The multifaceted nature of queer relationships in the tone of romantic tragedy

The multifaceted nature of queer relationships in the tone of romantic tragedy
"When your adventure is an adventure with everyone around you"

Experiencing fun and warmth is the proposal of the daring and heartbreaking 'The Outing', the Thai LGBTQIA+ romantic tragedy that will present the different dynamics of 22 people from three families who attend the annual excursion of a major advertising agency in a resort.
The drama is about three families - those of Anan, Phupha and Taurus - founders of a successful advertising agency, who meet at a resort to participate in an annual excursion. All members of each family and their employees must bring a partner to this holiday without knowing that their relationship will change forever.
From the first moment, several questions will arise: who organized an annual company trip? Could there be hidden agendas in inviting 22 strangers to a party over a weekend? Is this a trip to cover up an affair? What will happen when the true intentions of each of the guests are known?
At the party at which these characters, unknown to each other, will be present and against the backdrop of the many interests at stake, as those gathered intend to raise an enormous amount of capital before their company is listed on the stock market, the complexities in the relationships will be revealed. human like never before, by showing the multifaceted nature of queer relationships.
Very innovative to include 22 main actors from the Thai entertainment industry.
The script by Pete Kasidej Sundararjun, Three Supawith Utama and Rose Chanasorn Makhiew, which skillfully mixes suspense, thriller, mystery, romance and drama, will entrust us with the darkest secrets of the private lives of those involved in 12 episodes, kept safe from their closest family and friends. In this way, human relationships are filled with the wounds of love and the taste of betrayal.
The camera, skillfully manipulated by Pai Ekkapop Paiaree, will follow each of the 22 characters to reveal their different points of view on love and sexual and romantic relationships, in the midst of jealousy, greed, envy, strong sex scenes, misunderstandings. and marital instability. The love, greed, madness and ferocity of human relationships will be revealed through the bond of those present at this outing. A bitter conflict will affect everyone in one way or another.
In these circumstances, in which suspense, mystery, romance and drama are mixed, everyone will choose to betray their lovers, no matter if the person they are married to or their boyfriends. The annual outing will never be the same.
By presenting a cast full of famous Thai stars who manage to show an unusual dynamic in LGBTIQ+ series, revealing the dark secrets of 22 people while they navigate different points of view on love, fans of the genre have been waiting since its announcement for the series in which Nothing is out of the ordinary, from secret adventures to occasional bloodshed, from apparent naivety to the most complex human emotions that ultimately lead some to betray their loved ones.
I liked that the show also includes 14 expert artists in the Thai music industry, who will present 13 songs that make up the Original Soundtrack, to tell the characters' feelings in their entirety. Tul and Vaidun are some of the guest singers.
For his part, M.R. Chalermchatri Yukol or Khun Chai Adam, the leader of "Bison Idea", presents the topic of infidelity between couples.
In this work by Viu Original, its director, whom we know from 'Remember 15' (2022), and as producer of 'Nha Harn' (2019), seems to have taken the pulse of telling complex stories, with striking underlines and highlights , in which each character will have their own plot, to convey a secret love story, which is both spicy and will attract the attention of the most demanding fans.
If the successful BL series 'KinnPorsche' (2022) opened the appetite of Thai drama fans for thrillers, 'The Outing' proposes not to disappoint them.

