of them to get their final thoughts/feelings.
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Go Japan!
Note: I'm throwing in an extra point for the genuineness of the participants themselves. Because these men opened up and were vulnerable in ways I found truly beautiful.The Boyfriend was an emotional journey that was not just focused on finding love but on friendship and personal growth. I felt honored and overjoyed to see each man find new courage, realization, motivation, and/or peace in their life.
This Queer reality dating show marks a monumental step forward for Japan, finally following in Korea's footsteps with their successful "His Man."
The Boyfriend being so similar to His Man, I would find it hard to review it properly without talking about the differences between them.
#1) Time. The Boyfriend allows a month for everyone to get to know each other, compared to His Man's seven days. While I did find it valuable for the men to spend more time together, as a viewer, I got frustrated with rarely having a concrete timeline. Between arguments, dates, and events, hours, days, or even a week could have passed. This made me question whether moments/exchanges were purposely framed to get a certain reaction from me and even the authenticity of The Boyfriend at times. I understand that having a month of footage to edit poses a challenge, but a small counter telling the date and time in the corner could have resolved this easily. His Man showed things more linearly and clearly, in my opinion.
#2) Fluidity. The participants seemed to feel more open to expressing their personal opinions about the world and their community. There were regular conversations shown regarding coming out, pronouns, labeling their sexuality/gender, fighting for rights, family expectations/starting a family, etc. His Man typically just has one dedicated episode/event where everyone gets the chance to discuss their experiences being Queer as well as coming out, with the participants having a few conversations about it but not nearly as many as The Boyfriend.
#3) Physical Touch. The participants here seemed far more willing to show/comfortable with showing affection/interest through physical touch. Close proximity, hugs, massages, backrubs, and kisses were all present. Sure, there are "moves" made on His Man, but nothing compared to The Boyfriend. Here, I felt it was not only more readily accepted but encouraged. Perhaps this is due to cultural differences. Of course, it could also be that these men, in particular, were simply comfortable with it. It's not a criticism of His Man, just something I noticed.
#4) The Coffee Truck. The premise of having everyone take turns working in pairs at a coffee truck was an excellent choice, in my opinion. It not only allowed for some guaranteed personal time each time it was open for the day but also gave each man more insight into how the other would act under pressure rather than having to just rely on how they choose to present themself in a controlled setting.
#5) Goodbyes. Men could leave the "Green Room" seemingly at any time they wanted—not just as a final farewell, but when they had personal or work plans, they could be gone for several days. I thought this was a thoughtful choice, as participants had the freedom to decide when their time had ended/they had gotten what they wanted from the Green Room, as well as make carving out 30 whole days to be on a reality show much more feasible.
#6) Control/Communication. Other than the coffee truck being used as a vehicle—get it? Vehicle—to allow participants to pair up, there were some days when it was closed to allow the option for dates; however, the feelings of each man had to align to go on the date. There were also letters used in the beginning to communicate the men's thoughts. In His Man, there are phone calls, chat messages, letters, and cards that rely on chance/desire to obtain them with prompts/events that can force/allow the opportunity for new people to be paired up to go on a date that hasn't before as well as shake things up a bit in the house.
I see advantages as well as disadvantages to both approaches. His Man's setup allows secrecy at points as well as promotes participants to take an active role in fighting for their date while also (depending on fate) forcing them to explore other options. The Boyfriend has a loose setup that relies on intentional pursuit as well as increased time available for the participants to get to know each other during their free time before (hopefully) confirming their mutual interest.
I do feel His Man made the men step out of their comfort zones and express thoughts in confidence that they wouldn't feel brave enough to otherwise. But I also see and appreciate how The Boyfriend allows the men more freedom to choose their partner.
#7) Hosts. Hosts have never been a part of His Man but found their way here. I did have my concerns in the beginning that they were going to interrupt too much or, perhaps, say something out of pocket. But I was relieved to find that they were a quiet presence and only chimed in on occasion. They acted more like a 3rd party cheerleader to watch with you than anything.
All in all, I was quite delighted with The Boyfriend, regardless of production choices. I sincerely hope there is a second season.
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Catering to Straight people
This, like His Man, is an important stepping stone for LGBT+ people in Korean media. Unlike that reality show, though, this had a lot of problems.While I was ecstatic to hear about this show's release, I began feeling disappointed after watching a few episodes. The hosts wanted to open up the public's minds to Queer people, a noble goal. However, in the pursuit of this they often watered down vital concepts (like sexuality and gender) to the point of being incorrect and/or problematic, were more sympathetic toward parents of Queer children than the children themselves (they even said they were equally struggling), handled insults and dismissals from unaccepting parents with kiddie gloves, and failed to make a hard stand against bigotry.
