Khen....Khen....Khen

Why, Khen, why?

Why did Mas have to keep calling your name in that irritating tone?

Why did you go back to the past and leave your computer? The internet was not invented, so what would you see? Where would you get connectivity? Why, did your battery last that long?

Why after showing how the story began, did you not recognize Mas as the boy in the library when you went back to the past?

Why was a ghost allowed to have sex with a human? If a maid had entered during the deed, what would she actually see?

Why did Khampaun refuse her husband before she found out about his lust for Sompho? Why did she blame Sompho and not the husband? Taking it out on the unwilling mistress never ends well?

Why was it important for Sompho to have her story told? Did it bring any meaning to their story?

Why was the repetition of Mas back story necessary when it did nothing to enhance the story?

Why did Mas ask Ken to bring the box during the party and openly speak to him? Wouldn't he appear to be mental laughing and speaking to himself? Especially in the age when cell phones and earpieces have not been invented as yet?

Why did the girl next to him not notice?

Why when all realised that they were dead, why did they have to meet in the dry bush before beginning their journey? Why didn't they go to collect him? Like "Bro, you're dead. Let's go?"

Why was Mas filming on the computer about his home when the info would have corroded with time if it's not preserved? Again, why would the computer exist in time travel?

Why (humor me) would Khen carry Mas to the future if he wasn't a ghost to time travel?

Why show the ending with their meeting but start the beginning with the death with a whole lot of disconnected fillers to elongate the story leading nowhere?

Why was a story with such promise end up being so nonsensical?

Why didn't the screenwriter and director have a chat with those from IFYLITA to see how it's done?

Why was Mas' acting so bad?

Why did I waste my time hoping that it would get better?

Why, hmmmm, why?

Leggi di Più

They let us have this ....

In the original story Ho Tae and Dong Hee had feelings for each other but out of respect for Ho Tae mother, as she loved him and cared for him as her own, Dong Hee didn't want to have a relationship with him. Ho Tae persistently begged for Dong Hee to date him but was constantly rebuffed. They were always friends and for me at least the prequel's ending fit nicely with the sequel beginning. The writers stuck to the backstory details to create the prequel and nothing was changed.

Reason why it fit: After years of not seeing each other they finally meet. Old friends would smile as they remember their connection and the warm feeling they had for each other. As in the prequel Dong Hee still hides his feelings for Ho Tae. Ho Tae keeps forcing him to give him a chance which causes the friction between them. They are no longer boys but men with strong opposing convictions. Frustrated Dong Hee lashes out. This is where Unintentional Love Story begins.

The story was really the growth of both and nothing new was told, just the reason of why Dong Hee left and his return. Ho Tae is as thick mentally as he is insightful. As he understood his feelings for Dong Hee, he knew why he dated the girls. They would never replace the one he wanted at his side. He knew that he was wrong so he gladly took the injuries. Dong Hee ran away to come full circle back to him. Hence the reason Ho Tae told him he was not intouch with his feelings.

The story wasn't new but it felt fresh in its delivery. The moments were realistically light and not bogged down with melodrama. The actors were superb in their roles with great chemistry. What I would have loved to see, was one more episode with another 7 years passing and picking up where Dong Hee says, "Let me have this.", with Ho Tae's arms wrapped around him. Whatever errors (the story lag in 4 and 5, Won Young in the same town and school when he only newly arrived in ULS ) are easily forgiven as it was definitely worth the wait. I'm left wanting more of all four. As a movie this would have worked better than the series. Still very grateful. Rewatch - definitely!

Leggi di Più

Different Kind of Happy

Very rare a series can pull off both stark grittiness and tender love as this did. This is not about a romantic tender love but of two people meeting at the worst times in their lives, needing what only the other could give and held on.

Chihiro stuck in a cycle of exchanging sex for being taken care of by whomever, all in the name of 'love'. He couldn't get past the betrayal he endured when his secret lover dumped him and got married. Aimless and jobless he sleeps around, not caring what tomorrow brought. Until he met Keito.

Keito, abandoned, abused and mutilated, mired in the sex trade by Maya, a drug addicted sex peddler. Maya keeps undocumented and forgotten youths hostage with the threat of violence due to his erratic behaviour. Keito, broken by his circumstances, doesn't have a desire to escape, until he overhears Maya agreeing with a customer that Keito can be killed if they wish. Here, the spark for life is ignited and runs away. Hired to retrieve stolen items, he meets Chihiro.