Leia Mais

Hearing and love

Long before any young person comes out of the closet, there is a process of self-acceptance. This process can be long, difficult and terrifying as the person carries a mixture of fear and shame, and explores their feelings and emotions, while trying to keep them hidden from public view. Straight kids never go through this, and many straight adults don't understand how difficult it can be to find yourself and your sexuality in a world that assumes you are "normal".
For its part, hearing loss causes communication problems that can have significant effects on daily life and generate a feeling of loneliness, isolation and frustration.
In deaf people there are both chronic complications and physical consequences of deafness, and above all social complications. Among the latter, the most common are: shame, guilt and anger, grief, concentration problems, worry and frustration, anxiety and mistrust, insecurity and self-criticism and low self-esteem/self-confidence.
How does a deaf person deal with their shame and fears, if on top of this they have to deal with other difficulties, if they are experiencing a process of self-acceptance of their homosexuality?
The possible answers to this question lead me to ask another question: How do you express your love to someone you love? I hope to find the solution to these unknowns in 'See You Love', the series by Taiwanese director Chiang Ping Chen. I started watching it without any expectations, but surprisingly it turns into a fascinating series.
The trick of the series that allows it to transcend the usual boy love stories filled with an attractive cast is, without a doubt, the use of the non-verbal medium of sign language.
The truth is that with 'See You Love', its director once again explores the LGBT+ theme, after triumphing with 'Plus & Minus', 'Be Loved in House', 'Craving You' and 'Be Loved in House Special', and it does so by betting on insurance, having as allies the screenwriters and producers Lin Pei Yu and Anita Sung, members of the team that has produced successful BL, such as 'Kiseki: Dear To Me', 'My Tooth Your Love', See You After Quarantine ?', 'HIStory3: Trapped', 'HIStory2: Crossing the Line', 'HIStory2: Right or Wrong' and 'HIStory: Obsessed', among other series.
This time, Brains Entertainment Production, in association with an inclusive theater production, Shinehouse Theatre, produces 'See Your Love', a joint investment project between Taiwan's BIGART and Japanese streaming platforms Video Market and Rakuten TV. According to the director in interviews and on his social networks, to create the series he was inspired by his childhood experiences with his deaf uncle, to convey the belief that love remains firm despite the gradual loss of hearing or the absence of it from the cradle. On the other hand, he stated that the selection process involved actors who used sign language to convey emotions, with the aim of showing various expressions of love.
Will 'See You Love' achieve its goal of presenting love in various forms and languages ​​while contributing to awareness of deaf culture? This question will be answered at the end of this romantic and emotional journey that is just beginning.
Everything indicates that it finally feels as if people in the deaf community are being recognized in the film and television industry, as 'See You Love' joins a group of dramatized shows, including several with LGBT+ themes, in which the characters the main characters use sign language or lip reading and body gestures for most of the story, making the audience rely heavily on subtitles to help us, such as the Thai series 'Moonlight Chicken' by Aof Noppharnach. Chaiyahwimhon, and the Japanese film 'Hidamari ga Kikoeru', by Yaegashi Fuga, Makino Masaru, Harashima Takanobu, or the also Japanese film 'Hidamari ga Kikoeru', by Daisuke Kamijo, but it introduces a novel factor: voice to text and text translators to speech that can be installed on our mobile phone.
And both sign language and the aforementioned novelty work, while helping to generate interest in the public by seeing the former as a symbol of identity and cultural heritage of deaf people because it allows them to communicate without restrictions, in addition to promoting their development. linguistic and cognitive, and the other as a demonstration of how technology offers us tools to build bridges and make our lives easier.
I don't know the Taiwanese version of sign language, but the cast members seem to know it. As a result, there are numerous thoughtful, moving and emotional scenes between the characters, especially between the two leads, which are very well done.
'See You Love' confronts this disability without seeking the viewer's sensitivity or compassion or easy tears. On the contrary, it is presented completely naturally, which is appreciated and exalts it.
The story, which is about how love can transcend language and all external barriers, tells the initiation journey of discovery and acceptance of Jiang Xiao Peng, played by Jin Yun, a simple and honest young man, and Yang Ji Xiang, role assumed by Lin Yu, a romantic and wealthy second-generation heir of Taiwanese origin living abroad, who tries to escape taking over the family business.
With this character, Jin Yun begins his struggle in the world of entertainment, while Lin Yu demonstrates a meteoric rise, after playing a supporting role in the successful BL series 'Unknown', from this same year. Both provide good performances that are close to the realities of many young people in Taiwan and the entire world, since their characters address stories in which those who have recently left adolescence and who, despite disabilities and economic limitations or, on the contrary, having been born in a cradle of gold, they seek family independence in a risky act on which they bet everything, without knowing if it will work out or not.
The lives of these two young people intersect when the first, after graduating, and while looking for a job that no one offers him due to his deafness, runs into the spirited Yang Ji Xiang, who has just arrived in Taiwan from abroad to negotiate the merger of the family business with another from the Asian island, and this one, because of his kindness and good character, ends up offering him a job as his caretaker. And this will be the trigger for two hearts to beat for each other. The moment they meet, and thanks to unexpected help, misunderstandings and funny situations, a beautiful bond is established between them, and their evolution and development will be what the series tells us.
Most of the time, the scenes are filled with silent dialogues and silence or reading on the phone screen or lips and body gestures. I am amazed every time I see this unique couple speaking to each other with their sign language, how their hand movements and facial expressions interact more effectively than our everyday language. And this is just the beginning, but from the progress everything seems to indicate that Yang Ji Xiang will learn the most effective way to communicate with her lover.
'See You Love' is definitely not a superficial love drama: it is an empowering and inspiring story about dreams and aspirations. There are some melancholic and moving scenes, particularly those in which the deaf boy feels that he is marginalized by society because of his disability, but they have the power to remind us that dreams, hope, the desire to help others, and the search for of economic independence, must always be there to illuminate our lives.
All the time the director plays with sound and its absence, causing an interesting sensation in the viewer who, after the initial confusion, learns to empathize with the condition of his protagonist.
The rest of the story is quite simple, without ignoring the action, crime and mystery plot, and follows a formula, although it remains extremely interesting thanks to the cheerful story, with a good dose of humor, and its extremely actors. attractive, who have obviously greatly polished their skills to communicate non-verbally in an effective effort to achieve organicity and credibility on screen.
Although some may shudder at the most dramatic moments, my old sentimental self somehow sees it as something capable of bringing something extra to the table, with the fight against mafia organizations, often led by someone close to us who tries to take away our dreams and inheritances, and the relationship between two very close brothers, one deaf and the other the assistant of the company to merge with the company that Yang Ji Xiang would inherit, which makes you appreciate the nature of that innate feeling of brotherhood.
The role of Zheng Yu Nong ("Jessica"), the sister, is assumed by Chiang Ping Chen's fetish actress Amy, who previously starred in 'Plus & Minus' and 'Be Loved in House'.
The love between siblings and the love between the family, also composed of two loving and supportive parents with their children, parents who play key roles here, accentuates the sensitivity of how parents can care for their offspring, regardless of the disability they may have. Not to mention also that they almost always steal the show due to their quirkiness and comedic timing whenever they appear on screen, plus some slapstick humor that director Chiang Ping Chen introduces from time to time. The simplicity of the characters makes everything believable.
Here we don't see parents locking up their disabled children rather than face the shame associated with it. However, they will not avoid blaming themselves for their child's disability.
Also attractive and fun is the relationship between Yang Ji Xiang and Cheng Feng Jie, which is not sexual, but is overly friendly. The role of Jonathan, as the assistant and friend of the handsome businessman co-protagonist is also known, is played with rigor by Lin Chia Yo, who had previously worked under the direction of the director of the series, when he took part in a supporting role in 'Be Loved in House'.
Since Yang Ji Xiang is not interested in inheriting the family business, he will ask Jonathan to take his place as negotiator with the Taiwanese side in the merger of the companies. Jonathan then being confused with the young heir, Wang A romance arises between the two.
I am waiting for the appearance of the character Wang Xin Jia, played by Lin Yung Chieh, since everything seems to indicate there will be more than one romantic relationship.
'See You Love' reminds us that no matter what medium are used to express love: as long as it comes straight from the heart, honestly and sincerely, that emotion will be heard loud and clear.
I am struck by the way in which the main characters build the intimacy and chemistry they have, especially when the communication between them is not "normal", which shows that there is no single way to conceive them on screen. The actors create a relationship based on attraction, complicity, flirtation, romance, friendship, even a certain brotherly connection. The viewers witness the spark, the humor, the tenderness and the chemistry that makes it clear from their first meet cute that we don't know how or when, but those two will end up together.
It is evident the work that goes on behind the camera so that we perceive that they are in love. And the two characters have such a good time that they create this kind of reality in which the rest of the world seems not to exist when they are together in a room or any other meeting place.
The costumes and locations provide a material dimension to the veracity of the dialogues that rock, caress, make you laugh and scratch at times, like reality itself, while the music reinforces the meaning of the ideas that, by themselves, the images are not capable of expressing, and establishes a continuous narrative link in the cinematographic discourse, contributing to giving credibility to the action.
Speaking of tenderness, I have to say that Jiang Xiao Peng, without being perfect, is without a doubt one of the sweetest and most tender male characters, best constructed that I have come across in recent times, with that sense of kindness towards others and the search for independence, to stand up for oneself.
Unlike other characters who suffer from deafness, the one played by Jin Yun is rich in nuances. We do not know how he went through the stages of denial to acceptance that every deaf person goes through, he is aware of his weaknesses, and turns them into strengths. In everyday life, being hard of hearing is a kind of balancing act in which you have to walk a tightrope between what is perceived and what is not perceived.
Becoming aware of her hearing disability, Jiang Xiao Peng realizes that he must drag and lift her along with him to find his place in the world. And the series also tells the story of the search for that place. There we see him not being content with his sister throwing him a lifeline in the form of a job in her company. He wants to be independent for his efforts, on his own merits, although he thanks her for her concern and solidarity. There we have him helping other disabled people like him to overcome architectural barriers that prevent his passage, or with his phone or his eyes trying to capture all the sounds and signals so that none escapes him and he can dominate the reality that surrounds him. He understands that the world is beautiful to listen to, even if it often plunges him into chaos. He is not one to easily withdraw into himself and avoid the company of humans.
The series reminds us that love and dreams are miraculous. It is not necessary to hear them or transform them into words.
You can call me romantic if you want, but I love this series despite its simple story. It is a beautiful story of love, improvement and sacrifice that I have surely overrated by rating it more with my heart than with my head.

