Love overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, differences and ghosts

A love that overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, personality differences and ghosts

'Stay by My Side' begins with an unexpected and involuntary collision between Gu Bu Xia, the Anthropology student and owner of a sports scholarship as he is one of the best players on the university basketball team, and Jiang Chi, the future lawyer and son from a famous family of doctors who has just been transferred to Yong Yu University.
After several setbacks, these two young people, soon declared enemies, begin to live in the bedroom occupied by Bu Xia, since Jiang Chi has been forced to make a living by his own means after defying his parents, who want the boy to continue his steps in the career of Medicine.
Starring Isaac Yang as Jiang Chi, and Hong Wei Zhe as Bu Xia, the romantic and supernatural comedy with an LGBTIQ+ theme revolves around the unlikely romance between these two young college students with major personality differences, marked by paranormal ability of one of the protagonists, which provides a pleasant and fun novelty to the audiovisual product.
Soon the tender, light and happy series will introduce us to the lives of both characters. While Jiang Chi is an excellent basketball player, he does not seem interested in joining the varsity team, not wanting anything to distract him from his studies. Additionally, he works several part-time jobs to avoid being financially dependent on his parents.
For his part, the orphan Bu Xia has been raised by his grandfather, a spiritual medium, in a temple run by his sister Gu Bu Tao (Jin Cheng). After the death of the old man, the shy and insecure Bu Xia hears ghost voices murmuring in his ears, a circumstance that will worsen just as the new roommate enters his life.
Bu Xia, who has lived alone in his bedroom until Jiang Chi's arrival, will soon come to a conclusion: being close to the boy who now sleeps a few meters from his bed brings him peace, as the ghosts feel self-conscious and flee before him. Your presence. The more he interacts with Jiang Chi, the less he hears the voice of those who "pull the chain." That is why he will try to always have him around him..., but he hides the reason from him.
For his part, the law student mistakes Bu Xia's camaraderie as if the boy was flirting with him. "Could it be that Bu Xia has fallen in love with me?" he will ask himself. Jiang Chi comes to think that he is the object of his dormmate's love interest.
As a result, the supernatural element spices up a series with greater originality than the classic college romances, while the relationship between the two boys takes us on a journey surrounded by mystery and intrigue and in which love can overcome misunderstandings, differences in personalities and even outwit the ghost chase.
Likewise, the series will allow us to appreciate how two rivals can come to love each other with such madness and passion, to the point of one of them accepting the transfer of the uncomfortable ability to hear ghost voices that the other suffers.
Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023), commissions Cai Fei Qiao, known for being the screenwriter of the acclaimed drama 'Unknown', 2024, the executive producer of another classic of the genre: 'We Best Love: No. 1 For You' and 'We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd', and for playing Mrs. Yao, Shun Yu's mother, in 'You Are Mine Special', released in May 2024.
Lovers of the genre will be pleased with 'Stay by Me Side' for its strong BL content, for the tender and constant romantic interaction of the protagonists, for portraying two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, for exploring the bond of the physical, emotional and spiritual couple, for their happy ending.
Likewise, fans of BL series will like the complicity of Bu Xia's sister and Jiang Chi, both interested in the young man's well-being and happiness.
I like the character played by Hong Wei Zhe: a boy who shows traits of insecurity and cowardice in the face of paranormal phenomena, who doesn't? But he leaves us with a memorable memory, especially when he discovers that he has fallen in love with another boy, and there he acts not infrequently in a childish and insecure way as well. What sometimes overreacts? His contagious laugh, his innocent eyes, his angelic face redeem him from excesses.
The mysterious and reserved character played by Isaac Yang is equally convincing, especially when he seeks to protect Bu Xia from ghosts and everything that could affect him. He is a lover who gives himself completely to the loved one.
I would have liked the series to delve deeper into the denunciation of possible homophobia (the reasons are not clear), perceived when Bu Xia and Jiang Chi's relationship becomes gossip among the other university students, who will try to obtain invasive photos of the loving couple, or make annoying comments in physical and virtual settings.
Isn't Taiwan the only Asian territory where Equal Marriage or Homosexual Marriage has been approved? Is sexual diversity not widely accepted by the Taiwanese population? Are same-sex sexual relations not legal? Why then consider the fact that two boys holding hands and attracting each other on a university campus or on the street in Taipei a public spectacle?

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A love that surpasses the arc of time and the lives of the two lovers

Liu Li is a BL-themed novelist who wants to love vehemently, so that he can then express his thoughts in writing. Under the pseudonym Morris, he has published two best-selling novels based on his real-life experiences, but today, after the rejection of his platonic love, he suffers from writer's block and cannot find inspiration to write the third book, which he has already demands his editor.
Seeking inspiration, he sits at the same table every day at Old House, his favorite meat noodle and hot sauce shop, located in the lower part of the building where he rents an apartment, and where he makes blue origami birds for hours, while waiting for the arrival of the muse.
Gu Jin, or Boss Gu, as his employees call him, who was a successful advertising executive until his resignation, caused by a scandal involving his despotic mother, decides not to give up in the face of adversity and takes advantage of his culinary vocation to set up his own restaurant. business as chef and owner of Old House, where he will meet Liu Li.
Starring Stan Huang as Gu Jing, and Chen Xuan Yu as Liu Li, 'VIP Only' (保留席位 / Pao Liu Hsi Wei (Bao Liu Xi Wei), the Taiwanese LGBTIQ+-themed romantic comedy-drama spins in around the love relationship between the handsome and attractive chef who owns the creative and retro restaurant, and the shy boy with a vocation as a novelist who, although he has never been in a relationship, recognizes that as a writer he has many ideas about what it means to be in love.
Director another dreams of continuing to promote his career as a writer.
Based on the script written by Cai Fei Qiao, Xiao Yi Wei and Chen Liang Ci, 'VIP Only' is a tender and delicious story of love and improvement marked by literature and cooking, a relationship that arises between stoves and tables restaurant; a chef with high culinary skills and a regular customer.
Vidol is the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes this and other BL series such as 'Stay by My Side' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023).
Like many of the dishes prepared by the chef, the love between the two young people simmers. It all begins when Gu asks Liu Li to go on dates with him to stimulate his imagination and inspire him to continue his work as a writer.
This is how in the middle of a role-play in which they both date each other and pretend to be in love, love surprises them.
Between plates of food, Gu reading Liu Li's novels, hearing about each other's lives while folding origami, or the novelist's determination to learn to cook because Gu is very passionate about the culinary art, both boys will leave getting to know each other and becoming closer, until they discover that they have much more in common than they think, since they were friends in childhood.
Liu Da Ren (Tim Cheng) and Lai Dai Yi / "Lai Tsai" (Kurt Huang), Gu's employee at the restaurant the first and Liu Li's friend the second, will help the two boys in their romance. However, their love will be put to the test when Wu Shin (Kevin Chang), the boy the writer was in love with, returns and tries to win him over.
The cast is completed with the performances of Hsiao Hung as Yao Shun Yu, and Parker Mao in the role of Xia Shang Zhou, protagonists of the Taiwanese BL drama 'You Are Mine', in which they embody these same characters.
The chef will also hallucinate with joy/madness when he discovers that Liu Li thanks Wu Shin for having inspired him to write two best-selling novels, and for teaching him to be brave and confess his love to the person he loves, and chooses him.
The love that unites Liu Li and Gu will surpass the arc of their lives and time, through the book written by the former and inspired by the latter and the romance they live.
Almost everything in 'VIP Only' could be on the verge of crossing the thin line of cheesy, or vulgar melodrama, but it is redeemed by the tenderness of its story, the truth of characters who support each other and manage to overcome difficulties while experiencing personal growth, the chemistry between the two protagonists and the interpretive flexibility of Stan Huang and Chen Xuan Yu.