Their meeting is as voilent as their surroundings, but something attracts Chihiro to Keito and he is unwilling to let go. Keito is cold and blunt. Chihiro is still a bit niaive but completely open and honest. Somehow, they fit. Through unorthodox methods, Keito saves Chihiro by showing him how much he is worth. Chihiro, over numerous events, reciprocates the love through his loyalty and care.

The stark brutality is ever present and not for everyone. The scenes are graphic and Maya's offensiveness can be off putting. The series is still very beautiful for it's points of views and the telling of it. The actors did a brilliant job and truly embodied their roles. Even to the point of evoking sentiment where needed. The production was perfect with the depiction of the cold sordid environment to contrast their love as it blooms. Against all odds, love can grow even here.

Definitely worth the watch. Japan didn't disappoint.

Leggi di Più

Unrealistic reality

Mishima is in his last 2 years of highschool. Bullied by those who perceive him to be gay due to his long hair and soft appreance, he endures the scrutiny of all and sexual abuse at the hands of a closeted teacher. He internalizes everything and barely responds to his external environment. At night, he sneaks out his mother's lipstick and on occassion dresses as feminine as he can, while living in a small country village. In one scene he is mistaken for a girl as he's dressed in shorts, tshirt and walks a liitle gently. He doesn't pretend to be what he's not but he doesn't admit it as well.

Awakening to himself, he befriends two previous bullies, Kirino and Yumeno. Kirino, an ally, also aware of his own nature, bonds with him. Together, they navigate the complexities of desires, dreams, the need to feel included and protected. Yumeno, crushing secretly on Mishima, has a fierce sense of wrong and right, and struggles to come to terms with his feelings for him. Mishima welcomes the attention from Yumeno.

Mishima was seen hugging both at different times for completely different reasons. After the physical attack, Yumeno comforts him publicly. Unashamed. Kirino, in turn, understanding his pain, comforts him after being rejected. This is how the rumors start and story veers to similar coming of age trope. Who will they become? This where my disappointment begins.

The subtitles are a little shaky from different sources, so I'll take it with a grain of salt but it has the same outcome no matter the true meaning - Kirino, conflicted on the getaway trip to Tokyo, says to Mishima, "I chose this." Previously, he expresses his desire for men, make up and being gay. He acknowledges the path ahead is difficult but assimilates into being straight for the love of his family. My disappointment stems from the path he chose - to be not himself but the path someone else sees for him. His parents will eventually die and he as it's shown, he will be in a marriage with a child but will he be happy. Even he had concerns of this. He avoids Mishima and their bond is broken. His loss. Yumeno, who sees all, follows Mishima, apologizes for past hurts and asks to keep thinking of Mishima.

The series ends with Mishima asserting himself. He is no longer shy and detached. He is a gay man, in men's clothing and still maintaining a strong relationship with Yumeno. Though the implication is more, as Yumeno kisses his cheek before leaving. As a makeup artist, Mishima's world has grown and he is proud of who he is on his terms.

Araki Towa, who played the role of Mishima, did a wonderful job. There is a vast difference between the teen and the adult. Which I applaud. Sakai Wakana, Mishima's mother, was also wonderful. Her unwavering support ensured that Mishima would succeed and Sakai did this beautifully. I am not a fan of easy choices or choosing to be what you are not. Yumeno's character makes it appear to be a choice. Even in the1990 setting, being gay or not being gay, shouldn't be a choice. I'm reminded of the series More Than Words here. The only choice that should matter is loving yourself, finding your happiness and pride in the human you are. Thank you, Mishima.

Leggi di Più

I will wait for you

When I thought nothing could touch Unknown, along comes The On1y One, which effortlessly outshines any other for 2024. It's that great. Lead by the director Lui Kuang Hi who gave us Your Name Engraved Herein, nothing but an intense slow burn insightful unique piece of perfection should be expected. He definitely knows his art. With each episode he teases and plays with our emotions, giving the viewer the belief that with every other episode, we will be satisfied. We are not, we want more. He knows how to tell a story and tells it well. The script was mastefully brought to life by a truly gifted cast.

