Niniane

Great story, not the best adaptation

Maybe its my fault for having seen all other adaptations of the story, but I found this one lacking. This story should be a story of love conquering absolutely everything. The universe seems to be against them. Every time a crisis is overcome, another is at the corner. It's desperate, its fated, it's BIG LOVE. And that's exactly what I missed in this one. The feeling of desperation, of having to be together despite the odds. Bright and Tu both give a great performance and Ren is so lovable it's almost a crime. The other F4's MJ and Kavin deserved more story and screen time. It's still a good story, and I liked the pace and the original take on certain topics but it did not really get to me as much as the other adaptations do.

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Great start culminates in drama overkill

i really loved the first few episodes of this drama. The period setting, the ostracizing of gay people and the harm this causes to entire families, the family status that must be upheld at all times, the falling in love, the plotting, the shame, the secrecy... It was done so well!
The disappointment could not have been bigger when halfway all this gets pushed to the background to deal with just the war between the former business partners. The emphasis on this particular story line makes that everything else is in service of it. Characters are molded to fit the narrative, dramatic fight scenes and battles are dragged on to infinity... it's a mess.
The last 2 episodes were just me hoping somebody would die already to make this end. The final scenes are so sweet it made my teeth hurt. Everyone who was ready to drink each others blood in the beginning is now lovey dovey with the world and it's just not it. I wish they had stuck to the line from the first 5 or 6 episodes. If they had done that, this would have been a fantastic drama. I call for a do-over!

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I will not get over this. Ever.

I'm writing this review seconds after final credits. My heart is still racing. This series is incredible. In the short while that China has been making use of the loophole they found to be able to produce uncensored, they have managed to put out several amazing series, but this one takes the crown.

Everything is perfect to near perfect. It's setting in the old walled city in HK and the cinematographic opportunities this provided have been used magnificently. It looks gritty, dark but with a succinct 80's vibe. Some costume choices or props looked a bit off, but that happens to the best.

Story and story lines are clean, without loose threads or strange turns. The backstories make sense, and there is explicite room for an airy humorous note here and there. Sometimes subtle, sometimes not really but always fitting to the story.

The acting of all cast is great. From the main leads, the secondary leads up to the guest roles.. Perfection.

As is customary in BL, we find many tropes in this production. Heroic rescue (from a plant, no less), fate, confusion, unconscious kisses, etc. Most of these are acceptable I just found the unconscious kisses a bit meh. We don't kiss people that are not awake, dammit!

And while we are on the subject, the thing that really annoys me is the fact that the rooftop love scene is never mentioned again. Not in thought, not in flashbacks, not in conversation. It's like as soon as the sheets were cleaned, so was the memory. Like, whatt? Not only was this non-consensual, it was ignored. Bad move.

I loved the contrast between the main characters. One dorky in daily life but very forward in affection. The other a real life crime boss, but a shy and cute mess when it comes to love.

The development of the events and the relationship felt natural (if you can speak of natural in that kind of environment).

The last episode was really the climax we were building up to. The final kiss was truly epic. But there are loose ends that desperately need tying. The 2nd couple has no real closure. All they has was a hot encounter and some aggressive flirting. That's not ok.

What I loved most was the build-up, the visuals, the interactions between Liuyu and Chusan and the back stories. This really 'made' this drama for me.

Now hurry and get me an S2.

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Temu version Khemjira?

If you're expecting a drama like Khemjira, you will be sadly disappointed with this one. The story is inconsistent to say the least, there were plenty of times I had no idea what was going on. I couldn't even give you a summary if you asked for it.

The first 2 eps. were promising. I liked the tarot card psychic thing combined with the podcast. Unfortunately it goes downhill from there.

The most disappointing is that all elements to make a good show are present. A pet ghost, a love triangle, a jealous bff, a handsome rich suitor, who is a natural protector, a twin shaman, ghosts, possession, etcetera. None of these are properly fleshed out and remain merely a potential.

The acting is bad overall. The dialogue only half done, scenes are cut off before we get to the point. We don't get any backstory from anyone, and some plotpoints are never followed up on.

Anything good? Hmm maybe the visuals? The music isn't bad. The main romance has a good build-up. That's it. I don't think i'll rewatch or recommend. And then they even gave us a post-credit scene, that could suggest we will be tortured with ehm treated to an S2??

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What BL can be when it has matured!

