Love conquers homophobia and internalized homophobia

When a movie touches me, continues rolling in my mind after the lights go out, the frames stop.
In a setting illuminated by sunlight, on any given school day, anywhere in the suburban geography of Chiang Mai, Thailand, a teenager is determined to accept his own homosexuality in front of others, even knowing that this step may represent the hatred, discrimination and intolerance of those who hate, reject and fear homosexuals.
Motor, which is the name of the young man, played by actor Jo Ronaporn Vipataputi, known for his performances in 'My Streamer', 2023, 'Boy Scouts', 2022, 'My Star' and My Star: Uncut Version', both the 2024, he has lost his fear of making himself visible, and is ready to leave behind his heterosexual image with which he has always intended to "be cool in front of others."
He has been involuntarily led to this decision by Gentle, the boy he loves, played by Fongfong Pathomporn Panfa ('My Star' and 'My Star: Uncut Version' 2024), a teenager who is clear about his sexual orientation and lives it without fear, guilt or shame, who, feeling despised by Motor, has chosen to distance himself.
Questioned by Gentle about his attitude, Motor will respond that his behavior consists simply of trying to please others. And Gentle responds: "Being cool isn't about who sits on your bike. It's up to you if you treat people differently."
Motor will not know the meaning of this answer. Motor is unaware of his internalized homophobia and denies it. Motor goes to great lengths to hide the shame and guilt of living his sexual orientation. Not wanting to make others uncomfortable, not wanting to change the image that others have of him, has led him to deny something that is part of him, something that is himself.
However, Gentle's message is clear. Nobody likes to feel stigmatized and rejected. But isn't Motor more afraid of his self-rejection? Isn't it worse to feel shame, disgust, anxiety, and even have behaviors of avoidance or denial of everything related to homosexual orientation due to fear of being rejected?
If in 'My Biker' it is Gentle who pulls the strings of dramatic tension by recognizing that he loves another man, Motor, the heterosexual teenager who in that 2023 film receives the confession of love from his friend, today expresses the conscience of those who are going to fight for their place in the world, even if this means that they have to suffer the hatred and discrimination of homophobes.
The short film, scripted and directed by Nitchapoom Chaianun (Nicchi), delves into the romantic story begun in 'เราและนาย My Biker', between a high school student who falls in love with his heterosexual best friend.
Produced by Wayufilm Production, in association with Pigeon Pictures, 'My Biker 2' contributes to changing the way society views members of the LGBTIQ+ community, especially in countries that, like Thailand, still refuse to recognize equal marriage and where discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and other members of that human community persists.
'My Biker 2' reminds us that not everything is always "so pretty", as many BL fans seem to believe, and that there is still a long fight ahead.
Works like this should appear from time to time on the screens of many lovers of the genre, so in need of shaking off so much emptiness.
After watching the series 'To Be Continued' I asked myself: "When will BL series come to reflect the real diversity of the LGBT+ community in Thai society? While dozens of BL series are produced and broadcast every year, the stigma and discrimination against LGBT+ people continue to occur. When will creators and directors of television channels understand that making homoaffective representations in BL series more nuanced and political could bring important and positive changes in a society that begins to observe its diversity through television creations?"
From 'My Biker 2' I could say that I would have liked a little more romantic interaction between the two protagonists, such as a kiss, holding hands or resting their head on the other's shoulder. I could express my dissatisfaction with the way in which the existence of a romance between them is evident before the final scene. I could state that I am not entirely pleased with the way in which the pain is shown in young people when they perceive that their romantic relationship is at mortal risk, but I prefer to remain with the conviction that 'My Biker' contributes to the struggle of LGBTIQ+ people.
It is not just the sunlight that illuminates the stage at any point in the suburban geography of Chiang Mai, on any given school day. Together with the Astro Sun, the light of hope also shines. This is its main message.

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'If I Love a Boy' and the exercise of looking at each other

'If I Love a Boy', the Thai youth romantic anthology with LGBTIQ themes, explores sexual awakening in adolescence through the telling of five short stories of innocent love, whose protagonists are high school students.
Broadcast between August 24 and November 9, 2019 on LINE TV, One 31, these film stories, by Thai director Andy Rachyd Kusolkulsiri, delve into characters whose lives are marked by sexuality, the development of secondary sexual characteristics , mature thinking and also the awakening of sexual behavior that is, when the adolescent transforms into a sexual being.
In this sense, 'Mom, Please Do Not Disturb (starring Son and Pluggy)', 'You Never Eat Alone (Folk & Petch)', 'Hand On Me (Kia & Taro)', 'Everybody Run (Ball & Poori) )' and 'Night Before Everything (Chokun & Nut)', the five stories that make up the anthology, take us into characters immersed in a stage in which the rise of romantic fantasies occurs and social relationships take place outside the environment family, especially with friends.
In the shorts, with slight contacts with each other, the unity of visual poetics is perceived, although sometimes a certain lack of rhythm is felt in the progression. After seeing them, we remember obvious truths that characterize adolescence, such as the young person who has not yet fully developed abstract thinking and sometimes finds it difficult to think about the consequences of his actions, as well as the use of the senses to express his feelings. emotions, since he has not yet fully developed adult thinking.
In 'If I Love a Boy' they are the high school student secretly in love with his classmate, the teenager who sees the possibility of maintaining the romance with the boy he loves slipping away because he has not dared to come out of the closet, the young man who fills with courage and confesses his love to his best heterosexual friend, the love triangle and the first disappointment in love, and the young man unable to accept that his best friend is gay, but at the same time he feels upset at the risk of losing him .
In the films, which reflect the creative consciousness that the director carries within him, we see novice actors in their first steps into the world of acting.
Son Korbboon Garun and Pluggy Tharakorn Khamsing are the protagonists of the first film. Folk Touch Inthirat and Pech Sirin Siripanich take part in the second. While Nokia Chinnawat Phattharathanachot and Taro Watcharathon Passorndiloklert participate in the third short film.
For their part, Ball Saranwut Chatjaratsaeng, Poori Siphrai and Art Thathep Phritiman are the actors who tell the events and conflicts of the fourth film, and Nut Nathanon Metharathip and Chokun Watcharaphon Suwanrueang lead the cast of the fifth film, in which we can also see acting Folk.
All of these young actors would star in 2019 'Thank God It's Friday', the youth romantic drama directed by Andy Rachyd Kusolkulsiri and written by Kwang Latika Chumpoo.
Of them, only Folk, Nokia and Ball have continued to develop their acting careers, within the BL, with the first appearing in several series, such as 'Brothers', from 2021, the second in 'Knock Knock, Boys!', from 2024, among others, and the third in 'Until We Meet Again', from 2020, 'Unforgotten Night', from 2022, and 'Y Demand', scheduled for release in 2024.
If we take into account that sexuality at this stage of the human life cycle represents the generation of desires, feelings, fantasies and emotions, that is, the development of a sexual identity, 'If I Love a Boy' constitutes a suggestive (and tender, It could also be said) a self-gaze exercise, which is worth submitting to, since all human beings have experienced, are living or will live the sexual awakening and the biological, psychological and social changes inherent to adolescence.

