A robot in a love relationship? Is it even possible?

First and foremost, there are two kinds of a basic robot, one has the capacity to learn and grow (AI / Artifical Intelligent); the other operates on a pre-set and non-learning program. The former is the robot here.

Another first plot for a Taiwanese BL, they are really breaking grounds.

We have to understand that the basic of a robot-AI is that it is like a child starting to learn on top of the what was initially designed/uploaded into the system. Yes, there will be awkward acting because of this; but it is cuuuuuuute! Early on you can see who got into who first, but the question remains, can it be reciprocated, returned? Robots' based on the action and reaction on their programming and it learns from the action and reaction of the people it interacts with. It also learns from the situations and it experience it.

To a degree, this is a late coming of age story. LOL

As for the story itself, when a man who is used to be alone and doing stuffs by himself suddenly had a companion, an AI. For someone who is not used being taken care of, it is very easy for him to think of the AI more than its purpose. Be that as it may, the question now is, can the AI learn to feel anything? Is it even part of its programming? That is the allure of this series, the questions.

Visuals of the actors cannot be denied; couple with the aesthetic interior and architecture make things way easier to the eyes.

As this plot is something new, expect that this will not be perfect and will be opportunities to improve. But like I said earlier, this is another first for Taiwnese BL.

Leia Mais

EITHER YOU LOVE OR DISLIKE IT.

This is a complex story, so complex that it needs a slow burn. What? A slow-paced series and stil a complex one? Yes. Two reasons, the director wants the viewers to immerse themselves on how each of the character feels. It won't be easy for someone that is not an empathy, or somebody who can related easily with other's emotions. The other is the time travel is what make things a lot complicated.

A viewer needs to understand, and feel, how an older person will get involved with someone younger. It is easy to forget that the young person is the other's first love. And coming from the future with an uncertain tomorrow, the older person is feeling both relieved and sacred. Despite what is inevitable in the timeline, you will cherish, protect and live in the moment. For the younger person, it is feeling of familiarity, as if he knows the older one somewhere, sometime.

The laying the groundwork to the youngers' timeline is exhaustively portrayed, much more than needs. Yes, much more than it needs. The director's thought process though if for the viewers to have that gut-wrenching emotion that you will be torn apart every single moment. Torn apart between interfering or letting things as it is, or it was?

It will take 5 episode to tell the "prequel" to Episode 1.

Keep in mind that there is one theory in time travel called butterfly effect. This concept is about changing something so small in the past can have a big change in the future, a snowball effect.

This is a make or break story for Thai BLs.

As for the actors, I only knew Mix from Until We Meet Again as Dean's younger brother, and he is an excellent freestyle dancer. Aside from, I knew Ongsa parents as the mother appears also a mother to Peeranut of The Miracle of Teddy Bear. While the father appeared in a lot of BL series as well.

Leia Mais

The allure of confusion...

STORY:
============================================
This is definitely not a linear, progressive story-telling... Or is it?

Confused? That is the general approach in its story-telling. It will not serve you all the details in a silver platter, the build up is a deliberate messy like from episode to episode just when you have a theory in mind, it gets thrown off the window on the last scene of each episode. You will get that feeling that you know what is the story but somehow it does not fit watch you are watching and yet you keep watching it?

That is the allure part. At the end of episode most probably you will be scratching your head. You might been tempted to watch episode 1 again to check you are watching the very same series. It just makes no sense, and you will be left wonering: Have I been click-baited? But that is the beauty and originality of this series.

This is a jigsaw puzzle where pieces of it are given to you in terms of what is being said, how they dressed, and even the hairstyle. It is all in the details.

Episode 5 is the big reveal. If you are patient enough and reach that episode, you will get an idea what has been happening all along. Both Rossi and Meen raised their acting level skill here, especially the former. Been a while since I felt what they are feeling. Watch out for that runny nose and teary eyes!

Alas! The finale. It will not only play with your head but also with your heart. But after that roller-coaster episode 6 ride, your heart can take it easy.

ACTING/CAST
============================================
Rossi as Mork - His main asset is his eyes, there are moments that as if they are the ones talking to you. This is not his first project with MindTrio and if you got the chance to watch "Once In Memory". There are 2, each short movie showing one side of the characters. Rarely I watched those kind of series/movie. It is such a breath of fresh air.

Meen as Tiew - Don't be fooled with this classy clothes, captivating smile, as it can break your heart in an instant! He started in Calculating Love a 2020 project of MindTrio and when this aired, he also appears in Oh My Sunshine Night. Honestly, I can not remember his part in the 2020 series either his role was not this significant or I was too focused on Quin and

New - got to watch this fellow also in Calculating Love, the curly hair, imperfect teeth, who acts awkwardly and yet you can feel his confidence does not scare to bare it.

MUSIC
============================================
Nothing significant that could stick to the mind

REWATCH VALUE
============================================
For a mystery type of story, once you figure the answer, then it is no longer a mystery. You might watch to check if there were hints and pieces that were given away early on. But I generally do not re-watch.

Leia Mais

"The Miracle of Teddy Bear"
A cute fantasy meets mystery meets drama wrapped in a BL with a sense of realism.

Ironic right? How a fantasy can have a degree of realism. I just have one thing to say, you need to watch for you to understand. * wink*

First of all, I would like to put it out here that this is a real lakorn. An hour and a half per episode. with 16 episodes! Slow-paced focusing in each character's emotion and facial expressoin. That's already a day if you have plans to binge watch this. But don't get turn off by that, for someone who has a short attention span like me, the very first episode doesn't feel that it is that long. But I have to admit, there is twice while I was watching it that I have to check how many minutes left in the episode. You know what? It is just too good to drop in the middle and pick it up on a different day. The very first episode is where you get the settings, the characters, and a feel where the story already with depth. This kind of approach is kinda rare for a Thai BL as it slowly builds up either the character or the story. This one, it is already served in one plate. Expect the succeeding episodes, the drama side weighs more than the sweeet, tender, cute moment as the myrtery, or mysteries, builds up more.