I'm absolutely floored by this masterpiece! But where to begin explaining why? Ok, I will start with the fact that I went into this a bit apprehensive. Did not really know what to expect with 2 ML that I've seen in previous performances but never expected together. Ben is known from the (also quite good) Step By Step, while Boy, who is quite a bit older, has not done a BL role before, but has a ton of experience in other acting fields.

Mandate is about the plot, the story is being told low-paced and deliberate. While we see tension between the ML, it is a slow slow burn, that takes a backseat to the political scenery and the changes that causes in Dr. Nhong. From a sincere and upright country doctor we see him change into a political beast who appears to have some secrets under his belt.

The political climate, lead by Vee's father and ex-lover makes it all too easy to throw away your principles and scrupules to hold on to power. While telling yourself you're doing it all for the good of the people.

When someone shows even a little sign of weakness, the hungry sharks won't hesitate to immediately come out with manipulation and blackmail, escalating throughout the series.

It all culminates in a smoking heap of mistrust and misunderstanding, forcing a desparate decision that breaks the cycle and opens the road for a fresh and cleaner start.

We end with an emotional scene where grief and relief battle for the prime emotion.

Boy and Ben are delivering the performance of a lifetime. Flawlessly executing the struggles, emotions and fear that belong in this environment while also falling in love and wanting to hold on to that.

If you are a (perhaps younger) bl-fan, you might initially feel that this is all too slow and political. I beg of you to watch till the end. You won't be disappointed i promise!

I do desparately need a S2, because i'm enough of a bl-girl that I want to see them take it all down and finally be happy and together.

This S1 has somewhat of a bittersweet and unfinished ending. Not a bad one, it just left me needing more closure. And revenge. That too.

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Why?

Body switch drama's are a treaturous thing as it is. This execution was the absolute worst I ever saw.
I love both Max and Nat, mostly for the fact that although they do lack in the acting department, they are adorable, have great chemistry and amazing kisses. All of these could not save this drama (pun intended). The plot is stupid (why turn to a shaman for ED? Consult a doctor dammit!). There is no real story, no real drama points, nothing. It seems to build on the previous series where they played the same characters, but that was so long ago that I forgot most of that. A little refresher would have been nice. There is chemistry/tension at the wrong moments (Kaeng and Sun) that doesn"t lead anywhere. A late addition problem (the money) is not really a problem. Some strange conversation about virginity... The list goes on.

I had my hopes up for the secondary couple but their first kiss was the cringiest thing I ever saw. I don't think they even touched lips. Please cast people that actually want to kiss each other!

I hate Nat's red hair. I hate the over the top wardrobe, I hate the senseless trip mr shaman makes to Japan (or was it China) which just prolongs the misery. I hate the fake crying. I hate the attempts at humor. I hate the music (don't let actors who can't sing for shit sing the OST!)

Anything good? Yes. Earth (Cooheart) as Madam. The only one with everything on point. Acting, wardrobe, hair. But very much the golden ring on the monkey. It made up for nothing.

I'm so sorry for Max and Nat, but this BL goes to the absolute bottom of my completed list.

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Green flags don't have to be boring. Here's proof.

This modern romance drama has my whole heart. There. That's the review.
O, right...I need to add more to persuade you to watch this as well.

Let the men in your life know that this is what we mean when we say we need them to be a green flag. Carrying a torch for years and years, while never crossing he line, staying in her life (either seen or unseen) and making sure she is ok and protected. And when he finally meets her after a long time apart, he remains the calm, but strong force she needs. Giving her a shoulder, a home. Never pushing her boundaries, never expecting anything from her but to be herself.

All this while never really hiding his feelings, but in a way that is totally safe. He is passionate though, and we can see how he craves to be closer. But he never lays that on her. He cherishes her completely, supprting her in whatever she wants to do. Not one of us deserves such a man.

In the meantime, our girl is working through STUFF. Bad stuff. Traumatizing stuff. But she hides it all, to the point she leaves once again to not be a burden to him. Because that's how she has been treated all her life. As a burden. To her mother, her aunt and uncle, her teachers, her employers... No wonder she just wants to disappear. When she finally decides she will no longer be played or afraid, she takes the control back and has the courage to love our man like he deserves (As does she, btw!)

