I was a bit apprehensive when coming across this drama because I heard it was a prequel to Bad Romance and I read mixed reviews from fans regarding that drama. But the minute I hit the play button for the first episode of Together With Me I was immediately hooked! Together With Me is not the typical college BL as it pushes the envelope in what is normally seen in previously released BL. For once, there are actually OPENLY GAY CHARACTERS. Most BL's go for the "I'm not gay, I'm just in love with only you" explanation. But I am happy to see that Thai BL dramas are evolving and more dramas are being produced with characters that raise awareness of what sexuality is (ie. Gay Ok Bangkok, Diary of Tootsie, etc) and the struggles those characters face for being LGBT+. It also shows how having a good support system, like friends/family, can play a major role in your life and decision making.

STORY:
For the most part, I wouldn't say that the overall plot of Together With Me is new or groundbreaking. What I will say is that the way the writing explores how the characters interact and solve problems throughout the show is what makes this series so amazing. The story starts with the two main characters, Korn and Knock, and how they go through struggles both environmentally, socially, and emotionally to finally come together as a couple. Also a main character, Yihwa, is Korn's best friend and is a strong supporter of Korn and Knocks relationship. The 3 main cast members are joined by Fai, Farm, and Phu who are all neighbors in the same dorm. The drama does a great job of focusing on Korn and Knock, but also focuses on the side stories of the other cast members. This is done extremely well as the writers tackle issues such as homophobia, family ties, ageism, monogamy, vanity, and promiscuity. Each of these issues are divided evenly (and sometimes shared) with most of the cast, with the exception of Yihwa's character being written in the story for more of emotional support and as an ally. I gave the story the score of 9 only because I felt that at times it was a bit inconsistent or the timing was rushed in 2 or 3 episodes. I also felt that they rushed Farm's development and almost had no development for Fai's character at all (here's hoping for another season). I also enjoyed the supporting characters of Bright and Kavi who were Farm's and Phu's love interests respectively. Farm and Bright's story in particular was left open-ended, and I hope that this series will have another season just so we can have closure with that story-line.

ACTING:
I have to say that I was BLOWN AWAY by all of the actors in this drama. They really gave so much life and layers to their respective characters! Especially Yihwa who always steals the screen with her charisma and engaging personality. But If I had to pick a standout character out of the 3 mains I would  definitely give all the praise to Korn's character (Played by Max). His character took every scene and made you feel every moment as it were really happening. Whether it was a happy, sad, or sensual scene... Korn's character had you believing every moment. Knocks character was also really well acted, and Knock's intimate scenes with Korn are OUT OF THIS WORLD! If these actors aren't LGBT+ in real life they sure had me fooled! One of the reasons I say this drama is leaps and bounds above other college-setting Thai BL dramas is because of the convincing and extremely well-choreographed sex scenes, Like WOW!!! If you want a drama that quenches you boyxboy thirst, has a good plot, and amazing acting... Together With Me is it for sure! All of the other cast members give amazing performances. Especially Farm's character who does a heart-wrenching job at playing a cute, innocent small-town boy who is in love and exploring his sexuality.

MUSIC:
All the music in this drama was really good! It went well with all of the scenes and I may even want to download the soundtrack if I find out how.

REWATCH VALUE:
This drama is for sure and an easy rewatch for me. I have fallen head over heals for KornKnock and I honestly want to see more of them! Their chemistry is just so amazing and I really hope this series  gains a big following so we can get another well-deserved and much needed followup season!

OVERALL:
This is series is a MUST WATCH for all BL lovers. It hits all the right spots and leaves you wanting more! I highly recommend it and I promise that you'll be hooked!

Citeste mai mult

I've been a bit iffy when watching Japanese BL because for the most part it never really delivers on the realism with lackluster kiss scenes and barely any action till the final episodes. After watching the first episode of 'Pornographer' I thought this would be the case yet again. But as the series commenced I was quickly proven wrong. With only 6 episodes at just over 22-minutes each, the story was filled with rich development that was brought to life by a phenomenal cast! The chemistry between the two male leads was excellent and the intimate scenes where beautifully executed that at times I thought I was watching a soft-core porno!

