Where’s the heat? Disastrous Results of an Uninspired Direction

Unforgotten Night premiered while KinnPorsche, the most r-rated BL series ever produced in Thailand, is still airing. With the same setting of a mafia world and based on an ultra-steamy novel, I am sure the producers are aware that it will be compared to the blockbuster but is most likely willing to ride with the achievements of KP. Hoping that the similarities of UN and KP will boost its ratings and popularity.

So it boggles my mind, WHERE IS THE HEAT? Heat in the chosen actors, specially Kamol, and definitely heat in the numerous supposedly steamy scenes?! WHY ARE THE ACTORS SO RELUCTANT TO KISS? Were the actors not warned that they will have open-mouthed kisses and heated exchanges? Why get actors not willing to give the requirements of their characters?

Kamol in the novel is a big muscled, ruthless mafia. He is frustrated with his sex-life coz nobody can endure his preference for extreme bdsm . Why get an actor who is baby-faced, with luminous fair skin, and small framed with not a single abs in his body? So many actors will put this lead into shame in terms of sexiness, willingness to do r-rated scenes, and with better acting skills. Kamol is a big disappointment.

Although in fairness to the main leads, I have a feeling both did not have a solid grasp in what was expected of them. The chemistry between the two improved starting ep.5. Ton as Kim is turning out to be charming with his character falling for Kamol but reluctant to give his all. Now I’m curious if these two were given enough preparation or workshops to make them at ease with their roles and bdsm/love scenes. I wonder if they had a sit down with the director to thoroughly thresh out the characters they’re portraying. Coz the leads’ acting were more on external nuances but lacks in-depth understanding, specially Kamol.

A big miss too is the character of Cherry. Why do some BL resort on this cliche of a jealous vicious woman? Really? Fight for a man who would obviously not be sexually attracted to me?! Even the novel does not have a Cherry, so why put a character like her? It’s an insult to my sensitivity as a female.

Overall production is uninspired. Is the director even interested in doing this? The soundtrack is horrible and the editing sophomoric. And the big elephant in the room, have they even thought out the type of BDSM Kamol prefers? For someone who practices INTENSE erotic play, where professional partners give up on Kamol, the sex between the male leads is too vanilla and bordering to comical..…

The saving grace of this series is that Unforgotten Night is willing to show mafia Kamol and his underlings are hardened and ready to kill or cut off body parts when they are being merciful.. This is a positive difference from KinnPorsche, which romantacized it’s characters; Kinn hardly does the dirty work with most of his time dedicated to flirting with Porsche. But most significantly, the UN screenwriters, with the exception of the addition of the Cherry character, stuck to the original popular novel of the same title. The romance between a heartbroken man and his mafia, his unlikely knight in shining armor, is the major reason why this drama has its loyal audience. Kim’s line, “Help me forget his embrace!” is definitely UNFORGOTTEN.

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Much More than Romance.

Triage is a BL. But for those who like their boy love series filled with romance and kisses, this is NOT it. Since the author is Sammon, as expected of her, Triage’s strength is it’s solid plot with the hospital as backdrop. The romance adds color to it’s story. What’s lovely about this series is the way the script keeps the viewers in suspense. This is one stressful series that I enjoyed immensely. Rest assured, Triage will give us breaks for laughs, loving gazes and falling desperately in love…but remember, not much on the kisses …This is not your usual BL.

For the main couple, Dr. Tin and Tol, the relationship builds up. Starred by actors Tae and Tee, these two men have marvelous chemistry and the producers could not have chosen a better pair than these two.. With the help of a great script and fabulous direction, TaeTee were able to capture the viewers interest on the developing love affair between the lead characters despite the obstacles and the time loop….

