ShanTeaTime

Pretty Solid Follow-Up To TharnType The Series

This movie actually tied up some loose ends from the series which I loved! I was asking myself "how did Type's parents feel about his and Tharns relationship" and "wait did Type patch things up with his childhood friend?" Luckily this movie addressed both of these and gave us more cute moments. It felt more like an extra long episode, not really cinematic but that's okay. Also they kept Type's character development the same THANK GOD. Definitely would recommend for fans of the series. It also really made me want the second season even more since apparently it's a flashforward sequence, so that'll be interesting to see what they do with the characters for that.

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Why R U Is Enough For Fans To Hang Onto

So 'Why R U' is considered by many to be the BL golden child of television and I can see why to a point. It's clearly got a bigger budget shown by its multiple sets, good camerawork and pretty large cast. This show did surprise me in some ways and disappoint me in others. It's not perfect, but it was enjoyable enough to watch! The overall plot is a tad confusing at first with the whole "are we in an actual BL novel?" plot, though it kinda just straightens out after awhile. We have a meh main couple (and strong side couple) whom do have a lot of chemistry, especially later on in the season dear god. Which I kinda appreciate because they didn't shy away from the obvious tension that was built up between our main characters.

The story itself was pretty good, I liked that the girl character wasn't used as just a sort-of boundary between Tutor and Fighter. She actually had a story-line and ends up happy which was cute. Also Tutor is an interesting character enough on his own, though Fighter was super meh or eww to me. Either frustrating or boring at first to be honest because he got very little depth given to him. However, I actually ended up preferring our side/secondary couple Zon/Sai over the main though! They were so adorable and so freaking funny, like holy crap I was in tears at their scenes the panic was real! We also must discuss that first kiss scene and the scene of their first time because it got me, both were really raw and emotional loved it. It totally sucks that they had their scenes cut short, BUT we get a side series of them to compensate so yay! Fighter's character again though I also had major issues with later on in the series, you probably know what scene I'm talking about already so by the end I disliked him completely. He's got this victim blaming attitude tbh by the end claiming Tutor is "making him crazy" or whatever and basically starting to assault him. He stops, but its super triggering and not okay at all. So that lessened my appeal for Tutor/Fighter overall even though it was already lacking.

Though I don't think the overall plot was as solid as one like TharnType that actually had me super emotionally invested, this one was enough for what it was worth. It could've done without some of the tropes that TharnType also had (to an extent) but weren't so dragged out and made more sense in that narrative where in this it was misplaced. We also didn't need the repeated clips of things happening and constant close-ups of abs lol. Finally, I wanted to say Tutor's sister in this stole my heart and I wanted to marry her straight up, also the bakery owner was amazing! Like literally just give me the Saifah X Zon scenes, scenes with the bakery owner and scenes with Tutors sister and best friend, the TharnType cameos then cut out everything else and we'll be golden for me XD

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TharnType Will Keep You Very Interested!

One of my favorite BL series hands-down. What I love it that it doesn't deter from difficult topics, they are quite sensitive so be careful if you're sensitive to that stuff. They include flashbacks of sexual assault, as well as discussions about this as well. It's very upsetting stuff, however it makes for a believable character in Type. Whom is very unlikable at the beginning of this show, he's homophobic and quite cruel to Tharn at the beginning. However, when its pieced together why it makes sense. Usually I hate the hater-to-lover trope in any show, but in this series it makes sense. Type has internalized homophobia, built up anger from suppressing those feelings of fear and disgust, and difficulty accepting Tharn as anything but a monster because that's all the interactions he's had with gay men his entire life. That one experience can change a person completely and the show really captured that. Now I'm not saying it's not problematic, because in certain scenes it is. However, they are understandable to the plot so its made up for by that fact.

