This soft, well-meaning and very short BL drama is obviously a labor of love coming from Myanmar. And it should be applauded for its courage, message, and commitment to equality and gay rights. No less important is its passion towards seeing love as all-encompassing. But be forewarned. This is not a series for all. If you want the fancy, drawn-out, splashy, big production, then move on. Because this is not it. The production is simple and basic; the acting, though a bit inconsistent. But I believe it is an early and very beautiful attempt to introduce BL into a culture not known for its openness to such a concept.
All posts by PPBongi
“Bus Stop” Movie Review
Perhaps merely a coincidence, but this short paragon of a production is the same name as a 1956 film starring the iconic Marilyn Monroe. (If you are unaware of who she is, Google her- I remember her vividly). While not necessarily the same plot, its underlying message is exactly the same. RESPECT. And respect is what gives this strikingly beautiful parable its own sense of worth and beauty.
“The Star Always Follow You” Series Review (Ep.1 to 8)
Sometimes brilliance comes along and hits you, not with its might, but with an emotional sword aimed right at your heart and your soul. This is that kind of series.
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“Boyscation” Series Review (Ep.1 to 20)
I desperately, and I mean desperately, wanted to like this ‘reality’ show about 10 gay guys from Hong Kong getting together for what was posted as a gay dating show.
“Love Bill” Series Review (Ep. 1 to 10)
This is one of those series that is so centric to being Vietnamese, that it might not be translatable into other languages. Idiomatic expressions and nuances of the language are powerful but when translated into other languages might not have the same intended impact. Does that take away anything from the series? Sure, it does. Does it make watching this series more difficult to interpret? Absolutely. Does it make it less impactful? No! I still felt its impact. I merely have to translate into my own internal language and give it meaning to me. And this series is astonishingly moving and so full of life. And that life had so many peaks and valleys that it made watching it joyful and sorrowful emotionally for me.
“Till the World Ends” Series Review (Ep.1 to 10)
“Thus with a kiss I die.” – Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
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“Home Par” Movie Review
This is an excellent example of what you can do when you have a robust focus on a story to tell even within a short time frame. This gay short film is all of 22+ minutes long and has a powerful message. What is that message? Determination and Acceptance.
“My Friendship: S1 & S2: Before The Rainbow” Series Review
Though it may not be necessary to watch part 1 before part 2, it might make more sense to watch it since part 2 is the prequel to part 1. However, I watched part 2 before the first series. For me, it was not necessarily the smoothest of transitions. But the story is simple and basic, yet it conveys a sense of life as it exists. One comes to terms with who he is and the other does not. There are only two characters in this series and so the whole story is shouldered on the strength and conviction of these two young men.
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“War of Y” Series Review (Ep.1 to 20)
There are four anthologies involved in this series. The four are tangentially connected but in the most loosely defined way. Each involves a ship in the world of Y from various dimensions, none of which are flattering, or display any sense of socially acceptable behaviors. To be sure, every profession has its unsavoriness, but this series tended to show that every aspect of the BL industry is fraught with ruthlessness and pain. Is it worth it? For many, it is their life-long dream, but it is paid at a very high cost.
“Smiley” Series Review (Ep.1to 8)
This is a love story on different levels and complexities, all done very well. The central focus is on, however, an on-again-off-again-on-again unlikely gay relationship.
The BL Xpress 