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With the title "I'm sticking with my past because you are my future", the special episode of the Taiwanese LGBTIQ+ themed romantic drama series 'VIP Only Special' ( 保留席位 番外篇 / VIP Only Extra Episodes, Bao Liu Xi Wei Fan Wai Pian, Pao Liu Hsi Wei Fan Wai Pian) brings us return to Gu Jing, the handsome and attractive chef who owns a creative and retro restaurant, and Liu Li, the BL-themed novelist who rents a room upstairs from Gu's restaurant, to update the viewer on their romantic relationship.
On this occasion, the setting in which the characters develop will not be the meat noodle shop owned by Gu to which Liu Li goes every day to carry out his writing work, but rather a natural environment of rivers and mountains where the characters will go couples to enjoy a weekend.
Starring Stan Huang as Gu Jing, and Chen Xuan Yu as Liu Li, the episode will confirm that the author who uses the pseudonym Morris continues to write and publish best-selling romance novels based on his real-life experiences, having Gu and her tender and exciting love life are the main source of inspiration.
Directed by Lian Yu Zhe (Anti Reset, 2024), the episode, about 28 minutes long, gives us romantic interactions between Liu Li and Gu Jin, with tender and deep kisses added, which will delight lovers of the genre.
Based on the script written by Cai Fei Qiao, Xiao Yi Wei and Chen Liang Ci, the audiovisual delves into the relationship between the two boys who began to fall in love when Boss Gu asks Liu Li to go on dates with him to stimulate his imagination at a time when he suffered from writer's block and found no inspiration after being rejected by his platonic love.
Without the usual beard and with a candy in his mouth, the Taiwanese actor Stan Huang, with his fiery look and charming smile, has the power to continue making the public fall in love. This time I find it much more attractive and fascinating.
With the growing chemistry between the two protagonists, the audiovisual allows us to appreciate how the two boys live in harmony and support each other, allowing them to overcome difficulties and experience personal growth.
I would like Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'Stay by My Side' (2023), 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023) , continue releasing Special Episodes and new dramas of the genre.
The public will also be able to enjoy how the audiovisual returns to Yao Shun Yu (Hsiao Hung) and Xia Shang Zhou (Parker Mao), the protagonists of 'You are Mine', a Taiwanese drama of which we were also recently able to see a Special Episode.
Much more can still be extracted from 'VIP Only'. I would love to see, for example, a romantic relationship between Liu Da Ren (Tim Cheng) and Lai Dai Yi/"Lai Tsai" (Kurt Huang), as well as Gu's chance to convince Liu Li's parents to accept the marriage love relationship between the two boys "with the same attitude that you used with my parents", referring to the way in which the young novelist defends Gu from his abusive mother in the series and affirms that there is a loving bond between the two.

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Libraries are not only incredible places, dedicated to providing unique services, such as supporting training, research, teaching or the transformation of information into knowledge.
Between books, the constant hustle and bustle of users requesting various library services, this noble institution, with thousands of years of history, can be the perfect setting for two boys to meet again and fall in love.
Kang Woo, the director of the romantic drama 'Blossom Campus', knows this by locating in this academic and cultural environment the setting in which Yoon Chan (Choi Dong Ho), in his first foray in front of the cameras, and Kim Min Jae (Son Byeong Hoon), develop a romantic relationship.
Explicitly or implicitly, in his already suggestive work, the South Korean director stops to reflect the most secret, emotional and internal gears of youth, and offers, on this occasion, a series in which he once again portrays those microcosms to the that we all belong for the mere fact that at some point we have lived, are living or will live that period of a person's life that is between childhood and adulthood, to bring to light their most recognizable conflicts. It is that instant empathy that gives strength to his stories, sometimes silent, subtle and too calm, but with a lot of inner substance.
With backgrounds, symbolisms and homosensual and homoerotic imaginaries that seek to make the public react to their stories and provoke emotions, after writing and directing films such as 'Sweet Curse', 'Some More', 'I Don't Care', 'Secret Roommate' ', 'Dom' and 'Gay Out Soon 5: Free Dating', and the series 'Long Time No See', with 'Blossom Campus', filmmaker Kang Woo once again explores another recurring theme in his already extensive work: his vision of homosexuality from a personal point of view and through the years.
The result is a fun and tender audiovisual, very emotional and addictive, which puts all its weight on the faces of the attractive cast, especially the two protagonists with a captivating chemistry. It is, in short, everything that is as nice, happy and tender as a romantic, musical and youth comedy should be and that, without abandoning the spirit of the genre, has interesting dramatic readings.
The series, with an LGBTIQ+ theme, is a fresh story that vibrates while bringing to the table important themes such as self-discovery, innate vocation, dreams, friendship, love, acceptance, sexual awakening and the search for happiness and identity, seen through Min Jae, a transfer student from the Faculty of Music with a specialization in Applied Music at Hankook University, who on his first day at the new study center accidentally receives help from Yoon Chan, the clumsy and eloquent Taekwondo lover and student at the Faculty of Culture and Sports Arts.
Min Jae is a boy who has had to live his life alone, without family and in an environment of poverty. Since he does not want to appear pitiful to others, he has chosen to hide his inner sweetness. Armed with a shell, he tries to act tough and cold in front of others, until Yoon Chan appears in his path.
Audiences will like Min Jae's character for being a warm and shy person who will have several part-time jobs to support himself, such as being a barista or librarian at the university library. Here he will meet again with the star student who specializes in combat sports, who, in turn, does not know how to approach others and has never had friends. So when Min Jae approaches him first, he gets happy and will try to make him his friend.
Min Jae will react like a tsundere, and will initially have a distant, reserved and even hostile demeanor, but little by little he transforms into someone warm, sensitive and friendly towards the cool and tall young man who only shows feelings for Min Jae, while remaining cold towards others.
Min Jae has been curious about Yoon Chan since they met. He doesn't know what emotions and feelings overcome him every time he is in the presence of the lonely young man full of laughter and energy who doesn't care much about other people... except Min Jae.
The public will be able to enjoy the performance of Choi Dong Ho, an actor with a high capacity to transmit emotions, in a genuine and convincing way, who demonstrates with his performance that far from seeking grandiloquence, he immerses himself in his character with the simplicity that characterizes to those who understand that true art lies in authenticity.
The budding relationship between the two boys will be tested with the arrival of Jeong Woo Hyuk (Kim Yoon Sol), known for his participation in 'Man In The Shower', a new Applied Music student, who will also fall in love with Min Jae. Her character adds layers to the narrative and will keep the audience guessing about the evolution of the love triangle.
The series allows us to see how the actions and emotions of the characters change, all thanks to Yoon Chan's constant aegyo attack against Min Jae, causing fun and hilarious moments with his actions, in addition to the necessary reflection on the topics addressed. However, his own personality will trip up the young athlete, who will need the help of Min Jae's teacher, played by veteran actor Jo Yoo Seok, to be able to recognize his feelings and overcome fears and insecurities.
With realistic representations, the series will provoke the viewer to ask several questions, such as: What will happen when the music student who radiates a calm, meticulous and reflective demeanor, continually crosses paths with the taekwondoka with a strong personality, introverted and somewhat clumsy, but with endearing silliness that increases its charm? Will a chance encounter between them be enough to cause their paths to intertwine and, over time, their bond to deepen and blossom into a romantic relationship?
Although Min Jae thinks Yoon Cha is a very strange guy, for some reason he will still think about him. Their encounters multiply when Min Jae accepts the job as a librarian, which brings them closer together. Since their first stumble, the two have become entangled and closer, leading them to develop a romantic relationship.
The infatuation between Min Jae and Yoon Chan begins slowly; they circle close to each other but keep their distance, wanting to show indifference to disguise their interest. Yoon Chan ends up being much better at that game: he knows better than to stare for too long or too intensely. In contrast, Min Jae's furtive glances end up staying focused as if he is asking a question with his eyes.
In this Matchbox X Strongberry production, the lives of the two will meet, causing a definitive impact on them. The union will be revealing for both of them, who will begin to feel things that they cannot control.
"Although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally, feelings," said Kang Woo.
Those feelings are what he is looking for with the series. It is the emotions and feelings that are there, hidden, but on the surface, that the director wants to uncover with this story. A story of friendship and the discovery of sexuality, of homosexual love that, however, is far from anyone's prejudiced views.
In 'Blossom Campus' the characters discover that they attract each other, they fall in love, but there is no censorship on them. They both discover that they feel something else. Something they can't control. And that, in addition to being human, is beautiful. Because the first love, the real one, you only live once. Whether you are heterosexual or homosexual, whether you are a musician or an athlete, whether you are empathetic and happy, or introverted and clumsy. And therein lies its value. That although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally. The feelings. We all feel. And no one is immune from that.
You don't just visualize Kang Woo's dramatizations, you absorb them. His films and series show us beautiful people with impeccable taste while they intensely live their days of adolescence and youth. Passion and drama put a stop to those lives, but what stands out most about his work is the palpable quality they have.
In the director's work, this passion and drama are expressed with words, silences, actions and music whose strength is increasing and also in the vibrant and visceral textures that surround the characters: the shelf full of books, the light and the shadow, the small table on which the university texts are placed, the computer on, the cafe where lovers meet or work part-time, the combat uniform worn by the athlete in a practice session, glimpses of the sweat...
The viewer will experience memorable scenes, such as the one on the roof, or when each person fixes the other's apron, as it is very suggestive, or when Min Jae, who has an instinct for self-defense, lets Yoon Chan into his house, and The barrier until that moment between the two is broken and he accepts it.
As the drama ends in suspense, there is the possibility of a second season, which we will wait to delve into the romance between two friends who have become so close that they cannot deny the love that unites them.
I cannot finish this review without reaffirming my commitment to fighting harassment and cyberbullying towards the artists involved in this project, as Strongberry also did at the time.

