1
Simple. loses it way in the middle but finds it's way in the end.
Typical BL yes. Mediocre? probably especially when the writing was stale in the middle(eps 5-7) with all the miscommuication & misunderstandings but still pretty enjoyable imo. Honestly? I've seen way worse ones recently: Enchante, Rainbow Prince and Cutie Pie were horrible imo. Is this one of the best? No. But I still enjoyed it more than those 3. At least Star in My Mind had likable characters. And one thing I felt charming about this series is that it starts out fresh even if we've seen this story billions of times before it felt like something new. Both Dao and Kluen start this series with a lot of charm even if they are cookie cutters of other characters seen before. I was instantly drawn to them.Dunk is a newbie but for the most part he pulls off what is needed of him. Yes there's still room for improvement but I see lots of potential especially since I felt he did good for his first majjor role. He could emote which is always a plus in my book. Joong hmm he wasn't horrible or anything and I do feel like he can act it's just that in some scenes he was wooden and that didn't do his character, Kluen, much favors when it should have. But for the most part he held his own and had great chemistry with Dunk. And the chemistry is what guided the series sometimes.
As for the story it could be considered mediocre in the middle but I thought that the beginning and end were pretty good. I especially liked how once the misunderstandings and miscommunication between Dao and Kluen was handled there was no more unnecessary drama thrown at them. They were allowed to be happy and cute the last two episodes which is way more than some BL couples get.
All in all I give this a 9.0 overall despite all it's flaws it's one of my favorites this year. Sky in Your Heart is next hopefully that one doesn't have the mistakes it's predecessor did.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
"We're moving forward albeit slowly. We're standing side by side."
When I found out I was getting a Season 2 of Utsukushi Kare S2 I was over the moon. Seriously, I literally squeeled! I missed my boys so much and it was a joy watching these 4 extra episodes although I wish we had more. But, I digress.I love how the writers kept this realistic in both story and characters. Both Kiyoi and Hira are still pretty much the same but have also changed quite a bit. Kiyoi is more confident in himself. He's also more content & secure in showing his feelings for Hira. He's even mastered a way to get Hira to listen to him when he wants him to love himself more. It's a cute method, pretty much old "nasty" Kiyoi but with good intensions. Hira, although his character development is not as obvious it is there. He can see that he needs to get better and that he's stuck in the same place. While before, he refused to even acknowledge those problems. Let's face it the type of self-worth and mental health issues he has are not going to go away overnight. He needs help, I wish it came in a professional way, but he gets the second-best way: in a mentor that's been there and can be the light he needs to get better. With Kiyoi's love being the guiding force, I have no doubt that with hard work and hopefully therapy his issues will be able to go away. And there is where the title of my review comes in.
To be honest, I'm glad the writers didn't give Hira a magical cure because that is just not realistic, it's gonna take time. Sure, I would have liked more happiness and intimacy but that's not who Hira and Kiyoi are. Their love is strong and getting stronger every day, no matter the issues. I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings for Hira and Kiyoi in Eternal.
Hagiwara and Yagi brought their a game especially in the big confrontation scene in ep 3. They are so good at what they do. And it was obvious how happy they were to be working together again. There was this sense of happiness in all their scenes together. Made this even more of a joy to watch. Chemistry? 10+
I'm giving this a 10 because I loved everything about it. Even when the story may have seemed repetitive, it was important to be told that way. I'm gonna be rewatching this and S1 over and over until I can watch the movie. Highly recommended of course.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Interest of Love. A story of four imperfect flawed people learning to love
making their mistakes, falling and picking themselves up again. Yes the plot of the drama can be frustrating hence my rating but it's a drama that makes you think. Certain scenes ect can be dissected non stop getting a different outcome every single time. And well that's life. I think that's what both the writers and the director wanted to achieve. The characters here aren't perfect and cardboard cutouts. They are flawed and realistic. Sometimes their choices leave the viewer scratching their head with either confusion or frustration.At it's core tho, it's a slow and interesting story that shows a complete different side to love. Love isn't all rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes it's pain and heartbreak. The Interest of Love shows that well. SuYeong and SangSu are two very damaged characters trying to find their place in the world and their lives. One is idealistic and romantic while the other is emotionally damaged and closed off. The second leads carry their own pain and burdens too. MiGyeon(SFL) especially is someone who has been hurt heavily by both her past and SangSu and although she makes you hate her at times she also makes you root for her. She is the one who picks up herself the most and learns from her mistakes. The best character of the drama and my favorite. She made me proud. In the end I think both SuYeong and SangSu let go of their past trauma & learn the lesson they are meant to but not as well as MG.