We root for Tin’s perseverance, well performed by Tae. We’ll see different spectrum of Tin’s emotions, disgust, anger, helplessness, realization, love and the never-ending determination. Tae’s Tin is the embodiment of ‘the little engine that could’. Tol WILL fall in love with him and solve everything as well! And Loopers (loyal viewers of Triage) are rooting for him every week…

Tee’s Tol is icy, arrogant but tragic. There are episodes that our hearts break for him and episodes that shock us when Tol acts more of a prick, not befitting the other half of the romantic pair. There would be more coming from Tee’s Tol as the episodes develop. His unraveling was even more fantastic to witness. From a detached hard-to-reach rich kid, to a suspicious childhood friend, to, finally, a man in love who is desperate for his lover.

Another reason why I like Triage are the subplots, they don’t get in the way. These subplots are connected and support the main story. The characters wonderfully portrayed by good actors, specially the medical colleagues of Tin and the character Rit, kept me invested with the series.

With the same directors, production staff and author of the successful Manner of Death series, what they’ve learned from MoD is applied on Triage, which has better production value and cohesiveness in the story. Admittedly, MoD beat Triage in the romance department. But for deep desperate love, Triage wins… because Triage is not your usual BL.

Will I rewatch Triage? Just like Manner of Death, I will definitely watch this again once all episodes are out. I look forward to discovering new angles that I didn’t notice the first time. But the thrill though might be lessened because the unknown is already known. And SUSPENSE is the MAIN EVENT of this series and with romance secondary.… because this is not your usual BL. Triage is much much more than romance.

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The special that dampened the main story.

The headline says it all. That’s my gripe with this special, it took away the limelight from the main story (which I love). The history of Zeetong and Yu Zhen should have been interspersed in the main story, that way viewers can understand Yu Zhen’s past heartbreak and fear of loving without taking away the euphoria of finally seeing Yu Zhen risking his heart to the lovable Shi Lei... Almost the whole episode is about the failed romance of Zee Tong and Yu Zhen’s, but their chemistry sizzled in this one episode. Thus, the warm and safe haven that Shi Lei represents somewhat challenges the viewers to ask, which one would you prefer to have? I hope to see another special solely on Yu Zhen and Shi Lei (with Shi Lei’s mom included?) just to replace the sour taste in my mouth left after this special.
PS. It did not help that the two main actors (but not as Yu Zhen and Shi Lei) are guests in the Plus and Minus series on the verge of divorce! Really people behind this production, why are you besmirching the image of this pair?

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Gritty Mature SEXIEST BL ROMANCE

Coming in I was looking forward to romance, gritty mature sex, with strong male protagonists. I am not disappointed. But if you expect to see in-depth of the mafia world, STOP and go watch series like Peaky Blinders, Ozark, Breaking Bad or even Queen of the South (which has romance).

KinnPorsche is mainly a BL romance drama with the mafia just as a backdrop. This is the weakness of KP, it’s lacking in substance. But it’s fun to witness the obstacles Porsche went through as a reluctant bodyguard, and Kinn’s patience and exasperation on the shenanigans of his new guard… Then their relationship started progressing, the sizzling chemistry of Mile and Apo as Kinn and Porsche almost blew my screen with the hotness and all those EXPOSED skin! But Porsche and Kinn’s story started losing its edge when the pair fell head over heels in love, I find their scenes overly sweet, with Kinn declaring to everyone how much he loves Porsche.. The relationship is taking too much center stage that it affected the image of Kinn and his mafia family - the main family lacked teeth.

But KP has not given up its edge. While Kinn and Porsche are in their blissful romance, KP balances the sweetness with the darker VegasPete tandem. This pair is for the hardcore BL watchers and has caught my attention once again. VegasPete is for our wicked fantasies, twisted love/sex served hot… Admittedly, their first lovemaking was a little bit of a let down. After all the previous sadism that Vegas showed, their sex was a bit vanilla. And I think Pete can take more pain, afterall, he grew up with a father like Vegas’. I am expecting more spice from these two in the future. (Hoping to see back the whip!)… But the sex aside, their story with their similar warped childhood is just as interesting as Kinn and Porsche’.

