They wish to have a different outcome.
I've been in the BL world for a long long time, and I have watched a huge amount of BL stories from many countries in many different settings. More Than Words (MTW) is a good BL series but nothing much for offering something new. Mieko is a character that is rare to see in most contemporary BLs. She is an ally, the main lead, with her fate going south. Makio is a boy, innocent young boy who gets crushed before entering adulthood. These two develop a friendship while getting to know Eiji. It takes more than 70% of the series to explore Eiji's intersection with Makio and Mieko before introducing Asato. Asato comes to enter Makio's shaky world, staying there where I, as an audience, see it too late, because I seal my faith to the first guy.I recommend MTW to BL fans, even though I know, some maybe are disappointed with how the story goes. But, it's a very dedicated BL product with committed production outcome, set, and soundtracks.
Finally, I am with the trio of Eiji, Makio, and Mieko. They seem to wish to have a different outcome, so do I.
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Lazy writer
I watched episode 15 last night and thought, "Wow, I haven't seen a Korean drama adopt an Indian soap opera style before." I had been watching patiently week by week, hoping the writing would improve, but it didn't. It mixed up everything: divorce, a mean mother-in-law, cancer, memory loss, etc.—you name it. I thought the writer was being creative in offering something new because people said the writer was a big deal. However, it turns out the writing is just like a story created by a middle-schooler on Wattapp.I know for sure this drama will be successful in terms of viewership since the writer went back to basics by having good-looking casts and glamorous styles. This recipe guarantees ratings. But, it makes the work look cheap. No wonder the Baeksang tossed this drama out of the window by only giving it one nomination (even though the committee might regret this later and wish they had given zero nominations to this series).
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Jae Woo's smille sends me over the moon
As the headline, Jae Woo won this drama with his smile. He offered his sweetest smile to Ji Hoon and us (audiences ) which is to me, one of the cutest and sweetest smiles in BL history. Moon Ji Yoong transformed into Jae Woo and successfully displays his feelings, pains and unstoppable love for Ji Hoon after holding them for 15 years.I believe they can do better if they (the production and creative team) have all support (budget and time) for their need. As of now, this is good enough for this web series.
The ending, though, reminds me of the Korean drama series in the early 2000s; melodramatic and a need to separate the couple, which is unnecessary my opinion. I wish they could come up with a better solution so audiences feel more entertained and could sit with a smile, not a tear. Man, people already have bad things in real life, maybe a good and happy ending drama in the fiction world could bring joy to them and suffer less anxiety. A good closure is needed during this dark time, am I right?
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The most unique and original BL story this year!
"Just like my insomnia that has no reason. Just like the shower without any warming. You just showed up like that." Ban Dong Wook's opening monologue was the pitch in selling this drama to me. In a romance story, when searching for a soulmate, we want to have a reason why 'you' to validate the feeling. This drama does not answer why; it does not give the reason why Dong Wook has his insomnia; however, this drama gives solid contextualization of the presence of love between Dong Wook and Do Hyun.In my BL series dictionaries with all long couples; Dong Wook and Do Hyun are winning in terms of unsettled interaction. Sometimes high school Do Hyun seems to be eating his words when talking to Dong Wook, who seems to be actively approaching him. But, all their interactions are well-resonated; both of them are a bit surprised by what takes them from their encounter.
"A Breeze of Love" story is unique and original; it is solid and focuses on narrating the main point. This story material can be told as short as it is now, or it can grow big to be a lengthy series, for example, a solid 10-16 episodes with 40-60 minutes running time per each. "A Breeze of Love" has two points of direction to follow that can complement each other. In character development, "A Breeze of Love" can delve into Dong Wook's background; it does not have to answer why he has his insomnia, but it tells from where and when it happens and how it impacts at any level in his life. Also, Do Hyun can be explored more by telling how and why he was conquered by Do Hyun. Besides this character development, another point is about basketball. Basketball can play a vital role where they meet and have fun together, but it also can be something that challenges their relationship when they don't have equal interest and passion for this sport.
I give this series 10/10. I acknowledge this is not a perfect series in terms of giving details; for example, Dong Wook's appearance is too perfect and not convincing as a guy who is troubled sleeping. He needs to be less glowing and have a bit of make-up under his eyes. But, I am a sucker for a unique and original unexpected love story. And "A Breeze of Love" has this and it entertains me and gives me an easy feeling that makes me less anxious for no reason. Maybe it is because it is nice to think something, somewhere, there are people out there meeting their person that makes their sickness or problem go away. It makes me feel hopeful and happy.
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Context and interpretation
I am a fan of Leslie Cheung. Leslie Cheung is one of the key points in this A Balloon's Landing drama.I haven’t read an official statement from the director clarifying whether this film is or isn’t a gay or BL (Boys' Love) story. All I've come across are headlines from people who were upset that the movie confirmed it’s not a BL, feeling that the promotion relied on queerbaiting. I did watch some promotional videos on YouTube, but I don’t really have a strong opinion on them.
