Teenage Emotions Deftly Portrayed
As someone who grew up when gay meant happy and had no sexual meaning, I have been drawn to the BL genre. It seems to relate in so many ways to my upbringing. The contrast between the characters of Cairo and Gavreel drew me in. The director has created a fast-paced, sympathetic portrayal of their emotions, their doubts, and their hopes. I can see why Kokoy is such a popular actor. He projects a wide range of emotions with his face. Very convincing. Several times I just wanted to hug Elijah and tell him everything would be OK. Gameboys is also an excellent window into the world of gaming, video calls, and how teens interact socially using their smartphones and computers.Was this review helpful to you?
PERFECT! SIMPLY PERFECT!
Like the tittle says, I can't find any flaws with this series, the cast AMAZING, the acting SPECTACULAR, the characters OUSTANDING, the plot BREATHTAKING. Everything from beginning till the end was just perfect. I loved how they used modern technology as a way of communication and seeing how the characters actually are, its like we were there with them. I like how there are no unnecessary additions in this series cause that is what I hate the most, cause it just ruins time. It focus on the characters and their developments. I even liked the side characters and that is rare for me since I don't care or am indifferent to side characters since they steal the lead time but in this series I like all the side characters. Pearl was just an amazing character, she helped the leads come closer together and also had a very good personality on her own. Terrence was also a good villain and I like his redemption at the end and also Wesley as he was a plot device to make the characters come closer together and the other characters too. Like I said, all of these characters were important and weren't just there for the sake of existing. They all contributed something and had nice personality of their own. This series made me laugh, cry, and made me miserable for being single...like omg. The chemistry of the main leads was fire and sweeter than honey. I cringed everytime Gav flirted with Cai, but its the good kind of cringe. This drama is simply perfect.Was this review helpful to you?
The Best FILIPINO BL EVER
THIS WAS MY SAVIOR DURING THE PANDEMIC !! I FIRST WATCHED THIS ON NETFLIX AND FELL IN LOVE.. THE FILPINO BL WORLD was such a force in 2020 and it hasn't been the same since... no one have been able to touch the magic of gameboys the series and I doubt anyone ever will. Kokoy De Santos shines in this and every other series he is in. he is truly at the top of the industry in his country when it comes to BL's. honestly no one else comes close.. this was really good.. the chemistry. the plot. it had the perfect balance of everything need for a perfect BL series.Was this review helpful to you?
Refreshing BL Series
I genuinly have nothing bad to say about this show. I was a bit slow getting into everything the first two episodes, but by episode three i was hooked. This story hit all the emotional beats flawlessly and nothing felt unnecessarily drawn out or rushed. The pacing was perfect.The development of their relationship was so realistic and I was stunned at how well relationship issues and family issues were portrayed. Every character had their flaws but they weren't overwhelmingly negative just real. This feels like a BL made with LGBTQ+ people in mind and just felt like a wonderfully put together story that was handled with care.
The only small criticism I had was towards Cairo's acting at the beginning but that may just be personal preference and didn't actually change how much i enjoyed the story at all. I thought his acting got better towards the middle and end anyway. That for me was so easy to look past though and that's why I'm giving this a 10 regardless. This is definitely worth the watch.
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BL done right... Wow!
I don't even know where to start. I had no expectations for this just a ran out of shows to watch and OMG I can't believe I'm just watching this. Its sooooo good.I marvel at the fact that it remains so politically correct and respectful. The entire series just had me in awe. The characters demonstrated respect for each other, adhered to covid protocols and were respectful to the LGBTQ consistently. There were none of the common tropes like 'husband and wife' or 'I don't like men, I just like you'. Instead, the characters were written with real stories that truly reflected and respected the LGBTQ experience. It was an emotional rollercoaster and man did I bawl. Happy tears and sad tears. I love how the main characters developed there relationship in an organic way with both having pure intentions. I'm not gonna like the "baby' got annoying at some points but it was worth it since it carries such great significance to the story and the lead characters relationship. Pearl annoyed me at times too. her character is written with a very much exaggerated demeanour but her friendship and just being a decent human being made up for it. They explored real life arguments and experiences and I love that both characters recognised where they erred and owned up to them. Really happy with the ending. You will be too, *wink*.
10/10 - Absolutely earned it.
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Go, watch it!
As soon as I started this series, I was regretting that why did I not watch this last year. As I was watching, I was cheesing out so hard, throughout all the episodes, literally. Ofc, I cried too, but, man, so glad I watched this today. Better late than never I guess, lol.Anywho, jokes apart, firstly, I did not feel like I was watching a BL tbh. No offense to other BL's, I love them too, but, this was like a breath of fresh air and definitely going on my rewatch list. This drama really depicted all the feelings, raw emotions, you know. Like, even though they were apart and literally courted each other via video calls, I was fangirling like crazy. Their chemistry, their acting, just, soo good. Top notch if you can say. I was giddy and so hyped up like, all the time.
