BL/Gay dramas and movies you shouldn't miss

So precious, a modern classic. 

Of the adaptations of Chai Ji-Dan's novels, this would be the most "realistic" in both story and how it's told. (Compare to "Counterattack"--also called "Falling in Love With a Rival", and with "Advance Bravely"...) The novel is crazy, yes, but not QUITE as crazy as her other works. (All of them are EXTREMELY dirty, though. But that part is sparse in this one, as well as "Counterattack", and completely absent in "Advance Bravely", due to Chinese laws.)

The dramatizations of the ones before mentioned, are flat/boring/bad--and very glossy--respectively--but this one has a different feel. A more mellow coming-of-age type of story, that relies more on the dynamics and developing relationships between the characters, than everything that goes on around them. Two (fairly...) normal teen boys falling in love. It's charming and the chemistry between the guys is soooooo nice.

The drama only covers about half of the first book (of two), since it was discontinued. The reasons are a bit unclear but probably the Chinese media ban on LGBTQ content, was a big part of it.

But if one wants to know the full story--both novels are fan translated and available here and there--on Wattpad, for example. Be sure to support Sai's "official" translation (she has permission from the author of the novels, Chai Ji-Dan) and has worked very, very hard with this. I know, since I helped out with the editing for a while. 

Taiwan is supposedly making a reboot, which made the fans go ballistic, (especially since Taiwan are allowed to show actual gay content and therefore can include at least some of the VERY graphic content from the novels) but it turned out that the story is a free adaptation and does not include these guys. But it'll probably still be worth a watch. The Taiwanese usually manage to produce decent--to amazing--stuff.

This struck a chord with me, to an extent that very few pieces ever has done.
Even though I'm borderline compulsively objective, I just can't be with this one.

That feeling Yeon Woo gets whenever he sees color? I got a little piece of that when watching this. 

I won't call myself an artist, since I totally suck. But I've been glued to pencils, crayons, paints and pens since I was old enough to grab them. Losing my eyesight--losing the world and all the colors in it--would kill me. So the theme... Iget it. I truly, truly get it..
Also, I have sensory hypersensitivity, so I know that pleasure rush of awe.

But this drama has even more than the exceptionally unique story that it is on the surface. Put these guys and the way they experience their world and each other, in a deeper context.
Alienation, loneliness, "lack of color" in a metaphorical sense rather than actual--and the emotions evoked when finding someone who (or something that) normalizes it all. The high when discovering it--and the extreme pain of then losing it.
I truly get this part, too. 

There are profound thoughts and concepts handed out, but it's never written on the nose--it's subtle enough to avoid that trap. Some scenes are just exceptional. Like the one in school when Yoo Han is trying to convince Yeon Woo by talking about color theory and showing him the color chart. To be able to make such an innocent scene so sexually tense--one truly is a hell of a script writer... The effect is awesome, and shows us just how tempted and mesmerized Yeon Woo really is. 

The drama is so solid, so well told, and so well acted, that it became an instant fav of mine--even though I usually prefer to keep away from anything that even slightly resembles fantasy-themes.
Sure, it has a few flaws. Sometimes, the editing is a bit stupid and some parts of the plot are left hanging--but overall, this is a great, great, great little piece of art. 

This... is definitely not for everyone. I, for one, went ballistic when I heard the news about it being filmed. I just couldn't believe that someone would choose THIS title to adapt into a live action. The manga is already in itself provocative and far from an easy-chew. Nakamura Asumiko is one of the greatest mangakas ever, IMO, but her art is not for everyone and some of her stories are heavy and dark enough to make many BL fans shy away. 

This one is one of her darkest, and pretty much one that one either loves--or hates. It takes effort to understand these twisted characters and their screwed-up, but profound relationship. They're not likable at all, there is nothing cute about their love, their bond is much stranger than that. So to turn it into a movie was a bold move.