Wang and Tian's story unfolds in a way that shows with clarity the angsty teenage years. The urgency of emotions are hidden behind stoic facades that fool everyone but themselves. Their bond is unbreakable. One would think that the pouty Wang needs to be constantly taken care of, but we see that he is the one who creates a 'home' for Tian to feel safe. To rest the burdens he carries. Little by little their worlds fuse and being without each other becomes painful for them and us. The beauty of their relationship is the innocence and sincerity in which they hold onto each other. At 17, with past hurts, their emotional insightfullness is more mature than their peers.

Xi and Benny's relationship shows that at any age, love is hesitant, confusing and frustratingly emotional. They're both the other's anchor. With 15yrs of friendship behind them, they too struggle to shape what is truly between them. Xi sneaks moments to embrace Benny's acts of love without anyone knowing. Benny, hinting at his true feelings, is the one to actually bring to the fore what cannot be ignored any longer. His round hesitant eyes look directly at Xi, "I like you." I'm left to wonder, why Xi previously pretended not to know. Is he unwilling to lose an irreplaceable friend if something goes wrong? Has a past hurt made him cautious? Benny, I'm rooting for you.

Rather than putting every nugget that made this series gold, I will not. This is a series that everyone should experience with fresh unknowing eyes. I will say, the whole gamut of emotions will be felt. With the hint of a proposed season 2, I will be waiting.

Leggi di Più

Good for a laugh

If you have nothing else to do and I really do mean, nothing else.

This showed every single thing that could go wrong in making a series. The script - bad. The actors - bad. The club - bad. The arch nemesis - bad. The mother's fainting spell and approval - hilarious. If you want to get a partner - go watch a scary movie. Proven to work, at least here.

Here's the thing: Taiwan. Not China but Taiwan put that out for everyone to see. There is low budget, no budget and what the hell were they thinking? The last category is where this fits. The premise was good. The execution was not. I actually kept watching to see the aftermath from the big reveal. Disappointing.

There was one moment that I did like: Cheng Shiao reveals his love for Shiran and the way it was handled. That about it.

Leggi di Più

Worth the watch but....

Sukfilm has struck gold with their actors. They deliver in every performance from Blue Boys/Bad Guy/Seoul Blues. If you are a looking for short piece to relax after a long day, go for it. Usually between 8.5 - 11 min per episode. It's on a very low budget but the scenes are shot in a way that it's not a hindrance but an asset. They make the viewers feel a part of the conversation as it's very intimate.

While the storyline is very formulative, it can be thought provoking at times. Should they or shouldn't they? As with this series, should Dae Yeoung not have cheated on Jeong Ha? Should Dae Yeoung have easily walked away from Do Jin? Was Min Ji a pawn? Was Jeong Ha the catalyst for the series of events? Should Jeong Ha have forgiven him?

Let me explain:
Dae Yeoung cheated because he wanted some sort of closure and answer for his disappearance. He was still hurt and having been with Do Jin for a long period, he had lingering feelings for him. He previously thought this was the person for him so it will be hard to let go. You can love 2 people at the same time. Do Jin was selfish, greedy and a great manipulator. He set out to destroy Dae Yeoung's relationship to get him back.

Min Ji was used but she put herself in that position. She saw from the beginning how close Dae Yeoung and Jeong Ha were, even hinting at it. Yet, she chose to reach for something that was out of her grasp. By asking one to be in a relationship, wouldn't she have eventually broken their bond? Dae Yeoung knew and should have done better.

Had Jeong Ha been honest with himself from the beginning, the events would have been different. Their friendships would have changed but Min Ji would have respected it. Had Jeong Ha not let his ego be stroked by Do Jin and listened to Dae Yeoung, he would have saved himself a world of hurt. Reflecting on the part Dae Yeoung played in his life and his own failings, he chose to forgive.

I like how more complex the characters are becoming. No easy answers. The script writer on the other hand needs help. It's becoming too obvious what the next words would be and nothing new is learnt. Women can be supporters and not only antagonist or manipulative. Cheating is always a dividing subject but not the only one. Social disparities, abuse, mental health, etc There are other stories to be told.

Overall it was a nice series. The actors chemistry is there with better storylines, it can grow.

Leggi di Più

Yeong's worst enemy....