The realism, slowness of the drama and the open interpretation of the ending can turn people off but I'd say give it a chance. It's a deep drama that makes you look at love in a different way and think about things differently. I enoyed it even if both SY and SS frustrated me at times. Will I recommend it? 50-50 it depends on taste. If you want a simple, slice of life drama then IoL is definitely not for you. If you want a slow, true to life drama then I suggest watching this: may not regret it. I didn't.
I think the cast did an incredible of portraying these characters. I have found some actors I really liked while watching this.
Overall I give this an 8.0 because there were certain parts I really enjoyed while others left me frustrated. While I re watch? probably not. As much as I liked the cast, I think it's a one time drama. It might lose it's appeal with re watches.
Was this review helpful to you?
Rotting, sweet, tooth fluff.
Nothing more to say about this special because it's all it was. But I loved it! Like how it closed off both DaoKluen's story and FahPrince's. Nice touch of adding marriage rights in there too. Kluenand Fah's competiveness had me laughing and the sweetness of the couple's had me smiling from ear to ear thru the episode. Nice of GMMTV to give it an extra closure. TBH I'm gonna miss Fah & Prince the most.It was nice to hear: "My Starlight" in the special too.
I give it a 10 because the fluff was exactly what I needed. Oh, and I liked how Fah's workaholic situation was handled and how much Prince was a supportive boyfriend. Bye Star & Sky gonna miss them as brothers too.
Well onto the next one.
Was this review helpful to you?
What more can be said about this masterpiece that hasn't already been said?
I'll try though XD.Bad Buddy excelled my expectations in every way, this being a GMMTV series I didn't know what to expect. I kept my expectations low because while yes more of their series have been good, others start strong then fall apart as they head towards the finish line. So, I was cautions...
But:
Bad Buddy? Surprised me. It was special from the beginning it always took the unexpected turn which pleasantly surprised me and made me happy. The plot was nicely tied with the themes told making one of the best BL series I have ever seen. This was my first time seeing Nanon I had heard how talented this kid is but knowing this was his first BL I was skeptical. WELL He surprised me! Yes, he's as talented as everyone has said he is, but I was expecting that uncomfortableness that we often get from the actors in this series. I'm happy that we never, ever got that from him. His scenes with Ohm were so natural that it was hard to believe that it was his first time playing a lgbtq character. He settled naturally into Pran's skin. I'm thankful for that. He's definitely become one of my favorite actors thru this series. I felt all of his emotions as I watched him, give him all the awards because he deserves them. I hope we get to see him in another BL in the future & if it's with Ohm even better!
I've been Ohm's fan since he did, He's Coming to Me. It was nice to see him in another BL. I knew he was gonna be amazing here and he didn't disappoint. Actually, he's gotten even better. His chemistry with Nanon was explosive. They are one of the most natural couples, the little touches they added to Pat and Pran were top notch too.
The rest of the cast was good too, just wish we would have seen more of Wai, Korn, Pa & Ink. All amazing characters in their own right. But this series was centered on Pat & Pran, I understand that the whole attention was on them.
The OST wow.... I'm in love. Perfect touch of adding the songs into the story. Nanon's voice was perfect for them too.
Rewatch Value???? 10 of course I will be watching this as many times as I can.
Overall? If I could give it more than 10 I would. Since on MDL I can't go over 10 though it has to be a 10 XD.
