Please, more of this

I just have watched the 5th episode (for me, the best one so far) and I am sad that there is only one episode left. I could watch this all day and night because THIS is true. It is not one more of an unrealistic BL-story.
Do not get me wrong, I like a good romantic BL. But this show is so much closer to the real life of a gay couple! This is a fact that often bothers me, that 99% of the BL series our there are not about gay relationships but only exist to please a certain kind of viewers: women who ship the actors even in their private life, regardless if they are real or not.
This show really "get's to the point": the stuggle about having a child as a gay couple, the acceptance of the queer friend group, but not the family (although episode 5 made me burst in applause for the dad, BEST DAD EVER!), the "need" to hide in front of the mom's at kindergarden - and the actors are absolutely believable, they work amazing with each other.
I would love to see more of these series, where it is not about "Am I gay? No, I only love this paritcular boy *blabla*" or engineering students falling in love with each other while women are hysterically screaming in the background. Show us how it is to live in a gay / lesbian / queer relationship, only "true" shows like this will lead to a bigger acceptance in real life! THIS creates real support, not stupid character / actor - shipping.

Leggi di Più

I don't quite know where to put this

I have watched the movie now, after stuggeling because of the reviews. And I don't know the Manga, therefor I can only review the movie. Please note that these are only my thoughts and english is not my native language, therefor sorry for typos and wrong grammar.

First of all:
This is not a BL. And it is not about BDSM. I would characterise it a pretty dark psychological thriller. And you should not watch it, if you are sensitive, mourning or suffer from any kind of psychological trauma, because the movie ist one big big trigger.

Why I think it is not about BDSM? Because of the immense lack of consent. There are "tools" used which are connected to BDSM, but without consent these actions are simply abuse.
That said, I still cannot quite figure out why Yoda behaves the way he does. There are some interesting comments in the discussion below, check them out. Personally I think:
1. He is angry because of his boyfriend and projects his anger on Katsuragi. Everybody who has been left behind because of suicide will understand this feeling.
2. He himself does not see a purpose in his life. Yes, he is devoted to his work but on the inside, he is dead. And he is right down the path to commiting suicide aswell (even if the idea has not quite settled in his brain at the beginning), but he kind of "feels it coming". Therefor he looks for a way to prefent him from doing so.
3. He wants to save someone (this is the idea I like the most) from commiting suicide. The way he does that is extreme, but with these actions he forces Katsuragi to really confront himselft with the question "Do I want to live or do I want to die?" Jumping of a building while being drunk is not a well considered desicion, it comes from the impulse of the moment. But going through pain and pleasure and getting attached to your own body again over a certain amount of time makes you focus on the essential question "Life or Death".

I would not say that I "liked" the movie. For me this is not likable.
But it hit me pretty hard in many scenes because it is raw and confronted me with some questions about myself I was not aware of I had. The acting is absolutely perfect, the setting and the atmosphere as intense as the story. I was actualy kind of shocked about the intensity of the actors.

It will take me some time to get over this movie but I am pretty sure that I will watch it again.

Leggi di Più

One of the worst movies I have ever seen

I usually don't write negativ reviews, but I have just finished watching this movie and it is really one of the badest movies I have ever watched.
The acting is really poor, especially at the end during the "showdown". It would have been hilarious to watch if I would not have been so annoyed that I just wasted one hour of my life on this movie. This is not cinematic, it rather feels like a project from a highschool group of trash-movie fans. The only actor who could be enjoyed was "the crazy punisher"(I did not get his name and I am not rewatching this to do so).
The story is just as bad as the acting but what is really worse is the music. During the beach-scenes it felt like this was supposed to be a soft-porn (which it is NOT, in no way this is a pink movie), then again the music switched to somethingthat would be heard in an elevator.
Therefor the whole movie just did not make sense, was neither cute nor fun, nor sexy. Just a complete waste of time.

