Last Twilight but Our First Twilight

"Last Twilight" emerges as an exceptional masterpiece, leaving an inerasible impact on us viewers. The year-long wait for this series was undoubtedly worth it, as it took time to craft its brilliance. My admiration for JimmySea, immersed by "Vice Versa," only deepened with "Last Twilight." Upon experiencing the series, I was left astounded. Jimmy and Sea surpassed my expectations for BL dramas, showcasing a well-developed chemistry not only on screen but also in real life. Sea's portrayal of a person with a visual disability demonstrated remarkable improvement, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

"Last Twilight" arrived at the perfect moment amidst a sea of hit-or-miss series. It concluded my 2023 on a high note and ushered in my 2024, infusing the transition with a renewed sense of optimism and possibility. What more is there to say? To truly understand the magic in "Last Twilight," one must embark on the journey themselves, engaging in its allure and experiencing its wonders firsthand.

Struggling under substantial debt, Mhok (Jimmy), a technical college student, seeks a well-paying job and lands a position as a caregiver for Day (Sea), a badminton player grappling with partial blindness caused by infectious keratitis. Mhok, in contrast to other candidates, shows no signs of pity for Day. As they spend more time together, a profound connection forms between them. However, when Day receives the news that he has approximately 180 days left until complete vision loss, the challenges ahead will test their bond's strength.

"And now here is my secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - Day (A reference from the Little Prince)

Read more here from LauLastWonderland. This is an excellent review to clear up the misconception, especially with the last few episodes. (Spoilers ahead) https://mydramalist.com/profile/LauLastWonderland/review/336399

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We Are: Entwined Hearts & Uncharted Paths

Should you watch "We Are"? Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed answer. The storyline is quite simple, without much depth or intense drama. But if you're looking for a show that emphasizes healthy friendships and relationships, "We Are" does a great job of that. This was something I was really hoping for, and it delivered well in that aspect. The genuine connections and positive interactions between the characters are refreshing and heartwarming.

While there are some enjoyable moments, the pacing really becomes an issue, particularly between Episodes 9 and 13. This section felt especially slow and could have been condensed, making the whole series tighter and more engaging, probably fitting better into 12 episodes.

So, while it might not be the most thrilling series out there, its charm comes from its simplicity and the heartfelt bonds it shows. If that sounds appealing to you, it’s definitely worth a watch.

"In this group of friends, even though university life is tough, life's ups and downs, plus love's twists, keep things always stirring.
We are... friends who argue but care so much about each other that sometimes, we end up flirting."

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Go watch Hidden Love now!!!!

It's a beautiful series, and I think it deserves all the hype. I love how all that ends up, and without a doubt, it is one of the most outstanding cdramas in 2023.

Story:
In this story, a girl named Sang Zhi falls in love with Duan Jia Xu, her brother's best friend. Jia Xu regards Sang Zhi as a sister, yet Sang Zhi has started having feelings for him. As time passed, he developed feelings and fell in love with Sang Zhi.

The various periods of Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu are depicted throughout the plot, which is very well developed, from when they first met to when they started dating. It is very light and airy and shows various stages of relationships.

Cast:
Zhao Lu Si (Sang Zhi) and Chen Zhe Yuan (Duan Jia Xu) worked effectively in depicting their personality. They have fantastic chemistry on-screen and off-screen. They are the greenest of green flags, and their relationship is healthy. The series gets better because of the characters' excellent communication and comprehension. ZLS demonstrates how Sang Zhi matures as a character. Victor Ma also did an excellent job of portraying a brother who is a bother to his sister and still cares about her no matter what.

Twenty-five episodes is most certainly insufficient for me, but rather, it's without a doubt the ideal length. I, as of now, need to watch it again as it is beautiful, as it were. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn't seen it to try this drama—it's a warm and beautiful work of art!

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Was it Dangerous though?

Dangerous Romance is a promising series, but it lacks that specific "hook" or unique element that would set it apart and truly capture its audience. When placed in the context of other concurrent GMMTV series airing during its time, it ranks itself between Only Friends and Hidden Agenda. While it may not be the peak of Perth and Chimon's acting potential, their brilliance as actors still shines through despite occasional awkward moments in their on-screen interactions. The series has its fun moments. Still, there are instances when the chemistry between Chimon and Perth seems to waver, leading to a sense of uncertainty in portraying their relationship. The inconsistencies between a BL and a bromance potentially cause a disconnect for some viewers seeking a more focused romantic narrative. Overall, Dangerous Romance is a straightforward yet intriguing series, though it's not without its storytelling flaws. The missing compelling hook or unique selling point affects its overall impact.
Nevertheless, despite its shortcomings, it's a series worth recommending to viewers interested in the genre. It receives a slightly above average rating, in this case, a 7.5, as it offers a pleasant viewing experience and showcases the talents of its lead actors. However, I believe if it had further character development and a more defined romantic narrative, it could become a noteworthy addition to the BL genre, especially for fans of Perth and Chimon.

