Golden Blood (2021)

Why am I watching this? Why am I doing this to myself? - these questions I asked myself after finishing each episode. And yet, I could not stop myself from clicking on the next one. There is something strangely addicting about this rather poorly written and acted story that makes it impossible to drop once you start.

It’s been a while since I have seen a story as predictable as this, that still managed to surprise me with some ridiculous plot lines and reasoning behind the characters' action. We get to know rather stereotypical student Sky, brainwashed Sun with some serious issue of Stockholm Syndrome, Bank - a cute puppy and Pitch, the only redeeming quality of this drama. We follow their love stories, where every conflict (and I truly mean each and every one) is based on the complete lack of communication and honestly, while at the same time, the characters complain the other party is not honest and does not communicate their feelings ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

In the background, serving as a thrilling angst addiction, we have mafia schemes that led to our main boys being beaten up here and there, almost losing their lives too many times for me to care by the end.

For a romance driven show, the chemistry between Sky and Sun was not as golden as their blood apparently was. At the same time, I found it refreshing that there were more emotions and sparkles in the scene where they stood one meter apart, compared to all the kissing scenes.

On the other hand, Bank and Pitch were rather a nice surprise. The unsureness of their feelings and slow development of their relationship felt more grounded and reasonable. The playful chemistry of them bickering while smiles did not leave their faces was just bliss to watch.

The best acting for sure was served by Sugus - that smile alone could kill. Sadly, Gun’s performance was mediocre at best. Unintentional comedy bits that were the crying with no tears scenes truly made the watching experience that much more fun, but for all the wrong reasons. I could see how hard he tried to squeeze these tears, and I truly felt bad for him for failing each time.

Overall… I have no idea why I watched it, but I for sure do not regret it. It’s one of the cases of mindless entertainment, when you just accept nothing makes sense and the quality of the whole show is questionable at best, and yet you keep watching.

Lire davantage

It's worth the watch

I really like when gay guys ( or BL guys whatever) that can fight, defend themselves and be brave. It shows a good role model and steers youngers away from attaching themselves to stereotypes. I accept and love all LGBTQ+ in real life there is a rainbow of personalities within in our world. So That's my biggest plus when the main story of course is different and is intriguing but it did disappoint a lot. Not so much that it wasn't worth watching but it could have been a lot better. With out being judged I have to say Sky was a bit too emotional for me at times because the script in my opinion did not support it. I think Sun was best actor for sure with Pitch coming on strong in he middle and then lacked enough scripts scenes in the ending episodes. Bank was so-so pretty much thru out. The girls are forgettable . They could have been written out and I would not have missed them. Yes I agree it could have been better but it was enjoyable most of the time.

Lire davantage

It was all right for me!! ♡

So, I saw a lot of negative comments about this so I wasn't so excited to start this. But I ran out of BLs so I had no choice xD But surprisingly it was good. Like yeah, there probably are some problems with storyline and acting etc but not for me. I didn't really see it or at least it didn't catch my attention if I didn't think about it.

Actually in the middle of the series I was kinda worried that it will suck because it was so good. Bit it didn't. I think it maybe got even better. (Also loved the second couple, Bank's so sweet, and the girls weren't even annoying, I actually felt bad for them)

I like this kind of content and... it just worked for me. I loved it! Absolutely one of my favourite BLs (and I've watched A LOT). I recommend to give it a try at least.

Lire davantage

good idea, mediocre execution

So the synopsis was very promising. With a master and servant relationship, but also Protector and protective, this could have been a wonderful multi-layered drama.

But the makers decided to make it a mixture of daily soap and B-movie with a nonsensical story and a series of strange scenes.
The fact that this series didn't turn out to be a total flop is thanks to a motivated cast, who can be seen having fun with their roles.
Much has been criticized about Gun's acting, but I think it’s actually not that bad and maybe it wasn’t his genre, so I would like to see him and his partner Boat in a Rom-Com, cause both have comedic talents, but also good chemistry.
The second couple is also nice to watch, (but didn’t make any sense as so much of the story). Especially Bank is nice to watch and could be a good candidate for a BL-Main Role.