I do get the sense that this was made with good intentions and that the hosts aren't bad people. But I feel like they cared so much about Straight people's perception of the show that they ended up catering to them to a fault. There was this sense that it was up to Queer people to keep trying to convince their family members and bend to make them more comfortable rather than the onus being on those being hateful and unaccepting.
All of this being said, I'm still glad this was made so I could see these Queer people's stories and so that, hopefully, Korea will portray more real Queer people on the screen.
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This review may contain spoilers
Not as good as I thought it was...
I'm going to spoil one episode, barely, but I don't really care right now.Looking back, I don't really like this drama as much as I used to. And I definitely don't like this relationship anymore. I honestly can't believe I ever did. About a week ago I couldn't understand the more negative reviews I read about this show. But, I decided to rewatch it, and I can definitely see how messed up Uehara and Nao's relationship is.
Uehara almost never expresses his feelings, never really apologizes, doesn't put Nao first, doesn't consider Nao's feelings, waits too long to clear things up or never does, and doesn't pay enough attention to Nao.
Everything that is wrong with this couple, from the beginning and in the future episodes, can be found in season 1, episode 10.
Daichi summed it up best a third of the way into the episode: "What's wrong with you? Are you even thinking about Nao's feelings? If you make a promise, then keep it! You got her hopes up and played with her feelings. She just giggles and brushes off whatever you say. Have you ever thought about her feelings?"
Nao just lets Uehara walk all over her and is happy with the slight crumbs of affection and/or attention he gives her. She didn't have to start dating Daichi instead just because he also liked her. But, she should have Never dated Uehara. He is not a good person.
At some point you think Nao would finally realize that this relationship is unhealthy and Uehara isn't treating her right. She almost does for a brief moment in episode 10. But, then what does she do? She goes right back to him without him acknowledging that how he acted and continues to act is messed up.
He literally drags her home to make some sort of apology. But he doesn't apologize. Instead, he says, "Don't be stupid." when she asked if he kissed Yuri, when she has every right to be worried. And his idea of a "present" to make up with her is to buy her 25 milk puddings?!
Then he holds her, she cries and says "I like you," he says it back, and they kiss.
Yep. Totally romantic. Not manipulative and emotionally abusive at all.
Sorry for this rant. Can you tell I'm mad I got blindsided back then?
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Jazz for Two Might be for You
This drama and the characters truly shined the most in tension-filled moments where it felt as though all the air had been sucked out of the room. I also rather appreciated the consistency of the character's flaws/toxic behaviors, with there also being guilt and growth. Also, the fake-out conflict being resolved through thoughtful perspective and acceptance? Loved that. More not dragging things out for added drama and instead having a main lead think rationally, please!Based on this drama's description, I expected less than average—to not be excited at the prospect of seeing the story progress. I was glad to find I could lose myself in Jazz for Two for a while.
All this praise aside, I wish the curtains closed more smoothly on this drama. At least ten extra minutes were desperately needed to tie up the side character's stories as well as allow a smoother transition as to where the main leads ended up. When the credits started rolling, I legit thought I was being punked. I was like, "Come on, there's got to be five more minutes left, right? Did I skip ahead?!"
All in all, I would recommend it. Just keep your expectations moderate.
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Countdown that fizzled out . . .
Was the mutual pining/yearning great? Yes! Did the flashes through time and tracking of days/the date add a unique element to the drama? Undoubtedly. It felt painfully nostalgic and sincere. Like a private school scrap-book.However—a big however—one character did the majority of the heavy lifting, emotionally speaking. One character put themself out there, opened up, and took steps forward for the relationship: Minato.
At first, Wataru's hesitancy to cross the line of friendship was relatable. Change is scary. A start risks an end. But refusing to acknowledge what's there . . . Doesn't make it disappear. And delaying can cause others pain: It did here.
And while Minato was self-sacrificing, pushing his feelings down for Wataru's sake, taking time to sit with himself and try to see a way forward . . .
Wataru leaned on his cowardice like a faithful crutch. Practically moping around in self-pity before he finally got it together.
It made the romance feel so unfairly one-sided and unearned once the "yes" finally came.
