Not what I expected

As always, everything is my own opinion and not intended to offend or upset anyone. (Let's be honest, I'm just rambling, really.)

Initially, the plot of this show sounded a little weird to me - a boy falls in love with the human reincarnation of his childhood dog? That just seemed a little weird to me, if I'm honest. HOWEVER, I loved this show so much. I cried. I laughed. I squeed with joy and cheered on th humans falling in love with a human!dog and human!cat. I reached a point where I didn't care if it was weird, I needed these characters to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Of course, that isn't exactly how things went, but you know what? It worked.

Something that I really liked about this series was that it wasn't just a simple reincarnation - Choco and Milk just missed their human so much that they found away to come back to help him deal with his depression and they just happened to do it as humans this time. I thought that was a really cool concept, especially when it's shown that this isn't actually reincarnation because they weren't reborn, they were just given an alloted time. When they had to go back to Heaven, I sobbed my little heart out; the fact that it was only words on the screen describing how they just sat together as Choco cried because he wanted to be with Jung Woo...oh gosh, I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I also really liked the idea of them finding a way to keep coming back, so they could still have lives.

Kim Seong Hyuk as Milk was fantastic - he really managed to pull off the cat-like behaviour without it coming across as rude or too much, and I honestly cannot wait to see him on screen in more. He had amazing chemistry with Park Seung Bin, and I loved watching Milk get confused and annoyed at the fact he was falling in love with Uncle. Lee Jae Bin as Choco was so cute I think I got a cavity; I truly believed this was a human puppy, without it being uncomfortable or over the top. Go Ho Jung was fantastic as Jung Woo, and despite the length of the episodes, he really managed to showcase his skills.

Over all, my only issue with the series is it was too short for my liking - I'd have loved longer episodes, but I feel like that's how we all feel when it comes to Korean BLs, they're always too short. I would absolutely love a second season, because it felt like the story was only getting started.

Leggi di Più

Cute and full of rewatch value

As always, everything is my own opinion and not intended to offend or upset anyone. (Let's be honest, I'm just rambling, really.)

I'll be honest, I put off watching this because the whole switched body thing isn't really my thing; I feel like it's something I've seen a million times in all types of media, and I just wasn't vibing with it. However, because I love EarthMix and Janhae, I decided to suck it up and give this little series a chance - and I am so glad that I did, because this was such a fun ride!

I've said it before, but putting Earth and Mix together really is one of the best decisions GMMTV have ever made because these two just thrive off of one another's performances in a way that I find is rare. Throwing Janhae into the mix (I totally did not mean that as pun) was perfect because she and Mix really managed to pull off the switched body theme. Mix's performance as a girl took me by surprise; I genuinely was surprised the show tackled the idea of Win having to deal with having a period, and it was done in a really good way! Mix was fantastic, and I couldn't help but laugh because it was almost like watching myself when having to deal with that time of the month. I really feel like Mix deserves a lot of praise for just that performance alone.

The supporting cast were great, too, and I really want to see White with EarthMix again, because I feel like the friendship just transcends onto the screen so brilliantly.

This was a really cute show but it also dealt with serious issues without diminishing them; the way Win's whole personality and behaviour changed over money was something that I found rather realistic, even if it did seem a little drastic at first. This is definitely a show that has good rewatch value, and I really do recommend it.

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super cute

I'd half expected to write a mini review on how this series devastated me (as most ghost centric BLs tend to do) but hey hey! A happy ending? Even if it doesn't make full sense? I'll take it!

This was a cute little show: ghost boy is stuck in graveyard for 20 years until ghost-seeing human boy decides to help him. It's a simple tale, and it works for this little show; my only issue is that the answers to Mes's death were a little anti-climatic, in my opinion. I feel like the build up and development of the story was wasted on the weak acting and writing of the 'big reveal'. However, other than that, this show manages to do it all: young men struggling with not only sexuality, but mortality; cute, comedic sidekicks who aren't wasted, and even a female non-love interest who isn't whiny or annoying at all.

