Gameboys (2020)

Watch it! Then watch it again. Then again, ad infinitum

The poet T.S. Eliot famously said that "Dante and Shakespeare divide the modern world between them; there is no third." I'm certainly no Eliot, but in my humble estimation, in Philippine BL there is Gameboys; there is no second. Cat-and-mouse narratives often risk tedium--one eventually figures out that after tension there's release then tension again. Gameboys observes this structure, but the acting is so strong that each scene is special in its own right. It is generous in that every moment of joy and pain that the characters experience feels like it were your own.

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Gameboys Mades Me to Love Pinoy BL!

I'm new to the community and wanted to start my first review with the series that made me want to watch only BL pinoy series: Gameboys. I have cried, laughed, saddened, hopeful and happy with each of its 13 chapters. I have seen it so many times that I do not get bored of seeing it again.

I think this series has accurately addressed how many cope with mandatory quarantine in many countries. And despite the fact that on this side of the pond (I am writing from Venezuela), quarantine is mandatory for everyone, keeping us isolated, escaping isolation thanks to technology. Many young people identify with the series and that is a plus, since when I saw it, I felt a relief and a lot of hope, because I knew that all is not lost by this "new normal".

Sue Prado is spectacular as Cairo's mother. She is what a mother is expected to be. I always shed a tear when she breaks the news of her husband's passing, or when she makes her son understand that he must strive to fight and keep Gavreel's love, and I love her even more when she gives him a week to be with Gavreel, and don't move to Bukidnon. But let's face it, the weight of the series falls on Elijah Canlas, who acts spectacular! For something, his role in "Kalel, 15" earned him an international award (And I had to see this movie to understand why this young man is a rising actor and with good reason), and a lot of recognition in the scenic field.

For this and many reasons (I don't want to saturate the space), Gameboys was a fresh and revitalizing proposal, which has set a guide for other producers to make BL series, and that is why now I am more interested in seeing this genre made in the Philippines than those made in Thailand, South Korea or Japan. As I count the days to the premiere of the film and the second season, and I watch other Pinoy BL series to discover new gems.

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First Filipino BL I watched

Hear me out, story wise I guess we can say it has a good but at the same time predictable flow. But I won't hold it against anyone since this was said to be an experimental series at the time. When I was able to watched this there were just two episodes airing so I decided to give it a shot.

It might felt a little cringe because of Gav's character which I guess many people would find weird in real life. He was very forward with how he feels towards Cairo that even made me doubt his intentions but after watching the next few episode carefully we do get hints that he has been a long time an of Cairo.

For the character of Cairo I would say that it was created wonderfully, it really shows in his acting how unsure he was on the feelings and forwardness of Gav but still accepted it. Elijah's acting was also amazing might I add, as it really made me feel empathy for the character's feeling of loosing someone.

The way the story address the topic of being Gay was also different from many series at the time and was well explained by both Cairo and Gavreel as most members of the LGBTQ+ of their generation would also express the same context on how they felt the same way so their acting was realistic.

I am quite biased as this was the first BL I watched so I would say that this is one of my favorites. But frankly speaking I wouldn't categorize it as a God-tier or Best BL ever. Among the best in terms of Filipino BL? Yes I would highly consider and recommend it.

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my second Pino BL and what can i say. binge watched this in a few hrs, this is that good and engaging. loved the actors just two guys sitting in front of their monitors, and yet connecting in everyway possible. every emotion is dealt with, u go through a roller costar ride with them. u smile and feel giddy at the start of their courting, u break down and cry cause of their heartache, and u rejoice when they come out through the eye of the storm together - stronger. didn't think would be so involved with just watching two character's play off each other, but they conveyed so much that could sit and enjoy them for hrs.
not that i'm dissing the sides, they also did a phenomenal job - everyone made u feel through expression, not only the dialogue how visceral their pain, grief, guilty and happiness was - u couldn't sit watching and not feel that in ur heart and soul, it was that good .. for sure a rewatch! loved this!!!

