Laugh out loud funny moments when you least expect it

While Mama Gogo initially appears to be a Thai edition of Magic Mike, this show is so much more than muscle and empty gyrating. What Annie’s crew sells is in short supply in the modern world: A connection to something deeper.

Amidst the roaring crowd and flurry of dollar bills, Mama Gogo makes the point that desire is complex, going beyond just a handsome face and a nice body. It’s about undivided attention and the ability to make others feel seen.

And that’s exactly what Chen (played by Lee Thanat) – my favourite character in the show – demonstrates even without shedding his shirt. I was worried that the debtor-collector relationship between him and Annie was going to be cringey and problematic but their relationship progressed in a really sweet (and surprisingly, not at all weird) way. Chen was the one who saw through Annie for who she is – a single mother struggling to do the best she can.

Earth’s character, Kampan, is supposed to be an antagonist in the show, but he’s not a typical villain. In fact, I have difficulty wrapping my head around his character. If I had to describe him, he’s like a real-life Ken (yeah, like Barbie’s Ken) but with a bit more depth and agency – sometimes, he comes off like a robot with a pre-downloaded personality struggling to masquerade as a human being. Not quite sure what to feel about his character but it’s certainly not Earth’s best performance.

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/08/30/mama-gogo-2022-review/

Lire davantage

I wanted to see more of the side couple (TimMai!!)

My Secret Love, while a decently produced production, is unfortunately not going to be anywhere near the best BLs out there.

Some gripes I have:

The acting is not great (their crying is exaggerated and facial expressions sometimes out of control), the storyline is not fantastic (seriously? 2 college boys being literally blackmailed into producing BL content is problematic ngl), and some bits are kinda lame (college kids going around pranking people for content is so juvenile, and also, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE people land in a kiss after falling down?).

Do I recommend that you still watch it anyway? Yes, with some caveats:

1) You’re looking for a show that you can just sit and consume mindlessly without thinking too much into or pondering about the deeper questions in life. 2) You’re in between shows and you need a ‘filler’– doesn’t need to be 8/10 level (or even a 7.5), but please, no utter trash either – to tide you over until your next episode. 3)You enjoy slightly meta BL shows about BL.

Okay the third is pushing it slightly. But us BL fans have been spoiled by all the high-quality productions out there (and with more to come!), so run-of-the-mill BLs are no longer going to cut it. So this is, in a way, a happy problem. A very, very happy problem.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/08/26/my-secret-love-2022-review/

Lire davantage

Sadly not memorable

As with all Japan BLs, there's no such thing as plain and candid communication. The characters often spin an overthinking web of doubt and have to gently untangle it over the course of several episodes. In that aspect, STCBL proves to be lighthearted and funny (overthinking fools in love will always entertain!).

Unfortunately, the show ultimately fails to make a deeper, more meaningful point on relationships and human nature.

I thought STCBL might explore the dreaded workplace taboo - how a senior-junior or supervisor-employee relationship can be problematic for romantic relationships – in greater detail. Perhaps I was expecting a bit more sneaking around to avoid gossip or prying eyes (many workplaces also have policies against fraternization). MmMMm, the tension from forbidden relationships… but nope.

The final 2 episodes also didn’t make much sense to me with lame misunderstandings getting in the way of their eventual get-together. Even when they finally became a couple, it was underwhelming.

I started off being quite excited about this show, but it lost steam towards the end. Was this a watchable, perfectly all right show? Yes. But was it memorable? Not really.

My full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/08/18/senpai-this-cant-be-love-bl-review/

Lire davantage

Ep 5 & 6 ranked a solid 9/10 for me!!

Close Friend Season 1 revives some of the popular BL pairings and thrusts them head-first into an anthology. Make no mistake, however, Close Friend is not a sequel to any of their previous series. Expect a completely new storyline involving familiar faces.

With just 6 episodes, the series makes for a breezy watch but I don’t recommend you actually watch all 6 episodes. Some were just downright bad or mediocre. If it were up to me, I’d tell you to only watch episodes 5 & 6.

Ep 5: I'm not a fan of Zon/Saifah from Why R U but this episode was delightful. Unlike the usual modern college romances, this one is set in the 1990s. No smartphones, no widespread internet access. Instead, what you get is a charming tale on how 2 students living in different cities in Thailand fall in love after writing each other letters and sending items by post.

Ep 6: This episode offers a refreshing spin on the KimCop pairing. While audiences are used to seeing Mark completely whipped for Kit in 2moons2/Gen Y, their dynamic in this episode is almost reversed. Kimmon plays Jedi, a celeb, whom Ray (played by Copter) is obsessed with. Ray frequently makes use of VR to ‘interact’ with Jedi, but the lines between VR and reality start to get blurred when he meets Jedi in real life.

This episode is what I imagine a Black Mirror x BL crossover to look like, posing some fascinating, thought-provoking questions on how the nature of relationships might evolve in the future.

Read my full review of the season here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/06/03/close-friend-bl-season-1/

Lire davantage

Some plot holes and unanswered questions, but what a fascinating narrative

If you liked the sinister, somewhat depressing undercurrent of season 1, the second season won’t disappoint.