The ending was a little bittersweet because of course we all want a happy ending, but all I can think of now is that Mes and Thun will live a strange little life together (where no one but Thun and his mother can even see Mes) and one day Mes will still disappear and leave Thun alone. It's still better than a depressing ending, of course!

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Decent, for what it has

I was looking for some short series to fill some time and discovered this little show hidden away in the corners of someone’s favourites list.

It’s a short show and I feel like the vampire lore/history isn’t very fleshed out, and the effects aren’t very good, but it’s still a nice wee show. The actors were actually really decent, and I didn’t mind the extremely rushed relationships because the actors managed to pull it off. It even has it’s own ‘Goblin’ moment that was devastating.

I think if this show was full length and not just ten minutes per episode (you can binge the whole series in an hour and a half) it would have been so much better; however, I do believe it does its job in being a neat mini series.

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cute but not memorable

Full disclosure, there were two reasons for me to finally watch this, the first being I love Neo Trai and I wanted to see him opposite Louis Thanawin again (I watched The Eclipse first). The second reason is I'm trying to watch Never Let Me Go and I wanted to see Phuwin Tangsaky opposite Pond Naravit in different roles.

This show is cute, but not attention grabbing. The whole changing-yourself-for-others is a trope that could be considered over done in heterosexual media so I was hoping that this would feel a little different, but it really didn't. Pi was extremely unlikeable as both 'a geek' and a 'hot guy'; I know it can be argued he was only that way because of bullies, but he was just a rather unkind character and I have no idea why Mork liked him in the first place.

I know Duean and Meen were comedy side characters, but I really did feel like I only kept watching for their story; it felt a lot more realistic (for a bl drama) than the main storyline and characters. (I know these shows aren't very realistic in general, but you know what I mean.)

It's a good time filler if you're not too fussed about becoming attached to the characters, and I personally didn't find any re-watch value in it.

Leggi di Più

A series with real heart

I'll be honest, I only watched this show because I'm trying to work my way through all the shows that will be featured in Our Skyy 2 next year; I'd watched two shows and fell in love with them, so I figured I'd watch the rest. I also may be watching almost anything that has a hint of Khaotung Thanawat, so.

After watching the first episodes I actually put the show on hold because it wasn't really grabbing me. However, this show is probably one of the best I've watched this year.

The writing and pacing of this series is much better and healthier than the majority of BLs, I feel, and it was really refreshing.

Something I was surprised to find myself liking is the fact we go through the entire show without any physically romantic scenes; let's be honest, we all love a good spicy scene, but this series really didn't even need any. The lead actors manage to convey emotion and chemistry without even touching each other, and whenever there is the odd lingering touch it really drags you in further. When we do get the kiss at the very end, it felt worth the wait (albeit a little unusual that two adult men declared their everlasting love for one another without even kissing, but we're all hopeless romantics now and then).

Another thing I feel like this show should be commended on is that it doesn't overly focus on Torfun's killer; yes, of course her death is a large focus, but there's no big REVENGE plot or anything, it's just people dealing with loss and trying to move on, and I felt like that was good. I know some people find Prem being the driver a cop out, but I think it served the main plot really well.

This show has a lot of heart, and I think the supporting cast should get credit for much of that. The children were fantastic, as were Nammon, White, Champ and Drake.

I'm really looking forward to the 1000 Stars episode of Our Skyy 2 next year, and I'm so glad I took a chance on this little series.

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what did i just watch?

Trigger Warnings for sexual assault/r*pe, physical abuse, emotional abuse, mental abuse, homophobia/transphobia

This show was just all kinds of messed up; and not in a good way. I enjoy a good dark, twisted, maybe even a little questionable drama as much as the next person, but I was almost without words with this one. I honestly do not know how I managed to watch the full thing. People questioned why I was doing it to myself, and all I can say is I honestly do not know. I think I just wanted to see how bad the show could get.