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It invites us to reflect on homophobia, equality and non-discrimination

'Faded' (淡淡/ Dan Dan) tells the moving story of Tian Yu, a Chinese high school student who lives a secret love relationship with Jun Zhi (Arthur Tan / Jun Yi Tan), a boy with whom he discovered his sexual orientation.
Tian Yu, played by Soo Xu Zhe, a Chinese actor known for his participation in the films 'Do You Love Me as I Love You' (2020) and 'Dear Ex' (2018), is struggling with his sexual identity and finds himself caught between fulfilling his filial duty as an only child and the desire to be honest with himself and his mother (Seck Fook Yee).
Tian Yu's internal conflict worsens when the mother discovers her son's homosexuality, through a photograph that someone secretly sent to her cell phone, and confronts Jun Zhi about the relationship.
However, the mother does not act in a homophobic manner, as she is actually afraid of the repercussions of her son coming out of the closet.
Through his relationship with his mother, Tian Yu will have the courage to face his fears and insecurities, and finally admit to her his homosexuality, in addition to asking her for understanding about his desire to maintain the relationship with the boy he loves.
'Faded' is a small, amateur short film that intimately and emotionally addresses universal themes such as the search for authenticity, personal acceptance and coming of age.
With the message "Love is the same for all genders", it also invites us to reflect on homophobia, equality and non-discrimination.
Released on October 23, 2017 in China, the 15-minute film is written, directed, starring and produced by Arthur Tan Jun Yi Tan, who is also the performer and composer of the eponymous musical theme that serves as the soundtrack. to the short film.

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A message of hope, growth and improvement

In Jom's world, Jom will care for and protect Yai as Yai cared for and protected him in his world.
Tee Bundit Sintanaparadee, the director of the LGBTIQ+ themed series 'War of Y' (2022), 'Hidden Agenda' (2023), 'Step by Step' (2023), 'TharnType' (2020) and 'Lovely Writer' ( 2021), among others, returns us in 'Scent of Memory' to the protagonists of 'I Feel You Linger in the Air', one of his popular dramas.
Jom (Nonkul Chanon Santinatornkul) and Yai (Bright Rapheephong Thapsuwan) have not been able to forget the love that unites them. The possibility of reaffirming that deep human emotion that they experience takes place in the present of Jom.
On this occasion, Yai will be the one who travels in time, to the future, in response to Jom's request to be able to meet again, being convinced that making a wish to the stars during a meteor shower could guarantee that dreams come true.
More than the essence of memory, this Special Episode explores the essence of love, a concept that has captivated poets, philosophers and artists throughout history.
The reunion between Jom and Yai shows that romantic love can transcend borders, cultures and times.
Jom and Yai demonstrate that romantic love is a complex, multifaceted emotion that encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences and expressions.
The bond between the two characters is the very essence of love, as it implies deep affection, deep attachment, and a sense of care for someone beyond oneself.
The two protagonists experience a deep connection, which has created a sense of belonging and fuels the mutual need for connection, intimacy and unity. This manifests itself in joy, support, understanding, empathy, sadness, compassion, the feeling of vulnerability and also security and emotional well-being for oneself and for others.
Audiences will appreciate that love inherently involves vulnerability, as both characters are open to the possibility of pain and loss. By loving each other, Yai and Jom expose their true selves, allowing others to see their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and dreams. However, they are aware that it is through vulnerability that love can deepen and flourish, as they build trust and intimacy.
Likewise, 'Scent of Memory' explores how love can be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, turning lovers into better versions of themselves, overcoming challenges and striving for personal and mutual growth, providing a nurturing environment that encourages self-acceptance, forgiveness and the exploration of new possibilities.
In 'I Feel You Linger in the Air', Jom travels in time by chance, but in 'Scent of Memory' he makes the trip a transtemporal journey because it is his destiny, because it is what he longs for.
In this dramatized, Yai's role is crucial since he is the one who travels in time to meet Jom again and leads him to reconnect with the past they lived. Through his quest to find Jom, Yai demonstrates his determination and bravery to outwit even the forces of physics and time.
This fairy tale has a dance included, which keeps the romantic and hopeful atmosphere of the series alive, as the protagonists glide through the living room of Jom's house. The dance, supported by an enveloping melody and a captivating rhythm, make this moment one of the most memorable in the audiovisual, which lasts just over 60 minutes.
The magic and charm of Yai and Jom's love story, even if it were a dream, lies in the fact that dreams can come true, even for those who live in two different worlds. Through the power of perseverance, of always remembering the person we love even if they are far from us, of wishing to be reunited, it shows that anyone can find their happiness.
In 'Scent of Memory', the message of hope, growth and improvement is present, reminding us that, despite obstacles, there is always an opportunity to achieve our deepest desires.
Yai and Jom will remind us that love is a deeply human experience, a journey we undertake with an open heart, accepting both its joys and its challenges.

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Two boyfriends who return to make the viewer fall in love

In 'Stay by My Side', the romantic and supernatural comedy broadcast between July 7 and September 1, 2023, Isaac Yang plays Jiang Chi, the son of a renowned family of doctors who defies his parents, because they They want the young man to follow in their footsteps in a career in Medicine while he dreams of being a lawyer.
The boy who in the early years of the century dreamed of specializing in Fine Arts, had to wait until 2023 to star in his first LGBTIQ+ themed series, after his debut in the film 'Leaving Virginia', from 2020.
The mastery with The way the actor plays the characters he has played until today distinguishes him as one of the most promising faces on the current and future Taiwanese acting scene.
For his part, Hong Wei Zhe plays Bu Xia, an Anthropology student and owner of a sports scholarship as one of the best players on the university basketball team. With this role, the Taiwanese singer of Yue Hua, also taking his first steps in the television industry of that Asian island.
Throughout the series, his character, rich in nuances, goes through dramatic moments, as well as hilarious ones, as he discovers that he has a paranormal ability to be able to hear ghosts murmuring in his ears. However, he will understand that being close to Jian Chi, his enemy and new dormmate, will allow him to escape the nightmare of having to face annoying "apparitions" every day.
Bu Xia's interest in having Jiang Chi help him, with his close presence, to "exorcise" the ghosts, will be interpreted by him as his dormmate having fallen in love with him.
This misunderstanding will lead to an unexpected and unlikely romance between these two young people with great differences in personalities, giving rise to a pleasant and fun series.
Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023), gets 'Stay by My Side Special' (免疫屏蔽番外篇), update the viewer on the evolution of the romance between these two boys, a year after the events narrated in the series.
Bu Xia and Jiang Chi, who seem to us, due to their tender and constant romantic interaction, to be two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, allow the viewer to expand their vision of the couple's bond from a physical and emotional point of view. and spiritual, while, with the same intensity, it exposes old and new conflicts of the lovers, because in addition to dealing with economic problems or the possibility of coexistence after graduating, now the ghosts "haunt" Jiang Chi, because already in the finals from 'Stay by My Side' this character had agreed to be the one who heard the voices of the spirits or wandering or lost souls, instead of Bu Xia.
The Special episode will allow us to appreciate the personal growth and as a couple of the protagonists. Bu Xia is able to recognize that he has been a child protected all his life by his grandfather, his sister and the apprentices of the temple owned by his family, and now by Jiang Chi, but today, thanks to love, he can take the reins of his life and take responsibility for both himself and the man he loves.
Although Jiang Chi does not have the support of his relatives for rejecting his parents' impositions, this does not prevent his determination to love, care for and protect Bu Xia, demonstrating that he is a character who has gained maturity and growth.
Bu Xia and Jiang Chi, who seem to us, due to their tender and constant romantic interaction, to be two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, allow the viewer to expand their vision of the couple's bond from a physical and emotional point of view. and spiritual, while, with the same intensity, it exposes old and new conflicts of the lovers, because in addition to dealing with economic problems or the possibility of coexistence after graduating, now the ghosts "haunt" Jiang Chi instead of Bu Xia, Well, already at the end of 'Stay by My Side' the future lawyer had agreed to be the one who listened to the voices of the spirits or wandering or suffering souls.
The Special episode will allow us to appreciate the personal growth and as a couple of the protagonists. Bu Xia is able to recognize that he has been a child protected all his life by his grandfather, his sister and the apprentices of the temple owned by his family, and now by Jiang Chi, but today, thanks to love, he can take the reins of his life and take responsibility for both himself and the man he loves.
Although Jiang Chi does not have the support of his relatives for rejecting his parents' impositions, this does not prevent his determination to love, care for and protect Bu Xia, demonstrating that he is a character who has gained maturity and growth.
Bu Xia and Jiang Chi are lavish in showing the love and affection they have for each other, in showing their constant concern for each other, and they will take the step of continuing their life together after graduating, which demonstrates the constant evolution of the couple. The chemistry between the two is evident.
The Special Episode gives us Hong Wei Zhe performing "Newton and Apple", the opening theme of the series, accompanied by Isaac Yang, who is not a singer.
'Stay by My Side Special' has the added bonus of incorporating two new faces from the world of Taiwanese entertainment, as singers Chu Yv Ching and Eason Lee make their debut as actors by giving body to the Sanctuary trainees. Let us remember that the latter is the one who performs the closing theme: "Answer If You Hear", in addition to "Falling in Love", another of the songs that make up the soundtrack of the series, along with "Changed", by Yu Ching, and "Mr. Ya Li Shan Da", by Luna.
Joining the cast are Liao Wei Po as Guo Zheng Hong, Superway Hsu as Bai Yun Haom and Kevin Chang as Lan Bai Wei, members of the university basketball team and friends of the two protagonists.
Cai Fei Qiao is in charge of closing the cast, playing Haunting ghost.
The script for 'Stay by My Side Special' is in the hands of this actress, recognized for writing the script for the acclaimed drama 'Unknown', 2024 and being the executive producer of other classics of the genre: 'We Best Love: No. 1 For You' and 'We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd', as well as for playing Mrs. Yao, Shun Yu's mother, in 'You Are Mine Special', released in May 2024.
We have already seen the Special Episodes of 'VIP Only', 'You Are Mine', and 'Stay by My Side Special'. The only thing missing is the 'Anti-Reset' Special, scheduled to be released soon.
The public could consider that this audiovisual is a perfect closing to the series, as it manages to answer questions that remained latent, but Vidol seems to think otherwise, periodically returning us to the protagonists of the BL series in one way or another.
With the introduction of Chu Yv Ching and Eason Lee, the creators may be considering the relevance of developing a series in the future in which the two of them are the protagonists, while Isaac Yang and Hong Wei Zhe intervene in supporting roles or as guest artists.
Or is it my desire to continue watching this couple of actors?
The success of 'Stay by My Side Special' could be decisive in this endeavor. So from now on I give my support.

