This review may contain spoilers
Mixed feelings about everyone!
Where do we start?First, Nubnueng/Sailom is creepy... thought it was just me, but on other platforms it seems I'm not the minority. Honestly, I think NN/Sailom story could have been a secondary storyline with more emphasis on either of the other two couples.
Sky/Nava's story would have been a great story to build off of! Especially since Sky is Swiss-Thai, it would have been interesting to see why he was adopted, etc... Nava probably has more to add as well.
Dindin/Tawan's story also would have been really good if it was developed a tad more, with a bit more emotional depth written in.
Sailom's sudden recovery is NOT realistic, nor his sudden comfortableness with sex, regardless of it being with Nubnueng.
Overall, not a bad series but I won't watch it again, which is rare since I often rewatch BLs at least twice.
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Had it's fair share of pros and cons
Honestly, it's not a bad series. Some are saying it was toxic, and I'll say there was a hint of toxicity. However, I have a feeling that many Chinese BLs will add some because of the huge fame of 'Revenge Love'. That being said, this is a Hallmark movie compared to 'RL'.There's some plot holes that could have been patched to make it better, but this is a low-budget effort, so I get it.
The secondary couple was adorable and I would watch a series of their story in a heartbeat. Actually, their story could have been a better story with the other couple being secondary, but what do I know, right?
Essentially, this was a tame, watered down version of 'Revenge Love', which was evident front the cast's appearances.
The settings were nice and the cinematography was well done for the budget they were working with.
The music was ok, but could have been better.
It was a decent story, with actors that have potential.
Worth a watch if you are looking for something that's not deep.
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This review may contain spoilers
Very good, but not perfect ?
Overall, this is a really good bl. The acting is well done for the content. Some have criticized Chiaki's actor for being too blunt, but that's just his personality, which is why he identifies with the punk/goth community. Being from that community myself, as well as being queer, he reminded me of several I've met.Also, being in the fashion industry, one needs to be forthright or you'll get eaten.
All that being said, I felt the actors did a good job with what they were given to work with. Remember, their given a script and being directed, so what we get is what the producers want us to have. Often it's not entirely the fault of the actor.
I appreciate much of the outdoor filming was one of the fashion districts of Tokyo, Shibuya ward/Harajuku (Cat Street especially). I have many punk and vintage shops bookmarked when I visit next year.
I agree that the final episodes was a bit rushed and too cringe. I feel there must be a production/director issue, because the vibe changed.
I wish this could have been a bit more edgier (sp?). From what I understand, the manga goes more in-depth with the relationships, which would have been nice to see.
I will definitely re-watch this and am planning on getting the manga.
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Very Cheesy! But overall 'feel good' series
I really liked seeing Fluke in a supporting role a little more developed and mature. Judo, as a supporting cast, was so good... I wish he had more lead roles with, or without, Fluke (preferably with💜).As for the leads, I like both individually, having seen them in separate productions, but together the chemistry wasn't completely there. Granted, final 2 episodes it was better. March is a great actor with the types of roles similar to DG, but his pairing with Koji Mukai didn't click 100% of the time. I've seen Koji-san in many Japanese television productions (mostly crime & serious drama), so I was excited for this. While it was a great weekend binge, I would have preferred something a bit more mature between the leads (prior to the final 2 episodes); we experienced that with Judo/Fluke throughout, but not with Mukai and March.
Story is great! Would have been a great 18+ series as well, but I get it.
Settings were nice and the parents were well casted.
I probably won't watch this again, which is rare for me, but don't regret seeing it. The only miss for this series is the missing chemistry between the leads.
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So many plot holes!
I wanted this to be better! It started out good but it seemed like the producers were working with a script that was missing pages.There wasn't very good chemistry between the actors, which was a shame, because I think both were talented; I just never got the vibe they clicked with each other.
That said, it was beautiful scenery! The setting was gorgeous and I would love to visit if I could.
I would like to see more LGBTQ productions with settings like the Steppes, possibly among the Uhgyurs or other ethnic groups in China, because each group has unique norms regarding sexual orientation.
This is the first BL I have ever given a rating under a 7.
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Made me a j-hope fan!
