Flawed writing + odd narrative choices: missed the mark despite great chemistry between the leads

This drama is a BL friends-to-lovers story. It is usually one of my favourite trope but the writing disappointed me quite a bit here. The main couple is cute and there is some proper pining but the development of the relationship is too quick to be believable.

I don't know why: there are similar length BL that totally manage to make it convincing but here I had some trouble to adhere to the story. I think it is because this drama wants to be too many things at the same time and so the character growth is not that well built. I would have preferred the scenario focusing a bit more on the development and the questioning inherent to such a big shift in the relationship of the two friends rather than having a final arc with a lot of noble idiocy...

In addition to those odd narrative choices, I also did not care at all about the secondary storyline with the other couple. It took too much time away from the central story...The show seemed to try to do too much: a secondary couple, the law cases, some fight scenes...Doing so, it missed the mark for me. The screenwriter should have kept the series more in a slice-of-life genre and focusing much more on the central couple evolution. I would personally removed all what concerned the secondary couple which I did not find interesting at all. Maybe this way, the show could have taken the time for the law cases to make more sense and to become more than a quite obvious plot device to stir the characters in a specific direction.

Despite the flaws in the writing, I quite enjoyed the performance of the two main leads. They had a good chemistry together despite the strangely paced script and their more intimate moments were well executed with some truly hot kissing scenes. I was less convinced by the actors playing the secondary couple. I'm not sure if my lack of interest is due to their acting or if it completely the fault of the story.

I enjoyed the soundtrack with the overall pop vibe of the intro song. I found the production quite standard with a bit of over-the-top making, especially during a couple of the fight scenes or the more dramatic ones.

I would recommend this to people looking for a BL romance with a friends-to-lovers trope. It is not that well executed here with the coming to terms with the feelings for the main couple being too quick. If you do not have huge expectation, you might find it enjoyable.

Leia Mais

BL office story with really relatable life lessons, wish it was longer!

I really enjoyed the story of the show: it is a standard BL office romance but it somewhat manages to touch on deeper topics which I found vey relatable. There are discussions around age gap, anti-ageism, work relationship, routine and fear of trying news things as you get older. I was quite moved by all of it.

I still wish that the show would have been longer and that there would have been more romantic scenes and overall sexual tension between the two main male leads. They were cute together but I felt it was a bit lacking to me in terms of passion...In addition to the fact that Japanese BL are in general more subdue, I'm wondering if it not also linked to the fact that the writing focused more in providing some interesting life lessons rather than giving opportunities for sizzling and hot chemistry between the two main characters.

I would recommend this show to people looking for a sweet office BL romance. It is super short, so it is really worth trying it.

Leia Mais

More dramatic than S1, still entertaining despite some writing and editing flaws

The drama is centred on the relationship between Zhou Shu Yi and Gao Shi De, 5 years after the end of season 1. They are not college students anymore but adults; the show has also become more angsty with more corporation and grown-ups business issues rather than youngsters shenanigans in a classroom.

It is quite different from the prequel in terms of ambiance but I still found the evolution of the main characters pretty interesting to follow. I was totally invested in the romance and was rooting for them despite some of the overused narrative arcs (the overbearing parent, the miscommunication issue,...). Let's face it: they look amazing in suits, and it was great to see them fight and reconcile in the office setting.

I found the main relationship very satisfying but I'm however less happy with the treatment of the two secondary couples. There were some interesting characters dynamics that I was really keen to explore (especially Yu Zhen Xuan x Pei Shou Yi pairing) and I felt a bit disappointed by the ending for them, not really understanding and believing the payoff.

The actors were good overall. There was a palpable chemistry between the main leads who had much more pining and sexy scenes than in the previous season. The secondary cast did a suitable job, except in my opinion for the one playing Zhou Shu Yi's father: I found him super caricatural (but to be fair the role written itself was full of stereotypes and offered little room for nuances).

Like in the parent series, I enjoyed the music but I'm already forgetting about it. The production value was also in line with S1, standard for the genre with some really well filmed kissing scenes. My main issue is the editing of the show: I found it super choppy at time, with some odd transition choices. I'm guessing that it might be related to the fact that I watched the "Special edition" rather than the regular one (meaning more content but also maybe more flaws in the editing choices? )

I would recommend this to people that loved the season 1 of the series. The context and the vibe of the show is more dramatic than the prequel, but it is very worth your time if you appreciate the actors and are looking for a BL story in an office setting.

Leia Mais

10 minutes of misunderstanding to create the drama for Season 2

This special episode follow the season 1 of "We Best Love: No. 1 For You" and is clearly there to create the dramatic arc in the relationship of the couple and to make the bridge with the season 2 of the series. The conflict is all based on misunderstanding and communication issues, which could be frustrating for some viewers. I was not too upset by that because I'm in a hurry to watch season 2 and curious to see the resolution.