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Film version of 'In a Relationship'

After airing the 17 episodes of 'In a Relationship', between June 10 and July 24, 2022, its 17 episodes (the first fifteen of approximately three to five minutes each, and the last two, lasting between twelve and fourteen minutes), are taken, with the same title, to a film version in an 87-minute format.
This is the result.
Review:
With the speed of survival we have insisted on forgetting the pandemic, focused on the new challenges that life imposes, day by day.
And there is the art to bear witness to how Covid-19 changed the world as we knew it until then, and among these changes stands out the way in which human beings manage to communicate and establish diverse relationships, including romantic ones, amid limitations of not being able to interact face to face with others.
'In a Relationship', the romantic series with an LGBTIQ+ theme, directed and produced by Napat Worakitpunya, allows us to appreciate the emergence of a love relationship between two teenagers, against the backdrop of social networks and the period of incidence of the pandemic in our lives.
This is one of the BL series produced by Jinloe Media Work, the studio that has also made 'Hit Bite Love' (2023), 'What the Duck' (2018) and its sequel 'What the Duck 2: Final Call' (2019 ).
Starring Nine Trin Summasub, as Tono, and Pea Pearanut Athicomnanta, in the role of Boss, the 2022 Thai drama takes us into characters whose existences are affected by the circumstances of a pandemic that disrupts everything in its path. However, in an indistinct manner, but at the same time in close union, each of them manages to recognize in the sad event the possibility of loving each other, growing as people, the power of forgiveness and second chances.
With a script by Chim Sedthawut Inboon, Tono, a teenager with a growing reputation among online video game players, is presented as the central axis of the plot. One day, while he is live streaming and recording one of his videos, a user he later identifies as Boss criticizes his gaming skills in a chat room. Annoyed, Tono confronts him and they both agree to participate in a video game competition to see who is the best.
After losing the game, Tono must fulfill the winner's three demands: The last request is that Tono become her boyfriend! Reluctant to comply with this demand, Tono will be forced to listen to the constant flirting of the person who claims to have been in love with him for some time.
Will Boss manage to change his social media status to "in a relationship"? Will love arise between these two teenagers? Will they manage to nurture a loving bond beyond any screen? Will they be aware that the true essence of a relationship lies in the mutual understanding, support and love that is built day by day, surpassing virtual scenarios?
The truth is that this is how Boss and Tono begin a relationship, friendly first, romantic later, thanks to cultivating meaningful conversations every day, like those of any teenager of our days, building memories and strengthening emotional bonds.
Boss is a well-defined character. For some time now he has been aware of his sexual identity, and he finds himself caught between the desire to be honest with himself and with the boy he loves, as he fears suffering a new love rejection for having his face marked by youthful acne. That is why he has communicated through a filter and hides his true identity from Tono.
But despite this dark side, the character created by Pea Pearanut Athicomnanta turns out to be more than the simple playboy he can seem every time he flirts. He understands when Tono needs space and backs away, but he still shows his love and sends constant signals of support to the teenager in difficult times, such as during Tono's illness, or when he is upset because his friend Jade has decided not to play with him.
Knowing and loving Tono will make him grow as a person and trust in himself.
For his part, Tono is a boy without major conflicts in his life. Busy with video games and virtual classes due to the pandemic, he has only suffered from his parents' divorce. His character goes through several very different moments throughout the series. She experiences intense feelings when Boss confesses his love for her, and emotional stress when she suspects that the young man she loves has been playing with her feelings.
Tono shows maturity when he forgives Boss and by encouraging him to be himself and grow as a person. Through her relationship with Boss, Tono will discover not only her sexual identity, but also her true feelings and first love.
At first, I find his performance a little uncomfortable, but as the episodes progress, we can see an actor who takes on the role of a typical teenager of our days, giving it his own interpretation and meaning, as he focuses on his goal and fight for what he wants.
Isolated from everything and everyone, even his family members, who are never shown on screen nor are there any references to them, Tono navigates between doubts and insecurities, while trying to understand his own feelings. Can a boy fall in love with another boy?
Although sometimes a certain lack of rhythm is felt in the progression, the best moments of 'In a Relationship' are reserved for the final episodes, when the story gains in maturity and complexity by deepening the plot in the themes addressed, managing to enrich the dynamics of the love relationship and add a fascinating growing tension between the characters.
Intimately and emotionally, 'In a Relationship' addresses universal themes such as the search for authenticity, discovery, personal acceptance, second chances, identity, friendship and love, with a refreshing and sensitive narrative. Along the way, both young people discover much more about themselves and what love and friendship really mean.
The two boys will begin a journey that will change their lives forever. During it, Boss and Tono develop an unexpected and deep connection as they share their personal stories, fears, preferences and dreams.
The music of TheMoonwillalwaysbewithme, Foam and Boxx Music Team helps capture the beauty of first love and self-discovery in adolescence, with totally recognizable boys, but at the same time with the pain of lying.
With evocative cinematography limited by the pandemic scenario, the series immerses us in a crucial moment in the lives of its protagonists where emotions are on the surface.
The series explores many of the challenges that we can encounter every day on social networks and messaging applications, such as the possibility of someone lying or hiding their true identity because they feel ashamed of their own life or body, the prospect of closing distances with people who are far from us; the way to understand, approach and expose our personal life and our relationships, or suffer from the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome caused by dependence on social networks.
Likewise, 'In a Relationship' portrays other of the daily challenges faced by people on social networks, who may feel that they are constantly in contact, but the quality and depth of their conversations may decrease. Or what is related to the emotional tone, which is often misinterpreted in texts and messages, which can generate unnecessary conflicts, due to the lack of eye contact and body language, essential for effective communication.
That is the reason why Tono frequently demands the need to complement digital communication through real, in-person connection. That is, being able to see yourself outside of virtual spaces, to be able to openly communicate your feelings, concerns, doubts and insecurities... in short, give free rein to love.
For this reason, I applaud that final scene in which the empty chairs that have always been occupied by our two protagonists prevail, because finally both, after the dangers of the pandemic have disappeared, have met outside the screens of their digital devices.
The review of the series published in MDL can be found at: https://mydramalist.com/731171-in-a-relationship/reviews

