Instead of their year end gala event in December, Thai media giant GMMTV decidedly announced the first part of their “2024 Lineup” yesterday. Like most of their events, it was star-studded, catapulting the fan’s anticipation to feverish levels. In the first part, the tech giant has ceremoniously pitched 9 Boys’ Love dramas alongside a GL adaptation. Without further ado, let’s talk about the different colors on this palette!
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Weekly BL Updates
We are heading into this week anticipating the GMMTV 2024 Lineup. Whilst everyone is excited about the same, let’s do a quick rewind about the news updates from last week. Steering past them, so we can concentrate later on the “GMMTV Exclusive”.
Weekly BL Updates
After a brief hiatus, we are back with our weekly roundup of ‘BL Updates’. The rush hour load doesn’t seem to be lessening. The continuous out pour of dramas/movies is keeping us busy. Let’s walk this tightrope as we share the latest exclusives from the BL & GL industry as well as queer content from the West!
“Stand by Me” Series Review (Ep.1 to 20)
As is the case with most Chinese Bromances these days, Stand by Me premiered without much fanfare. It’s like most Chinese production houses are bidding their time to drop new releases without much promotions/marketing; especially if they are bromance/brotherhood related. It wasn’t surprising; what surprised me more was the classic pairing and the overall look as well as feel of this miniseries. If you love Republican era dramas, then you are in for a treat. Unlike “Winter Begonia”, which had a magnanimous setting and popular casting; Stand by Me does fall short of these things. However, it makes up for the loss with a storyline that is tight lined and actors that have a great chemistry. Obviously, Bromances are marketed based on the subtle, barely there romance between the male protagonists. We know it is there, we can see it, but because of Chinese censorship; we choose to ignore it. Tencent’s Stand by Me does live up to that premise; it is a beautifully orchestrated love story between two compatriots, who are also best friends. Let’s dig deeper and figure out if this short web series is worth your time!
“Minato Shouji Coin Laundry Season 2” Series Review (Ep.3 to 12)
The anticipated sequel to the much loved manga adaptation “Minato’s Laundromat” premiered to high expectations and quickly took a nosedive into unknown territories. To those who were expecting some intellectual growth and character development, I’m sorry to inform you that it doesn’t happen. While the prequel was a classic attempt to bridge the distance between an age gap couple, the second season should have focused on their relationship; it doesn’t, instead we get twelve episodes where they both play the passive game. It made me wonder on how can one guy could be so patient (Shintaro) whilst the other one is so cowardly (Minato). Physical intimacy cannot be excused when you are in a long-term relationship; fear is understandable but downright denial is out of the realm. Our main couple still continue with their cheeky conversations but it fails to serve the purpose. You can only converse so much while ignoring the giant elephant in the room, which keeps tipping the scales on the glaring problems in their relationship. While the main couple struggle with intimacy, the secondary couple does a better job of bridging the distance (makes you ponder if the sequel should have been about them). There isn’t much to discuss here, so we will do a quick review of the things we liked and disliked.
Continue reading “Minato Shouji Coin Laundry Season 2” Series Review (Ep.3 to 12)
“Stay Still The Series” Producer Jimmy TSOI: Achieving The Impossible
While scripting and directing a show itself is a painstaking process, without proper resources and funding, the desired effect won’t be achieved. This is where producers come into the picture. They try to help the directors enliven the world build by the scriptwriters. This is normally the case where heterosexual romances are concerned. But the reverse is true for BL content; especially in Asian countries, where LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media is still an impossible dream. Despite these unfavorable circumstances, there are a few daring producers who are determined to extrapolate queer experiences. One of them is Mr. Jimmy TSOI from Hong Kong’s Jupiter Entertainment. Their recent production, “Stay Still The Series”, won applause because of its rustic production and sublime storytelling. In this exclusive, we talk to Mr. TSOI about the problems faced during the inception of this show and his vision about their upcoming projects!
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Chinese BL Adaptations That Might Never See The Daylight
While China is well known for scripting heterosexual romances and that remains the pivotal reason for its growing popularity; there is another genre that is lurking in the shadows, waiting to be recognized. Yes, we are talking about the various BL adaptations that have been imprisoned under the fanatical rule of the Chinese censorship. The same seems to be the rule for BL authors who write and promote their novels under pen names while being hidden and obscure. They don’t enjoy the celebrity status that their Thai counterparts have. Is it because Thailand is more tolerant of the LGBTQ community and the BL genre is a booming business there? Or is it because the Chinese government is afraid that BL dramas/movies might have negative impact on the young minds in their country. Although most BL adaptations are filmed under the pretense of bromance/brotherhood; the fact remains that the homoerotic content still seeps into the content and the undeniable romance can’t be obscured. “Stay With Me”, the daring remake of “Addicted Heroin” drew worldwide applause, and the show has been renewed for the second season. Although the news has been confirmed, the sequel will most probably be shot overseas to avoid criticism from mainland China and we have no idea how long the process might be (it already took almost two or three years for the prequel to hit the screens). In the midst of growing discernment amongst the BL fans, there is a whole slew of dramas that are awaiting release. In today’s feature, we will be talking about the most anticipated BL adaptations that might never see the daylight!
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Announcing the Launch of “The BL Xpress” YouTube Channel
“Film provides an opportunity to marry the power of ideas with the power of images.”-Steven Bochco
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Outspoken and Frank: “Stay Still” Stars Chun Hin TO & Bosco TSE
Producing a BL show with a decent storyline isn’t an easy job; it is even more difficult when you are based in a conservative society like Hong Kong. From procuring funds to the running the show, Actor/Producer Bosco TSE’s stuck gold after almost three years of hardship. We are talking about the recently on-air miniseries “Stay Still”. The dulcet usage of low lights coupled with humble settings compliments the overall storytelling and it’s a great way to deliver a sombre romance. Joining him on this arduous yet fulfilling journey is co-star Chun Hin TO. We sat down for a casual conversation with this handsome couple about this ambitious project and future endeavors.
Continue reading Outspoken and Frank: “Stay Still” Stars Chun Hin TO & Bosco TSE
“Stay Still” Jeremy Ho & Louis LAM: Scripting New Success in the Hong Kong BL Scenery
Since mainstream Hong Kong cinema is still quite conservative, there are very few films depicting issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. At its heart, although there are productions like Happy Together, Twilight’s Kiss/Suk Suk, A Woman is a Woman, Butterfly and the most recent BL adaptation “Ossan’s Love”, queer storylines are still begging for attention and a proactive audience. In the midst of these struggles, we have a small, lesser known production from Hong Kong who is trying to bridge the distance between dreams and reality. And joining them on this crusade are a talented crew of actors who are delivering their daring acts with conviction. Join us as we talk to actors Jeremy HO and Louis LAM from “Stay Still” about the change they want to project with their on-air romance!
The BL Xpress 