Thank you, Bad Buddy, for being the masterpiece you are, for always exceeding expectations, breaking dumb cliche's + molds. Likable characters. Having a strong couple who never let anything, or anyone get in the way of their love. & For having cohesive storytelling & most importantly for not being afraid to tell the story you wanted. If anyone still hasn't seen this show, what are you waiting for? Do it now. No regrets I guarantee. One of the best BL's I have seen in a long time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sweet
Not much of a story but it makes up with the actors chemistry and the beautiful scenery that was used as the backdrop to the drama. The plot is mostly a time travel be a hero to the prince kind of drama other than that it was ok. But it does leave you with a warm feeling after you're done watching. The OST is gorgeous too. The acting is good an the ending is awwwwwww. Think because of that this was the drama I needed.Would I rewatch? 50-50. I think only if I need a pick me up. I think this drama esp the ending leaves you with a satisfied feeling. It's sugary sweet & def a solution when someone is feeling stressed. Overall I give it a 7.5.
Was this review helpful to you?
A True Masterpiece! Setting the bar really high for upcoming Xianxia and romance dramas to follow
Moonlight Mystique exceeded all my expectations in everything. There's nothing I didn't enjoy about this drama, nothing: the acting, the chemistry between the leads, the characters, the visuals, the costumes, the OST. Everything fit perfectly. Honestly when I first thought about watching this drama, I didn't think I was going to end up as obsessed as I was. Now that it's over I don't know what to do with my life. It captured me from the minute it started. I loved Bai Shou instantly and I know that some had problems with her character, but I loved her fierceness, her love for her family, her loyalty to those she loved and to that one Deity she credits for saving her and her sister's lives when young. Her belief that she needs to pay it forward which in the end brings her a lot of trouble and yes even her stubbornness. I also loved her growth thru out the series. She may have started out bratty but after going thru so much pain, she lets that side of her go and becomes even more protective, brave and loyal to those she loves. Honestly one of the best FL's in Xianxia. Fan Yue- ahhh my cold Demon who really isn't. it's just a cold front he puts up in front of his enemies for protection. I love his capacity to love, how he would give up his life for that one woman he loves beyond anything and those he cares about. Truthfully, I love the way he loves Bai Shou. He's going into my top Xianxia ML's.Bai Lu was excellent here like always. Her ability to make me feel every time Bai Shou was hurting broke me. She was also able to portray a 20-year-old woman so convincingly. I never doubted that Bai Shou was really young. She knows how to bring her characters to life perfectly. Her mannerisms, the way she high pitched her voice etc. She earned more of my love in MM.
Ao Rui Peng was the real surprise here tho. This was my first time seeing him and I have to say he did an excellent job as Fan Yue. He conveyed Fan Yue's emotions so perfectly. I felt every single one of him. I saw some people doubt him when the drama started but as it went on, I saw him shutting people up with his performance. He was incredibly charming as FY, emotional, cold, distant, in love etc. I feel like Fan Yue will open up a lot of doors for him and he deserves it. His chemistry with Bai Lu was simply magic. Watching them I couldn't help but fall in love. They really made me feel their characters love and those kisses? some of the best I've seen in Cdrama. I really hope we get the privilege of seeing them act together again because it will be such a shame if they don't. Waste of chemistry if you ask me.
Now why I mostly say that Moonlight Mystique elevated the stakes for future Xianxia's and romance drama is because of the love story between Fan Yue and Bai Shou. While many Xianxia's tend to focus on toxic relationships and misunderstandings galore or the 2nd ml being a constant drag. MM was different. Yue and Shou's love story was unique in the way that it was refreshingly healthy. Sure, they had a couple of hiccups in the beginning when they stubbornly refused to acknowledge their feelings, but once they do... it becomes one of the best relationships ever. They support each other, they listen, they COMMUNICATE all the time. No misunderstandings here. There are also no senseless break ups, either. if they are separated it's because of circumstances beyond their control. No matter what happens to them they continue to grow together rather than apart. Their love grows stronger just as they become stronger people because of it. They never doubt one another even when others want them to. Seriously the best love story in Xianxia for me. I wish that more writers would follow this format. We need more Bai Shou & Fan Yue's out there rather than Tian Tan Jin & Li Susu's. Behind FY and BS love there's also another behind theirs that weaves everything together at the end beautifully, even if it is tragic. It was like a lesson for them to follow and learn from and they did.
As for the writing the twists, the emotional beats, the plot points were perfect. Everything made sense and that's why this drama is perfect for me. If I could rate it more than 10 I would. But since I can't on here 10/10. I know I will be rewatching it a lot because it is now my number one favorite Chinese Drama. Highly recommended. Watch and you won't regret it.