STORY: 9/10
The story of 'Pornographer' is more complex than it lets out to be. A young student crashes into a man with his bike who just so happens to be a pornographic novel writer. The novel author is injured and hurts his left wrist (which is suggested is his dominant hand). Since the young student has no money to pay for the hospital bills, he offers his services to the be the writer for the porno author till his hand recuperates. During this time together, the two develop a strong and meaningful relationship as the young student learns more about the author, who he calls 'Sensei', and becomes a fan of his writing style. He also learns that his Sensei has dreams of becoming an author outside the porno genre and that for now porn novels is what is sustaining his finances. The story sounds cut and dry, but there is a lot of mystery introduced into the plot as the young student gets Jealous of other characters that interact with his Sensei and when he starts imaging himself in the same sexual situations with that he writes about in his Sensei's novels. I would have given the story a perfect score, but unfortunately the ending left me without closure. I would hope there is a second season for this drama, but I'm not sure if there will be. Open-ended endings are nice, but I like endings where I am sure things have been properly resolved.

ACTING: 9.5/10
Every single actor in this drama gave glowing performances. Both main-actors played their characters amazingly well and their chemistry was through the roof. I especially enjoyed the editor character that came in later, he was extremely hunky and had a deep voice that made my heart swoon, All-in-all the whole cast was excellent!

MUSIC: 8.5
The music was good. It was a bit cheesy at times but it helped movie the story along and capture the feelings of the characters,

REWATCH VALUE: 8/10
I'd say this drama is good for one more watch but after that it may lose it magic. It's too short and there is no point looking into it much deeper than what is given to you unless season 2 is in the works. Other than that it would just feel incomplete.

OVERALL: 9/10
I really enjoyed this drama and I highly recommend it to any BL lover. Both main actors are not only easy on the eyes but have great acting chops. Their chemistry was also wonderful and the story itself is filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Citeste mai mult

This series is literally one of the BEST BL drama's I've seen in a long time. It has an amazing cast, amazing writing, and each episode deals with really profound issues that I have never seen discussed in any Asian BL TV series I've watched in the past Here's the break down:

 STORY: 9/10
The story revolves around 6 gay men, with the main characters being Arm and Pom, two best friends who room together. Their lives, and the lives of the other characters, connect through a series of events that take place throughout the show. The writing and development for each character is well thought out and I grew attached to each character very quickly, despite it being a 5 episode series with each episode clocking in at around 29 minutes. What's really great about this show is the issues that it deals with are so taboo but yet eye opening and  it was handled in such a smart and educational. As a gay man in my 20's I really appreciate this sort of series. It's all very realistic, maybe too realistic for those expecting a fluffy BL drama... this show is definitely not for kids and not for the close-minded. The romantic and kissing scenes are so on point. I don't know if the cast is LGBT+ in real life but they sure had me fooled.

ACTING: 9/10
The actors in this series are phenomenal. They truly were invested in their characters and each actor gave their respective role layers and depth. Highlight actors for me are the ones that play Arm and Nat, but every actor in Gay Ok Bangkok really gave Oscar worthy performances, in my personal opinion. Very raw and realistic performances.

MUSIC: 9/10
The sound track was super good and changed in each episode, but it still managed to maintain overall tone throughout. Fantastic!

REWATCH VALUE: 9/10
I would say this is an easy rewtach for me. Everything about this series impressed me and I did not want it to end OVERALL: 9/10 Excellent! The only reason I did not give this drama a 10 out of 10 is because it's only five episodes and I felt as though the last episode was a bit choppy, the way it ended. But they make all that up with season 2, which you should all watch if you have not!

Citeste mai mult

Sweet Boy is a drama that I have been waiting to see since the trailer was released. The cast looked pretty good and the trailer had enough tight swimsuits and crotch rubbing to keep me wanting more! It took almost a year for a subtitled version to finally surface and even though this movie started out strong, the end of this film just fell flat.