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Господи, это великолепно. Честно, я начинала сто треть этот сериал думая, что это будет очередной азиатский сериал, не более, но это было совсем другое. Это было так эмоционально, так захватывающе.. Из плюсов-это первый сериал который довёл меня до смехов, их история очень современная. Из минусов -было слишком много горок, я не привыкла, когда так часто радость менялась на ссоры и слезы, и ещё, мне не понравилось, что Pearl очень часто не принимала все в серьез, смеялась, когда они ссорились и называла себя их судьёй, а так, мне все понравилось

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Awwww it's over but YASSSS second season LOADINNNGGGG!!!

Story: this is so refreshing, a love story developed during the current pandemic also tackling the battles people have faces in relationships and outside of relationships. This was a story something quite refreshing, different from the typical BL's that i watch.

Acting: the reason i gave a 9.5 is because i did not cry. I got very emotional but no tears, i save my 10/10 for shows that actually make me cry- which is hard to do. But these two actors did take me on an emotional journey with them and for that i am grateful. Thank you to all of the cast for playing your roles so well.!

I will definitely rewatch this because they announced a season 2 since us crazy fans DEMAND MORE Caimazing and angel2000.

All in all a 10/10 for me.

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What a cute drama!

"Game Boys" is an adorable BL drama about two guys who fall in love online. Cai is a somewhat reserved gamer who has never dated anyone, and Gav is a spaz who gets into online gaming just so he can hit on Cai. The results are a lot of ups and downs as they learn to take care of each other through their online relationship.

The story is fun, though some of the characters' personal drama can be a bit much at times. There are underlying themes of forgiveness, communication, tough decisions, and even grief. The formatting takes a moment to get used to, since it's almost all done on video chats and social media posts, but, in general, it's handled really well. In case you think this is all deep and dramatic, there are tons of fluffy moments that are sure to get you smiling!

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GOD TIER BL

This BL is in a league of its own. Well written story with amazing actors who have A+ chemistry! I was hooked from episode 1!

The way it was executed was so amazing that sometimes I forget they are not actually physically together. It kept me on my toes, I never know what to expect, and it truly was a roller coaster ride.

The representation was everything. Strong female character? Check! An accepting mother and father? Double check! I have never cried so hard in a BL series the way I cried for episodes 7 & 8. And just when you thought the show has reached its peak, they just go beyond for the next episode.

Aside from the story and writing, another factor for success is the actors. Both Elijah and Kokoy DELIVERED. We rarely see good actors in BL , and it is refreshing to see both leads embody these characters with their whole heart.

Looking forward for season 2.

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This is how it's done! Perfection!

I sit here trying to personify what has to be the BL that achieves almost perfect perfection.

Firstly we have well-rounded characters in a very relatable setting. No wishy-washy half-baked personas were thrown in for drama's sake. Even the minor characters, as Cai's first GF, have a depth to them. Their motivations, feelings, and personas are well written and in keeping with the experiences of the pandemic. Gav had so many layers! Confidence giving way to jealousy, insecurity, pining for what was lost, and hope not to lose again. Cai is evolving with each episode with an interesting and real background story that becomes fully realised in the Pandemic context. You get the feeling these people actually exist in your world, and not just some fancy dramadom setting!

Secondly the directing. Wow. Ginoo Payawal, Ibinibigay ko sa iyo ang aking sumbrero: I tip my hat to you! You and your editing team were amazing and always on point! Not a single wasted scene, moment nor transition! Everything flowed so perfectly to fill the short episodes! There never was a laxed moment! The episodes felt packed, but not overwhelmingly so, and quite satisfying in the content. Those cliffhangers! Some of the best ever! Left the viewer longing for the next episode!