Leslie Cheung, who tragically committed suicide in Hong Kong, never publicly confirmed his sexual orientation (though some people feel the need to know). I read his suicide note, which was published by the media, but it didn’t offer any clues. I used to think he was gay, but it’s no longer important since he chose not to share that part of his life with the public. I like to think the reason the director of A Balloon's Landing doesn’t confirm whether this movie is a BL could be because they wanted to go beyond labels and make something more universally relatable.
A Balloon's Landing is beautiful, but it’s not an "A" movie—it’s a "B" movie. The story feels complete by the end, with everything presented, including a key detail about one character's fear of the dark, which is explained in the final part of the movie.
I enjoy road movies because they often showcase landscapes and settings as integral parts of the story. A Balloon's Landing captures these landscapes well, but it doesn't quite do justice to small details—like how the two boys carry small bags, yet their clothes seem to change every day (is it like a magical pocket, a la Doraemon?).
Lastly, I was reminded of The Lake House (with Sandra Bullock), as the mailbox setup in A Balloon's Landing was similar. It helped me connect with the film's story in a more familiar way.
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Drama Special Season 14: TV Cinema - Behind the Shadows
7 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Yoon Ho should have said it; he had many chances and had nothing to lose.
Since the beginning, I knew the story would end with these three characters – two boys and one girl. In this melancholic drama, the trio is destined to experience a love triangle with an unsuccessful outcome, a narrative that transcends both straight and gay storytelling. In summary, this drama offers nothing new; it has been written many times before.However, the acting and production values play a significant role in making this drama engaging. Hong Seung Hee, known for her performance in "Move to Heaven" (Netflix), delivers another commendable performance here. Yoon Na, portraying the heartbroken girl, makes logical, rational, and unselfish decisions throughout, standing firm until the very end.
Yoon Ho is introduced as a scared and confused boy, but he is not as dangerous as initially portrayed. The writer develops his character as unselfish, innocent, and soft, adhering to a common archetype in this genre. There is hope that the writer would push Yoon Ho's character into unexplored territory. Given Yoon Ho's awareness of his impending death, a suggestion is made that he should confess his love to Jae Woon instead of adopting a more traditional approach. Yoon Ho, in his position of hierarchical power within the trio, has nothing to lose.
From the outset, little is expected from Jae Won, who appears to be set up as a loyal and handsome character. The narrative leans on Yoon Na to carry the emotional weight of the love story. Yet, the writer mercifully confirms the canon by subtly hinting at Jae Won's reciprocated feelings for Yoon Ho.
The moral of the story is clear: regardless of the circumstances, if you find yourself falling for a friend you've known for almost forever, express your feelings. In this case, the characters have been friends since childhood, and their familiarity with each other should make the fear of rejection the only potential negative outcome.
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A danger to count on to fall for a character who doesn't know what they want.
In the beginning, I was hopeful, but then I started to lose hope every minute; I desperately begged one of the boys to say, "I love you!" No need to kiss or something, just I wanted to hear someone say it. The turning point, the final act of this drama, was devastating; it was cruel. As for the ending, I felt betrayed. But I realized I didn't know Naomi well. Or maybe I pretended not to know Naomi. He said he didn't know what he really wanted; I just didn't listen because I was too drawn to the idea he would have had a young love with Maki. I was disappointed with Naomi.This is purely a comment from an audience perspective and I don't include any technicality comment for this title.
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Do you think the love is still there?
Soo Hyun is the lucky one in this sudden dramatic turn from the car accident story. This accident might put him in a coma but he was just like in a long sleep. Meanwhile, His mom: Mi Kyung and his lover: Yong Joon were in battle facing difficulties in life. Mi Kyung's season after this accident was a rough season, she had to face her divorce and deal with money to keep Soo Hyun. Yong Joon's season was tough as well. This young man barely survived the season in doing so, he even exchanged sex for money. Difficult seasons may change people, just like how Mi Kyung changed his views on Yong Joong as they were on the same page---having unconditional love for Soo Hyun.I watched this movie several times. And it's still hard for me to make a piece with this movie. It's just like the Love of Siam (Thai movie), they closed the movie while the hope is up. For this In Between Seasons, I keep asking whether Soo Hyun's love towards Soo Hyun is still there after he wakes up. Whether Soo Hyun lost something during his sleep or dreamt a different thing that made him wake up differently. I thought Soo Hyun forgot Yong Joon completely, but he remembered Yong Joon was a smoker.
The end of the movie can be interpreted differently. Some might say Mi Kyung is still not accepting of her son so that's a reason Soo Hyun sets a distance from Yong Joong. Soo Hyun indeed feels a need to return to how his mom stays with him all the time. From my perspective, Mi Kyung called Yong Joong as a gesture that she was okay with these two boys' relationship.
I still hope they will make In Between Seasons 2 with the same cast. I want to make a piece with this movie and I am not shy to say that I need validation to see they are together and still in love.
