Just finished ep 2. Loving this show so far, I'm curious to find out if JBR is a twin brother. Somehow I have the odd idea that the priest is the killer. lol wild guess.
Just to clarify, the gay guy didn't end up with the girl, right? I've seen some non-BL series about gays where…
Jun actually came out and is at peace with who he is. I did not interprete that the drama says gays should stay straight. To me, it's about Jun's self development, as well as the people around him, on his homosexual orientation. It ended with acceptence and resolutions, as well as the desire and the effort put forth to understand more. It's a happy ending.
Heartwarming??? I'm not sure. Your own comment suggests that in reality it's far from heartwarming. You address…
This drama uses Queen's music to convey a lot of the messages. I'll point out a few in ep 7 and 8
1) Bohemian Rhapsody. Freedie Mercury wrote Bohemian Rhapsody. BR can be interpreted in the context of LGBTQ+, because it is written about the time when Freedie Mercury realised and opened up his sexual orientation. He's bisexual.
BR has a lot of content that can be applied to LGBTQ+, both musically/technically and in the lyrics.
Musically/technically: It deviated from the traditional music structure, hence it's considered "abnormal" in a way. The song title itself says that. "bohemian rhapsody" translate roughly to "unconventional person, irregular music composition"
Lyric wise: It contains a lot of contradictions. It speaks of killing a man, which can be symbolic of killing his limiting heterosexual self. It speaks of leaving to another life, symbolic of bisexual, and asked his mother to continue on after he leaves. FM's mother is a devoted catholic and won't accept his true orientation. It speaks about him leaving everyone, but with an aching body, shivers, thunderbolt lightnings . As though he wants to embrace his Bi, but he knows it is not without pain, fear, and suffering. He also don't know what to do because it's fiercely scary. It talks about "Scaramouche" and "Fandango" which roughly translates to "clown" "irregular offbeat dance". As though he's refering to his old self as an 'abnormal laughable person' There are many religious theme. Some FM used as asking for help to escape his horrible situation (Galileo - Jesus in ancient Rome) , some represents condemnation by other people, be stoned. Confict between his religious upbringing and his Bi. Reference to God and the Devil.
BR is in the end a 'tragic' song. Because FM is saying he's out of control of his life.
Whereas the story of Jun is different. Jun actually took control of his life in ep 7. He is at peace being G. Jun was able to 'transcend' what FM could not do in BR. To me, Jun's story gives a beautiful resolution and closure to his initially tragic predicament. Hence I said 'heart-warming'.
2) Love of my life This song is written by FM for Mary Austin, his longtime lover who became his irreplaceable friend. Freddie is bisexual, not gay, but bisexual. His long time partner was a female called Mary Austin. Then he started having a male lover and told Mary about his sexual orientation and they broke up. Since then FM had other relationships with both male and female. However, none of them could replace the feelings he have for Mary Austin. He loves her. And their (deep) close relationship stayed.
LOML was play in the drama in ep 8 when Miura asked Jun to play her a Queen's song. And Jun played LOML. Jun is using LOML to represent his relationship with Miura, as being similar to Freedie Mercury and Mary Austin's.
I almost cried there, and I understand that's just my subjective feelings. But such 'deep' non-sexual relationship that is beyond friendship is very beautiful to me.
3) Don't Stop Me Now: This is a song written after FM realized as well as opened up about his sexual orientation. It's a very energetic song. It says he's on a 'high', nobody can 'lower' him. Moreover, he wants to stay high. It's just like Jun, who came out of the closet and stayed out.
DSMN is played at the end of ep 8, when Jun was at the University/collége with his mother. He's happy being himself. On top of that, his mother accepts him and wants to get to know more about him. It's a happy ending
I don't know if I expressed myself properly or not in my 2 long posts. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I honestly do see it as 'heartwarming', no longer tragic, happy resolution, at peace with, etc etc.
Heartwarming??? I'm not sure. Your own comment suggests that in reality it's far from heartwarming. You address…
It seems my usage of the word "heartwarming" upsets you. I read your post and I think it's because we are interpreting ep 7 and 8 differently. Let me try to explain to you my interpretation. There are no right or wrong interpretations.
