10 Things I Want to Do before I Turn 40
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my new source of existential crisis
Not gonna lie, the title alone gave me stress. Like, bruh… why remind me of my unfinished life goals? But anyway, I clicked play and ended up watching the whole thing. And honestly? It’s cute. It’s slow. It’s awkward. But somehow, it works (most of the time).I’ve seen tons of series in this vibe (Old-Fashion Cupcake, Cherry Magic, etc.), and while they’re all cousins in the “slow-burn gay office romance” family, this one has its own personality. The best part? They actually used the side characters! I loved that Utagawa got some screen time, finally someone remembered the coworkers exist!
Now… about Suzume and Keishi. I really wanted to love their chemistry, but it felt like watching two shy penguins trying to hold hands. Even Ossan’s Love made me believe in ridiculous love stories, but here it was a little stiff sometimes. Suzume’s “I’m too old for this” energy mixed with Keishi’s “I’ll do anything for my boss” vibe made things both cute and confusing.
That said, the show still gave me a cozy, slice-of-life feeling. It’s not about grand gestures , it’s about little moments, growing up (a bit late), and realizing it’s never too late to live or love again.
Would I rewatch it? Maybe while eating takoyaki and ignoring my own to-do list before 40.
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The Rooftop Where Music Meets Silence
Such a shame! Depth of Field could’ve been something truly special. The series is actually quite nice. It was soft, melancholic, and visually beautiful, but it just lacks the depth that its own title promises. This is exactly what happens when you rush everything into six short episodes.I genuinely loved the chemistry between the leads. Usa Takuma (as Hayakawa Shuichiro) and Hirano Koshu (as Konno Ryohei) delivered heartfelt performances that felt raw and believable. Their quiet interactions, the shy glances, and that emotional rooftop scene. All of it had potential to be something deeply moving. But because the story moved so fast, the emotional buildup felt unfinished. One minute they’re strangers, and the next minute, we’re already at the confession and kiss scene, with barely any time to breathe or see their relationship grow.
The theme itself isn’t new. There was a Japanese BL a few years back with a similar concept of emotional healing through art. Still, I wanted to give Depth of Field a fair chance. It had all the ingredients I love like music, photography, loneliness, and that nostalgic “high school rooftop” vibe where everything feels fragile yet magical. Unfortunately, the story never quite reached the emotional crescendo it was aiming for.
Visually though? Absolutely stunning. The cinematography is top-tier with the blend of ocean, sky, and rooftop scenes gives the series a poetic and dreamlike quality. Every frame looked like a postcard. You could tell the director wanted to express how art and love help people find themselves again. I especially loved how Konno’s photography mirrored Hayakawa’s journey back to music, both of them using art to process pain and rediscover who they are.
But for a show called Depth of Field, I expected more… well, depth. The pacing felt like we were flipping through beautiful snapshots rather than watching a full story unfold. I wanted to see them struggle more, heal more, love more. I wanted to feel the connection grow naturally, not just in the last ten minutes of the final episode. Even the happy ending felt slightly forced, ike they wanted to tie it up neatly instead of letting it breathe.
Still, despite its flaws, I don’t regret watching it. It’s a short and calming drama that’s perfect if you want something visually soothing and emotionally light. Just don’t expect too much plot development or deep emotional payoff. Think of it as a series of aesthetic moment, fleeting but lovely, like looking through a camera lens that never quite comes into full focus.
If there’s ever a second season or special episode, I’ll be the first in line. With just a little more time and storytelling, Depth of Field could easily turn from a soft breeze into a full-blown masterpiece.
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How Our Youth Captures the Fragility of Growing Up?
I still have a huge amount of tolerance for time-lapse or time-jump stories, maybe because I’ve seen much worse (yes, looking at you, “Reset” 😅). But honestly, Our Youth surprised me in a good way. My friends keep telling me I haven’t changed much in the past ten years, and maybe that’s why I connected so easily with the whole “time passing but people staying the same” vibe this series carries.First of all, the chemistry between the two leads is absolutely undeniable. Minase Jin and Hirukawa Haruki feel real and raw. Their dynamic moves from hostility to curiosity to something deeper, and it’s so subtle yet emotionally charged that I found myself completely drawn in. The acting, especially Minase, was just chef’s kiss. His eyes literally told the story before his words did.
