Together with Me (2017)

I was a bit apprehensive when coming across this drama because I heard it was a prequel to Bad Romance and I read mixed reviews from fans regarding that drama. But the minute I hit the play button for the first episode of Together With Me I was immediately hooked! Together With Me is not the typical college BL as it pushes the envelope in what is normally seen in previously released BL. For once, there are actually OPENLY GAY CHARACTERS. Most BL's go for the "I'm not gay, I'm just in love with only you" explanation. But I am happy to see that Thai BL dramas are evolving and more dramas are being produced with characters that raise awareness of what sexuality is (ie. Gay Ok Bangkok, Diary of Tootsie, etc) and the struggles those characters face for being LGBT+. It also shows how having a good support system, like friends/family, can play a major role in your life and decision making.

STORY:
For the most part, I wouldn't say that the overall plot of Together With Me is new or groundbreaking. What I will say is that the way the writing explores how the characters interact and solve problems throughout the show is what makes this series so amazing. The story starts with the two main characters, Korn and Knock, and how they go through struggles both environmentally, socially, and emotionally to finally come together as a couple. Also a main character, Yihwa, is Korn's best friend and is a strong supporter of Korn and Knocks relationship. The 3 main cast members are joined by Fai, Farm, and Phu who are all neighbors in the same dorm. The drama does a great job of focusing on Korn and Knock, but also focuses on the side stories of the other cast members. This is done extremely well as the writers tackle issues such as homophobia, family ties, ageism, monogamy, vanity, and promiscuity. Each of these issues are divided evenly (and sometimes shared) with most of the cast, with the exception of Yihwa's character being written in the story for more of emotional support and as an ally. I gave the story the score of 9 only because I felt that at times it was a bit inconsistent or the timing was rushed in 2 or 3 episodes. I also felt that they rushed Farm's development and almost had no development for Fai's character at all (here's hoping for another season). I also enjoyed the supporting characters of Bright and Kavi who were Farm's and Phu's love interests respectively. Farm and Bright's story in particular was left open-ended, and I hope that this series will have another season just so we can have closure with that story-line.

ACTING:
I have to say that I was BLOWN AWAY by all of the actors in this drama. They really gave so much life and layers to their respective characters! Especially Yihwa who always steals the screen with her charisma and engaging personality. But If I had to pick a standout character out of the 3 mains I would  definitely give all the praise to Korn's character (Played by Max). His character took every scene and made you feel every moment as it were really happening. Whether it was a happy, sad, or sensual scene... Korn's character had you believing every moment. Knocks character was also really well acted, and Knock's intimate scenes with Korn are OUT OF THIS WORLD! If these actors aren't LGBT+ in real life they sure had me fooled! One of the reasons I say this drama is leaps and bounds above other college-setting Thai BL dramas is because of the convincing and extremely well-choreographed sex scenes, Like WOW!!! If you want a drama that quenches you boyxboy thirst, has a good plot, and amazing acting... Together With Me is it for sure! All of the other cast members give amazing performances. Especially Farm's character who does a heart-wrenching job at playing a cute, innocent small-town boy who is in love and exploring his sexuality.

MUSIC:
All the music in this drama was really good! It went well with all of the scenes and I may even want to download the soundtrack if I find out how.

REWATCH VALUE:
This drama is for sure and an easy rewatch for me. I have fallen head over heals for KornKnock and I honestly want to see more of them! Their chemistry is just so amazing and I really hope this series  gains a big following so we can get another well-deserved and much needed followup season!

OVERALL:
This is series is a MUST WATCH for all BL lovers. It hits all the right spots and leaves you wanting more! I highly recommend it and I promise that you'll be hooked!

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For a movie buff like me, watching this Thai BL series is a stretch but a good one. I can continue raving about it from the beginning.  But let's start with the story.

The story seems cliche if you look at it on hetero/straight perspective especially when this type of storyline has already been applied in many telenovelas(Latin and Filipino) and even Asian.  However, the good twist is that the gay storyline is the main focus, in which one of the characters is a hero who tries to win the love of his best friend after a random tryst due to intoxication. At first glance, it was not really a tryst because, both, as mentioned were intoxicated. But from there complication arose, including the surprise appearance of a girl friend  of one of the main characters and then the development of love between two college-educated young adults who are both male.  

This is a kind of romantic comedy series that I wouldn't get bored watching for many times, if time allows. Aside from the "main lovebirds", one character I really love is Yihwa.   All cast, even the villain, portrayed their characters very well. The acting is "superb" (IMO) especially Yihwa's , and of course, Korn and Knock.  Even though I tend to hate the villains, their characters have been played well that it is difficult for me to ignore them. Although it is possible to pinpoint the neophytes in acting, I have come to familiarize all the supporting characters.  They've all managed to invoke emotions in their characters, which, I believe is very effective in stirring the emotions of the viewers.

It is not only about having to see the main characters to feel good throughout watching the series. The supporting cast really managed to bring out different types of emotions in me. So, I think this BL series is very effective in incorporating the characters, which I initially thought would just be fillers and uninteresting. But then, they did a great surprise.

And one thing I have to point out in this series are the kissing scenes(of course).

Max(Korn) and Tul(Knock) managed to portray natural kissing scenes, even the most intimate ones between two male lovers in a BL series. I can only watch this in gay movies which are rated for adults. But considering this has also been shown on Thai TV( I think) and online, they have managed to capture a big audience because of their kissing scenes.

I thought I'd be satisfied with just one love scene, but the series kept on surprising me. They really put intimacy of two male characters to a new level. And for that, I commend the actors, the producers, the writers and the directors.

Musically, the timing of the background effects is good. Some are over-the-top but understandable. I love the soundtracks though. Hearing them makes me appreciate Thai pop music more. This is coming from an international fan and viewer of the series.

Overall, this series has done a great redemption to the BL industry. I rate it first on my list.

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