I also appreciate that the creators refrain from making the girls villains and instead make them simply likable (but very one-dimensional) characters.
Al in all it’s another guilty pleasure series without any emotional impact, but at least entertaining.

Lire davantage

Thailand gives us the world's softest bodyguard romance

I love a bodyguard romance and frankly, it’s about time Thailand gave us one, I just didn’t know to hope for it. The temptation is to compare it to Korea’s Where Your Eyes Linger, but aside from the bodyguard conceit for forced proximity there are very few similarities. I liked both series a lot. But this one has Thailand’s signature light heartedness that used Gun’s talent for comedy well, and I did really enjoy that.

However, it was side couple PitchBank who story the show, they were 2021′s WinTeam and we loved them for it. They were absolutely charming and a little quirky and really fun to watch on screen together.

All in all a solid showing and a very enjoyable classic BL no concerns around consent, no issues with heat level or chemistry. So far as the basics go, a stand out offering. I wasn’t wowed, but I wasn’t disappointed either.

Lire davantage

Better than expected but still not great

My doubts going into this series rested on Gun, I was interested to know whether he could pull this off, but overall, doubtful he could. Saying that though, the premise is great and Boat seemed like a promising actor from what I saw in the trailer (and lets be honest he's also super cute lol) and so I thought I'd give watching this a shot! After finishing, overall, I'm happy with this series but as always a little disappointed with Gun's performance.

So, let's talk about the plot first, to be honest, I haven't seen many mafia related dramas but the execution of this was decent enough. Gun did a good job at playing Sky, the mafia' boss' spoilt only son and the rarity of his blood added a twist that was predictably bland, but on my part, unseen in a drama like this. Sky's dad was an interesting yet frustrating character, it was a little predictable to have him as the obstacle to Sky and Sun's relationship at the end but without which the story would have gone no where. I was left with so many questions about the plot overall though that I couldn't rate the story very highly. Like, how did Sun's existence evade Sky for so long? Did Sun ever go to school and how did Sky's dad get him into university? What's the beef between Sky's dad and Sakkhee anyway, it can't all be about the drugs, right? Who killed Sky's mother? I could go on forever.

Gun's execution of Sky was good, but, to be honest, he's an awkward actor, he does frustration and comedy well, but he clearly has a hard time portraying heartbreak. I definitely bought into Sun and Sky's relationship, they had chemistry, but there were times when there needed to be tears and there was a lack of them on Gun's part. Boat however, who plays Sky, was so so good, I was very surprised because I haven't previously heard of him or any of his other work. He portrayed the obedient bodyguard, denying himself of emotions very well! Boat had a couple of fight scenes that seemed awkward, but they made me laugh so that ended up being a plus. Also, I feel like he carried the intimacy with Gun at times, and so I have to give him credit where its due. My favourite character was Bank, he's super funny, adorable and the best friend! I only wish he got more screen time with Pitch, who he was paired with, especially because we didn't even get to see a confession scene from them! The fight scene where Pitch and Bank help Sun rescue Sky was hilarious, Pitch swinging his sticks around and Banks attempt at Kung fu, or Taekwondo, (or honestly what was that??) will stick in my mind forever. I didn't like Toktang or Juno much, I don't think they added a lot to the story and at times they were annoying (especially Juno clinging onto Sun, ew girl move along), but I kind of wish we got to see them find love, just to add a little bit to their characterisation.

If you've yet to watch this series, go in not reading to much into the plot and don't expect much of Gun, because it is worth a watch, the story is fun and interesting at times and the characters, especially Sun and Bank are super cute!

Lire davantage

One of the better Summer 2021 offerings

The summer of 2021 has been pretty bleak in terms of BL. I watched about 6 series, most of them major disappointments. Light On Me has been a nice surprise, and so was Golden Blood, although it began better than it ended. Here are my pros and cons:

PROS

BOAT (SUN). Dang. The boy is gorgeous, sexy, can sing and is a decent actor. Some people really do have it all.

PITCH/BANK. A welcome second couple. Adorable.

UNUSUAL STORY. I wasn't always crazy about the direction the writers took with the story, but the action scenes -- while unbelievable -- did bring an element of uniqueness to the series.