Leia Mais

Many of us have been amazed by the latest project by the Japanese director, screenwriter, actress and casting director Sawada Ikuko for her point of view, for several of the ideas that are dropped, for the aesthetics that accompanies the story, for the strength of the performance of a luxury cast, for the splendid soundtrack that accompanies us.
We are in the 90s of the last century. We are in a quiet rural town during the Heisei era. We are facing a story of acceptance and self-discovery during adolescence, but far from the romanticism of most of the series based on manga that I usually review here, telling us a hard, stark and bittersweet story. This is a coming-of-age drama that explores the pressures to conform and the power of friendship.
The beginning of 'Smells Like Green Spirit', the LGBT+ themed drama series, is engaging. We are introduced to a high school student being chased by several of his schoolmates.
Mishima, an androgynous teenager who defies social norms of sexuality, with his very long hair, delicate beauty and marked feminine features, lives in two different worlds: while the Sun shines in the sky, his classmates give free rein to their homophobia and is systematically tortured for "appearing to be gay." At night, in the silence of his house, once his mother goes to bed, we can distinguish a boy who is clear that he likes boys, something he hides and, faced with the economic impossibility of buying other cosmetic products, he only applies lipstick taken from his mother's bag, while he enjoys dressing the clothes of the woman who sleeps a few meters away from him.
His colleagues harass and physically and psychologically attack him because of his femininity, calling him in the most derogatory ways alluding to his sexuality. But he doesn't care, he's happy being the way he is.
All this reveals two of the pillars of the work. But be careful, this is not a more or less classic story that revolves around transsexuality.
But that bittersweet existence takes a radical turn when he discovers by accident that the hatred that Makoto Kirino, one of his staunchest harassers, professes towards him, is not only the result of the education received by a heteronormative family or from living in a society that does not accept diversity and that makes someone who is different hate themselves for not fitting into a supposed canon of "normality", but that they have much more in common than what appears at first glance and that this hatred is actually a desire to have the freedom to be like him.
In this way, the fatherless young boy will discover that, like him, Kirino is gay and likes to cross-dress, but he has hidden this side of him due to his conservative mother, who cannot accept he son's true nature. In this sense, since his childhood, in his environment, Kirino has been raised listening to prejudices and stereotypes of rejection or hatred towards LGTB+ people. Having integrated these values into your system, the construction of your identity has been marked by those beliefs. For this reason, he considers that a part of him is not worthy of acceptance and recognition, so he must hide, compensate, repair... his sexuality.
This is how the series borders on that controversial stereotype that behind every homophobe there is someone repressing their authentic sexuality. However, Kirino's story is so well done that it is difficult not to empathize and feel sorry for him, and even understand the pain that not accepting oneself can lead to something terrible. Kirino is ultimately, unlike Mishima, a poor confused teenager with his head in a mess.
Although it is true that this stereotype also comes into play with another character with whom one does enter into more delicate terrain that is much more controversial, and I will not go into detail about it so as not to give away spoilers.
Once the moment of initial terror of being discovered has passed, Kirino experiences the relief of being able to show himself as he is to another person who does not judge him and understands him. Being able to talk and share their problems without having to hide will be the first step for the two to begin to weave a beautiful friendship based on the secrets they hide from the world. And in this way we discover the other pillar on which the series is based.
These two teenagers must face a hostile social environment, allies who are wolves in sheep's clothing, and, what's worse, the possibility of frustrating their families' expectations. They must not only hide from others, but also hide from themselves.
All this, while we are presented with a Japan far from the typical view and the images of cities of futuristic technology mixed with ancient traditions. A much "dirtier and darker" Japan, for a story that usually appears darker than what we get from there, where the main character suffers daily harassment by teenagers like him, while others are forced to hide who they are out of fear to receive the same bullying that Mishima suffers.
While Mishima benefits from having a loving and understanding mother, Kirino struggles to reconcile her sexuality with her oppressive and patriarchal upbringing.
Kirino quickly opens up to Mishima, when they both meet during free hours on the school roof and outside the educational grounds, and can be who he really is without having to hide, although in front of his classmates he has to continue pretending contrary. However, he slowly begins to change the way he treats Mishima in front of others as he begins to accept himself.
It is surprising that Mishima does not feel or express any type of resentment towards his harassers and that he quickly finds in Kirino a being similar to the one who forgives all the bad times he put him through.
Thanks to the friendship with Mishima, Kirino's character transforms into a totally different person. If it is true that his attitude at the beginning is inexcusable and unjustifiable, as you begin to interact more with Mishima you discover his past and who he really is, making it easier to connect with him.
Through Mishima we observe the story and see how Tarō Yumeno, another of his bullies, a classmate and one of the main players in the school basketball club, is actually a boy who hides behind the façade of the bully, and who always makes fun of Mishima, to hide his true feelings.
Falling in love with Mishima is easy; He is so tender, so close, that you can't help but love him, sympathize with his character, let yourself be carried away by his antics, identify with a being that is certain of knowing who he is, even if he has to hide it.
And as these three young people begin to discover who they are, struggling to define themselves, they will make difficult decisions that will shape the rest of their lives.
'Smells Like Green Spirit' presents a heartbreaking character study anchored by a confident and convincing performance by Araki Towa, Sono Shunta and Fujimoto Kodai, actors who play Mishima Futoshi, Kirino Makoto and Yumeno Taro, respectively.
Araki Towa shines in her role, which she plays with delicacy and melancholy.
It is interesting how the story mixes comic situations that will brighten your day with other moments of extreme drama that will break your heart, while telling a story whose characters explore different ways of living sexuality and gender identity. Without a doubt, they are characters that anyone can empathize with.
Screenwriter Arai Yuuka takes the cake by adapting the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Saburō Nagai, serialized in Fusion Product's Comic Be between 2011 and 2013, collected in two tankōbon volumes, which allows the viewer to take a look at how complicated it is. a time that is complex in itself like adolescence, when one also does not fit into what is considered normal. As in the original work, the narrative text not only allows a very honest story to be translated into moving images, but also skips many stereotypes associated with BL manga.
The series addresses topics such as transvestism, while emphasizing that being a transvestite does not mean being transsexual, and that, in turn, this is not linked to sexual orientation.
Linking family history makes it feel even more intimate and personal, especially when one of them's mother is a widow and the other is single, and they have raised their children with so much love that their descendants want to care for them in the same way.
Sawada Ikuko addresses all these complex issues with commendable delicacy and lucidity. He raises the questions but does not decide, does not judge, does not take sides.
It is also true that with a cast like this it makes it very easy for the viewer. In addition to the aforementioned actors, Abe Aran joins as Professor Yanagida, Sakai Miyuki as Futoshi's mother, Kanai Miki as Sawada Ayako, Kaji Masaki as Edokawa Toshihiko, Katada Hiyori as Fujii Rinka, among others. That is to say, the stellar performances of the entire cast, especially the young people who turn from rivals to friends, anchor the story.
With an outstanding soundtrack, whose musical themes are inserted in such a way that they become the perfect complement to the story, the Japanese director succeeds in maintaining her closeness with his main character at all times, especially in that climactic moment when Mishima and Kirino They look into each other's eyes for the first time and scrutinize their souls.
There are some clichés often found in LGBT+ stories, but for the most part, Sawada Ikuko creates a totally original drama that is worth watching. Bearing the weight of emotional trauma and gay shame, the three boys need more than a hug to get them through. But there is a hopeful message, tinged with painful sadness. 'Smells Like Green Spirit' teaches an important lesson that will reach many young people who struggle with their sexual preferences, especially those who live among family members who are intolerant towards LGBT+ people.
As a result, the series doesn't flinch from contemplating the unfortunate reality of hate and intolerance, but also reflects and celebrates the other side of humanity.
This is a bittersweet series that reinforces the idea that there are good people who will love and accept you no matter who you are. The audiovisual demonstrates great empathy for those who have to hide who they are throughout their lives, or part of it, even if that eventually turns them into melancholic beings.
It is a deeply personal story, which speaks of young queer people who have the luxury of searching for their identity and discovering who they are from an early age, and those who must keep part of their identity hidden for fear of losing their family or receiving hate from the community.
There are moments in this queer story that are truly terrifying and other moments are tender and pure.
For all that has been said, the series stays with the viewer after the final credits of the first three episodes of the 9 that the MBS and TVK audiovisual have.
A splendid and bittersweet story as well as a tough love story. Yes, of love, because self-acceptance can only be fulfilled with a lot of love.