It’s not even the plot that’s bad, really, but the characters themselves. First we have Type, a guy who seems to think the reason he was sexually assaulted as a child is because of the gays. Not because a man was a paedophile, but because of the gays. (It’s never even stated that the man who molested him was gay.) Next up we have his friends who aren’t homophobic, yet defend Type when he says slurs and insults lgbtq+ folk, saying ‘he must have his reasons’ (they know nothing about his traumatic incident). Then we have Tharn, the roommate and love interest, who is out and proud gay and more or less because a sexual-harassment-case-waiting-to-happen as soon as Type begins his bullshit. The dude literally kisses and touches Type IN HIS SLEEP. He more or less forces Type to accept oral sex in the shower. (Yes, I know the scene is meant to seem as if Type gets into it, but let’s be honest, that was assault.) Tharn continues to be a very uncomfortable character with his refusal to give up on a man who claims to be straight, defends said man’s homophobia, and puts up with physical and emotional abuse from stated man. It would be pitiful if it wasn’t so uncomfortable.

Moving on to the inevitable falling-in-love-with-the-gay-roomie and as much as we all love this trope (I mean, that why we watched the show, right?) we find that not only is Type still a raging homophobe, but a vocal one…using the ‘f’ slur, alienating his childhood best friend, before going home to TALK TO HIS BIG GAY BOYFRIEND. This man ‘hates gays’ but CHOSE to be a bottom, and seems to really love gay sex…but hates the gays. I mean, I know we’re supposed to be watching him grow and accept himself and the community BUT COME ON. It was like whiplash.

We also have Tar and Tum, who are a complete mystery for 80% of this show. I eventually got fed up of random scenes with these characters who apparently had nothing to actually do with the show, and I spoiled that part of the storyline for myself. Really, they should have been tied into the plot better if we were supposed to have any emotion towards them. By the time they were involved I’d already grown bored and unsympathetic. (Then again, there are few characters you can be sympathetic to in this series.)

It’s absolutely HORRIBLE what happened to Tar, but it was still so difficult to feel bad for him. Like, I know most of his behaviour was because he was being blackmailed, but it was still

Tum could have been likeable, but really there was nothing there but an older boy lusting after his step brother. It had so much potential! Alas, it was wasted.

We also have Thorn, Tharn’s brother who…well, I actually liked him, but I have questions about why he was okay with his best friend banging his 14 year old brother. I mean, he punched the dude, but personally, I think continuing the friendship is a weird vibe. I know that if one of my mates came to be and confessed to having sex with my under age brother I’d be burying their body in a shallow grave. Thanya, the little sister, was a queen though.

Then (YES, THERE IS MORE), we have Technic, the younger brother of Techno, who swaps illicit photos of his older brother with his friend for movie tickets. Yup, kid is taking sneaky photos for his obsessed pal without the consent of his brother. I’ll be honest, though, Techno was probably my favourite character in the whole show.

Lastly, we have Lhong, who was the surprise for me. When I discovered he was the antagonist all along I did have to give props for that because I did not expect that from him. What he did to everyone was just despicable; especially Tar, who was a literal child. However, I feel like the character’s real self was hidden really well for the better part of the show, and it’s the one thing I didn’t expect - the jealous-in-love-with-main-character-best-friend, and I appreciated that little shake up. He really was a master manipulator, right under our noses. The ‘I wasn’t loved as a child’ motivation is tired and overdone, but you know what? I’m gonna let it slide because of how impressed I was with them sneaking Lhong in as the bad guy. (I’m genuinely shocked I managed to say something positive about this show.)

I admit, shamefully, that I did enjoy Type when he informed Lhong that he knew about what he’d been doing; there’s just something in me that gets giddy when a guy somehow protects his boyfriend’s ex? I know that makes no sense, but when Type shows how disgusted he is at what happened to Tar, I liked him for just that one second; he knew Tar’s pain, somewhat, and found common ground. Finding out that Type had known for so long what was going on and was biding his time…that was a nice touch. I also gotta say, Champ is a champ; he had no idea what was going on and stepped up to help his friends, going as far as to get up in the face of a man he’d just discovered had had young boy gang raped. Kudos to him wanting to bash heads.