CONS

GUN (SKY). Sorry honey, you just don't have the range of skills to play a dramatic character. The constant teeth-gnashing was annoying at first, then aggrevating, then coma-inducing. He's better in comedic moments.

"YOUNG MASTER." So Sun, as Sky's bodyguard, is at school posing as Sky's cousin. Fine. So why does Sun call Sky "Young Master" in front of all the other schoolkids? And not one of them questions it?? Yeah right... we totally believe that.

SKY'S DAD. A member of the Mafia, and yet we're supposed to think of Sky's dad as the "good guy." Umm... he's a murderer, folks. But hey, we like him! Next...

FINAL EPISODE. Six years apart? Sure, it could happen, but how did the directors expect the characters to pull off the maturity factor? Two or three years would have been reasonable. And Sky is now working for his dad... as a gangster? His father must be so proud.

I'm giving it a 7.0, mainly because there were some good moments interspersed throughout the craziness.

Lire davantage

BOAT FOREVER

I fell in love with Boat I had never seen before this series. I think he is by far one the most handsome Thai actors. His face, his smile, his eyes are so peaceful, sweet and his body is strong and tender at the same time. Sun is a very quiet guy, never a word higher than the others. I totally agree with jpny01 (thank you for your excellent review): there is no comparison between Boat and Gun in terms of acting. Gun is not at ease, always gawky, quickly tearful ( not too far behind Fluke who is the unbeatable crying champion).
The story is for sure predictable. The BL writers have to find another scheme because the current one is well known by all the fans, from the start. When one sees a fight, an opposition between two main actors, one knows for sure they will fall in love pretty quickly and that one will have to wait until the last episode to see their first, very reserved, sealed lips, kiss. The interest in the drama rests on the group of characters, the attractiveness of the actors, and how the suspense is built. In this case, it's quite repetitive: the father's enemies will attack Sky and Sun will win the fight, regardless of the number of his opponents and overcome the injuries.
But, but, ... there is Boat Tara Tipa and this is priceless and represents 75% of my grade.

Lire davantage

Recommended

I love the acting of boat in this drama, he is different if we talk about the appearance, every other bl artist has full clean shave but in this drama boat doesn't have and thts make him unique.

I like this drama the love confession scene from sun was so adorable, every person has different taste and opinion, this drama is of my taste.
Acting is too good.
One thing that In this drama both the couples have story and screen timings
Not only sun and sky but also pitch and bank.
Girls were not toxic they were cute and friendly.
About music : yes I like the music both gun and boat sing the song very well, I love the music where sun was removing something from sky's face in bus, oh God the music was so perfect there.
I love the drama and watched it twice, not only me but my friend too.
So I m here to recommend Golden Blood

Lire davantage

The second couple caught my eyes

Another action BL we rarely found these days. I actually have zero expectations for this series. I know nothing about Boat before and I didn’t watch Love By Chance and A Chance To Love properly because they suck (Gun starred in this series). Let’s talk about the trailer first~ The trailer of Golden Blood honestly seems promising to me, first because of its story and genre, their acting looks okay, and ofc the kissing scene which I’d love to watch fully with no cut :) Let’s move to the real review:

STORY
The story is pretty much interesting to me. There's this "mafia boss" who has a rare-golden-blooded son. Prepared for something that'd possibly happened in the future, the mafia boss searches for another golden-blooded kid to be adopted. That kid has to donate his blood for the mafia boss's son every three months, just in case if something bad happened and his son needs it (because golden blood is so rare). Years later when his son already grew as an adult, his son was targeted to murdered by a group of "trashes" because those trashes's wish wasn't granted by him (the mafia boss). He (the mafia boss) then decided to make his adopted kid who was already 'trained' to become his son's bodyguard. Then, the journey of love begins...