This show has great acting and chemistry between the leads Mew (swoon) & Gulf (like dang it's believable) and actually shows a couple go from pretty toxic/not great to really healthy and sweet. Definitely some of the best character development I've seen in a show in Type. It's presented well in the flash forward scene, as well as in the special movie that came out after the series ended! Type became a completely different character (with some feisteniss still in him of course) and that's why the series worked. If he had stayed the same and didn't grow, I wouldn't of liked it so much. I found myself not being able to stop and had to keep watching because the story is so captivating. It's paced very well and doesn't leave room to breathe. I literally cried at the twist plotline towards the end with Lhong, wow was that some good acting. Some of the best I've actually seen in television I think! It was heart wrenching, what a great antagonistic character to shock the viewers with. Whom I was told has no backstory in the novel, so good job writers! I felt so badly for Tharn dude, that guy didn't deserve to be hurt by his best friend like that over and over again. Also poor Tar too of course!

Other than Lhong, we also get other great side characters, especially in Techno (love him so much) and Tharn's brother Thorn (cutie). The music for the show was also better than a lot of other BL series romances I've watched. It's catchy af and of course having Mew sing in the series definitely was a plus, though Kao (Lhong) is a really good singer as well! Can't wait to see what season 2 has to offer!

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Tears in My Eyes for Last Twilight

To start. I think this is a great show. Its incredibly sweet, very heartfelt and the leads do a great job especially Sea playing Day which is not an easy role to play. However, I don't think the show did a strong enough job in representing the visually impaired community. Considering Day's lack of sight plays such a vital part in the plot. To clarify, blind individuals don't wear sunglasses all the time. Though this was somewhat rectified as the series went on. Touching faces isn't really a thing either. Though they get away with it somewhat since Day only really does it majorly with his lover. The fact that he doesn't utilize a cane or guide dog of any kind is definitely not believable. I get Mhok guides him a lot but I guess that feeds into his character trait of not wanting to accept his impairment and his moms smothering. So again it could make sense in context of the show. Overall not terrible with representation in media...until the last episode. Now yes Cornea transplants are a thing, I don't know the ins and outs of them but they are a thing. However, we spent so much time showing Day's growth in independence owning a little book store (which I love btw) and accepting himself, for him to get the transplant the last 30 minutes of the show. That was not the move. It even semi felt ableist for a second, though I don't think genuinely the writers meant it in that way. The transplant was mentioned at the beginning of the show so it wasn't just a plot device. Either way Day's character changed for the better, I just would've been fine with him remaining visually impaired and maybe had some progress back in his vision. So then it didn't feel so off. Also I will say, I don't get some posts I've seen about Day and Mhok's relationship being toxic? Have you seen other BL's? Or other queer content!? There was literally nothing toxic about them really, except maybe a little codependence but thats totally understandable in context to the show! Day breaking it off so quickly wasn't his finest hour, and I don't think the 3 years later really needed to happen. But toxic? Nah, these two are so sweet and the growth of both the characters is really well done. Apart and together I loved their characters.

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Moonlight Chicken? More like Moonlight Chicken Nugget

I was very excited for this series since the trailer dropped. So let me get into why it was overhyped from the start.

This show definitely has more budget than other GMMTV BL's have. Our main leads (Earth and Mix) are of course great, but i mean they are dating irl so not a surprise and both are solid actors. They definitely were the main pull for this series, however they weren't why I kept watching. The overall plot was fine, though it kind of got stale after a little bit. Though the kind of almost twist of Mix having just gotten out of a relationship was interesting.

The main reason why I kept watching was Heart and Li Ming. They were adorable and had the added inclusion of Heart's deafness. That's great. I definitely was way more invested in them than Jim and Wen's fling, turned almost, to side thing, to almost again and then finally a couple thing.

The storyline of Jim's character being cheated on was good. Yeah that'll mess up relationships forever so it made me a tad less irritated with him. However, LOL though when the ferry accident happened I was like oh his ex is missing!? He's fine! But then they showed a dead body XD and I was like ohhhh never mind. I feel like Earth keeps getting sacked with these lead roles of characters that are either initially unlikable or turn unlikable. It happened in "ATOATS" and it happened in this.

Other side notes. What are these smash cuts!? They were so sloppy editing-wise and the implied romance between Wen's ex and Kaipa was rushed af and could've actually been something. Also soooo many mommy issues ugghhhh. That is all.