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'Pray in Love Special' follows in the footsteps of police officer Yuan Shao Hu (Zheng Nan Zhong), and Yang Qi An (Huang Li Feng), the first concerned about the danger that threatens the illegitimate son of the Yang family, interested in this in seeking revenge for his mother's suicide due to a political conspiracy in which his father is involved, events narrated in 'Pray in Love', the series that follows the love relationship that emerged between these two young people as they seek justice.
The short film, a prequel to Taiwan's first Ganghood-style LGBTIQ+-themed romantic series, which mixes mystery and crime, begins when the character played by Zheng Nan Zhong, remembered for his participation in the Taiwanese drama 'Amazing Grace', from 2020, He arrives home at night, drunk, after participating with his coworkers in the celebrations for his promotion, to discover that the character played by Yang Qi An, the renowned actor leading the Taiwanese drama 'Anti Reset' (2024), the Chinese film 'Kinematics Theory' (2018) and the also Chinese series 'The Ambiguous Focus' (2018), has abandoned it.
In compliance with his police work, Yuan Shao Hu must attend the wedding of the son of a renowned politician the next day, where he is surprised to learn that the person who is getting married is none other than his vengeful boyfriend Yang Qi An. , who has pretended to agree to a marriage that, for political reasons, has been arranged by his biological father, Yang Qing Hai.
'Pray in Love Special', which does not even have the entire short film, the latter containing 20 minutes in length, seeks to raise funds to be able to film the second story created by "Xia Hua Art" after 'Wu Xie', since its creators, director and screenwriter Maxine Hsieh, and producers Kumi Fu and Willson Chiang, after obtaining the Arts and Culture Grant from the Film and Television Office of the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture in 2021, have not been able to obtain the financial resources necessary to carry out their work.
Let's support the work of SoulChill, the same studio that produces 'Innocent'.

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A story of love, discovery, acceptance and second chances

With the speed of survival we have insisted on forgetting the pandemic, focused on the new challenges that life imposes, day by day.
And there is the art to bear witness to how Covid-19 changed the world as we knew it until then, and among these changes stands out the way in which human beings manage to communicate and establish diverse relationships, including romantic ones, amid limitations of not being able to interact face to face with others.
'In a Relationship', the romantic series with an LGBTIQ+ theme, directed and produced by Napat Worakitpunya, allows us to appreciate the emergence of a love relationship between two teenagers, against the backdrop of social networks and the period of incidence of the pandemic in our lives.
This is one of the BL series produced by Jinloe Media Work, the studio that has also made 'Hit Bite Love' (2023), 'What the Duck' (2018) and its sequel 'What the Duck 2: Final Call' (2019 ).
Starring Nine Trin Summasub, as Tono, and Pea Pearanut Athicomnanta, in the role of Boss, the 2022 Thai drama takes us into characters whose existences are affected by the circumstances of a pandemic that disrupts everything in its path. However, in an indistinct manner, but at the same time in close union, each of them manages to recognize in the sad event the possibility of loving each other, growing as people, the power of forgiveness and second chances.
With a script by Chim Sedthawut Inboon, Tono, a teenager with a growing reputation among online video game players, is presented as the central axis of the plot. One day, while he is live streaming and recording one of his videos, a user he later identifies as Boss criticizes his gaming skills in a chat room. Annoyed, Tono confronts him and they both agree to participate in a video game competition to see who is the best.
After losing the game, Tono must fulfill the winner's three demands: The last request is that Tono become her boyfriend! Reluctant to comply with this demand, Tono will be forced to listen to the constant flirting of the person who claims to have been in love with him for some time.
Will Boss manage to change his social media status to "in a relationship"? Will love arise between these two teenagers? Will they manage to nurture a loving bond beyond any screen? Will they be aware that the true essence of a relationship lies in the mutual understanding, support and love that is built day by day, surpassing virtual scenarios?
The truth is that this is how Boss and Tono begin a relationship, friendly first, romantic later, thanks to cultivating meaningful conversations every day, like those of any teenager of our days, building memories and strengthening emotional bonds.
Boss is a well-defined character. For some time now he has been aware of his sexual identity, and he finds himself caught between the desire to be honest with himself and with the boy he loves, as he fears suffering a new love rejection for having his face marked by youthful acne. That is why he has communicated through a filter and hides his true identity from Tono.
But despite this dark side, the character created by Pea Pearanut Athicomnanta turns out to be more than the simple playboy he can seem every time he flirts. He understands when Tono needs space and backs away, but he still shows his love and sends constant signals of support to the teenager in difficult times, such as during Tono's illness, or when he is upset because his friend Jade has decided not to play with him.
Knowing and loving Tono will make him grow as a person and trust in himself.
For his part, Tono is a boy without major conflicts in his life. Busy with video games and virtual classes due to the pandemic, he has only suffered from his parents' divorce. His character goes through several very different moments throughout the series. She experiences intense feelings when Boss confesses his love for her, and emotional stress when she suspects that the young man she loves has been playing with her feelings.
Tono shows maturity when he forgives Boss and by encouraging him to be himself and grow as a person. Through her relationship with Boss, Tono will discover not only her sexual identity, but also her true feelings and first love.
At first, I find his performance a little uncomfortable, but as the episodes progress, we can see an actor who takes on the role of a typical teenager of our days, giving it his own interpretation and meaning, as he focuses on his goal and fight for what he wants.
Isolated from everything and everyone, even his family members, who are never shown on screen nor are there any references to them, Tono navigates between doubts and insecurities, while trying to understand his own feelings. Can a boy fall in love with another boy?
Although sometimes a certain lack of rhythm is felt in the progression, the best moments of 'In a Relationship' are reserved for the final episodes, when the story gains in maturity and complexity by deepening the plot in the themes addressed, managing to enrich the dynamics of the love relationship and add a fascinating growing tension between the characters.
Intimately and emotionally, 'In a Relationship' addresses universal themes such as the search for authenticity, discovery, personal acceptance, second chances, identity, friendship and love, with a refreshing and sensitive narrative. Along the way, both young people discover much more about themselves and what love and friendship really mean.
The two boys will begin a journey that will change their lives forever. During it, Boss and Tono develop an unexpected and deep connection as they share their personal stories, fears, preferences and dreams.
The music of TheMoonwillalwaysbewithme, Foam and Boxx Music Team helps capture the beauty of first love and self-discovery in adolescence, with totally recognizable boys, but at the same time with the pain of lying.
With evocative cinematography limited by the pandemic scenario, the series immerses us in a crucial moment in the lives of its protagonists where emotions are on the surface.
The series explores many of the challenges that we can encounter every day on social networks and messaging applications, such as the possibility of someone lying or hiding their true identity because they feel ashamed of their own life or body, the prospect of closing distances with people who are far from us; the way to understand, approach and expose our personal life and our relationships, or suffer from the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome caused by dependence on social networks.
Likewise, 'In a Relationship' portrays other of the daily challenges faced by people on social networks, who may feel that they are constantly in contact, but the quality and depth of their conversations may decrease. Or what is related to the emotional tone, which is often misinterpreted in texts and messages, which can generate unnecessary conflicts, due to the lack of eye contact and body language, essential for effective communication.
That is the reason why Tono frequently demands the need to complement digital communication through real, in-person connection. That is, being able to see yourself outside of virtual spaces, to be able to openly communicate your feelings, concerns, doubts and insecurities... in short, give free rein to love.
For this reason, I applaud that final scene in which the empty chairs that have always been occupied by our two protagonists prevail, because finally both, after the dangers of the pandemic have disappeared, have met outside the screens of their digital devices.