Was this review helpful to you?
A series that was full of life and death lessons
One of the best BLs of the year IMO. The writing was deep and meaningful and made me think about the choices we make in our lives and the consequences. The cast was superb. Especially Nut. I guess he needed a series like this one to show his talent. He really was underused in Oxygen. Thank you for casting him in Something in My Room. I think this role will open up a lot of roles for him. He's earned it. Plan, for being a newbie, was pretty good too tho IMO he sill needs work in the emotional department he made me feel for Phat and that's what matters. The supporting cast was good too especially Dream's actress I hope to see her in more.The story was a bit slow in the first episodes but once it picks up about ep 4 it really takes you on a ride. I can't even mention how many times the episodes made me cry esp the last couple of ones. The finale was heart wrenching for the most part, and Nut & Plan knew how to break our hearts. I was dreading the sad ending the whole hour but was pleasantly surprised by the last minute.
I loved the songs used especially Plan's. It really hits you hard in the last Phob and Phat scene. I will be rewatching this series as it's one of my faves this year. I will highly recommend if you want something deep and meaningful and are not into political stuff. Overall I give it a 9.5 and as a rewatch value 9.5
Was this review helpful to you?
Different and Revolutionary for a GMMTV series.
From the very beginning it was obvious than this series was gonna be different from the old, normal series GMMTV has made. It touches on important society issues like consent, sexual identity, mental health, abuse. self-identity, unwanted pregnancy, second chances and familial bonds. The writers did a great job in telling the story of the characters and the issues they were facing. Not one of these issues was handled over the top but rather respectfully and in an important manner. It was easy to root for the characters and what they were going thru. Also the amount of diversity and representation was A+ .The cast did a good job in playing their characters esp New. GMMTV needs to make more series like this because they are important, esp for young people who watched them.
Highly recommended. And I give it a 9.0.
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing acting by NamtanFilm and a riveting story with morally grey characters
that kept me on the edge of my seat.Namtan has proven to be an amazing actress in everything she does, she excels. And Pluto was no exception. Ai and Oom were so different. I could tell just by looking at her what character she was playing at the moment. Not just that but she broke me so many times during her scenes. This girl is immensely talented and it's a pleasure watching her. For this being Film's first GL, she did an excellent job too. I was worried she'd be awkward but not at all. Her and Namtan managed to have exceptional chemistry. Didn't sense any awkwardness either. I already knew Film was a good actress but like Namtan she proved it even more with Pluto.
As for the characters I liked that all 3: Ai, May and Oom were incredibly flawed characters blurring the lines between good and bad. It made them more real and made it easier to connect with them. I wish gmmtv made series more with these kinds of characters, so people get more used to them. Instead of instantly hating them.
There were certain parts of the story that annoyed me: like the lies and misunderstandings that lasted way too long for me and could have been cleared up with talking. And the angst in the penultimate episode too. Although needed it felt too much in a series riddled with sadness. Hence why I give this series 8.5/10 the ending also felt hollow which added to my rating at the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
A deeply moving, emotional tale of healing
Not without flaws because the story does stall a few times, + is really dark yet there is a settled quietness and beauty to the plot. Some of the plot can be considered pointless esp at how fast the romance between Kongkwan and Phukao happens. But, this story isn't really about romance, no it's a story about discovering lowest points in youself, moving on and healing after a great loss or trauma. It also teaches that no matter how hard it is at times, hate is never a good thing because it destroys lives. In that area I think the writers did a job even if they failed in the romance area. This series would have been better without the love story but hey most plots need romance for most of us so.....I do think the characters were strong enough to carry this story, especially the teens. They really are the light; teaching the adults incredible lessons and showing them that as grownups they will be better than them. I did question a lot of the actions of the adults and highly disliked them. I was happy that in the end all learned their lesson and became better people because of it. I think another thing that didn't work well was the crime. I get why it was there and why it was so important to the plot, yet it didn't quite work for me. Thankfully the villains got their comeuppance.