Leia Mais

The value of a promise and the power of love

'The Promise' is based on that axiom that the Spanish group "La Oreja de Van Gogh" sang: "true love is only the first" with the story of an interrupted love, a love rooted in childhood and entrenched until adulthood, pure, transparent, chaste.
For this reason, the series appeals to a nostalgia for the past, to an idealization brought to the daily life of its main characters, two children: Nanfah/"Nan" and Phupha/"Phu", who grew up together in a remote village in Chiang Mai and that, as children, they begin to build a very good friendship and fall in love with each other, as children fall in love on the threshold of adolescence, in a visceral and tragic way—a bond that is abruptly broken when both separate.
Narrated in two timelines: the past and the present, we see how in their childhood Phu and Nan meet and become inseparable friends. The two share dreams, adventures and secrets. They both promised each other that they would never leave each other, but Phupha can't help but fear losing Nanfah if he revealed that he is in love with him. When his feelings, which go beyond friendship, get in the way of the two, Phu decides to break the promise, lie to his friend and walk away from him.
Oblivious to the reason why Phu broke the promise, Nan searches for him for ten years without success. After this time, they meet again under unexpected circumstances, when Phu moves into the apartment across the street by a coincidence of fate.
At present, Nan and Phu's trajectories have taken different paths. Nanfah, masterfully played by Wattikorn Permsubhirun (Kiak), is a successful graphic designer and aspires to positively impact the world of cosmetics promotion for the Devonte company, for which he works. Meanwhile, Phu, played superbly and with great rigor by Kittikun Tansuhas (Kun), an introverted boy with a fear of the public, spends his time helping his grandmother Namfon (Ruthaiwan Wongsirasawat), an endearing character who will steal the hearts of the public, on the family coffee farm.
After moving to Bangkok, Phu focuses on fulfilling his dreams of running a coffee shop, but destiny has in store for him to become a famous marketing agency model under the care and protection of Nan.
From the meeting, the plot explores the changes in their lives, their personal aspirations, the friendly and working relationships they form with other people, the challenges they face, and how love and friendship intertwine to unite them again, while It also addresses themes such as family, forgiveness, identity and destiny.
With a melancholic and romantic tone, very different from other Thai BL series that I have reviewed on MDL, but also with moments of humor and tenderness, the drama tells us how the two protagonists feel confused and excited when they meet again after so long. However, misunderstandings and obstacles will arise that prevent them from expressing their true feelings. The physical distance has been reduced, but the old barrier takes time to disappear.
Carlos Gardel said that "20 years are nothing." The legendary Argentine nationalized tango singer is wrong in the song "Volver", composed with Alfredo Lopera. Ten years is a lot. It seems like a lot for two people who love each other to have to be away from each other for so long, but the series, based on a novel of the same name written by Thanyathorn Siwanukroh, who is also the screenwriter of the adaptation, and directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri, known, in addition to his work in horror and action films, as one of the directors of 'KinnPorsche', tells a story based on real events.
Both director and screenwriter know that it is important for the viewer to feel that in the voids caused by the absences, distances and disagreements of Nan and Phu in those years in which the lives of both take separate paths, without knowing about each other, lies the heart of the series, and it is the weight of that absence, of its melancholic background, that makes their reunion so beautiful and moving.
In the characters, the distance that separated them in their youth has become an ocean, which both will try to bridge once the long-awaited reunion occurs. And in this reunion of two children who fell in love, Kongkiat Khomsiri shows his talent because he avoids grandiose speeches, of unbridled feelings, and lets the camera show us what is happening without having to explain anything, spreading a sensation, breathing life into the image.
The director creates a delicate and moving narrative and each shot, each sequence, contains an emotion about to explode. There is no unnecessary accentuation, nor vain repetitions. There is good cinematography, and the dialogues are precise and brilliant. There is a lot of image, as an excellent television series should be.
As time passes, both characters, who express themselves through subtle gestures, glances and silences, navigate victories, losses, obstacles and disappointments. However, despite these setbacks and distances, they always find their way back to each other.
The series is wrapped in nostalgia and that melancholic atmosphere of the reunion of the protagonist couple that ends up becoming a love that overcomes everything. No matter the distance, the passage of time or the attempts of other potential lovers to win the love of the two of them. Nan and Phu are destined to make good on their promise and be in each other's lives for the rest of their lives.
We are then faced with a beautiful story about first love, the one that is born in childhood, continues in youth and is reborn in maturity. The one you try to stay alive hundreds of kilometers away, with a computer or mobile screen that separates an abyss of possibilities and in which you write and cry, and there are no answers or consolation. A feeling that is stopped and repressed by the emptiness that that person leaves, by not being able to look into the eyes, not being able to caress or kiss the other. Finally, there comes a time in adulthood when a second chance may present itself that could be the definitive one.
In this way, the series also explores the connection between the present and the past across two eras, while portraying the complexity of human relationships and the concept of keeping promises.
In other words, the essence of 'The Promise' lies in the evolution of the relationship between the main characters played by the magnetic couple of actors, from their childhood to maturity, addressing the complexities of their love, marked by farewells (or their absence) and reunions over the years. Through this time journey, it examines how divergences and personal challenges affect their bond, while highlighting the lessons and transformations they experience. Likewise, the series invites the viewer to reflect on the nature of destiny, love, promises and decisions.
As you can imagine, the meeting after a decade without seeing each other is full of emotion and meaning. Nan, who has many questions and demands an explanation for the disappearance, will find an evasive friend who refuses to answer her. They are no longer the two children, teenagers, or recent college graduates they once were, and their connection is revealed to be different: exciting but uncomfortable, satisfying but frustrating, free but in need of sacrifice, declarations, and reassurances. Faced with silence, both finally focus on rebuilding their friendship.
The dramatic force of 'The Promise' lies, above all, in the performances, and the staging is purely narrative. The series deepens a prequel in two medium-length films, filmed in 2022 by Choi Sittichai ('21 Days Theory', 2022), and named after its protagonists, 'Phupha' and 'Nanfah', also starring Kun and Kiak .
With very high production values, beautiful photography, vibrant cinematography, precise artistic direction in creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, and successful placement of flashbacks to mark the two timelines, the series narrates the difficulties that occur when one of the Lovers believe that romance is not possible and choose to put distance between them: will the feelings remain fleeting and remain forever in no man's land? Can the two young people make up for time and keep their promise to always be in each other's lives?
As one of the best Thai-made BL series of all time and my favorite, the looks, the silences and a relationship that says more with gestures than with words shine. The actors manage to convey those feelings that arise between two people who know each other and have loved each other despite distances and secrets, and who meet again years later.
The secondary characters add diversity and color to the story, especially Party (Boss), Nan's best friend and Phu's rival; Deena (Marima), Nan's rival for Phu's love; Khunkhao (Seagames), Phu's unknown brother who will challenge him for Nan's love, Giegie (Mint), Nan's friend and co-worker, Ken (Lift), Devonte's director, without forgetting Oliang, Nan's cat who quickly becomes the son of the two protagonists.
Kiak and Kun manage to convey to the viewer that tension between friendship and love as a couple that is not always easy to manage. The human quality of the characters, and the use of the soundtrack to convey each of the moments experienced by the two young protagonists, with songs performed by themselves, keep the audience in pleasant tension during every second that the episodes last 10 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
Despite being framed in the romantic genre, 'The Promise' tries to go further in its narrative proposal, to become an ode to love and true and sincere friendship, a reflection of the differences between a person who fears revealing his feelings and another that hopes to listen to them, between two ways of facing life, that can come to understand and love each other above those differences.
In short, a beautiful and delicious series, one of those that leaves a mark, and a good one, because it will make you laugh, cry, sigh and dream of a love that transcends time, distances and countless obstacles.