I definitely do not see homophobia winning as the point of this drama. Especially considering the story of.Jun, which is the main charactor's story. He is no longer in the closet, he came out and stayed out.
In the contrary, I see it discussing many many issues surrounding sexual orientations, friendships, families, society, etc etc etc., of homosexuals in this drama. Each of the homosexual charactors in the drama made their own choice on how to live their lives with their sexual preferences. Some of them follow the social norm, some ran away with it , some accepted it openly. Some found new courage to accept themselves, some continue to stay in the closet, some took control of their lives. It also shows the development of the views and actions of the people surrounding them.
I also know a lot of Queen's music, and the drama made use of them beautifully with impact at the right time in the right context.
The drama was able to successfully convey all these multiple levels to me, so I felt honestly touched by the drama. Hence I used the word "heart warming".
To me, this drama holds nothing horrifying
I'll try to explain more in details now, specifically about ep 7 and ep 8, which I posted about being confused in my previous post.
Regarding the kiss at the ceremony: Miura took the courage to openly admit that she's a fujoshi. Before the ceremony, she also had a conversation with Jun saying it is nothing 'wrong' to be G and that she wish Jun would not hold back himself about it. She also pointed out that during one class discussion, when Jun waa still in the hospital, noone in the class considered G as abnormal. During Miura's speech, her message was not just only that she's a fujoshi and it's OK, or that she's setting an 'example' for Jun to be comfortable to open up himself. She was also telling everyone that Jun is protecting them by not openly admit he's G, that it's for their sake. Jun decision to rush out to the podium was because he's not able to watch the girl he likes, Miura, feeling sad. He said that right before he rushed out. It doesn't mean he like Miura as his woman. She's someone he geniunely likes, that's all.
Ono's view is incorrect in this situation. (I think his name is Ono, the tall student). His view is that Jun should come up to the podium to 'apologies' to Miura for deceiving her initially, then hurting her. But that's not why Jun went up the podium. Ono is also wrong about Miura. Miuria is not lookin for an appology from Jun. In the contrary, Miura not only accepts Jun's sexual orientation, she, infact, tells Jun it's nothing to feel guilty about, and that she encourages him to open up, and that his classmates feel the same.
From the context of Jun's decision and Miura's wishes and actions for Jun, it is clear, to me at least, that what Miura did is something to be appreciated by Jun, and that they both accepted Jun is G. However, I'm confused as to why it was a mouth-to-mouth kiss, which to me are reserved for lovers, instead of a hug or maybe kiss on the forhead or cheek, which to me are a more of a 'thank you'/greeting gesture. That's why I was confused.
If you continue in ep 7, and later ep 8. It actually made it clear that both Jun and Miura openly accepts that Jun is G, that they both see it as nothing wrong. And that Miura only considers herself as just his ex-gf. And that they both want their close relationship to continue. And they both are thankful they met.
So to answer my own questions in my previous post. My answers will be: - I still don't know why Miura asked for a kiss, instead of say a hug. But I'm thinking maybe it's a cultural difference.?? since it's clear they do not regard themselves as bf-gf. - Yes, Jun is appreciative. - Half-half in the sense that their close relationship will continue but not in the form of lovers. I do feel their relationship is beyond friendship though. It is definitely a deep form of love, when you know everything about someone and still like them for who they are.
Regarding ep 8 the very last scene: My current answer to my question is probably: it meant "it doesn't matter". Jun's story is that he has resolved his issue as G. So my current interpretation is: It doesn't really matter if he introduces himself as G or not to his class. He himself is happy is enough. So it's no longer necessary for me, the viewer, to be curious about why the scene cuts off at 'I' anymore.
I know Queen's music, and they partaily helped form my views of this drama.
There's three commonly used phrases historically that reference gay, it's used in dramas often enough that I learnt…
Wow, thanks for the detailed information!
