All characters are flawed, there is no real hero or villain

KinnPorsche is largely amoral towards any crimes and mafia activity. It also hardly passes judgment on what kinds of behaviour are ‘wrong’ or questionable, merely serving as a mirror to reflect how the flaws of damaged humans.

The series vacillates between three poles: the dark (violence), the light (humour), and the fluffy (romance).

Kinn’s family and their bodyguards speak only one common language – violence. Entangled in a complex web of rivalries where their survival is threatened, Porsche quickly learns that trust is a commodity that few can afford in Kinn’s world.

Kinn is drawn to Porsche’s playful innocence and carefree nature. But the realisation sinks in quickly; there’s no way they can live like other ordinary couples. If only he could shed his skin and be rid of his responsibilities to become neither a leader of a mafia ring nor his father’s son – just Kinn, a man who wants to be with Porsche.

And here comes the fluffy part. At times, the relationship between Kinn and Porsche seems just like any other typical BL. They rain kisses on each other’s cheeks and whisper sweet nothings like teenagers in love.

The trailer for KinnPorsche created the impression that the series is sinister, violent, and moody. But the show turned out to be less dark than I expected. Personally, I found some of these supposedly humorous moments a little cringey to sit through – the worst of the lot being Porsche’s incompetent fails in the earlier episodes, which made him look unnecessarily immature and silly.

But overall, KinnPorsche is an amazing BL. With moral ambiguity, wild intimacy scenes (a word of caution: I strongly recommend you watch it with headphones), stunning fight sequences and a very different brand of ‘romance’ from what BL fans are used to, KinnPorsche is groundbreaking in its own right.

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/10/kinnporsche-2022-review-bl/
My analysis of the last episode + all unanswered questions here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/11/kinn-porsche-ending-explained/

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More food videography masterclass than BL

Unlike most Thai BLs, Bite Me moves at much slower pace. I’m fine with slow-moving shows but some scenes were needlessly sluggish.

The biggest problem is that it has an underdeveloped storyline, which is a real shame because the storyline between Aue and Aek got off to a promising start.

The BL gradually lost its way. The show was set up to hint at both Aek and Aue’s development chefs, but this was hardly addressed. The strangest thing was that the introduction of potential antagonists (Mu and Wiphob) also turned out to be quite unnecessary. None of these characters or tensions were properly fleshed out.

Bite Me definitely succeeded as a food videography masterclass because of all the artistic food preparation scenes. But as a BL with proper drama? Nah, not even close.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2021/11/27/bite-me-2021/

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Weak resolution & ending but the rest of the show works

The initial worry was that this would turn out to be another F4 Thailand-esque bully-redemption-arc type of story, but in the BL universe. If you’re reluctant to watch this because you think Kanghan’s character is going to be horribly problematic, well, I’d have to tell you that you’re kinda right. But it gets better real quick.

The first episodes are a hard(er) watch precisely because Kanghan’s character is downright insufferable and cringey. It’s nothing to do with Perth’s acting, mind you, but rather, demonstrating how Kanghan is in an awkward phase of his teenage life where he’s still processing his identity and self-worth.

Some commenters are quick to point out that Chimon doesn’t look like he’s too whipped for Perth, but I wouldn’t worry about this. The romance develops organically and has its sweet moments – more importantly, the actors are decent enough to carry the narrative.

It also has some pretty awesome side couples featuring Marc and Pawin. I’ve been following them since My Gear And Your Gown and I think they make a pretty good second couple.

In my opinion, though, the show also wasted a perfectly good opportunity to showcase more of Saifah and Name’s relationship, which had a completely different dynamic from Sailom and Kanghan.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/16/dangerous-romance-2023-bl-review/

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Unfair to hold it to typical BL standards

You can’t go in expecting typical BL material. But if you appreciate two troubled guys finding comfort in each other, this is it.

With a little reading between the lines, there is still plenty of evidence to suggest that their relationship goes beyond just friendship.

As a detective, Ichiro is a stickler for law and order. A lonely young man with a tragic past, he rarely lets anyone in, mostly keeping to himself. On the other side of the law, Shiro is a young and ruthless yakuza leader who turned to a life of vice and violence after his sister’s disappearance. While he has an outgoing exterior and nonchalant attitude, this only masks his deeper fears of abandonment.

Brought together by a chance encounter, the yakuza leader and the public security bureau officer discover a more profound connection than they expected. They are the unlikeliest of pairings but what can I say? Opposites attract.

A fairly wide range of characters propel the show forward. The backbone of the narrative is a sinister plot involving a network of politicians, agents and gang members. And this is really what drives the show. The relationship between Ichiro and Shiro is, unfortunately (and disappointingly for some), secondary.

But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the story for what it is. Even the is-this-BL-or-not ambiguity.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/01/kei-x-yaku-review-2022-unfair-to-hold-it-to-typical-bl-standards/
Analysis of why I think they're more than friends: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/01/kei-x-yaku-episode-breakdown-why-theyre-more-than-just-friends/

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Nothing much going on but maybe that was the point?

