This is a touching, sentimental journey of young love that was brilliantly done in the beginning but then got lost in its time journeys to recapture its past. While in some ways the story was exceptional, its execution was unfortunately lacking in logic. Initially it had me hooked on the strength of its young actors playing the parts of their younger selves. Simply put, they were brilliant.
All posts by PPBongi
“My Dear Gangster Oppa” Series Review (Ep.1 to 8)
“Wait! I can’t catch my breath.”- quote from My Dear Ganster Oppa
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“Bake Me Please” Series Review (Ep.1 to 6)
What can another trite, tropey, cliché-ridden Thai series centering around a cooking theme say that has not already been said? Both from a positive and negative perspective that seriously does not sound like a broken record (I know that dates me).
“Doi Boy” Movie Review
This is a movie that lays out in detail all the ugliness of the darker side of Thai society that we do certainly not see in BLs. Since I honestly know little about the political inner working of Thailand, I do not know whether this chronicle is based on some semblance of truth or not. However, as in any premise, I do believe some kernels of truth and honesty are no doubt in this screenplay and part of it must be taken at face value. We tend to not want to think of or perhaps see that a fantasy land of ours (such as Thailand) has a darker side to it, but it does. And this movie presents a very dark, depressing, look at that reality. There is no romance here nor any hint of a BL; but it does present a side of the adult entertainment industry we tend to dismiss or pretend does not exist as we glaze over or gloss over the geopolitical strife that might also exist in that part of the world when we watch BLs in the comfort of our homes.
“Mr. Nice Guy & The Lonely Man” Movie Review
Sometimes a title to a movie is so spot-on that nothing more needs to be said about it. The summation is expressed, quite literally, in this title. It is a story about a very lonely young man who by chance meets a very nice man and love is awakened. Not only is a love awakened but a reckoning and a realization of oneself is as well. You get all of that in just over 30 minutes of pure cinematic magic in this beautiful love sonnet that reads more like poetry than prose.
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“The Memories” Series Review (Ep.1 to 4)
Remarkable. This was the first word that came to me in how to describe this distinctive series from Cambodia, a country ostensibly not known for its BLs. But this word seems woefully inadequate, I am afraid. Maybe words are unwarranted here; perhaps only feelings are fitting. And my feelings are profound sadness, heartache, and a sense of betrayal. Yet, what still remains is just the meager shred of strength fed by the faintest spark of love.
“Indigo Reimagined” Series Review (Ep.1 to 7)
I know my reviews of these floundering BL series perhaps are a bit too heartfelt, but I have great admiration for struggling productions which are making an effort to tell a story in its own way, no matter what the obstacles. So, therefore, I am willing and do indeed overlook many of the production flaws so that we can understand what motivates and drives these creations- a belief in themselves and an effort to tell a story with sincerity and commitment. Indeed, that is what this series is. It is a surprisingly intense BL series full of real people with genuine problems told perhaps a bit over dramatically. But as uncomfortable as the story is, there is nonetheless an underlying veracity to its message.
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“Grand Guignol” Movie Review
Wow! What a ride this movie is! Be warned, however. This movie is a ‘hack-and-slash’ gory romp of blood and guts. So, if this is not your thing, I suggest you do not watch it. Even though I generally dislike these types of movies, I loved this one because it is so Avante-Garde. Despite what you might imagine, while it is a gay-themed movie, there is no romance here, however. Certainly not a BL by any stretch of the imagination. It is just sensual.
“My Plantito” Series Review (Ep.1 to 7)
I really, really wanted to like this series. With every fiber of my being, I was hoping it would come through at the end with something to make me like it; but it just did not. This manifests more like an ‘afternoon school special’ or a Hallmark movie. Seemingly sweet, cute, and feels adorable and you think has a point, but it really does not. It is all so superficial. It started out much like a light romantic BL with catchy music to draw you in, assuming this will be cheery, light-hearted, and charming. Unfortunately, this series is self-absorbed, unromantic, and honestly, irritating. Save one character, the rest of them are rather shallow individuals.
“Pure Vanilla & Pure Vanilla: Recipe for Romance” Series Review
Sometimes, something comes along that is so unexpectedly good you find yourself quietly saying. “Wow. This can’t be!” And if you watch these two objet d’art together, which will take you just around 32 minutes out of your day, it may become the most feel-good moment of your day. It might put a smile on your face, perhaps help you feel a little less jaded about what is happening in the world, and maybe, just maybe make you believe in sweetness again. And it does so within the context of trays of desserts. Effortlessly, it becomes a full-fledged BL and with more sincerity than most BLs do with their constant theatrics and feigned setups. It is also done with a gentleness and softness that is almost imperceptible until you feel its results at the end.
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The BL Xpress 