Long Time No See (2017)

Wow - another Strongberry film for me to love. This one was excellent, and I already want to watch it a second and third time.

The story is handled well, though I think it definitely could be fleshed out more in some places. That being said, they had a limited amount of time to work through the story and make sure all of the essential elements were there so I don't think it's a dealbreaker in the slightest. I'm more than happy with how the story unfolded.

As for the cast, they were phenomenal. Tak Woo Suk and Yeon Seung Ho did an amazing job in their roles. I'm a fan of Tak Woo Suk's now and I definitely want to see him in more projects; he's so handsome and his acting was incredible. Yeon Seung Ho's performance was also great and their chemistry was top notch.

The relationship between Chisoo and Gitae is so well done. I loved how they started and I was really glad they got a happy ending despite all of the mess in the middle. Chisoo especially deserves nothing but happiness, and I'm so glad that he got a family with Gitae and Gitae's sister. I just imagine that he's somewhere living a quiet life with Gitae and that makes me happy for them both. Even though it was a short film, I grew attached to their characters immediately.

I'll definitely be rewatching this time and time again. And as I said in my other Strongberry film reviews -- please support them legally. Don't watch their projects on YouTube. $10 for a film isn't that bad considering most DVDs are $20+ these days. You're supporting an independent company that's working hard to create quality queer films in South Korea. They deserve the support!

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So worth it

I'd come across Long Time No See in Tumblr posts. People had really liked it for its authenticity and dedication of the cast. Much praise was given to the leads for showing two men falling in love for the sake of being in love. Much more praise was dedicated to the writer/director for making a film that concentrates on its gay leads being intimate, having a relationship, and not spending too much on outside concerns. It took me a bit to locate this film, but it was so so so worth it.

As other have said it's just unfortunate that this story is so short. I would have absolutely enjoyed watching a full series dedicated to the relationship Chisoo and Gitae.

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Easy to watch, quick to finish. Happy ending.

I love it.

Realism and Representation: no stereotypes, caricatures, or heteronormativity. Gitae calls Chisoo hyung, not oppa as straight people would think. Both of them are established gay characters. Chisoo got bullied for being a gay orphan and his adoptive father is also homophobic. Conversely, Gitae's sister is completely supportive.

Story: interesting premise, a breath of fresh air for this genre. It has done surprisingly great with blending assassins with a fluffy, cute romance. What I don't find believable is that Chisoo's adoptive father would rather kill Chisoo and lose his best assassin than to accept him as gay. I mean, if he can't accept Chisoo, can't he just keep him at arm's length but still use him against his enemies? Also, why are there no guns? I'm very happy that they have a happy ending. I feel like there is a lot of potential to expand on their story.

Characters: there are only 5 major characters. Chisoo's "father" looks similar in age to Chisoo. Chisoo looks at least 30. Don't tell me "father" adopted him at age 10. To be honest, Gitae's physique really doesn't suggest his expertise in hand to hand combat (he bested Chisoo in melee).

Acting: everyone gave a solid performance, although Chisoo's crying scenes aren't convincing at all. The sex scenes are very sweet and tender. They're both really clumsy with each other the first time they made out it's hilarious. The fights are pretty well choreographed. Chisoo's called the Flying Dagger but never once threw a dagger.

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Better than expected!

The romance was awkward and fumbling, sweet, passionate, and emotionally charged all in just 5 episodes. The quality of acting surprised me, the fight scenes were so much better than I was expecting (Flying Dagger's protectiveness was mesmerizing to watch), and the plot and its twists were well executed. What more can I say? It was short but definitely not lacking! If you're looking for a hard hitting series that doesn't take up too much time this is definitely the drama you want. This couple really made it all happen thanks to the acting. There'd be no magic without them.

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Absolutely blown away

I went into this with no expectations and pretty randomly when I saw how short it was. I would have happily watched a long series from this. In fact, I'm dying for it. I adore the premise, it's one of those stories I could watch twenty different versions of and never get bored.

However, for being so short, "Long Time No See" does an excellent job covering all the bases. I didn't feel like anything was missing, the plot made sense, and the acting was great. The chemistry between the two leads is really good and instantly pulls you in. I thought Yeon Seung Ho was an interesting casting choice; he's got such an innocent face, it's super fun to see him play this character.

And it's got a happy ending, need I say more?