Leia Mais

A modern queer spin on a classic bedroom farce

Let's say you're gay, 25 years old, and you live alone, and you don't want to associate with heterosexuals.
Let's say that your friend and fellow university student, a year older than you, who defines himself as heterosexual, has just broken up with his girlfriend and moved into your house.
Let's things get even more complicated when, in order not to sleep on the hard, cold floor, he gets into your bed and sleeps next to you, linking his hands and feet with your body.
Let's warn that no matter how angry you look and the constant invitations to look for a rental apartment, the new tenant will refuse to leave, claiming that he likes living with you, and that your large house could very well be shared by both of you.
Let's imagine that he claims that even though he knows that you are gay, he does not find it uncomfortable living with you, as he is a person who is easy to get along with.
Let's affirm that he tells you that he has no impediment to living with a homosexual boy, if at the end of the day neither of the two is interested in the other since one does not like men, and the other likes the type of intelligent and fun boy, the one who makes you feel loved and praised, and who has the same taste in movies, something that, according to you, your straight friend does not have.
Let's say that you arrive home drunk and frustrated after your date didn't arrive at the meeting place and you ask your friend to undress you and put you in the shower.
Let's say that your friend would like to understand your homosexual life and to do so he reads the BL novels and mangas that you keep on the shelf.
Let's confirm that he takes you home so you can meet his family.
Let's assume that to try to understand you better, your friend meets another homosexual boy in your same house, and he turns out to be your ex-boyfriend, who abandoned you for a girl.
Let's imagine that his heterosexual heart begins to beat rapidly every time you touch his cheeks, or discover it, at night, while you pretend to sleep, that he covers your body with a blanket, casually plays with your hair and gives you a kiss on the forehead.
Let's certify that your heterosexual friend surprises you in your job as a bartender in a gay bar, and behind his back you surprise him talking to your co-workers and clients about his "life as a couple" with you.
Let's make sure that on a date with heterosexual girls your friend tells them about his daily life with you, and they blurt out in his face, very funny and complicit, that his actions are those of a gay boy in love.
Let's confirm that your best friend has to listen to your recriminations about being single because of him, because you can't get a boyfriend when he is sleeping with you next to him every night.
Let's confirm that when we see them arguing with each other in the middle of the street or in shopping centers, they are mistaken by everyone for a gay couple.
Let us witness that the sexual tension between the two boys shoots up to unimaginable limits.
Let us state that the constant proximity of structural bodies and physical contact provokes desire in the two young people.
We agree that looks full of desire, as the basis of eroticism, are taken to the maximum by measuring the distances between bodies.
Let us confirm that the erotic charge increases when the two friends move over very short distances not only with their genitals close, but also referring to them.
Let's support that without intending it you have developed feelings for your friend.
Let's proclaim that your friend, who has always defined himself as heterosexual, finds himself in love with you.
Let's confirm that your heterosexual friend suddenly recognizes that he likes someone who is not tall, that although he appears irritable his angry face is still cute, that at night he lets him hug him to sleep peacefully, and that he has made him enter a new world to he.
Let us maintain that secretly, he has described you.
'Bedmate or Bad Mate', the Taiwanese web series, is a modern queer spin on a classic bedroom farce where relationships old and new will be tested when the boundaries of friendship, love and sex collide when life comes to a head. The harmonious and calm life of Hao Chen, a young homosexual, is interrupted by his heterosexual friend Wang Da Zhi, an athletic and expressive boy, when he decides to move into his room after breaking up with his girlfriend.
In this delicious and fun LGBT+ romantic comedy about two roommates who try to live in harmony, their different personalities will cause an eternal dispute between them for even the most unexpected reasons, which will lead them to get to know each other and get closer.
'Bedmate or Bad Mate', which has all those characteristics that make you remember it for a long time, reminds me of series like 'My Gay Roommate', a 2012 North American comedy, directed by Austin Bening, about the funny stories of a straight boy and his gay roommate, starring Noam Ash and Drew Paramore.
But here friends go for more.
Successful use of words and phrases with double meanings, of inanimate figures that come to life to express the emotions and feelings that overwhelm the characters; of the internal monologue and the breaking of the fourth wall so that the protagonists let us know about the past of the two characters and the new reality they live.
I also like the use of the mockumentary film technique as a way for Wang Da Zhi to interview young homosexuals to try to understand what he feels for Hao Che.
Among those interviewed, there is someone who suggests that he keep it simple when expressing his feelings: "Just tell him directly that you like him and that's it."
In summary: 'Bedmate or Bad Mate' is a fun and entertaining comedy that addresses the issue of diversity intelligently and without falling into stereotypes. The performances are convincing and there is good chemistry between the main characters.
However, the script is a bit predictable and the web series is not very original. Also, some parts are a bit forced and the dialogues are sometimes a bit forced.
Still, I recommend seeing it. It will make you laugh and daydream.

Leia Mais

"Let us not be afraid to love": Reminder that even in today's challenging world love will always win

By way of introduction:
After that fairy tale kiss between two boys so different from each other who became lovers during the school retreat that closes the award-winning boy love movie (BL) 'The Boy Foretold by Stars' (2020), Dominic and Luke , they are now entering a new stage in their relationship.
But being in a same-sex relationship at a strict Catholic all-boys school should never be easy. The pressure from their friends, their parents, teachers and the rest of the students is a practically insurmountable obstacle to a romance, even if it is destined by the stars. Despite everything that life throws at them, Dominic and Luke try to be strong and maintain their love.
Produced by iWantTFC, Clever Minds and Dreamscape Entertainment, the drama is based on trans Filipina screenwriter and director Dolly Dulu own personal experience, captured in her play "Ang Hangal."
With this interesting premise, the series brings back actors Keann Johnson and Adrian Lindayag, who play Luke and Dominic, respectively, to reprise their roles as high school students at an all-boys Catholic school, whose friendship turns into a beautiful romance.

The story:

After passing through the Metro Manila Film Festival and the success recognized by the public and critics of 'The Boy Foretold by Stars', the sequel series takes us through the last weeks of high school for the newlywed couple. formed by Dominic and Luke. We are now close to the final exams, the granting of sports scholarships and university courses, the graduation ball, the selection of the Valedictory, the preparation of the speech at the end of year ceremony...
And in this context, as disapproving glances and harsh realities begin to confront the main characters, it remains in doubt whether their bond will continue to exist after graduation day.
In this scenario, Luke, a straight boy who believes in destiny, and Dominic, an openly gay teenager who scoffs at predestination, are forced to take fate into their own hands, without any deck of cards or coin toss able to decide for them.
"Sugal ang pagmamahal, hindi ito para sa mga duwag" ("Love is a gamble. It's not for cowards"), says fortune teller Baby R, played by none other than Iyah Mina ('Horrorscope', 2021), in a iconic role.
From the events narrated in the 2020 film, life continues for the new lovers. Luke still has to tie up loose ends with his girlfriend Karen (Rissey Reyes). On the other hand, Gio (Vaughn Piczon – 'Fractured', 2023), Dominic's childhood friend (and secret admirer), returns to his life out of nowhere, and will also confess secrets.
In addition to trust issues, the couple also faces obstacles in the form of rejection after a "scandal": the two boys are reprimanded for kissing during the prom by the conservative directors of an all-boys Catholic high school.
The parents of both boys will know about the romance and sexual inclination of their children and will take positions on the matter.

Of actors and characters:

The character played by Adrian Lindayag is great. He takes his character and elevates it to the greatest heights and proves that effeminate people like him deserve their place in leading roles.
It is not common for effeminate gay men to be portrayed as romantic leads in LGBT+ productions. As an effeminate gay man, this actor plays the character of Dominic to perfection.
Beyond the viewer identifying with the way Dominic moves or speaks, his acting skills make him the ideal protagonist.
The interactions with his friends Timmy (Leinard Ramos) and Miguel (Jan Rey Escano) are so genuine and natural that you'd think the three of them really were a high school barkada.
When Dominic says one of his heartbreaking lines to Luke, you feel the impact of his words. Even his singing voice contributes to how attractive and charming it makes his character.
His performance is so moving that the actor doesn't need to open his mouth for you to feel something for Dominic. The trembling of her lips, the suppressed word, the tears falling, her eyes red from crying... are enough to make you want to cross the screen to give her a hug.
And Adrian knows perfectly well how the high school student he represents acts, feels and thinks.
Viewers can identify with Dominic, while also admiring him and seeing that they too are more than worthy of finding love, regardless of how society generally views them as mere comic relief.
Keann, remembered for appearing in the BL drama 'Worth the Wait' and starring in the LGBT+ film 'Run', both from 2021, is treading strange waters, especially for someone who has believed he is heterosexual his entire life.
The actor embodies his character perfectly, suddenly discovering that he has fallen in love with another boy. He appears insecure, he does not know how to confess his sexual orientation to his mother, he does not understand what is happening in his life, he turns to the fortune teller looking for what the cards are intended for him and for Dominic, he bravely faces the harassers, who are none other than his same childhood friends who now disown him for his relationship with another boy, for being "a faggot."
However, most of his lines are of support for Dominic and how to overcome all conflicts together.
The secondary characters of Karen and Gio will bring problems to the couple, but will only serve to strengthen the bond between them. After admitting their feelings, Gio and Karen accept that both Dominic and Luke are happy and that they fit into that equation. The journeys of these characters are totally refreshing. As viewers, we go from being skeptical of Karen and Gio to rooting for them because of the maturity they exhibit with their actions.
Philip (Jemuel Satumba - 'Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle', Japan, 2021) and other students disapprove and, to some extent, are disgusted with Luke and Dominic's romantic relationship. They demonstrate bigotry and homophobia, but they cannot prevent queer love.
On the other hand, Pim (Quiel Quiwa) and Mr. Oyco (Jethro Tenorio) show how equally rampant internalized homophobia is.
Outside of school, the series also shows how Dominic sees his queerness as something to be absolved of, which is a feeling that many LGBT+ people can relate to and is a reality that society as a whole can highlight more. Queer viewers may feel some discomfort watching these scenes play out, but it just goes to show how painfully real they are.
Despite discrimination and homophobia, a defiant celebration of queer life and love dominates the series. In the same classrooms and hallways that ostracize them, Dominic and his friends continue to bravely strut their stuff, standing up to bullies and bigots.
Dominic's relationship with Luke is proof that even in the eyes of the most hateful, anyone deserves happiness, regardless of how they choose to identify themselves. Some may say that such a depiction can only happen in a "perfect" world, but that's exactly the point the series is trying to get across: that stories like the one told here shouldn't need to be in a perfect world to exist.