The performances from Ohm, Off, View, Pluem and Gunsmile were outstanding here. In a series like this one, they can highlight their talents and shine. Ohm certainty did when he was meant to be emotional he pulled it off, The level of emotion this kid portrayed was amazing. View, this was my first time seeing her, and I got to say she blew me away with her talent. Gunsmile- why doesn't he have a lead role? He's been working with GMMTV for years and nothing? unfair. Gunsmile desrves a lead role he definitely shone in the final episode and broke my heart. Off is a master in tortured characters so I'm glad he's getting his chance to shine more and show what he can do. Tu was hit or miss with me, I usually like her but when she was paired with the likes of Ohm, Off, View and Pluem her flaws in acting are more obvious than before. I hope she takes this as a learning curve so she can improve more. She is better at the emotional scenes, imo than the lighter ones.
Overall, I give this series a 9.5 because I enjoyed how deep this series was and how much it made me feel week to week and the lessons it strived to show. It may not be perfect, but I enjoyed it quite enough that it goes into my favorite of the year pile. Will I rewatch? Yeah, when I need more of my Ohm, and Off or when I want to feel emotions with a series.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sometimes incoherent, huge plot holes esp towards the end, but for the most part pretty enjoyable.
For me at least. Episodes 10 & 11 really brought down this story for me. I feel like Never Let Me Go started out so strong but somewhere along the way it lost its way. It's like the writers lost interest and were just trying to finish it the soonest possible. It was pretty obvious because things started to make no sense. Character motivations sometimes felt out of nowhere and left people scratching their heads with their actions. Some characters were just a waste of space eg Ben and Chopper. Seriously, what was their point in this series? The villain was also laughable. The writers intent was to make him this scary, unstoppable force but in the end he just came out as a clown.Also, something happened with Phuwin and Ponds acting after episode 9. It was very flat and like neither of the two cared how bad their performance was. They just wanted to be done with it and that's that. That's one of the things that took me out of the series and made me lower the rating to 8.5 paired with the plot holes. Aside from that I feel like before they hit episode 10, they were really giving it their all and I was enjoying watching them portray more mature roles compared to their time in Fish Upon the Sky. The story and acting may have been up and down but something that wasn't was their chemistry. That's really what kept me coming back episode to episode. Luckily episode 12 felt like the beginning of the series again both in the acting department and the writing. I was satisfied with the way it ended.
Despite my huge problems with Never Let Me Go towards the end. I still pretty much enjoyed it and thanks to episodes 1-9 & 12 it's one of my favorites of the year. Due to the suspense, acting, chemistry and action aspects of the series. The filming locations were gorgeous. If we ever get another series like this, I hope the writers sit down and watch some of the mistakes they made with NVLMG and improve on them. Overall I give this an 8.5 and would recommend. Despite it's flaws it's still worth a watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointed is an understatement with the Nonstory.
The acting was the only thing that saved if for me. I was so excited for this series when I saw the trailer. I was craving another series like Not Me, and I thought this would be it. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Instead of being excited for each episode I found myself bored out of my mind each episode. Literally nothing happened story wise until the very last two episodes when we finally got to the juice of the story, and it still ended uop being a disappointment to me. This series looked so promising in the beginning but failed. I'm still confused with some of the characters motivations esp Thua's. I think The Eclipse relied too much in the couply and cute sceens that they forgot the plot of the story. I shouldn't complain because i loved the moments between AkkAyahn and KanThua but when that's all I get in a series that's not enough for me. I need plot and like I mentioned before The Eclipse had none.
I only kept watching because I loved the cast. Khaotung, First, Neo and Louis did and incredible job with what was given to them. And the chemistry between all four was out of this world. Again, they were the only reason I kept watching because if not for them I would have dropped this series a long time ago. First showed what great talent he is, after watching him as the spirited Yok in Not Me, it was a pleasure watching him as the troubled and broken Akk. All the awards to this talented young man. He's gonna go far. What can I say about Khao? He just proved why he's my second fave in GMMTV next to Gun Atthapan. He can tackle any kind of character. I loved him as the Alpha and seductive yet vulnerable Ayan. Neo whoa! I watch him as the goofy and funny Up on Vice Versa at the same time as I was watching him on here too. The change in his acting demeanor was amazing another that showed how talented he is. Up and Kan were night and day and that's all down to Neo's hard work. Louis was amazing too and NeoLouis chemistry just got better with time. It's time these two helm their own series. I think they've proven that they are ready.