What makes Our Youth stand out among 2024 BL series is its balance between tenderness and pain. It doesn’t romanticize trauma, but it doesn’t wallow in it either. Instead, it lets the emotions breathe. There’s this quiet sadness under every soft moment, like the characters know their happiness is temporary, and that makes it even more beautiful.
Now, I do think the series could have gone a bit further in showing how their relationship exists within the world around them. (This is the part I struggled to explain before, I meant how their love connects to other people’s perspectives.) We see a lot of their private, intimate side, but not much about how their friends, families, or classmates perceive them. I would’ve loved to see more interactions that reflect the challenges they face as a couple in a society that doesn’t always accept them. That external lens could’ve added another emotional layer and made their bond even more meaningful.
Still, everything else like the cinematography, the music and the pacing work beautifully. The use of water throughout the story as a metaphor for cleansing and connection was brilliant. And that final episode did not give us a fairy-tale ending, but something more grounded. A quiet promise of love despite the odds.
So yeah, Our Youth might not be perfect, but it hits deep where it matters. It’s poetic, tender, and brave in how it portrays queer love with honesty rather than spectacle. 💙
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A Fleeting Summer, A Lasting Impression
When I started this series, the first three episodes had me thinking: “No way I’m going to enjoy this.” It felt rushed, like we were thrown straight into the deep end with zero introductions or buildup. The pacing was so fast that I wasn’t sure if the story would even stick. But then episode four hit, and suddenly everything started clicking into place. I found myself surprised by how effective it was. Instead of dragging things out with unnecessary fluff, the show just went straight to the heart of the relationship and somehow that directness worked beautifully.What really pulled me in was how natural the connection between the leads felt. It wasn’t about flashy drama or overcomplicated plot twists. Their relationship unfolds in quiet, subtle ways through glances, moments of silence, and shared little experiences. It’s almost like the show trusted us to feel the emotions without spelling them out, and that made it hit harder. By the time the tension broke, I was fully invested, and it felt so rewarding.
My biggest complaint is the duration. It’s way too short. With just a handful of 7 episodes running under 25 minutes each, you’re left wanting more. There’s so much room for deeper exploration of the characters and their struggles. It feels like we only got a glimpse of something that could have been even more powerful if given more time to breathe.
Still, the brevity didn’t stop it from leaving an impression. The cinematography is absolutely stunning. The use of natural scenery (like orchards, sudden rain showers, quiet countryside roads) turns the setting into more than just a backdrop. It becomes part of the mood, reflecting the characters’ emotions. Those soft earthy tones and lingering shots of nature gave the whole thing a calming, almost lyrical vibe. At times it reminded me Call Me By Your Name, not in story but in how the visuals and atmosphere do half the storytelling.
I also appreciated the sincerity of the performances. Nothing felt overly rehearsed or fake. The awkwardness and messiness actually made it more real. The chemistry between the leads builds slowly, like a low simmer, and when it finally boils over, it’s so worth it. Honestly, I didn’t expect a short series like this to carry such emotional weight, but it did.
Of course, it’s not perfect. Aside from the short runtime, the pacing in the beginning might put some people off. And yeah, the subtitles could definitely use some work (I nearly gave up squinting at them at one point). But at the end of the day, what really matters is the heart of the story and that’s where this show shines.
I personally would say this series is like a small but beautifully wrapped gift. It’s not polished to perfection, but it feels genuine, heartfelt, and refreshing.
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A Sweet Ride With a Wobbly Landing
See Your Love had me hooked in the beginning. I honestly thought this series had all the potential to be one of my favorites of the year. The premise was solid, the chemistry between the leads was there, and it really felt like we were going to get a thoughtful BL that touched on disability, family dynamics, and personal growth. And for a while, it worked. The first half of the show was engaging, sweet, and emotional in all the right ways.But then… those last three episodes happened. And wow, I don’t even know what went wrong. It’s like the writers ran out of steam or decided to throw everything at the wall just to see what stuck. Instead of giving us a strong, heartfelt conclusion, they rushed through storylines, tied up big conflicts in the messiest way possible, and honestly left me scratching my head. Taiwanese dramas have been doing this a lot lately, fantastic buildup with such promising storytelling, only to fumble the ball right at the finish line. This one wasn’t as disappointing for me as The On1y One, but it still stung because I had such high hopes.