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The Ocean Loves Holland

This show was so meh. The plot was sloppy and its executions of drama were really strange. I love Holland and I thought he did a pretty good job in this, especially with it being his first acting gig! I hope he ends up in other stronger BL's that showcase his skills more. Our lead actor was alright too, it was just the script sucked. I would say skip this one and watch better BL's, but if you're a huge fan of Holland just watch for that. I also gotta say, the kids in this show were hella annoying and not very good actors XD. I'm sorry but I've seen some great child actors and this wasn't it!

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An Error Not To Watch This Sooner, My B

I didn't know this series was happening. Which seriously sucks XD because it was really good! Korea continues into BL and it keeps getting better and better.

First off. Jae Young during the first part of this series was so extra! Dude's going a longgggg way to get "revenge" lmao. He bought an APARTMENT to be near Sang Woo just to annoy him. When it's literally his fault that he failed the class XD I wouldn't of put his name down either freeloader! However, his character gets way better. Once we see him stick up for Sang Woo because of the drunk af guy, the whole tone of the show changed. Jae Young starts falling HARD. Even telling off his own friend for making fun of Sang Woo because he's just "being meticulous" with the project. Oop, what a change. He's also not too pushy. It's actually Sang Woo who makes the first bigger moves towards a relationship which was nice.

Sang Woo at first was boring. Which is the point, but I was afraid he'd continue on like that. Nope, not at all! It's shown that he likes/is attracted to Jae Young pretty much immediately. Which was cool to see. There was also a lack of emphasis on the fact that these are 2 guys liking each other. Sang Woo starts to loosen up a lot around Jae Young. Like when he starts not wearing his hat, the hair reveal was so funny. Jae Young's heart skipped a beat that day lol. Then he starts drawing him and stops wearing red XD. I also gotta says these two's height difference was adorable. That scene though at the bar made my heart flutter. Jae Young asking if Sang Woo finds him attractive. And while looking at his LIPS he says he's really good looking. Then the back and forth kissing, UGH! Thank you "Semantic Error"! It's that and the interlaced hand holding for meeee.

Final side notes. The visuals in this show were insane but cool. Also the soundtrack was pretty good. Let's keep supporting these KBL's so they keep getting made!

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Together, Seasons 1 & 2 Are Successful

So..I liked this better than the first season. Even if there was technically less going on, and let me tell you why. First off. This seems like it might have had more budget than the first season. Which would be nice, but we still had green screen car driving. Whyyyyyy!? My points still stand of needing more stories like this based on true events around BL. This series and "Lovely Writer" kinda broke the barrier and I'm stoked about that. I go more into detail about that in my first season review.

I'm still not into James and Ait's relationship because of the power dynamic. However, in this there was a lot less of them and what there was kinda made it better. Since they aren't sneaking around about the relationship by the end. Tee didn't get what he deserved, which again is JAIL. However, he did get pushed out of the production it seems which is great. Also there's evidence against him implicated so I'm hoping that means he's in trouble.

Now, onto the juicy stuff that I loved about this season. Marco and Bas's relationship in this is amazing. At first I worried about Bas's past trauma getting in the way of it. Which is totally understandable. But that worry went out the door when Marco for one saved Bas from suicide, thank god. That was heartbreaking. He also stayed with him, knowing not to leave. It was also shown that Bas liked Marco before any of this went down. Which is so important! Marco brings this up and BAM! They are gettin down. It was lovely and I got butterflies. Marco is so fine and I loved the two together.

OMG btw I screamed when Marco stood up in the press conference. As well as when he gave his important necklace to Bas. We love to see it and I'll miss seeing them! I can hope for a side series just surrounding Marco and Bas but alas, I doubt that'll happen. Watch these 2 seasons though back-to-back, it makes for a better experience!

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A Cute Wholesome Story, But Needed A Boost

So this was a really cute story! I liked the beach vibes and surfing in it. We follow the characters Shun and Nagisa as they figure out their feelings for each other. I actually didn't expect Nagisa to have such a big role in this, I thought he initially would just be the love interest character. But he actually becomes the main character by the end and its more his story than Shun's! That was cool and I loved seeing him come to terms with his sexuality. Baby I too find mens back muscles attractive, its a thing lol!