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Love overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, differences and ghosts

A love that overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, personality differences and ghosts

'Stay by My Side' begins with an unexpected and involuntary collision between Gu Bu Xia, the Anthropology student and owner of a sports scholarship as he is one of the best players on the university basketball team, and Jiang Chi, the future lawyer and son from a famous family of doctors who has just been transferred to Yong Yu University.
After several setbacks, these two young people, soon declared enemies, begin to live in the bedroom occupied by Bu Xia, since Jiang Chi has been forced to make a living by his own means after defying his parents, who want the boy to continue his steps in the career of Medicine.
Starring Isaac Yang as Jiang Chi, and Hong Wei Zhe as Bu Xia, the romantic and supernatural comedy with an LGBTIQ+ theme revolves around the unlikely romance between these two young college students with major personality differences, marked by paranormal ability of one of the protagonists, which provides a pleasant and fun novelty to the audiovisual product.
Soon the tender, light and happy series will introduce us to the lives of both characters. While Jiang Chi is an excellent basketball player, he does not seem interested in joining the varsity team, not wanting anything to distract him from his studies. Additionally, he works several part-time jobs to avoid being financially dependent on his parents.
For his part, the orphan Bu Xia has been raised by his grandfather, a spiritual medium, in a temple run by his sister Gu Bu Tao (Jin Cheng). After the death of the old man, the shy and insecure Bu Xia hears ghost voices murmuring in his ears, a circumstance that will worsen just as the new roommate enters his life.
Bu Xia, who has lived alone in his bedroom until Jiang Chi's arrival, will soon come to a conclusion: being close to the boy who now sleeps a few meters from his bed brings him peace, as the ghosts feel self-conscious and flee before him. Your presence. The more he interacts with Jiang Chi, the less he hears the voice of those who "pull the chain." That is why he will try to always have him around him..., but he hides the reason from him.
For his part, the law student mistakes Bu Xia's camaraderie as if the boy was flirting with him. "Could it be that Bu Xia has fallen in love with me?" he will ask himself. Jiang Chi comes to think that he is the object of his dormmate's love interest.
As a result, the supernatural element spices up a series with greater originality than the classic college romances, while the relationship between the two boys takes us on a journey surrounded by mystery and intrigue and in which love can overcome misunderstandings, differences in personalities and even outwit the ghost chase.
Likewise, the series will allow us to appreciate how two rivals can come to love each other with such madness and passion, to the point of one of them accepting the transfer of the uncomfortable ability to hear ghost voices that the other suffers.
Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023), commissions Cai Fei Qiao, known for being the screenwriter of the acclaimed drama 'Unknown', 2024, the executive producer of another classic of the genre: 'We Best Love: No. 1 For You' and 'We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd', and for playing Mrs. Yao, Shun Yu's mother, in 'You Are Mine Special', released in May 2024.
Lovers of the genre will be pleased with 'Stay by Me Side' for its strong BL content, for the tender and constant romantic interaction of the protagonists, for portraying two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, for exploring the bond of the physical, emotional and spiritual couple, for their happy ending.
Likewise, fans of BL series will like the complicity of Bu Xia's sister and Jiang Chi, both interested in the young man's well-being and happiness.
I like the character played by Hong Wei Zhe: a boy who shows traits of insecurity and cowardice in the face of paranormal phenomena, who doesn't? But he leaves us with a memorable memory, especially when he discovers that he has fallen in love with another boy, and there he acts not infrequently in a childish and insecure way as well. What sometimes overreacts? His contagious laugh, his innocent eyes, his angelic face redeem him from excesses.
The mysterious and reserved character played by Isaac Yang is equally convincing, especially when he seeks to protect Bu Xia from ghosts and everything that could affect him. He is a lover who gives himself completely to the loved one.
I would have liked the series to delve deeper into the denunciation of possible homophobia (the reasons are not clear), perceived when Bu Xia and Jiang Chi's relationship becomes gossip among the other university students, who will try to obtain invasive photos of the loving couple, or make annoying comments in physical and virtual settings.
Isn't Taiwan the only Asian territory where Equal Marriage or Homosexual Marriage has been approved? Is sexual diversity not widely accepted by the Taiwanese population? Are same-sex sexual relations not legal? Why then consider the fact that two boys holding hands and attracting each other on a university campus or on the street in Taipei a public spectacle?

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An exciting and sexy story that portrays sexual awakening in adolescence

Yang Yong Ning enjoys the last days of summer alone before returning to classes for the upcoming new school year. Suddenly, he best friend Ji Yijie, who has not seen him for a long time, calls him and invites him to have fun and walk through the streets of Taipei at midnight, the only witness of the love and sexual awakening of the two teenagers.
From the dramatic and youth genre with LGBTIQ+ themes, 'Beats Per Minute' (午夜節拍 / Wu Ye Jie Pai, Wu Yeh Chieh Pai) asks us a question: can romantic love arise from friendship?
In his second short film, screenwriter, director and editor Lin Guan Chen portrays the queer perspective, the main trait that identifies today's youth.
As he did in 'Shift Gear' (2022), the Taiwanese filmmaker focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and how Generation Z can face their confusion in this chaotic world, in the effort to contribute to overcoming the heteronormative paradigm, leaving a priori behind binary according to which one is by default a boy or a girl, homosexual or heterosexual; in short, to understand sexuality as a broad spectrum.
'Beats Per Minute' tries to capture these new ways of conceiving identities and transmitting the processes that the protagonists experience when assuming, expressing and experiencing them.
In its almost 20 minutes, the short film exposes the obvious physical attraction between the two young men, while they talk about girls and making love with them, perhaps in an attempt to deny their true feelings.
Yang Yong Ning makes it very clear right away: he is in love with Ma Ji Yijie. That's why he secretly steals photos of him while he pretends to take snapshots of the stars, dances for him, plays constant pranks on him and suffers in silence when he discovers that they could separate when his friend has to leave to live in Canada, as is his mother's wish.
On the other hand, for the young man who, from his words, appears to be heterosexual, this feeling towards his friend is a new and unexpected experience. However, he does not hesitate to be the first to kiss him.
And yes, the attraction between the two protagonists will end up crystallizing when Yang Yong Ming also kisses his friend.
Tung Wang's cinematography helps to successfully portray the charming sparks between the two young actors and the beauty of the Taiwanese capital.
Although at the beginning of the century, queer fiction was defined by transgression and reaffirmation, as a form of resistance in a very hostile environment, this short film reclaims adolescence as the period of doubts and fears. Instead of associating it with transgression, the queer attitude is associated with vulnerability, tenderness and the willingness to get closer to the other.
Without ignoring fears, insecurities and vulnerabilities, the short film builds from fiction a warm, optimistic and luminous universe to embrace the queer experience of the two protagonists.
Produced by Yi Juyng Lin, 'Beats Per Minute' is a film that manages to portray what it is like to live in the closet during adolescence and that reminds us that LGBT+ people also deserve to live a love story. It is, in short, an exciting and sexy story that portrays the sexual awakening in that period of a person's life that lies between childhood and adulthood.

