I'm about to leave a looonnngg comment. This comment will spoil the whole entire movie. Watch out.
Well. Where should I start? This is a slow burning, almost 3 hour movie as someone else has said, but for me the long slow-burning movies are Japan's specialty! I personally like the dark stories. I never know how realistic these movies are because I haven't been through these situations, but there is a certain beauty to watching a painful story. There is something called the "good story." It is basically the way any drama, movie is structured. There's an intro, rising actions, climax, and then deescalating events along with the resolution. They say that this makes it hard to show some realties for example mental health where there may never actually be a permanent a happy ending. What is fixed forever?
I do not know how well this movie handles themes of suicide, hate, child abuse, or sexual relations. I find at least it's good that, that crazy guy who organized that anti-suicide event was not accepted by the audience. That veteran told him off in a respectful way. For child abuse, I worry for Kenji a lot. I feel the reason he can't look up when he fights and always gets overly nervous is because he gets flashbacks to how his dad treated him. His dad hit him and now other people are hitting him. And heck! His dad even treated him horribly right before he moved out to start boxing. Maybe the audience is supposed to come to their own conclusion because they did not explain his reason, but that is what I took away.
For Shinji.. Now the ending. He is saying he will kill Yuji? I do not care to go into the reasons why I think he wants to kill Yuji, but I will say that I am a little disappointed in his character development. I know there's a part two of the movies, but I don't believe it's subbed (?). I will look it up later. The fact that he says, "The one who has the most hate will win" I think is absolutely horrible. First, there is a combination of physical optimization/condition and mindset. But I believe the mindset portion that Shinji believes in is very wrong. The reality is those who have the strongest resolve, those who have some reason to win, to keep going.. have better chances to win. The whole hatred talk is very unsettling. What I hate the most is sweet Kenji started writing down in his journal "hate," "hate" copying Shinji who he looks up to (?).
I understand now why this movie has no friendship or bromance tag. The synopsis makes it sound like the movie will focus somewhat equally on Shinji and Kenji, but this is not true at all. Shinji is the star, and I do not like that to be honest. The actor who plays him is handsome, okay? He has better potential than Kenji in boxing (as of now) because of his hate, hate, hate mentality! But I like characters like Kenji more, and I think it is important to tell his story. His problems with his dad are not explored at all. To be fair, Shinji's stuff with his parents is not explored too well either, but the movie starts to try to explore it throughout the movie. For Kenji on the other hand, before the halfway mark is reached, his childhood and past is mentioned for the last time.
Shinji's story about his hatred towards the Yuji guy is intriguing, but I find it immature on his part. Maybe all his hurt in his life, he has turned it into hatred and he decides to put it on Yuji. I get seeing that friend in the wheelchair may make him mad.. but, really? Is that all he has in his life? Does he want to let his obsession with hatred run him? On the other hand, he is completely indifferent towards his mom. There are plenty of reasons for him to resent her, but why does he choose hate and yet withholds himself in front of his mom. I cannot criticize him too much for this issue because it's a real and sensitive subject. Overall, I just find his character dislikeable. There are times he is better and times it is worse (for me).
I feel Kenji's story gave the production an opportunity to show a story of understanding someone with a disability. He is in the same environment with Shinji training, but he is just not as mentally tough as him! I think he can really do it and he just needs a push. Why does the production not wish to focus on this more? In the beginning Kenji and Shinji showed a beautiful friendship, so I was really looking forward to the continuation of it through the show. However just like the story of Kenji and his dad.. It's cut out! That's why earlier I said I understand why there's no friendship or bromance tag. They could have had Shinji's understanding of Kenji fuel him to become better in the ring. I find it such a missed opportunity! By the end of the movie, it's clear friendship is not the main plot.
Another comment mentions toxic masculinity (?). I do not see too much of that. I think it's more misguided and suppressed feelings which some may argue is caused by toxic masculinity, but I think not. I think the way Shinji deals with his emotions is reflective of his hard upbringing contrary to toxic masculinity. If there's ANY toxic masculinity.. it's the fact the production cut sweet Kenji's story out! They wanted to go with that instructor coming in and showing them "tough love" (i wouldn't say love but that's the phrase.. i don't think he genuinely cares for them) instead of love and understanding. Some people bloom with the method of tough love, but as we saw for Kenji.. That is not the case! The biggest time I thought anyone's words got to him is when Kenji looked up one time when sparring with Shinji and Shinji said, "Woah! You looked up!" Is this type of subtle love and understanding too much for you production?