If you have the chance to watch the OG "Love of Siam", the same formula was used here. BL story endtangled with a family drama. This as a lakorn, a lot of family drama that is somehow seamlessly integrated with the BL side. And just you thought that everything starts and ends with the family drama, corporate greed is also on a head-on collision against the family and the BL story is smacked in the middle.

But WAIT! Just when you think that everything is going well, a splash of reality will be a rude awakening. This is very rare for BL-themed series as almost all are detached from reality. Don't get me wrong about that, it is good to have a feel good series to watch, but this series also shows how Thailand gone far when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community being shunned, to telorated, and now accepted.



In the preview, it was shown that the Teddy Bear becomes a human, no spoiler about that, or what is written inthe synopsis. Right of the bat your question will be "WHY?". Before getting the answer to that, you will be entangled with a mystery upon another mystery. The first one is Nut's past, and the next is his mother. Being a blood-related, it is not hard to assume that it is all one the same, but could it be that they are independent and shared a part not intertwined?

The next next of mystery is that of Tofu's face and what is the history of the owner with the main lead. How is this connected to the "WHY?" of the miracle? Also, why Tofu's personality resemble someone in Nut's past, the protective, caring one. Or is it something more than resemblance?

If you are keen enough, you will notice that when a person suffers from emotion-pyschological trauma, it induces: anger, mental breakdown that needs medical attention, and revenge by pulling others down. Those 3 results are manifested each of the characters here.

A BL like no other when it comes into complexities of a story, or should I say stories that seemingly independent at first but later you will realize that those are indeed inter-dependent. Started with one family, then branches out to the next, and the third. Three family unit, well you can make it four if you are going to bring in Nut's friend however it is just for a support to one of the families involved, the drama between the three will be heart of the story. Smack right in the middle is Peeranut or Nut.

And this is riddled with mental health issues.

FOR THE ACTING, Tofu the actor behind is In Pintar. His character is pretty simple and straightforward, like a child getting to know the bigger world. Naive, innocent and these two attributes was well delivered by In.

The more complex character is Nut, played by JobThuchapon, he has layers upon layers that you need to peel as the series progress. Do not take his entire character if you just watch several of his scenes. He is more than those. And his temper plus other issue, try to walk in his shoes and if it hurts then you know what Peeranut is going through.

Na, mother of Nut, which role is given to Um Apasiri is the perfect mother image. If you will discount her role in "Bad Benius" becuase that is turn around to what you are used to watching her.

If you are watching BL for so long a common face is Song, played by Tee Thanapon that played Beam in the very first 2 Moon. And I must say, his acting had improve in so manly levels and areas.

To be honest, I know nothing about First Parada so I do not have is character Gen to compare with. However, the character is a great support for Gen that spank the lead into reality when needed.

Also as supports are the more adult actors like Jome that appeared in "Happy Birthday", "Lovely Writer" & recently "Something in My Room" & Kradum as Type's father in "TharnType", definitely proven in the industry you can be assured that they will play their respective roles wonderfully.

THE SONG, is perhaps like any other songs in a BL series. It is flexible enough for you to feel pain if the scene is heartbreaking, and giddy if the moment is sweet, cute and fluffy.

This series will surprise you on how good this is from production to acting to story. Unfortunately this is aired in Channel 3 which is a mainstream media of Thailand and on Netflix, if your account is geo-locked in Asia or South East Asia.

Leia Mais

CUPID'S LAST WISH
--- The wish is not what you expect, and it is the contrary. But at the end, it worked. And I incorrectly thought of who is the "cupid" here, and it comes as a surprise. You might be too! ---

First of all, drop all what you expect form this series based on the trailer or teaser which ever you want to call it. it is not hard core drama romance, it is more of a romance comedy. Once you have establsihed and keep that in your head, you will enjoy this one, and that is for certain. Especially those Earth-Mix fandom.

If you watch Episode 1 & 4 of Our Sky, it feels the same. But the devil lies in the detail. *wink*

The inheritance issue is just a layer of the entire plot primarily focused on self-assessment and realization. Each leg of the journey adds to this enlightenment.

There will be instances that you want to smack off the face of earth Mix's character as he is out of line. But when you realize where he is coming from, the anger mellows down and be tolerant. There are scenes that Mix seems will not stop talking! And I find it cute when he nags. And watch those antics from Win, truly adorable!

When you get to the PMS episode, that is the most fun in this series. Couldn't help myself laughing and Mix is awesome!

And also, this is a departure of the urban life and travelling the rural areas of Thailand. Buddhism, which highlighted, as the major religion of the country plays an important role as well. The lines coming from the abbots can be easily applied if you are of a different belief system.

Lastly, boy don't forget about the food! Sometimes I am expecting Mark Weins of Migrationology will sunddely join the food fest. LOL Thoser river prawns!

If you are single, which probably you are, you might curse them for not being considerate in the sweet moments. Either you want to be Mix or Korn. Earth and Mix are so natural with each other, and I couldn't say more about that and you will surely notice that. They can definitely do another rom-com and surely I will watch it as well!

ACTING/CAST
=====================================
I have to give this Mix as Win. As this his only 2nd main lead role, outright you can see how far he has come. He convey emotions raw, much more with intense and conviction. Being paired up a very common close friend makes their scenes natural and not forced or scripted. Watch Mix's eyes as it where his emotions are coming from. Truly, you'll be mesmerized by it.

Earth as Korn, you wouldn't expect any less from him of course. It is just a bit odd that his support is parter in Theory of Love, White as Doctor Non.

MUSIC
======================================
This is one of the the strenghts of GMMTV productions. They know where to put them to enhance the experience especially in those heartbreaking ones.

REWATCH VALUE
======================================
Like I have said over and over again, I am the type of guy who does not watch after I finished. But, to each his own.

Leia Mais

"Always the bridesmaid, never the bride"... Is often the term used to a person who never ended in the first place, a consistent runner-up. And life is like a wheel, not always that we will be on the top. Is the previous No. 1 is now the 2nd? A second placer that have a of catching up to do.