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As viewers, what can we ask of a Special Episode?

As viewers, what can we ask of a Special Episode?

We would ask precisely for the incredible closure that the cast and creators of 'You Are Mine Special' have given us.
This is the perfect ending to the 2023 Taiwanese drama 'You are Mine', as it delves deeper into the relationship between Yao Shun Yu (Hsiao Hung) and Xia Shang Zhou (Parker Mao).
And yet I ask for more of the love story between the director of the Xia company and the boy who becomes the company's new employee.
It is not surprising that it reaches a rating of 8.1 points on MDL and other platforms.
But this episode has the added bonus that, in addition to the audience being able to witness the evolution of this couple of lovers after the events narrated in the series, it has also served to give the possible beginning of the romance between Xiao Yang (Bobo Luo) and Li Hui Wang (Yorke Sun).
Surely we will see them as the main couple of some series in the near future, and I have no doubt that Hsiao Hung and Parker Mao would be there again in that case to play the characters that have summoned us here.

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An unrequited love

Kenneth (Andrei Desales), is trapped in a "friends with benefits" relationship with his friend Rayu (Jude Maquiling), in which he gives everything and gets nothing in return.
But chaos emerges after an unintentional mistake, and Kenneth must face the consequences of loving a boy who doesn't love him: like Icarus, Kenneth will have to pay the consequences of flying near the sun.
Directed by Angel Aguihap, the short film 'Icarus', produced by The Hillside Echo, is a bittersweet story of two college students involved in a one-sided homosexual relationship in which one gives everything, but the other is unable to return more than affection. superficial.
Premiered at the 10th FCU Duag Student Film Festival, the film, with an LGBT+ theme, won several awards, including Best Director, for Angel Aguihap; Best Set Design, for Nick Andrei Desales, who in turn won the award for Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor for Jude Maquiling, Best Photography and Best Poster for Joshua Solis.
This is a great short film because it has an excellent script and wonderful direction.
The film will make us reflect on the many dangers of sex without "conditions", especially in a long-term situation like that of the two protagonists. Within the framework of their unconventional relationship, Kenneth has developed feelings for Rayu, but it will not be reciprocated. Rayu has built a wall around himself that Kenneth will never be able to tear down.
With admirable performances, I was particularly impressed by the performance of the actor who plays the role of Kenneth. Her bitter crying, her pleading, her little hiccups of pain as she tried to express her feelings and emotions to Rayu, watching his tears flow freely, are heart-warming images. The viewer will feel compelled to hug him to provide comfort and protection.
It strikes me that the Bisaya language, also known as Cebuano, was used in this Filipino film, since in general I have enjoyed the use of Tagalog.

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Clear and strong message: the fight for LGBT+ rights in Taiwan has not stopped

Inspired by the "skirt week" controversy at Banqiao Municipal High School in Taiwan, where students fought for men's right to wear skirts in the student center, the short film 'Rose Skirt' (玫瑰色的裙), from 2021, tells how while the well-intentioned students carried out the exercise in a playful and boisterous manner, Xiao Yan, the only boy in the class who really has desires to crossdress, remains silent and hides his longing.
From Taiwanese writer, director and producer Angel I-Han Teng, 'Rose Skirt' is a queer coming-of-age short that depicts the ambiguity of growing gender consciousness in teenagers. Yan, the teenage protagonist of the story, faces his desire for feminine expressions while struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. Is it internalized homophobia? Is it homophobia? The truth is that he is afraid to admit his true self to everyone.
Starring Xiang-Dao ChenKey, Yi Rou Kao and Etsen Chen, the film continues the filmography of a filmmaker interested in addressing issues related to identity, gender, feminism and human rights with a subtle sensitivity.
These themes are addressed by the filmmaker since her first work as a screenwriter of 'Bao Bao' (親愛的卵男日記), from 2018, directed by Shie Guang Cheng, or 'The Fragrance of the First Flower', winner of the Gold Award in the GagaOOLala Pitching Sessions, and 'A Balloon's Landing'(我在這裡等你), from 2024, among other film pieces.
The short film addresses a conflict already seen before, but from a different angle. When society downplays the issue and affirms that a man, regardless of his sexuality, can wear women's clothing, they drown out the voices of those who really want to cross-dress.
In a subtle way, the filmmaker uses this conflict to weave a deeper and more delicate narrative. But what is striking is that the short film is set in Taiwan, the only territory in Asia where LGBT+ people have achieved some social and human rights achievements, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage.
The filmmaker's message is that, despite what has been achieved, the members of this human group still suffer from misunderstandings and humiliations, which generate fears and insecurities. The objective of the film is clear and forceful: to point out that Taiwanese LGBT+ people must still continue the fight for full recognition of their human rights.