I need to ask if there was any point in bringing Tin/Can/Pete into the last 3 minutes of the show; I had to googled who they were! I think there’s gonna have been a lot of people that perhaps have not seen Love By Chance, and since almost all the characters were recast before being included in TharnType, not many are gonna connect the two.

I feel like there was a real issue with tying up loose ends in this. Suddenly, there's no more homophobia from Lil Type, like he just accepts who he is (which is great!) but there's no mention of it. No mention of the friend he pushed away or all the horrible things he'd said about his lover and 'his kind'. There's nothing about how his parents are (though upon my silly searching on MDL, I understand this gets covered in the Special). Also, did no one report Lhong? The boy literally had a child raped, tried to kill a guy, and they're all just like, "okay"?!

What I really hate most is that despite everything I have said here, and the fact I literally rated this a 4.5 (the lowest I've ever rated anything), I know for a fact I'll watch the Specials and the damn sequel, because despite how much this show bugged me, I want to know how it ends (and if it can get any better). Apparently, I am a glutton for punishment. (I'm also hoping for more Khlui/Seo content because they were ROBBED of screen time.)

Leggi di Più

Such a refreshing watch

So, I’ve spent the last few weeks binging BLs and out of all the shows I’ve watched, Bad Buddy might be one of the best ever made.

The story itself seems so cliché, but it works so much better than any other enemies-to-lovers that I’ve seen, if I’m honest. The characters aren’t two dimensional and actually develop on screen right in front of you, and it doesn’t feel rushed at all. You can actually see them start to fall for one-another, rather than just “oh there guys like each other,”; it was built up and developed in a way that felt more realistic compared to other shows similar.

It wasn’t just the lead cast that you watch change and mature, either; I HATED Wai for so long in this show, especially when the outed Pat and Pran in such a cruel way. I honestly didn’t see any way for him to be redeemed in my eyes, but the writing was so well done that you can actually see him grow through his anger and pain. I’m genuinely surprised he and Korn didn’t end up together because most other shows would have thrown them together; however, it worked so much better to have them become the best of friends and business partners. I loved it.

Something else that I feel makes this series special is it’s not overly romantic. There’s affection, of course, but it really is two boys who like to be around each other in both a romantic sense and a friendly way. It’s not all dramatic and horny kisses, but lots of silly stolen cheek kisses, lots of play fighting and boyishness, but without it feeling like a bromance, if that makes sense? The show isn’t all about WHEN IS THE SEX HAPPENING which is refreshing. (Don’t get me wrong, I love the spice of other shows, but this just felt a little more gentle and it was perfect.)

I’m sad that Pat’s dad didn’t apologise to Pran’s mother, but at the same time, that would be too easy and too simple; the writers kept it realistic to the characters personalities.

I won’t lie, I had a slight panic when I started the last episode that it wouldn’t be a happy ending. My poor brother had to deal with a barrage of texts from me screaming that I couldn’t handle another sad ending. However, when it was revealed they’d never actually broke up and were still so happy in love, I almost died from happiness. I’m not going to lie, I was sad they couldn’t be completely out, but they worked it around what they felt comfortable with, and I felt like that was good enough.

I would love to see these actors work together again, and I would really recommend this to everyone.

Leggi di Più

Wonderful, but sad

This show really caught me by surprise. I’d barely seen any mention of it and didn’t hold out much hope for sticking with it, but without realising it really did pull me in and grab my attention.

Some of the acting was a little wobbly, but I find that a lot with these type of shows; luckily, the leads were fantastic, and really managed to capture the characters in their own unique ways.

I also feel like despite being a supernatural-comedy-drama, the series managed to tackle serious topics. One part that really struck me was the video of Phob’s mother admitting her true feelings; I found it very powerful and raw, and just so ??????. Also, the way Phat and his mother’s relationship developed slowly over the course of the episodes felt so natural, and I applaud the writing for that.