Rarely a BL series will have a sequel, and when they have, there is a handful that is equally good or better as the prequel. Most, fell short. I guess given that there is a "blueprint" in the form of the prequel, one will have a hard time not to expect especially when it ended like with this sequel's prequel.

This one of the very few that figured out how to make a successful sequel. Why so? It is a direct continuation for the prequel, coupled with growing and maturing of all the characters. Making the main couple's world bigger with the sense of responsibility with real-life consequences. Introduction of the side couples didn't interfere nor takes away time from the main couple. And that's where a lot of sequels failed to do that after watching one you will ask yourself, is the sequel a way to introduce a side couple to be the main? "What the Duck: Final Call" is one of the classic example how to ruin a good enough prequel with a side couple that didn't interact with the main one. Hence, the main couple had lesser scenes.

Same how the prequel, this season has a special episode as well.

STORY
===========================================
Personally, when a relationship falls apart, there is one who is at fault and the other had/have shortcoming(s).

Equally, communication is what keep relationship healthy and can make it stronger, open communication that is. Once it lacks, doubts seeps in then and cracks develop. Little by little, cracks grew bigger until it breaks it apart.

The question becomes, after it is broken into pieces, thus one of the parties ready to endure the pain in picking up the pieces, putting it back together for the love to be whole again?

After the "surprise" episode of "We Best Love: No. 1 For You", a follower of the series will definitely have a conflict for this sequel set in mind. Questions like "What stop Shi De?", "Why Shu Yi didn't confront?", to name a few. It turns out more than a lack of communication.

Can things go back like they were used before when maturing happened, when there are new factors to consider. Will perseverance can make the person trust you again? Flirting perhaps? She Di and Shu Yi world got bigger, way bigger and it no longer involves the two of them as others may be largely affected with the decision that they will make. After all isn't that what adulting is about? More responsiblities and consequences.

When you get to choose between options, you also need to consider others' welfare and not only of yourself. Or are you willing to be selfish in dispense of others just to win someone's love, again? Can you charm back your way to your ex-partner's heart? Are you ready to endure the pain just for the person's heart to be put back together and make it whole again?

Those are dominant conflicts of having a partner when you were a student, lost it and only to meet again in the future. Carefree versus responsibilities.

How can you expect forgiveness if you haven't apologize or say sorry? "I am sorry" goes a long way.

In any kind of relationship to last, it needs open communication, and I for one couldn't stress it much more.

Those are just some of the take away a viewer can have.

Obsession. How bad can it be? If you are following, okay let's settle for stalking, someone, it is actually bad? Or what is more important is the action that can happen after? However, one can never tell what in a mind of a person obsessing over someone. Is this a case of mental health concern?

The very last scene though, the very last scene.

ACTING
================
YU as SHU YI - one can feel that the tenacity turns into angst, despise. Both emotions suits YU's facial features as he barely needs to act to expression those emotions with those sharp looks. With his snappy moves, glares and stares. Shu Yi tsundere is back and it is all over the place! Can it be tamed once again?

SAM LIN as SHI DE - the ever low-key and waiting for the right moment to hit. He is not the "strike the iron while it's hot" type of guy, a very calculated guy which he was able to carry from season 1 up to now. Noticeably, he lost weight. Nice touch to indicate that years indeed passed by. However, one of the most difficult to act out is being drunk, Sam is no exception but still like his overall acting. And he is a cute drunk. >:)

As for the rejected guys, will they be more involved for the two to get back together or drive a wedge to make sure that won't be reunited?

Also, one can clearly see how the boys now turn into men. You can clearly see how they matured in their actions and demeanor.



MUSIC
================
Episode 6 is when the songs were masterfully woven into the scenes. It gives more depth and meaning but kinda hard to be "in the moment" while reading the lyrics. Nonetheless, watch out for the scene where someone is returning things.

REWATCH VALUE
================
Like all of my reviews, not even one I have rewatch and this will not be an exception. The magic won't be there anymore.

Leia Mais

When Elijah Canlas became popular to the BL world as he played the role of Cairo in Gameboys. Did a couple of search regarding his background. I was intrigued when he won the Best Actor in 17th Asian Film Festival (Rome, Italy). After months and months of searching, finally and fortunately, Netflix got the right to air it.

STORY
===================================================
It is actually more than an HIV story. It tackles not only the prevalence in the Philippines, but also other like it shows how normal having an extra-marital affair is, getting pregnant without being married, substance abused, making ends meet. And Kalel's father. These social issues are more rampant in the poorer sector of the country, but it ain't exclusive to the sector.

This film shows a slice of each to the social issues mentioned above. Raw, unadulterated, rustic way by the use of black and white color scheme will give you a sense of how grim, dark, challenging a person needs to go through every single day. It able to show and concentrate on Kalel, both the protagonist and antagonist, as he make his way through a teen life full of hardships and uncertainty. Why is he the antagonist? You can clearly see how conflicted he is, how inconsistent magnified by having the disease. Until in the end, he succumb what he needs to do to survive.

The film depicts from Kalel's point of view. No heartaches and heartbreaks. Just pure struggle. I heard and know similar stories, but with different circumstances, all with different outcomes.

Make no mistake, this ain't your HIV advocacy film per se. It shows one of the many faces of a Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines is like. The struggle, the stigma, having a sense of dignity, of what left of it, for having the disease. Raw, unadulterated, rustic.

ACTOR
===================================================
Elijah as KALEL - definitely hold his own here despite being supported by 2 of the most decorated and veteran in PH entertainment industry. He definitely deserved to win the Best Actor.

MUSIC
===================================================
Is there any? Or am I just focused on the story too much? I guess it doesn't need to as Kalel is not the music type of guy, it will be off to include one. There is no heartbreaking scene as well.

REWATCH VALUE
===================================================
I am the type of guy that rarely do a rewatch, not unless it am dying of boredom. Even I'm in that mood, this won't be the top of my list to rewatch.