Thirdly, and not least important, the acting. Again, wow, wow, wow. Kokoy, Elijah, Adrianna, and the cast were amazing! The chemistry among them all! Gav and Cai had so much palpable chemistry through the screen! The development of the relationship was so organic! It did not feel forced, fake nor contrived in any way! having half of your face covered can't be good for any actor. Both, again, handled it with such grace! Their expressions on the meeting added so much tot he emotion of that scene! Again, pure perfection! Adrianna as Pearl brought so much energy to every scene she was in! Her role as enabler and supporter cannot be underscored enough! Sidenote: can't wait for Peral Next door!
While Kokoy and Elijah were the show-stealers the others were all showstoppers in their own rights. Jerom and Sue were pure perfections. Brother and mom becoming Cai's support and forgiving him for what he thought was his fault were epic and strong character building events for Cai. This could never be accomplished full-heartedly without the supporting actors!

Why I say this approaches a perfect perfection has so many dimensions. Primarily the story. We don't get the stereotypical, thropy I like you for you but I'm not attracted to guys. Here we get one character that is struggling with identity, who was outed by someone he trusted with his secret. We also see that being in a relationship is new territory for him and get to experiences the pitfalls and heartache of, not only a new relationship but the entire situation of the new normal playing making it an LDR one.
We get a protagonist who may or may not be a playboy, may or may not be sincere. The audience will have to figure that one out!
We also get an inside look at Philipino culture. I always love it when a drama takes us on these personalised journeys. We see the family bonds, culture, and the effect of these bonds on the individual and relationships. We also see the gaming culture that so many of us are part of.

All through the series, each character remained just that: each. Gav and Cai have very distinct personalities and we saw each as an individual. This is epic writing. In so many series and even books, we see a de-evolving of characters until their dialogue and personalities become almost meshed. Up to the end, Cai remained Cai, and Gav was Gav.

All in all, Gameboys is the ultimately bestest best series to air! Not only keeping with the context of the global pandemic but for a perfectly crafted story and relatable, real characters! Thank you, Ideafirst, for this piece of inspirational positivism in these trying times!

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The proof that excellent acting can make a series shine

I didn't have much expectations for this series, to be honest. I saw the excellent reviews, sure, but I'm used to other series being greatly praised by the fans for the simple fact of being BL, so I started watching without much biases.
I was expecting the series to revolve more about gaming and gamers, given the title, but other than that the plot was pretty good. They managed to combine the elements of online courting with real-life issues too. The characters were explained without forced elements and without getting unnatural dialogues, which made the series much easier and more pleasant to watch. The only thing that was annoying in the plot was the presence of love triangles, which I really can't stand in general, but I can say it's more of a personal preference than an actual flaw in the story.
Above everything, though, the acting was amazing. Both the lines and the expressions of the actors felt vivid and real, to the point that sometimes their gazes got too intense and I felt like they were looking straight at me. Any kind of scene, from the funny ones, to the flirty ones, to the sad and angsty ones didn't look much different from events that could happen in real life.
In conclusion, it's a recommended from me. It might not be one of those series with over-the-top plotlines, but it has the kind of fascinating charm that makes a story stay in your memories for a very long time.

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Love in times of a global pandemic

Ok! The word baby has been redeemed! I don't mind if someone calls me like that anymore! Hehe

It's cute, real, a bit cheesy sometimes, a bit sad as well, fun and heart fluttering.

Love in times of a global pandemic.
Or what a relationship is probably like all the time for me! Lol

The whole series has several layers of relatability. Besides showing what living is like during a pandemic, it shows life stories that I can recognise even in my own life and it shows the dynamics of relationships and dating long distance.

It's a rollercoaster most times but we all have those phases in life. It seems like nothing really happens for a long time and all of a sudden the whole world falls on you.

Their jealousy quarrels made me feel very uncomfortable because I lived that. It was pointless and frustrating. I don't think I can see a way out of the circle an argument like that creates. I didn't seem to see a solution in what they presented and in real life that would have resurfaced once again.

We'll see if it carries to season 2. (Hopefully not because I really hate jealousy!)

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