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Unlike audiovisuals from other latitudes in which the acting couple rarely meets again in another program in the same role, Thai BL series usually pair the actors, especially when there is chemistry and they are popular with the public.
This is the case of Jumpol Adulkittiporn (Off) and Atthaphan Poonsawas (Gun). With the formation of OffGun, both have participated in numerous projects, from the first of them in 'Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey' (2016) and 'Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey 2' (2017), 'Theory of love' ( 2019) and the critically and fan-acclaimed 'Not Me' (2021), and in the special anthology of couples boys love titled 'Our Skyy', from 2018.
With the drama 'Cooking Crush', of the romantic comedy, food and BL genre, released in November 2023 on the GMM25 network, the two reappear. Like good wine, both actors, now 33 and 30 years old, respectively, underpin their artistic talent and consolidate themselves as ships within the BL universe.
The series reminds me of one of the most famous romantic comedies in history, 'Pretty Woman', from 1990 and directed by the American Garry Marshall. In it, the protagonist (Richard Gere) hires a prostitute (Julia Roberts) to accompany him for a few days, and they end up loving each other.
In 'Cooking Crush' the characters also come from two different social strata: Ten (Off), a rich medical student, hires Prem (Gun), a humble cooking student, to teach him how to prepare exquisite food dishes.
Prem dreams of becoming a chef who revolutionizes the culinary art. Determined to compete in a reality show that will choose the best chef in the nation, he must improve his culinary skills. That is the reason why he accepts Ten's proposal. Prem uses this as an opportunity to make money. The clash between both worlds will end up causing both of them to end up deeply in love.
A skilful script written by Pong Pattarawalai Wongsinwises, Noolek Sureechay Kaewses, M Rittikrai Kanjanawiphu and an effective staging, in addition to the good work of the two protagonists, allows us to find ourselves before a sentimental and romantic comedy with a lot of fairy tale and little of everyday reality.
The main characters add depth and emotion to the plot. The series promises a mix of touching moments and immersive drama, as both boys navigate between Ten's causes of stress and Prem's desire to overcome challenges.
The Thai setting adds a unique cultural backdrop to the seductive love story between medical consultation rooms and kitchens, offering viewers a captivating journey through the complexities of discovering sexuality and romance. While the information provided provides insight into the series, watching it will certainly offer a more complete and immersive experience.
'Cooking Crush' stands out with its tone of sentimental and romantic comedy and a talented cast, also composed of Pakin Kunaanuwit (Mark) as Dynamite, and Jaruwat Cheawaram (Dome) as Samsi. These two, along with Prem, will make a trio of friends. It also features Trai Nimtawat (Neo) as Fire and Warawut Poyim (Tum) as Metha, who make up the other friendly shortlist.
The members of these groups, who are not united by anything at the beginning, will not only find love in each other's members, but also strong ties of friendship and companionship. Together they will contribute humor to the program.
Rounding out the cast are Chatchawit Techarukpong (Victor) as Changma, Bhasidi Petchsutee (Lookjun) as Jane, Sukhapat Lohwacharin (Suam) as Bun, Pimwalee Phunsawat (Pim) as Paeng, and Lapisara Intarasut (Apple).
The trust in the ability of each of the members of the main couple in the other, and the way in which they promote each other, is striking. An example of this can be seen in the fact that Ten does not believe he has what it takes to succeed as a doctor and Prem encourages him. Prem, for his part, operates in a very competitive world such as culinary art, and if he has any doubt or circumstance, Ten supports him. Ten's love for Prem's cooking is what finally convinces him to sign up for Super Monster Chef.
Without being the best in the filmography of this acting duo, 'Cooking Crush' is a visual delight and fulfills its purpose as a romantic comedy, showing Off and Gun's undeniable chemistry while Ten and Prem flirt adorably in every interaction. . Theirs is a charming, beautiful, fun, natural and wonderful couple.
Although dynamite is so stable that generally new dynamite cartridges in good condition do not explode even if exposed to fire, Dynamite will not need a detonator and detonator to explode as soon as he meets Fire and encourages a fun game of cat between the two. and the mouse with a slight and subtle harassment on the part of the former at the beginning of the plot.
Without a doubt, 'Cooking Crush' is guaranteed to be popular for various reasons. The breadth of social media, such as YouTube and others, allows more people to connect with this and other BL series. The Western mentality is today much more open to viewing (without prejudice or hatred) content that is part of the LGTBIQ+ community. And finally, a growing need for the viewer to have the possibility that all sexual diversities can be expressed through the artistic formats within their reach.
Just as 'Cooking Crush' is another successful Thai BL by being a media product with an undeniable communication effect, we, as viewers, must be able to appreciate the content without ignoring its hidden meaning.
However, I must add the following criticism: throughout the history of film and television, homosexuals have been portrayed in a stereotypical way or in roles of ruthless killers, disturbed suicides, caricatures of human beings. On many occasions their effeminacy was exaggerated so that an audience could distinguish the gay characters without words. In this way, the audience could easily identify them as homosexuals because they reflected the clichés that still existed in society towards them. These consisted of portraying them as extremely mannered, prim characters, with thin mustaches and often grotesquely made up. In addition to repudiating this “perverted behavior,” filmmakers and television channels or film companies seek to provoke laughter in the viewer, since in comparison to them, men could feel more masculine and women more feminine.
This has been the case since the short film 'Lot in Sodom', by James Sibley Watson and Melville Webber, produced in 1933, which treated homosexuals as depraved sex-hungry satyrs. A film like 'Brokeback Mountain', by Ang Lee, from 2005, had to arrive, already in the 21st century, to present homosexuals to the general public as "common" men, with traditionally masculine appearance and without any type of pathology. that justified the presence of the character himself in the film.
This situation has been gradually transforming to the present day in which the major film and television production companies, especially European ones, pioneers in this subject, make films and series aimed almost exclusively at the LGBTIQ+ audience, showing more realistic characters and settings, films that are shown in commercial theaters or in the numerous film festivals on this theme that are held on all continents, or series broadcast on television channels in much of the world.
Although these current audiovisuals show how difficult it is to “come out of the closet” and project to the viewer the reality in which homosexuals find themselves, series like 'Cooking Crush' do not escape from reveling in stereotyping queer characters. Thus we see how Prem's three fellow students and also participants in the culinary contest, only with competitive, malicious objectives, are able to constantly harass and mock another member of that human collective.

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A poorly “parked” relationship on the race track

Cinema and television, like all art that reflects the society in which they develop, have shown the trafficking of children through notable films, documentaries and television series. Numerous films and television programs expose this illegal practice and many of them are based and inspired by real-life cases.
Asian dramas are committed to bringing all genres to the public, including those in which their protagonists have a romantic bond combined with supernatural powers.
Has the fact that Thailand is a point of origin, destination and transit of human trafficking aroused the interest of Nopachai Jayanama (Peter), as director, and Kanokphan Ornrattanasakul and Issaraporn Kuntisuk, as scriptwriters, to tell us in 'Pit Babe' a story that mixes homosexual romance, sport, intrigue, action, human trafficking, fantasy and supernatural powers?
This drama, an adaptation of the web novel by _alittlebitch, winks at Thai reality: the value of child victims of human trafficking does not lie in using them as sexual slaves, in forced labor or to extract their organs for commercialization, but in possessing special powers.
Are we facing a social drama of denunciation of human commerce? I would like this to be its purpose, but consistent with its BL condition, 'Pit Babe' will enhance the romance. This arises between Babe (Naret Promphaophan-Pavel), the king of the racetrack, and Charlie (Krittin Kitjaruwannakul-Pooh), his supporter.
Will the series have a hidden message? How many of Tony's “sons” among the superpowered children are gay men today? Babe, Charlie, Jeff, Kenta, Pete, Way...? That is, the main characters with powers who were raised-educated by the person dedicated to human trafficking ended up being homosexuals. Is there a hidden message in this, simple coincidence or something of “destiny”?
Babe is a very popular racing driver and admired by everyone. His achievements in the sport have led him to be considered number one. Among his followers is Charlie, a young man who wants to be a racing driver like him. However, he does not have the money or the contacts necessary to achieve it. Therefore, he looks for an opportunity to get closer to the leader of X Hunter. When he succeeds, he asks for your help and to lend him a car so he can materialize his aspirations. The only solution he can think of is to reach a strange agreement with Babe. Against logic, he agrees to help Charlie realize his dream.
On this journey, will Babe be able to win Charlie's heart? Will he lose the race he most wants to win this time? Will Charlie be the one interested in captivating the racing driver? Will the relationship that began as a game triumphantly cross the finish line to become a real romance?
The most notable thing about the series is its exciting scenes and the attractiveness of the actors.
There is a secondary couple, made up of Alan and Jeff.
The cast also includes Supanut Lourhaphanich (Nut), as Way; Obrnithi Leelavetchabutr (Ping), as Pete; Natthapong Pathong (Benz), as Kim; Asre Wattanayakul (Lee), as Dean; Hemmawich Khwanamphaiphan (Sailub), as Alan; Thanapon Aiemkumchai (Pon), as Jeff; Michael Kiettisak (Michael), as North; Pataraphol Wanlopsiri (Pop), as Winner; Pantach Kankham (Garfield), as Kenta; Supakorn Saokhor (TopTen), as Sonic; and Vorarit Vaijairanai (S), as Tony
The chemistry between the protagonists and the bed scenes fail to lift a series whose characters are unrealistic and undeveloped. Pavel and Pooh have charisma and are attractive, but the script does not help their relationship connect with the viewer.
I must clarify that it is not that I find being 'passive' degrading. It's not that I assume that, in a relationship between two men, there is a "superiority" on the part of the one who is 'active' compared to the other who is 'passive', but the abrupt change in Babe's personality seems inconceivable to me. . This transformation comes at the same time as the loss of his powers, at the hands of Charlie.
Babe abandons his well-crafted playboy image for years. In all his previous relationships he played the role of seme or asset. In the words of the BL series themselves, he was, of the two, “the one on top.” He began his relationship with Charle by assuming this role in bed. Suddenly, without a convincing explanation, Babe becomes Charlie's uke. Babe swaps to play the role of the “bottom.” So, you would have to ask yourself: Did the loss of his precious powers lead him to be the passive one in their relationship? Didn't this move cause a loss in his character's potential?
Despite being in front of the cameras practically all the time, the actor who plays Charlie fails to connect with me emotionally. They are not facilitating emotions, but hindering emotions that are transmitted to me by a character who fails to sensitize me. By not feeling or understanding Charlie's emotions and feelings, I cannot essentially grasp whether it is love or just sex that drives him. Only his acting stands out in the sex scenes. Note that I do not say “when making love.”
The transformation of the character played by Nut, already in the final moments, is not logical either. About an obvious thing, the incurable remorse that must have accompanied Way throughout much of his life for betraying Babe for years, causing the rift between him and the man he loves, as well as many, if not all, of the problems that have hit to the positive characters by being infiltrated into their ranks, Way's evolution from evil to purity, from darkness to light is narratively constructed, sustained by the effort to achieve the viewer's identification with the traitor. It is necessary to save it, the creators thought.
Way drinks with Pete because “he wants to make the situation better.” He doesn't know “what to do next.” He does not know if “what I have always believed is the right thing.” He asks Pete why he decided to leave Dad, and Pete tells him, “Because the truth is not what I thought… I decided to leave to end the vicious cycle that Dad had created.” And he tells her that she still has the chance to choose what she wants to do. Way has been asked to show the despondency caused by guilt. Way has had the option all his life to choose the right path, but he has decided to be by Tony's side, even knowing what this means. But suddenly, some words from Pete whispered in his ear between sips of liquor and a few pats on the back invite him to “do the right thing.” And this would not be a problem if they had gotten rid of the rampant schematism in the character design and the all-too-evident desire to redeem him.
A story that fails to convince, clumsily designed characters, characters lacking development and therefore generating empathy, limitations in the explanation of the characters' decision making, poverty in the development of events and irregularities regarding changes of personality, are several of the main characteristics of the drama.
Peter throws together a few tropes and too many clichés. With fewer ambitions and fewer plot holes, perhaps the series would have become a full-throttle, full-speed car swallowing up the race track.