Some reflections:

'Love Beneath The Stars' perfectly captures the innocence of a queer high school romance, telling the story of strange young love in its purest form.
As in 'The Boy Foretold by Stars', the six episodes of the Kapamilya digital series, titled 'Love Beneath the Stars', address topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, homophobia, bullying, lack of understanding towards homosexuals, the stance of Catholic schools and parents when children come out, but here you will explore them further. And it is appreciated then that the director has opted for the series format, which gives her the opportunity to delve deeper into the characters and conflicts.
And the fact that the location is a Catholic school also adds a little extra flavor to the comedy-drama.
Although it sometimes treats these conflicts too superficially, we get a light and addictive series, with a great and emotional happy ending, which will bring both tears and smiles to the viewer.
And if for queer people high school is a difficult place, finding love is one of these institutions, especially if they are centers of religious education and exclusively for children, this could be an unrealizable dream. However, as fantastic an idea as it may seem, 'Love Beneath The Stars' proudly proves that it is still possible.
'Love Beneath The Stars' is not your typical love story between boys. The narrative of the romance between Dominic and Luke possesses a level of charm that surpasses most Pinoy BL output. The main difference from the rest of the crop of productions of this genre in the Philippines lies in the way the director chooses to approach certain themes and events.
I find it interesting the way it displays Dominic and Luke's love relationship. Their bond, without sacrificing passionate displays of affection for each other, depends on a healthy, innocent intimacy, which only amplifies how free of malice their romance truly is. That is, what the series demonstrates with these representations is that queer romances can be as chaste, honest, and sincere as any other type of romance.
The series ends with Dominic's powerful farewell speech, in which he exclaims "Wag tayong matakot magmahal!" ("Let us not be afraid to love.") As simple as it may seem, it serves as a reminder to many that even in the challenging world of Today, love will always win.

Leia Mais

And how better could it be if each of the boys is the other's home?

Welcome to Your Home and our world

What would the world be like where the homosexual does not have to repress himself, hide his condition, fear being judged, harassed, discriminated against by others? What would that great house be like for the inhabitants of the Earth in which love between children can be free and you do not have to fear critical glances and finger pointing or hide your own essence?
From the first episode, the Pinoy BL audiovisual 'Your Home The Series', produced by Arcana Studios Inc, defines what "home" is for each of the main characters.
Thus we can follow Bart, who lives in the modest comforts of the house he has known all his life, the picturesque fictional town of Barrio Balay, an area of ​​mountains and lakes; and also to Bryce, who lives in a world of comfort in a space that he alone occupies. Each of them represents the type of home in which the viewers themselves have lived, expressing their respective definitions and how it plays a vital role in their future.
However, they both feel alone in the world, and they need to have someone by their side to accompany them, to help them make life more bearable: the first, because his parents died when he was a child, and the second, because their parents live abroad.
'Your Home The Series' takes an approach to imagining the "ideal world" that many people dream of, focusing on members of the LGBTQ+ community who fight daily for acceptance and respect in society in a tenacious fight to end to prejudices.
From director Amiel Kirby Ballagtas, the series serves as a letter of introduction to actors Kurt Mendoza ('Fit Check'), who plays the humble and dreamy probinsyano Bart Arceo, and Renz Kieser, who plays the arrogant, haughty and conceited boy rich man from the city Bryce Fajardo.
They are joined by Marc David ('Stay-In Love', 2020-2021) as Bryce's childhood best friend, Josh Villareal, Eurwin Canzana ('Rainbow Prince', 2022) as famous beatboxer Edwin Panganibanm and Angelica Radaza like Brendalynne Apurado, Bart's friend, all also in their first acting job.
Amiel Kirby Ballagtas, who also works as a screenwriter, joins Donna Rey and Jonathan Penarejo, to write a story that is born from an original idea by Dale Reciña about the coming of age of two young people who seek to find that special place where they can finally go call “home,” even if that means venturing outside your comfort zone.
The sound and music of Nhiko Victor contribute in the effort to tell us about the youthful adventures of accepting who you are, the different discoveries and the adventures of finding love, friendship and making dreams come true.
Jonathan Penarejo's editing and beautiful photography take us to stunning locations in the Philippines, each chosen with great attention to detail. The mountainous and city landscapes enhance the narrative, adding layers of cultural and emotional depth. From the waters of the lake near Bart's house and where the boys' emotional meetings take place, drawing the colors of the rainbow in the lens and with natural light, to the vibrant streets of the city, both day and night, Each scenario feels like another character, and contributes to enriching the general narrative.
As the producer describes it, this coming-of-age story is full of possibilities, creating a world where boys' love can be accepted by society, where it doesn't matter who you're attracted to, where you can be different because of your sexual preferences. It will not generate comments from those who do not know or deny this type of relationship, since judgment is left aside.
From the beginning, reflections abound in the form of monologues loaded with poetry, as we all do in times of loneliness, spending time mentally thinking about how this life has made the protagonists and their lives what they are, how to face situations can offer a sense of satisfaction, longing, or perhaps hope for the next day.
Using first-time actors brings a genuine, raw energy to their performances, making the characters incredibly relatable. Their performances are so natural and spontaneous that the viewer can at times consider that we are not watching a television series, but rather that we are witnessing from our window or balcony how real-life events unfold with ourselves or our neighbor as protagonists beside.
The characters' journeys, struggles and triumphs are portrayed with such honesty that they reflect the experiences of many members of the LGBT+ community.
And how better could it be if each of the boys is the other's home?