The best thing in this drama is that in all 32 episodes, it never gets boring. The pace varies, but even in the slow-paced parts it's still completely captivating. This is mostly thanks to the sub-plots and side characters, which are all equally well written and wonderful. The dialogues are chef's kiss, there's humor, drama, cuteness and passion. Nothing NC, but great kisses and a lot of them.

Go watch! Now!

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This is how you do a remake!

This was so much fun!! From the first notes of the theme song on the first episode (this EPIC theme song) you know this will be a Ride (capital R).

The story is not too deep, but with plenty of twists and turns to either lol or yell at the screen in frustration. How dense can a person be? Heng is utterly clueless about, well, everything. His Boss is the perfect 2ML. Sweet, caring, forgiving. I felt so bad for him and wish he'll meet his prince someday. Mo is a treasure forgiving Heng and not eating his shoes in anger. Their love is sweet and our EarthMixx dreamteam is overflowing with chemistry.
Comical BL is not my favorite BL subgenre but if they're this well made, with well dosed puns, situations and acting, I'm absolutely sold.
The OST is fantastic, I got a smile on my face and swayed along as soon as Earth started yelling. This is ultimate feelgood!

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No plot. Good kisses

First ep I was a little apprehensive, not sure where this was going. A typical college BL maybe? It's certainly a 'love at first sight' thing, at least for one of the main leads.
Ep. 2 Story got a little clearer, I kinda cringed at the oops I had drunk sex with a guy thing, And what the hell was with these stuffed socks?? I felt relieved when Nhai confesses he actually liked it and that he was the one feeling guilty towards Ai. Ai is so in love he likes everything Nhai does but I think Nhai is not as great as he looks and might be chaotic af. Ai better brace himself. Curious to see where this goes.
Ep.3. I´m really not sure about this tbh. Although there are many things I like, there are at least as much things I dislike. Ai puts an unfair amount of pressure on Nhai, and although he has asked for time, Ai is trying to kiss him not 2 seconds later. Nhai is all over the place and says he is confused, but he seems anything but. I am really hoping for the dialogue to be more consistent and the subs being as bad as they are is not helping...
Ep 4-8 I am getting more and more worried about this drama and frustrated that the writing is not what it could be. Scenes and even full episodes seem to be made just for screenfilling and visual. There is no development. In fact, just exactly in the scene where you think something happens.... The episode is over. The next episode starts with that promising scene, but does not fulfill the promise. Characters remain flat, without any depth or real emotion. We see Nhai get jealous but who knows why. No motives, just nothing. All thats left is the fluff and the chemistry. But that falls totally flat when the rest is so severely lacking. This hurts and I do not see it getting better. Rating dropped to 6.
Ep. 9. Every time the end credits start running, I'm like: what? But nothing happened yet!. It is sooo boring! Ai's birth mother is the worst evil mom I've ever seen. She can't even get the expressions right. Also.. Usually with 'bad' bl's we can get at least some solace from the side couple. But there is none here! We are being robbed. The award for saving the ep. goes to Arm for doing the only good acting. Thank you Arm!
Ep. 10. Birth mom got slayed by Nhai. That was the best thing to watch. Rest of the ep was boring
Ep 11 and 12. Meeting the parents, being cute at night, going on a camping trip, bei g cute again, getting sick, getting orange peeling tips, getting better, being cute and promise forever. The end.

There was never any plot. Here and there are sparks of story but all of them bled out and died silently. This was Ai and Nhai being cute for 12 eps straight. Could have been half that. Got really boring in the end despite good kissing. There was no more tension, no real passion, no obstacles to overcome. No ingredients to make a good series.

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Very easy watch

I love these kind of drama's. Beautiful people, striking landscapes, exciting fight scenes. Yes please!

This drama has all that, paired with a slow-burn brimming with chemistry romance of an out-of-the-ordinary couple.

I loved everything about it. Until the marquis' identity is revealed to Changyu. Up until then we have been watching a quirky, female empowering story. But suddenly we are in a standard historical cdrama. Court shenanigans, poisonings, marriage stuff. It's still good, but the edge and grit are gone.

The story has to rely on far-fetched coincidences, shock value and comic relief to stay on track. Bummer!

The fact that for reasons of censorship the face of the actor playing Song Yan has been replaced and we have an actor credited for 'body only' and 'face only' is a damn shame. Shame! Ziyu deserves so much better. And we as viewers deserve better.