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Sexual tension, laughter and change from reality to fantasy from the first to the last frame

What would happen if you are in love with your roommate, but you don't dare to declare your feelings because he has a girlfriend and because, like you, he is a boy?
If you had a friend or the possibility of consulting an oracle or a fortune teller, you would surely ask them for advice and they would suggest that you forget about it, that you put an end to it and move to another room, or that you be honest with him and yourself and tell him. You will confess your love in the hope of being reciprocated.
But what if you decide to ignore them and, instead, you let the fantasy escape and every situation in which you get involved with your bedroom partner you daydream and recreate all kinds of homoerotic encounters in your imagination?
Jung Jen Pao and Tony Shih, the directors of the LGBT+-themed Taiwanese romantic comedy pilot miniseries 'RoomMatch Series Pilot' (Room Match Series, Lai Tong G Ba, Lai Tung G Pa, 来同G吧), are new filmmakers who Between October and November 2022 they released the first three episodes trying to find the funds to make the complete series.
Following the classic sitcom patterns, but without the applause of the audience in the recording studio, 'RoomMatch Series Pilot' is a fresh miniseries, full of clichés and stereotypes but funny.
The premise is simple and effective: Joey (Yu Hao Chen) is a foolish and innocent student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at HTU and shares a dormitory with Dick (Jung Jen Pao, who in addition to directing also writes the script), who is an assistant to teaching of Mechanical Engineering. Dick loves to bother Joey and invade his privacy, which creates problems and tension between the two. However, something happens that causes their relationship to change.
The entanglements between the dorm mates, the tangible chemistry, the sexual interactions, the growing sexual tension, the change from reality to fantasy, the dynamic expectation versus reality, and between jokes recreating numerous homosensual and hilarious scenes, such as the reaction to being kissed by someone who has just vomited, they end up working and the chapters, very short, are fun and leave you wanting more.
Those who enjoy youth and university scenarios and coming-of-age and coming-out can bet on this miniseries, which is also a fun exploration of youth from the confusion of sexual awakening and the problems of coexistence of two people. very opposite in a student residence.
With a constructive narrative, tight script, incredible cinematography and production, fun music, solid performances, good direction, to which small animated segments are incorporated, the miniseries opens debate on the theory of the vibe of love or the mechanics of love and becomes a very realistic portrait of "somewhat strange" roommates.
One of the comedies with the most viewers on YouTube in the last year and a half since its premiere, and I can't explain why it hasn't found the necessary funds to continue developing the events and characters until achieving a broader and more ambitious series.
There are few things more grateful than clicking the "Next episode" button on a good comedy and romantic series after a day of hard work or study. And 'RoomMatch Series Pilot' gets it done from the first frame to the last.

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Tragic romance comes to life