However, because the focus shifted towards Nagisa so much and because of the 5 episode time constraint. Shun kinda got pushed to the back more and I didn't get as attached to him. Which was unfortunate and could've been solved with more time. Both girls (Chika and Ako) were alright. I liked Ako a lot more because Chika was alittle too much at points. However, I did understand their points of view and empathized.

I also have a bone to pick with Japanese LGBTQ stuff. They tend to not include any type of physical intimacy in these gay romance stories and that's just dumb. If you're gonna do one, DO IT FULLY! It's part of love and relationships ya'll. You showed Nagisa and Chika kiss in the show but couldn't show the end couple do anything except hug? Lame. It gave me "Cherry Magic" flashbacks again and its frustrating! I'm gonna have to see how the sequel movie measures up, they are older in that so it better up the stakes!

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This Second Season Was Kinda Doomed

First off. "I Told Sunset About You" (the first season) was a masterpiece. So anytime there's a follow up season to something like that, it’s kinda met with unrealistic expectations. I really tried to keep my own expectations in check for this, however they still did influence somewhat how much I enjoyed this second season. I should say upfront too, season 1 had me in tears many times. This one did not get me as much, but still got me.

The soundtrack for this second season was fantastic. Really good follow up soundtrack to the first season, which was also fantastic. PP Krit (Oh-Aew) was heavily focused on in this soundtrack to counter Bilkin's (Teh's) focus in season 1. I downloaded this entire soundtrack yet again and it was beautiful. The cinematography of his season, though not quite up to par with season 1 was still visually really pretty. I loved the use of colour again. Though less atmospheric because we have cityscapes which aren't really explored much, whereas season 1 had beaches and mountains. I wish we would've gotten to see wayyyy more of Bangkok because why not have our 2 main characters explore their new place of living! When we had smaller parts shown visually it was really nice though. I appreciated the exploration of livelihood and figuring out career paths. Some people have to change paths with experience and it can leave you feeling lonely and behind on life. But you can do something like change majors and still be successful! I understood where Oh's character was coming from in that regard heavily, and I also understood Teh's too. He can be upset with his own plans changing because of Oh's decision AND there's the whole added layer of his sacrifice in season 1 to get Oh into the program. Which in turn affected his own ability to get into a college he wanted. Making a new friend group too can be difficult on a couple. Seeing the POV of someone trying to delve into college life vs the one who feels left behind in a sense and misses home. All this stuff was interesting.

So we get this good stuff narratively. However, I'm hella conflicted with this season overall. Some stuff was done so well, but other things were honestly cheap or out of nowhere. I didn't like just how much time skipping we had in this right off the bat. There was some in season 1, but it felt evenly spaced out. This second season it was all over the place and was very confusing what time frame we were in. The Jai stuff felt cheap and Imma say it again! Many MANY fans were not happy with that plotline and I get it. At least it wasn't done in a "common tropey" way, but we didn't need a cheating plotline. We really didn't. It could've just been something not carried out but thought about. There are lines to acting. Jai pushed them too far obviously and he gives directors a bad name. He also disrespected Oh on multiple occasions, including while he was sitting in on the play practice. The gaslighting ya'll was INSANE! There was also NO KISS IN THE PLAY which was a plot twist lol. Teh was naive, caught up in the lust of Jai's fantasy. Period, it was just work to him and nothing more.

Teh's character is complicated, and lost we knew this. However, this season instigated the thought that nothing ever seems enough for him and that's frustrating. I didn't want Oh to end up walked all over again and that's basically what happened but he put up even less of a fight this time around. Though this also goes into many fans saying Teh never cared about Oh. Which also isn't true and ya'll know it. He came out for Oh literally, took care of him drunk, had a years long relationship with him. There's a deep connection there and people were just pissed about the cheating plotline. Once we get to the foreseen breaking of their relationship, I gotta say I was proud of Oh for breaking down at the karaoke bar and beating Teh up with the bouquet. I wanted to see a spark in him and we got that! However, he ultimately does go back to Teh and here's again where I'm conflicted. Did I want to see them together? Yes and I liked that Teh made a play about their love affair. However, it didn't feel fully deserved. We kinda just get Oh saying he wants to be with him but he doesn't need a forever from Teh. Which is kinda sh**. I kind of understand what they were trying to go for, but because this season wasn't as well written as season 1 it didn't eloquently portray what that meant. It just felt like Oh was being again walked all over and passive. Taking in a relationship that isn't even stable and definitely not one that his character deserves. I appreciate his talk with Bas and seeing old characters again be happy for them. But this wasn't it and I feel like either them not ending up together, or having been apart for far longer and coming back together in the end would've been stronger of an ending. This felt again cheap.