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I enjoy this series
I am not type of watcher who wants all people to be suddenly gays in the BL series. So, this series is my type. It is not too gay. Side characters are not designed to be gays all so suddenly. All characters are put where they belong in terms of the story's setting.The deliverable of the characters, to me, is believable, and fun to watch. Kim Tae Hwan (Ji Wo) and Han Hyun Jun (RoA) seem to be enjoying their role and I would like to give them more opportunities by seeing how they will develop their interactions, if any, in season 2.
Ji Wo is definitely behind RoA on understanding his sexuality and feeling. And I feel like, it is a normal experience for a person who does not live in a society where LGBT is broadly accepted. RoA and Ji Wo can be a perfect match to see what is next steps in that type of relationship. And I want to know more about Ji Wo.
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The knife from the past
JY does everything right except understanding Dohoe's relationship with his dad. JY seems to want to fix that. That's the reason why he does not wish Dohoe to sell Taekwondo place. The day Dohoe had the knife to his dad, their relationship was beyond unfixable. People are right; JY is an angel and a really good guy. He might be too good for Dohoe. But I cry for Dohoe. When you have a knife between you and your dad; I don't think anything can fix him. Your life is entirely dark. JY is only the light and happiness in Dohoe's life, but if JY keeps bringing the shadow from the past, Dohoe might cut those two things altogether and choose his empty life.And people go so hard on Hyunho, calling him a bully. Hyunho never really lies a finger to Dohoe. He never hit Dohoe. If this is in a different universe, people will call Dohoe and Hyunho's stories an enemy to a lover. Dohoe and Hyunho have something in common, as both are dying to come out from their hell. At some point, they understand each other. Even though Hyunho does not stand a chance as Dohoe's heart has already sailed for JY. However, I think Hyunho is a good example of a character present in the third person in JY and Dohoe's relationship.
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My ten
This series is a ten for me. It delivers its premise perfectly—solid, clean, and deeply personal. All the crying and laughter feel necessary—it speaks to the ordinary in a meaningful way. What I enjoy most is that it's not as repetitive as most dramas I've watched. Six episodes feel just right for this series.Was this review helpful to you?
I know it's late, but I need to review this series
I watched this series during a difficult time in my life. I’ve been watching since day one—the date it was released—and I still rewatch it sometimes nowadays. I’m not writing this short review as an expert or film critic, but simply as an ordinary viewer. For me, the story is very entertaining. It unfolds slowly and progresses in a well-crafted way. The theme of revenge really resonates with me; I believe it’s the first time I’ve watched a series where the main character dedicates their entire life to revenge, and the series takes the time to show me that process. I don’t think this story would work as well in a movie format, so the series really provides the perfect platform for this style of storytelling. Overall, I give this series a solid ten.Was this review helpful to you?
Dropping this cheap drama
I thought their love story would provide something fresh, new, and groundbreaking, departing from fan service. But I was wrong. After watching Episode 4, I already knew and predicted that this drama would have a happy ending. The creators did their best to ensure that the male lead ended up with the female lead without giving the second male lead a chance to shine. This drama could have offered a new perspective if they had chosen to focus on closure, rather than sending the couple off into la-la land, which we already have a million stories of in this domain.Was this review helpful to you?
Rain will help to water this dry storyline, but too bad, it rarely falls.
To summarize my review of this title in one sentence, I use this famous line, "Ah, they could've done better." They have everything they need, such as good casts, good cameramen, lovely sets, catchy soundtracks and long slots (16 eps). It turns out all those resources don't match their passion. I feel like this series lacks of passion. The main lead, Khim, seems to be bored and angry all the time. So, it is hard for another main lead: Sun, to light the show alone. Khim and Sun interactions seem to be forced. After 14 eps, they still don't have a complete discussion where they can completely discuss one in-depth topic. Both Khim and Sun hardy have a finished sentence to say to each other. As a result, their chemistry fails to take off due to bad writing for their characters.While the main leads fail to nurture the show, Rain comes to the rescue as a supporting role. From the beginning, every time Rain falls, he solves the problem and issues of other characters in the story. His present offers a warm and calm atmosphere that engages audiences fully with him. However, the director takes him out entirely in Ep 13-14. Consequently, it brings the series down. The rating goes down, and critics go south.
As a fan, I won't give up on this series until the finale. But I do hope BL creators keep improving their work in the future. So no talent and resources are being wasted.
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Enjoyable to watch
There’s nothing particularly new about the story. This type of narrative has been told many times before. The themes of love, friendship, loss, and loneliness are also quite familiar. However, the strengths of this anime lie in its execution. The setting, editing, voice acting, and overall production are solid, making it an enjoyable watch.What concerns me, though, is the potential queerbaiting in this anime. The author has stated that the manga is not intended to be queer, yet the interactions and language exchanged between the two boys often suggest a relationship that feels deeper than mere friendship. From a marketing perspective, choosing to make Hikaru a boy instead of a girl was a smart move, as the BL/queer fanbase is large and loyal. So, while the author denies any romantic connection between the boys, it still seems like the story intentionally plays into queer subtext to attract a specific audience.
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