Leggi di Più

Feels like "behind the scenes"

This is not a "high budget" production - which is not bad, it actually makes it even better for me.

First, the actors. They are more "real" than in any other BL series. Time for example is great, he is "normal" and not styled to death. I already loved him in "Present still perfect" (if you haven't seen it: watch it!).
And Michael? Jesus, his acting is awesome! Yes, he is the product of BL industry, but his acting really hit me because he is so vulnerable. For me, he is the best character in this show because he combines what I critizise most about BL: on the one hand, he has amazing looks - but to what cost? His portrait of Bas is (sadly) true: sacrificing his health (even mentally) just to be a BL actor - there is nothing sadder to be seen.

Second, the story. Because of the show being "low" budget it feels for me like a "behind the scenes" and this makes it even more believable for me. I do not know what is really going on in the shows - there are rumors and some times there are "facts" about BL productions, I do not like. Like sexual harassment, pressure on the actors even in their private life and prejudices. I think this is sad because in my opinion, BL could be a great way to create understanding and acceptance for gay / queer relationships - but not the way it is shown in most BL productions.

Aam Anusorn Soisa-ngim is not afraid to show the "dark" side of BL (check out "BL - broken fantasy" on gagaoolala and yes, please pay for it because this should be supported) and I am glad that there are brave people like him! And even if this show is not "smooth and cute" like other BL, this should be supported - for the sake of the actors and for the sake of every gay / queer human being out there.

Leggi di Più

Pink movie gone mad

Ok, so now I have watched all 3 (4 with the two endings of the first) movies.

I have to admit that the movies have a strange kind of attraction. I do not know wether it is the combination of Riku Mukai looking like the most innocent boy on earth who has fallen into a hell full of craziness or simply all the weirdness going on, like literally everyone is not who they seem to be and the plot twists and twists and twists...

Be aware that (SPOILER) in every movie there are dicks cut or bitten of or you will see a repetition of the former scenes. And there are scenes that will make you feel VERY unpleasant. Or you will laugh your head of because they feel so ridiculous (I guess this is not intended)...

For me, the triology makes more sense with the "noir"-version of the first movie, the blanc movie just does not fit with the rest.

All in all this is not a bad triology. The acting is good, the setting aswell. Do not be fooled that this is "BL", because it is not. For me, due to the good acting I even felt a little sorry for Seiya (the "villain" in the first movie). And Haruto escaping the "victim"-role in the end the way he does - well, this fits the movies pretty good. Therefor I would like to see Riku Mukai again in a non AV movie, he has quite the potential for "real" acting.

Leggi di Più

Action and reaction

Although this is a short movie, it transports the emotions of the characters pretty good.

I guess, this is all about "If you don't appreciate what you have in a partner, do not be surprised if everything goes to waste". And "Every action causes a reaction, so be carefull about what you do."
Therefor, the person I most feel sorry for is Kazu. He is the one who is devoted to the relationship and does everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) for Shin - but is still wronged in the end.

The acting is on point, the cinematography well done (I rewatched it just because I did not get of the deeper meaning of some of the scenes at first) . For me this is not a feel good movie, but a realistic one (sadly).

Leggi di Più

This is freaking hilarious!

I have never laughed so hard in the last year like during watching this show.

It is just pure comedy, starting with the intro where everybody is dressed like "Saturday Night Fever" - John Travolta would be so jealous. The music throughout the show is great, the main melody resembles the "Beauty and the Beast" song, I died of laughter every time.

The acting is great and the show mucks like every chliché there is in BL: the bad/good boy falling in love, the "Bottom-stumble", the "oh no there is someone in need I have to take him home"-scenes and so much more . Yes I am a BL fan, but this does not stop me from enjoying a good parody and this is really great.

"Don't miss season 2 if there is gonna be one" (quote): I do hope there will be another season, this is just fun to watch!