I will miss these 2 though and hope to see them together again soon in a series!

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A Show That Demands Peace

I had heard about "Crash Landing on You" because its gained quite a large following! It's arguably become one of the most popular K-Drama series I've ever heard of. So since I just had finished "It's Okay Not To Be Okay", I figured why not pick up another K-drama to watch? Though I didn't like this one nearly as much as IONTBO, it had some really solid stuff in it and my mom loved it. So that's a plus!

The premise of South Korean and North Korean star crossed lovers really interested me. Since that's a very real issue and could potentially discuss many important things surrounding that divide. Which they did in various ways! Which were my favorite parts of the show. The romance plays a primary part of course, but that other added stuff was the gold to me. It was so interesting how North Korea was represented in this show. You definitely don't see it in a necessarily good light, with so much poverty and neglect for its citizens. As well as downright mistreatment in the judicial system and lack of medical resources. It's so much fake happiness and control. However, it made me so happy to see the people portrayed as kind. They aren't bad people, just many of them are stuck over there for various circumstances and its an extremely complicated situation that isn't black and white. There's good and bad on both sides, what's really the problem in N.Korea is how its ran by dictatorship rather than freely.

The characters were (for the most part) really well done and portrayed. I loved that Seri was not just a damsel in distress. She's a business woman with no nonsense. Who worked her way up and had struggles on her own. She's given a personality and isn't reliant on the relationship to define her character. Jung Hyuk was well done, after awhile of watching I was like "okay show, don't beat up this man too much please! It's making my heart hurt. Dude plays the piano and is actually a literal sweetheart. So leave him alone!" The side characters who became a side couple Dan and Seung Jun (or Alberto lol) were actually pretty solid. I felt for each of them and sympathized. So when Seung Jun dies, I felt terrible! I understand why he did and I'm glad to an extent that Dan is finding her own independence. It just was unexpected that he would out of everyone. All of the soldiers in Jung Hyuk's group were likable in their own ways. My faves were Eun Dong (precious child) and Ju Muk (his love for dramas made my heart sing!) Getting attached to them made the ending that much harder to watch.

So the romance is nice in this, even if it was a little too fantastical for my taste. Meaning endearing looks and peck kisses don't scream "believability" to me lol. So I kinda started to get annoyed with the trope of dramatic pauses in this especially concerning those characters interactions. They were sooooo slow at delivery sometimes and I'm not blaming the actors at all because its the direction. But holy crap! Such a solid cast of actors though seriously. The entire plot of Jung Hyuk's brother getting murdered was devastating, but amazing to watch. The Man Bok's (the rat) storyline could've been its own story. Eventually though I was like thank god were out of the North by episode 10! Because I was getting sick of those sets. Seeing the boys from the North interact in the South was so funny and entertaining. I kinda wanted more of it! Also Jung Hyuks just doing a bunch of good deeds around Seoul was so wholesome.

Now we'll get to the stuff leading up to the ending and the ending itself. People were doing a lot of dumb s*** towards the end. Like going places alone and driving in front of bullets rather than into the shooter himself which I still don't understand! Either way we lead up to the ending. I predicted it pretty early on. I had a feeling the soldiers would have to return North. It was ironic that there's writing at the border that states "peace" while the North is literally ripping people apart from their loved ones. And in handcuffs no less! It was devastating and I sobbed. I didn't want to see them go back because at that point I would die for any of those boys! I wanted them to have better lives and be happy. That didn't happen and it was disappointing. Jung Hyuk and Seri get a bittersweet ending where they see each other 2 weeks every year, which is kinda crappy but its something. He still had to serve under the North though which was like, eww. After all of that. I just wish they weren't stuck there by the end. The conclusion with the moms talking about ending the arranged marriage was beautiful. I really loved that. The ending was meh in some areas, but really solid in Dan's storyline of independence. So idk.