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A love that surpasses the arc of time and the lives of the two lovers

Liu Li is a BL-themed novelist who wants to love vehemently, so that he can then express his thoughts in writing. Under the pseudonym Morris, he has published two best-selling novels based on his real-life experiences, but today, after the rejection of his platonic love, he suffers from writer's block and cannot find inspiration to write the third book, which he has already demands his editor.
Seeking inspiration, he sits at the same table every day at Old House, his favorite meat noodle and hot sauce shop, located in the lower part of the building where he rents an apartment, and where he makes blue origami birds for hours, while waiting for the arrival of the muse.
Gu Jin, or Boss Gu, as his employees call him, who was a successful advertising executive until his resignation, caused by a scandal involving his despotic mother, decides not to give up in the face of adversity and takes advantage of his culinary vocation to set up his own restaurant. business as chef and owner of Old House, where he will meet Liu Li.
Starring Stan Huang as Gu Jing, and Chen Xuan Yu as Liu Li, 'VIP Only' (保留席位 / Pao Liu Hsi Wei (Bao Liu Xi Wei), the Taiwanese LGBTIQ+-themed romantic comedy-drama spins in around the love relationship between the handsome and attractive chef who owns the creative and retro restaurant, and the shy boy with a vocation as a novelist who, although he has never been in a relationship, recognizes that as a writer he has many ideas about what it means to be in love.
Director another dreams of continuing to promote his career as a writer.
Based on the script written by Cai Fei Qiao, Xiao Yi Wei and Chen Liang Ci, 'VIP Only' is a tender and delicious story of love and improvement marked by literature and cooking, a relationship that arises between stoves and tables restaurant; a chef with high culinary skills and a regular customer.
Vidol is the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes this and other BL series such as 'Stay by My Side' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023).
Like many of the dishes prepared by the chef, the love between the two young people simmers. It all begins when Gu asks Liu Li to go on dates with him to stimulate his imagination and inspire him to continue his work as a writer.
This is how in the middle of a role-play in which they both date each other and pretend to be in love, love surprises them.
Between plates of food, Gu reading Liu Li's novels, hearing about each other's lives while folding origami, or the novelist's determination to learn to cook because Gu is very passionate about the culinary art, both boys will leave getting to know each other and becoming closer, until they discover that they have much more in common than they think, since they were friends in childhood.
Liu Da Ren (Tim Cheng) and Lai Dai Yi / "Lai Tsai" (Kurt Huang), Gu's employee at the restaurant the first and Liu Li's friend the second, will help the two boys in their romance. However, their love will be put to the test when Wu Shin (Kevin Chang), the boy the writer was in love with, returns and tries to win him over.
The cast is completed with the performances of Hsiao Hung as Yao Shun Yu, and Parker Mao in the role of Xia Shang Zhou, protagonists of the Taiwanese BL drama 'You Are Mine', in which they embody these same characters.
The chef will also hallucinate with joy/madness when he discovers that Liu Li thanks Wu Shin for having inspired him to write two best-selling novels, and for teaching him to be brave and confess his love to the person he loves, and chooses him.
The love that unites Liu Li and Gu will surpass the arc of their lives and time, through the book written by the former and inspired by the latter and the romance they live.
Almost everything in 'VIP Only' could be on the verge of crossing the thin line of cheesy, or vulgar melodrama, but it is redeemed by the tenderness of its story, the truth of characters who support each other and manage to overcome difficulties while experiencing personal growth, the chemistry between the two protagonists and the interpretive flexibility of Stan Huang and Chen Xuan Yu.

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With the title "I'm sticking with my past because you are my future", the special episode of the Taiwanese LGBTIQ+ themed romantic drama series 'VIP Only Special' ( 保留席位 番外篇 / VIP Only Extra Episodes, Bao Liu Xi Wei Fan Wai Pian, Pao Liu Hsi Wei Fan Wai Pian) brings us return to Gu Jing, the handsome and attractive chef who owns a creative and retro restaurant, and Liu Li, the BL-themed novelist who rents a room upstairs from Gu's restaurant, to update the viewer on their romantic relationship.
On this occasion, the setting in which the characters develop will not be the meat noodle shop owned by Gu to which Liu Li goes every day to carry out his writing work, but rather a natural environment of rivers and mountains where the characters will go couples to enjoy a weekend.
Starring Stan Huang as Gu Jing, and Chen Xuan Yu as Liu Li, the episode will confirm that the author who uses the pseudonym Morris continues to write and publish best-selling romance novels based on his real-life experiences, having Gu and her tender and exciting love life are the main source of inspiration.
Directed by Lian Yu Zhe (Anti Reset, 2024), the episode, about 28 minutes long, gives us romantic interactions between Liu Li and Gu Jin, with tender and deep kisses added, which will delight lovers of the genre.
Based on the script written by Cai Fei Qiao, Xiao Yi Wei and Chen Liang Ci, the audiovisual delves into the relationship between the two boys who began to fall in love when Boss Gu asks Liu Li to go on dates with him to stimulate his imagination at a time when he suffered from writer's block and found no inspiration after being rejected by his platonic love.
Without the usual beard and with a candy in his mouth, the Taiwanese actor Stan Huang, with his fiery look and charming smile, has the power to continue making the public fall in love. This time I find it much more attractive and fascinating.
With the growing chemistry between the two protagonists, the audiovisual allows us to appreciate how the two boys live in harmony and support each other, allowing them to overcome difficulties and experience personal growth.
I would like Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'Stay by My Side' (2023), 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023) , continue releasing Special Episodes and new dramas of the genre.
The public will also be able to enjoy how the audiovisual returns to Yao Shun Yu (Hsiao Hung) and Xia Shang Zhou (Parker Mao), the protagonists of 'You are Mine', a Taiwanese drama of which we were also recently able to see a Special Episode.
Much more can still be extracted from 'VIP Only'. I would love to see, for example, a romantic relationship between Liu Da Ren (Tim Cheng) and Lai Dai Yi/"Lai Tsai" (Kurt Huang), as well as Gu's chance to convince Liu Li's parents to accept the marriage love relationship between the two boys "with the same attitude that you used with my parents", referring to the way in which the young novelist defends Gu from his abusive mother in the series and affirms that there is a loving bond between the two.