"A windmill (Kanghan) needs wind (Sailom) to generate electricity." - Sailom.
"That means wind (Sailom) is super important to windmills (Kanghan), right?" - Kanghan.

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A not so hidden Hidden Agenda

FINAL REVIEW:
TL; DR: I deeply regret watching this series, despite my love for JoongDunk and everything they do. Unfortunately, Hidden Agenda didn't showcase their full potential. While it may not be the absolute worst BL drama of 2023, it comes dangerously close to claiming that title. I made an effort to defend the series by highlighting a few well-done aspects (although there weren't many), but eventually became tired of its repetitive nature. Off-screen, JoongDunk has a natural and adorable chemistry that translates somewhat onto the screen. However, it becomes apparent that there isn't much variation or difference in their on-screen dynamic. Additionally, I can't help but notice several flaws in their acting abilities that could have been executed better. The storyline follows a basic trope similar to Star in My Mind and even incorporates some identical elements from there. Overall, both the script and acting left me feeling disappointed by the end of it all. Despite accepting these flaws and trying my best to overlook them, improvements are definitely needed. When comparing Hidden Agenda with GMMTV's concurrent airing BL series like Dangerous Romance and Only Friends, it falls short in terms of overall production quality. I am eagerly anticipating the release of JoongDunk's new series, but I hope they don't stick to their usual school-setting theme. I would love to see them explore more mature roles and storylines. Despite my review, I still encourage everyone to give it a chance and form their own opinions about it. Personally, I don't think it's terrible, but rather a perfect drama for those evenings when you're enjoying dinner or need some entertainment while working.

Full:
The series begins with Zo, a university student who has a crush on a girl named Nita. After mustering up the courage, Zo decides to pursue Nita and finds himself face-to-face with Joke, her ex-boyfriend. Despite their initial awkward encounter, Joke ends up helping Zo in his pursuit of Nita. However, as they spend more time together, Zo starts to question his own feelings. As time passes by, both Zo and Joke find themselves developing unexpected emotions for each other and eventually fall in love. Now as a couple, they navigate through various challenges that come their way. From dealing with family problems to misunderstandings within their relationship and even having to confront a stalker, they manage to overcome all difficulties thanks to their strong bond and unwavering love for one another.

When I first stumbled upon this series through an Instagram reel, I was immediately drawn in by its promising storyline. The initial episodes were enjoyable and left me wanting more. However, there were certain aspects that I felt could have been expanded upon or elaborated further. I do wish they expanded the enemies to lovers story, like the “Hidden Agenda” part of the story because the rest was not hidden. I found the pacing for the story at the beginning a bit too slow and towards the middle and near the end, it began either dragging a lot or too rushed. Episode 12 in particular was a disappointment for me, as everything felt rushed and I found myself losing track of what was happening. One major issue I had with the storytelling was why they chose to reveal Joke's backstory in episode 12. It would have made more sense to explore this earlier on and allow for better character development throughout. In terms of plot potential, there were glimpses of fresh takes, but overall it relied too heavily on familiar tropes that we've seen before. I really wanted to see more depth in the characters' relationship and witness their struggles firsthand. It would have been interesting if they delved deeper into their chemistry and showed us how they overcame obstacles together. However, any potential hidden agenda seemed to be revealed early on in just a few episodes, leaving much of what followed feeling like pure fluff. There is definitely room for improvement in the script of JoongDunk. Currently, it lacks depth and fails to offer significant variations or major developments. It's truly disappointing that such a talented cast like JoongDunk is given such a terrible script. How could something be so bad? The writing itself feels incredibly sloppy and unprofessional, making it challenging to decipher whether the show aims to tell a cohesive story or merely string together random scenes. It's disheartening because the concept behind JoongDunk is genuinely intriguing and has great potential. However, this potential remains untapped due to the lack of attention and care given to the execution of the script. With some improvements in terms of storytelling, character development, and overall coherence, this show could truly shine and captivate its audience. It deserves better than what it currently offers - a missed opportunity for greatness.