Unlike season 1 – which focuses on Yeonwoo’s story – this sequel is an ambitious look into an entire network of individuals and organisations, going beyond the struggles of a single individual. It infiltrates a universe of drugs and organised crime where monos (people who can’t see colour) are cruelly exploited for their vulnerabilities. Pretty heavy stuff.

However, the story gets progressively sloppier as it frantically scrambles to wrap everything up in 8 episodes, so be prepared for some plot holes and unanswered questions. Many South Korean miniseries tend to cram way too much into short episodes, and the Color Rush sequel is no exception.

Season 2 introduces a new character in the form of Sehyun, Yeonwoo’s classmate, who also becomes his new love interest.

It’s unusual for sequels to introduce a completely new love interest, but guess what? I actually preferred the new guy.

Unfortunately, nothing really much happens between Sehyun and Yeonwoo, perhaps setting up the Color Rush franchise for yet another season. If season 1 was centred around romance, season 2 seriously placed romance on the backburner.

My full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/05/24/color-rush-2-bl-review/

Lire davantage

A very hot mess. Literally.

The premise was so promising but I think it’s safe to say that The Tuxedo is a hot mess. Literally hot guys + a mess.

The backbone of the story is really a bratty son of a business tycoon looking to have a tuxedo made by a gifted tailor. But then there’s also an evil father figure, a family feud, a background story about a childhood trauma and phobia, some other side characters that aren’t super important… Plus an obligatory unlikeable girlfriend(?) who gets in the way.

There are 1001 plots going on even though the show only has 8 20-minute episodes and very little makes very much sense.

The show really could have just picked a few things to focus on instead of wasting precious time on other plots. The Tuxedo may have sh*tty storytelling and less-than-ideal acting, but hey, incredible sexual tension between 2 attractive men in suits? Yeah I’ll somehow sit through the storytelling (or lackthereof), thank you.

Be warned, though, the tailor and the sad richboi go from 0 to 100 real quick (maybe way too quickly). One moment they detest each other, the next, they’re flirting aggressively and eating each other’s faces. I guess this is what they mean when they say love and hate are two sides of the same coin?

The romance is fast and furious, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to give this a miss. Or not. On the bright side, if it turns out that you hate this series, at least it was only 160 minutes of your life.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/23/the-tuxedo-2022-bl-review-a-very-hot-mess/

Lire davantage

Fluffy love story served well by a straightforward plot

Spanning 10 episodes, the series wastes no time with convoluted subplots and complex characters. It is served well by a straightforward plot with a healthy sprinkle of fluffy moments. And dimples.

Despite their vastly different social backgrounds, Tawan and Mork somehow find a soulmate in each other. But then there are nagging doubts – Mork, a lowly-educated taxi rider, questions if he could ever deserve someone like Tawan because he isn’t as educated or wealthy.

In Southeast Asia, motorcycles are generally perceived to be of a lower status to cars but this notion adds to the charm and romanticism of the plot. There is something wildly intimate about motorcycle rides set against the backdrop of a city’s nightscape as 2 people cruise into an unknown future. Motorcycle = the real wingman.

My Ride is classic rom-com material in this respect, mostly glossing over the potentially thorny issue of class using a magic solution called love. It is a classic tale about how the right person was always right by our side. Best illustrated by this quote in the series: “Sometimes we don’t need the best person, just someone who’s best for us.”

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/04/20/my-ride-2022-review-fluffy-love-story-with-a-dose-of-dimples/

Lire davantage

Got off to a good start, then crashed

Straight up let me just get this out of the way: The acting isn’t great and the writing leaves much to be desired.

So why did I find myself wanting more??? What surprised me the most about Season 2 were the kiss scenes, which were way above average. The kisses were neither one-sided nor flat and the exchanges were actually pretty smooth. Best of all? It had initiative.

I enjoyed the first few episodes a lot more than Season 1, which moved at a slower pace. In season 2, Valen unfortunately, still isn't the most likeable BL character around. He's immature, selfish, clumsy and awkward. Now compare this to Non – portrayed to be a way better character with very few flaws, so perfect that he makes Valen look like a joke. But… Non is rather bland and boring.

Is Love Area is trying to make the point that we tend to fall in love with imperfect, deeply flawed people, preferring to adore them for who they are even when faced with other supposedly better options? Sigh.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/love-area-part-2-2022-review-got-off-to-a-good-start-then-crashed/

Lire davantage

Most Thai series I watch are BL but I'm so thankful I made an exception

IFWT is a classic whodunnit murder mystery with profoundly tragic undertones. You can expect a highly compelling narrative arc, with twists and turns that will keep you engaged throughout. Every step closer to solving the mystery comes with dark secrets being unravelled, threatening to destroy the harmony of existing relationships.

While social media and public scrutiny can be brutal, what is more frightening are the secrets that push people over the edge to do terrible, terrible things. And the most frightening of all is having to spend every waking day living with the consequences.

The idea of consequence is salient in IFWT, with pertinent questions on moral responsibility being raised. There are simply no straightforward right answers in this series. Every character is marvellously flawed in their own way and often, what appears to be seemingly irrational behaviour driven by instincts ends up perfectly relatable, even if questionable.