As for the sex scenes, I don't mind them too much. I find these types of frequent sex scenes make the atmosphere of the show more gloomy because the sex is sad. What movie has super frequent sex scenes to show the beauty and joy in people's lives? I haven't come across one. I think that guy who committed suicide and that girl.. I honestly cannot tell if he took advantage of her or what was in his demented mind. That was strange.
As for Shinji and his gf Keiko.. like what? Does anyone like their love story? It is not bad, but I find it is as badly placed as the sudden switch to focusing on Shinji. She is a thief and an all that. I don't care personally, but Shinji wants her to change for him.. Will she? I would like to see problems in their relationship in part two because I don't find them being always happy realistic. Maybe I am just negative.. maybe I am just a hater. But I feel this way. I think the inclusion of the love story steers away from the themes of boxing, family, friendship, hardwork, perseverance. She adds a little to it by supporting them, and Shinji admits he is doing all this for her too.. But that's such a small part of the scenes that involve them... The love story jacked up the flow of the movie.
And lastly.. Why. WHY did I find this movie in a BL/LGBT list!!!!!!! UGGGGHHHHH WHHHHYYYY. The gayest thing about this show was Kenji sketching Shinji naked and then Shinji seeing it and just being like, "whatever." Lol.. What? None of that is explored at all because the character of Kenji is dropped halfway through the production!!! How sucky. Why did they do that. I don't even expect Kenji to like men. That is not even what I'm after.. But we learn nothing about him! Why does he document everything?! Even if it was a simple of a conversation like, "I like to keep a journal remember things" or "I like drawing." Why don't we get to hear him try to talk to Shinji or anyone to overcome his stutter more after a certain point.. WHY DID YOU DROP IT. WHY.
Welllllllllllll. The movie was great. I kind of want to rate 10 stars because the production value and storytelling was flawless whether I liked the direction the story went or not.. But I do not know if I want to give it perfect. I feel like I should reserve that rating, you know? Maybe 9.
Also I took a couple kick-boxing classes, and I enjoy seeing some of the moves I learned in a movie like this. Pretty cool. It makes me want to become a boxer (not pro). Really. I might start practicing more.
I am half way through this movie, and it is so good for me! But I should have checked the tags before! I found this movie in a BL/LGBT list.. But just like Teiichi's Country which I found in the same list, I realized there's no gay character or gay relationship after I had already started.. That's what I get! Love the movie though. There's not even a bromance or friendship tag.. Hahahah. I feel like this is all my fault. I will be more careful next time.
I usually don't feel this way, but I want Tan and Bun to have dirty sex right now. The way their relationship develops is too much. It is really killing me. Why do not they just jump on each other?
Great writing. I find the dialogue between characters is realistic and natural more so than other shows.
I find I am not as interested in the murder story because it makes no sense! I don't understand why the police flipped the script so fast. And I feel like Bun is flirting with a murderer?! How mad will Bun be when he figures out who Tan is?! I hope Tan reveals it himself and Bun doesn't find out some other way.. It'll break my heart.
I guess the story will make more sense soon. But as of now I am confused to death.
After Friend Zone, I just have to see more dirty, filthy drama. So I will be watching this. Namtan, Chimon, Jane, Kapook, Joss.. I will take it. I will take. Awesome cast list. Love them all.
Ep 12 may be best episode yet just because they introduced even more drama! I am loving it so much. I have become a fan of the actress who plays Music, Kapook. She is just so gorgeous and so was Boom this episode. They slay me. My God. How she glows when she's with Locker!
Can't wait for Stud as someone else said meets the table full of people he's slept with and Music and Good talking to each other. <3
An addition. This year's semifinal features were GENIUS. Wonstein with YDG.. YES. Mushvenom wih Superbee, freaking awesome. Layone with Basick was so endearing. Khundi and Justhis is just a great team.. We already have seen it so many times, but I still love it.
Khundi Panda and Wonstein getting eliminated hits me right in the feels. At the very least, I expected Khundi…
I agree with you on some things and disagree with others. Swings winning just isn't right. Every one else feels fine with it, but if I had it my way, he'd be gone already. Khundi Panda... ;-;
Also agree so much with dragging around Skyminhyuk. That was so strange. The diss battles were lacking. My least favorite episode.
I actually like Mushvenom. I didn't like his tricker song, but I did like his semifinal song. I was really impressed because I didn't like the tricker song. Wonstein's stages are really awesome.