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Libraries are not only incredible places, dedicated to providing unique services, such as supporting training, research, teaching or the transformation of information into knowledge.
Between books, the constant hustle and bustle of users requesting various library services, this noble institution, with thousands of years of history, can be the perfect setting for two boys to meet again and fall in love.
Kang Woo, the director of the romantic drama 'Blossom Campus', knows this by locating in this academic and cultural environment the setting in which Yoon Chan (Choi Dong Ho), in his first foray in front of the cameras, and Kim Min Jae (Son Byeong Hoon), develop a romantic relationship.
Explicitly or implicitly, in his already suggestive work, the South Korean director stops to reflect the most secret, emotional and internal gears of youth, and offers, on this occasion, a series in which he once again portrays those microcosms to the that we all belong for the mere fact that at some point we have lived, are living or will live that period of a person's life that is between childhood and adulthood, to bring to light their most recognizable conflicts. It is that instant empathy that gives strength to his stories, sometimes silent, subtle and too calm, but with a lot of inner substance.
With backgrounds, symbolisms and homosensual and homoerotic imaginaries that seek to make the public react to their stories and provoke emotions, after writing and directing films such as 'Sweet Curse', 'Some More', 'I Don't Care', 'Secret Roommate' ', 'Dom' and 'Gay Out Soon 5: Free Dating', and the series 'Long Time No See', with 'Blossom Campus', filmmaker Kang Woo once again explores another recurring theme in his already extensive work: his vision of homosexuality from a personal point of view and through the years.
The result is a fun and tender audiovisual, very emotional and addictive, which puts all its weight on the faces of the attractive cast, especially the two protagonists with a captivating chemistry. It is, in short, everything that is as nice, happy and tender as a romantic, musical and youth comedy should be and that, without abandoning the spirit of the genre, has interesting dramatic readings.
The series, with an LGBTIQ+ theme, is a fresh story that vibrates while bringing to the table important themes such as self-discovery, innate vocation, dreams, friendship, love, acceptance, sexual awakening and the search for happiness and identity, seen through Min Jae, a transfer student from the Faculty of Music with a specialization in Applied Music at Hankook University, who on his first day at the new study center accidentally receives help from Yoon Chan, the clumsy and eloquent Taekwondo lover and student at the Faculty of Culture and Sports Arts.
Min Jae is a boy who has had to live his life alone, without family and in an environment of poverty. Since he does not want to appear pitiful to others, he has chosen to hide his inner sweetness. Armed with a shell, he tries to act tough and cold in front of others, until Yoon Chan appears in his path.
Audiences will like Min Jae's character for being a warm and shy person who will have several part-time jobs to support himself, such as being a barista or librarian at the university library. Here he will meet again with the star student who specializes in combat sports, who, in turn, does not know how to approach others and has never had friends. So when Min Jae approaches him first, he gets happy and will try to make him his friend.
Min Jae will react like a tsundere, and will initially have a distant, reserved and even hostile demeanor, but little by little he transforms into someone warm, sensitive and friendly towards the cool and tall young man who only shows feelings for Min Jae, while remaining cold towards others.
Min Jae has been curious about Yoon Chan since they met. He doesn't know what emotions and feelings overcome him every time he is in the presence of the lonely young man full of laughter and energy who doesn't care much about other people... except Min Jae.
The public will be able to enjoy the performance of Choi Dong Ho, an actor with a high capacity to transmit emotions, in a genuine and convincing way, who demonstrates with his performance that far from seeking grandiloquence, he immerses himself in his character with the simplicity that characterizes to those who understand that true art lies in authenticity.
The budding relationship between the two boys will be tested with the arrival of Jeong Woo Hyuk (Kim Yoon Sol), known for his participation in 'Man In The Shower', a new Applied Music student, who will also fall in love with Min Jae. Her character adds layers to the narrative and will keep the audience guessing about the evolution of the love triangle.
The series allows us to see how the actions and emotions of the characters change, all thanks to Yoon Chan's constant aegyo attack against Min Jae, causing fun and hilarious moments with his actions, in addition to the necessary reflection on the topics addressed. However, his own personality will trip up the young athlete, who will need the help of Min Jae's teacher, played by veteran actor Jo Yoo Seok, to be able to recognize his feelings and overcome fears and insecurities.
With realistic representations, the series will provoke the viewer to ask several questions, such as: What will happen when the music student who radiates a calm, meticulous and reflective demeanor, continually crosses paths with the taekwondoka with a strong personality, introverted and somewhat clumsy, but with endearing silliness that increases its charm? Will a chance encounter between them be enough to cause their paths to intertwine and, over time, their bond to deepen and blossom into a romantic relationship?
Although Min Jae thinks Yoon Cha is a very strange guy, for some reason he will still think about him. Their encounters multiply when Min Jae accepts the job as a librarian, which brings them closer together. Since their first stumble, the two have become entangled and closer, leading them to develop a romantic relationship.
The infatuation between Min Jae and Yoon Chan begins slowly; they circle close to each other but keep their distance, wanting to show indifference to disguise their interest. Yoon Chan ends up being much better at that game: he knows better than to stare for too long or too intensely. In contrast, Min Jae's furtive glances end up staying focused as if he is asking a question with his eyes.
In this Matchbox X Strongberry production, the lives of the two will meet, causing a definitive impact on them. The union will be revealing for both of them, who will begin to feel things that they cannot control.
"Although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally, feelings," said Kang Woo.
Those feelings are what he is looking for with the series. It is the emotions and feelings that are there, hidden, but on the surface, that the director wants to uncover with this story. A story of friendship and the discovery of sexuality, of homosexual love that, however, is far from anyone's prejudiced views.
In 'Blossom Campus' the characters discover that they attract each other, they fall in love, but there is no censorship on them. They both discover that they feel something else. Something they can't control. And that, in addition to being human, is beautiful. Because the first love, the real one, you only live once. Whether you are heterosexual or homosexual, whether you are a musician or an athlete, whether you are empathetic and happy, or introverted and clumsy. And therein lies its value. That although at first glance there are many things that separate us, there is something that unites us equally. The feelings. We all feel. And no one is immune from that.
You don't just visualize Kang Woo's dramatizations, you absorb them. His films and series show us beautiful people with impeccable taste while they intensely live their days of adolescence and youth. Passion and drama put a stop to those lives, but what stands out most about his work is the palpable quality they have.
In the director's work, this passion and drama are expressed with words, silences, actions and music whose strength is increasing and also in the vibrant and visceral textures that surround the characters: the shelf full of books, the light and the shadow, the small table on which the university texts are placed, the computer on, the cafe where lovers meet or work part-time, the combat uniform worn by the athlete in a practice session, glimpses of the sweat...
The viewer will experience memorable scenes, such as the one on the roof, or when each person fixes the other's apron, as it is very suggestive, or when Min Jae, who has an instinct for self-defense, lets Yoon Chan into his house, and The barrier until that moment between the two is broken and he accepts it.
As the drama ends in suspense, there is the possibility of a second season, which we will wait to delve into the romance between two friends who have become so close that they cannot deny the love that unites them.
I cannot finish this review without reaffirming my commitment to fighting harassment and cyberbullying towards the artists involved in this project, as Strongberry also did at the time.

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A dream and a forbidden love