If you cannot stomach the Vegas-Pete offering, KP will not disappoint coz the Kim and Chay is for those who like their BL sweet and innocent. But I’m watching KP for palpable sex scenes. I am sorry to say that after watching their story once, I skim this pair whenever I rewatch KP.

If the viewer has accepted that the usual boys meet boys - boys love boys, has now evolved into men meet men - men love men, with the bonus of men fuck men, then KinnPorsche, with the very mature R rating, will blow your senses. Additionally, despite the lack of depth in the story, this series is favored with great actors (everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and threw themselves 100% into their characters). The high production value is a delight and the setting makes viewers fantasize of an unreachable billionaire’s world. KinnPorsche is my guilty pleasure every weekend, counting the days til Saturday comes again. Since this is indeed a romance drama, I find myself humming the soundtrack.

.… And even though I would like to rate KinnPorsche a bit lower, I admittedly cannot. Plain and simple, I AM HOOKED and I will definitely be watching this over and over and over and over…

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Aof Noppharnach Chaiwimol’s Drama Gem

I am now a fan of Director-Screenwriter-Producer Aof Noppharnach Chaiwimol and will watch out for his future projects. I noticed that if Noppharnach is given helm of his projects, we get gems like Dark Blue Kiss, Bad Buddy and A Tale of a Thousand Stars… First off, I read in other reviews that there is a problem in continuity of the previous Kiss series and DBK. I think the producers gave Noppharnach the freedom to adjust the script so he can work his magic. And he did not disappoint.

I find DBK a light drama which touches the heart. But there are so many lessons that we might think unimportant, but small details that everyone can learn to further understand our lgbtq siblings. This is also a good watch for parents. Sex and Sexuality can be difficult topics, so these talks are better done early on with the kids so they become proud mature individuals.

DBK could have been a heavy dramatic series but Director Noppharnach chose not to do so. Which is a relief coz not all problems need to crush our world. I love how Kao, the seemingly timid half of Pete-Kao duo, handled his multitude problems. He is stoic and continued with living. He did not have a dramatic breakdown because his relationship of 3 years is falling apart. No TharnType moments. This is strength and maturity. Problems come and go, it is how you deal with them that shows your character.

I am now a fan of New and Tay. I used to wonder why Earth-New did not push through. Now I know why. The chemistry of New and Tay hands down beat Earth-New in Water Boyzz. Probably because of the director. Noppharnach is a master in shipping his romantic pairs: NewTay (DBK), EarthMix (AToTS), PranPat (BadBuddy). In DBK, it was a delight to watch the other relationships: Sun-Mork, Rain-Manow, brothers + bestfriend/boyfriend Rain-Sun-Mork. Everyone had great chemistry including the original gang from the Kiss series. And the parents, the usually forgotten and set aside people who have great influences in our protagonists, are given their time to shine (or sink). Then who would forget the brat but tragic looking-for-love Non. Viewers probably want to hug him due to his age but beat his butt with a big stick so he’ll learn his lesson. The three pairs with their individual backstories were all fluidly conveyed. A lot of romance between our established couple, and hopeful sweet moments with our budding pairs. No dramatics when not necessary.

Needless to say, this particular series will be watched multiple times by this reviewer.

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The (Sexy) Little Prince and his (Be-Dimpled) Fox

Be Loved in House I Do is one of the first BL series that I’ve watched and it got me hooked to this genre.
Since the first few BL dramas I’ve seen were Korean, Be Loved was a visual delight to my newbie eyes. Two gorgeous men falling in love, one with abs that you can wash your laundry with, the second with that bedazzling dimples that mesmerizes. Then after watching those sweet virginal korean BL, this Be Loved finally satisfied my voyeuristic desires of seeing the passionate lovemaking of Yu Zhen and Shi Lei in the end. My newbie BL heart was in heaven.