Leia Mais

NOT YOUR TYPICAL THAI BL

STORY
================
When SUPERNATURAL meets BL this series is what you will have. Despite just having 3 episode. each one will definitely make you stay at the edge of your seat. May it be you're expecting for a jump-scare or anticipating what will happen next, for sure, you will be asking for more. Unfortunately, 3 episodes is just too short. However, that works in the favor of the story itself as it did not have any filler scenes or unnecessary characters and side story. But do I hope for a longer one? Definitely yes, because this is a unique story comparing to the 99% of Thai BL's. No school/uni scene(s) and the fact that is can be categorized as supernatural as well.

What I really like about the story that it does not follow a linear time line. It does not spoon feed you and will make you think despite that this is a love story. Yes, thinking is more for the mystery type of story; but somehow, the mystery side of the plot is what will make you hooked. True enough, what was shown in the Episode 1 will definitely leave you scratching your head until you watch Episode 2 and realize what Episode 1 is the effect of Episode 2.

Episode 3 is the most emotionally packed one. Grief, anger, sadness, pain and letting go. I am actually surprised that a 16 minute long episode would contain so much of emotion. A 16-minute emotion roller coaster ride indeed. The very last scene, the most ironic "lines"... Kinda reminds me of the song "Punchline" by Aidan Martin because the word 'punchline' was said on the stage.

And as the video darkens, is also the time my heart dropped.

Story-wise if you want to have a sense of the order of the episode based on their timeline, what happened first is Episode 2. It is your choice which will follow next if it is going to be Episode 1 or 3. But I prefer Ep 2 -> 1 -> 3 as it has a sense of acceptance.

ACTING/CAST
================
Jeff and Gameplay are relatively newcomers in the Thai entertainment industry. BUT, they are already showing an awesome acting skill!

Jeff's characters as Mike (in this mini-series) and Marwin (Ingredients) have the same vibes; HOWEVER, in this mini-series, Jeff have already shown multiple of emotions. I must admit, I have watched the first 7 episodes of "Ingredients" before watching this one, after all, it was not complete until today. I like his character as Marwin and I have thought that it suits his looks, charming and cute and is working for him. Then I have watched this. Oh Boy! This guy have a lot of potential and can be on the level of the actors under GMMTV and Nadao Bangkok.

Gameplay, I really like his rugged looks here, and in the series Ingredients, is more neat and organized. Similarly with Jeff, he shows a number of emotions already as to his character "Tops" in "Ingredients". It really hard not to fall in low with Tops when he smiles, but in this, I really want to hug to comfort him as he has been through a lot. If you watch closely, you can see him shows hint of emotion in a number of scenes. It is actually hard for any actor to do that than to show the full emotion. Think about this, a smirk could mean a lot of things; but Gameplay show that facial expression and immediately, you know what he is trying to make you feel.

MUSIC
================
Two iconic songs that definitely put the watching experience in a different level.
1st is MOMENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT993S1FDNM
Jeff and Gameplay singing an excerpt of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwJuBq5y6U

2nd is COMEDY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuKy6aQvcrs , from Jeff's YouTube channel
with hardcoded lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFmh2nvo00

Both were sung by Mike (Jeff Satur). Coincidentally, Moment is also featured in another BL series which feature both Jeff and Gameplay.

Jeff is fast becoming my favorite Thai Actor-Singer-Intrumentalist.

REWATCH VALUE
================
As almost all series I have watched I rarely rewatch a series or a movie and this is definitely not one of those that I will rewatch.

Leia Mais

"Not all love stories have 'happily ever after', some just have 'Once upon a time;"

I am not here to critique the appropriateness of how things turn out, after all, this is a fiction. It may or may not happen in real life. If I am going to question if the outcome is fitting, I will be taking away the charm and magic of the story...

Now let me begin the review itself.

This is how a sequel should be. Sequels should note be done because it gain popularity or cash in a lot of money, but rather to continue and perhaps end a story that was left hanging. And that is exactly what this movie did. In fact, it intensified what Toey and Oat had.

It didn't add "filler" actors to make it more interesting. Kenta played a crucial role when he talked about that bad is relative, depends on the person who is saying and seeing, the realization after. And Jen as the devil's advocate for Toey. Both serve their purpose but equally necessary to make the story more cohesive and meaningful.

The setting helped too as it focus on the interaction between Toey and Oat as to compare to "Present Perfect" in which they roam Higashikawa. By containing the characters in a limited and confined space, the two characters becomes the highlight and not the surrounding.

Their acting greatly improved as well. Comparing it again to "Present Perfect", it is understandable that they are holding back that time as they are still discovering each other 's personality and feelings in the said prequel, that goes for the actors and their respective characters. It feels that in the prequel that they are taking cue not from each other but from the director. This time around and pointing the exchange of lines between Toey and Oat is more fluid and natural. They are taking the cue from each other and not from another person. It is like continuation of their love story. How each character matured and developed and how they are when they are together. But Tonawanik is definitely better in acting than Kritsana. Imagine delivering a barrage of lines with all sorts of emotions, Tonawanik clearly pull it off.

I wish they include a more heart felt music or sound as it will enhance the feeling of the audience. BUT, the lack of iconic musics can definitely be overlooked as it doesn't ruin the experience.

Rewatch value, not really for me to watch it again as I was in Toey's situation sometime in my past and it does not feel really good. I felt my gut being twist and pull apart the time when they are "arguing". I really feel what Toey was feeling as I shared the same. This story hits pretty to close to home.

Leia Mais

"In the name of love, an angel goes through hell."

To what extent are you willing to do you to have your old self back? And when you're staring at your old self, you are conflicted if you are better off with your new self. A tough choice, right?

When you need to pick between power & prestige and love. Would you choose power & prestige that you are longing for so long. Or would you gamble with love that you never felt before?

STORY
================
It started off as a typical rom-com, romatic comedy, story. But mid-way through the series, things are getting serious but there are still a lot of funny moments. The last third of the series is paced with seriousness laced with just a hint of comedic side.

I like how the production team paced the female protagonist everyday life, slow... As it amplifies the struggles she has to endure each and every minute, hour and day. But, the male protagonist is always there for her to make the day brighter.