One thing I am angry about is that no one warned me how devastated the finale would be. I don’t know why I went into this thinking a story about a ghost and a human falling in love would have a happy ending, but I genuinely thought Dream would work some witchcraft or something and find away to keep Phob around; however, I can also admit that that may be a cheap idea and not all love stories can run as smooth as that. However, whilst they got to be together in the afterlife, the fact that Phat had to live a life and try and move on without Phob broke me. (When Phob came to take him away when it was his time, my poor dear brother received a bunch of voice notes of me sobbing my heart out, so that’s gonna be fun to live down.)

I do feel there were quite a few loose ends left over. Like, there was never anything resolved with Dream’s daddy issues; I genuinely thought something important would happen with the books she was left, or that something more would come of it, but there was nothing. Then there’s Luck’s whole thing with his parents and UFOs; we didn’t get an ending to that. Like, the bright lights he kept seeing, what was that all about? Was he just imagining it?

I’m glad I gave this show a watch. I really fell in love with the cast and despite how devastated I am by the ending, it was worth it, and thoroughly enjoyable.

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had potential

As always, these are just my personal opinions and not meant to offend :)

I feel like this show fell short of its potential. It started off feeling cheeky and sexy, but then it just sort of felt like it was rushed. So much seemed to happen off screen, especially towards the end of the series and it just felt a little bit cheap.

I personally found Uea very unlikeable; his tragic backstory was sad, of course, but his personality was just too snobby and entitled and I constantly felt like King deserved better. However, King’s character fell a bit flat for me; his whole arranged marriage thing felt like it was going to add to the story but instead it was pretty pointless to the plot and unnecessary.

However, for me, the worst character was Jade - oh gosh, every single time he was on screen and opened his mouth I wanted to close the tab and never watch again. I can honestly say I won’t be watching Middleman’s Love because this character is just grating.

The show wasn’t awful, but it felt more like a cheap copy of Big Dragon, if I’m honest.

Leggi di Più

Could have been longer

As always, these rambles are just my thoughts and opinions, and not intended to upset or offend anyone.

In all honesty, I’m a little bored with dystopian/apocalyptic shows and movies. Perhaps it’s to do with the age we are living in not feeling all too distant to them, but it’s a little over done. However, I am glad I gave this little series a chance because I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There were vibes of Sabikui Bisco, Snowpiercer, Tank Girl and Mad Max, so it did feel like it was catered to my tastes, but it also managed to stand on it’s own two feet.

The basic summary is in the future oxygen is scarce, and controlled by a large company in the Korean Peninsula. Delivery men are tasked with going into the wastelands to deliver oxygen and supplies - and to battle with scavengers and thugs. A small group of rebels within the delivery men are fighting against the oppression caused by the company they work for, trying to bring equality to everyone, all whilst the son of the CEO tries to kill off all refugees.

One issue is that the show was too short. I feel like it could have benefited from more world building, perhaps to let us get more acquainted with the situation and the characters. That’s not to say I didn’t empathise with the main characters, but I would have liked to have had more history.

The action sequences were fantastic, and the effects were entertaining. I had a lot of love for the refugees on the outskirts of the main districts, especially Grandpa and his little group of rascals. You could really feel the affection within the group, as well as the delivery men - the found family trope was alive and kicking.

This is definitely worth a watch.

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Kinda pointless

As always, these are just my thoughts and opinions and not meant to offend anyone :)

I feel sad that this series just doesn't hit for me. Star in my Mind bored me, and whilst Sky in your Heart was a little more enjoyable, I fully admit that was because I loved the cast, not really the story (which felt second hand). This special episode felt a bit pointless, if I'm honest. There was no real conclusion or anything (and a word of warning for anyone that thinks perhaps there will be in Our Skyy 2, there isn't, but I can't post that review yet).

I know I'll rewatch Sky in Your Heart, but that is literally just because I love the cast so much; but this just felt like chore.

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fantastic

As always, these are just my own opinions and not intended to offend :) (if we’re honest, it’s just me rambling)

I’m still rather mad at myself for taking so long to watch The Gifted series, as this has been one of the most enjoyable but stressful series I’ve seen to date.