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Rage Incarnate
Jealousy Incarnate pulls you in at first with some typical K-Drama hijinks/setups: accidents, misunderstandings, some classic enemies-to-lovers teasing for later, a love triangle. You get the gist of it. But it did one aspect too well, and everything else not . . . The SML.Born to be a ML but cursed to be a SML, Jung Won was in every way charming, understanding, and coy. He matched the FL's energy, was joking and flirting when she was. And he wasn't perfect, which made him even more perfect for Na Ri. He struggled to stand up for himself and his desires completely and couldn't always say what was on his mind, whereas Na Ri lacked stability and patience. Together, they balanced each other out. Not to mention, they had immediate chemistry! And the drama encouraged and lingered on their love story, only to turn around over halfway through and present Hwa Shin as the one "true" partner for Na Ri, and at every turn, it essentially scoffed in the audience's face for daring to think anything differently.
It wasn't just a rug pull or a bucket of ice water being dumped over your head. It was a forced agenda I couldn't buy into if you bribed me. Watching them be together out of nowhere as the most unhappy/"happy" bickering couple made me regret having eyes or ears. Every romantic moment between the ML and FL felt so forced and wrong that I wanted to scream.
And on top of this—you ask how it could possibly get worse or what else could possibly drive Noir mad—healthcare workers went around spreading sensitive medical information without consent without being called out (it was played for laughs/as being the right thing to do), there was rampant joking about Asexuality and Acephobia (as though it's some disease that ought to be celebrated when "fixed"—excuse me while I throw up in my mouth a little), and hypocritical mocking of male breast cancer patients while at times presenting itself as nobly destigmitizing it and raising awareness.
I hate that this drama was full of wasted potential. I hate that the FL was self-aware of her bad decisions and chose them anyway, as though she were being courageous. I hate that the ML continued to be an immature jackass. I hate this drama.
I am rage incarnate.
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An Empty Space
It's definitely a quality drama. The team behind it cared about what they were making, and you could tell. They had a specific style in mind, evident from the color palette. Jung Woo's world is listless, drained, and hollow. And so the world we see is made of muted colors, conversations go round and round, and the days seem to repeat.I found the commentary on passiveness and possessiveness interesting, as well as the under-the-radar—at least to the character—manipulation (you could see how, over time, one would give in).
Something just felt missing. I can't put a name to it. And I wanted more of the love-triangle aspect. The trailers and teasers made it seem like it would play a significant role. Unfortunately, we were fooled.
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"One day, there will be someone you want to protect, too."
It wasn't just that it was grand. That the costumes and makeup, and powers and effects for them, were a feast for the eyes. That the fight choreography was a deadly dance. And that the soundtrack was epic.It was the friends and even enemies made and lost along the treacherous yet joyful journey. Reconciliation and deep understanding. The noble sacrifices, blows taken, and tears shed for those dear. The beauty and tragedy of the sum of a life reduced to glowing ashes in the wind. Knowing and accepting fate with a smile and a lightened heart, as you have fought for a worthy cause/people.
It was unexpected found family and love that defies all description/bounds.
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When you're weary
His heavy back and her set eyes, their shadows came together.We forget that being in love doesn't just mean opening yourself up to love and be loved by someone; it also means opening yourself up to hurt. Putting into someone's hands your still-beating heart and trusting they won't squeeze it too hard. After all, we are hurt the most by those we love.
It is a terrifying and courageous thing to have been hurt by someone you loved and even think of giving another person the power to hurt you like that again.
But we not only deserve to take that risk like everyone else, we owe it to ourselves, when we're ready:
"I think I needed time
To dare
To take in air
Alone."
I took my time to sit with them in their pain and quietly heal along with them. And then, the world wasn't magically brighter, but a room was finally tidied, a picture was hung where it belonged, a tent was used, and a walk was taken.
It was time.
If you're in a place where a heavy and healing melodrama would do you good, I recommend this one to you.
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Something amazing produced during difficult times!
Lots of sweet moments, and several more than sweet moments. They have such great chemistry and tension! Also, there are some really beautiful and artistic shots/scenes throughout. I was amazed. Especially since the budget, from what I heard, wasn't incredibly high.Some parts of the plot could have been improved upon. But, there's really not much to complain about with this series. A couple of tropes are present, but there is enough newness and intrigue to overshadow them.
You begin rooting for the couple very early on. I am warning you though that there is a lot of buildup to Sky and Ace's relationship. It is a relatively slow-burn for the first 7 episodes. Then, prepare yourself. Their relationship does stay sweet throughout, but there are some moments :)
Sometimes you start to see this series as a fairytale. I kid you not that there are some legitimately Disney-prince-like moments. There are overdramatic falls, dances, kisses, and an overdramatic score to match. On top of that there is a great deal of comedy sprinkled throughout. You will laugh your ass off, smile stupidly, and feel like you should cover your eyes because you're intruding on a couple's moment.
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