The actors do what they can with the script they are given. It is clearly not an easy job to sell this huge shift in the dynamic of the relationship in the short span of 10 minutes.

I would recommend this to people that have seen the season 1 of course, before watching season 2. If you have watched the Special version of Season 1, it seems it is not necessary to watch this SP.

Leia Mais

Simple BL story quite wholesome, in a classic way - looking forward season 2 !

The drama is quite classic in its form and content: it is a BL story in a college setting, with a rivals-to-lovers trope. It could have been quite mundane due to its very typical concept but it managed to keep my attention all the way.

I really enjoyed the pairing of the two main actors. They are handsome and had a good chemistry together. Acting-wise, it was not perfect (with a bit of over-acting) but they managed successfully to transmit emotions in the more painful scenes. I found them believable, even though the relationship progressed quite suddenly (which was expected given the length of the show). I was less convinced by some of the monolog scenes, they were a bit too explanatory. Once again, it was a case of "telling" rather than "showing" the feelings of the characters.

The soundtrack was not memorable but still quite nice with some lovely romantic and sorrowful ballads as well as some classical music. The production value was standard for the genre, it is low budget but effective.

I would recommend this to people looking for a simple BL story quite wholesome, it is super short and bingeable. The tropes are classic but well executed, it will give you all the feels.

To be noted: There is a Special episode 6.5 to complete the Season 1 story as well as a "Special version" of the whole season 1. (=> So either watch the "regular" version of S1 + its Special episode 6.5; either you watch the "special" version of S1).

Leia Mais

Good thriller where the real monster is the human nature of some people

This action drama is centred on an outbreak of a new virus, making people mad and almost "zombie"-like. The story has some investigation and action sides, but is also foremost exploring the consequences and psychological impact that has the outbreak on the people living a new lockdown in a building. The show feels honestly pretty realistic after the last couple of years and the COVID pandemic. It has also a creepy but real take on the collective life in apartments and the relationships with the neighbours within a building.

I like a lot the the female and the male leads from some of their previous dramas: they did not disappointed me here!!! They had a great chemistry together and were both credible in the action scenes and more emotional ones. The secondary cast was also pretty convincing playing some revolting parts...I was utterly disgusted by the incredibly selfish behaviours and horrible acts done by some of the characters...

The OST was good, not overwhelming with some soothing songs with a lot of soul and some dramatic tunes really fitting the series. I found the making pretty good though quite classic: it was efficiently delivering in terms of thrills but maybe lacked a bit in terms of suspense and horror elements.

I would recommend this to people looking for an action drama with an interesting psychological side. Despite the concept of the show, the horror vibe is pretty mild. There are of course a lot of blood, some jump scares and thrilling action sequences, but the horrific side is quite subdue and more relating to the human nature of some people. Frightening truth: most of the time human beings are indeed scarier than monsters...

Leia Mais

A really enjoyable and cute BL with some really well done love triangle

The drama follows the story of Tae-Kyung, a blunt and awkward loner, who decides to join the student council of his all-boys high school to try to make some friends. He meets there 3 high school boys, very different from each other...The show resolves around how their relationships flourish (into a friendship or even more as feelings get into play...).

I loved the 4 main characters right of the bat: there are a bit stereotypical but that is what makes the show works so well! There are: our hero (the blunt and awkward guy without filters), the tsundere one (heart of gold behind a cold demeanour), the charming prince (nice with everyone but somewhat distant) and the funny guy (cute but also very perceptive and protective of his friends).

I found the story super refreshing, really pure and cute. It was efficiently paced over the course of 16 episodes of 24 minutes allowing enough storylines and characters developments. The various relationships felt fully fleshed: the love triangle was super balanced, it was very difficult to guess in which direction it will go. I must say I was really satisfied the way it went was what I wished for. However, I was (as it is often the case in BL shows) disappointed by the girl part. She is there mainly to create the drama (which is OK) but it is difficult to sympathize with her. I also found her redemption arc not believable and unnecessary.

The making was not outstanding but fun with vibrant colours. I loved the OST so much: the two main songs are sentimental and pop, totally fitting for the drama, and I was super frustrated to never hear them in full as they were mostly set at the end of the episodes in a shortened version...

I would recommend this to people looking for a light and cute BL story with a sweet and well done love triangle in a high-school setting. With its love story balancing in an interesting way scenes between multiple love interests, it gives a bit a similar vibe to the drama "Cinderella and the Four Knights", so if you enjoyed it, you might want to give it a go !

