plottwist

I agree, the music is neither good or bad in this drama. Most shows never budget or spend money on the music (though I think the osts for First Note of Love is actually where most of its budget went, the music is pretty good imo). I have to finish HOTE.

Yes, his creepy gaze and trying to walk Mishima home to get him alone since the first episode. I can see him doing something bad or becoming jilted then making Mishima's school life hell.

I got by with my poor Japanese skills watching a raw version but this is an interesting turn. Mishima has a confidant in Kirino, but its more surprising Kirino was able to brake up the band of bullies and that more than one turned out to be gay. I loved the actor Abe Alan in Crank Up Hen and his casting makes me like his character, but I'm sure its a trick. That teacher seems suspect (I wonder what the real reason for leaving Tokyo is...). I hope it doesn't go too far. Btw, the score is so 90s, it makes me think of American coming of age shows (like the animation show As Told By Ginger for some reason lol).

Well this site and fandom discourages complicated opinions, which is probably why I gravitated to your score because I was interested for you to go into detail in your review (mainly why the music was at a 2). I like critique (as well as warnings/information), which is the only reason to look at the review section rather than the jumbled, fleeting discourse in the comments.

9 or 9.5/10. I think this is a solid formulaic JBL, but what matters is the execution of cliches and tropes. The reason to watch this (and why I score it higher) is because of its heartwarming quality, exercise in simplicity (no plot contrivances), and the two actors who to my eye have chemistry (I don't know about sexual but definitely as actors). They are charming (especially Isumi's actor) and are able to portray the themes well. Do not let the comments overhype this drama as it is very simplistic but if you are interested for what it is (fluff) then you will have a good time. I think a second season would be perfect for this show (I want to see Isumi's recipe book sold in stores).

I don't mind your tongue-and-cheek humor (its true BLs are not held to same standard as other genre shows) but as someone who comes to this site for access and information (my country has neither), its more helpful to see straight forward opinions and justifications of scores in the reviews then joking in the comment section. This isn't me trying to rain on your parade and damper your fun, and this site is so lax where there is barely any rules, so you are entitled to do whatever you want. I've seen your name a few times on other comment sections, I have agreed and disagreed with you at times but I know you don't single out jbls (but just seem disappointed overall with the bl market).

Not so far, this show has a lighter tone while tackling themes of bullying and homophobia. Happy of the End deals with much darker subjects. Tbh its a lot like other Japanese dramas that tackle bullying, just with an interesting perspective of gender-identity that is positive.

She is a very good actress, she made me cry watching Koisenu Futari. Her potential is much more.

6/10. This show had its moments but its basically a day time soap (especially the lighting, music, and sets). I couldn't stand (the ML's mother) Alisa's acting. I liked the traditional Japanese cultural influence, which is the reason to watch this; however, there are a lot of plot contrivances and the last two episodes are an unsatisfactory conclusion.

mishima's bara day dream was wiiiiild 🤣 love it

9/10. This was a pretty decent watch and well worth the time (its a short series and is binge-able). The lead actresses are fantastic, especially Kyoka.

3/10. I gave this drama a fair shot and watched all the way through. Season 2 looks more promising but its never a guarantee. I thought Benjamin did a fantastic job and the rest of the cast did a fine job as well. My main issue lies in the pacing and plot (not the slow burn romance but there could've been more consistent dramatic or compelling arcs beyond school work). Bring back the cast, but seek new writers and editors.

I just think I do not gel with Thai humor (sound effects, their version of "cutesy", etc). Thai BLs that do not have comedy tags or are less comedic I have enjoyed more (Not Me, A Tale of Thousand Stars, Last Twilight, Be My Favorite). I also think they are relatively new in the entertainment industry. KBLS are too, but the Korean film industry has been around a long time so they have that advantage. It wasn't so long ago Taiwanese shows had bad sound but they evolved in the last ten years. So hopefully, Thai screenwriters will improve. Japan obviously has bebn making film for over a century and mainstream BL since the 80s, so their bl shows are imo the best.

Both actors portray loneliness and caring for one another so well. I already want a season 2 as I want to see how these characters navigate a relationship. I think that is a testament to this show's simplicity and comfort factor. It's rare that I ask for a season 2, and before watching this I had doubts about the synopsis, but after almost having completed the show, I am fulfilled yet feel attached to these two characters. Next episode seems predictable but at least like a climatic finish. I will reserve my judgement until the series is over but until then, I will be savoring the time we have left together with them.

BL is used in reference to romance, its a sub-genre of the genre. I don't really know anything about the source material or the extended plot of the show to know if it has romantic elements but on MDL it is only listed as a drama with LGBTQ+ tag. What's wrong with an accurate distinction if it's to cause less confusion?

Now this is how you do it, povs, lingering gazes, tight shots. The director nailed it!

I mean if you think about when I was that age if my friend moved to a different school that'd be the end of it cause there is barely time to meet outside of school. For young people at that age 2 hours is long distance, and it stings more because Dong Hee intentionally put that gap between them effectively ending things. Yes its overdramatic but its true to angsty teen love.

8.5/10. The plot was engaging and story was entertaining, it is easily bingeable. There are few points of debatable logic but not enough to suspend disbelief. For instance, the ML doesn't have a character outside the FL and there is a weird gray area where the FL has some evil or lets just say ethically ambiguous traits such as scheming, unnecessarily "twisting the knife" illogically exasperating her situation, and letting others take on her problems, which is interesting but not seen as flaws or anything she must wrestle with.

Isumi is the rizz king, their chemistry is amazing, and this show is freakin' adorable!

Man, Woo Ji Han/Lee Do Hyun has such a distinct interesting look and he can act. This is up there in terms of KBLs, if not for the ice cube scene alone. Interesting use of a timeline in a way that isn't style over substance and there is chemistry. 9/10. Ice cube scene could've went on a little longer 🤣.