Some stories remain long after you are done watching the show or the movie. The characters are praiseworthy, the script is impressive & the locales are mesmerizing. The attention to detail is so refreshing that you don’t mind watching those shows or movies again & again. In today’s feature, we are talking about such gems that twinkle throughout times immemorial!!

Red, White & Royal Blue

Based on the 2019 novel by Casey McQuiston, this film depicts the developing love affair between the son of the President of the United States (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and a British prince (Nicholas Galitzine). Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States, attends the wedding of Prince Phillip, Duke of Cambridge. Alex has a long-standing feud with Prince Henry, Prince Phillip’s younger brother. During the reception, Alex and Henry get into an argument that results in the wedding cake falling on top of them. To mitigate the fallout after the cake incident and help his mother’s re-election campaign, Alex is forced into a series of interviews and appearances with Henry, in which they pose as friends. As they spend time together, Alex & Henry grow closer and Henry ends up kissing him. As they continue with their whirlwind romance, Alex & Henry’s personal e‑mails are hacked and their romance is made public. While facing criticism from his grandfather, the King, Henry chooses to be beside Alex, winning the public’s support and admiration. Taylor & Nicholas have a strong chemistry. This movie kickstarted their careers and turned them into international stars.

10 Dance

Strong visuals, mesmerizing settings and two leads who have an explosive chemistry have turned this adaptation into a worldwide hit. Japanese Latin dance champion Suzuki Shinya (Takeuchi Ryoma) and Japanese standard dance champion Sugiki Shinya (Machida Keita) are both famous dancers. While Suzuki admires Sugiki, he is irritated by being compared to the other dancer. One day, Sugiki suddenly invites Suzuki to “aim to be champion together in 10 Dances.” 10 Dances is a competitive dance where dancers who have mastered both Latin and standard dance compete in a total of 10 dances. Suzuki initially refuses Sugiki’s proposal to teach each other. However, he is overwhelmed by Sugiki’s provocative and competitive attitude and accepts in anger. As they train together, their contrasting personalities and dancing styles collide and they clash constantly. However, as they work together, Suzuki gradually realizes that he is starting to be attracted to Sugiki. He becomes obsessed with Sugiki to the extent that he decides to win 10 Dance, so that Sugiki only looks at him and no one else. The film has an open ending, and it could be intended that it might get a sequel in the future. This was Keita Machida’s second BL project after the global hit “Cherry Magic.” He gives a restrained yet admirable performance while Takeuchi Ryoma unleashes raw synergy. They make a commendable pairing and I had love to see them again!!

Soul Mate

An intimate relationship that doesn’t need to be defined. After inadvertently destroying the life of his best friend, Narutaki Ryu (Isomura Hayato) abandons everything and leaves Japan. He nearly dies at a church in a foreign country before he is saved by a Korean boxer named Hwang Jo Han (Ok Taec Yeon). Ryu is confused about his sexuality and Jo Han is facing a crisis in his career. Both men carry deep, unhealed wounds, and as their lonely souls gravitate toward one another, it soon becomes clear that they are soul mates. Their journey takes them through Berlin, Seoul and Tokyo, where they experience a breadth of emotions: unforgettable pain, suffering and, ultimately, joy. As Jo Han relocates to Japan and starts living with Ryu, they get closer. Jo Han is introduced to Ryu’s parents, who admittedly accept their relationship, even though they never openly confess to their affections. Their relationship goes through abundant trials and tribulations, but in the end, they still choose each other.

Four Hands Two Sonatas

Dubbing this show as bromance is the greatest sin of all time. But you can’t win against Korean censorship, especially when it stars two of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Piano prodigy Kang Pi O (Song Kang) is consistently ranked first in both academics and performance. However, his music lacks soul and his grandfather never praises him. His steady path begins to shake when he encounters an unexpected rival. That rival, Choi Jeong Yo (Lee Jun Young), is a gifted pianist who abandoned his talent after a difficult childhood. His sudden arrival at the school brings him face to face with Pi O who once reignited his passion for music. They are forced to partner together. As they start practicing together, Jeong Yo is able to overcome his past trauma and his raw talent shines through. Initially hesitant, Pi O helps Jeong Yo; even when his close ones compare them and Pi O feels jealous, he still chooses to stay beside Jeong Yo. Song Kang & Lee Jun Young have amazing chemistry.

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