Also, I personally, hate the "Baby" thing, but OH MY GOD! caireel have made me rethinking my preferences, lol. It did not made me cringe at all, in fact, it got me more giddy. Felt like I was third wheeling the whole time, ksksksks.
This drama depicted a lot of things, but personally, some amazing things I liked were the way they focused on mental health, acknowledgment and acceptance of one's own mistakes and forgiveness. Also, loved the supporting female character. Big shoutout to Pearl. She carried the show and did most of the excited screaming and fan-girling for us, lol.
This series has everything (maybe not for some if y'all are into skinship). But for me, I do enjoy a great storyline with amazing depiction of emotions. I am telling you all, I literally forgot sometimes, many actually, that I am watching a series and not just some real life love story of 2 people.
IT YOU HAVEN'T WATCH THIS YET, WATCH IT. YOU WON'T REGRET IT, I PROMISE!
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Watch. Just watch it.
If there is anyone else left in the world to watch this show after me, my free advice to you is do give this show a chance.---
The production is commendable - almost the entire story is shared via phone or computer screen of the characters but still was done so smoothly, and the watching experience was great.
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PLOT was strong, and beautiful. Not only did it deal difficult and maybe even relatable topics -- with the struggles of the characters when faced with life changing events, how affected they are by the pandemic in their own different ways, and even about coming in terms with ones sexuality -- the writers managed to keep it both natural without dragged out drama (noting saying I am drama hater), and light hearted.
I am thoroughly amazed because the rollercoaster of emotions were balanced out very well, like with light hearted and fluffy scenes which will not leaving you feeling too heavy even after the super intense situations - you can almost watch how time hurts and heals in a time-lapse.
The writers made sure not to add anything too problematic, things said and done mostly are "just the right thing" but in spite of this the characters are not perfect. They are a little flawed, they are at times insecure, they are still finding themselves - they are Human.
The characters are not all over the place as plot proceeds, they either are the same person who starts to show more of themselves, or the same person you knew who slowly but surely develops.
I love how there are no black and white here, even the "bad guys" are not justified but instead their side is simply shown and they were then given a chance to be better, and to me that is just Beautiful writing!!
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I am not going to talk much about the acting, I do not have any way to put it in right and deserving words. But can I just say the actors I considered "amateurs in a web drama" proved me SO SO WRONG and I am ashamed how quick I was to judge and THANKFUL just to have had the chance to witness this level of acting!!? I cried with them, smiled with them, laughed and my heart felt their pains.
Kokoy was my first favorite with his how he portrayed a confident, charismatic young man (Gavreel) who never held back his feelings initially. And he was too good, developing the character by slowly showing his other "human" sides. I took Elijah lightly, his reserved-ish character probably did not give him much chance to act more was my reasoning to self - BUT from that one scene (you might know if you have watched) that guy DESTROYED me. Both because that scene took this series to another level of brilliantness, and from there his character slowly developed.
Even every other actors surpassed my expectations, including ones who played Pearl, Cairo's family, Terrance and Wes.
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Overall - I usually am okay with BLs being compared with other BL series because it needs to catch up with decades of hetero- relationships in media. BUT, Gameboys crossed the threshold, it stands for itself, and definitely does not need the BL tag's support it to show what it's worth. It can easily compete with most mainstream shows /series/dramas any day <3
That is----- Gameboys is not just a "good BL", it is a great series. Period.
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If you don't watch this, you'll regret
Alot of shows turn out quite bad due the to interference of the pandemic, but this show was about the pandemic!The storyline, the emotions and the people around them the couple are what makes the whole show even more wholesome.
I love how this show contains lessons for so much more factor in life, families, relationships, past relationships, coping with lost. Its a roller coaster of warmth, cuteness, laughs, smiles and tears yet no awkwardness was in it. 10 minutes into the show I'm already smiling, 15 minutes in to the show I don't want to stop watching.
It's soooo rare for a show to have your tears fall for something that happens around the main character. Watch this show for a change in the BL world, set a new standard for yourself. Its a must watch
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One of the best BL series I have ever watched
This is the first time that I have written a review. I had to create an account just for this masterpiece. The movie has everything : the plot, the acting, the chemistry of the main leads. It was a roller coaster of emotion for me when watching this show. For me, the climax of this series is in episode 8,which is a mix of different emotions. I found myself both crying and laughing and was totally carried away. Kokoy and Elijah did such an amazing job. They portrayed their character very well. I love when Gavreel kept calling Cairo "baby". Although he was clingy, he was truly attentive to Cairo. I couldn't take my eyes off them every single moment. They are so adorable. I am praying for season 2. Sorry if you find my review difficult to understand. I am doing my best to express my feelings for this movie.Was this review helpful to you?
