Bed Friend (2023)

Not just a steamy romance

Reviewed after completing EP. 3
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I started watching this series coz I wanted to watch something lighthearted and maybe sizzling romance. But after 3 episodes, I am sure Bed Friend is going to demand much more emotional involvement than I thought. It's kinda like an emotional rollercoaster...

Though I am seeing a pretty consistent theme with Uea here. It's like he has got all the problems in his life and others lives are seemingly perfect. I hope King also has some story and depth to his character.

Finger crossed?for future development in the story....

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MAYBE NOT A FAN OF THIS KIND

I got to be honest , I really tried my best appreciating this drama but I just can't, but it is not the show's fault, some people may like this one but also maybe not me.
I did not like the fact that the time is just spent on bed scenes, but I thought this is the reason why the title is bed friend, so I just ignored that and skipped those parts, acting on bed scenes somehow lacks something, I cannot feel the desire specially on the Eua's face , But King is stealing the show here .
It is about trauma as far as I think even I cannot finish the show anymore , and like what I've said maybe this show is not for me, I just tried watching it because of Net, but yeah sadly I did not liked it

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Not delivering

I think the series has the same problems as Cutie Pie did. It makes me disappointed because Net is a good actor, the visual is stunning and they should be able to sort the rest out.

The biggest problems are the slow pace and the lack of conviction in what they’re doing. The slow pace is evident in how they talk, which is not natural and full of pauses. This results in a feeling of lack of chemistry and a plot that’s kind of not happening. Their interactions are done with a body language that’s not convincing, because it seems like they’re not convinced themselves. This I think is mostly James problem, he can’t pull off taking his shirt off or rubbing the crotch in a sensual way. It falls flat.

Next problem is the balance of the characters. The mother is way over the top. It’s difficult to understand why Uea would stand for that kind of abuse as an adult. And why does he turn down King who’s nothing but kind to him. Uea seems mostly bratty and King is so underdeveloped it’s impossible to understand his fascination for Uea.

Overall the humor doesn’t work. This was also the main problem in Cuie Pie. They’re not funny, they’re trying to be, which makes it cringey.

Lastly, I agree with the comment of someone else; in which century are they living? “You have sex without being in love?” can’t be asked like that’s unheard of in today’s society. It’s just not very realistic.

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Um espetáculo à parte

Essa série foi muito esperada por mim e pela legião de fãs de Net e James, que estávamos sedentos em ver eles numa série própria. Confesso que a sinopse me decepcionou um pouco, imaginei de cara um romance clichê e muito apelo sexual. COMO EU ESTAVA ENGANADA!
Nessa série tudo é feito de forma minuciosa para encantar. O roteiro é incrível, a direção também. Os dois personagens principais, apesar da dinâmica proposta pelo título (amigos de cama), na verdade nunca foram apenas isso, desde o primeiro encontro é perceptível que algo muito maior nasceu entre eles. Além disso, a química entre eles dois é simplesmente SURREAL!!! As cenas são de amor, não de sexo. São eróticas, sensuais, mas não são apelativas e vulgares, além de uma estética perfeita, que vai desde a beleza dos meninos, até a ost magnífica e um show de iluminação, a fotografia nessa série tem um papel muito importante, que dá mais profundidade às cenas do casal.
Como eu disse inicialmente, esperava receber uma série apelativa, mas recebi, além da dinâmica linda do casal citada acima, dois universos completamente diferentes que se encontraram, e em seus pedaços conseguiram se encaixar. A história de King é mais suave. Apenas mais um jovem clichê, rico e bom vivant, que a família quer casar com uma moça do mesmo nível. Inicialmente, ele tenta passar a ideia de que não se importa com relacionamentos, mas quando conhece Uea, muda seu modo de viver. Uea trás uma série de dramas, que seriam apenas mais clichês se não tivessem sido tão bem trabalhados. Inicialmente, ser rejeitado pela mãe narcisista, pra quem ele aparentemente só serve de banco, abusado pelo padrasto, não conseguir se fazer acreditar sobre esse abuso e depois de anos de dor e trauma, sofrer uma nova tentativa de abuso no trabalho. Obviamente alguém com essa carga de traumas não entregaria o coração facilmente... E foi lindo ver as barreiras dele se quebrando, os traumas sendo curados e a confiança brotando. Outro ponto maravilhoso dessa série, foi ver os personagens abusadores sofrendo punições, apesar de que o sobrinho do patrão merecia uma punição mais severa que a demissão. O colega de trabalho não colaborativo foi obrigado a mudar de postura. Não obrigaram o personagem Uea a perdoar a mãe narcisista, mostrando que não é preciso romantizar laços de sangue. Não focaram demais em histórias paralelas, até pq, como a história do casal era muito profunda, histórias à parte poderiam atrapalhar muito.
Como cereja do bolo, tivemos a aparição do Mai no final do último EP, depois de Jade pegar o buquê, já dando à largada para a história deles, que será contada em breve, e talvez por isso o personagem Jade, tão cativante, não teve tanto aprofundamento, para deixar os pontos importantes para a série dele.