Now moving on to characters, the main focus is of course JokeZo. I must say that they do have fantastic chemistry, which adds an extra layer of depth to their performances. However, while their on-screen presence was good, it didn't completely captivate me. Don't get me wrong, the quality of their conversation was commendable as it showcased a more mature and honest dynamic between them. They truly helped each other overcome their insecurities in a way that felt authentic. One thing that stood out about JokeZo's relationship was the abundance of cute moments shared between them. From small hugs and kisses to those steamy NC scenes, these adorable interactions were enjoyable to watch and brought a smile to my face. Despite this, I couldn't help but wish for more development in JokeZo's relationship throughout the series. Let's talk about Dunk's acting skills. While I love his character portrayal overall, there are times when his acting comes off as cringe-worthy or slightly irritating. It seems like he tries too hard at times instead of just being natural and true to himself on-screen. Perhaps taking some acting workshops would greatly benefit him in honing his craft and delivering even better performances. Even though it's not good enough compared to Khaotung or others, I still believe that there have been noticeable improvements in his acting since Star in My Mind. While he used to rely on bland facial expressions, I now sense a greater range of emotions and feelings coming from him. However, there is still room for growth and development. One aspect that stands out is the chemistry between him and Joong. Their relationship feels natural and comfortable, which adds depth to their performances. Nevertheless, there are areas that require further attention. His facial expressions and body language could use some refinement in order to fully convey the intended emotions. To enhance his acting skills even more, he should dedicate time to practice regularly. By doing so, he can fine-tune his techniques and become a more polished actor. With continued guidance and support from experienced professionals, I am confident that he has the potential to excel even further in his career.

I have to express my overwhelming love for JengPok (AouBoom) - they are truly a remarkable pair. Ever since their appearance in Vice Versa, I have already drawn to them, but it is in Hidden Agenda where their chemistry and character development truly flourished. The story of JengPok is nothing short of beautiful, and what makes it even more special is that they started off as boyfriends right from the beginning! It didn't take long for me to become deeply attached to them; so much so that I found myself shedding tears during their scenes, especially those towards the end. Their acting skills are simply astonishing - I couldn't help but rewatch their scenes over and over again. In fact, I found myself watching more of JengPok than any other couple because they are outstanding actors who know how to captivate an audience. They flawlessly executed their roles and portrayed them with such authenticity that it's hard not to be completely mesmerized by their performances. AouBoom deserves nothing less than being the lead in a BL series. GMMTV, if you're listening, please give them this opportunity! With all my heart, I wish them immense success in all their future endeavours.

Overall, this series has been a source of enjoyment for me in the past. It became my go-to comfort zone on Sundays, providing a sense of relaxation and escapism. Despite its complicated and unorganized storyline, as well as some barely acceptable performances, I found myself overlooking these flaws because of the overall entertainment value it offered. However, one aspect that always caught my attention was the cinematography. While many may appreciate bright visuals in a show or movie, I often felt that the brightness level in this series was excessive. It sometimes even caused discomfort to my eyes while watching it. I couldn't help but wonder if this intentional choice by the creators or just an unfortunate coincidence from the colorist's perspective. Regardless of whether it was intentional or not, this particular aspect added an extra layer to my viewing experience. It made me question and ponder over artistic choices within the show itself. Perhaps there is a deeper meaning behind the overly bright cinematography that adds to its narrative or thematic elements. In conclusion, despite its flaws and occasional eye-straining cinematography choices, this series managed to captivate me with its overall appeal and served as a reliable source of Sunday entertainment. I'll still miss everyone, Joke, Zo, Jeng, Pok, Nita, and how could I not forget, Grandma! You were one of the things that I continued to stay. That's it, my journey on Hidden Agenda ends here, farewell.

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Sometimes a Little Bit of Magic Wouldn't Hurt

Writing this review took longer than expected, but I'm eager to share my thoughts on "Cherry Magic," a delightful adaptation of the original Japanese series with a unique Thai twist. This was my first exposure to TayNew, and their dynamic chemistry significantly enhanced my viewing experience. The series skillfully balances the essence of the original narrative with culturally specific elements that resonate with a new audience. The blend of magical realism, engaging character development, and local flavour makes "Cherry Magic" not just enjoyable but also a memorable introduction to the talents of TayNew. It's a heartwarming and entertaining series that effectively captivates and entertains.