Despite the passionate kisses that the series finally dished out, Be Loved is sweet and wholesome. The episodes before the finale is a build up that leads to the satisfying explosion of emotions at the end. If you want your BL mains to establish a relationship in the middle and encounter humps testing their love, then this will be frustrating. Because the plot of Be Loved is to capture the heart and trust of our wounded Sexy (Little) Prince, Yu Zhen. This seemingly impossible task is taken on by our ultra-charming fox, Shi Lei, innocent and clueless, with a golden heart, armed with a 1000watt be-dimpled smile, with a loving mother as his fairy godmother, and a number of pesky minions to cheer him on. Despite this armory, it took the whole series to finally win our gun shy but totally worth the price Prince.

Be Loved’s script is a different take on the Little Prince with the fox taking a bigger role in the Prince’s life. So the Vain Fragrant Rose that pierced Yu Zhen has to understandably come out and be compared to Shi Lei. Zi Tong’s return is the last challenge for Yu Zhen to finally live his life again and leave his past and aches. A lot who saw the series said that Zi Tong entering the blooming relationship between Shi Lei and Yu Zhen just disrupted the couple and slowed down the drama. Had Yu Zhen and Shi Lei reached their understanding earlier on, we would have more tender moments between the two… but the screenwriter is probably an old soul and loved a challenge. The tables were turned, and two sexy men are now vying for …. Shi Lei! Our Sexy (Little) Prince is fighting the Smouldering Rose for the be-dimpled innocent fox. For me, this extra effort of wooing assured Yu Zhen that he has moved on, no second doubts. But like the other viewers, I wish the contest between the Prince and the Rose was shorter to give us more time for the bl moments between Shi Lei and Yu Zhen.

Be Loved has one of my fave theme songs and I dance to the tune everytime I rewatch Yu Zhen and Shi Lei. Obviously, this sweet series has been rewatched numerously.

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The Invasion of Korean Culture through KDramas

King’s Affection holds a special place in my journey in KDramas. Although I’ve seen a number of Kdramas before, this particular series made me sit up and realize how beautiful and well-made Korean dramas are. I suddenly understood all the rave and why there are so many networks giving airspace for them… Obviously I’m not Korean, so this historical drama is a delight to my senses. I am more aware of Chinese and Japanese culture, so the costumes, the makeup, and the set made me realize how rich Korean culture is. It’s beyond kimchi. I always thought Korea pales in comparison to aforementioned countries but the history (though this is fictional), the culture, the people are as interesting and as beautiful.

The story and the actors, most specially Park Eun Bin’s Lee Hwi/Dam-I, it brought me all the emotions that the director wanted his viewers to experience. I cried, I fell in love, I swooned, then I cried again! Specially with their lovely theme songs, how can I not get swayed and sing with tears?. Some found the story too long and slow, but the story is all about Lee Hwi/Dam-I’s strength and his determination to make the best out of the situation for her people and his loved ones. Second is the fierce loyalty and love of Ji-Woon and the other people closest to the Crown Prince. It’s a magnificent battle of good vs evil, underhanded maneuvering and power play. Casting is almost a coup, the actors embodied their characters (with just one main support to me that I found too pretty and not manly enough for his role). I am not a fan of melodrama but King’s Affection tightly held my hand and brought me to the very depth of our crowned prince’s pain and dilemma. And rejoiced with everyone after her arduous journey… after everything I went through with the Prince, I rewatched it again and willingly dove down that lake of tears again! I did this three times and will most likely do it over and over. And I am not a fan of melodramas!

After King’s Affection, I binged on numerous KDramas and I am amazed on how the film industry of Korea was able to imbed their culture to the world. I am now craving their ramen, my cupboard stocked with Soju, Kimchi’s my quick veggie fix, and compare my wardrobe to the dramas that I watch. The saying “the pen is mightier than the gun” leveled up to “the camera is mightier than a gun”.

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Just a Teaser

This is just a teaser and something you can watch and look for clues when watching the Triage series. This movie is probably made to test the marketability of Tae and Tee and how much interest the movie will generate. I’m glad it passed because Triage the series is fantastic and proving to be one of the best BL I’ve ever watched.
While watching the series, I catch myself reviewing Triage the movie for what may happen between the two protagonists, Dr. Tin and Tol. And this movie is consistent with it’s more substantial big sister. Watch this as a stepping board for the series.

