This review may contain spoilers
A Sweet Tune to the Heart
First Note of Love is a 12-episode Taiwanese BL (Yaoi) series directed by Shiue Bin Jian, streaming on GagaOOLala from August to October 2024. At its core, it’s a story about love, healing, and the power of music, told through the connection between Neil (Charles Tu), a well-known guitarist still haunted by the past, and Sea (Michael Chang), a gifted young composer who’s secretly been his fan.
Six years after losing his brother and bandmate Matt, Neil is struggling with grief, anxiety, and stage fright. Enter Sea—an unpolished but passionate composer invited to collaborate with his idol. What begins as a rocky partnership, with Neil dismissing Sea as undeserving, gradually turns into something tender and transformative. Sea’s honesty and love for music slowly chip away at Neil’s walls, promising a heartfelt journey of growth, understanding, and healing.
The series shines in how it frames their evolving relationship. From awkward clashes to becoming a harmonious duo—in both music and love—their slow-burn romance feels genuine and deeply human. Supporting characters add colour too, especially Sea’s cheeky friend Liang and Neil’s colleague Mei, keeping the tone fresh and playful. There are also clever twists that subvert expectations, keeping the narrative from falling into clichés.
Visually, the production holds up well, with thoughtful cinematography (though a few time jumps could have been clearer). What really elevates the show, though, is the music. The soundtrack isn’t just background—it’s woven into the storytelling, with lyrics that echo the characters’ struggles, hopes, and dreams. The performances from Tu and Chang bring maturity and nuance, and even the subplot with Orca, a Thai character navigating a language barrier, is handled with refreshing realism.
In the end, First Note of Love hits all the right notes: a moving story of love and loss, grounded in music’s power to heal. With its heartfelt themes, well-drawn characters, and a soundtrack that lingers long after the credits roll, it’s a warm, soulful watch that will resonate with anyone who’s ever found comfort in both love and song.
Six years after losing his brother and bandmate Matt, Neil is struggling with grief, anxiety, and stage fright. Enter Sea—an unpolished but passionate composer invited to collaborate with his idol. What begins as a rocky partnership, with Neil dismissing Sea as undeserving, gradually turns into something tender and transformative. Sea’s honesty and love for music slowly chip away at Neil’s walls, promising a heartfelt journey of growth, understanding, and healing.
The series shines in how it frames their evolving relationship. From awkward clashes to becoming a harmonious duo—in both music and love—their slow-burn romance feels genuine and deeply human. Supporting characters add colour too, especially Sea’s cheeky friend Liang and Neil’s colleague Mei, keeping the tone fresh and playful. There are also clever twists that subvert expectations, keeping the narrative from falling into clichés.
Visually, the production holds up well, with thoughtful cinematography (though a few time jumps could have been clearer). What really elevates the show, though, is the music. The soundtrack isn’t just background—it’s woven into the storytelling, with lyrics that echo the characters’ struggles, hopes, and dreams. The performances from Tu and Chang bring maturity and nuance, and even the subplot with Orca, a Thai character navigating a language barrier, is handled with refreshing realism.
In the end, First Note of Love hits all the right notes: a moving story of love and loss, grounded in music’s power to heal. With its heartfelt themes, well-drawn characters, and a soundtrack that lingers long after the credits roll, it’s a warm, soulful watch that will resonate with anyone who’s ever found comfort in both love and song.
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