Aspectos técnicos também estão impecáveis, atuação, química entre todos os personagens, sonoplastia, fotografia, filmografia, ost, nada ficou a desejar. Pra mim foi 10/10 e está na minha lista de favoritas.

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something so special

This is one the very few drama that Im giving a 10 solely because this drama made me feel things that no other drama did/could/will.
Maybe it was me relating to Uea's charecter, or me falling head over heels for King or just Netjames insane chemistry idk what it was but it definitely left a huge impression on me.
it became my comfort show despite the heavy themes.
Net's eyes are so expressive, the love and adoration King had for Uea was so clearly visible. They also had a very healthy and understanding relationship.
Considering there's most likely no more netjames in future, maybe this is all I'll have left as a wonderful memory of them both together.
May king and Uea live happily ever after ❤

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Not the greatest, but better than Cutie Pie the series

Okay. I knooow a lot of yall won't agree with this, but if you like Cutie Pie's story, then I kinda get why you won't like Bed Friend's more realistic plot. I mentioned Cutie Pie because they came from the same production and even in the same universe, I think? But they're like in the opposite ends of the spectrum for plots.

I'll start with the good elements:

1. Plot- Bed Friend touched on a very triggering, but very, (disappointingly and disgustingly) real issue of sexual abuse, pedophilia and r*pe. Bed Friend did a good job of how they were able to translate the trauma, the trauma responses, and the not openly talked about PTSD of victims of this abuse. PTSD is not just for war veterans; it happens to all victims of any trauma.

It's refreshing to see that instead of just focusing on the senseless steamy, NC scenes, ( I was honestly getting tired of the overly steamy NC scenes making it look like BL is just a collection of softprn for impressionable teen girls who's pining after a superstar) they used the s*x to explain why they are in a friend with benefits situation in the first place, used their multiple s*x scenes that lead them to catch feelings for each other, and also portray the changes and how comfortable Uea is becoming with King.

Since Uea is openly gay, and is even feminine representing, it's a breath of fresh air to see his portrayal that isn't as flamboyant as other feminine openly gay characters. Especially in an industry that uses gay characters as a comic relief. Uea was given a complicated, and dark history that thoroughly explains his character, and his attitude around people (how he doesn't open up to people) and his self-sabotaging decisions.

I've read a comment on YT that said that there were too many scenes of trauma that they think didn't need to be on there, but on the contrary, those scenes were very necessary. It just proves that a person who has not gone thru what you did, will never understand how you feel. Those memories of trauma were engraved in his brain, as much as affecting his everyday function because his traumas weren't addressed then, and worse, his family (except his sister) were one of the perpetrators. A person who has not gone thru this level of trauma can never begin to understand how and why, but Bed Friend was able to translate that on screen. And for that I commend them.

I'll mention an example that might help this point- Sky in Love in the Air, Daisy from SCOY- characters that only wanted to love and be loved but were let down and hasn't healed from it yet.

I know this plot isn't unique, but there aren't a lot of series that did a good representation of this like Bed Friend did.

2. Resolution- And even more, how they delivered the resolution. Making sure the perpetrators got what they deserved, and how Uea took time before becoming official with King. And I love how they did in the final scenes of the series. Uea needed that. I know it's a bare minimum to have a good resolution, but lately, we've been having shitty series enders and I'm just happy to get all the good endings I can.

3. Acting- Net's eyes are *chefs kiss*. This guy can act with his eyes, and I love that because they needed work on their communication so how else will King be able to portray his feelings for Uea? His fcking eyes.