Finally, I wanna say the filming locations in Switzerland were GORGEOUS. It made me want to visit there so bad! Overall, I don't think "Crash Landing on You" necessarily deserves the overmassed hype it got. However, I think its an important series! If I were to rewatch it I'd watch it for only certain scenes and storylines. It was still an enjoyable experience overall and I hope someday there truly is peace between the South and North. In a way that saves all the people and sets them free <3

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A Good Attempt At Something Kinda Different

So initially here were my thoughts on this show. "Wayyyy too slow could not get into it and boring tbh" and I dropped it because the pacing was so freaking slow at times. Also the story hadn't had me invested enough to care. However, I did pick up the show again and it improved with more time but it still didn't hit the mark I wish it could've. The show is divided into 2 halves, high school and college life. I much prefer the college life, where the high school section could have easily been cut shorter. We really didn't need all that exposition and petty fighting over clubs. Though the stuff centered around the mom was nice and it broke my heart.

Other than the pacing, the main couple and its actors I wasn't too fond of. Which is a huge problem! Them together was just irritating. With their lack of communication skills and passive aggressiveness. I didn't care if they got together or not by the end! Their acting was not great as well, which makes sense because I think they're newcomers? But I needed more from them, especially Pai's character. I didn't buy him at all. The parents in this show were also literally all trash (except for the sick mom of course) either non-caring or total hoes. Honestly thank god for the side characters/couple in this because without them this show would've been a horrible horrible trainwreck. Pure and Folk are way WAY more interesting than our mains, they brought so much to the narrative and it got me actually interested enough to finish the show. Unfortunately it takes until the halfway point to see them!

The discussion of HIV with Pure's character was great and so important. Also the friends-with-benefits arch in the relationship was a nice progression to see. It felt more real. I also appreciate that Pure is very clearly bisexual or pansexual, its even visually represented in a way that was hilarious. However, the choice to have him be represented as kinda hoeish could come off as slightly biphobic. Being bisexual myself I didn't initially go there, but I could see how those watching could so that's something to keep in mind. Going back to Pure and Folk as a pair though, it was hella cute and much needed for this show.

I also wanted to say I actually really liked how the side characters intertwined with the mains. They intervene sometimes in arguments or whatever and its super positive! It's also interesting that I thought Pure and Waan were meant to be the side couple at first because it was presented that way. But nope they are just friends and Waan gets a girlfriend! I liked that too, subverting expectations can really help a story feel fresh. There are things from this show that I loved, like really want to see in other shows! But it just couldn't get rid of all the other unnecessary tropes or unneeded plot. Which is a shame because this could've geared up to be (haha) one of the top shows of the year. I would say watch the second half once they're in college, skip the rest!

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These Short Series Are Killing Meeeee

So before I go into the review I just need to say, WE WANT LONGER SERIES!!! Korea is notorious now for making short BL's and it's driving me nuts. "Mr.Heart" did it, but with that I didn't really feel the need for more necessarily. This series though I could definitely see having been an amazing full series! They had great casting and music, so why not just lengthen the episodes? Having 15 minute episodes doesn't give enough time to develop plot and characters enough. We wanted more and we needed more. Though they also released a film version on Netflix and I actually prefer it that way! It flows better as a short film and they added some contextual scenes.

First off, the music in this is BEAUTIFUL holy crap. That first scene of In Soo singing curbside was amazing. Great cinematography in this of the city, really pretty. The story was interesting and I liked seeing bits of the business behind becoming a musician in Korea. I would've loved to see a whole series of it, but what we got was still good. The final episode could've been better though. I didn't like the suicidal implications the show was giving, to just throw that away as a misdirect? Wasn't a fan, but seeing the two leads make their own music and business together was nice.

I'm actually curious how this series happened, because the two leads are kpop singers in respective groups? Using their real names in an lgbtq drama!? That's amazing and much appreciated. I hope for more of this down the line (which it seems like there are more and more series being announced for 2021), but definitely with longer premises and episodes!

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