It turned out good. And bad. Some parts were exceptionally well adapted and it catches the dark and menacing beauty of the original story, but other parts didn't work. Some things have been beautified, thus losing much of the original complexity in their relationship dynamics. Also, some balance is lost between dark and light, making the full picture somewhat crooked and haphazard. 

But I still love this dramatization of a great manga, because of the parts that truly captures the story--and because there are far too few dark fairy-tales in the assortment of BL.

This is not for everyone, because this doesn't belong in the same shelf as 95 % of BL/Gay themed movies and dramas--not even in the same universe, really. 

This is at the other end of the scale. A cinematic masterpiece, by one of the greatest and most respected directors from Asia. (And one of my all-time favourite ones.) The generic BL out there is entertainment--this is art. Absolutely beautiful such. 

Story, acting, directing, music--everything about it is exquisite and as good as it gets. If you appreciate high-class cinema and movies that give you something else than squealing and fluffy feels--do watch.

Although I haven't been able to get my hands on all episodes (yet), this drama is AWESOME. It's something unique, showing the confusion and coming of age of a gay teen in a society that does not accept homosexuality--from a totally different angle than anything we've seen before. 

The framework with Queen's music and all kinds of little poetic and philosophical adds (I loved the play between the leads when imagining love stories about the things around them...) gives a unique touch and the narrative voice/storytelling from the MC is done in a great and imaginative way. 

Some people have totally misunderstood the whole thing about "gay dude in a relationship with a fujoshi". Watch the damn thing before you draw conclusions. Wanna bet on how many gay kids have tried straight dating before they figure out what will work and what never will? And their relationship is beautiful--no matter if it's romantic or friends, because their connection is real. The point here is not to promote reprogramming gays, but to show how confusing it can be to accept oneself--and how pressure from society and family can make us try to fool ourselves and do things we don't truly wish to do.

This is definitely (based on the episodes I have been able to watch) the best Gay themed story to come from Japan, to date. 

This isn't BL, this is Gay themed. Nothing fluffy about this--it's about real guys, real life, real stories and issues. And it's very good, if you want something more serious than cutesy fairytales.

The only reason I don't rate it higher, is because the entertainment value, such at it is, isn't all that high. It's rewarding, and definitely worth a watch--but it's so realistic that it becomes... plain? It's definitely one of the best Gay themed things Thailand has produced, and I recommend it to anyone except Fangirls/boys who exclusively want BL fantasies. It's just that it's somehow a bit TOO realistic to be something one gets all hyped up about. 

Which ever way I put it, it sounds like I'm complaining--but I'm not.
It just gets down to one's cravings, I guess. If you're in the mood for chocolate cake--you don't go for rye bread. But you go diabetic if you eat cake every day. Something like that.

Truly one of the most unique BL to date.
As most dramas/movies, it has flaws--at times, it can be a little bit melodramatic and slightly cheesy, but it's excusable since it's always heartfelt and genuine. The story might sound a bit too much for someone who's not a fan of supernatural themes--but believe me, you'll be okay with it. I'm really not one for those themes, but I still fell for this one.

The acting is absolutely superb--Singto, being the veteran BL pro-in-every-inch that he is, as usual, shows his skills and versatility. And paired up with the raw and natural talent of Ohm--who is one of my favourite young actors on a global scale--it can become nothing but awesome. If Ohm doesn't give you goosebumps and a lump in your throat (or even make you cry) in a couple of his strongest scenes, I'd be surprised. He's one of those that doesn't even seem to act. He just is.

I didn't expect to like it and decided to watch it only because of Singto and Ohm--but it ended up as one of my all-time favs. It's just that special.

All the HIStory installments are good, some are excellent. The two "HIStory 2" ones are very good, but not quite as great as the 2019 ones from "HIStory 3". 

This one is lovely. It's sad that there are so few episodes because both the stories explored could be great, but the time frame does not allow for an in-depth look at these two relationships. However, for the runtime and number of episodes, we're still given a very nice little drama that just makes you smile. I'm a total sucker for sports BL, so I'm thrilled every time we get that, and here we even get a nice story to go with it. 