Leia Mais

Could have been deeper and more thrilling, still entertaining with interesting concepts showcased

I am generally a sucker for that kind of sci-fi movie set (more or less) in our contemporary world but with futuristic elements making it quite different from our real life. The first part of the picture was quite a wild ride with some interesting conflict: it was a bit too melodramatic but worked quite well overall to set the stakes. In its second part, the story lost a bit its potential as it became too easy for the main lead. Due to the concept itself, there was a lack of suspense and thrills. The ending was good but would have benefited of more fleshed out relationship between some of the characters to be properly rewarding.

The acting was ok overall. I quite enjoyed the performance of Yamazaki Kento who was the central figure and his interactions with the cat were super cute. I also liked Fujiki Naohito: his character was pretty interesting to follow. Unfortunately I found that the rest of the casting was a bit bland for some of the roles and a bit over-the-top for some others. I would have loved to be more transported by the main relationship and would have appreciated more nuances regarding the antagonists.

I found the filmmaking quite good, with a certain poetry for some of the scenes. The various inventions with their related sketches were nicely made and were a crucial addition to the fulfillment of the plot. The OST (with more specifically one key song for the characters) provided a lovely nostalgic vibe to the story.

I would recommend this to people looking for a sci-fi movie. I do not want to give too much away but if you like series like "Fringe" or books like "The Ice People" from Barjavel, you might give it a go (as it plays roughly with some of the same topics but in a more superficial way I would say). I wish it would have been deeper and more angsty but I still had a great time watching this film.

Leia Mais

Super frustrating: such a waste of potential !

Despite its flaws, I liked the season 1 of this drama thanks to its really interesting concept: the colour rush and the "probe" vs "mono" relationship making the BL story developed quite original.

Unfortunately what drew me in the show is not there anymore: one of the main lead has left and what could have led to an interesting storyline regarding how the remaining "mono" guy is coping without his "probe" is not really exploited. Indeed, the writer did some strange choices regarding the plot. The elements that were the most exciting in season 1 (the mono being addicted to his probe which is his everything) are not the main focus anymore and instead the spotlight is put on the thriller aspect of the show. Unfortunately, the universe is not built well enough for the stakes to be compelling and the ending adds a bit more to the overall frustration.

This season 2 is such a waste of potential: there are still many good ideas (the surgery, the drugs,...) but the writing stays too superficial to showcase them in an appealing way. There are couple of points that picked my interest up but it came into play much too late given the length of the show.

The acting is also very average: the emotional scenes did not work, I did not fell the chemistry between the actors and some of the side characters seen were acted really badly. I honestly almost laughed at some of the action scenes because of the cast doing so poorly in them as well as the directing not helping...Even though the making did not impress me at all, I enjoyed a lot the two songs from the OST.

I would not recommend this to people unless you really loved the season 1. Even if you have seen it, proceed with caution as you might get very frustrated by all that wasted potential. Despite my disappointment, I might still give it a shot if there is another season: I find the concept so fascinating that I'm ready to give it another chance.

Leia Mais

Beautifully filmed adult and bittersweet BL story but not exempt of flaws in the writing and ending

I liked a lot the premise of the story, with the amnesia trope at the centre of the show. It is interesting to see the couple at various stage of their relationship, as well as their behaviours before and after the amnesia plot device. The main default for me is the ending which felt a bit too easy given the context. I had some trouble to believe that they were able to move through some of their past and present issues as at the end it does not seem that the characters have evolved that much. I was clearly team Ritsu and maybe that is why I am a bit frustrated by the conflict resolution and the discussion leading to it.

The two main male leads interactions felt comfortable overall: they did not shy away from physical touches as it is often the case in the Japanese BL productions where even a simple kiss seem to be an unattainable target. It is not the best performances I have seen but they do a more than honourable job together. The secondary characters are totally transparent which make sense given their little screen time in this short length drama.

I found the soundtrack quite lovely with the heartfelt opening & ending songs and matching the overall nostalgia and wintery vibes of the series. The production value was great with some beautifully filmed landscapes scenes. I highly appreciated the artsy atmosphere with the sketches and drawings scattered all across the story.

I would recommend this to people looking for a BL story a bit different, with some real adult and bittersweet vibe but not too explicit. It is a short watch despite some flaws in the writing and its ending, so it is worth giving it a shot.

Leia Mais

Skip it, do not loose your time with this

This Special drama is totally dispensable: it is made of a lot of reused clips from the main series. You will learn nothing more: there is overall one new scene that could have been easily integrated into the TharnType drama itself.

I do not understand the decision to have one SP episode dedicated to Lhong. It could have been interesting if the story has deepened his motivations or at least shown us an interesting storyline. Unfortunately, it is just a pity party for an unlikable protagonist: I cannot phantom why the writer thought it would be a good narrative choice to try to make us care for this specific character.

I would not recommend this to people, even though it is quite short (about 15 minutes), it is really not worth loosing your time.