The first half of the drama is a solid 10. The rest is just above average.

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Starpacked but still average

When you see the names of the actors in this bl drama, you expect to see some seriously fine acting. Most of the leads ánd supporting cast have a long, long list of experience in drama's, BL or otherwise.

So now that I've completed the series, I'm a little disappointed. Yes, the acting is quite solid, but nowhere outstanding. That's mainly due to the flimsy script, that is overflowing with clichés and never challenges the actors at all.

Fluke is one of my all-time favorite actors and he does a great job as chef Phat. That job is mainly looking ethereally pretty. What a waste of skill!

I was also very distracted by Junji's Thai speaking, which sounded very slow and emphasized. But I'm not a Thai speaker so what do I know.

The ending was a bit weird and felt rushed. Why not communicate for 2 whole days? I would be unamused..

There were some other strange plotpoints. An ex returning after 7 (seven!) years expecting to rekindle the flame because now all of a sudden he realized his love. Like, what happened in the meantime dude?

Bay totally disappearing for months due to 1 incident and showing up at an event making up (and out) on stage.

A scandal that would never be an actual scandal and is in total contrast to the simultaneous shipping going on.

Phat's mom doing a 360 out of nowhere and no one is mad

What ultimately happened to Phat's father?

Why is emergency contact called for a cut on a finger?

The romance part though is nice and fluffy. 2 different kind of romances, both with good chemistry and cute. Best part seeing Junji fall for Hill.

Overall very mediocre but still ok.

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Sweet and cute done absolutely right!

This show is a unicorn. It sparkles, it's unbelievably cute and absolutely one of a kind. This level of cuteness is usually 100% cringe to me. But the delivery from Teetee and Por is perfectly balanced. They complete each other. So although the story itself is not very substantial, there is a message here: You need a supportive and safe partner who, even if they don't understand you, will try anyway.
Another take away is that communication can be very attractive indeed. The way Qi and Duang try to understand and know eachother is amazing.

And who expected that these cuties would be able to switch to hot and bothered is a millisecond ?

It was agony waiting for a new episode every week. And every episode made me so happy.

Absolutely a masterpiece in the college genre, and I'm putting it high in my re-watch list.

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Artistical take on BL

I just finished the 5-ep version in a binge. Not sure how I feel, since there are conflicting parts, I liked the story, because it's different from the average BL drama, I do have some pointers though. Some crucial scenes and backstory are missing, a lot of the conversation is missing and I would have liked a more satisfying ending.
AsI understand it, this is a book adaptation. I wonder if the book has blank pages, since that's how long some of the silences last. This is not the first Thai series where this happens, so I guess it is a style, but I hate it with a vengeance, It distracts and almost makes me double the playback speed, I suspect it is to make it look more artsy?
I still have many questions. What happens to Jed and Bible now? What happens to the doctor? Why is the doctors twin in prison? Why does this twin dislike Bible so much? Does Bible really have a wife and kid? And more.
I wonder how this series would have turned out with a bigger budget and a better ending,

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Sigh!

Some series make me wonder why they have been made in the first place. This is one of them. Everything is either mediocre or just plain bad. Acting: mediocre. Cinematography: Bad. Sound: Bad. Story: Bad. Music: wrong.

Dialogues are slow and unnatural. Events are illogical and weird. I understand that most issues come from working with a very limited budget, but come on, a little creativity from actors and director could have countered that.

I rarely drop series, but if this would have been any longer I certainly would have dropped it. Now I settled for fast forwarding and just watching the kissing scenes. Those were not too bad, but could not make up for the rest. Sigh.

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Underrated gem

I have been putting off watching Into The Woods for a long time, since I was told it did not have a happy ending and there's hardly any skinship. While the latter is true, i don't agree with the first.

The actors playing Fifa and Hem/Third have both been around for quite a while but this is their first BL. They have amazing skills and chemistry together and although this is a very slow burn, it is a burn nonetheless. I am very impressed with the portrayal of the high school graduate coming of age vs the love stunted and jaded 30-something and how they slowly come to understand each other and fall in love only to have to part just when they're finally accepting their own feelings. The ending to me meant a promise to meet again and explore more. Not that i need an s2, i think the story is well rounded as is, but on my mind they go on to be happily living together in Pokpa. Fifa took over from grandma and Hem is still his fierce lion protector. Call me stupid romantic, but i know that's how it went.

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