The couples are very cute (even though we don't really get to know the side couple much) and the acting is very nice from several of the main leads. The production is low-budget but good, nothing wrong with it. The music is so catchy! I find myself humming the main theme for weeks every time I rewatch this. If to go into the more shallow aspects of BL, we have some nice smooching here :D Nothing explicit--but nice. 

2020 is supposed to see the release of a sequel movie, let's hope for that. (Update; The title is scratched from MDL so it probably fell through, as the discussions implied already early on).

If you really can't take painful stuff--don't watch. (But I'm telling you, you are missing out on an absolute gem...) 

The audience went berserk in their anger about this. (So tiring when BL-fans want to live in a pink world and ignore everything that isn't happy-go-lucky...)
But yeah, it was heavy. I won't spoil but let's just say that not everything turns out as we'd wish. What made it so shocking was probably that it was so unexpected. I have no problem watching sad stuff since I want a good story--not just fantasies.
But one wasn't prepared. The overall feel of the series, turned abruptly--from simple, sweet teen love, to harsh reality--and it hurt. :S

But... I wouldn't want to change it. Because it made this even more memorable.

The drama starts off on a very light note--with a silly and shallow tone, but it develops into one of the most beautiful portrayals of puppy love, ever. Tender, sweet and just so real and honest. The side couple's story is engaging too, albeit not as notable. 

The acting is really good from all involved--stellar from some. Initially, I disliked one of the MCs and considered him a bad actor, until he just suddenly transformed and impressed the hell out of me--growing into being superb in the end. The performances from the main leads in emotional scenes--whether they are sweet, sad or horny--are just so raw that you'll get goosebumps. 

As quite a few other Taiwanese productions, this is graphic. One scene not visually so--just the content and raw feel of it. The other one very visually so. But it's not cheap nor gratuitous, it's beautiful even though it's pretty much softcore AV...
As for kissing--there's a lot. And it's good. One of--if not THE--best kiss scene in any BL to date, enhanced by beauuuutiful directing, editing and music. The OST is really good, BTW.

It's sad, yes, but it's also so tender, so beautiful, so sweet and so real, that it's pure stupidity to miss out on it.

Ah... something different. We got something a bit similar back in 2017 with "Advance Bravely" but here we have cops and robbers all the way. Almost. Good-guy-mobster?
It's entertaining, it's well-acted and the guys' chemistry builds all through the series--ending up awesome in the end. It's well produced, slick and simply good. (I'm more than a little bit biased towards mobsters and cops in gay-themed stories, though...) 

(Further rec; If you like those themes and if you liked this one; make sure to check out the Korean mini-drama "Long Time no See". Also on this list.)

In terms of the more shallow aspects that we all enjoy; you'll find a fair amount of smooching, of which two kisses are very memorable. One as truly, truly unique (and a bit gross, actually) and then the marathon-kissing-and-rolling-around-on-a-bed-for-several-minutes. That one rocked. Like, really. Something as rare as really romantic, yet really hot.
Since I'm a pervert I tend to scrutinize such scenes and I'm almost willing to bet that the actors got a bit carried away if you can figure out what I mean. Do you have a banana in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Okay... 

WOW.

The insane ratings made me a little bit suspicious. I did think it sounded interesting when waiting for the release, but I'm always sceptical to crazy ratings, so I didn't except quite this level of awesomeness. 

I was blown away. And THAT does not happen often. With BL--practically never. Sure, I can adore BL series and movies--but I seldom think they hold exceptional quality in terms of story and direction. This did.
As a BL--this is a fricking 10/10. No... it's actually 11/10... (I kid you not.)

But thing is--this holds the quality of being close to flawless as a DRAMA. Not just as a BL such. I'm very restrictive with my 10s. But I can't--just can't--find anything to motivate anything other than a "masterpiece"-stamp of approval. The 0,5 point deduction is not really based on anything particular--more, like, a moderation in case I find some tiny flaws when rewatching...