This series had me until episode 6 and then it just was a dull hum until the end. It's was a beautiful realistic story. One of the greatest joys was watching Yeong move from being self indulgent over exhuberent college kid to a self aware realist, a published writer. This is also the greatest sadness. He drew on his experiences, his environment and poured it into his writing. Along the way he lost his sparkle.

Gyu Ho and Nam Gyu both suffered the same fate. Yeong's inability to accept love without expectations caused him to lose two people who truly love him. It seems all his relationships were doomed due to his desire to have the razzle dazzle fireworks to continue throughout, without being able to accept the mundane. Only after they were over, would he be able to see what he truly lost and regretted. Not knowing his true self and his inability to be alone encouraged two relationships that should never have been. Habibi and Yeong Su came with hidden baggage, one abusive and the other just sad. Yeong Su lived in shadows and manipulated Yeong's niaivete to live in his internalized homophobia. Habibi, with a hidden wife and child, embarks on a journey with him, hoping to capture a bit of Yeong's sparkle to relieve his boredom. Seeing him too drunk and overworked, Yeong chooses himself and walks away. Both relationships were poor choices to facing a life of solitude and expected failures.

His mother is shown to have moved from denial, abhorring, to knowing, to minimally discussing. She doesn't accept his life but still loves her son.

The real charmers, the electricity powering his life, were his close group of friends and roomate Mi Ae. Yet, even with them, some bits of his life were closed. His HIV status is only shown to be discussed with Gyu Ho, who loved him enough to truly accept him as he is. Gyu Ho, after the cowardly way Yeong breaks up with him, never contacts him again. Though, through the bartender at their favorite spot, he let's Yeong know, he is still loved. Not yet ready to make any contact, in the end, it is his friends that he is seen enjoying the fireworks.

The story was beautifully told, and with flashbacks in the last two episodes, we get a fuller history of the reality of his best relationship, Gyu Ho. The sad part for me is that he began to let his status have an effect on him and as he took stock of his life, became more subdued. The last two episode felt like a gradual slide down from the high.

Every character was skillfully brought to life. Yeong was a free spirited over the top whitty self accepting non judgemental dreamer who was scared to dream and Nam Yoon Su killed it. This is a must see at least once.

Note to directors and editors at large:
Flashbacks: This is how it's supposed to be done. Ever flashback should reveal something new and actually propel the story being told.

Leggi di Più

Life is too short.....

Life is really too short to watch this teen drama (this was not college behaviour) more than once. Honestly, it was in my line up and I forgot about it. Got stuck at epi 2 and decided to give it a rest for a while. Kla's brutal honesty and protecting his space had me a little interested. Should have left it forgotten but at 2am with a little insomnia, why not. Why, indeed.

Irritant:
Every single actor in this show besides Kla, Itim, Gam and Poon.
Poon acting like Gam owed him something
The females with no braincells or pride. The boy don't want you.
The purpose of this was what: How to stay safe during covid? How to date via FT 101? How to be a stalker?
AF acting like a FA. The boy don't want you.
5 episodes was too long for this nonsense.
Cake acting like he don't know if he's ready. First night in Kla's room. He's ready.
Boss/Tong: Your role in Unforgotten Night should have been the base line. Then For Him, which speaks for itself. Now this. The direction you should be going is up. Not lateral or downward. Up.
After being stalked, targeted and your personal space invaded let's all forgive and forget with an apology.

Pro:
Kla always being blunt. He's not giving false hope.
Poon realising he was an idiot and fixed the situation asap.
Cake's brother Itim
Cake's brother with the condom.
Cake's brother hitting on AF.

I think it's a poor message to send out to the audience that criminal offenses could be forgiven with just an apology and a chat. Also, dating in the digital age is very scary. This did not appear to be an issue.

Watch at your own risk.

Leggi di Più

Didn't you know....

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. The sincerity of Nut and Phob is the heart of this beautiful love story. Childhood friends into lifelong lovers. Be prepared, if you are going to watch this, forget the tissue and get a beach towel. You are going to need it.
Why was this gem hidden, I don't know.

