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A Diamond Slowly Polished

This was a surprise. Time travel is not one of my favorite themes because it tends to be messy and confusing. But yet it really worked with this series.

Each step of the way the characters were developed more fully. The main couple remained the main focus, but the side characters were developed and also important to the story development.

As a side note Krist was a little off-putting to me. I was aware of his homophobic comments on a personal level. Also, I did not like Sotus. I forced myself to finish it, but it's overall theme just seemed very abusive. Because of my attitude toward Krist, I wasn't initially as objective about his character. He did, however, do an admirable job of growing as a person through each time travel progression. He would recognize his faults and attempt to correct himself.

Gawin acted his role superbly. He was not only a good friend but in every reincarnation remains steadfast in his attraction and love for Krist. He was almost too self-sacrificing. And frankly Krist's character was whiny and selfish. It was a mystery why Gawin's character was attracted to him. Physically there was not an enormous chemistry. Their relationship came across as more of a bromance. The progression of their relationship was a slow burn. I appreciated Krist's development. He sought money and fame but at the end of the day he valued an ordinary life with the person he loved. His final attitude of not changing in his acquired devotion in spite of the fact that he may possibly die cemented that his affection was genuine.

The development of the side characters was well done. They were real people and not just stuck in the story to create a romance. The interjection of social issues was, also, well done. Throughout each progression in the story you became more aware of the awkwardness and challenges of being gay in a society that had not yet openly embraced the LGBTQ community. The series presented some serious enlightenments on social issues without being heavy-handed.

Overall the series embraced the concept of accepting flaws or inadequacies and moving forward to correct what they realistically could. When Krist realized he couldn't live without Gawin being in his life, his love for him resulted in a more romantic situation. He seemed reluctant to have physical intimacy with another man.
But, this could have been because this was his first sexual experience regardless of gender.

I won't immediately rewatch the series, but it's definitely worth a rewatch. I'm very glad that I somehow discovered it. It's discovery was definitely by accident because it wasn't well promoted by GMMTV
This was a well-written story with good character development. Definitely worth your time.

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I watched mainly because of the ML. This was somewhat like a Cinderella story. There were funny moments and tender ones. The FL lead was naive but very competent. I found it a little unbelievable that the ML was so physically impaired. He was so strong in many aspects but prior to FL acquaintance on the verge of major decline. He was just too stronged-willed for that to have happened. The female lead was a skilled martial artist and Chinese medicine doctor, but yet had no personal ambition. The story was funny in places but would have liked to see more development of FL awareness and sophistication. I very much liked the 2nd couple. The younger brother was mentally ill and needed a spanking or two when younger so he wasn't such a spoiled brat. What was done to his role was unpleasant and psychotic. I binged watched this and enjoyed it for the most part but wouldn't rewatch it.

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Impactful

This heart wrenching movie is a gem! Definitely contains some adult scenes and material. This was a coming of age movie highlighting a kind intelligent gay young man. By the end of the movie there are tears. Even though our world is becoming more accepting of the LGBTQ community, it's frightening and disconcerting to realize that the homophobic attitudes are still strong. The casual indifference and irrational hatred portrayed by adults and bullies was disturbing and unfortunately not removed from reality.

On a different note the progression of the two ML 's relationship added complexity and eventual warmth.
The movie is not a BL but more of a bromance. It's a story that needs telling if for no other reason than to make you question your own attitudes.

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Forbidden romance

This was exceptional! The cast was perfect. The angst of young love was strong. I'll have to watch UIL story again. I didn't remember Dong Hee and Ho Tae from that story.

There was a sense of dissatisfaction about the ending. But, 6 episodes really was too short! We need a season 2 with the ML's as adults.

Frankly I get perturbed with the reviews criticizing Dong Hee for leaving for college instead of staying for "the love of his life". Contrary to what one wishes gay relationships are still controversial and unaccepted in conservative Korea. An unease about persuing a relationship is understandable ín light of family expectations and socialital acceptance.

Hopefully, a season 2 will allow them as adults to make choices that as minors would have been too difficult to develop.

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Revised Vampires

This vampire story was innovative. It was a refreshing perspective of how vampires came into existence. The cast was excellent. The ML was a beautiful man. His character had more humane qualities than the actual humans.

I got more father/daughter vibes than lovers vibe from the 2 main leads though. I actually think revising the whole plot where Milan eventually falls in love with Situ would have been more effective. They both had a youthful vibrancy and a sense of purety.

There was emotional connections but the only real romantic and passionate love was on Jin Jing's part. Liang came across as mentally twisted by his past and even when Jin and he connected there wasn't any sense of real warmth on his part. Liang was more emotionally invested in his male friend he grew up with.

Frankly the main ML came across as a little dense since he kept getting trapped repeatedly in obvious situations . On the one hand he provides a sense of decency and integrity to his character but the angst he feels in using his supernatural powers is a little sporadic and ill timed for his own self preservation.

There's a lot going on in this drama and I enjoyed watching it. I just think the plot development and character interaction could have been developed differently. The ending sucked....big time. While every drama may not end happily, the ending seemed abrupt with Milan left adrift and hopeless. I actually had a hard time breathing when the sun arose.

The ost and the cinematography were superb.