This should finally convince those BL-fans who diss and label (all) Thai productions as "cheap", "commercial fanservice", "run-of-the-mill" and alike. There is true quality stuff in Thailand.

This is one of the most realistic, tender and engaging coming-of-age stories I've ever seen in the department of BL. Relatable to anyone who is, or once was, a teen--gay or straight. The insecurities, infatuations, search of self, impulsivity and intensity. 

Exquisite athmosphere, masterful direction based on careful script and planning, wonderful pacing, beautiful visuals, bulls-eye score and music (too cheesy for me, but always perfectly fitting). And the acting is absolutely phe-no-me-nal. From almost every single actor. Chemistry is outta' this world... 

DO.NOT.MISS.
Seriously. 

(Btw - the reference to Oh-aew looking like actor Tor--I was flabbergasted from first appearance, about how similar they look, and laughed my ass off when they actually pointed it out... haha)

The BL theme here is just a small part of the drama--but this is a must-watch, BL or not. Without a doubt the best teen series ever made. Globally. S2 is even better.
(S3 is good but most of the original actors are gone by then.)

The thing about the BL couple here--is that this is the start of it all. Phu and Thee were the first BL couple in a Thai teen drama, that got equal airtime compared to the straight pairings and characters. (The GL couple, too.) And their story was not treated in any way differently than the straight ones, and the director did not shy away from showing kissing and sexual content between a teen gay couple. That had more or less never been done before. This was the first time a BL and a GL couple were really and truly included. As teens, not as gay teens. 

The drama caused a ruckus in many ways, considered scandalous and outrageous, because it handles heavy and "inappropriate" themes like teen sexuality, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, homosexuality and whatnot. But it became a monster hit in Asia and reached a huge global fanbase as well.
It's that good. Phenomenal acting, great storylines, great OST, everything is just great, great, great. 

After Hormones, "Love Sick" was aired, and then the avalanche broke--and now, 2020, we're up to our necks in BL (all LGBTQ content, really). How great is that? Not just for our satisfaction, but also for normalizing LGBTQ in the eyes of the general public. The more you see it--the less you oppose it.

Based on an absolutely lovely one-shot manga by Tokokura Miya--this mini-drama turned out quite lovely, too. A bit of a different flavour compared to the earlier years of Japanese BL--fully in line with the freshness and "closer to reality makes it more beautiful, not less so", that they've delivered during the past couple of years. 

Sweet, quite simplistic and lacking all that over-the-top melodrama/exaggeration in acting and direction, that used to wreck far too many Japanese productions. An EXCELLENT choice of manga to adapt to a Live Action--and an excellent result, as well. It managed to catch the air and feel of the original work, bringing it to life with dedicated and believable acting and script.

Yay!

(Btw; If you read comics and decide to read/have read the one this is based on--do not miss out on the larger work which this one has more or less copied. "Complex", by Manda Ringo. Get through the first, messy part--and you will be rewarded with a knock-out of a BL...)

DO NOTICE the extremely gratifying cameo in the end--our (at least my) beloved boys from Taiwanese BL-drama "HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count" make a quick appearance! :D (I literally shouted and jumped up and down). Without spoiling too much--it was somehow a little bit of comfort to see them in an "alternative universe" as opposed to the actual drama...

This is as low-budget as it can get. A super cheap web drama, a really corny one to boot--but it's absolutely irresistible and you fall in love with the MCs pretty much immediately. It's been re-cut into a movie version, but I'd recommend the drama version instead--for longer runtime and inclusion of scenes that were cut out from the movie. 

The couple is so ridiculous that you just have to love them. A total idiot and a total jerk, but oh-so-sweet together. Their chemistry is good and they're hilarious together.

Also watch the sequel--which is a movie, not aired as a drama.
(The sequel suddenly had a much higher budget... it's not all that good, per se, but there are good parts and above all; we get to see more of this idiot couple.)