STORY:
The Good:
This film actually started really strong with a great steamy opening that slightly gave us what was promised in the trailer. The story follows the main character, Nack, who is in his last year of High School and on a  journey of sexual self-discovery after an eye-opening event at the start of the film. I actually really enjoyed the first half of the film and I must give praise to the director for his artistic approach. Shots where there was not much communication between characters used a lot of symbolism which gave each scene a bit more depth. It's nothing groundbreaking or thought provoking, but it does add weight to the very simple dialog. For example, Nack's character's religion is christian and so Toy (his love interest) gifts him a religious pendant to wear as a gift. It's these little things and the reasoning behind them that give the story layers. A lot of the films strength is used in the films imagery and the deeper meanings behind the characters actions (ie. a hug, a stare, giving a git). It reminds us how even in real life, the little things can mean so much more when you think about the intention behind them. The interactions between Nack and Toy are also adorable and sincere as you see them get to know each other and go on cute dates.

The Bad:
The second half of this film really falls flat as it feels like a plot that's been done many times before. It makes this film feel like a remake of another Thai BL movie called 'The Love Of Siam', and even though I loved that movie, this just seems like a rehash of that plot to a tee. I also find that this movie spoils itself when trying to be too symbolic with it's dialog and making setups for predictable endings. The weak and predictable conflict of the film comes off as lazy writing to me and really overshadows the beauty and depth of the first half of the film. It also left me confused as to the motivations of Toy's character and whether his character was trying to be friendly or romantic. It's this confusion that creates a conflict of it's own between the two main characters and it just doesn't make much sense.  There was also a huge lack of kissing scenes. I was just really confused at how the actors could rub crotches against each other and cuddle half-naked but not even give us a single smooch!

ACTING/CAST:
I actually thought the cast did an amazing Job with the script they were given and at giving these characters a great deal of personality with the minimal dialog they had to work with. Overall they were very convincing. My only complaint was the last scene between Nack and Toy by the pool. It just felt so dry and I wasn't feeling the emotions that the scene was supposed to convey. But I think that's mostly the script and directors fault more than the actors.

MUSIC:
The music was very nice and it fit the tone of the overall movie. I especially enjoyed the ending theme when the credits rolled up.

REWATCH VALUE:
Honestly I don't think this is an easy rewatch for me, unfortunately. The ending really put a damper on the whole movie and just negated all of the great things this film had to offer at the beginning. It was somewhat a disappointment

OVERALL:
This film had a great start with a lackluster ending. The cast did a great job in creating a believable, enthralling atmosphere and environment. The intimate scenes where nice, despite the lack of kissing scenes. I'd say this movie makes a good one time watch to fill the gap between seasons of other dramas. Other than that, I don't think this is a movie I will remember from years to come.

Citeste mai mult

If any of you read my last review on season 1 you'll see that I could not say enough good things about it, with the exception of the first season being too short. This is not the case with the second season, as it manages to outdo the first!

STORY: 10/10
The main cast returns from the first season with a few new wonderful additions. The new supporting cast members help reinforce and close open-ended story-lines from the last season which helps launch this season into a whole new direction. Season 2 continues true to form, dealing with similar issues as season one, but also tackling new issues such as family, mixing business with pleasure, monogamy, and issues that same-sex couples have to deal with when starting lives together. This season is longer than the last, having 7 episodes with each one clocking in at almost 49 minutes. The writers of this show make use of the time given to again beautifully develop each character with intelligent writing, relatable scenarios, and thought-provoking dialogue.

ACTING: 10/10
Holy smokes! Some of the most realistic and emotional acting in any BL drama I have ever watched. Arm's character is yet again a standout as this season focuses on fleshing out his character and shows him as more than just a one-nightstand type of guy. Ten (who plays Arm) really gave his character a new profound depth that we saw a hint of in season one, but dives deeper into his past and insecurities. Nat's character stands out for me in this season as well, and I think he may have been my favorite character of the season. In season one, Nat's character was always very calm, patient, and understanding. this time we see Nat pushed to his emotional limits as certain events cause him to become unhinged. It was so fascinating to see that side of his character and he pulls it off well, nothing too extreme or character damaging. I also want to mention the new added actress who plays Satang's friend. She had very little to work with in terms of development and story-line but boy did she work with what she had! She blew me away and I wish there was more screen-time with her character (Here's hoping for season 3).

 MUSIC: 9.5/10
The only reason this is getting a 9.5 is because I can't say I remember a lot of the music. Not to say that it was bad because it was great. But there was nothing that I would say I could point out as my favorite.