Leggi di Più

Not as bad as I thought

Well, so this was my first pink movie. Before I watched it I looked the definition up because I was not familiar with what this means - still, I was surprised about "how much" you really see...but ok, there is nothing wrong with that.

I was acutally pretty surprised about how much I enjoyed the movie. The acting is fine, the story not bad (it is predictable but well done, sometimes really funny) and the actors have a good chemistry together. They are "real" people (I am comparing this to BL-Shows I have watched where everybody is just "hot", I hope you know what I mean). I liked that a lot.

So, this movie is a solid 6,5 for me.

Leggi di Più

The struggle of two imperfect people

I don't know what it is about this movie, but it just captures me.

Especially Imagase, extremly well played by Narita Ryo. He is so desperate to be close to the person he loves, I felt so heartbroken for him in many scenes. He has so many insecurities and yes, he is kind of a stalker and blackmailer, but I felt so sorry for him!
Don't get me wrong , Okura Tadayoshi plays the indecisiveness of his character really well, I screamed so many times at the screen "Do something!".
And then there are the moments he really does something. Like letting Imagase sleep with him (I really felt this was kind of a sacrifice in order to keep Imagase in his life because otherweise he would loose him). And then, when he tops Imagase, that was THE moment of pure passion.
I think the ending in the manga is better than in the movie (for my romantic heart because it left room for a happy end). But I guess the movie-ending is more realistic.
Nevertheless it is great movie and definitely worth watching, if you want to be part of story about two people who are stuggeling with themselves. This is not a classic love-story but it is deep and mature, therefor I loved it.

Leggi di Più

This is so much more than it seems

At first, I was not sure if I should watch this series because I am kinda bored from Thai BL. The shows are so similar.

Yes, the actors are cute and if I want to watch something sweet as candy, they are first choice. But for me, most of them lack a deeper meaning (although there are exeptions like "I told sunset about you").

The trailer did not catch me that much, but because I like Kao from UWMA, I was willing to give it a try.
And I am not disappointed! What seems to be another lovey-dovey BL really has more to it: criticism about the whole BL-Industry - finally! Do not get me wrong, I am a BL-fan. But there are people in the fandom who do not get, that this is ACTING, and the purpose of this is to make money. I do hope that some of the hardcore shippers our there get the point that these are characters, playedby actors. And I hope this will be a topic throughout the whole show.

Another thing I like is the "playing with the stereotypes" within the BL world. Do not judge a book by its cover, looking cute does not make someone a bottom or vice versa. And again, I think this is an important message regarding the real LGBT community. I do not mean that this show is a portrait, because as I said before, this is a show. But it bothers me so often, that the "cute little Baby" is supposed to be the bottom and the "manly Badass" the top. That's not how it works. Just aswell as the "the bottom is the wife and the top is the husband" idea. Gay couples are still both men (as I am within the BL topic, I only talk about men but feel free to transfer this thought to any other queer couple) and noone exept for those people within the relationship should be allowed to label any of the partners.

Of course, Kao and Up are cute as hell, but again, consent is antoher topic *yippie*! Not taking advantage of drunk people, asking "Are you sure / is this ok?".

And hallelujah, there is a straight couple and a bike-riding woman! This show breaks with so many stereotypes, therefor it is absolutely worth watching. I hope they keep this up for the rest of the show.

Leggi di Più

After rewatching it, I had to revise my first impression

The first time I watched the movie it felt a little lengthy and the acting a little stiff.

Nevertheless I have watched the second part (see my review there) and thought, I should rewatch the first one because I felt so much closer to the actors in the second movie.
And I am glad I did so. Because now, with the feelings from the second movie, the acting in this movie makes more sense to me. The english parts are still a bit bumpy, but Tonawanik Adisorn plays the "being torn because of having had sex with a man" really good, the confusion is literally writen all over his face. He is a quiet character and I misread that the first time, so you have to watch his face closely. And his heartbreak brought me to tears (again).
The character of Oat is even when rewatching a bit plain, no changes there. But Yumi is great, I loved her from the beginning.