I LOVED this. If you liked "HIStory 3: Trapped" and similar bad guys vs. cops or other clandestine enemies becoming lovers-themes, you will too.
Here, the feel is much darker, though. But not dark as in depressing--just more thriller-esque.
This is paired up with sweet romance--and those two shouldn't mix well, but they do...  

For such a short drama, it's very well rounded and feels like a much longer story due to good planning and directing. (What I would give to see this in the episode count of "Trapped"...) Thoroughly entertaining, interesting, exciting and has some squeal-worthy moments including a classy and sweet love-scene.
Acting is nice, production great, it's just really well balanced for such a contrast in main themes. 

This is good. This breaks some stereotypes and tropes. This is different.

We have a quite effeminate actual-gay MC, something we seldom see in drama/movie BL, even though it's such a cliché in comics.
And even though he's so cutesy he makes your teeth hurt, he's a normal person and not a passive doll with no will of his own. There is also room for a much shorter, "not handsome" (Perth IS cute, though) top... how often do we see a super cutesy,  tall bottom plus a shorter top? Answer; Never before.

(I hate the mandatory BL division into set roles, decided by "strongest-male-rights". But here  it just comes naturally and without fuss nor any Alpha Male attitudes. I like that.) 

Pete and Ae's relationship is just about the loveliest teen BL one on screen. Equal, genuine and real. Crazy sweet, amazing chemistry and both are good actors. Perth, as Ae, is always brilliant. (Pete annoys me at times, but Saint is good. Compare his different roles and you'll see his versatility...)

The side couples represent three BL tropes... Enemies-to-lovers (as well as opposites attract), step-brothers and the Sadistic Schemer vs. Airhead. The first story is funny (and that couple will get their own S2), the second story is so-so and the third is disturbing even though it's played off as comedic. 

This drama is also different because it's... positive.
We don't have the mandatory interference, tons of angst and drama, sexual identity crises or other standard BL stuff --but a happy feel, without it being unrealistic. Serious issues are handled, but not wallowed in. It's about love, not OBSTACLES to love. Super props for talk about lube, self-education, consideration for your partner and so on. Thank you.
And the attitude to sex is awesome. Not gratuitous smut, nor unrealistic innocence. Just normal human drive.

Add to that good and solid production and OST--and you have one of the most feel-good BLs out there.

This series has been outclassed many times over, since it came. But it deserves a spot on any list, because this was what started the insane BL-craze in Thailand--which, in turn, has revived it in other countries as well. 

It was the first drama focusing on a BL couple, and a risky move on behalf of the creators. But it became a massive hit with a huge global fanbase--and paved way for everything to come.
It's flawed in many ways and it's a light-weight and nothing to take all that seriously--but it's sweet, it's lovable, it's happy and fluffy and above all; it's iconic. 

A must-watch.

Based on Marukido Maki's manga "Indigo no Kibun" which in both comic and drama form is a sequel to "Pornographer", but chronologically a prequel. 

Warning for VERY explicit content. (Or a plus--depending on your level of tolerance for R-rated content...)

Both installations are good, but as a separate piece, I consider "Pornographer" more solid.

Believe me, I didn't think I'd like--and praise--this one as much as I do. This is NOT my fav style of BL... I like realism.

But this is glossy, silly, slightly cheesy, cutesy, super-innocent and very chewing-gum-pop-idol-plastic-fantastic-mainstream. With a stupid story. 

Yet, I still love it. 

Because it's one of the absolutely best made mainstream BLs out there. The production class is very high in all aspects--both direction and techs, the acting is great, the chemistry between all the guys is super and the stories are sweet. (Show me the BL fan who wouldn't go bonkers over King and Ram...? I sure as hell do...) 

It's all just so... damn enjoyable.
True BL--for better or worse--and great such.

