Favourite Bl series of 2020
I started watching bl 4 years ago and I can say that 2020 ruled bl series and most of my all time favourites were released in 2020.
My 2020 top favourites are listed below
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1. I Told Sunset About You
Thai Drama - 2020, 5 episodes
I told sunset abou you is my all time favourite BL. It is your friendship to romance love story. It takes us through the journey of two teenage friends experiencing sexual awakening and deep emotional changes for each other. No matter what your sexual or gender identity is, you are able to relate to them. Their confusion is so believable and the portrayal is raw, innocent, pure, intimate, sensual and gives that first true love vibe. Also, their interaction and intimacy is so natural before and after they realize they 'feel' for each other. It has everything you can ask for - romantic, dramatic, emotional, friendship and most importantly, the cinematography is artsy and beautiful . This series takes you into the life of the characters including everything they are feeling. It perfectly depicted the 'gay experience' something that is so often ignored/underrespresented in Bl series. The script and acting is top notch and I have rewatched this in an unhealthy amount of time.
This set the high standards for all bls and no matter how good others are, they pale in comparison.
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2. Life Senjou No Bokura
Japanese Drama - 2020, 4 episodes
This drama beautifully depicts that every persons perspective towards life and priorities changes as we age but the love remains the same. Most of the time when we watch dramas with subtiles, we get lost in translation. However, I particularly liked how the series indicated the timeline of our main leads' journey through the years, along with their gradual change in personality and attitude as they matured. Depicting their relationship from the very first day they met made it easier to connect with the characters and relate to them.
Their relationship went through ups and downs but they were able to withstand the test of time. Somethings happened in the middle that I wasn't a fan of but nonetheless, I came to understand the thoughts, experiences and stigma that faciliatated the decison that was made.
In short, I love the way the drama took us along Akira and Yuki's love and emotional journey.
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3. Like in the Movies
Filipino Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
This is easily in the top 3. It is a real emotional rollercoaster. I love bl series but am not gay so no matter how much I love and support the LGBTQ+ community, it's impossible to understand them completely - their feelings, emotions, confusion, stigma & fear of discrimination. Gaya Sa Pelikula enlightened me about the commnuity and the issues the commnunity is facing while also tackling the unintentional microagressions that contribute to derogatory and negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+.
Also, it is 100% entertaining , there is no time to be bored and it's unforgettable.
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4. Gameboys
Filipino Drama - 2020, 13 episodes
Gameboys is the first filipino bl I watched and it set the standard for all filipino bl for me. It is so unique and different compared to all other bl because of the set up due to covid 19. The online setting set the standards for other bl series filmed in 2020.
The plots and the acting in gameboys is spectacular - Gav and Cairo really showcased the emotions perfectly and OMG!, their chemistry is insane despite the online setting. This not only has romance, there was friendship, coming out to the family, loneliness and isolation felt during covid-19, being outed by a friend, guilt. It's that series you can't help but relate to especially if you watched it during this time (pandemic).
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5. Où tes yeux s'attardent
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
Another friendship to romance story! Not that the romantic feelings suddenly appeared out of nowhere because atleast for Kang Gook, it has always been there. Where your eyes linger tells the story of two friends who harbors romantic feelings for each other - it shows how they navigated those feelings when it could no longer be repressed. This is by no chance a unique story but the excellent acting and insane chemistry between Hang Taejoo and Kang Gook made up for every imperfection this drama may have.
Also, lets not forget that this opened the door to Korean bl series so, it will always remain special.
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6. His
Japanese Movie - 2020
This made me feel so warm and i loved it! - the lil town they were in was so cute and all of the people were so lovely. Shun and Nagisa perfectly depicted their character. You don't need to watch the prequel before watching this (I didn't) because you figure it out as you watch it that they were so much in love in their younger days before they seperated and this movie is about them reconnecting again - seeking forgiveness, regretting/amending a past decision, bonding with a little girl (daughter) and making her understand that 'love is love.'
Of course we are all angry at Nagisa for leaving and hurting Shun and coming back as if nothing changed but he regrets his decision because he truly does love Shun and Shun still loves him. I didn't like that Shun easily forgave him but we also all know how scary it is to live as a gay man and that fear drove him to make those decisions, so it cancels out.
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7. Your Name Engraved Herein
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
In short, I absolutely loved it! I hope the world sees this and changes its mind. There's no reason for people to suffer like this anymore - scared of discrimination and unable to be true to themselves. These actors did a great job, ALL of them. It's a quiet movie, visually gorgeous and real. This movie is beautiful, it's gonna leave you happy, sad, irritated, depressed and happy again. It's a roller coaster of emotions.
Your Name Engraved Herein tells a great realistic story about the hardships gay people face and and the struggle with their feelings. It make you wish you could change the world's mind so they can just be true to each other and get the happiness they deserve. It's a must watch!
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8. 30Sai made Doteida to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashi
Japanese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
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9. Manner of Death
Thai Drama - 2020, 14 episodes
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10. Why R U?
Thai Drama - 2020, 13 episodes