Leia Mais

Until recently, romantic relationships tended to last longer. The members of a couple tried to bring the relationship to a happy conclusion and fought to be with someone they loved.
But somehow, the emergence of dating apps into our lives causes people, when faced with loneliness, disconnection and discouragement, to leave their lover and look for another partner online. "Why put in the effort to make what I have work, when there are so many fish in the sea?" is a reality many face.
The idea of ​​reflecting the feelings of many people (queer or not) who experience this situation comes from director HJ Habac.
'Meet Me Outside', the Filipino series from the creators of the fabulous 'Gaya Sa Pelíkula' and 'Marahuyo Project', blames the lack of romance on the thousands of human beings who prefer not to want to make the effort to commit because "it is much more easy to pick up your cell phone and connect with someone else to hang out".
With a script by Juan Miguel Severo ('Gaya Sa Peíkula', 'Dear Karl', 'Heaven's Waiting') and newcomer Jesse Rey Baban, we see the birth of a love relationship within the entire range of possible relationships in the dating world virtual, as well as the imposition that surrounds those first dates in which we try to give a better version of ourselves.
I find the creativity of the people behind the camera very striking when designing the opening credits as text message notifications. And in this sense, Mark Vince Gregorio also contributes in editing and photography.
The plot revolves around James, a rich young influencer from Manila with thousands of followers on social media, who has just suffered a tough breakup. However, upon arriving at the La Estreas resort, located in Rizal, his life will change when he decides to leave his wounded heart behind and get back into the game of the dating universe. In this case, he establishes a connection both in the digital world and in the real world, with Dale, a hotel worker, who for some time has had a secret crush on the idol he follows on social networks.
Here Kaloy Tingcungco and Genesis Redido, who play James and Dale, respectively, prove themselves again as actors, after their respective debuts in series precisely with LGBT+ themes, since the first is known for playing Martin Ilagan, a secondary character in 'Boys' Lockdown', from 2020, while Redido gave life to Joseph "Otep" Malaya, in the drama 'In Between', starring him alongside Migs Villasis, also from the same year.
'Meet Me Outside' is better written and performed by its two leads, a department in which they did not excel in their respective acting debuts.
The audience will get to know the characters as they talk in a friendly manner, which is pleasant to see as they feel as if they were two real characters. It seems very genuine to me, as I feel like a connection was forming in a world where, no matter how connected we may seem, we are often very far apart.
In this way, we can get to know that Dale is a humble local, breadwinner of the family economy, very clingy and playful in sexual and romantic matters, who considers that physical contact is his main language in love, so it would be difficult to get involved in a long distance relationship.
On the other hand, we will learn that James had an open relationship with his partner, but his ex-boyfriend violates the only rule of the agreement: falling in love with the other boy, the reason for the recent breakup.
While Jame wanted to see the face of the person he's talking to, Dale thinks that the guy on the other end of the line is only interested in proposing sex. However, Dale has never established a relationship with a guest because he considers it inappropriate due to his status as a hotel worker, in addition to the fact that the visitor is only on vacation, and would eventually leave in a few days.
And despite acknowledging that relationships are difficult to maintain with someone you meet online, since everything moves so quickly, Dale and James meet, talk, and establish a loving connection. As James assures us, he and Dale are taking risks and hoping their romance works.
The viewer will find convincing in Episode 2's use of Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" to represent the nervousness, the hesitation, the growing tension between the two protagonists as they interact via text messages via the dating app gay.
The structure of shorter episodes than usual for this type of series makes the show work, giving it a certain charm and keeping everything at a really good pace. However, this undermines the possibility of better developing the characters and conflicts.
'Meet Me Outside' also shows that kisses and erotic scenes are not necessary to show great chemistry between the two protagonists.
The soundtrack, in which you can hear the songs "Pavement" and "Danger", composed by April Hernandez and performed by TheSunManager, as well as "Silent Night", a traditional song, and "Pahintulo", by Shirebound & Busking, It fulfills its function of emotionally reinforcing and underlining the tones during various specific moments of the series.
So, dear reader, I invite you to watch 'Meet Me Outside'.

Leia Mais

An honest and emotionally captivating love story

'Hello Stranger' follows the life of Mico Ramos, the shy and socially inept college freshman, whose future revolves around four well-planned goals: get a college scholarship, graduate with honors, attend medical school and be rich. Having a girlfriend is not part of his plans, since a courtship could be, as he himself expresses, a distraction from his studies.
It has the best three friends that any teenager could dream of: Kookai (Vivoree Esclito), Seph (Patricio Quiroz) and Junjun (Miguel Almendras). The four are part of an unpopular group of virgins and nerds, the Young Padawans, of which Mico is the leader.
The new coronavirus pandemic has caused the only contact between them and between them and the outside world to be through cell phones and, above all, virtual online meetings.
However, the protagonist's plans will be turned upside down when he organizes an online trivia night with his barkada, and Xavier de Guzmán, a popular and arrogant basketball player on the university team, arrives uninvited, insults them and virtually, without intending it. …changes everything Mico had planned with his life.
What would be Mico's surprise when he discovers, the next day, that his lively Literature teacher, Ms. Tina, whom the four friends call Jedi Master in a parallel universe, entrusts him with a rescue mission: to partner with Xavier to Make a school project together for your subject.
Xavier cannot refuse, as he is about to be kicked off the basketball team due to his low grades in Literature class. And this time he will not have the help of his girlfriend Crystal (Gillian Vicencio), who always does his academic work for him. He has to wade into the water even if it is up to his neck, as the student project, which consists of creating a dialogue based on a selected poem, “ Sa Kasintahang Nilimot Na,” by Benilda S. Santos, will be graded after being performed virtually.
Mico, for his part, will not be able to avoid contacting the haughty and failed student, since the final result of the other in the subject depends on the evaluation of one.
Did she know what the Jedi Master was doing when she paired Xavier and Mico for the class project? Did you know that this circumstance would cause significant changes in the lives of these two strangers, who didn't seem to like each other very much?
It is evident that all this happens with a well-defined objective: there would not be a story to tell if Xavier and Mico had not begun their relationship between insults and bad faces due to the hostility created beforehand, if there were not a school assignment to complete and the two of them paired to carry it out.
The truth is that if they learned anything from their schoolwork, it is to be honest with everyone, especially with yourself, and express what you really feel or you risk losing the person you love. In this sense, from the Literature teacher we will hear: "Happiness should not be based on how people perceive us, but on how we really see ourselves."
The series, filmed with zoom, revolves around this premise, and is revealing for those who hide their true identity. With just the right drama, it exposes only honest feelings waiting to be expressed from one to the other, seen from Kookai's confession to Mico, Seph's to Kookai and, above all, the one that the public impatiently awaits: the declaration of love. from Mico to Xavier.
It is never easy to confess deep emotions, but the protagonists find the courage to express their feelings, and thus find the freedom that is denied to them by a patriarchal and heteronormative society that tells you that loving someone of the same sex is not correct.
Even knowing that their feelings may not be reciprocated, the protagonists are convinced that choosing silence always leads to regrets and that those who are brave enough to be honest with themselves will be rewarded with the truth, because our own destiny is in our hands, we love who we want to love, and our choice and decisions in life will always win.
Therefore, the series strongly insists that what matters is that LOVE will always remain LOVE, and no one can break that.
'Hello Stranger' is not perfect. But what distinguishes it from other BL series is its simplicity and at the same time a great love story; its good writing and execution, in which each episode advances and deepens the story and makes the viewer intensely anticipate the next chapter.
At the same time as a romantic comedy and about coming of age, the series is directed by Filipino filmmaker Petersen Vargas, who has several films and series focused on identity and sexual diversity, such as '2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten', winner of the Best Film award at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival (2016) and Audience Award at the Turin LGBTQI Film Festival (2017). He is also known for being the creator and director of the first Filipino gay web series, 'Hanging Out', and the short film 'How to Die Young in Manila', starring Elijah Canlas and Kokoy de Santos.
A team of screenwriters led by Patrick R. Valencia (Always Be My Maybe) and made up of Kookai Labayen, Ella A. Palileo, Isabella Policarpio, Joanna Marie T. Reyes, Rhed Sandico, Daniel Saniana and Kris Ann de la Peña, are the charged with drawing characters and developing conflicts that revolve around the love attraction and unlikely relationship of Mico and Xavier, two seemingly straight boys, as they navigate schoolwork in the midst of a pandemic as strangers, enemies, partners, friends and much more further.
Although the series is not the most innovative in its plot, it makes up for it in the way in which all the characters do their staging and carry the plot.
The team behind the cameras, in which Carlos Mauricio also excels in Photography, comes together to provoke a roller coaster of emotions, while they let us visualize a calm and sincere story about the healthy love relationship of Mico and Xavier.
The acting of the protagonists is great. The character of Mico, played by actor JC Alcantara in his usual self, will bring tears to your eyes through his pain, and laughter due to his contagious joy and overwhelming joy, with his expressive eyes, sometimes tearful, sometimes smiling, and marked dimples that furrow his face. With a convincing performance, he adorably looks, shyly, away when he realizes that he has found love.
"Why do we have to become partners in this project? Why do you have to become friends with me? Why are you always teasing me? Why do you listen to me talk about my problems? Why did you give me the chance to find out who I really am I met the real Mico thanks to you. I learned to love because of you. I didn't want this to happen. And to be honest, this isn't really your fault. I like you, Xavier. You are the only thing that was never in my plans. But you are the only thing that makes me happy. I thought you taught me to fall, but honestly you are the one who taught me and showed me that I can fly," Mico will confess to Xavier.
And he, at another time, will respond: "Mico believed in me more than I believed in myself. He not only changed me. He made me a better person."
As for Tony Labrusca, he categorically dispels all doubts that the viewer may have about his character in the first episodes, proving himself worthy of the role of Xavier as the 8 chapters of about 20 minutes each progress, exuding the development of a character from a very popular bad boy image on social networks with more than 25 thousand followers on Instagram, to growing personally and spiritually as a man who deals with the confusion of having fallen in love with another man, at the same time that capable of feeling pain and expressing emotions.
Both actors, with amazing chemistry that exudes genuineness, convey love outside the heteronormative bubble with such reverence and authenticity.
With exquisite cinematography, all the supporting roles have their fair share of on-screen moments, achieving high marks.
I don't want to end the review without mentioning the soundtrack, in which its main theme stands out, "Kahit Na Anong Sabihin Ng Iba", performed by the same actors, which already occupies an important place among my favorite music.