The other thing I disagree with is Layone's stage not being good. To me he so won over Wonstein. I like Wonstein, but I was so impressed by how Layone showed everyone his rap.. Like everyone said in the show, he abandoned all his dance moves this time! And his rap was so strong that I was blown away. I actually didn't care for Kid Milli's feature too much. Of course it's Kid Milli. Lol. But I did not feel like his part was the best of the stage at all. To me Layone's stage was almost as good as Khundi Panda's stage which may be my most favorite of the whole season! To be fair Wonstein's Infrared Camera is like my 3rd or 4th favorite. So for me either winning was good. But I wanted Layone to win. At least I got Layone.. Didn't get Miranni or Khundi.
Also I enjoy EK and Zene the Zilla diss battle. Hah.
I think either Swings or Mushvenom will win. Let's you and me cross your fingers it's not Swings.
I love you Khundi Panda. I love you Miranni. You deserved to go to the finals! So our final four is Swings, Lil Boy, Layone, and Mushvenom... Huh. Every year the ones I like get eliminated!!! But I admit that this year's lineup is not bad. I mean, if Swings won, there's nothing wrong with it.
What he said though made no sense. He said, "양보 없고. 어린 친구 기회를 받아야 한다. 아니요. 제가 이기는 게 그 친구들한테 기회예요." This roughly translates to... "I have no thought to yield. It's not right that young people have to be given a chance (speaking of Khundi Panda). Me winning is giving them a chance."
Wtf Swings. That makes no sense and you know it. You do not represent "young people" so I really don't know how you winning gives anyone any chances.
I agree.. The age difference.. Hahahah. But creepy age differences are kind of my thing. I want to see Dr. Perth…
I'd like to add on that Boys Love and Boys Love 2 are not related in plot line but they both share an actor.. Boys Love 2 is my ultimate favorite and in my eyes is a complete masterpiece. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I definitely recommend it the most.
I agree.. The age difference.. Hahahah. But creepy age differences are kind of my thing. I want to see Dr. Perth…
My favorite movies are Boys Love and Boys Love 2. Ossan's Love, a show, is also very popular. I recommend every drama version if you haven't seen them.
Good animes/Yaois include Dakaichi and Love Stage!!
Shows: His - I Didn't Think I Would Fall In Love is good if you haven't seen it. Same with Pornographer. That's another one of my favorites.
Less popular movies I would recommend are No Touching At All and Same Difference. Same Difference has lots of comedy. A super emotional movie would be Seven Days..
Let's admit...this wasn't the worst BL we've ever seen.The show wasn't very exciting but I enjoyed it. It was…
I agree.. The age difference.. Hahahah. But creepy age differences are kind of my thing. I want to see Dr. Perth and Khem in Nitrogen, but I agree make Khem at least 18. Make him the first year of university or something. It's super weird, but all the weird Japanese movies creeping up in the back of my mind tell me it's good. Hahah.
Wow... The ending resolved any negative feelings I had for this drama. The middle is crazy annoying. I feel like I didn't care enough about the pairing SolGui to put up with all that drama. I found myself skipping that stuff especially when Linda was being rude to Gui and Solo was locked in his apartment.. I was over that.
It seems PerthKhem will be in Nitrogen as well, don't you think? I think that'd be a nice touch. I will probably watch Nitrogen all the way till the end even if it sucks. At first I didn't really get the chemistry between Dr. Perth and Khem, but seeing them together, they look cute.. All that's left is to see if the acting falls in place. I know the actor for Dr. Perth is also gonna be in Top Secret Together.. So. We'll see. I will be here.
I hope this production really steps it up for Nitrogen! And really I want to see better quality acting than anything else. That is my worry for PhuKao.. That it'll be dry.
It’s necessary to watch first season before to watch this?
If you skip, MAYBE you can figure out what happened before but probably not. You'd be missing a lot of nuances. They don't re-explain stuff. Every character has very distinct personalities, and you'd wanna watch the first season to figure out what made them that way.
1 
Well. Where should I start? This is a slow burning, almost 3 hour movie as someone else has said, but for me the long slow-burning movies are Japan's specialty! I personally like the dark stories. I never know how realistic these movies are because I haven't been through these situations, but there is a certain beauty to watching a painful story. There is something called the "good story." It is basically the way any drama, movie is structured. There's an intro, rising actions, climax, and then deescalating events along with the resolution. They say that this makes it hard to show some realties for example mental health where there may never actually be a permanent a happy ending. What is fixed forever?