Living With Him comes across as chaste and unspectacular at certain points, but overall, it’s a feel-good watch that you’re bound to breeze through without too much difficulty.

Unlike some BLs that cram a lot of (unnecessary) conflict in the plot, Living With Him is the total opposite. Largely, Natsukawa spends his time wading in confusion while Kazuhito patiently waits for Natsukawa to realise his feelings. That’s the only real tension of the show.

Perhaps best described as a “slice of life BL” – a common hallmark of Japanese series – this is best watched if you aren’t in the mood for much stimuli and just want a chill show.

I personally would have preferred it if they had zoomed in more on the tension between the characters and their micro-interactions. A slower pacing, with long-drawn-out scenes showing their daily life as they navigate an ambiguous relationship, might have made this show a little more interesting.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/07/02/living-with-him-2024-bl-review/

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Cuter than expected!!

The main characters Moo and Kang come from different worlds but fate has brought them together in the random province of Nakhon Pathom, and showed them that home is a person, not a place.

Together, they have a relaxed but natural chemistry. My only complaint would be that this same chemistry could be said of close siblings. The romance aspect had to work a little harder for the story to be sold because the kisses seemed a little stiff and awkward.

Still, it’s a great effort from the two new actors, who currently still lack flourish and polish in their acting, but I’m certain they will get there given the right storyline and experiences.

It was a pleasant surprise that the storyline didn’t involve childish conflicts and misunderstandings, which are, sadly, all too common in high school and college BLs.

BUT. Special shoutout too to the side couple. I’m glad Aun got his time to shine with Only Boo. His relationship with co-star Ashi is a close-friends-turned-lovers type of arc, and truth be told, I’m a real sucker for it. Compared to the main couple, their moments felt more natural and romantic at some points.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/06/27/only-boo-2024-bl-review/

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Plot had real potential

25:00 in Akasaka is a meta-BL that explores the ambiguity of offscreen BL relationships and questions whether it’s possible for actors to completely extract themselves from the character they play. There are clever visual parallels as the filming sequences often mirror what actually unfolds in real life, only to be interrupted with an abrupt “CUT!” yelled by the director.

Unfortunately, the “I’ve loved you since the first time we met” trope is a wasted opportunity in this instance. 

In my opinion, it would have been far more interesting to watch their relationship develop organically from strangers to partners, driven mostly because of their on-set interactions. 

An underdeveloped theme of the series is how their (blossoming) personal relationship influences and affects their acting. Does the onscreen romance become more realistic if the intimacy grows? Or does the gaze just get more awkward? As they get more comfortable, how does that affect the way they move around each other?

Read more: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/2500-in-akasaka-bl-review-2

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It’s okay, but not really the best

The dynamic between Milk and Love take on an endearing quirkiness (without being too cringey) as their characters in 23.5 are the polar opposites of each other.

Like many other series, the conflict revolves around a lack of open communication. This is perhaps unsurprising since 23.5 is intended to be a fluffy show about high school life. Teenagers are still learning to navigate their way around relationships and issues, and it’s completely understandable if they are poor communicators.

At times, the cringey awkwardness of the characters in 23.5 serves as a reminder of how nobody magically has it all together. People grow into more evolved versions of themselves with more experience and wisdom gained.

But the main point is this: For teenagers, many things can feel like the end of the world. But with support and help from others, it’s possible to get through anything.

It’s okay, but not really the best. The show started off quite cute but lost steam towards the end with a weak conflict and ending.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/06/11/23-5-gl-review/

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Second chances come with baggage

The show speaks to anyone who have loved someone, lost that same someone, and now occasionally harbours thoughts of “what if?”

What this series does is to capture perfectly the anticipation of meeting an old flame for the second time. As attraction increases between them, so does the emotional vulnerability.

Takashi and Miyata have to confront the uncomfortable reality of why their relationship failed to work out before and whether there is hope for a second attempt.

After all, second chances come with baggage.

With just six episodes, the character growth of the characters could not be fleshed out fully. But I suspect that this BL is so popular because it mirrors real life to a large extent, revolving around the fragility of relationships and the importance of timing.

Sometimes, saying goodbye doesn’t mean losing someone forever. It means see you next time at another point in our lives.

See more reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/

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Reinventing Thai mythology for a modern romance

It’s quite hard to pinpoint the genre of this series because it combines so many – historical fantasy, true crime, comedy and BL — and rolls it into one jam packed series.

What I liked about The Sign is that it’s a uniquely Thai production and showcases the potential for Thai soft power.

The show is a real cultural treat as it weaves in the battle between the Naga and Garuda, spinning a rich tale of Thai mythology reimagined for modern times. At the heart of The Sign is a trope that we are not unfamiliar with; a Romeo and Juliet-esque tragedy, the forbidden romance that spans generations.

The Sign hasn’t gotten much publicity but it’s probably one of the more underrated BLs so far this year.

There’s nothing to hate about it. BUT save for the mythological element, which is unique to The Sign, there was also nothing particularly memorable about the storyline.

The story is well-paced but the ending proved to be on the weaker side. The resolution came a little too easily, and was rather abrupt and anticlimactic.