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Mature, Thought-Provoking, Out-of-the-Box Series with One of the Sexiest and Successful BL Pair

Before writing this review, I’ve watched numerous BL series. Together with Me is one of the best BL I’ve ever watched, and my top university-based BL (Bad Buddy is my 2nd fave university BL). Kudos to TV Thunder which produces mature, thought-provoking, out-of-the-box BLs. Together presents the challenges and dangers of gay sex/relationship. This is not shown in rose-colored lenses, this is glaring and painful to the senses. There is much confusion and pain of betrayal. The series tackled cheating and “rape” (in a loose sense of the term). Topics that are absolutely non-forgivable for a lot of us. But life is not black and white, there are so many grey areas. So for viewers who just want to enjoy a feel good movie and satisfy their sweet BL cravings, this may not be their cup of tea. But I am a sucker for happy endings, so after the roller coaster events, this has a happy ending.

If there is only one reason why we should watch Together with Me, it’s the Max-Tul pair. These two have the most mature and healthy BL partnership and it shows in this second project that they starred in. Both feed off on each other’s emotions in their heavy scenes and their love-making sizzles. You can just imagine how much trust they place on each other to be able to have this give and take interaction. I sympathized with Korn (Max) for all the sufferings he had to go through because he truly loves his childhood friend. But Knock’s (Tul) character is more complex; his sense-of-self dashed and masculinity challenged by his attraction and slowly falling in love to a most devoted Korn, then harshly pulled to the other end by his “loving” and innocent-of-the-whole-situation girlfriend, Pleng. Others are frustrated with his indecision and hurting Korn, but wouldn’t you have been just as confused and scared as Knock?

Another relationship that was featured and I found gutsy of the production to include in this series is that of Farm and Dr. Bright. This is a warning to lovesick newbies, there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Something to keep in mind after watching many happy ending faithful BLs. Dr. Bright’s character, though may seem a bit extreme, is part of reality. And truly, I have a substantial number of gay friends who are not monogamous and are experimental with their sex life. This is life. So young ‘uns newly entering the pool of boy-men-relationships, tread carefully.

The rest of the cast also gave their money’s worth. You will remember all of the friends and how important they are in the couple’s dynamics. Notable are kooky Yiwha, best friend and shoulder to cry on of Korn, and also Plern Pleng, Knock’s beautiful girlfriend who achieved in being the most hated character but who we initially sympathized with. I also understood why she had Knock entwined in her devious little pinky.

High points in the soundtrack because I remember both main tracks used in the series. Half a point subtracted from rewatch value because Together with Me does not give you the easy to watch and fun experience like other BL series. But this does get into mind if you want to take a break from fluff and you want to sink your teeth in something substantial.

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This screams for Season 2!!!

The ending definitely screams for season 2 and I am looking forward to it. It’s a detective story so that’s what viewers should expect from this series. My only gripe is can a yakuza be allowed to be part of the police investigation, and why are the participants of the investigation so small in number? But I’m not too particular about details; the cast, specially the chemistry of the lead actors, plus the extra scenes at the end of each series will let you forgive these minor loopholes. (Watch til the end of each episode, you’ll miss a lot if you skip it)

The every day life of our two protagonists is a gem to watch. The series’ seriousness is well balanced with Ichiro and Shio’s playful bickering that those who are not into detective stories might still continue watching just to enjoy these splices of home life. Dangerous Partner is a bromance bordering to BL, which should be the case (in my opinion). The seriousness of the situation they are in will definitely hinder them from delving deeper into a relationship. But everyone around them can feel the attraction between the two, even the junior yakuzas under Shiro accept Ichiko’s presence. The unanswered situation of Ichiro remaining a squatter in Shio’s residence is rarely challenged by the owner. In fact this ticklish “will they or will they not” scenes are keeping me at the edge of my seat. This bromance worked so much that it’s makes viewers want for more and I’m definitely demanding for a season 2.