REWATCH VALUE: 10/10
I would watch this season again ten-times over. This season went above and beyond the first and I truly hope they continue with at least one more season

OVERALL: 10/10
A Masterpiece. I know most of you may think I am giving to much hype and praise for this series, but it truly deserves it, in my personal opinion. This season did a great job of fleshing out all the characters and showing how we sometimes make mistakes, but instead of regretting the past we use it to become better for the future. The ending of season 2 is again open-ended and I hope there will be a season 3. Usually the lifespan for a BL drama is 2 seasons but I hope this show will be an exception. I need at least one more season to curve my withdraws.

Citeste mai mult

My Dear Loser: Edge of 17 is a drama I picked up as a way to keep myself entertained between dramas. I wasn't expecting much since I read it was mostly a teen drama with a side BL story-line (which was my primary reason for selecting this title). To my surprise, I ended up enjoying this drama way more than I thought! That's not to say that this was an amazing drama as it had many plot flaws and unnecessarily prolonged conflicts, but since I only watched this drama to keep me busy between shows, My Dear Loser kept me fairly entertained... and then some!

STORY: 7.0
    There is nothing really that grandiose about My Dear Loser's plot and story. It's pretty much your average "nerdy guy has the hots for the popular girl" trope that we've seen a hundred times before. The story focuses on the main character, Oh,  who is in love with the most popular girl in school, Peach. But of course, Peach pays him no mind and her boyfriend, Cooper, just so happens to be Oh's bully. The story also focuses on how Oh is constantly bullied by Cooper and his lackeys, and this is where I find the plot starts to confuse the viewer on the overall message this drama was trying to send as it's characters have no grasp on moralities. As Oh is viciously bullied to the point of assault and harassment, one might start to ask "where the hell are the teachers" or "why doesn't anyone do anything"? These questions are simply answered by making Cooper's character the nephew of the school principal as well as the richest boy in school who no one wants to mess with. But the bullying gets so bad that you stop and wonder why hasn't anyone sued for negligence? The morality of the characters are so convoluted, that there are often moments where the plot tries to give these vain charters redeeming qualities, but their past transgressions make it hard for the viewer to feel sorry for them. My  disappointment  in the plots overall message  is deepened when Oh decides to change himself to look more "hotter" and "cooler". But I personally liked his nerdy persona better and I felt a though this drama should have promoted being true to yourself instead of changing  for others. Oh's and Peach's story had the ending we all expected, and I felt as though the story took too long to get there by making more unnecessary conflict than there needed to be.
   Along side Oh and Peach's story was a the BL  side-story of In and Sun. A lot of fans have said that they felt that InSun's story-line was rushed and I actually can't help but disagree. I think their story was handled better than the main couples and had a satisfactory ending. Although I do agree that their story did not have enough background and most fans would LOVE to see another MDL season that just focuses on InSun... Myself included. Their chemistry was actually really nice and their story-line just seemed so pure and innocent. I wold really love to see more of these characters.

ACTING/CAST: 8.0
I have to say that a stand out actor for me in this series was definitely the main character, played by Nanon! He was absolutely fantastic showing a wide range of  emotion and versatility  as the nerdy, quirky and adorable Oh! I was really impressed by him at the beginning of the season but then was disappointed when he decided to gave himself a makeover to become "cooler". It made his character less interesting, basic, and one-dimensional. Stand out actors where also Chimon who played Sun.  Chimon has been fantastic in everything I've seen him cast in, as he always plays his characters with such ease and natural emotions that aren't over acted but also come off sincere. Pleum who played In was also a favorite and Plustor who played the villain Cooper were also engaging and entertaining to watch. The biggest let down for me was Jane who played Peach. He character seemed the most one dimensional and really bland. I don't know if that's the fault of the writing or direction, but her performance just felt stale to me.  

MUSIC: 10.0
The music was actually my favorite part of the series! They had a wide range of songs that fit every scene and atmosphere perfectly

REWATCH VALUE: 6.0
Despite the decent acting from some of the cast, I don't think I would watch this again anytime soon. This drama was just a good past time in between other dramas and dry spells.

OVERALL: 7.5
This drama actually is amazingly filmed with great cinematography and a had handful of good young actors that make the plot of My Dear Loser: Edge of 17 an entertaining pastime. Unfortunately, since the plot has morality issues, and some of the characters come off as one-dimensional and vain, this drama is not one I think I will remember for years to come.

Citeste mai mult