Overall, though, the show is still highly enjoyable because of Billy and Babe’s good onscreen chemistry – one of Billy’s many talents is having chemistry with anyone, even a plastic chair.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/04/07/the-sign-2023-bl-review/

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I wish this was a series instead

Tell The World I Love You tells a story about the latchkey youth of Bangkok, featuring a narrative littered with drugs, violence and endless cycles of revenge.

The film has no intimacy scenes. But somehow, it still manages to be rather romantic. It tells a story of various characters, each coping with their own loneliness and finding a reason to live (and die) because of other people.

I love that much of the film is drenched in a moody aesthetic, serving as a constant visual reminder of the characters’ loneliness. I wish this was a series instead so that they could spend more time fleshing out the story and the difficult/ambiguous life choices made by individuals.

Although expressed in different ways, “escape” is a recurring theme for these teenagers.

When Keng realises he’s eligible to apply for a scholarship to go to China, life is imbued with new meaning as another life path opens up for him.

The irony of Tai's love is that as he helps Keng escape his current circumstances, he finds himself trapped instead.

And for Boang, whose only family member is his grandmother, he has lived an aimlessly bleak life until Keng showed up. Keng might just be his way out.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/04/15/tell-the-world-i-love-you-2022-movie/

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Unexpectedly extraordinary

JimmySea have not gotten any exceptional roles so far – ViceVersa fell a little flat and felt like unfulfilled potential – but their effort has paid off in Last Twilight. Every detail in the show demonstrates how they have paid attention to the little things.

And then there’s Mark Pakin. who has once again proven to be a versatile actor with range. The scene of him eating beef stew and exchanging a few (seemingly innocuous but profoundly meaningful) sentences with his mother and brother was probably one of the most skilfully-executed scenes.

The storyline isn't terribly original (unlikely caretaker becomes the caretaker of a privileged person with a disability) but it has superb execution: Exceptional chemistry, thoughtful writing, and spectacular acting.

Some fans took issue with the ending of episode 11 (the famed the episode 11 curse strikes back), and I thought there could have been a less abrupt way around it. But all in all, nothing too damaging that it completely wrecks the other merits of the show.

This one will go in the history books as a love story to rewatch.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/26/bl-last-twilight-2023-review/

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Too over-the-top for my liking

While this sounds like a run-of-the-mill office romance, Middleman’s Love is, in fact, the most over-the-top show I’ve seen recently. Typical of Mandee BLs, expect off-kilter humour, absolutely ridiculous visuals and wonky sound effects all around.

I love Tutor and Yim’s cute dynamic (and great visuals!) but Mandee’s over-the-top scripting makes the story a little cringey. Some people see it as a way to evoke laughter, but this is just not really my thing.

The side couples, King and Uea (from Bed Friend) and Tong and Gus (new pairing) bring some variety but also predictability to the cadence of the show since Jade can get a little over-the-top as a character.

The censored YouTube cut, which is shorter, gives you the minimum info you would require to understand the story, but the quality of the story and the depth of the relationship development suffers quite a bit from the edit. Spicy scenes are left out (understandably so, since it’s a censored version) and some extended emotional scenes are truncated, which makes the show seem even more shallow than it actually is.

Speaking of which, the spicy scene between Mai and Jade was WACK. I wanted to bury my face in the ground from the secondhand embarrassment. Just, um, sorry, no.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/07/middlemans-love-2023-bl-review/

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Classic love story of childhood friends

The characters in Kimi ni wa Todokanai capture the delightful tension that comes with falling in love with a friend. A flick of the hair, a touch on the wrist, the way the sunlight falls on their cheeks. The slightest of gestures that make your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of its chest.

The show takes the viewers through the whole process of discovery, denial, awakening and finally, happily ever after.

But as far as stories of childhood first loves go, it doesn't quite hit the perfect combination of sexual tension, jealousy and anticipation.

Nevertheless, it's a decently well-paced show with relatable characters and an easy-to-follow storyline. It's just that nothing stands out in particular... perhaps that’s my biggest criticism of the show – the fact that it’s rather forgettable.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/12/28/kimi-ni-wa-todokanai-bl-review/

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A little illogical and unrealistic but I still enjoyed it

If you’re looking for a show that you can binge-watch within a couple of days, this one will do the trick.

As a pouty but highly sensible and emotionally sensitive teenager, Zongyi can be a little cringey at times. There is no shred of subtlety in this man. Remember when you were young and dumb and felt the need to proclaim your love as loudly as quickly as possible? That’s Bai Zongyi.

The love story between Chenyi and Aidi was slightly more interesting because of their backstory – both were orphans who grew up in a life of crime after being adopted by a gang leader – and had potential for some real emotional depth. They had good visuals but their acting was a little weak during the emotionally-charged scenes.

An interesting point that the show brings up: “Is this love or is this admiration?”

But overall, the storyline is a little cliched, there are some gaps in the storytelling, and the story is rather illogical and unrealistic. But is it still worth giving it a try? Yes, absolutely.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/30/kiseki-dear-to-me-2023-bl-review/

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