Leia Mais

Cute moments but problematic issues brushed under the rug

A cute sequel to the TharnType series which allows the viewer to get a lot of fluff moments with the two main characters. The show is still deeply flawed but not for the same reasons as its parent drama. Indeed, all the problematic issues faced by the protagonists in the past are brushed under the rug. There are some resolutions and redemptions storylines but it feels overall rushed and undeserved.

Regarding the acting, there are no stellar performances but it is obvious that the leads are more comfortable playing the cute and more comical scenes rather than having to act and sell deep dramatic narrative arcs. There are some references to another show in the same universe "Love By Chance" and I must say that the cameos of two actors playing in it (Saint and Mean) made me want to discover it and learn more about them.

The production of this Special Episode is a bit better than in the previous show. It remains quite average but the editing feel less choppy with a better flow of the script. I also appreciated a bit more the soundtrack with some nice ballads.

I would not recommend this to people unless you are a fan of Mew and Gulf pairing and want to see more of the TharnType couple.

Leia Mais

Platonic BL story: archery, trauma and friendship. Sweet but quite forgettable ^^

The story is quite simple and straightforward witch each protagonist dealing with his specific challenges and growing a friendship together. There is not a lot happening but it is never boring.

The casting was ok: the two main leads are really handsome idols which makes the show a very charming ride to follow. Acting-wise, I did not feel totally the romantic chemistry that was supposed to be portrayed. For me, the actors' performances were more featuring a strong friendship (quite similar to the ones in some K-pop boyband groups) than a sizzling romance.

I liked a lot the OST of this drama. Especially the opening which is such a cute pop song with an old school vibe: it was un-skippable! The production was quite good with a lot of pretty scenes showcasing the actors: it almost looked like they were producing a MV rather than a series. I particularly enjoyed the archery scenes as well, those were particularly soothing.

I would recommend this to people looking for a sweet bingeable BL drama in a school setting. It might be triggering because of some traumatic experience depicted in the show but it is mostly a very pleasant watch not that memorable.

Leia Mais

BL Enemies-to-lovers, a lot of angst and quite a bit of steamy and cute moments! Truly enjoyable!

The story is classic in terms of plot but manages to stay truly entertaining all along its 10 episodes. It is not innovative "per se" but it will provide you all the feels, oscillating between angsty and cute moments. Some narrative arcs are slightly less inspired, and the humour is a bit of a miss in some scenes, but those minors flaws should not prevent you to enjoy the ride!

War Wanarat Ratsameerat playing Mark was astonishing in his role. He is such a good actor, emoting so well that I was fascinated by his candid performance. His pairing with Yin Anan Wong (playing Vee) was convincing...but I think War would have chemistry with anyone as he seems so invested in the character he portrays. All the cast did a good job overall but it is clearly War who shined the most.

I found the soundtrack a bit too overpowering with numerous pop songs or ballads that were there to accentuate the storytelling but lacked subtlety and nuance in the way they were showcased. The production value was good enough but nothing remarkable.

I would recommend this to people looking for a well-acted and angsty BL enemies-to-lovers story with some hot scenes. Be mindful of the triggers as the show contains elements of non-con / dub-con relationship as well as domestic violence.

Leia Mais

BL Romance from various unrequited loves perspectives: frustration level is high!

The drama is centred on a friends-to-lovers trope with a lot of pining. I found quite interesting the fact that the story was shown from the unrequited loves perspectives for the several storylines. It is quite nice to see the romance from the point of view of the unloved/pining character without knowing the inner thoughts of the recipient of those intentions.

Unfortunately, this narrative choice is not enough to make the story great. The script is indeed deeply flawed as it is impossible at first to support the hero acting as a doormat and to understand why he likes the other main lead who is really treating him quite bad in their friendship and is full of red flags.

Women characters and development are another weak point of the series. Most of the women are either seen as crazy or as disposables to be used and thrown afterwards. A couple of them intervene in side romances: those relationship are overall cute but quite transparent and uninspired.

The first half of the show is really painful and unbalanced in terms of developing the relationships. Despite all of this the series is terribly addictive: it frustrates you as you find yourself wanting to knock some sense into the main leads but at the same time you are really curious to see how they are going to be together. The second half of the show is much better story-wise thanks to the flip in the dynamic of the main duo.

There was some real good acting in this series: I found the performance of the main actors (Gun and Off) particularly nice. Their chemistry together was shining and they carried the numerous emotional scenes. They were not helped at all by the scenario which was making the characters quite antipathic or annoying...and still they managed to emote and provide some saving grace to the show.

The soundtrack was ok but not really standing out, as well as the production which was rather average with some real cringe moments. Product placement was (as it is often the case in the BL Thai dramas) super present and repetitive ad nauseam.

I would recommend this to people loving the main actors Gun and Off and more specifically their pairing. Be aware that this show can induce a high level of frustration for the viewer because of the annoying behaviours of the main protagonists.

Leia Mais