During the course of the series, countless time would you ask yourself, if I was in Lin shoes, would I do the very same thing that she did especially when you are so close to bottom? When your back is against a wall, would you push back? When is enough is enough?

The series gently questions your morality about things and will make you wonder, will I do the same things what Lin did? I know I had moments just like that.

Lemme ask you... what will you choose? Power & prestige or love?

ACTING/CAST
================
MIKALE LASALADON... errrr.... SOMCHAI (played by Jaylerr/JJ) - I've seen Jayler's Great Men Academy (GMA) and In Family We Trust (IFWT). In both series I was amazed how good he is an actor. Too bad though, neither of the two showed his singing and dacing skills. Unfortunately, this series is no exception. HOWEVER, his character in this is totally different from the 2 I mentioned earlier. His goofiness was intensified compared to GMA, and his seriousness too from IFWT. The features of his face really fits for an angel. When he acts as he experience new emotions/sensations were credible and believable too! As if he is a child that is experiecing the world for the first time.

LIN (JANE) - I've watched her in My Dear Loser: Edge of 17 and The Gifted. In both series, I have this vibe that she portrays a queen bee character quite well. Though, both series, her being a queen bee is contrasting. Yes My Dear Loser she still have a great admirers but she did use it to her advantage, unlike in The Gifted. That is why when I saw her in this series, I AM IMPRESSED! It was the complete opposite of a queen bee! And I can see in her eyes, the struggles she gone through. Can't wait to reprise her role in The Gifted: Graduation as Claire.

LUKE (MEK) - In Kiss Me Again and Dark Blue Kiss, he is the typical friend that goes along with the rest of the gang. And his character can be easily foreshadow by Nick's character, Jun. I've seen couple episodes of A Gift to the Person You Hate, I reached episode 5, but I wasn't able to notice him there. I guess I have to finish the series. Going to Angel Beside Me... OMG! The devilishly handsome looks fits him perfectly! And when he wears black, his face is more prominent even further and as if you are drawn to his stare. Hope he gets more kind of this role in the future since his acting is awesome as well!


MUSIC
================
The song during the opening credits is so angelic, a perfect fit to the theme of the series. It is so light, bubbly and joyous. What help also is the sound effects, it were placed in the right moment giving those scenes an extra "kick" to the emotion.

REWATCH VALUE
================
There is no real reason for me to watch this as if I want a romantic series, definitely there many more. I could rewatch this though for its comedic side.

Leia Mais

"The right love at the wrong time"

LOVE BREAKS BOUNDARIES OF GENDER, AGE AND TIME. THIS MOVIE BREAKS ALL OF THE THREE.

"Before the sky turn bright
Before feeling the warmth of sunlight
Before the flowers bloom
Before having a sweet dream
I've never had anyone in my heart
Till your love came
A nd made me see the brightness
I've never had anyone beside me
`Til your crazy mercy came
And motivated me
To live...
In this mad world."

The story starts August of 1996 when Dew and Phop met for the first time. From then on, the innocent acquaintance will turn into something unexpecting beautiful. But what they have is something unconventional during those times. Having different family backgrounds didn't help either.

From the walkman, to the pagers, what's the trend when it comes to fashion. For those who grew up, or spent their teenage years in the 90's will definitely feel the nostalgia.

Instead of focusing on the stigma in the 90's, let's be glad, celebrate that people learned from it and are more accepting nowadays. Even the stigma is what caused the rift between the two main, I prefer to focus on the love they both shared.

STORY
================
"Dew the movie", a viewer should tell early on that the story is about Dew. His struggles to fit in and find comfort. But that time, it wasn't kind to Dew.

The alternate title, "Dew Let's Go Together", is from the point of view of Phop. His sacrifices is the focus of his story that will continue on the second half of the movie. Remember the sentence "Let's go Together" because it where it all started and where it will end.

The parallelism of the young Phop and the adult one is very obvious, that is when you will start to feel a pinch in your heart, again.

When you can get pass the age gap, that is when you feel and experience tha magic. For love breaks the boundaries of time and gender.

Furthermore, there is belief that water is life and for others, you are reborn in water.

Lastly, don't takes things literally or you'd miss out the magic in this movie. Magic does not equate to logic. Ultimately, it will be your choice if you want to question the appropriateness of things that happend in the film or get lost in the magic this movie has to offer. I prefer the latter.

ACTING
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OHM as DEW - Make It Right 1&2, He's Coming To Me, Blacklist are the things I've watched where Ohm appeared. You can see a big "maturity" in his acting from Make It Right 1 to Make It Righ 2 to He's Coming to Me. 2019 was Ohm's year as he appeared in two Thai series, both he played a contrasting character and yet he delivered the portrayal quite well. In this movie, I feel like is an extension of his acting from He's Coming To Me. For he showed a myriad of emotions. He will make you feel what his character is feeling as if you are in his place in what you are watching.

NONT as young PHOP - To be honest, I thought Ohm will own him, acting-wise. His acting is not at par with Ohm, HOWEVER, props to him given that this is his first acting in a main role. Don't mistaken Nont's lack of connection to his character. It show that the character himself is detached, uncertain, having an inner conflict. It just there are few scenes that aren't that convincing as Ohm's. Can't wait though for Bad Genius and see how he will do there!

PAHN and LEW - it is not really her acting but how she transition from her old self to the enlightened one. I can't blame her for that but it lacks development for her transition. Her actions and demeanor is as rough as Ohm's and subtle and vulnerable too.

WEIR as adult PHOP - given his repertoire of acting, it is given that he delivered. No brainer in his acting.


SONG
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For what Dew told in front of the class that "won" the contest, refer in the initial part of this review.
- It is not technically a song that you listen, but more of a translated lyrics of a song to English.

The opening song, what Dew's listening to: ดีเกินไป by Smile Buffalo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MANY2BDBaI sets up the fast paced progression of what Dew and Phop is about to go through.

Songs match perfectly the scenes were it played. And the few sound effects highlighted some emotions.