Leia Mais

We have the closure of Nam Yi and Jae Min's love story.

A young and sexy South Korean gay couple must face different obstacles to achieve happiness. Both would like to seal their union and live together, perhaps even get married, but equal marriage is not legal in the country and homosexuals are discriminated against and rejected even by their families, who see homosexuality as a crime.
Let us remember that in the first season of this South Korean miniseries of four episodes each, the love relationship between Kim Nam Yi, played by Lee Hoo Rim, and Choi Jae Min, a role assumed by Choi Seung Jin, did not have a happy ending, because between The two intersected the homophobia that persists in South Korean society, in which LGBTIQ+ people face legal challenges and discrimination not experienced by the rest of South Koreans.
Once this obstacle is overcome by the two boys' decision to move forward in their relationship, the couple's harmony and happiness is put to the test once again, when Tae Ha (Jeong Ri U), a handsome university student, is placed between the two. two after falling in love with Jae Min and causes him to doubt his love for Nam Yi.
Will adversity be stronger than love between young homosexuals Kim Nam Yi and Choi Jae Min?
The bad news is that this is a low-budget miniseries, so the visuals and sets aren't as impressive as blockbusters. But isn't that the case with so many works of art that emerge in support of gay aesthetics?
Being low budget, it needs a good plot to captivate the viewers. This is how it tells a moving story of eternal love between two high school friends who meet again some time later, living between their 20s and 20s. They have both lived their lives trying to conform to heteronormativity, but have failed because they have essentially sought each other and long to form a couple.
Even though they face social pressure and jealousy, their love still manages to become something beautiful.

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At the time the film was filmed, the end of the manga created by Yūki Fumino did not yet exist.

Teen films are always a good idea. Portraits of a generation are like fascinating stories that allow us to understand the unique characteristics and experiences of those who make it up in a specific era. The transition from adolescence to adulthood, known as "coming of age", is presented differently depending on the cultural and temporal context in which it is situated. Furthermore, maturity is not reached in the same way for everyone and it is these stories that increasingly interest the public because they allow us to analyze society and also ourselves a little.
Kamijo Daisuke, in his directorial debut, is responsible for the film proposal 'Hidamari ga Kikoeru' (ひだまりが聴こえる), from 2017, the real-time adaptation of the shōnen-ai genre manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yūki Fumino, a mangaka who began her professional career in 2013. With her delicate and poetic style, her work was published for the first time on October 27, 2014 by Printemps Shuppan.
The script is written by Takahashi Natsuko, known for writing the series 'Hana Yori Dango' and the films 'No Touching At All' ('Doushitemo Furetakunai'), 'Seven Days: Monday - Thursday', 'Seven Days: Friday - Sunday', 'Does the Flower Bloom?', among others.
The plot of this romantic drama of the youth, school and Yaoi genre begins by narrating the difficulties that Kōhei Sugihara has hearing, since the current university student had suffered from a sudden sensorineural hearing loss during high school. Circumstances have led him to become a lonely, distrustful, introverted, unsociable and distant young man with great difficulties relating to other people. He himself admits to feeling "out of place wherever he goes."
Thus, Kamijo Daisuke presents us with a love story between two teenagers of the same gender, and analyzes the problems that the world can pose for a person with hearing problems.
Kōhei's entire life changes when he accidentally meets Taichi Sagawa, who offers to take notes in classes for him in exchange for the lunch that the disabled student gives him every day. Kōhei will soon discover that he can hear the loud voice of the new acquaintance without difficulty.
This is how a friendship develops between a boy who had always had problems socializing, because his hearing problems caused him to be marginalized by his classmates, and another cheerful, optimistic, determined and empathetic, energetic boy and extrovert who lives practically in poverty, needing to work while attending university in order to survive. Both will help each other and, little by little, they will give in to their feelings, unleashing a beautiful story of friendship and love.
Taichi will make Kōhei open up to the world once he assures him that his hearing loss is not his fault. Taichi's kind words pierce through Kohei's usual defense mechanisms and open his heart, causing his feelings for Taichi to turn into love. Now they are more than friends and less than lovers. Still, this relationship changes Kohei forever.
Thanks to Taichi, Kōhei begins to smile and integrate into the social life of the campus. Others also begin to see him with different eyes. Taichi becomes the friend he never had or perhaps lost when he lost his hearing and was ostracized. Taichi teaches him "that there may also be a place for him on the other side."
Taichi and Kōhei challenge gender norms on a journey of self-discovery. His story takes us into themes such as the search, the formation of identity, personal growth and the transition to adulthood. But it also addresses feelings such as loneliness, happiness, marginalization or improvement.
It is not a simple love story between two teenagers, but rather it represents the problems that can arise in a romantic relationship when one of the two members of the relationship has a hearing disability. Thus, beyond a standard love theme, 'Hidamari ga Kikoeru' is a call to eradicate the mistreatment and discrimination that society carries out on minority groups, be it the disabled or the members of the group. LGBTIQ+.
In this way, the film becomes a manifesto to demand the equality of all human beings. Being different, something highly punished in Japan, should not be seen as something bad, but rather should be integrated into society until, one day, there is no discrimination of any kind for the mere fact of being different from others.
The main roles of the film distributed by Nippon Shuppan Hanbai are played by Hideya Tawada and Akira Onodera as Kōhei and Taichi, respectively. The former is known for his role as Takigawa Kinji in the series 'Shuriken Sentai Ninninger' and in the films 'Shuriken Sentai Ninninger the Movie: The Dinosaur Lord's Splendid Ninja Scroll!', from 2015, 'Shuriken Sentai Ninninger vs. ToQGer the Movie: Ninjas in Wonderland', from 2016, among others.
For his part, Onodera Akira has his first leading role in Taichi, after playing the character Amamiya Masaki [Young] in 'High&Low: The Red Rain', Inukai Manabu [Classmate] in 'Daytime Shooting Star' or Sakamata Kiyone [Mysterious teenage boy] in the series 'Rinsho Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri'.
The cast is completed by Mitsuya Ryo as Yokoyama Tomonori, Takashima Reiko as Sugihara Ryoko, Yamazaki Ami, Igeta Hiroe, Fukumoto Yuki, Hiranuma Norihisa, Nakamaru Shinsho.
However, the ending of the film is understandable. At the time it was filmed, the end of the manga created by Yūki Fumino did not yet exist. We had to wait 7 years later for the trio of debut directors Yaegashi Fuga, Makino Masaru and Harashima Takanobu to bring 'Hidamari ga Kikoeru' to the small screen, in a version for the TV Tokyo channel starring Nakazawa Motoki and Kobayashi Toranosuke. who play Sugihara Kōhei and Sagawa Taichi, respectively.

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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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'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 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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