The relationship between Zi Xiang and Shao Peng was absolutely the best part. Their growth, their struggles, and the way they learned to understand and support each other was genuinely touching. Watching Shao Peng’s perseverance despite his disability and Zi Xiang slowly learning to love someone beyond his own privileged bubble was beautiful. If the series had just focused on that, on the slow burn, the challenges of communication, the insecurities of disability, and the sweetness of love, I swear this could’ve been top 10 material for me.
But instead, we got so many random side plots that felt half-baked. Mafia stuff, family drama, messy sub-couples that I couldn’t care less about, it was like the show was trying to be five different dramas at once. And don’t even get me started on how fast Zi Xiang supposedly learned sign language. My guy went from clueless to practically fluent in what felt like a week. It was giving vibes over logic, which I can sometimes forgive, but it piled on with so many other inconsistencies that by the finale I was just… tired.
Still, I can’t say I regret watching it. The chemistry between the leads carried the whole series, and there were genuinely adorable, heartwarming moments that made me smile. The actors did a great job, especially Jin Yun, his performance felt so natural and expressive that I had to double-check if he was actually deaf. Honestly, the performances deserved a tighter, better-written script.
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A Bold BL Drama That Blends Love, Morality, and the Right to Die
I honestly never expected to see Tor in a BL series, so when I first heard about Spare Me Your Mercy, I was already intrigued. Pairing him with JJ was such a pleasant surprise, and honestly, they delivered way beyond what I imagined. The chemistry, the tension and the gazes were all there, but what really made me hooked was the story itself.As a health policy student, this show grabbed me right from the beginning because it touches on something I just studied last semester: euthanasia. Not all states in the U.S. legalize it, and it’s such a morally gray area in healthcare. That’s exactly why this drama spoke to me on a deeper level. While many people shy away from even discussing euthanasia, I’ve always leaned toward supporting it, at least in cases where patients are terminally ill and have expressed clear consent. Watching a Thai series take on this sensitive and controversial topic, especially within the framework of a BL romance, felt both refreshing and daring.
The story follows Police Major Wasan, who becomes suspicious after noticing a rise in deaths among terminal patients, something that hits even harder because of his own mother’s passing. This leads him straight into the orbit of Dr. Kan (Tor), the doctor who cared for his mom. From there, the show dives headfirst into questions about mercy, morality, and where love fits into all of it. For me, the crime investigation wasn’t even the most important part, it was the way the series asked those hard questions: Is euthanasia an act of compassion or just another form of killing? Who should get the final say, the patient, the doctor, or the family? And how do love and guilt shape those decisions?
I really admired how Tor portrayed Dr. Kan. He was both compassionate and unsettling, which made me constantly question his motives. JJ, on the other hand, perfectly embodied the conflict of a man torn between his duty as a cop and his growing affection for someone whose choices challenge everything he stands for. Their performances in the final episodes especially had me replaying scenes just to catch every subtle detail.
Was the show flawless? No, not at all. The pacing sometimes felt rushed, and the romance developed at lightning speed. Some plot holes in the police investigation also made me roll my eyes a little. But honestly, those flaws didn’t stop me from enjoying it. If anything, they reminded me that this drama wasn’t really about solving a murder mystery, it was about confronting uncomfortable truths, through characters that felt human in their struggles and contradictions.
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Bront!!!!
I think this is actually the first Thai movie I’ve seen that leans so heavily into Muslim culture and traditions, and it really stood out. The setting in Thailand’s deep south already feels different from the usual Thai horror vibes, and it gives the story a unique flavor. Also, can we talk about Bront Palarae speaking Thai? Absolute charm overload. Didn’t know I needed that in my life until now. 😂The film mixes horror, folklore, and religious elements in a way that feels both refreshing and intriguing. It’s not exactly the scariest horror movie out there, but the eerie atmosphere and cultural depth definitely make it worth watching. The father–daughter storyline adds a softer emotional layer, even if it could’ve been developed more. Overall, it’s the kind of film that feels more like an exploration of belief, history, and tradition rather than just jump scares. Not perfect, but I really appreciate how different it is from the usual Thai horror—and for that alone, I’d say it’s worth checking out.