REWATCH VALUE
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When a myster is solve, it is really hard to rewatch it with the same excitement and anticipation. Some things are better watched once, to keep it special. And this is no exception.

Leia Mais

"Little Man"

It does not refer to a height of a man but a euphemism of his "manliness".

STORY
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Funny and cute. Not a second is wasted in the 15 minute run. The progression of the story is on point. It didn't dwell too long for a certain topic. The transition from insecurity to overcoming to reconnecting with someone in the past. ALL IN 15 MINUTES! But what I really like about this is how it ended. You decide what Hsuan Teng future will be. It didn't even explicitly say Teng's sexuality which obviously will depend on the viewer what will he be.

Ultimately, what I think will affect your decision for the ending is on the saying "Size does matter".

ACTING
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ADAM LIN (Hsuan Teng) - did an exceptional job for showing multiple of emotions. From the start down to the last scene. From experimenting look, to being surprised, then cutely sulking, next is a second guessing one, another is a scared cat, enjoying a companion, hesitating and lastly a contemplating Teng. That speaks volume of this actor's acting skill.

PAUL CHIANG (Sam Lin) - a look the suits a devil's advocate. One would ask for more of his background, HOWEVER, he is not the "little man" in this short. So to add his history will be a waste or a deviation from the focus of the story.

NOTABLY though, I couldn't see any awkwardness between Adam and Paul like they are friends in real life for quite some time now.

HUANG GUAN ZHI (Fong) - is the most adorable character for this short. So cute that I could pinch his cheeks all day long! However, the charactert's despite his innocent looks, there lies an agressive one, or should I say a desperate one. It is pretty understandable why is desperate though.

SONG
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Not much songs involve but more on the quirky sound effects that makes this short leaning more to comedy.

REWATCH VALUE
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This is a nice 15 minute de-stressing short. The downside is, it is too short! On the flip side, you'll spend roughly around 10 minutes laughing.

Leia Mais

STORY
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THE MOMENT I NEED YOU... When you analyze it, it is hanging. It doesn't have a complete thought... Yes, the creator behind this mini-series can make the phrase into a sensible sentence. HOWEVER, they decided for you to continue the phrase. And when you watch the 4 episodes, you will realize that what they want to say and it can not be put into words because it is a combinitaion of small gestures and events that lead to the ultimate ending.

The very first striking difference in other Thai BL is the setting. It is not the typical school/university. However, those that enjoy the typical setting can enjoy this one too... The looks of the characters are not that old, as if they are newly graduate.

I like how they showed what really happened (flashbacks), one can easily think that they deserve each other. Viciously cunning to achieve what they want. You won't get lost because the flashbacks happened almost immediately after. I could also say that the creator behind this is an evil genius in doing that.

The story is pretty straight forward which is sometimes a breath of fresh air that you will stop thinking and just feel the interaction of the characters. Kinda reminds me of the HIStory series. Fast-paced and every episode will give you different feelings, emotions.

The first 3 episode is a very good build up to the emotion everyone likes to feel. But of course, all relationship go through rough and shaky times. May it be before, in the middle or towards the end, there is always one event that will question our feelings. Their relationship is no exception.

"THE MOMENT I NEED YOU" was shown and delivered to the audience without too much fuzz and it can not get any more raw than that. Didn't concentrate on the drama too much.

"THE MOMENT I NEED YOU", one will think that it is a person, but this mini-series showed it in a different way. The person you thought you need is actually a person in the past but rather another person that make you truly smile when it matters the most. Someone who is patient. Someone who is willing to make sacrifices. Someone who is honest. And little did you know, you became that person you are "needing".

"THE MOMENT I NEED YOU", yes we need a full series for this.

For me, for th title to be complete in thought...

The moment I need you...

... you just came in the perfect time.

ACTING/CAST
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Both Bank and Pon playing Mok and Bay respectively, given that this is their first formal acting is pretty good, actually excellent.

For a moment there I thought Bank missed an acting in Episode 1, the key scene how this story started, but later I found out that it was all deliberate. If stare could kill, Bay would not last long. Reminds of Dean how he looks at Pharm in Until We Meet Again. The laser-focused stare.

You can see that the interaction between Mok and Bay has no awkwardness as if they are acting together for a long time now. Their exchange in delivering lines and or facial expression and body language seems too natural.

Do I see a brigth future for the two main actors? Definitely a very bright future in the entertainment industry.

MUSIC
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The tempo is just right for the kind of relationship that the two is building. Not too slow and not too fast.

The beat is on point as well. Not too dramatic and not too heavy on the percussion.

The song is like pepper and salt to your dish, it heightens the flavor. But for this, it enhances the emotion that you are feeling.

REWATCH VALUE
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Since this is so short and fast, it is always easy to watch it again and again and again. Especially if you are feeling down. Imagine you can be in love in the idea of being in love in under an hour. Would I watch this again? Honestly, not in the near future. But when I'm feeling blue and sad, this is a nice medicine to shoo-away the blues.

Leia Mais

"THE EFFECT"

From the start it should have given you an idea on what you should be looking for, the every possible EFFECTs of the things we say or do. As for Newton's Third Law of motion states: "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". For every EFFECT there is a CAUSE. One does not do an action without a reason behind it. The reason may be obvious, deliberate; but it could be also hidden or unaware to the person doing the action.

When the world you know suddenly was turned upside-down, will you able to handle it even as if the problems of the world rest on your shoulders? How can you recover when your world is seemingly shattered into pieces? Will you be able to rebuild it the way it used to be, or even better?

STORY
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This is a 10 for me.

The show unabashedly and in an unadulterated way features topics that seemingly people just sweep under the rug. (1) rape, (2) rumor mongering on social media, (3) suicide and (4) implied mental issue. Yes, number 1 and 3 have already mentioned in other BL series, but the way this series presented those is raw, graphic and it did not sugar-coat it. For the forth topic which is "mental health" is not that obvious, you need to analyze every detail from the start down to the very last scene. One needs to be very objective and it will be hard to do it with this very emotional show to see things through. It is presented in a way to raise awareness. The kind of EFFECTs any of the mentioned above could have is what the series wants to focus on.