I do not know how well this movie handles themes of suicide, hate, child abuse, or sexual relations. I find at least it's good that, that crazy guy who organized that anti-suicide event was not accepted by the audience. That veteran told him off in a respectful way. For child abuse, I worry for Kenji a lot. I feel the reason he can't look up when he fights and always gets overly nervous is because he gets flashbacks to how his dad treated him. His dad hit him and now other people are hitting him. And heck! His dad even treated him horribly right before he moved out to start boxing. Maybe the audience is supposed to come to their own conclusion because they did not explain his reason, but that is what I took away.
For Shinji.. Now the ending. He is saying he will kill Yuji? I do not care to go into the reasons why I think he wants to kill Yuji, but I will say that I am a little disappointed in his character development. I know there's a part two of the movies, but I don't believe it's subbed (?). I will look it up later. The fact that he says, "The one who has the most hate will win" I think is absolutely horrible. First, there is a combination of physical optimization/condition and mindset. But I believe the mindset portion that Shinji believes in is very wrong. The reality is those who have the strongest resolve, those who have some reason to win, to keep going.. have better chances to win. The whole hatred talk is very unsettling. What I hate the most is sweet Kenji started writing down in his journal "hate," "hate" copying Shinji who he looks up to (?).
I understand now why this movie has no friendship or bromance tag. The synopsis makes it sound like the movie will focus somewhat equally on Shinji and Kenji, but this is not true at all. Shinji is the star, and I do not like that to be honest. The actor who plays him is handsome, okay? He has better potential than Kenji in boxing (as of now) because of his hate, hate, hate mentality! But I like characters like Kenji more, and I think it is important to tell his story. His problems with his dad are not explored at all. To be fair, Shinji's stuff with his parents is not explored too well either, but the movie starts to try to explore it throughout the movie. For Kenji on the other hand, before the halfway mark is reached, his childhood and past is mentioned for the last time.
Shinji's story about his hatred towards the Yuji guy is intriguing, but I find it immature on his part. Maybe all his hurt in his life, he has turned it into hatred and he decides to put it on Yuji. I get seeing that friend in the wheelchair may make him mad.. but, really? Is that all he has in his life? Does he want to let his obsession with hatred run him? On the other hand, he is completely indifferent towards his mom. There are plenty of reasons for him to resent her, but why does he choose hate and yet withholds himself in front of his mom. I cannot criticize him too much for this issue because it's a real and sensitive subject. Overall, I just find his character dislikeable. There are times he is better and times it is worse (for me).
I feel Kenji's story gave the production an opportunity to show a story of understanding someone with a disability. He is in the same environment with Shinji training, but he is just not as mentally tough as him! I think he can really do it and he just needs a push. Why does the production not wish to focus on this more? In the beginning Kenji and Shinji showed a beautiful friendship, so I was really looking forward to the continuation of it through the show. However just like the story of Kenji and his dad.. It's cut out! That's why earlier I said I understand why there's no friendship or bromance tag. They could have had Shinji's understanding of Kenji fuel him to become better in the ring. I find it such a missed opportunity! By the end of the movie, it's clear friendship is not the main plot.
Another comment mentions toxic masculinity (?). I do not see too much of that. I think it's more misguided and suppressed feelings which some may argue is caused by toxic masculinity, but I think not. I think the way Shinji deals with his emotions is reflective of his hard upbringing contrary to toxic masculinity. If there's ANY toxic masculinity.. it's the fact the production cut sweet Kenji's story out! They wanted to go with that instructor coming in and showing them "tough love" (i wouldn't say love but that's the phrase.. i don't think he genuinely cares for them) instead of love and understanding. Some people bloom with the method of tough love, but as we saw for Kenji.. That is not the case! The biggest time I thought anyone's words got to him is when Kenji looked up one time when sparring with Shinji and Shinji said, "Woah! You looked up!" Is this type of subtle love and understanding too much for you production?
As for the sex scenes, I don't mind them too much. I find these types of frequent sex scenes make the atmosphere of the show more gloomy because the sex is sad. What movie has super frequent sex scenes to show the beauty and joy in people's lives? I haven't come across one. I think that guy who committed suicide and that girl.. I honestly cannot tell if he took advantage of her or what was in his demented mind. That was strange.