Nice Storyline
I like how the story went. It is unique and reflective during the pandemic . The character/casts are very professional, they had chemistry. Even the supporting rules are superb. I haven't watched yet the movie and it next in my watchlist. Looking forward for another great BL content from the Philippines... The music fits the scene everytime. Cinematography are awesome. For sure it's hard the director as well as the actors because they are doing it on their own. Overall I love the entire movie. No hung-ups you will laugh, cry, upset, angry and more.. a lot of emotions for sure..Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Log In And Never Let Me Go!
So let's talk about this! I really liked this concept. Showing how dating has been during the pandemic! As well as pandemic stuff that we've all been dealing with. It's a new and interesting way to showcase a BL storyline without the tropey stuff that were all used to. It also didn't get too stale with the zoom calls and other social media ways of showing progression in the story. It was paced well and ooh this series was really good!Moving on to specifics about the story. The dad storyline had me so sad! Especially with the passing from covid and the circumstances of Cai's guilt. That was such an interesting take on the coming out story. Though tragic I loved the conversation it brought up between our two boys Cai and Gav. Feelings are valid and it wasn't his fault at all! Which btw his brother was so unwarranted in blaming his brother at all for dad getting sick. That made me so mad, but he did apologize afterwards so fine. The showing of the harsh realities though to this pandemic and live footage of workers and people coming out of the hospital got me though in the heart. I'm kinda glad I watched it now as opposed to before when it was so scary. My mental health probably couldn't have taken it. The conversation with the mom too was fantastic. She's a good actor first of all and her apologizing to her son for not gaining his trust enough to feel comfortable with coming out. Oof that one hit too!
Concerning secondary characters. Pearl was a queen, though a bit much sometimes I loved her! I'm so glad she wasn't a stereotypical "threat" to the relationship. She was actually a huge help the entire series AND an ex still! Which is great! We need more healthy relationships like that in shows. Also gotta say her telling Terrence's character not to use his mental health as an excuse for his actions was *chefs kiss amazing. Speaking of Terrence, though he was a total d*** at first I'm glad he got redemption for himself by the end. As well as Wesley's character. Noone was just a "villain" they had layers. Like onions lol. So when the intervention call happens with everyone on Zoom it was really good.
Onto the romance. Holy crap this relationship jumped off real quick! There's already jealousy and miscommunication at episode 2 lol! I wasn't expecting that but I guess I should've with an online started relationship. Other than the shocking speed, the romance was actually incredibly sweet and heartfelt. Though we get Cai being super hesitant and Gav is very persistent, it never felt out of place. The "baby"s were a lot after awhile lol but still very sweet! For a show with zero physical intimacy all throughout until literally the end, it was still believable! And it looks like the movie coming out (super excited for that) will delve into that physical stuff which is great and needed to continue the believability! The actors have chemistry but you can only do so much behind a screen in real life too until skinship is needed. How heartwarming it was though and kinda weird to see the actors in an actual room together with no masks on. Sure them meeting at the crosswalk was extremely sweet, but without the masks was special.
Other random stuff before I wrap up. This series had me DYING at times holy crap it was hilarious! The pillows...like come on and with the condom picture! Bro I can't! I will say one thing that semi-bothered me about this was Cai's computer funnily enough. Y'know for a "gamer" his desktop would have wayyyyyy more sh** on it lmao! Totally not believable how clean it was. Other than that, just little things here and there with the acting that could've been tweaked. As well as wanting more from the soundtrack overall. This series is fantastic and a breath of fresh air in the BL world! I cannot wait for the movie (which looks lit and shot really well) and the second season! It's in person now and I am stoked!
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True Piece of Art Because of Covid
This story both being about the pandemic as well as having the restrictions of the pandemic on the production, creates this special storytelling experience that never would have existed otherwise. The use of social media and perspective in video calls truly grounds the story in reality. It almost felt like you were part of the story, watching it unfold between your friends.I could imagine the same story produced post restrictions where they could freely film multiple people with larger crews, so no one would choose to create this kind of limited production from first person cameras and phone screen closeups. It's because there were no other options that something this innovative was created.
Gameboys is an artwork born from the limitations of the time.
Floods of memories from quarantine and lockdown and pandemic restrictions came back watching this. I think I'm glad to watch it now where it's more in the past than when this was released.
The story is raw and real and definitely worth the watch.
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