I Want A Duang in My Life
That headline is how I feel after having watched eleven episodes of this series. I hesitated to write this review because I have not seen the last episode. But I don't think the finale will invalidate what I feel. Like many, I don't want this series to end. Then again, all good things must come to an end.I'll try to cover this topic by topic.
Duang Is WITH YOU
To be fair, Duang the character may not suit everyone. He is transparent. Vocal. Sometimes over the top. But ultimately, he is full of love. Committed. Unafraid to drown you in his affection.
Teetee brings this character to life in the best possible way. The range he shows is frankly impressive. And it's why I grew to love the character. Duang can be excessive, but in the right moment, Teetee reveals an incredibly mature person who is present not out of addiction but out of sincere affection. I felt warm watching him. And I can understand why Qin would feel that warmth too.
I also have to applaud Por for making me feel the warmth Qin feels. The build-up is gradual. I can see Qin's fear and hesitation. But I can also feel his desire. Sure, there were moments when the acting felt awkward. But overall, it works incredibly well, especially considering this is Por's first lead role. He carried the character with real conviction. And that must be because he is in the company of a great ensemble.
The friends in this series shine as well. I wish there had been more moments with them, but I understand the constraints. There is not much real estate to tell their stories. Still, the actors brought out their characters well enough to make me want to know more. That says everything about how cohesive this ensemble has been.
The Cinema
The director and the entire production team did an incredible job. Major props to the director of cinematography. The way they shape the light. The way the colorist sets the mood and balances each scene. Everything works remarkably well.
I am particularly enamored by a scene in Episode 9. The scene by the piano. The actors look impeccable. The color is perfectly suited for the emotion. The way the light sculpts them is nothing short of perfection.
There are continuity issues here and there, but nothing severe enough to spoil a scene. Overall, a job beautifully done.
The Soundscape
I can understand why some viewers would be bothered by the sound effects. But I see this as a cute series, so I don't mind them. It also helps that the soundtracks are beautiful. The mixing is superb. I love the fact that the dialogue is always clear. The background music very rarely drowns it out. It is almost always complementary. Another job well done.
The Message
This series is loaded with examples that highlight the importance of communication in relationships. Between lovers, family, and friends. There are so many instances that show the depth of empathy these characters carry.
I appreciate that the two leads have the range required to bring out the best of these messages. Teetee and Por have bewitched me.
Qin carries childhood wounds that the series handles with extraordinary care. The writing never sensationalizes what happened to him. It lets the weight of it sit in his body. In the way he flinches. In what he asks for and what he cannot bring himself to ask for. Por carries all of this without a single false note. I sometimes choke up whenever I recall just how grounded Qin is despite everything. He could have ended up a complete disaster. But he did not. And the series never lets you forget what that composure costs him.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series. But I also recommend that you watch it with an open mind. Let the characters tell their stories. You may find it as rewarding as I have.
Duang With You is, without a doubt, the most lovable BL series I have seen so far. It is adorable and full of moments that make my heart leap and appreciate the beautiful.
Was this review helpful to you?