It was a rainy afternoon when their eyes met. As they held their gaze, the world stopped for them and an unknown energy exploded their bodies.
Mitsuru was waiting at the school entrance for the weather to improve, since he didn't bring an umbrella today. Koichi, his classmate, was more foresighted, and is now at his side offering him his. Despite being in the same class, it is the first time they interact. From that moment on, through their eyes, they will continue to look into the depths of their souls.
Oumi Mitsuru (Inoue Sora) is a quiet and introverted high school student who is highly intelligent but not good at socializing. He spends lunchtime alone, away from everything and everyone, while maintaining a cold, distant relationship with his father, a very busy hospital director. On the contrary, Yamada Koichi (Komiya Rio) is a bright, talkative, cheerful and popular boy with many friends in his class.
One of the two has to take the next step. And they cannot deny the strong attraction they feel due to their opposite personalities. Armed with courage, Koichi starts the first conversation and asks if they can be friends. This is how they establish an uncomfortable friendship that evolves between their school lunches without much conversation,
Just as the two begin a romantic relationship, Koichi tragically dies in a car accident, but in an even bigger twist, he wakes up from the dead as if nothing happened. The devastating tragedy sets the somber tone for the rest of the series, but also introduces an innovative twist, adding complexity and creativity to the narrative.
"He's not dead, he's a walking corpse," Mitsuru insists to his classmates who can still see the teenager, but who are slowly beginning to forget about his existence. But sooner or later, the two young lovers will have to accept the truth: the strange miracle of Koichi's walking corpse will not last long.
With excellent acting, writing, direction and overall production values, 'Eien no Kino' (Eternal Yesterday/ 永遠の昨日) is an epic live-action adaptation of author Yuuri Eda's masterpiece, featuring a dark theme of love between boys. Life and death, sex and adolescence mixed, a unique definition of teenage BL. That quote in itself is a clue to the heartbreaking nature of this Japanese romantic, school and youth drama from 2022. It is worth highlighting the imagination, sensitivity, creativity and brilliance of the film discourse.
While the story could have been a strange, over-the-top comedy-drama, it has a surprisingly touching plot about love and loss.
I am powerfully captured by the idea of ​​this iconic BL couple who refuses to lose love despite death and pain.
With discreet humor and a moving and emotional dramatic story, at the same time peculiar and unconventional, 'Eternal Yesterday' will keep the viewer glued to the couch until they see the final credits roll in the eighth and final episode, each lasting about 24 minutes. one.
The powerful story, the moving romance and the profound messages will draw the viewer's attention in this work, directed by Kobayashi Keiichi. 'Eien No Kinou' is an eccentric supernatural romance that explores delicate themes such as death, family relationships, coming of age, friendships and rejection, among others.
A mysterious premise, an attractive cast, the fun and at the same time melancholic vibe, and its powerful musical themes, opening: "Sunshower", by Ayumu Imazu, and closing: "Toi Natsu no Hi", by Kubo Aoi, are a guarantee of visual delight. The background music serves as a support to wonderfully recreate the atmosphere of the scenes without causing any distraction.
High praise for the two telegenic leads. In addition to his attractive appearance, Komiya Rio's change of register is pleasantly surprising by adopting a new personality, embodying a "living corpse", and incorporating various emotions: he has become strange, lonely, passionate and even mocking and funny, but He has a tendency to be sweet and romantic.
While to achieve naturalness when playing his role as Tanaka in 'Takara kun to Amagi kun' he needed to give his character a slightly mischievous touch, the same honesty could only be achieved by giving Koichi the same kind of vibes, but in a different way. It is in the eyes of the actor where you can see the talent and maturity achieved by the artist in his profession. Komiya Rio manages to play two similar characters in two BL series, but giving them a different feel.
Ductile, chameleon-like, Rio is perfect in capturing the dual traits of his character: on the one hand, the cheerful and optimistic student, on the other, that of the teenager who burns with the desire to love the boy he has fallen in love with.
For his part, Inoue Sora, as the moody, reserved but intellectual Mitsuru, plays in a very nonchalant manner, first by discovering that he has been in love with Rio's character all along, and second by revealing a fragility behind his touching and disturbing behavior. .
It is passionate in its struggle to accept the pain of losing the person you love. Their facial expressions, body language and expressive eyes convey a true marathon of emotions. He shows an apparent calm on the outside, but in truth a bloody storm of emotions has been unleashed inside him, and he appears too afraid to let his feelings be perceptible to others.
Another detail that demonstrates this actor's strong performance lies in how his character conveys the impression that he can spend time with his dead lover in the present, when in reality he is trapped in the past.
Unlike many romantic relationships between boys seen in various BL, that of Mitsuru and Koichi is full of symbolism, love, sexual tension and substance. My only regret is that the series didn't develop more of the early stages of falling in love.
With dazzling chemistry, the director manages to make the boys act with different personalities. The dynamics of the actors are slow, but you can see how they move towards a blossoming love relationship, which continues even after the tragedy, because neither boy is reluctant to let the other go.
I recommend watching the picnic scene, because it is so moving and sweet.
The sad ending does not surprise anyone, although I admit I expected some kind of miracle or that everything had been the result of the dream or imagination of one of the characters. It is the closure that Mitsura had feared from the beginning and that viewers are also subtly warned about. But its conclusion manages to meet the objectives set of addressing topics such as trauma and loss, especially in a love story between boys, managing to surpass many other dramas of this genre.

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Among the best of the BL genre

'My School President' (แฟนผมเป็นประธานนักเรียน / Faen Phom Pen Prathan Nakrian) is a charming coming-of-age school boy love comedy (BL).
Through conflict, music and performances, the series will transport us to a dream world of teenage crushes, friendships and the search for happiness through love and fulfillment.
The series promises a charming romantic fantasy, a good dose of comedy and excellent music, performed by the same protagonists, which will ensure that the viewer, regardless of age, enjoys romance and youthful optimism, while discovering or rediscovering, as the case may be, happiness and teenage love.
With a narrative that carries surprisingly mature and thoughtful messages, the drama addresses significant themes about family, friendship, sexuality, love, the search for happiness, the realization of dreams, the dichotomy between fighting to achieve your goals and commit to reality.
Gun (Fourth - Nattawat Jirochtikul) is the leader and vocalist of Chinzhilla, the student musical group. Win (Winny - Thanawin Pholcharoenratm), Por (Ford - Arun Asawasuebsakul), Me (Captain - Passatorn Koolkang) and Pat (Prom - Theepakorn Kwamboon) are the remaining members of the five-boy band, who hope to compete at the Hot Wave Music Awards and win the annual contest.
This will be their last chance before graduating from the high school where they are their senior year. Next year, each one will have taken a different path and perhaps they will never meet again in their lives.
But it seems that everything is turning against him to frustrate his plans. They do not have a good reputation in the eyes of the director (Tao - Sarocha Watittapan), who is determined to put an end to the gang. It turns out that in the last edition of the musical event, the then members of the group caused problems, so Chinzhilla does not have the support of the school authorities. That Gun has been elected president of the music club does not seem to change the situation. What's more, I would say that it is the reason why the club's hours of life are numbered.
For the same reason, young musicians do not have the necessary musical instruments, and they often see how the club room is in danger of being taken over for other functions outside their usual function, so they would lose the space in which to rehearse. .
Although the friends were not part of the previous gang, the five have gained a reputation for being wayward students who are only interested in video games or cooking and eating barbecued pork in their club room.
Fearing that his band will fail, Gun decides to run for Student Council president. This would be the option to preserve the club, since the school regulations establish that whoever holds this position controls the extracurricular clubs.
But once again the world seems to conspire against him. Despite the brilliant campaign with which he intends to win the vote of the rest of the students, Tinn (Gemini - Norawit Titicharoenrak), the director's son and also a final year student, wins the elections by describing Gun as irresponsible and unkind. reliable enough to lead others.
An abyss opens up before both students. They have never been friends in the past. And now Tinn will try to torpedo any effort by the young musicians to keep the club open, under the threat that those clubs that do not generate profits for the school will be closed.
Gun has no choice but to make a pact with the enemy. This is how he becomes a servant of the president of the Student Council. What Gun doesn't know is that Tinn has a hidden agenda.
Why is 'My School President' a series above the others of its genre?
Several reasons are what make this a very special series. Let's start by stating that despite having a plot that does not break with those that precede it, the way in which it is structured is far from what is usual in the BL genre.
The writing of the series takes a non-linear form. Thanks to this, the episodes have their own mini story arcs while advancing the development of the characters and events through said arcs. In this way, each episode has to satisfy the need to resolve the conflicts presented with unusual speed. This brings the advantage of the possibility of exploring feelings and actions in an appropriate and spontaneous way. As a result, the relationship between Tinn and Gun is one of the most striking within the genre, despite being so young and having high school as the setting.
This is how 'My School President' explores each stage of Gun and Tinn's relationship. The two begin as adversaries, but their romance evolves along an exciting journey of discovery and acceptance, in which they will be accompanied by their friends.
The excellent performances. This is another reason why the series stands out above others. The drama is full of well-designed and structured characters. Fourth and Gemini have shown both their artistic talent and the fact that they are an enjoyable couple in 'My School President' as well as in 'Moonlight Chicken' and 'Our Skyy2'. The histrionics of the two protagonists reveal to us, once again, an organic, tender and beautiful homosexual love relationship that is, possibly, one of the most beautiful that Thai BL has given us.
Tinn and Gun are the perfect couple. The actors who play these characters, Fourth and Gemini, conquer the audience with their dazzling charisma and physical attractiveness.
Fourth is the typical teenage heartthrob and dreamer with charming looks. Who doesn't fall in love with her smile and her captivating eyes? For his part, Gemini is the sincere, enthusiastic boy, with high doses of mischief deployed to deceive everyone, especially Gun, with the intention of getting closer to him and conquering his heart. Together they are explosive, adorable and give off awesome vibes. Both have a chemistry like few other ships. The compatibility, the comfort of each other is evident, achieving very tender and natural romantic interactions.
Another aspect to highlight is that BL series have evolved over time and today seek to expand their areas to explore new plots about the love relationship between boys, moving away from those budgets that placed the stories and characters in high schools or universities. However, many of them fail to really explore the premise of the stated plot.
'My School President' overcomes this situation, but it does so by returning to the essence of the genre, telling a romantic comedy story set in high school about Tinn's long and secret crush on Gun.
The first great strength of the series lies in its simple and unpretentious plot, surpassing the concept of high school BL.
Experienced in telling BL stories, director Kornprom Niyomsil (Au) and screenwriters Pongsate Lucksameepong (Bee) and Pratchaya Thavornthummarut, who have worked and collaborated, both together and individually, on classics such as 'Oxygen', 'Theory of Love', 'Dangerous Romance', 'Vice Versa', 'Bad Buddy', '2gether: The Movie', 'Still 2gether', 'KinnPorsche', 'Our Skyy 2', 'Last Twilight', 'Dark Blue Kiss' , and many others, and they have learned from the mistakes and successes of their predecessors to produce a series that seeks perfection.
Music is another of the sections that reaches notes of excellence. The BL series have incorporated music to show the evolution of the couple's love relationship, whether they are the main or secondary ones.
While '2gether The Series' uses the discography of Scrubb, a famous Thai band, in 'My School President' it is the cast themselves who sing the songs that make up its soundtrack. Unlike other dramas, the actors in the series know how to sing and do it well as they are boys with great musical and dancing talent. If we look at the artists' biographies the reader will know what I mean.
No wonder the series premieres at least one song in each episode, dedicated to describing the events told in such a natural way that it combines with the non-linear narration of the program.
We cannot ignore that the series is structured around a music club and its band of musicians. Hence, the creators excelled in bringing to the screen the interpretation of different musical genres and styles. In this way, we find the same with the classic Thai song, the modern Thai pop song (T-Pop), the folk, urban pop, the ballad, the rock music, the musical theater or the original song written specifically for the program under GMMTV Records. In this sense 'My School President' reveals itself to us as a musical BL, something little exploited in the genre.