This shows the rape also occurs in the same-gender world and not only exclusive to the male-female relationship. It is traumatizing when a person is subjected to rape, let alone to relive it when you are opening it up to another person. That is why victims of rape tend not to tell anyone or report it to the authorities.

The power of social media. This is what consuming the society nowadays. With the information age at hand, it can bring out the bests in people as well as the worsts. It can be a tool to create a beauty or destroy. The problem with social media, specially with pictures, it does not show the whole story. It just capture the millisecond. Even shared videos aren't 100% accurate if it doesn't show what happened before and after. Social media can rally for a cause, or spread rumors like a wildfire. The question is, will you share right away something that is not validated? This reminds us to be more responsible in what we do and say on social media because we might not know, someone is hurting and dying inside.

They say the people that commit suicide does not want really to die, but just want the pain to end. Often times, they think that ending one's life is the easy way to end the suffering. We should not judge people that commit this kind of act as we never walked in their shoes, lived the life and fight the everyday battles. Rape does not necessarily result to death, it is the depression the one goes through that would make someone to take his/her life.

Episode 1 is the very typical love story, the beginning, the progression of the feelings and finally, saying the three magical words, "I love you". But is life really all rainbows and sunshine? After all, that is the vibe you will get from the premier episode. Or is there a storm brewing in the horizon?

Yes Episode 2 ended very dark, darker than the night. But if you bother to stop for a while and analyze things, things that happened before the despicable action, you will see that it is not just one event that led to commit such horror. From the home, where you should be the safest, to your school, where you spend most of your time, in the hope of finding your happiness in the person you love. Tragically, when jealousy, gossips/rumors and rejection come become a factor, no one can tell what a person affect by it will do next. Especially if that person have not experience that situation before one tends to ease the pain the best and easiest way he/she thinks can.

Episode 3. Just when you thought things couldn't get any darker or painful as Episode just felt some did a gut punch to you. As you progress the episode, you will realize that is it not only the bruises or swelling of the punch, but a bleeding cut that you didn't notice at first. You tried to put a bandage on it, only to be ripped away and pour alcohol on it. It is that painful. It will be a long time for me to get over the series of events happened in this show.

On the implied issue of "mental health", one can say that the both leads suffered a mental condition in one way or the other. As one expressed this condition outwards by inflicting harm to others, while the other is to himself. And without the right intervention, it clearly shows the very ugly side of it.

This show struck very near to my heart as I had a cousin who was raped that eventually bear a child, my nephew. And now, that nephew of mine is suffering from a mental condition that at a tender age of 11 is already taking medicines to control his behavior.

(Addendum, after watching Grey's Anatomy Season 16 Episode 5, when Dr. Jo Karev is in session with a therapist)
I found this written on the board:
CORE FEELINGS
1. Fear
2. Anger
3. Shame
4. Sadness
5. Guilt
6. Pain/Hurt
7. Safe
8. Happiness
9. Love
10. Pride
11. Willing
12. Hopeful
13. Peaceful

You can see it the feelings that you can consider bad, affect someone negatively, destructive. On the other hand, you can identify the feeling that can build someone up. What if you are feeling more of the negative ones that the positive ones are seemingly drowned? Can you still live? When fear, anger, sadness, guilt, pain, pride, coupled with the lose of being safe, love, hope intensifies all at the same time, surely one will be broken down beyond repair.

ACTING
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Unlike novels or something you read, where every action, reaction, expression can be told, when watching you are limited on how the actors convey certain emotion and image.

That is why I applaud OAT as KENG. His features will sway you to think that he is incapable of any such evil thing with his charming, innocent looks and unassuming behavior. As they say "Don't judge a book by its cover", could be more appropriate for him here. Is he really capable of a dispicable actions? Or events triggered the inner demon in him that he for eternity tried to keep it at bay or prisoned? HOWEVER, Oat could have shown more emotions when he is annoyed. When a character is the antagonist, and you feel disgusted with the character, this mean that the actor who played the role did a great job.

JAMES as SHIN - you can really see in his face the admiration to Keng without saying anything. And the time he felt betrayed, the pain resonates in his eyes. Opposite of a antagonist, when you feel the pain and happiness, then you know that the actor was able to deliver what is needed of him.

MUSIC
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I like the piano accompaniment on the key scenes. It heightens the emotion. But it could have been better if a voice is heard as it can further the emotion of the listener.

REWATCH VALUE
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This is way too traumatic that even myself would not dare to watch this again. Perhaps after a year or so, I will revisit this.

Leia Mais

"You live by the gun, you die by the gun"... Is a typical expectation from a series or movie that a gang is involved. Is this in any way different?

STORY
===========================

When three unrelated strangers, Shin, Neo and Miw, were forced to run together from a gang due an unexpected incident occurred. Is it luck that one of the three is the son of the gang leader (Shin) that is after them? Or will the other two (Neo and Miw) take advantage of the son of the gang leader to gain the upper hand? That seems to be the consistent theme all through out that will make you think, is the son will betray his new found "friends" to gain his father's approval? Or will he help his friends to eventually escape the gang who is after them? So how unrelated the three truly are when you learn that there is one person among the three that is common to the other two. Is it really that fate that jokingly put them together, or it is just a matter of time that the paths of the three will eventually crossed?

On the surface this would be a typical gang-related series that you took one of ours, then you should be eliminated. But that is not the case here. You will realize that each of the 3 has a past that is somehow connected to a family member that led to their current state of "misery". And as the saying goes, "misery loves company". All of them has this unspoken goal: to prove to the world that I am more of what is my past. It is through this misery that they find comfort and sees each other eye to eye. But will this bond be enough to get themselves out of the hole they are in? Or will this gathering will be their demise?

Truly, this is a series of crime committed after the other and seemingly unending violence, loyalty and standing your friends, making up for the mistakes you made with your family and achieving a dream. All of those inter-woven in a seemingly complicated plot. But once you were able to figure out what and where it needs to go, you will see perfectly created canvass of real life SURVIVAL.