As for Shinji and his gf Keiko.. like what? Does anyone like their love story? It is not bad, but I find it is as badly placed as the sudden switch to focusing on Shinji. She is a thief and an all that. I don't care personally, but Shinji wants her to change for him.. Will she? I would like to see problems in their relationship in part two because I don't find them being always happy realistic. Maybe I am just negative.. maybe I am just a hater. But I feel this way. I think the inclusion of the love story steers away from the themes of boxing, family, friendship, hardwork, perseverance. She adds a little to it by supporting them, and Shinji admits he is doing all this for her too.. But that's such a small part of the scenes that involve them... The love story jacked up the flow of the movie.
And lastly.. Why. WHY did I find this movie in a BL/LGBT list!!!!!!! UGGGGHHHHH WHHHHYYYY. The gayest thing about this show was Kenji sketching Shinji naked and then Shinji seeing it and just being like, "whatever." Lol.. What? None of that is explored at all because the character of Kenji is dropped halfway through the production!!! How sucky. Why did they do that. I don't even expect Kenji to like men. That is not even what I'm after.. But we learn nothing about him! Why does he document everything?! Even if it was a simple of a conversation like, "I like to keep a journal remember things" or "I like drawing." Why don't we get to hear him try to talk to Shinji or anyone to overcome his stutter more after a certain point.. WHY DID YOU DROP IT. WHY.
Welllllllllllll. The movie was great. I kind of want to rate 10 stars because the production value and storytelling was flawless whether I liked the direction the story went or not.. But I do not know if I want to give it perfect. I feel like I should reserve that rating, you know? Maybe 9.
Also I took a couple kick-boxing classes, and I enjoy seeing some of the moves I learned in a movie like this. Pretty cool. It makes me want to become a boxer (not pro). Really. I might start practicing more.
Great writing. I find the dialogue between characters is realistic and natural more so than other shows.
I find I am not as interested in the murder story because it makes no sense! I don't understand why the police flipped the script so fast. And I feel like Bun is flirting with a murderer?! How mad will Bun be when he figures out who Tan is?! I hope Tan reveals it himself and Bun doesn't find out some other way.. It'll break my heart.
I guess the story will make more sense soon. But as of now I am confused to death.
Can't wait for Stud as someone else said meets the table full of people he's slept with and Music and Good talking to each other. <3
Also agree so much with dragging around Skyminhyuk. That was so strange. The diss battles were lacking. My least favorite episode.
I actually like Mushvenom. I didn't like his tricker song, but I did like his semifinal song. I was really impressed because I didn't like the tricker song. Wonstein's stages are really awesome.
The other thing I disagree with is Layone's stage not being good. To me he so won over Wonstein. I like Wonstein, but I was so impressed by how Layone showed everyone his rap.. Like everyone said in the show, he abandoned all his dance moves this time! And his rap was so strong that I was blown away. I actually didn't care for Kid Milli's feature too much. Of course it's Kid Milli. Lol. But I did not feel like his part was the best of the stage at all. To me Layone's stage was almost as good as Khundi Panda's stage which may be my most favorite of the whole season! To be fair Wonstein's Infrared Camera is like my 3rd or 4th favorite. So for me either winning was good. But I wanted Layone to win. At least I got Layone.. Didn't get Miranni or Khundi.
Also I enjoy EK and Zene the Zilla diss battle. Hah.
I think either Swings or Mushvenom will win. Let's you and me cross your fingers it's not Swings.
Happy watching!
What he said though made no sense. He said, "양보 없고. 어린 친구 기회를 받아야 한다. 아니요. 제가 이기는 게 그 친구들한테 기회예요."
This roughly translates to... "I have no thought to yield. It's not right that young people have to be given a chance (speaking of Khundi Panda). Me winning is giving them a chance."
Wtf Swings. That makes no sense and you know it. You do not represent "young people" so I really don't know how you winning gives anyone any chances.
Good animes/Yaois include Dakaichi and Love Stage!!
Shows: His - I Didn't Think I Would Fall In Love is good if you haven't seen it. Same with Pornographer. That's another one of my favorites.
Less popular movies I would recommend are No Touching At All and Same Difference. Same Difference has lots of comedy. A super emotional movie would be Seven Days..
Hope I didn't name too many.
It seems PerthKhem will be in Nitrogen as well, don't you think? I think that'd be a nice touch. I will probably watch Nitrogen all the way till the end even if it sucks. At first I didn't really get the chemistry between Dr. Perth and Khem, but seeing them together, they look cute.. All that's left is to see if the acting falls in place. I know the actor for Dr. Perth is also gonna be in Top Secret Together.. So. We'll see. I will be here.
I hope this production really steps it up for Nitrogen! And really I want to see better quality acting than anything else. That is my worry for PhuKao.. That it'll be dry.