ACTING
I won't say anything about Boat (Sun)'s acting skills because he's just that great. For Gun (Sky), hmmm how should I say this... I think he still needs a lot more practice. His act looked unnatural way toooo often. How he stares and smiles seems not sincere, it's like he just acts without really feeling it. His crying act is also not good, he just sobbing and crying with eyes a bit closed but no tears flowed, it doesn't make me hurt at all. That's why I give 6.5 for their acting. 4.5 is for Boat and the rest is for Gun. For the second couple, our Pitch and Bank reaaally did a great job. Those 2 are great actors and a cute couple (CUTER THAN THE MAIN COUPLE), but sadly their screentime was tooo short. What a waste of talent.

OST
I hardly remember how their osts sound like, but for as long as I could remember the opening song was good. I just don't know why it's so easily forgotten. I already forgot how it sounds as soon as the series ended.

OVERALL
I love how the story connects one another as the episodes continue. I will give a 7 if only Gun can act better than this. Overall, I will say this series is just good but I will not rewatch it (maybe I will for PitchBank part only). If you have nothing to watch, then give it a go.

Lire davantage

El guardaespaldas (versión bl)

ACTUALIZADO AL FINAL
Me gusta bastante esta serie, esta historia de amor entre un joven guardaespaldas y el hijo universitario de un mafioso. Había leído mangas BL con esta temática pero en cuanto a series thai bl de este tema creo que es la primera y para mi era refrescante ver algo diferente dentro del cliche bl universitario o escolar. Y me he enganchado, la pareja principal tiene química, son muy dulces y bonitos, y la secundaria sorprendentemente también (qué guapos son!). Las chicas no son entes malvados antagonistas de los protagonistas ni fujoshis locas que ven gays en todos los sitios sino veinteañeras normales que se enamoran de su compañero de clase sin toxicidad. El romance es slow burn, y por eso se ve más realista. Estamos a la mitad de la serie y creo que podremos ver un correcto desarrollo de las dos parejas y bonitas escenas de besos. En cuanto al misterio "mafioso" y las escenas de acción, hemos visto por ahora algunas correctamente realizadas y otras no tanto pero no nos rasgaremos las vestiduras por ello. Estamos aquí para ver romance y si nos dan un poco de intriga y acción pues no vamos a decir que no , jajaj. Vamos a ver como se desarrolla , por ahora y pese a que el guión es sencillo y hay algunas lagunillas, las interpretaciones son correctas, la historia se deja ver muy bién, es entretenida y abundan los momentos dulces y románticos. Una de las cosas que me gusta más de esta serie es que NO tenemos múltiples posibles ships potenciales que después quedan en nada (véase: Nitiman, arghhhhh), esta serie no engaña, hay dos parejas protagonistas (principal y secundaria) y su ship ya está a punto para navegar, veamos como les va en mar abierto!!
11 agosto: hoy he visto el último capítulo y sigo pensando que esta serie, aún con sus lagunas y (creo) su poco presupuesto, es entretenida y mejor resuelta que otros bl thailandeses recientes (vease Nitiman, Oxygen, Tonhon Chonlatee...)aunque inferior a la joya que es Where your eyes linger ( miniserie bl coreana con el mismo tema). La historia es agradable de ver, la pareja protagonista tiene mucha química y la secundaria también, el final es precioso y te deja con una sonrisa en la boca. Sigo pensando que falta trabajar más los momentos dramáticos y emotivos para evitar la sobreactuación. Hay actores de bl que no saben llorar y cuando lo hacen gesticulan y gritan demasiado, da un poco de cringe de ver.

Lire davantage

Cant u add more ep for this BL series pls?!! Its ok of till ep 15 or 20.

I dont know how to write a review coz this is the first time Im doing this for this BL series of Golden Blood.
Maybe i will write my own feelings for this series, I super like this, i love the way Sky & Sun characters, Its a little bit addicted to watch it, u know this bl series is diffrent to other BL series ive watch so far, theres this kilig, and asking for more episodes per day (for Tue & Thur update) , and guessing what will happen nxt??!!! And asking for more ep rather than 8 total episodes for this Golden Blood. Please! Add more ep. Maybe 15 or till 20 ep not 8 episodes only, or if u are so generous u can add atleast 30 ep 😋🥰. I want to see more for Sky & Sun. 8 ep is so shooorrrttttttt! Pls! More!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou so much!
Im from Phil.

Lire davantage