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It’s been a while….
It’s been a while since I watched this kind of horror-comedy, especially one with P’Ter in it. I think I need to start mixing movies like this into my horror marathons more often because it balances things out so well. This film isn’t perfect, but it definitely made me laugh out loud, even if a few of the jokes didn’t fully land for me. Ter and Daou are such a surprisingly good comedy duo, their chemistry really carried a lot of the humor. And then there’s Thanaerng, oh my god! I can’t even remember the last time I saw her on screen, maybe over 10 years ago (?) and she still has that same charm that makes every scene she’s in feel special.What makes this movie stand out is that it doesn’t try too hard. It knows exactly what it is, campy, funny, and chaotic in the best way. The haunted hotel setting is vibrant and atmospheric, but it’s the performances and comedic timing that make it so entertaining. Some of the humor might be more local to Thai audiences, but the energy and ridiculousness are totally universal. Lastly, I wouldn’t mind a whole spin-off centered around the Sukhee Nirun Hotel and its ghosts, it has that much potential for more fun.
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The supporting cast shines brightly, enhancing the overall narrative. Each character contributes meaningfully to the story, with standout performances that enrich the plot. Notably, the character of the grandma adds a layer of warmth and wisdom, providing a grounding presence amidst the chaos of the heist. On the other hand, Zorzo's portrayal of Rose is a point of contention. While every character has the potential to add value to the story, Rose comes across as overly annoying, detracting from the overall experience. There seems to be a disconnect in her performance, and it feels as though she could have brought more depth and nuance to the role.
Overall, the series presents a compelling story that intertwines themes of justice and morality through the lens of an unconventional partnership. While the narrative is engaging and the supporting characters are well-developed, there are areas that require attention. The contrast between Yin's strong performance and Win's disappointing portrayal of Joker is particularly striking. Additionally, the character of Rose could benefit from a more refined approach to make her less grating. In conclusion, despite some shortcomings, the series is enjoyable and thought-provoking. It successfully captures the essence of its premise, though certain elements need to be addressed for a more cohesive viewing experience. If you're a fan of heist stories with a moral twist, this series is worth a watch, but be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
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Still, I have to admit that the show pulled me in. The idea of Joe dying and waking up in another person’s body is really unique. It made me think a lot about what could happen to love when someone changes like that? The story shows how love can be confusing and painful, especially when one person is toxic. Joe is kind and innocent and stupid and dumb and crazy and blunt (IDK any other words that could describe his character), and Ming is controlling and full of guilt. Even though the story is dark and messy, it kept me watching. It’s not a sweet love story but it’s about heartbreak, second chances, and learning what real love should look like.
I cried, got angry, and felt stupid multiple times. I know it’s impossible to find someone like Joe, but I believe there’s someone out there just as stupid as he is.
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My heart skip a beat in ways I didn’t expect.
I finally get it now why so many people have fallen head over heels for this series and even ranked it as their top BL of 2024. At first, I honestly didn’t see the hype, especially with some reviews that seemed a little too over-proud of it. As time went by, I have to admit, this show really does feel different from other GMMTV productions. When I started watching, I had zero expectations. In fact, during the first three episodes I was convinced I would drop it and never look back. But then I realized something, Est’s acting completely pulled me in. He gave such a layered, emotional performance that I couldn’t stop watching until the very end. Considering he’s mostly been in supporting roles before, seeing him shine in the lead felt long overdue and incredibly rewarding. This series proves he has what it takes to carry a story on his shoulders, and I really hope this is just the start of more main roles for him.Of course, no series is perfect, and this one has its ups and downs. For me, the weakest point was the breakup arc. It didn’t land emotionally the way I think it was meant to, it felt undercooked, and I never really bought into the pain of it. Both couples in the show struggled to make that moment hit hard, and it kind of took me out of the story for a bit. On the flip side, I loved the way music and performance were woven into the narrative. The songs might not be as catchy as Demon Hunter (still stuck in my head, by the way 😅), but the dancing blew me away. For a TV series, the choreography was seriously impressive. You could tell the cast put in a lot of practice, and it paid off because those stage scenes felt authentic, not just filler.