China's history is facinating. And I think it's great that they incorporate them, very often too I find, into the dramas. A stress free way to get exposed to them. I have a poor memory, so I get all confused with the names/words, which become 'less enjoyable' reading/watching them. But aside from that, it's exciting. :-)
LOL The Tang dynasty will be in my 'to read list' now :-)
I can't stomach the scenes with MTI being tortured ep 2. I'm a scaredy-cat that way. Heads up to anyone, who is like me, who can't watch horror or bloody dramas,
There's three commonly used phrases historically that reference gay, it's used in dramas often enough that I learnt…
I'm hooked with TLB also, but I think I totally missed all these kings and crown princes parts. If you know off hand, which ep were they in? I'm at ep 30. I watched raw though with my pre-school level Mandarine, so most probably that's why I've missed things. TLB is too good, couldn't wait for subs lol.
Somehow I have the odd idea that the priest is the killer. lol wild guess.
My interpretation is different than yours. If you are interested, you can read the 2 posts I wrote below in response to jarabaa's.
They are long though, sorry about that.
1) Bohemian Rhapsody.
Freedie Mercury wrote Bohemian Rhapsody. BR can be interpreted in the context of LGBTQ+, because it is written about the time when Freedie Mercury realised and opened up his sexual orientation. He's bisexual.
BR has a lot of content that can be applied to LGBTQ+, both musically/technically and in the lyrics.
Musically/technically:
It deviated from the traditional music structure, hence it's considered "abnormal" in a way.
The song title itself says that. "bohemian rhapsody" translate roughly to "unconventional person, irregular music composition"
Lyric wise:
It contains a lot of contradictions.
It speaks of killing a man, which can be symbolic of killing his limiting heterosexual self.
It speaks of leaving to another life, symbolic of bisexual, and asked his mother to continue on after he leaves. FM's mother is a devoted catholic and won't accept his true orientation.
It speaks about him leaving everyone, but with an aching body, shivers, thunderbolt lightnings . As though he wants to embrace his Bi, but he knows it is not without pain, fear, and suffering. He also don't know what to do because it's fiercely scary.
It talks about "Scaramouche" and "Fandango" which roughly translates to "clown" "irregular offbeat dance". As though he's refering to his old self as an 'abnormal laughable person'
There are many religious theme. Some FM used as asking for help to escape his horrible situation (Galileo - Jesus in ancient Rome) , some represents condemnation by other people, be stoned. Confict between his religious upbringing and his Bi. Reference to God and the Devil.
BR is in the end a 'tragic' song. Because FM is saying he's out of control of his life.
Whereas the story of Jun is different. Jun actually took control of his life in ep 7. He is at peace being G. Jun was able to 'transcend' what FM could not do in BR. To me, Jun's story gives a beautiful resolution and closure to his initially tragic predicament. Hence I said 'heart-warming'.
2) Love of my life
This song is written by FM for Mary Austin, his longtime lover who became his irreplaceable friend.
Freddie is bisexual, not gay, but bisexual. His long time partner was a female called Mary Austin. Then he started having a male lover and told Mary about his sexual orientation and they broke up. Since then FM had other relationships with both male and female.
However, none of them could replace the feelings he have for Mary Austin. He loves her. And their (deep) close relationship stayed.
LOML was play in the drama in ep 8 when Miura asked Jun to play her a Queen's song. And Jun played LOML. Jun is using LOML to represent his relationship with Miura, as being similar to Freedie Mercury and Mary Austin's.
I almost cried there, and I understand that's just my subjective feelings. But such 'deep' non-sexual relationship that is beyond friendship is very beautiful to me.
3) Don't Stop Me Now:
This is a song written after FM realized as well as opened up about his sexual orientation. It's a very energetic song. It says he's on a 'high', nobody can 'lower' him.
Moreover, he wants to stay high. It's just like Jun, who came out of the closet and stayed out.
DSMN is played at the end of ep 8, when Jun was at the University/collége with his mother. He's happy being himself. On top of that, his mother accepts him and wants to get to know more about him.
It's a happy ending
I don't know if I expressed myself properly or not in my 2 long posts. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I honestly do see it as 'heartwarming', no longer tragic, happy resolution, at peace with, etc etc.
I read your post and I think it's because we are interpreting ep 7 and 8 differently. Let me try to explain to you my interpretation. There are no right or wrong interpretations.