This is pretty close to flawless, IMO.
I can't quite give a 10 because I wanted a bittersweet conclusion rather on the bitter side than the sweeter. And for perfection, it would have needed just a tad bit more time in order to fully flesh out this hypnotic little tale. But for the short runtime and episode count--this is nothing short of remarkable. I guess a 9 would do but at the same time, I', itching to praise it even more than by rewarding it with "just" a 9.

A true piece of art in both visuals, acting, directing and overall production. The story is so hypnotic that I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen. Told in a clever and impactful way, it blurs the lines between reality, fiction and fantasies.
A drama I will rewatch many times--for the experience, rather than reasons like loving the couple or story or whatever.
I found myself breathing so quietly that it was inaudible, subconsciously trying to not disturb the atmosphere. Let's not even mention during the erotic scenes--your breath will hitch all together... Though, the whole thing is erotic from beginning to end, but during the actual action scenes, then. Graphic, but tasteful. 

It's not for everyone. Someone prude would probably die from a seizure. (I'm everything but prude--but that level of dirty talk made even me blush a couple of times...)
Someone too young is not mature enough to fully understand the complex feelings and urges handled. Someone who wants entertainment should look elsewhere. Because this is a qualitative cinematic experience, not something to watch in order to pass time

It's immensely fascinating, gorgeously executed, the acting is phenomenal. It's a gem.

Also watch "Mood Indigo" ("Indigo no Kibun"), a prequel (but released after this) probing into the past of the characters.

For this short a series, with such a short runtime per episode--this is seriously impressive. The amount of story and emotion that the director managed to pack within those few minutes--without making the end result messy--is surprising. 

It's a simple little thing, and it's not flawless, but it's great. This would have made for an awesome full-length series, there would be so much to explore about these guys and their story--but even in this compact size it tells more, and with greater depth, than many standard runtime dramas. There are quite a few memorable scenes and especially one, concerning a side character, will burn into your memory. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.

Acting is great, the chemistry is lovely, the story is engaging and all in all, it should get much more attention than it has gotten. It's just a small little glimpse of a love story, but it's beautiful.

See description for movie #1 in the installment.

This two-part installment isn't exactly a heavy-weight, and is lacking in many departments, but I still do recommend it for anyone who loves the original manga on which it's based. "Seven Days" is one of the most beloved classics in Shounen-ai manga--with good reason. It's just so sweet, light-hearted, fluffy and cute, that you can't help but to love it. 

The movies are flawed, but a good effort. The directing and technical work, as well as the lovely OST, creates an atmosphere that really catches the one from the manga. It becomes a simple movie (x2) but so is the manga. Uncomplicated and cute. 

The biggest issue, or more like; the only big one--is the acting. Hirose Tomoki blows it. He's just not a good actor, period. He tries his best, but it doesn't work. When he isn't overacting, he's stiff and awkward. His co-actor does a better job, but not exactly stellar. (Except in that one scene. "I was thinking about you". If you've read the manga, you know which scene I'm talking about. There, for a moment, he totally shone.)

But overall--if one doesn't take it seriously, it's a cute watch that leaves you with a smile and pink, shiny cotton-candy-fluff feelings.

One of the few "first" BLs that actually had a decent storyline, a platform and surrounding plot on which the love story could stand, and develop within. 

Slightly overrated, since the pacing and a few other small details, could've been better--but it's good and solid enough to never be pushed down from the shelf of classic BL dramas. Acting is very good from almost all involved, especially from the guys in one of the most iconic BL couples ever--Krist & Singto. 

Production is great in terms of all technical aspects and the music and score is edgy and catchy. Which I love. I can't take all the mushy, cheesy "romantic" music which infests all dramas... "Sotus" has some edge and it's a lot thanks to the music, which fits the tough-dude-world-feel to a T. (Yeah, I prefer my BL guys--and settings--really dudish. Variation is good, but often, I miss the more realistic type of guys. I'm fed up with pretty princes. But we get much more of the "normal guys" nowadays. Yay!)