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The redefinition of first love

Heartwarming, funny, bittersweet and unforgettable, 'My Friend Is Still Alive' (내 친구는 아직 살아있다 / Nae Chinguneun Ajik Sal-aissda), 2013 KBS drama special, revolves around high school students Chi Hyun (Lee Joo Seung, from 9 Seconds - Eternal Time) and Myung Soo (Kim Chang Hwan), who always take care of their best friend Kyung Sook (Lee Gi Kwang, from Me Too, Flower), who has been fighting leukemia for years.
To accompany him in his most difficult moments, they shave their heads as a sign of affection and affection, take him to the beach, tell him jokes and make fun of him, always with the aim of making him smile.
Instead of talking about how sad the situation is, the three prefer to clown around and talk about their non-existent love lives and make plans for the future.
The doctor will tell Kyung Sook one day that he is improving and the next he describes a discouraging and Dantesque panorama. Faced with uncertainty, Kyung Sook decides to make a list of last wishes that he wants to fulfill if he has to die young. His last wish is to kiss his first love before he dies, but he has never experienced falling in love.
So, Chi Hyun and Myung Soo set out on a mission to find a girl who can become the dying friend's first love with very funny results.
If you are new to K-dramas you should know that "first loves" are essentially the ones that matter the most, as they will be remembered for a lifetime.
In the process, they meet Kook Hwa (Jeon Soo Jin - "kook"), and manage to convince her that Kyung Sook is in love with her. This is how the two young people connect. The three boys decide to hide the truth from Kook Hwa about Kyung Sook's illness, despite recognizing that it is not fair to her. But when the sick person's health deteriorates, the time comes when it will be difficult for them to maintain the lie.
What will happen? Will Kyung Sook be able to give the long-awaited first kiss before he dies? That question is answered in one of the most beautiful and moving scenes in all the romantic comedies in history.
But before you get there, your heart will skip a beat when you hear the dying man tell his friend Chi Hyun one of the most beautiful lines in all the romantic comedies of all time: "The things I wanted to do with my first love, Come to think of it, I did them with you. We rode our bikes together. We fed each other. We watched the stars together. We spent the night together. I've done all those things for the first time with you. Every one of them. It's not I may like a man, but when I think about it, my first love was you. I did a lot of things with you, friend. So I may not have my first kiss, but at least I have a first love before I die."
Directed by Lee Eung Bok and scripted by Go Jung Won, 'My Friend Is Still Alive' brings a rollercoaster of emotions, showing a wonderful and touching story of friends and love.
With male bonding as its main theme, actors Lee Gi Kwang and Lee Joo Seung deliver dynamic and surprisingly realistic performances. Shocking to see how the friendship and love between these friends developed in a really nice balance, and how they redefined first love.
Yes, it is a BL romantic comedy or love between boys, although it does not follow the same channels that the genre has accustomed us to. But more than highlighting the issue, what interests me most here is appreciating the film as an unsurpassed exponent of comedy as a model of what is inherent to the comic event on screen, of the relationship between hilarity and reflection, of the timing and tone of comedy.
Lee Eung Bok starts from the fundamental pillar of comedy: a generic device mounted on the careful premise of provoking laughter in a situation that is supposedly antithetical to the genre (illness, death, pain), a neat and well-crafted script; asset accompanied in his film by attributes such as class, containment in the underlining, a narrative fluidity that juxtaposes, with high craftsmanship in the assembly, each of the scenarios of expression of the situations of hilarity.
The director of 'School', 'Dream High' and 'Descendants of the Sun', among other dramas and films, learned in 'My Friend Is Still Alive' the lesson given by the genre in its classic aspect: defined characters; comic effectiveness; place for the farcical-irrational; dialogues elaborated on the reel of a spiral of stinging retorts; direct planning; simple narrative structure, but full of spark and mischief; maintained pulse and constant rhythm; actors who exude poise in superb compositions whose effectiveness is supported by intelligent editing, always concerned with cutting in time before killing the gag.

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Love at first sight with the smell of perfume

Is there love at first sight? A question that always sparks debate between passionate defenders of instant chemistry and those who claim that it is impossible for two people to fall in love with the first look.
Peet, the protagonist of 'Scent of Love', agrees with the first criterion, as he is convinced of the love he feels for Bass from the moment he meets him, despite not even a few words having passed between them.
We can assure you that they meet in the most cliché way possible: they cross paths during the university's hazing rituals, on the same day of admission to the university. The chemistry between the two is not immediately perceptible, but it is latent, hidden, waiting for events.
However, later on, something happens that is also quite trite in romance comedies: the two strangers will meet in another place, but it will not be thanks to chance, what we call destiny, because Peet will cause it by following Bass to the club. theater in which he trains as an actor, with the aim of being as close as possible to him.
If this were real life, two people with different personalities who have never exchanged a word would never connect. But here, fantasy and the promise of a happy ending are on the side of the protagonists.
It is worth pointing out that the Thai microseries stars Din Teerapat Ruangritkul as Peet, and Fluk Chatchawan Jitraxtham as Bass, whom we have also seen as the main couple of the series 'My Secret Love', from 2022.
Enjoyable enough, the two actors create what could be a throwaway story of love at first sight between two university students, a very common theme in the BL genre.
The protagonists play two university students who form a love bond that, although it seems impossible, the brief audiovisual production, which overflows with good intentions, sweetness and tenderness, all captured in a wonderful way, demonstrates that love knows no barriers.
We could say that this is a story about two soul mates. We have Peet, a cute, introverted, shy but mischievous first-year college student, who secretly loves Bass, a handsome sportsman from a senior year, a lover of theater and popular with his fellow students, especially the girls. girls.
Peet doesn't know how to react to the person he loves. First of all, they are both men, in a society in which, although homosexuality is legal, same-sex marriage and homosexual relationships are not recognized. And secondly, he is convinced that Bass is in love with Jang, the actress trainee.
And in the presence of Bass, while they are rehearsing a play, Peet always gets nervous and cannot articulate a word, not even to say his lines from the script of the play they are practicing, so Bass has ordered him to improve his performance or He left the group, this being the third reason why he is sure he lives a one-sided love. But by then, the rapprochement between the two boys, both physically and emotionally, had already begun... although they might still be unaware of it.
Will they be able to be together even though the world seems to turn against them? That is the question that remains throughout the almost 12 minutes of footage that, however short it may seem to us, the film is charming enough to please viewers looking for romance, for its charming characters, the tender story and attention to detail in the visual.
The Thai entertainment industry has proven once again that it has the right formula to revive the genre and satisfy an audience that craves authentic and heartwarming love stories. Personally, I liked the way the plot was executed, subtly exploring the personal stories of the characters, before we suddenly came to understand that the love is mutual.
'Scent of Love' hooks you from the beginning and in no time you've finished it. The charisma of the characters, the music of Kham Susira and, obviously, the looks of the lovers, make this piece one of those that we can't stop sighing over, due to its many romantic and poetic elements that give it a good touch. to the history.
To some it may seem like more of the same within the BL genre, but it is also easy to fall surprisingly under its cheesy and sentimental spell.
Yes, boy meets boy. They fall in love. The rest is history? No, history will unfold before our eyes, as we will be faithful witnesses to the birth of a romance. Many romantic television and film works revolve around this basic proposal for every love story. 'Scent of Love' takes the same starting point, but seeks, in turn, to tell its story in terms of commercially advertising a perfume from the Mith Bangkok company. This may seem negative to many, and they are right, but it will not be the first or the last time in which small works that do not have a budget have to succumb to the realization of a whim at the service of a transnational company. But, luckily, on this occasion the film product does not come out badly.
The creators' style highlights somewhat bland characters, but with a background in each one that is worth exploring.
The microseries is made for fans of the romantic genre and makes it clear that its objective is to portray love, acceptance, self-discovery, sexual diversity, the search for happiness and coming of age, themes explored through the dynamics of the main characters.
The photography enjoys very bright colors and, at times, the creators' intention is for Din and Fluk to feel like the center of the universe. By falling in love so suddenly, the rest of the universe seems to not exist. For this reason, the stage in which they practice the play, and especially the classroom where they finally have the conversation that everyone is waiting for, were perfect to get their romance started.
With a little luck, the two lovers will meet in the most traditional way, find the right words, and taking the next step will be a huge, but happy and charming challenge.