Phob and Nut have to very opposite personalites and in this, thier conflicts begin. Saved from a dog, Phob protects Nut, who as they grow together, falls in love with him. Nut is sensitive and treasures every moment with his friend. Phob is outgoing and very protective of Nut, without letting anyone know, even Nut. He hides his true feelings behind his ever present smile which is the catalyst for their misunderstandings. He shares with others but not Nut, protecting him from the pain his situation will cause. They grow distant but always with the help of Kong, a mutual friend, they reconnect.

This series deals with a real life topic which is hard to deal with. Phob struggles with it personally and gives up until Nut's re-entry into his life. Finally, they speak freely of how they affected each other's life and Nut begs him never to disappear again. Phob promises and with the help of Nut, he makes the decision take on life again. Phob, at the end, reciprocates and asks Nut, to always be by his side.

Phob and Nut's personaities are a perfect match and it is beautiful to see. The script is not bogged down with melodrama but guides the slow direction of the story. That is not to say it is perfect. The flashbacks are a hindrance rather than a propeller. This could have easily been a 6 ep instead of 8. The romance is warm but limited as there are missed opportunites for tender touches and soft kisses. Their eyes tell that story. The constant rehashing of their pivotal meeting became tedious. After the pov of each, it could have been put to rest. The ending of the story is odd as it gives the impression of a S2 to be made but wasn't.

The entire cast did a great job with minor hiccups from the support cast. The main were solid. The back drop realistic for a rural setting and the time period 2002 - 2006. The antique phones, ringtones, phone booth and computers were a perfect touch. This added to the obvious charm of the series. I believe Mean wrote a short which was expanded on. He co-directed and acted in it. He did good with this.

Overall, it was a nice heart breaking watch which I fully recommend.

Leggi di Più

LIFE

If you are looking for a feel good story with no drama this is it. It's simple and formulative. It doesn't surprise in any way and yes, the cook gets his man. Still it left me smiling, and anxiously waiting each week for approx 30 min of cuteness. Isumi and Amasawa delivered every week. Truth be told, it shouldn't take 9 episodes for this series, but I'm glad it did. At a relaxed pace, it showed the internal struggles of one sided love and the courage it took.

College student meets older policeman and ends up cooking for him. Along the journey, Isumi falls in love with Amasawa. Amasawa, not thinking beyond their friendship, doesn't realize until the confession. That's it. Yet, Isumi and Amasawa are a pleasure to watch as they match so well. Think Mitsuya's Planned Feeding with a younger cast. At least, Isumi got his kiss. The main actors are easy to believe in their roles which was a huge plus. No exaggerated interactions beside the usual misunderstandings but they always thought of each other's happiness.

I will miss them as it doesn't take much to fall in love over good food with a smile.

Leggi di Più

Really Really Cute

This is really cute. I'm not a fan of 2 min episodes unless I can binge watch, so that is what I did. I was not disappointed.

Do Ha was cute, witty, petulant, direct and a whip smart intellect that he hid under a non chalant facade. Jae Yeon was interesting, elusive, reluctant, intuitive and perfect for him. Do Ha took his time to figure out what he was feeling but when he did, he didn't hold back. He engaged all of his charming wiles and made sure Jae Yeon had no choice but to choose. He chose.

Pros:
Visuals
Whitty conversations
Playful banter between leads and support
Partners who enjoy being together
Partners who match intellectually
A script with a little surprise
Actors that are entertaining
A series that doesn't need a nc scene to carry the romance.
No unnecessary drama

Con
2 min episodes.

It was fun, a delight to view and light enough to be entertaining. Main and support interacted well together. Would enjoy seeing them together again. Rewatch, yes.

Leggi di Più

Our Damn Business

This was fun. It was light. It was humorous. It was also very predictable. One thing it definitely wasn't, it wasn't boring. From the moment Jin laid eyes on Su An it was off to a great chase of how to get Su An interested in him. From massages to stretches to after work drinking. He tried it all. He was his late night bestie, bad mouthing Su An's exes as if he knew any of them. The one thing he was sure of, he was lost to Su An and the only solution, was to make him his. Su An, fearful of being hurt, was not going to be rushed or played with. Hwang, their office co-worker, resigned himself to be the unwilling viewer and with his penchant of walking in at the wrong time, provided some of the comedic charm.

Jeon Yu Bin (Su An) is a good actor and together with Jung Jae Bin (Jin) had great connectivity. It was a pleasure seeing them interact with each other. Su An's blank stoic expressions were the exact opposite of Jin's continual happiness. Even when angry, his face still invited Su An in.

