Summarily, this is a chef-d’oeuvre. This also is an original dieresis. However, to watch this series, especially for those of us from the West, you must indeed prepare yourself. One must suspend one’s frame of reference. Your first task is to not instinctually begin to make comparisons as to what you might do if you were in a similar situation. It is so easy to doubt and question, “Why are they doing that? Can’t they see the obvious?” This series in NOT from your universe of discourse. Two, do not judge the protagonists in terms of right or wrong, moral or immoral, ethical or unethical, or any other dichotomous standard. That would not be fair. Simply take their love story as presented at face value and go with it. Otherwise, you will drive yourself into a moral whirlpool of unnecessary emotional highs and lows. In the end, in essence, all you will need is yourself, alone, with a box of tissues, and a strong sense and a deep appreciation of how indestructible love for one another genuinely can be. And three, be prepared throughout to face lots and lots of pain – intense pain. Deeply personal, physical, emotional, and mental. Be forewarned: this is not a series that has a happy ending. However, it brandishes like no other BL I have ever seen, or undoubtedly will ever see, the power, intensity, sacrifice, and yes, the gift of love. This story is breathtaking in its simplicity but is as complex as any creation story of life itself. None of it is fathomable or inscrutable, yet when you watch it in its entirely and reflect on what you saw – it crystallizes. You understand even if it rips away at every fiber of your moral being.
Monthly Archives: October 2024
“Ending Friend” Series Review (Ep.1 to 7)
This small independent Cambodian production was a resplendent treasure. It honestly is well-acted and well directed with a surprisingly interesting screenplay. While not necessarily unique, the cast gave it a new life I was not expecting. To be sure, there are some production issues, but do not let those get in the way of simply enjoying a rather entertaining and fun story with heart and a ginormous amount of temperament.
“Sky Valley” Series Review (Ep.1 to 13)
This series is best described by the beginning line from Charles Dickens novel, “A Tale of Two Cities”: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” In other words, this story had such salient and poignant moments in it and then it slipped into cartoonish and hackneyed over-the-top silliness, not worthy of the story. It almost seemed schizophrenic in nature.
BL Mini-Bytes
While MewTul fans are rejoicing over their engagement, we were stuck with some pleasant surprises from all quarters. There were loads of updates from the Thai BL industry, as well as their Taiwanese & Japanese counterparts. Joining the excitement surrounding MewTul’s engagement, we are in the long haul for some intriguing exclusives lined up for the upcoming months!
Heart Fluttering Bromances That Aired in 2024
Bromances probably came into existence and became popular because of China’s rigid censorship on queer representation. Even though their popularity stems from heart fluttering moments that spur imaginary romance between the fictional characters, Bromances are fast becoming a stable part of the BL genre!
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Mew Suppasit Popped the Question and Tul Pakorn Said “Yes”
MewTul Are Engaged to be Married!
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“Club Friday Season 16: Domestic Incident” Series Review (Ep.1 to 4)
I was thunderstruck by the theme of this series. It is a story in an anthology labeled “Club Friday”. Its content is one I have never seen before and certainly involves a very controversial topic. If they had been more adult about its fruition and handled it like a ruminative production, this would and could have been up there as the Best BL for 2024. However, in my opinion, they lacked the courage to push the envelope here to make it more consequential.
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“Bad Guy My Boss” First Impressions (Ep.1 to 3)
“Bad Guy My Boss” is your run-of-the-mill office BL romance between a pouty boss and a hardworking, eager-to-please assistant. Despite the questionable acting and over the top airbrushing, the story is interesting enough to keep one tuned in. The time-tested appeal of office romance seems to always hold up for me, because the formula is quite straightforward, and “Bad Guy My Boss” does not shy away from following that formula, therefore giving us a good enough story that is easy to follow along with and interesting enough that you will not be bored, regardless of how overdone the trope may seem. After all, there is a reason why it became popular to begin with.
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“Love in the Big City” Series Review (Ep.1 to 8)
“With or without it, you’re still you.”
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“Sugar Dog Life” Series Review (Ep.3 to 9)
Sometimes, the greatest strength in life comes from the special connections we build with others, especially in those quiet moments when we realize just how much simple gestures like saying “good morning” or “welcome home” truly matter.