The innocence of this drama, still annoys me to this day. I just can't take it seriously when uni students behave like elementary schoolers. It's too unrealistic. But still--it's good enough to make me forget about it. Almost.

This... is probably the most solid BL you can find in the assortment of romcom-but-still-pretty-serious BL. 

It's more or less perfect, in every aspect. Even if there are some heavy plot components, this is pure BL. It's not meant to be a deep and profound story--it's clichéed BL romance.
A classic BL trope; enemies-turned-lovers, but never before done so well.

It's a wet dream for any fangirl--it just has it all.

The love is crazy romantic and super sweet, the fighting is entertaining--especially the character of Type, if one, like me, has a weakness for cranky tsunderes with a bad temper... The chemistry between Mew & Gulf is absolutely insane--so good that it makes ME, who never, ever indulges in out-of-screen fanservice (I hate it), browse clips and videos...
Super hot scenes (even though they're not graphic at all--except one, but not visually so) and a shitton of great kissing, including some that will forever reside in the hall of fame for "most memorable BL kisses"...

The acting is, for the most part, very good to great. Especially Gulf impresses as a total newbie--not just showing good acting skills, but also in doing a pretty demanding BL role this well and convincing. Most BL freshies are awkward at least to some extent. Gulf never is, even in the scenes where he needs to go quite far in terms of "explicit acting", or whatever to call it.) Mew is a good actor, but not superb. But his tendency to go over the top at times, is excused because his acting is truly honest. The character, rather than Mew himself, comes off as melodramatic. But his strength, is of course as a BL actor. He's pretty much royalty. With good reason. I'm pretty sure he could turn straight guys gay...

The OST is super catchy, the production and directing is great. 

Basically; it's the ultimate BL. Period.

How this movie hasn't gotten better ratings than it has--I can't really understand... 

When I saw that this was coming. I was equal parts thrilled and nervous. I really hoped they wouldn't mess up--because the manga on which this is based, is one of the absolutely best BL mangas ever written. It's heavy, it's sad, but oh God, is it good. 

I don't think they messed up. This is a very good adaptation of the manga, IMO. 

Gotta' get to writing a review on it... 

This is pretty much THE BL as far as Asian BL/Gay themed productions go. It'll probably remain the ultimate classic, even if there, in all honesty, have been much better dramas and movies after it. I'm not all that huge a fan, I've never seen it as especially great, but it's a classic and it's mandatory.

I don't really consider this drama THAT amazing, it was good, but not one of my favs.
I don't like the side couple stories at all. But as a production, it's good and well made. The movie theme is interesting and overall, it's entertaining and time well spent. A couple of scenes are great and very memorable.

But the big treat here, is of course the once-again-paired-up duo Off and Gun, who just are so awesome together that they'll probably be paired up in BL for the rest of their careers... They're just a pure joy to watch in all their BL collaborations, with their sweet and funny chemistry--but also as the charismatic stand-alone actors that they are. 

I just can't praise this drama enough. Or, more like; I can't praise this couple enough. 

We first saw Korn and Knock in "Bad Romance", as one of the main couples. Then came this prequel--their own story. BR is a bit too stupid for me, but here we get something that's less nutty. The storyline is cliché, a run-of-the-mill BL plot, but it feels far more adult than most other dramas we've seen.
There is a lot of drama, arguments and angst--but overall, the feel is happy and the comedy mostly stays on the "that's actually funny--and not idiotic" side.

But what makes this unmissable, is the guys. For many reasons. I, for one, went nuts about getting a really manly couple--buff and big guys who really are dudes. Secondly; this couple has chemistry.
Serious such. On all levels. As BFFs, as lovers, and later--that "old-married-couple" cozy feel. They're just so comfortable with each other, that you're completely convinced. That feel just grows, and is epic in the sequel season. (Which in timeline is set after "Bad Romance" but released after this one.)
And let's not forget the acting. Tul and Max are awesome together, but even as separate actors, they hold their own--growing by the season. 