And don't get me started on James. James's take on an openly gay feminine character was amazing. It was a perfect blend of a he knows he's sexy, but is silent, and reserve. He's obviously feminine, but he wasn't overly flamboyant. He was hurt and he had his walls up, but he was confident and knows how to set his boundaries. His complexity was palpable even though he didn't say much.

The supporting characters did okay. They were able to add value to the storytelling, and was helpful with the narration, but not the best. Which made it realistic because Uea is not the type to have a big support group because he wasn't easy to trust because of his family. And also, on King's side. I love his family. And they even made it obvious why King was so set on Uea. Uea was so much like his mother.

4. Pacing- If you don't have enough content for 12 episodes, make it shorter. Which they did. I love how they only had 10 episodes and spared the watchers of senseless fillers. But they were able to give the characters closure and reassurance.

Bad Elements:

1. Blocking- I have a little issue with the blocking. It's like the characters look out of place in a setting in times.

2. Editing- The editing is not the best either. It felt choppy, almost awkward.

There's actually not a lot I can think of. Well not enough to be memorable anyway. Although the series started a little rocky, and they were not able to fully explore on why Uea hated King's gut so much, except that he was a womanizer. Although it would make sense since it seems like Uea has always found King attractive. You'll never have strong emotions for people that don't matter to you. Period.

Overall, it was a good watch. It needs a clear PSA, just to warn viewers that it'll deal with traumas.

Okay, that about it. Peace!

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Everything,almost,in the right dose.

We all know the majority of the BLs has the curse of same old clichés & tropes.Bed Friend is not the exception.No originality or uniqueness.As a whole is nothing extraordinary,special or memorable.

But if you break it into smaller parts you will find heartwarming and sweet moments,raw feelings and emotions and great messages.The trope "friends with benefits"is done so right here,unlike some others(cough -Fahlanruk-cough!)

Production is good.Cinematography is beautiful,with some really artistic scenes which added alot.
I really liked the Osts and all music scores,and this was a plus to me as iam not a fan of Thai soundtracks.
Direction was almost perfect.I give extra credits to it because masterfully managed to cover the average/rookie acting,giving the impression of more solid performances.

I know many complained about the long stares and pauses.At first i was annoyed too.But i thought this might be one of the director's tricks to allow his actors to focus more and build their emotions easily.I mean if i was a rookie actor this definitely would work for me.Ofc iam not an actor and i just say BS!

So in terms of acting,Net(King char)was way better than his co-starJames(Uea char)
His performance was natural,his body language conveyed his emotions in many scenes too.
On the other hand,James was perfect for this role mostly because of his physiques.Cute,fragile and let me add feminine too.
(The only alternative i could think was Saint.)
But as the character of Uea was more demanding than King's,James couldn't really support this role as his performance was weak.
He had to portray the victim of sexual assault,domestic violence and harassment in work place.The role was too heavy for his shoulders.
But iam not really complaining and i gave 7,5 stars(above my average rating)because i felt all their hard work and dedication.I do believe those 2 actors have great potentials and and if they pair them in future projects,will definitely improve their acting skills.
And although here,acting is not the best,the chemistry between them is really good.Many-many sparks and iam waiting for the future fire!

The story touches many topics.As i mentioned above the main lead (Uea)has to deal with his many traumas.The one which scarred him the most was ofc the sexual assault by his step-dad.I liked the "talk" about it and how he asked help from a professional psychiatrist to deal with all his issues,the medication he had to take etc.I liked the fact that they didn't present it as a taboo.
The story doesn't really go deep into those issues(to make the drama more melodramatic)neither was superficial (to take those issues in a light or funny way)
As i wrote in the title everything was in the right dose.
Special mention to the educational speech King gave to Uea about health-check,safe sex,condoms and protection.
In my opinion,in every BL or any Drama related to sex,has to have such mentions,openly.