What I truly liked about this short series was that it knew what it was and didn't have grandiose plans. It kept within the boundaries of a light comedic office romance and every moment wasn't wasted. JYB seems to fit well into these shorts and anyone viewing any would not be disappointed.

It's worth the watch.

Leggi di Più

Good Things Come In Small Packages

This is one of them. George and Mike. For approximately 10 minutes over a period of 6 episodes, you believed in their love. It's the usual story of underage boy forced to leave his boyfriend behind due to family pressure only to return years later to win him back. The thing though, George, the one left behind, is about to get married. She is smart, she is pretty and she loves George. Her only fault, she denies George his freedom to enjoy his passion for painting. George, happy enough with the structure of his life designed by her, concedes and focuses on her plan for their future. Until Mike reappears. He doesn't hide his feelings and let's George know, he's not giving up. He also creates a space for George to free the artist within. After a night of drinking and a strong cup of soul searching honesty, George is left in a quandry. What is he to do? Who is he supposed to choose? Is it too late to walk away? His fiance has been his support for a long time and their future is certain. Is this wrong? Why does Mike still feel like home?

For a very very small budget film, this delivers. It's not perfect but it was a nice Monday morning watch. The actors are competent, even those that give support. The story acceptable but the writing and production could greatly improve. One of my peeves with any show and not only bl is kissing. Either do it properly or don't do it at all. There are other ways to show how deep desire or love can be without a kiss. In this regard it suffers. Mike's voice with more training can be his biggest asset. George's facial reactions, his. The fiancé was portrayed as she should be without bringing anything new. Camera angles at times were a bit awkward. With all that could have been done better, it was still an okay watch. I would like to see them again as they fit well together. Don't take my word for it, go watch.

Leggi di Più

We all need Ju Yeong

Ju Yeong made me believe. Smiling bright eyes coupled with an open smile, he made me believe in love. Real unapologetic love. Imperfect love. Ride or die, no matter what, I'm never going to leave you kind of love. The - I will wait patiently in my hurt, while I fight to save you from your hurt - kind of love. From the moment, he bared his soul on the opposite side of the wall, freely letting Do Hoe know, "I like you." I knew he was the real deal. Without fear, he spoke. When he hugged him after sparing and and giddly exploded "Yes, I'm crazy. I live with the person I like and always train together". Blissfully happy just to be with him, no matter the circumstances. He was the one. He would do it all just to be with him.

Do Hoe lived in pain. Abusive muted pain that pressed against him, no matter the direction he took. He breathed in hate and let out despair. In his solitude, his only solace was that he would leave. Though, with the arrival of Ju Yeong his dream began to change. They would leave together. In their dream, they would create acceptance and warmth in each other's arms. Do Hoe for a brief moment dared to believe in his dream beyond the pain and loved Ju Yeong deeply.

But the pain wouldn't let him go. It held on, railing at any given opportunity to remind him that he was useless. The pain squeezed tightly to extinguish any flicker of hope to be better than his surrounding and ultimately better than himself. On the final day, the day of exams, the pain won. Traumatized by the frantic beating Ju Yeong endured because he dared to defend him, he failed his exams. Pride and a need to feel worthy, he lies. A lie that would trap him for 12 years in a different type of pain. Self loathing. Hyeon Ho, the only person who knew and he could depend on, became an ally. Only an ally. In Do Hoe's heart of hearts only one could exhist. Unknowingly, a death would bring back the past, a reckoning to survive and the truth to lay bare for all to see. Do Hoe looks over at Ju Yeong and keeps repeating, "Shin Ju Yeong, Why do you keep crying?" He knows. Sometimes, everything has to burn to ash for clarity to occur and the dream to take root and grow. Hyeon Ho, forever on the outside looking in, craved what he lost 12 years ago. He has also existed within his pain.

Every titbit of storytelling was beautifully and artistically laid out leaving the viewer both satisfied and aware. Satisfied that all that needed to be told, was captured and skillfully portrayed by excellent actors. Even the ones that were hated were eventually understood. Aware that if perchance a love like this fortunately enters your life, hold on and fight for it. Ju Yeong will make you believe.

Must see. Rewatch every chance you get.

Leggi di Più