This is such a story of contrasts that when you watch, it will no doubt make your head spin. It is not a BL yet has such a deep undertone of attraction between two male figures that you cannot miss its elucidation. It also is a story of ornamented family ties that at the same time their underlying behaviors upgrade the definition of dysfunctional family – they go from a ‘loving’ unit to sociopaths capable of committing unspeakable evil acts as well as treat each other with contempt. We see a ‘bad’ person accomplish acts of kindness yet be interpreted as evil actions. At the same time, ‘good’ people executing exploits of atrocities and interpreting them as justifiable acts. The whole series has example after example of oxymoronic tableaux. In the end, however, despite the conflicting messages, its arc is quite clear.
Category Archives: Burmese Reviews
“Best Friend” Series Review (Ep.1 to 4)
This is a stunning and beautiful short BL that while soft in its approach speaks volumes in the message. Paing Kha (Khay Han) has lived with his best friend Tun Ko (Shin Ye Htut) for many years. To say they are close would be an understatement. There is a fervid attachment between them that goes deeper than friendship but is not quite sensual. Much like a hand to a glove. They seem on the surface to be connected to the same tree of life.
“A Blue Sky” Series Review (Ep.1 to 14)
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.
“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.
The BL Xpress 