I was never part of BTS or in the ARMY, but I have liked the solo projects some of the members have embarked on. I thought I would check out j-hope (the BTS black sheep) and I'm glad I did!First, learned a lot about the chaotic industry and how so many people treat performers like commodities, instead of humans. I think that's why so many Kpop performers go solo, or start their own production companies after their debut, because they want to be the change in the industry.
Second, I found a new appreciation of the depth j-hope and his cohorts go into regarding details within their performances, as well as other aesthetics. Some of it I think was a bit over-the-top, and I've recently learned that j-hope has toned down his obsession over details that are not necessary, but it still is worrisome that there are artists that may jeopardize their wellbeing with this.
Finally, I am now a huge j-hope fan, especially his recent, more mature, material. His collabs with other artists are a testament of his talent and the work he's put into his own art. While he's still technically part of BTS, I am seeing how he's continuing to distance himself from that genre.
Let's face it, BTS are no longer as young as they used to be. And it's becoming evident they each are interested in different paths.
When j-hope stated in an interview that he yearns for the day when he can eat and do whatever he wants, I feel he's not the only one in BTS who feels the same way.
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10 Things I Want to Do before I Turn 40
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Adorable and will rewatch
Adorable series and while some parts were a tad slow, overall it's worth watching again.It's a feel-good show that has MLs that are convincing. They are both LGBTQ in real-life, so for Japanese BLs I feel this helps in production value.
The storyline is convincing, the characters' feelings are also convincing as well.
The topics regarding LGBTQ in Japan are explored, but not in a heavy-handed manner, which I think is sometimes needed to help Japanese viewers understand what LGBTQ members in their country experience. It helps to convey a message that more than likely,a coworker or family member may be gay but cannot be 'out' due to the conservative culture.
Thankfully, Japan is changing but a 'snails pace' pales in comparison to the actual truth if how backwards the country is regarding gender and sexuality.
Considering women are struggling for rights still, it's going to be a long time for gay people to be accepted and feel safe to be 'out'.
The supporting cast are charming and other societal issues regarding gender roles in heterosexual relationships are explored, which is needed. Today, women are still seen as 'less-than' in relationships, urged to seek 'good wife and mother' status over personal dreams by their own family, and considering the current majority in the Diet, as well as the new PM are of this opinion, it's no wonder that the birt-rate is dropping.
Again, I think bringing up these issues in some lighter series is helpful to create dialogue. While serious programs are essential to bring issues to the forefront, having them explored in lighter settings is another way to give light to what is happening daily, right under everyone's noses.
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Slow & confusing but got better
First couple of episodes were great but a bit slow. Then a couple of plot holes made it confusing. However, it got better and very emotional, but ending was a bit luke warm.It really needed another episode to wrap up some loose ends, or better yet, a second season to explore the main characters reuniting, and secondary characters lives that have been altered.
I think this is mainly due to Korean BLs still trying to find their legs in this genre. Most BL actors are new to the genre, directors are trying too hard to please everyone (studio heads and audience), and many times the story suffers. They need to learn from Thai, China, and Japan regarding how to create better productions, more involved character development, while keeping high-level quality and storytelling.
Overall, worth watching but probably won't watch again; which is rare for me, since I often rewatch BLs.
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School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To
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Very sweet! Am rewatching right now!
I watched this when it aired, but am rewatching because I want something sweet, no toxicity, and Japanese. (currently watching a C-bl that's got a bajillion red flags! iykyk)This is a really adorable show. Yes, there are cliches and tropes abound, but sometimes that's ok.
The actors are good and the story is a feel-good story.
All of the characters are well written and I liked the light heartedness.
As a side note... the amusement park used in the series is used in a LOT of Japanese shows... I recognize some buildings and rides that I've seen in other series. 🤣 And it's the same amusement park...so don't say it could be any park. 🤪
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Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
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This review may contain spoilers
I've rewatched this 4 times and am watching it a 5th!
Can I give this series 20 stars?First, if Machida-san is in it... I'm there!
Second, it has everything one could want in a romance!
Third, even secondary couple is adorable with an awesome story!
I wish there would be a sequel of some sort but with Machida's huge rise to fame after "10 Dance" it probably won't happen.
Surprisingly, the 30-yr old virgin and magic fable is legit in Japan! My aunt is Japanese and she was surprised this old 'wives tale' was the basis for this series! LoL!
Everything is adorable with this story...wish the romantic scenes were a bit more intimate but it's Japan, so I get it.
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