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A mental and emotional journey

This series was exceptionally thought provoking. It presented so many layers of the issue of gender identity. The ML and FL were beautiful people so that made the series fun to watch. Nira's abusive father and aunt were despicable. At no point did I feel compassion for their spoiled self centered selves. I thought the doctor was a kind accepting individual and I could have even seen Nira living her life with him. I related to the young boy/adult woman who loved Chut even before she understood gender. It felt a little uncomfortable that the script implied more than was actual fact. It gave their relationship an incestual overtone. I think the bottom line was that Nira needed and wanted to accept herself as who she was. Perhaps she translated her love into a romantic love because she wanted "Uncle" Chut to be a part of her life in an intimate although not necessarily sexual manner. Frankly, I don't see why Nira and Chut's love for each other could not have been a romantic and sexual one eventually. But, perhaps the point was to provoke thought about attitudes in the LGBT community and toward the LGBT community. Perhaps the purpose was to stimulate a more understanding attitude for people that may color outside the lines. Even though Thailand legalized same sex marriage and seems to be more open-minded than some countries, it's painful to realize that intolerance is still prevalent. I'm personally grateful for the opportunity to explore my own perceptions and attitudes.

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Life choices

This short film had my heart aching. The two ML's had a deep respect and love for each other. One was sexually and romantically devoted; the other loved and possibly was attracted but had a different perspective. It's unfair to say the one who chose a conventional mate and subsequent family loved less. He desired a family and a child. The fact he chose that path doesn't make his love less or his choices a compromise. Perhaps social expections exerted strong influences on him or perhaps he loved his partner in the bl series they starred in but on a personal level not in a romantic and sexual way. I think it's unfair to minimalize either of the ML's feelings or choices. The whole short film was performed remarkably well and had a depth of perspective that ignites conversation and thought. On a different note: the two ML's have chemistry and are both excellent actors. I'm looking forward to seeing them paired in the series "4 Minutes".

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Selfless love

The premise of this series was very touching and appealing. The character development of all the characters was remarkable. Of course, I loved Vic Chou! The female lead did a superb job conveying her thoughts and emotions without speaking. Overall, good storyline and excellent acting. On the negative side there were too many flashbacks. They created an exhausting amount of unnecessary redundancy. It made the series seem choppy and at times hard to follow. This series would benefit from some serious editing. The many instances of selfless love and devotion was heart touching. I've only watched one other series which had this amount of angst, i.e., "Remembering Lichen". I would love to watch this series again, but unfortunately, the redundancy and lack of flow ad nauseam prevents me from spending hours rewatching it. I do need to repeat that the acting was beyond wonderful.

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A fun ride

The main couples romantic relationship kept me coming back four times. Every time I watched this movie it was fun. It was sensual. It was like a fairytale.

The story involved testing an adult relationship with progressively complex feelings. It had humor intelligence and sensuality. Obviously I will watch it more in the future.

Could you please remove the 500 word count requirement for review 200 words can be more than adequate thank you. I like this movie enough to try to give a review of it and post it for others to enjoy but honestly the 500 word count requirement is a pain.

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Remember 5 Love Languages

The storyline sucked you in and each episode kept you hooked. Episode 16 had me worried. The FL and ML were outstanding. The little girl bears watching for future performances.

Now, the spoilers. The ML was raised by a deviant who tries to replicate himself in his son. The progession of the MLs emotional development may have been the genius of the scriptwriter, but anyone who has grown up in an abusive home can relate. Wether nature or nature he responded like a psychopath. Emotions in general and especially strong ones confused him. He had an inability to feel or express genuine emotions. Strong emotions frightened him. I'll say no more, but if you consider the abuse he suffered the storyline is conceptually believable. I will definitely rewatch this one.

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I feel like "pick up sticks"

The theme song is wonderful. The ML and FL have terrific chemistry and excellent acting skills. I would love to see them in a more conventional drama as well.
I understand these vertically filmed dramas are a new genre. They seem to have their own rules. They remind me of the old fashion soap operas--overly dramatic but emotionally engaging. They're fast paced and somewhat shallow in content. They are immensely addictive. I would prefer seeing this particular drama as a more lengthy series and not chopped up into short segments. I am, however, binge watching this which says something for how hooked I am, but the frequent stops and starts kind of irritate me. I'm glad I'm watching this after all the episodes have aired.
Gaozheng Dai is totally hot. I will definitely watch more of his dramas. His kissing is off the charts. I like very much that the FL is sexually assertive and that their PG13 interactions are sensual. I do like that the drama is unashamedly sensual in nature and that the ML looks gorgeous without his shirt--over and over again. Thanks for that. Made my day.

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Love is worth waiting for

Leo's constant love for Fiat was touching. They had the insecurities of a blossoming relationship but still they discussed how they felt and their expectations. Fiat wasn't a weak person but he was broken due to childhood abuse. Leo was protective and tried to involve himself in Fiat's life without being invasive.

The secondary romance has real potential for a sequel.
They have a genuine love and respect for each other. Leon and Pob obviously we're passionate. It would be disappointing not to have their follow up story.

I really liked how accepting the parents were of their relationship. Their attitudes supported the normalcy of a loving relationship regardless of gender.

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