I definitely do not see homophobia winning as the point of this drama. Especially considering the story of.Jun, which is the main charactor's story. He is no longer in the closet, he came out and stayed out.
In the contrary, I see it discussing many many issues surrounding sexual orientations, friendships, families, society, etc etc etc., of homosexuals in this drama.
Each of the homosexual charactors in the drama made their own choice on how to live their lives with their sexual preferences. Some of them follow the social norm, some ran away with it , some accepted it openly. Some found new courage to accept themselves, some continue to stay in the closet, some took control of their lives.
It also shows the development of the views and actions of the people surrounding them.
I also know a lot of Queen's music, and the drama made use of them beautifully with impact at the right time in the right context.
The drama was able to successfully convey all these multiple levels
to me, so I felt honestly touched by the drama. Hence I used the word "heart warming".
To me, this drama holds nothing horrifying
I'll try to explain more in details now, specifically about ep 7 and ep 8, which I posted about being confused in my previous post.
Regarding the kiss at the ceremony:
Miura took the courage to openly admit that she's a fujoshi.
Before the ceremony, she also had a conversation with Jun saying it is nothing 'wrong' to be G and that she wish Jun would not hold back himself about it. She also pointed out that during one class discussion, when Jun waa still in the hospital, noone in the class considered G as abnormal.
During Miura's speech, her message was not just only that she's a fujoshi and it's OK, or that she's setting an 'example' for Jun to be comfortable to open up himself. She was also telling everyone that Jun is protecting them by not openly admit he's G, that it's for their sake.
Jun decision to rush out to the podium was because he's not able to watch the girl he likes, Miura, feeling sad. He said that right before he rushed out. It doesn't mean he like Miura as his woman. She's someone he geniunely likes, that's all.
Ono's view is incorrect in this situation. (I think his name is Ono, the tall student). His view is that Jun should come up to the podium to 'apologies' to Miura for deceiving her initially, then hurting her. But that's not why Jun went up the podium.
Ono is also wrong about Miura. Miuria is not lookin for an appology from Jun. In the contrary, Miura not only accepts Jun's sexual orientation, she, infact, tells Jun it's nothing to feel guilty about, and that she encourages him to open up, and that his classmates feel the same.
From the context of Jun's decision and Miura's wishes and actions for Jun, it is clear, to me at least, that what Miura did is something to be appreciated by Jun, and that they both accepted Jun is G.
However, I'm confused as to why it was a mouth-to-mouth kiss, which to me are reserved for lovers, instead of a hug or maybe kiss on the forhead or cheek, which to me are a more of a 'thank you'/greeting gesture. That's why I was confused.
If you continue in ep 7, and later ep 8. It actually made it clear that both Jun and Miura openly accepts that Jun is G, that they both see it as nothing wrong. And that Miura only considers herself as just his ex-gf. And that they both want their close relationship to continue. And they both are thankful they met.
So to answer my own questions in my previous post. My answers will be:
- I still don't know why Miura asked for a kiss, instead of say a hug. But I'm thinking maybe it's a cultural difference.?? since it's clear they do not regard themselves as bf-gf.
- Yes, Jun is appreciative.
- Half-half in the sense that their close relationship will continue but not in the form of lovers. I do feel their relationship is beyond friendship though. It is definitely a deep form of love, when you know everything about someone and still like them for who they are.
Regarding ep 8 the very last scene:
My current answer to my question is probably: it meant "it doesn't matter".
Jun's story is that he has resolved his issue as G.
So my current interpretation is: It doesn't really matter if he introduces himself as G or not to his class. He himself is happy is enough.
So it's no longer necessary for me, the viewer, to be curious about why the scene cuts off at 'I' anymore.
I know Queen's music, and they partaily helped form my views of this drama.
I'll type it in the next post.
China's history is facinating. And I think it's great that they incorporate them, very often too I find, into the dramas. A stress free way to get exposed to them.
I have a poor memory, so I get all confused with the names/words, which become 'less enjoyable' reading/watching them. But aside from that, it's exciting. :-)
LOL The Tang dynasty will be in my 'to read list' now :-)
'creepy father' LOL