Another plus was the rules setting about their FWB relationship.This is the healthy way to play this kind of games.
Though the rule Uea established (you are not allowed to see anyone else but me)cannot really apply to FWB,Lmao.
But it was a nice detail to show us the "real"King and his true colors and feeling towards Uea.He agreed to it simply because he had already fallen for him and he was heads over heels.
King is such a sweetheart and too softie for a player/casanova.Lol.Sweet caring and protective.
Uea when he is not acting bitchy,he is such a tease!
Their little cosplay (mewao!)was adorable!I know it meant to be sexy,and actually it was for many(not me but still i liked it!)
And here i have to comment about the amount of the hot/sexy/spicy moments this series gave us.It was a pleasant surprise because in every single episode they gave us some juicy scenes,and lets admit it,they are never enough.
In many BLs we have to wait for many episodes to have a kiss or a sex scene.In bed Friend we have in every episode BUT all those scenes always left us craving for more.We have a saying here in Greece.They gave us those scenes with a dropper!
All seemed short and incomplete but i never complained about.

I gave a total 8 because of the small details which made this drama interesting,because of the smart direction and mostly because of the effort behind this project.
Do not judge it harshly,give it a chance and iam sure you are gonna like it!

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Amamos al NetJames

Acaba de terminar la series y pues quede encantada y enamorada de todo, la serie se supone iba hacer de 8 capítulos pero mientras se emitía agregaron dos mas en un total 10. La serie en si es muy linda y al principio no se ve como que tendrá mucha trama... tanto por la temática y por como presentan la serie, pero una vez inicias a verla te das cuenta que la premisa es solo la punta del iceberg y que hay bastante trama que explorar... ame el desarrollo de personaje tanto de King como de Uea y como se fuera enamorando en cada capitulo, Uea creció bastante en toda la serie y ame con locura que el protagonista no se salvara solo por el amor del otro, si no que va a terapia para poder resolver sus problemas. King Apollo a Uea y estuvo para el aunque hubieron momentos que dije porque?? pero luego el me volvía a conquistas y ya por fin entendía algunas coas, otra no tanto...

se nota que los últimos dos cap son agregado no aportan mucho a la historia pero igual lo ame, pude ver mas de esa parejita tan hermosa que fue King Uea, el net james tienen una química imparable y la verdad que les creo todo lo que digan... son tan lindos y sexys... ambos son muy talentosos y transmitir muy bien la esencia de los personajes.

Sobre sus compañeros de trabajo me gustaron muchos personajes como el de jade, otros estaban un poco de relleno... pero de alguna manera casi todos los recurrentes crecieron como personajes. Bueno como decía jade de verdad es una ternura y un amigo que cualquiera quisiera tener... ósea... es lindo y atento y siempre preocupado por sus amigos y su felicidad... estoy ansiando que salga su serie, Yim actúa muy bien y ansioso volver a esa couple tan linda que son el Tutor Yim, también espero ver mas de la relación de King y Uea ya que se desarrollara en el mismo universo que bedfriend y en la misma oficina... así que deseando ver que tal estará esa serie.

Si alguien tiene la oportunidad de ver esa serie se la recomiendo un montón... no se van arrepentir y van a tener una sonrisa en la cara cuando la vean.

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It's alot more than the title says

Before starting this drama I thought of it as a sex driven, office romance and one night stand story. But the moment I started I realised it's such a realistic story if you know what it's like to face harassment and discrimination. The story of Anol is quite heartbreaking and I can understand his lack of emotions and communication, once it hurts it stays and on top of that being molested by his step dad and a abusive and unsupportive mother who supported her husband was a big trauma on his side just because of his sexuality. Over-all I liked the Story line and got the message which this Drama tried to pass on!
Acceptance is really important and on top of that parental acceptance can make or break someone's whole life!

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Loved it (if ur sensitive about sdxual abuse don't watch it)

If I'm being honest, i really loved it. There wasn't a moment in which i got bored. From the chemistry to the plot and even the way it was portrayed was really great. (Ngl my opinion might be kinda biased)

So here are my comments:
I really liked the way that even when they both were in a sex partners relationship, King always took care of Uea and cared about how he felt. For me, it's the way you can feel King falling in love with Uea.

Besides the characters, the plot is great. It really focuses on King helping Uea with his trauma and letting him know that it's not his fault, and i like that they weren't afraid to put such a topic despit it possibly beoing sensitive for some ppl, because it's like speaking up on sexual abuse.

Besides that, something i don't know how to feel about is the way Uea is like a magnet of predators, because in the series he was harassed (or almost) about 3 times, and the obstacles that stopped the main couple were not a possible love triangle, or some kind of misunderstanding but Uea being constantly harassed.

Overall i really liked it. In my heart is like a 10/10 but we all know there's a lot of room for improvement.

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