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This series definitely deserves more than the 7.4 rating it has right now. Nothing new re the storyline but frankly it’s really nice to watch a Thai BL series outside the school setting. It’s life after graduation. It’s refreshing to see Singto as Maze, the driven, hardworking and business savvy corporate boss. He’s no pushover, in fact he’s doing the pushing. With his friends and employees not totally agreeing with all his decisions but their respect is well-deserved by Maze. Phap (Tae) on the other hand is the gifted and pure artist at heart. Living his life based on the now and totally in touch with his emotions. While cerebral Maze’ life is fast paced and is successful at a young age, a bit older Phap is a diamond in the rough, his life, emotions, plants, chickens, lizard, and new pet cockroach will eventually give him new inspirations for his next paintings.

What makes this series lovable is the chemistry of the two lead characters. While their support cast are the usual wacky, nosy but with good intentions, watching Tae and Singto interpret each of their characters then interact with each other is such joy to watch. All throughout the series we’ll see Phap wear his heart in his sleeve, “charmingly” (subject to one’s interpretation) cajoling Maze to look his way. He’s the artist painting different colors in Maze’s cold monochromatic canvas. Maze on the other hand is pushing and giving direction to Phap’s still water. The viewers cheer with Phap when the matronly, grumpy, playing-hard-to-get Maze succumbs to the kisses and hugs. Singto nails Maze character to a tee. Singto’s Maze might seem stiff and frustratingly stubborn, but he gets the viewers anticipating for that magic moment when he warms up to Phap, then we’ll love his Maze all over again. As for the starry-eyed underdog, Tae’s Phap stole our hearts from the very start of the series.

Helpful too are the short and not so convoluted side stories. They don’t distract with the pacing of the story (except for the managers in episode 11). I’m a little disappointed though that C’game wasn’t given a meatier role. Yacht also lost his dynamism in his role as Tharn. Neither can I understand how the sweet faced Nueng (Yoon) became a hot star. I’ll take the manly and scruffy Phap anytime. Admittedly I’ll dress him up a bit too, just like how Maze trained him.

The series is not perfect but it’s heartwarming and believable, even the connection between Maze and Nueng and why Maze was heartbroken. I definitely see myself rewatching Paint With Love. To be sure I’ll need a fill of Maze and Phap in the future.

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Where’s the Sizzle?

Just my opinion, there’s no chemistry unlike Beloved in House I Do.. They tried to correct the formula with the main pair falling in love early on. But the problem is the main pair’s chemistry is just not there….
The most interesting among the main actors for me is Yuki. With his long luxurious locks and sweet smile, He has this quiet lovable charm like that of Shi Lei. But where is his Yu Zhen? Or the confident mature shop owner, Yan Zhao? I’m sad to say that his Jian Ying Ze has little redeeming value except for his daughter. I wanted to ship Yuki to Fuli Gong.

With the soundtrack similar to Beloved, I kept missing Shi Lei and Yu Zhen. And this is not good for a series if I am thinking of another one

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A Delicate Plot Not Handled Well

I didn’t watch the whole series, just watched where Tae and Tee appeared, basically ep 4&6. What I liked about this series is the cast. They were quite good and interesting, specially Teen of episode 4. As I said I didn’t really get to see the other episodes, the little that I’ve seen was an interesting cast and good acting.

I think I see where this series is going, a social cancer with almost everyone having their own video camera and the disposition that they have the right to expose in the web since it’s their camera. Little care for the effects on the person whose privacy was destroyed. But the script just enjoyed showing the juicy expose, not much on the after-effect and how to recover from such a horrific experience. After episode 4, poor Teen wasn’t given enough space to show what happened to him. In fact his famous brother and partner was given more time (Tae and Tee). Even though TaeTee’s revenge served as a warning to the viewers, Tae and Tee directed their wrath to the wrong person.

The series has great premise but the producers, director and scriptwriters are not ready to delve deep on such a delicate plot. Thus the very low rating.

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