Apart from excellent writing, stellar acting also carries the story through most of the crucial scenes where emotional depth and complexity is required.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/02/12/in-family-we-trust-2018-review-not-a-bl/

Lire davantage

Classic Japan BL that you need to watch at least once

For me, watching Adachi and his friend Tsuge navigate their newfound power and their growing feelings for another person was an absolute joy. Who cares if some moments were a little awkward and even ‘out there’? I was inhaling the episodes.

I appreciated how character development constantly propelled the series: The point of the show is that it is not enough to know what someone is thinking if you want to be in a meaningful and stable relationship with them. Basically, there are limits to how much your relationship can benefit from mind-reading.

With a great premise and likeable characters, Cherry Magic is one of the most entertaining BL shows with moments that are equal parts funny and sweet. It’s the kind of show that you will return to rewatch on a shitty day just because it will make you smile.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/02/06/cherry-magic-2020-review/

Lire davantage

I was actually pretty entertained

I went in without high expectations because the ratings and reviews didn’t seem too fantastic, but I'll be honest and say that some moments were quite hilarious and fun to watch.

The premise is interesting because it asks a fairly deep question: If two people play their ‘roles’ in a marriage, can love be nurtured after spending an extended amount of time together? Can romance blossom from what starts out as a transactional arrangement? The cynic in me is inclined to think, hell no, they might hate each other even more by the end of it. But in a BL universe, we are allowed to dream a little.

The sweet domestic life of Kiwan and Hoseon was enjoyable while it lasted but some questions were left unanswered. It's also unclear why a love triangle was needed for the plot. I think the series would have worked perfectly fine without it.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/31/nobleman-ryus-wedding-2021/

Lire davantage

Technically not a BL, but still romantic

The Untamed is a compelling story about clan rivalry and intrigue, friendships and maybe a little bit more than friendships.

Lanzhan and Wuxian have a wonderful chemistry in the show. The Untamed is not a BL because of censorship laws in China. However, there are plenty of scenes that hint at a romantic relationship between the two so I’ve compiled a list of all the times where I thought there was something more here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/21/all-the-romantic-scenes-in-the-untamed-although-its-technically-not-a-bl/

What I like most about The Untamed is that it delves into the psyche of key characters and devotes great attention to their background stories. Especially the villains, who were very well-constructed. The audience not only connects with these characters, but is able to relate to their pain, regardless of the evil they have done.

In fact, Untamed makes the point that there are no truly evil people in this universe. Just people who have made poor choices because they thought these choices would make them happier people, only for it to result in their eventual ruin.

Read my full review here (mild spoilers): https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/21/the-untamed-2019/

Lire davantage

Great premise and promise (8.5/10) but execution (6/10) falls flat.

Color Rush is not a sappy, feel-good BL that you can breeze through despite the short episodes.

The darker undertones is what separates this from other typical South Korean BLs with themes like struggling with mental health issues and discrimination. Unfortunately, the show fails to make any meaningful point on it.

Ultimately, Color Rush is a story about two people with their own set of problems being drawn to each other because the other party allows them to live a fuller, maybe even ‘normal’, life.

But was the story problematic? Yes. Would I still watch Season 2? Yes, in hopes that more attention will be devoted to Yoohan and Yeonwoo helping each other to become better versions of themselves.

Read my full review here (with minor spoilers): https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/16/color-rush-2020/

Lire davantage

Why does nobody talk about this History series? Underrated!

The History series is known for some pretty innovative storylines, and this one probably ranks like a 6 or 7 on scale of 0 to super original plotline. While I enjoy the coming-of-age type college BLs, ‘real-world’ responsibilities like caring for your partner’s child is something unique in BLs, and is what made History2 stand out.

Originality aside, what came as a surprise was how much of a joy this was to watch.

Despite that fact that they aren’t a conventionally attractive pair (a la MaxTul or MewGulf), something about their relationship, which was just so relatable and wholesome, kept me wanting to see more.

As the series is relatively short and can be completed within 2 hours, it’s also good that the plot was kept simple. This means plenty of screentime dedicated to the couple’s relationship and no mad rush to resolve all the loose ends by the end.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2021/11/22/history-2-right-or-wrong-2018/

Lire davantage

Not as great as I hoped, PondPhuwin can do so much better

This show has 1) a decent line-up, 2) a premise that sounds promising although slightly cliched, and 3) a slightly quirky vibe. And yet, it somehow doesn’t quite live up to any of these three expectations.

Nan, played by Mix, is terribly underwhelming after his A Tale of Thousand Stars performance. This is through no fault of Mix, though, since it was the character that came off as rather bland and lacking in personality, rather than Mix’s acting being the problem. As for PondPhuwin, they are a decently compatible onscreen pair but FUTS was probably not their time to shine yet.

Fish Upon The Sky skims some fairly interesting themes – self-esteem issues from being an outcast in school, cyber anonymity and bullying, the ethical boundaries of shipping a couple, and coping with scrutiny in general. It’s a shame that the show only manages to bob along the surface without really diving into any of these.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/01/07/fish-upon-the-sky-2021/

Lire davantage