Before I started Graduation, I read a comment that it felt like there was a plot twist every ten minutes, and boy, is that an understatement. I have emotional whiplash from these characters.

The show picks up two years after season 1, with the gifted seniors still trying to fight back against the school director and the education ministry. However, we also are introduced to a new class of gifted juniors, all with their own unusual and differing powers.

I feel like people don’t talk enough about how great this series has been at showcasing the talent of many young actors. I said in my previous review that season one really opened my eyes to how great an actor Gun Attaphan is, and season 2 has just cemented that. Gosh, I was constantly swinging back and forth from whether I liked Punn or not, because it reached a point where I wasn’t sure what was his real personality anymore, and again really just owned this role. He is absolutely fantastic at just changing character in an instant and I really have to hand it to him for that. Ohm’s character really grew in this season, and I really enjoyed watching him go from a kid who just wants to enjoy his life to also wanting to protect others like him. Chimon as Wave was brilliant, again, and it was something special to see his character growth, too. Nanon…well, there’s not much I can add to what everyone else says - that boy really is one of the best actors of his generation. I won’t lie, when Pang started to comply with Supot I felt my heart break a little; I loved that he was doing it because he wanted to protect his friends (and obviously I knew he had a plan up his sleeve) but at the same time it always hurts to see the strong characters fall to the mercy of their oppressors.

Something I absolutely loved about this season was getting to see more of the support cast. Mek Jirakit as Chanon was just heartbreaking; seeing this boy who never really got to live his life because of what happened to him in high school going from wanting quick revenge to actually avenging gifted kids was amazing. (I may or may not be bias as I adore Mek, and I really love him playing angsty scenes.) I do wish we’d got a little more backstory or flashbacks between Chanon and Pom so we could actually feel more connected to their friendship, but I understand that the writers may not have wanted to over so it, especially when there were so many other characters and storylines to work with.

I had originally been worried that I might not enjoy the new gifted kids as much because of the love I had for the original squad, but I did really enjoy them. Time was a nice addition to the little rebellion, and I feel like Phuwin really made a mark with his performance as Third. Prim as Grace was great - her character was so much more complex than I thought it would be. The finale episode had me clutching my pearls, honestly.

I loved this series, and I’m sad it’s over. I know I’m 3 years behind, but I really would love if we got another season at some point.

Leggi di Più

A rather forgettable series

As always, everything is my own opinion and not intended to offend or upset anyone. (Let's be honest, I'm just rambling, really.)

So, I'll be honest - I didn't enjoy this as much as most, it seems. Perhaps I'm just fed up with every other BL being mafia related in someway, and the whole 'boy from powerful family falls in love with boy who is a nobody' feels so over done these days. The storyline was predictable and very little felt realistic or believable.

In terms of the cast, until recently I didn't enjoy Phuwin as an actor at all; I feel like he often gets typecast and comes across as whiny, which makes me sad because he is obviously a great actor and very talented, but I feel like he doesn't get to shine very much. Even Pond didn't really get a chance to show off his acting skills; I feel like the cast were a bit restrained? I'm not sure how else to explain it.

Over all, I felt it was pretty forgettable, and not a series I would ever rewatch. (However, I will say that the 2 special episodes for Our Skyy 2 were fantastic, and I would have loved to have seen more of that Palm and Nueng because Pond and Phuwin actually looked like they were enjoying themselves. I'll hold back from saying too much, though, as I'll save those rambles for my OS2 review.)

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More 'mature' BL

This was a neat wee show. I feel bad that it took me a couple of months to get through it, but I feel like I wasn't as captivated as I should have been. That's on me, not the show.

This is a more mature series when it comes to the storyline and acting, in the sense of it's 'older' characters/actors and it's not all about the cute touches, blushes and kisses. The couplings are just accepted, which is something I loved; every now and then you get a little tired of the cliché BL tropes (as much as I love them) and it was refreshing to watch two men be comfortable with one another in private and in public. (That proposal was insane and I loved it, okay?)

The storyline was a little bit of a rollercoaster in terms of who the real villains were, but it got there in the end.

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