Very few BL couples convince me to this degree--so, for me; Korn and Knock are and will remain THE BL couple.
(Sharing the #1 spot with two other guys on this list.)

An extra super plus would be the pretty abundant kiss/cuddle/hot scenes, that for the most part are good. You'll see one of the best BL kisses in history... 

And the very opening scene... WOW. "Hot" does not begin to describe it. First watch; my jaw literally dropped. (Then I replayed aboutish 2000+ times.)

A note; Do NOT read the novel on which it is based. I'm seriously warning you. The lovable and gentle guys from the drama--are nothing like that in the novel. I ditched it because we're talking severely disturbing stuff.

See description for the first season--but I want to add one thing. Many got upset by this second season, because of a certain, very big plot element. This season is much more realistic (if we overlook one nutty plot element that was kind of annoying, but whatever...)

Sure, it's not nice to see those kinds of things happen to the ship you love, but seriously... life isn't all roses and rainbows and being a couple--especially a gay such in a fairly strict society--is hard work. But after rain comes sunshine, you know.
And the resolution to all the pain and sorrow--is SO worth it.
Plus--this traumatic plot element is what gives the guys the opportunity to really shine as actors--delivering amazing results. 

The first season might be happier as a whole, and give you more of the warm fuzzy feel--but in this season, you will see what true love actually is. (And among the most amazing BL couple chemistry you'll likely to ever come across.)
This season is much more painful--but what it gives you, is better than S1. 

But if you really must live 100 % in pink-and-sparkly-fluff-land and can't take real life... sure, stay away. (Although, you'll miss out on a loooooot of fluff, too. Not just sad stuff...)

Opinions are divided on this one, but I, for one, think it's very good as a whole.

The concept is unique--and it works.

There are quite a few parts that I dislike, some of them are downright boring.  
But the good parts--give you goosebumps. This drama rides on emotion and it's melodramatic, to say the least, but it works, because the feelings portrayed are so profound and overwhelming that they demand this kind of over-the-top emotional gushing.
I mean--we're talking humongous emotions here. Feelings strong enough to pass on into the next life. Of course they have to bawl their eyes out and go into half-hysterics. How else to portray such profound things?

The four actors in the main roles do a good job, especially Earth, who just kills every single scene he's in and already in the very opening scene of the drama, showcases exactly what he is capable of.
(And btw, let's support all his work, since he's one of few who dares to be out in an industry that has had the habit of demanding only straight actors (or actors that hide/deny their orientation) for BL roles... Thankfully that's changing and the few out-and-open actors are getting roles. Deservedly so, since Earth in particular, is a gem.)
I'm not a huge fan of the 2019-couple--neither the actors nor the characters--but they do carry their load and convince in both chemistry and acting. The 1989-couple though... Oh my. Not only is their storyline the ultimate BL version of Romeo and Juliet, but their chemistry is adorable and one can't help but love them. 

The side couple story is completely unnecessary. Considering the far too sparse airtime they get--it just becomes shallow and haphazard. Which is a pity because I like them.

This isn't a super fav of mine, really. But I think it's a must-watch because of the concept and parallel timelines, as well as for many of the "remembering" scenes that give you goosebumps. And for Intouch's and Korn's story. 

One of the most charming, and different, gay themed dramas from recent years--a great example of the super-refreshing new path that Japanese BL/Gay has chosen to explore. Straight-forward, more realistic every-day type of stories, far from the fluffy and silly junk they've churned out previously. (Other titles would be "Fujoshi Ukkari Gei ni Kokuru", the "Ossan" series and "My Brother's Husband"--the latter I unfortunately haven't been able to get my paws on. Yet.)

This is SO charming, SO lovable, SO down-to-earth and just... cozy.
Feel-good.
Like a nice, hearty meal. ("Kinou Nani Tabeta?" = "What did You Eat Yesterday?")

This could have been epic, but it wasn't constructed well enough to reach higher than "very good". That said--this is still a must-watch.

I'll have to write a bit about it when I find the time and motivation...