What really sets this series apart for me is its balance. It’s not just another “idol romance” drama, it takes the usual formula and grounds it in something more human. The way it explored the struggles of fame, favoritism within groups, and the toll of public scrutiny gave it an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting. At the same time, it never lost its softer, romantic core. Thame and Po’s relationship, though not perfect, had a natural build-up that made their small moments together feel genuine. Their connection didn’t need flashy grand gestures and it thrived in quiet, thoughtful interactions that felt real.
So, in conclusion, I understand why fans love it so much. It manages to balance entertainment with sincerity, giving us a story that feels refreshing in the BL landscape. For me, Est’s breakout performance is the highlight, the dancing sequences are a fun bonus, and even with a breakup arc that missed the mark, this series is still worth the watch. Maybe it’s not reinventing the wheel, but it definitely made my heart skip a beat in ways I didn’t expect.
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It’s clear that GMM made an effort to steer this series away from being a BL series, yet they cleverly added moments that make fans scream in excitement. I love it! Having followed Tay and New long before their iconic kissing scene, it was a joy to see them come together in this refreshing theme.
The production team truly put in significant effort to make this blend of horror and comedy stand out, and the addition of great supporting actors, especially in Episode 7, elevated the series further. Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of their previous series. I mean I watched them, but none truly resonated with me. Even Only Friends, which I liked, didn’t move me emotionally like their appearance in this show. However, just one single episode of this series made me fall in love with them all over again.
I’m really hoping this Tay and New series will continue and feature even more talented supporting actors from GMM. The anticipation for what’s next is almost unbearable. I simply can’t wait!
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Despite their ages, both actors actually did a great job, as expected. My first issue with the series, however, was the short duration—it was too brief! This limited runtime really affected the quality of the story. There were many things that needed more development, like Dong Hui's feelings toward Ho Tae. We know he likes him from the very first episode, but his reasons for hiding his true feelings were never really explored. It would have been better if they had provided a bit of background on how Dong Hui fell in love with Ho Tae and why he acts so guarded. I wouldn’t mind watching some extra episodes just to get answers to these questions.
Another thing worth mentioning is the lack of supporting characters to enhance the story. For example, we don’t learn much about Dong Hui’s father, who might actually influence his behavior.
Aside from these two major concerns, this series isn’t bad—especially compared to other Korean BL dramas this year.
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I will try to be as objective as possible. Lol.
First of all, I kind of knew this theme from another Japanese movie back in 2017, yet I don't mind repeating the same concept all over again in a series. One thing I like about the story is that the conflict between Kohei and Taichi was honestly heavier than I thought it would be. As a college student, I know exactly how hard it is to save money for college while working part-time elsewhere. I actually had the same thoughts as Taichi; I considered dropping out of college to keep working since I already had a stable job back then.
However, I had some expectations regarding Kohei's condition. But I guess the Japanese are not ready to portray a "bad guy" like the Taiwanese do. Lol.
I don't really mind the lack of (real) kissing scenes throughout the show, since kissing is not really a big deal in Japanese BL. However, I felt Motoki's performance could have been better. In comparison with Kobayashi, he seemed a bit mediocre. Kobayashi really did a good job as Taichi; I fell in love with his character, especially when he was trying to be cute but manly at the same time.
Now, I guess I need to find another series after my upcoming exam. Lol.
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At first, I thought this series would be about reincarnation, a theme we see from Thailand every year. However, I was surprised by how they steered the story into something more cultural (or religious) rather than just reincarnation. I wish I could understand more about this concept, but even though I didn't fully grasp it, I still enjoyed the series very much!
Daou's acting was great! This is the first time I’ve seen him in a series. Does anyone know more about him? I skipped Love in Translation last year, so I didn’t have any expectations for him. Nevertheless, Offroad really needs improvement, which is one of the reasons I couldn’t give this show a higher rating.
I might say this is the best Thai series of the year so far! I hope there will be another Thai series that shines this year.
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