The music is another thing I loved for this series. Esp Khao "Over the Moon". Overall I give this a 7.0 and that's only for the acting. Will I watch this again? probably but not any time soon. Anyway, I can't wait to see what the future brings for this talented cast.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Literal Masterpiece Romantic Comedy that is a critique at the usual tropes found in dramas.
Leaves you thinking long after.With fighting against your own fate at its core: When I first saw the trailer for A Dream Within a Dream, I didn't think it was going to be as serious and thought provoking as it ended up being. I just thought it was going to be a simple, little nice romantic comedy that would keep me laughing and be an easy watch. While it is still that it is also so much more and so much deeper. I love how it took most of the tropes we are used to seeing in Asian dramas and turned them on their head. I will give two examples: the ML always saving the FL. Most of us love that trope because it shows how much the ML loves the FL which we also saw with Nan Heng and Song Yimeng. But I think some of the lengths the ML's go thru to protect the woman they love can be ridiculous & extremely dangerous as highlighted here. Another trope always used in dramas is the villainous sister the FL always has. ADWAD really turns that around while Song Yiting may actually seem like she is in the beginning there is so much more to her, and I really loved the relationship between the Song sisters. I loved the whole Song family. Nan Heng's family was way more complicated but, in the end, I also ended up loving the relationship that grows between Nan Heng and Nan Rui in the last episodes. It was gold! Loved Nan Rui's development.
Speaking of complicated characters let's get to the FL in this moment: Song Yimeng: She wasn't the typical submissive FL that falls on the ML's feet right away. No, she was independent, fiesty, brave, stubborn, irritating, sweet, funny, loyal to those she loved, protective etc. Many people had big problems with her character because she wasn't the usual submissive FL to the ML. Nopes! She had a temper and often used extreme cruelty to push the ML away. To me her actions made perfect sense. Especially gathering his first actions towards her and what she knew of him before actually meeting him. I think SYM also represented those who are very prejudiced and judgmental when it comes to someone. Sometimes that stubbornness doesn't allow people to see who others are. Prejudice is very hard to get over. Until something changes their perspective like it happened with Yimeng,. I loved her journey how she learns to see Nan Heng for who he really is, let's go of her initial prejudice and just gives into her love for him. It wasn't an easy journey, but it was worth it in the end. I loved her from the get-go, she could be frustrating at times, but I loved her development this is what I like seeing in my FL's. Li Yi Tong was excellent in this role. After ADWAD I'll make sure to follow her other dramas.
Nan Heng, the villainous ML, or was he? great job from the writer in showing him thru SYM's eyes at first. Then slowly peeling back his layers to show us who he really is an emotionally damaged hero who will fight for those he oves. Kudos to the script writer for giving Yimeng the same journey she gave us with Heng as viewers. NH also represented that character that perfectly depicts fighting against one's fate. Death and gloom befall him???? nah! He'll do what he has to, to ensure that doesn't come to him or to the woman he loves. He's always meant to be seen as a heartless, ruthless prince? nah! He'll slowly show everyone who he is at his core. I loved that about him. I've seen Liu Yuning in other dramas, but I have to say Nan Heng has been his best character up to date! It will be so hard to top him. The care and love that LYN played him with is hard to reciprocate. He showed what an amazing and versatile actor he is. Loved, loved him in this.
Proudly enjoyed his chemistry with LYT too. They were matched perfectly esp in the comedic and dramatic scenes.
The supporting characters were all written so well and had a big role to play. The cast were all excellent in their roles.
I adored how ADWAD was also a critique how some characters become larger than life and sometimes the route in which the writers want to take them doesn't work anymore. Some writers are too stubborn to take that journey with their characters and often stick to their guns of the original plan. Hence why so many tv shows, books, video games etc end up going wrong in the end. ADWAD had their characters fighting against this retmhic and in the end they win. I wish more writers would realize it's better to go where the characters take you than ending up with an end that makes no sense at all and pissing off the audience.
As to why I say A Dream Within a Dream makes you think because some of the tropes and themes, plot points used by writers are used to make us think differently about a character or a certain scene etc. I think all of us were left coming up with many theories after the episodes aired for that reason. The post credit scene in ep 40 was particularly mind blowing. I'd say it will have fans talking for days even months!