Another thing I love about the movie: the soundtrack. There is not much music, but the song when they kiss is terrific and adds to the scene extremly well. And the scenery is awesome, for example the picture when they stand on the mountain and watch the land below is like a painting, beautifull.

My conclusion: I like the movie *insertsmileyhere*

Leggi di Più

Second chances in life and for acting

First of all: this movie is beautifully filmed. The settings and the cinematography are extremly well done.

The story about meeting your love after being left behind once is bittersweet. It gets all lovey-dovey at the end, which seems to bother quite a lot viewers, but not me. It felt good for my poor little romantic heart.
What I think is the best about the movie: the acting. Especially Tonawanik Adisorn really improved compared to the first movie "Present perfect". I liked that movie too but his acting was a little stiff for me - and now in the second part he did an amazing job. The chemistry between him and Kritsana Maroukasonti is awesome and the movie contains one of the most beautiful, loving and caring sex-scenes I have seen so far.
I did not expect a deeper meaning from the movie, therefor I was not dissapointed at all. And it would be great if there was a third part now that the actors really found their groove together, I would enjoy that very much.

Leggi di Più

Not a classic BL but definitely worth watching!

This is my first review and English is not my native language, I am sorry for typos and grammar mistakes.

I did not read the manga, this is just about the series.

After watching quite a few BL series from Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines I was kind of sick and tired of stories about engineering students, youngsters and first loves. They are adorable and cute, don`t get me wrong, but I was in need of something more mature.

And this is what really did the deed. It is not a severe drama, but it shows a “real life” gay couple in Japan (I am European, therefor some of the behaviour was quite strange for me, but again, another culture, another behaviour, no judgement). I loved that the protagonists are above 40 and this was not another teenage love story. The acting was great, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but still absolutely believable.

This show overwhelmed me in many points because it felt so real. The struggle of still being in the closet and the worries about work. The “need” to explain yourself why not being married to your co-workers. Parents who love you, but do not get you. And of course the daily struggle of a couple not clearly expressing their inner thoughts (I rolled my eyes so many times, thinking “Men!”)

This series is not spectacular like fireworks. It is sometimes like a sitcom (sometimes comedy) I am not sure how to describe it correctly. But it was soothing and it touched my soul. And it is damn cute if you read between the lines. Not to mention it is great for food-lovers! I will definitely watch it again (not only for the recipes), because it leaves me with a good feeling.

Leggi di Più

Quite a good portrait prejudices and reticence,but also love and hope

This is the first movie I rate with a full 10 in every category.

The acting is amazin, starting with the wonderfull, lovable, sensitive Baruto Kaito. He plays Mike Flanagan so sweet, calm, soothing with a vulnerable soul. Gosh, I really wanted to hug him so many times.
Sato Ryuta playing Ryoji is just as amazing. Coming to know his prejudices and realizing that he has missed the chance to make up with his (TWIN!) brother, I felt so bad for him.
And last, but nor least: Nemoto Maharu playing the sweetes girl on earth: Kana. This is where you can learn that children see the world with totally different eyes and just accept love as it is. I cannot say how much I adore her!

This is truely one of the best series I have seen lately and I will surely rewatch it. And cry my eyes out....

Leggi di Più

Feel good series

I love this! The topic about a grown man with child falling in love with a young man is just adorable.
But what I love most is, that Shi Yi is to straight forward with his feelings. He just accepts that the one he loves is a man - simple as that. He is so damn brave!
And with his braveness he "pulls Fei with into the sunlight" (I adore this quote so much). For me, the series is just one big celebration that love is love. Of course Yo Yo being a child just accepts the fact aswell - I have the strong believe that if children are tought open-minded this is exactly the reaction they would have. Education is everything!
The music is awesome aswell.
So, this is one big watch-recommendation and for me one of the best shows about "mature" love-stories.

Leggi di Più