Star Struck (2023)

More like a glimmer rather than being starstruck

I've said it before and I'll say it again: This should have been a movie. Or, at least, been released all at once. The cut-off of many episodes felt unsatisfying and, overall, just got in the way of the flow of the story.

Also, it seemed like scenes were missing, and I'm sure a longer runtime would have added more depth to it . . . However--strangely--I'm not mad about it.

Maybe it's the indie vibes and solid acting that won me over and made me see past its flaws.

Just about Zuho: I do have to bring up how great it was to have him, being the fairly famous K-Pop Idol he is, actually speak out against the hate he was getting for acting in a BL, and not just that, but openly voice his support, love, and respect for the LGBT+ community in his response.

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Pining at its finest

Korean BL’s have either been a hit or a miss these days. This drama isn’t dry at all, in all honesty it is pretty good. I’m not going to rave about Zuho being in it, or how that isn’t a a bad thing etc. I’ve done that in the comments and everyone has their own opinion on that. My opinion is to give this show a chance and enjoy it. I like Zuho and Sf9 a lot, how could I at least not find this entertaining.

Luckily for me this drama is more than entertaining. It has great moments of chemistry that by the first few minutes where the two leads are in high school and the story is set up, you can pinpoint right away that one clearly and so desperately pines for the other. That is all credit to the actors, both of them, but for Han Joon’s character specifically. He bit hit tongue twice.. looks like that can only be directed so far. He took that intuition and fully went with it, so that is a reason for me to buy into this chemistry if the setup didn’t already do that.

Childhood friends to lovers can be cheap. But Han Joon’s and Yoo Jae’s bond is different with them both being guys. There isn’t that attraction that people will assume is thee because they are the opposite sex, so that’s why I find it interesting. You have Han Joon liking Yoo Jae but knowing it most likely won’t be reciprocated. The moments of his conflicts with expressing his feelings and being upset about that are brief, but the actor knows the characters feelings that you don’t need to much explanation on that. I’m sure there would be if the drama was longer… which is where things seem to be so easily solved if this drama were.

It’s a stunning show with how it’s not super high budget, the music is calm and the ending ost is really upbeat and I like it. Some editing is off, but I’m just glad a show I’ve been waiting for is finally here. I’m glad that the actors are into their roles and aren’t shying away. Zuho I give so much respect for this. He clearly knows his character well also and is versatile with the many emotions his character has to pull off here. Jealousy, attachments, stress, anger.. love love love to see it

My only gripe is this show needs to be longer. It’s only because the endless potential I see with the all so interesting story. On the surface it’s childhood friends with one liking the other. But there’s a whole lot more. Both of the friends have similarities with being poor, they have unfortunate circumstances and adversities that they have calmed and healed with by being so close. I wish to see those internal struggles outside more, specifically with both of their home lives.. but this drama isn’t long enough to have all that without it being choppy. So the attempt that is going to be made will push through for me, but it could be better if fully fleshed out. There is so much to fit with so little time, but it is really interesting to watch nonetheless.

The acting is really good for the leads. The chemistry is there and has my heart pumping from looks alone. The cinematography shines at moments and other times it is just the drama moving along. So this drama is harmless.. and it could become a complete bucket of cold water over the heads of people who doubt it if it comes through with the chemistry that the actors have- but will the production let them?

Unfortunately not. The last handful of episodes unfortunately are rushed and packed with so many things that there isn’t enough time for. The jump from dating and being together is a bit off.. only because there is only so much affection that was allowed to pass through. In a broader version I can only dream about this would’ve been a 10/10. For what it stands for though it was pretty good. Not perfect at all honestly. It had a lot of gaps I had to fill in with the editing and cuts just because it simply isn’t long enough. Lots of potential, too much potential that it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

I enjoyed the chemistry but wished it would’ve been pushed further. It would’ve shown them and their difference from being just friends to being a couple better. It would make more sense for it- but again it was just a lot of potential. Potential is a good thing, for the whole show though it was underwhelming but not horrible. I’d binge in a day if I watched it again.

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