All in all, I give ADWAD a 10/10 and it has reached my top dramas of all time. Seriously so good and worthy of watching more than once. Highly recommended. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I cursed some characters, adored others. So hard to move on from.
Was this review helpful to you?
Funny, charming, enthralling, heartfelt and all in all my favorite BL of the year.
After Not Me ended I didn't think I'd love another BL as much, boy was I wrong. Vice Versa surprised me:Strong, compelling and extremely likable characters, a beautiful love story: Puen and Talay always fought for their love even when they werent fighting for it they still were, and a healthy couple is what undoubtedly drew me to it.
When I first watched the trailer I never thought I'd end up loving it as much as I did. But when the first episode aired I was hooked: hook, line and sinker. The first thing that struck me was Sea's charming performance: he pulled me right in. For being a newbie and an unknown to me, the kid is freaking talented. I had heard people say how good he had been in 55:15 Never Too Late but somehow I wanted to see for myself & well he won me over. Talay was lovable from day one and that was all down to Sea. In every episode he delivered and made me feel so much thru his emotions. As did Jimmy, but more on that later. I really hope Sea gets more lead roles because he proved himself and he deserves them.
The second thing that struck me was Sea's chemistry with Jimmy. I was one of those people who was skeptical of their chemistry because I didn't see much before hand. Then their first scene aired and I was gone. They had intense chemistry in that restroom scene and I immediately thought: "Wow! these two have it!" And they never let me down when it came to their chemistry. It was sexual tension. romantic really, it was more than that. Jimmy and Sea connected on another level, rarely is a newbie pairing at the level comfort they were. I never sensed any awkwardness in their scenes together or discomfort either. No, they were very comfortable together, their scenes flowed so naturally together that I loved it. The thing I loved most about them tho was how much emotion they portrayed together. Every time Talay and Puen were together: I felt the love between the characters. Their kisses never seemed sleazy or forced to me because I could feel the love between them. Thank you to whoever paired them together because they got it right. Easily my favorite pairing of the year next to OffGun. Highkey hoping to see them together again.
Now onto Jimmy. it's not a secret that I was never a fan of Jimmy's acting before... Vice Versa changed all that. When I heard that Jimmy was gonna be the lead I wasn't gonna watch this but something told me to and I'm glad I did. Jimmy really grew as an actor here and proved that he's talented. The minute he walked in as Puen he made me take notice. I loved his charm as Puen but also the vulnerability he portrayed. He showed that he could emote. Does he still need growth? maybe but man was he awesome as Puen. I loved his character from the get go. I loved how hard he worked to show all of his character's emotion and strength of said character. He never let out and won me over too. I already mentioned his chem with Sea so I'll end it here. But I really hope he gets more lead roles too.
The supporting cast 10/10 too. Love the chemistry everyone had together.
The writing.... ok, yes this series as good as it was did have its flaws like most other series. In this case, I think the good outweighed any bad the series had. The writers knew exactly what they were doing. Every episode had character moments where we saw the characters actually grow and learn from their mistakes. Puen and Talay always admitted when they were wrong but most importantly: they communicated and that to me was a breath of fresh air because you barely see that in the BL world. In a BL world filled with constant miscommunication and endless drama- Vice Versa was different. Mostly because the characters talked and fixed their problems. To some that may seem boring but I loved it. Even the smallest angst made sense to the story and the characters and never felt dragged or unnecessary, at least to me. One of the things I loved was how the writers weaved in the lighthearted with the angst. Every episode took me on a ride. Also the lessons this series had for both the characters and the audience? *chef's kiss. At the core Vice Versa was a story about two people finding themselves and learning how to love themselves and another: romantic love. And becoming stronger people because of that love.The journey Talay and Puen went on felt realistic to me because I've been there. And that's why this is one of my top favorite series ever.
And the last favorite thing of mine was the OST I can't count how many times I listened to Have I Found and By My Side. Two of my favorite songs now. Ps. the friendships on this series were fantastic too! I'm so glad I got to experience this wonderful series. I'm gonna miss it so much, my Saturday's won't be the same now that Vice Versa is over.
Overall I give this series a 10(as obvious by my whole review LOL) in everything. I'll sure be re-watching this one over and over.
Was this review helpful to you?