After the violence and deaths that had happened, will there still be a happy ending for anyone? And will anyone be truly free from their past to build a new future? This what you have to find out.

I deliberately left out the sexual relationship among the 3 as for me, it is not that important than what was formed among them. And that is what I want for the viewers to focus on. The sexual tension is just an icing on top. To mellow down your adrenaline pump and redirect it into something equally exciting. Can it be left out? NO. As it serves the catalyst of the whole story, beginning for series of unfortunate events.


ACTING/CAST
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Let me start the review of the cast and their acting from MY most favorite to the least.

JENNIE as MAE - this is definitely a breath of fresh air. For the longest time I have been watching Thai series, may it BL, straight or mixed, this is a first that humanizes a trans-woman and gave some sense of dignity. Unlike what I watched before that a trans woman often gets ridiculed, a butt of jokes, mocked and treated like lower than a second class citizen. Here, you can see that a trans woman also have a dream, gets hurt, struggles, fight back when pushed against a wall... just... like... any... other... human. Jennie gave life to Mae, her chasing an identity she had dream for so long, the pursuit of what she thinks can make her happy, pay back the kindness of the people that shown it to her. Her character is one of the most develop in this series. She starts of with a meager job and when the unfortunate happened, she "man" up. As the series progress, she becomes tougher and tougher, often times at conflict with morality where is currently placed herself in. Can she attain "justice" by inflicting injustice to others, this the main theme of her character. And she has the most important role here! For that, kudos to the team behind this!

GUNsmile as TER - Is another character that transitioned well. From playing Prem in SOTUS with anger management issue, to a wacky ghost friend in He's Coming To Me, he is turning into one versatile actor. What helped his role here as Ter is his role as Prem. A no non-sense guy that is willing to do anything and everything to complete the task he was given. And how he takes care of Mae here, reminds me of how he treated Wad (Fluke of SOTUS) after both of them were engage in a fist fight. It started as a promise with a friend that eventually led to something more. His role turned a mere "baby-sitter" to protector to a support buddy. You can clearly see as well how he changed from a strong-willed gang member that nobody can changes his mind if he sets his mind to it, to being influenced in thinking things through with logic and sense of responsibility. And he is so handsome in the last episode, Gunsmile should smile more!

TAY as SHIN - If you have been following him, you most probably know that he is connected to New. And perhaps you seen his acting developed from to Kiss Me Again, to the Our Skyy special, truly he can deliver what is required in acting in a romantic role. But this time around, it is way different. Here, you can see a nerdy looking, naive, detest violence and to a degree, a gullible guy. If you watched him first here then watch him paired up with New, all of the characteristics of his role here is the exact opposite. And that speaks volume on how good an actor he is. Shin character here is torn between friends and a father. Often times you can see him struggles and even second guesses his decisions. One can also see the situation he is in, a normal life or a life of a gangster. Early part of the show, it is establish who he will chose between the two. But towards the end, you might think otherwise. It is only in the last episode that was clearly shown who he choose between his friend or his father.

MILD as MIW - I watched this girl first in Kiss Me Again as Sandee, you can see her assertiveness in getting a thing done. Bossy at times. But lack of airtime can make you wonder, "Is that all she got?". Then I watched "Happy Birthday the series". Oh boy! I was impressed how she transitioned her character from Sandee to Tharnnam. From then on, I know she is a versatile actress that dares not to be stereotype as far as a character that she can play. Her role here as Miw is an edgy, sassy and you can see also a vulnerable side of the character which she gives justice. Now as she reprise her role in "Dark Blue Kiss", personally, she sets up a high bar that she needs to overcome; but I don't mind being the good old friendly Sandee to Pete and Kao. It will speak the consistency of her acting. Miw here is constantly veering away from an ugly past, trying to prove to others that she more than what she was used to be. Often times, you would see her "battle" through to prove her worth, and in the end, she did. With her looks here is inconsistent in what she is trying to be. It is a demon that she is constantly trying to get rid off. Nothing but praises for Mild's portrayal of Miw.

JOSS as NEO - To be honest, this is the first series/movie I watched him act. And I am impressed as well. His acting as the leader of the group was done with credibility as he shows when to stand by his decision, when to level with his friends, when to be soft and caring. He is the perfect lead role an action themed series or movies as he got the looks of this bad boy image, the body and his height suits that kind of character. I hope to see him more acting with a similar theme like this one. What I like also about the production team is how they make Joss looks like, with little or no make-up at all. You can see numerous close-up scenes the blemishes on his face which makes the character more credible like who wears make-up in a gun fight, right?

TOPTAP as PP - For two series I watched him appeared, Water Boyy the series and SOTUS, you will develop a feeling of disliking the character. That is no different from this one. BUT WAIT! There is definitely more than being disliked. and sure enough, he can be adorable too! When a role demands to be hate, like Joffrey Baratheon, and viewers hate you, then you are doing a great job. But his angelic face does not really suits a role of an antagonist or to be disliked. He needs more role of a bubbly, adorable roles that when he smiles, one can melt easily.

PRAME as LUANG - When he appeared as Nack in The Gifted the series, it felt that he could have shown his acting more, only if he was given more airtime. But given what he has in that series, he was able to show a couple different side of the character. But for Luang, it is just a one layer character, it lacks diversity in his emotions even a back story is not that solid. Even when Luang is one of the important character that helped the 3 extensively.

MUSIC
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I really don't expect a memorable music or song from an action series, after all, the show needs to pump as much as adrenaline into your body and not a second to waste mellowing down, smelling the flowers on the roadside. However, how I wish they production team put more of the heartbeating background sounds that will leave you at the edge of you seat waiting what will happen next. There were a lot of gun pointing scenes, as expected from this genre of show, but you know already what will happen next since it lacks the suspense factor of a background sounds.

REWATCH VALUE
===========================
It is really hard to rewatch something that there is a definite ending. All lose ends are tied up and when mystery that was set early was completely resolved. BUT, it doesn't mean that you will be wasting your time watching this.

Leia Mais