Story-wise, the series shines by delving into themes of personal growth and empathy. Achi initially grapples with the overwhelming implications of his newfound mind-reading ability, which complicates his interactions and intensifies his feelings of isolation. Yet, as he navigates this unique gift, he gains insights into others' lives that foster greater understanding and connection. The evolving dynamics, notably between Achi and Karan, are a standout aspect. Their transition from colleagues to something deeper is delicately portrayed with a blend of humour and tenderness. Achi's accidental discovery of Karan's feelings challenges his views on love and intimacy, prompting him to confront his barriers. Additionally, the series nicely explores supporting characters, each contributing their struggles and triumphs, thereby enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives on love and relationships.

The characters in the series surpassed my expectations, particularly Tay (Karan) and New (Achi), who, with their extensive industry experience, delivered outstanding performances and remarkable chemistry. Their interactions were a highlight, characterized by solid communication and the resolution of misunderstandings. Junior (Jinta) and Mark (Min), portraying the secondary couple, underwent an adorable relationship progression that added depth to the storyline. I found their expanded screen time compared to the Japanese version to be a welcome development, although I did notice some inconsistencies, such as Mark's hair colour changes during dance scenes. Sing (Rock) and Jan (Pai) showcased a compelling evolution in their relationship from start to finish, with their chemistry leaving a lasting impact. I'm hopeful for a second chance for them to explore their connection further as a pair.

Looking back, I might have been a bit too generous with my rating, but I still believe in my judgment. "Cherry Magic" holds its own compared to the Japanese version, although there are aspects I wish could have been improved. Still, it's not just your average rom-com. It delves into love, friendship, and personal growth with depth and sincerity—the mix of magic and relatable real-life experiences results in a captivating and heartwarming narrative. I urge you to try and see the magic for yourself. It can turn everyday moments into something unique and spark your imagination. And with that, I wrap up my last series review for 2023.

Achi (New), an average employee at a stationery company, leads a single and uneventful life. Upon reaching the age of thirty, he discovers a surprising ability to read people's minds through physical contact. Faced with this newfound power, Achi tries to avoid contact with others. Still, his efforts take an unexpected turn when he accidentally reads the thoughts of Karan (Tay), his handsome and flawless colleague. To his astonishment, Achi learns that the generous and always-smiling Karan has developed romantic feelings for him. To prevent complications, Achi maintains distance from Karan's emotions.

"Love can start from the little moments that impress you. Before you know it, you've already caught feelings."

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Ending the Year and Starting the Year Perfectly with Perfect 10 Liners

I have been so excited for Perfect 10 Liners since I saw the GMMTV 2024 showcase. I loved all the pairings and characters, so I’m eager to see how their chemistry will unfold as the series progresses. I must admit, though, I was a bit surprised by the 24 episodes length and the fact that it’ll air over six months—talk about a long journey. One main hope is that GMMTV please keep the pacing tight and ensure balanced screen time for all characters.

First-year student Arm (Force) joins the exclusive “Perfect 10 Liners” group, led by his mentor, Yeepun (Emi), who assigns him the popular Engineer Cute Boy page to manage. The two clash online when Arm unknowingly posts a forbidden photo of third-year Arc (Force). Unknown to Arm, Arc was charmed by him at first sight, setting the stage for an unexpected connection that grows as they spend more time together. Meanwhile, Gun’s (Santa) chaotic first day at university leads him to Faifa (Junior), who he mistakenly believes is his savior from a mishap. Eventually, he realizes Faifa’s twin, Yotha (Perth), helped him. Due to Gun's fear of the dark, Yotha offers to switch dorm arrangements, creating an unconventional yet supportive friendship. Lastly, Wine (Mark), a new addition to the group, finds himself guided by Faifa instead of his assigned mentor. After ending his relationship with Toey recently, Wine confides in Faifa about his feelings for her older brother, Tor. Faifa, ever helpful, lets Wine practice his approach on him, giving Wine the confidence to pursue Tor eventually.

Honestly, the first thing that came to mind when I started watching was, is this We Are 2.0? The school setting with the boys feels familiar, yet there's a subtle difference this time. I began watching, as expected, from GMMTV, and they started with a flashback, which works well here. I enjoy the simple, easygoing storyline that doesn’t dive too deep, but it’s been a great introduction to each character. The introduction of ArcArm (ForceBook) is straightforward yet effective. I can already sense that something big will happen soon with the enemy-to-lover trope.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts on each episode over the next six months. Let’s enjoy it together, ending this year and starting the next on a high note.

Side Note 1: The JJ and Poon duo is so delightfully chaotic; they had me smiling the whole time in this first episode.

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