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Good general plot and leads chemistry but poor editing

Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75

I quite like this more mature plot in a BL drama. Our leads both have a hidden identity yet they couldn't help falling in love with each other while being suck in between two gangs' rivalry.

The leads have good chemistry and their acting is pretty good for a low budget, web drama. Both actors have gone on to more mainstream dramas but this is one of their first earlier projects. Considering they were not very experienced then, I am quite happy with their acting. It's also nice to see a Korean BL with decent kisses and skin ship. Since the drama is so short, the romance develops rather quickly and their one big conflict is resolved very quickly as well. It also has one of the funniest first make out session I've seen in a drama.

Unfortunately, the drama consists of 5 very short episodes and the editing comes off as disjointed. If this is a movie, the editing might be a little better. However, even scenes within the same episode are weird and the transitions are not well done. Additionally, I am still a little confused about the gang rivalry. Aren't they fighting for a club? Why did the bald guy suddenly remove himself at the end when he wanted to kill the Flying Dagger? On a positive not, there are a few really good fight scenes, better than some I've seen in a regular TV production.

The relationship between the Flying Dagger and his father is quite tragic. It's unfortunate that an abused kid was fostered by such a predator. A few of these scenes could be triggering for some. But in contrast, viewers are comforted by the warmth of Gi Tae's sister.


Completed: 2/4/2023

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This was really something different from what I normally watch, but I enjoyed it a lot!

The production is great and the acting is really really good! Time just flies by while you get sucked into an interesting and exciting story. The chemistry between the leads is phenomenal. The balance between romance and gangster business is really good. :D

Here and there the story could have been a bit more fleshed out, but for the time they had, it was still a good show. Everything was understandable, even if it would be something you could feel more, if there would be more explanation. It's a bit rushed in some scenes.

Overall I didn't expect to like this as much as I do, since I'm actually more into RomComs, but I'm always open for an interesting plot and I didn't got disappointed here.

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Balancing Light Emotion and Heavy Action

Although it is a typical story of saved-by-a-mobster, it has a story to tell of its own. The shortness of the duration keeps you upbeat with the plot and will not make it boring. Also, given that most KBLs are either frozen, angle-changing, ultra-conservative kisses; this one defies it all like the 2008 Korean movie "A Frozen Flower". Even so, from outside of their culture perspective, it is not considered as vulgar. It was made carefully to wield the plot and adds intensity of the clashing story.

As said, the story is quite typical clashing mafia groups, but not too obvious where still you can think of what will happen next. Yet, it still discusses the issue of family, loyalty, and a touch of humanity. Whether humans are tools and commodity or can be treated as with emotion and belongingness. And as for their relationship, from betrayal to forgiveness and love conquers all.

The cast, although I'm not really into actors, I did find them into each other. The main leads I mean. This adds the tension of the plot because they fall for each other but they are on the opposite sides. I also like the contrast of the two clashing leaders. One portrays consideration while the other is full of vengeance and retribution. It could gain respect that even if "wild leopard" is a mob leader, he did not care about the relationship of "flying dagger" and "wild dog". Unlike "wild rose", he felt betrayed when one found love and wants to stop.

The music is quite superb. Although again, I'm opt for the story, the music adds emotion to the plot. Especially on the fighting scenes including the part as they fight knife with a knife. The music and sound adds tension to the emotion.

Re-watch value. It can be recommended. Maybe this is the positive of making the series short. The story and acting is good, and it is light and easy. You can get away of boring, unrealistic, uni/school-type BL stories without taking much of your time.

Overall, the story is still kept hanging whether someone is still alive and seeking vengeance towards them; or will he continue his novels? But for the very least, the MLs are together with their true love; and the other ML now find new family that loves him. I admit, part of re-watch value are their passionate and intimate moments. lol.

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The Story Definitely Had Potential

The story definitely had potential if it weren't for the fact that, like most of the criticisms leveled against it, the story ran too fast to my own liking. There were a lot of things that audiences seem to be required to fill in the gaps with their own interpretation and imagination. And that is its biggest flaw. If we had more character depth and the story was given more time, this definitely would have worked better.

Now, even after that, I can't say that I didn't like it, quite the opposite. On a lazy day or when you're stuck somewhere with nothing to do, you could fire this up to have something quick to watch. It maybe too fast, and there may be gaps but the story is straightforward and the chemistry works OK, I guess.

TLDR: Its pacing is too fast, but if you're willing to look past that, and love a kind of lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers again story, you just might like it even if just a little bit.

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