Every year, the music industry launches numerous boy bands around the world to make their international debut. Other industries, also dedicated to entertainment, such as television, always at the forefront, have not been left behind, in the effort to tell us about the creation and evolution of these groups.
And if, along with this, they address stories of overcoming and forbidden love between members of said bands, the public awaits them with greater interest.
That is why today we remember 'Boyband The Series', a Thai audiovisual characterized by its excellent performances, a dream soundtrack and enviable scenery.
Its premiere took place in February 2023, and with 6 episodes lasting approximately 45 minutes each, we are introduced to Top, played by Phiphat Wichasu (Zubom), in his first acting role, a young man who has had to make an effort in life to be able to pay the debt contracted by his father, in addition to paying for the medical treatment of his mother, a disabled woman after suffering a traffic accident, and also paying for the education of his minor sister. To get ahead, he has had to work as a waiter, elephant keeper and sword fighter.
Top will have the opportunity to travel from Khon Kaen, Isaan province, to Bangkok, to become an artist under World Star, the company of Khun Serena (Metinee Kingpayome - Lukkade), the queen of the entertainment industry, through a singing, dancing and acting contest, which in addition to artistic skills, will evaluate the behavior and attitudes of the contestants.
This trip into the competition represents a new stage in his life for Top, full of surprises that he is willing to accept without hesitation, because in addition to competing against a hundred young people to obtain one of the six positions in dispute, he will meet Juju (Theerachet Yanwantana - Jaymin), the impulsive son of a wealthy family, with whom our protagonist will live a forbidden romance, because the contest imposes a rule on the participants: "Artists are prevented from establishing romantic relationships with each other."
With a chemistry that transcends the screen, Top will help Juju deal with her main problem: her father's refusal to accept her fulfilling her dream of becoming an idol.
One of the aspects that attract attention in this dramatic, romantic, musical and youth comedy with LGBTIQ+ themes is Top's constant race in pursuit of Juju. The unforgettable sequence of Zubom on the motorcycle arriving, with delays, to the place of the band's debut, among the first scenes, while the music directed and composed by Terdsak Janpan for the series plays in the background, is one of the vertices about the that a plot is articulated, which will lead us to other chases, such as that of Top behind Juju's car in an unfortunate first encounter in which the two come out as enemies.
There will also be other chases, such as the chase that is not after Juju, but with Juju, to rescue Juju's bag that the motorcyclists intend to steal, or the race to prevent Juju from fighting with other contestants, due to the risk of being disqualified.
Another race is when Top follows Juju to the latter's mother's house in Krabi, the boy requiring his authorization to continue in the competition.
Each step in those runs brings them closer to each other, and not only from the point of view of shortening the distance.
Top and Juju are joined by Jeff (Arm Boonyavanit - AP), the typical prankster that everyone will want to have by their side to have fun; Ryu (Pakpoom Juanchainat - Art), the famous dancer with many followers on social networks, Ken (Intouch Kooramasuwan - Intouch), the brilliant singer who will fall in love with the singing teacher, and Atom (Wasin Suungkavathin - Aom), the boy seriously focused on his art.
These young people, along with Sun (Natthanun Kurusatienpron - Man), Kampun (Phutawan Yamsai - Tawan); Tiger (Phicaphop Khamnanak - Auto), Pokpong (Patchapol Bhamornbuth - Tong) and Yok (Athiphat Arkrawarachotihiran - Nice), will fight to join the world-class boy band, and will undergo intense training in singing, dancing and acting, as part of the fierce competition that would allow them to achieve their dreams.
As in all competitions, there will be envy and professional jealousy that will play dirty and, through cheating and disloyalty, will try to get others to abandon. Likewise, there are those who will rejoice in the stumble and fall of their rival so that they do not continue in the fight, but there are also those with wise advice and timely encouragement, those who will not mind helping those who do not master the technique or those who He has suffered a blow to his foot that prevents him from dancing well.
We are not looking at the classic BL (hence surely the low rating of the drama), because 'Boyband The Series' aims much higher by exposing problems inherent to the entertainment industry, such as the corrupting power of money to buy artists trained in other agencies , the pressure from managers towards future idols with promises that are not always fulfilled, topics that are rarely addressed in series of the genre, with the exception of 'Call It What You Want I' and some others.
The series, directed by Dome Jade Bunyoprakarn ('My Dear Gangster Oppa', 'Together with Me', 'Bad Romance'), also reflects another theme equally little or poorly portrayed in Thai BL. I mean homophobia. Top and Juju's budding love relationship is used for the purposes of not only causing harm to them, but also to Khun Serena.
And here the series contributes to the struggle of the Thai LGBTIQ+ community, because although discrimination against the members of that human group persists in that country, the initial scenes of the series, which take us to the moment of the meeting of both young people before their debut , shows us that the revelation of their romance will not stop them from moving forward.
Two other main characters are Madame Pauly (Anon Saisangcharn - Pu), in charge of convincing Khun Serena to return to talent training after a period away from the agency she created, after the breakup of her marriage to Phanu (Maethanee Buranasiri - Nino), a manager in the entertainment industry to whom anything goes if he can punish his ex-wife.
Madame Pauly also has the mission of searching for contest candidates and serving as a judge for the competitions.
The writing of the scripts is carried out by Piangpaitoon Satrawaha – May), known for being the screenwriter of 'Naughty Babe' and 'Hormones Season 2', among other series, who in 'Boyband The Seires' plays the judge and teacher My .
Throughout the series, Serena, Pauly and My act as judges and guides in the training of the contestants, imitating the style of programs like "American Idols": while the former acts as an infallible judge, with a reputation for being a "strong hand" , there are always some performances that allow us to see their most sensitive and fair side, because although difficult to convince, they have sound recommendations that are usually accepted and applied by all those who aspire to join the band.
Everything seems fine to My, while Madame Pauly is the one who tries to be objective and lets herself be carried away by her criteria, to which she is always faithful. The actor who plays Madame does not believe in gender stereotypes that pigeonhole men who play very effeminate characters, like his. Lukkade and Pu's performances spice up the series.
'Boyband The Series' darkens in the final episode, with a discussion on stage after the winning team is announced, which contributes little to the closure of the story. It is very unlikely that what happened took place in real life, much less in the grotesque way it was portrayed. These disputes are ultimately aired in court.
Another reason that worked against 'Boyband The Series' was that it aired alongside other popular ThaiBL, such as 'Never Let Me Go', 'My School President' and 'Moonlight Chicken'. It is also not helped by the difficulties that the public has in accessing audiovisuals with English subtitles.
The series brings us as a bonus the possibility of meeting several BL stars who show their faces as guest artists. These include Copter Phanuwat, Bas Suradej Pinnirat, Max Kornthas Rujeerattanavorapan, Fluke Natouch Siripongthon and Peter Knight.
Love triangles, forbidden romances, infatuations between contestants and teachers, seductions of judges to try to be favored by them, villains who steal talents just to cause harm, young people who fight to achieve their dreams, self-realization, personal and spiritual growth, diversity sexuality, acceptance, homophobia, among other topics, appear in a very well written script.
Top and Juju have a dream. The realization of it comes to the first almost by chance, when he no longer had hope after his uncertain initial steps in Korea. Juju won't stop until he reaches it. And both manage, by putting one brick on top of another, to build together that dream life that grows together with romantic love.

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Miniseries in which Tar and Bom break the fourth wall and stand out for their joy and monologues

The miniseries 'You Made My Day' (Thai title ชื่นใจไปทุกวัน), also known as 'Refreshed Every Day', 'You Make My Day', 'Chuenjai Pai Tuk Wan' and 'Chuenchai Pai Thuk Wan') us brings back to the screen the actors Tar Atiwat Saengtien and Bom Tanawat Uthaikitwanit, the protagonists of the LGBT+-themed comedy-drama 'I Will Knock You', broadcast by AIS Play and Channel 3, between November 2022 and February of the following year.
Those people who, like me, enjoyed the story that revolves around the romance between "Thi" Thiwa Ananbhuchai, the boy who combines his university studies with his part-time job as a tutor, and Noey Watphlu, the leader of a gang, that behind the tough guy façade there really is a noble and ridiculously stupid boy, now you will have the opportunity to see these two actors again in a miniseries of 5 episodes of about 8 minutes each.
Playing themselves, the two protagonists of 'I Will Knock You' give us a beautiful story about two friends who, driven by circumstances, fulfill a mission every day, such as preparing a surprise party for Tar's mother or traveling the city looking for Bunny, his missing dog.
In this way, the series invites us to travel with the protagonists through the streets of Bangkok, visit its temples, monuments and other sites of historical and cultural interest, appreciate Thai cuisine, navigate the rivers that cross said capital, while we learn about various interesting aspects of the Southeast Asian country.
With the aim of promoting Minzz inhalers, we could define 'You Made My Day' as a commercial advertisement turned into a miniseries. This type of television product fails to win over BL followers. However, due to the lack of budget, many creators and actors have had to accept financial proposals from companies to carry out their projects.
I like the way in which, indifferently, both actors become main narrators and break the fourth wall by addressing the viewer to introduce themselves or ask them to encourage them to carry out the missions to be carried out in each episode, causing the audience to form part of the work.
I like the way in which, indifferently, both actors become main narrators and break the fourth wall by addressing the viewer to introduce themselves or ask them to encourage them to carry out the missions in each episode, allowing the audience to become part of the work.
Likewise, I like the monologues that the characters use, now one, now the other, to define traits of their personality or so that the audience can get to know their most intimate thoughts without the need for a narrator to intervene.
Tar and Bom carry on their shoulders a miniseries full of sweetness and tenderness, in which the chemistry and charisma of the characters, the festive color palette, the music and the contagious joy of the protagonists, make us all hope that a From moment to moment the two friends become lovers.
There are still three episodes left until the conclusion of 'You Make My Day'. We will continue to support the miniseries until the end.

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