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Loneliness in love

Among the various contradictory situations that human beings experience throughout their lives, the relationships they establish with their peers are one of the most enigmatic. On the one hand, we are beings who naturally seek company and, in fact, it was thanks to our ability to socialize and live in groups that we survived and evolved as a species.
However, at the same time, building relationships comes with some difficulties. For various reasons, loneliness, isolation or some other form of these conflicts prevails over the natural inclination to company, preventing connection with others and even with the world around us.
Throughout their history, film and television have explored these setbacks from different perspectives. In some cases, having as a premise that loneliness is a symptom of complex emotional states, in others as an effect of the social alienation fostered by the world-system in which we live, and on other occasions seeing loneliness that is experienced as a transition necessary towards something more.
'Lonely Connections', by Joselito Altarejos, addresses the deeply human and existentialist theme of loneliness in love. Does feeling alone, despite being accompanied, mean having to give up love? On the contrary, the person who feels lonely in a relationship wants love, but at the same time is very aware of the type of relationship they need and what they expect from their partner. Perhaps it is precisely because of this awareness that finding the right person is not easy.
The viewer is faced with a reflection on how human beings face, in an intimate way, the search for happiness and their own identity. Loneliness may not be the best theme for a series or a film, since it does not need to be dramatic, energetic and, of course, happy or romantic. But it is a fundamental part of our human nature and a feeling that we have all felt at least once in our lives.
The famous Filipino filmmaker starts from this reality to tell us a story that shows that having a relationship with another person is no guarantee of feeling loved and accompanied. Feeling loneliness, indifference and emptiness on the part of the other person should make us reflect on the health of the relationship itself. When these events occur it is because there is real wear and tear, and decision-making is needed.
The characters of the series find themselves in a gray atmosphere, full of monotony, tedium, and depersonalized beings. They are solitudes that come together, recognizing new faces and new voices from the crowd. In six episodes lasting about 15 minutes on average, 'Lonely Connections' fills its footage with small gestures while they, the actors, without shyness or modesty, have hard and hot sex, while exposing their erect penises in front of the computer screen , showing themselves to whoever is on the other side of it, knowing in what is nothing more than a fleeting moment within their lives.
As an example of Altarejo's stylistic mastery, which makes every scene overflow with beauty and excess, the series reflects on maturity, heartbreak, the search for happiness, the need to feel connected to someone and the feeling of wanting to escape and live. at that moment. It deals with the loneliness of the individual in the couple since, despite having someone by their side, the characters are characterized by a deep loneliness framed by unhappiness.
But the series adds a new ingredient: it takes advantage of the quarantine and social isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, to make loneliness more palpable and raw.
With dark photography and a sad, melancholic soundtrack, the series explores heartbreak and loneliness, but also invites us to reflect on the relevance of being with a person who loves you and loves you just as you are, rather than surrounding yourself with people. with which you will never feel accompanied and happy. The same thing happens in relationships. You can establish a relationship with another person, and share your life with them, but you come to feel alone. It is loneliness in love.
We see in the miniseries people fully accompanied, but still feeling alone. They have sex, kiss, smile, feed their cats and watch vintage videos. There are betrayals, casual relationships, but also dissatisfaction, fear of coming out, breakups, and a constant search for love and happiness.
And from the point of view of the person who has stopped being loved: heartbreak opens up, something we must accept. Maybe the person we love stops loving us. And we must accept it. We can't force anyone to love us, and no matter how much it hurts us, we have to let them go their way. What is really important is that this breakup is as healthy as possible. If the person stops loving another, they must have enough courage and maturity to know how to end the relationship, without the other person suffering excessively from their indifference and emptiness.
One of the most heartbreaking moments, and most notable for its visual intensity, is a pure reflection of the loneliness shown through one of the protagonists, after having hot and explicit sex with his partner and another boy whom they invited to join in a threesome. . Four minutes of fixed camera on Sandino Martin, dancing alone to the beat of a melancholic melody, which defines the character's mood, on the record player, while he silently suffers his loneliness and drowns his sorrow in a solo dance, while moving the head repeatedly as a sign of boredom, dissatisfaction, sadness, lack of love and frustration. In the next room lies his lover, on the bed still burning from the heat of the naked bodies, who is deciding to abandon him so that he can be with the person he loves, who could very well be the person who formed the group a few moments ago. sexual theme.
The entire scene is being "observed", as a witness, by the poster for 'Unfried', a film directed by Joselito Altarejos himself in 2014, which also talks about the loneliness, anguish and obsession of a 15-year-old gay teenager. with social networks and how the viewer is taken on a nightmarish journey with the film's hero, David (Sandino Martin himself), whom Jonathan, his lover, abandoned just before Christmas, and turns to the screens of his cell phone, iPad and computer in a desperate attempt to prolong her connection, also lonely, with the boy she loves.
Joaquín, as the character is called, has seen how his love for the boy who sleeps next to him has withered. We don't know the reason, but one of the parties has lost interest in the other person, and is emotionally distancing themselves from them, making their counterpart notice the emptiness and loneliness. It is at that moment when the paths of both fork and go in opposite directions.
Through monologues rather than dialogues, we can see how often a person's own emotional wounds are the reason why they can isolate themselves from others, as well as the fact that there is nothing so painful to experience. how the loved person distances himself from us, and thus we experience his total indifference. Loving and not being loved is one of the most terrible life experiences. Loneliness in love generates very deep wounds in the soul.
In addition to the cinematographic style, the film also stands out for its soundtrack. In short, one of the most interesting series about loneliness in love in recent years and that defines the behaviors and situations of many people today.
What can be learned from this story? A heartbreaking image is shown of young people who, in reality, only want stability, but circumstances have gone against their wishes and, in this way, they find themselves in a state of loneliness that, combined with sadness and pain from the loss of love, make 'Lonely Connections' a visually captivating story.

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