QueerCinephile98
Philippines
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"Web Series Review: Chasing Sunsets (2020)"
Filmed during the quarantine lockdown in the Philippines, Chasing Sunsets is a web series centered on interconnected stories of hope, love, and survival. Amidst the public health crisis, the Camp Avenue Studios spearheaded the project with an end in mind: the end goal is to offer the viewers a different type of series that intertwines entertainment and awareness. The underlying themes in the series which are indicated at the introduction of ten episodes discuss pressing issues such as mental health problem, the sensitive topic of rape victim, and the fear of acquiring HIV. I commend the actors who seem new and amateur in the field of acting. They pulled it off! One surprising perspective the series tackles is the importance of companionship. The case of Lara who is diagnosed of depression and anxiety becomes the principal victim of her mental disorders. She met later on the owner of the campsite who happens to be openly lesbian and a proud mom of her beautiful daughter. They formed a friendship but shortly after got entangled in a platonic relationship. The ending might surprise the viewers but I guarantee you it takes you to a whole level: a roller coaster of emotions.Did it meet my expectations? Yes! I was thrilled to see a series so relevant in this day and age. As I always say, the audience must be wise enough to prefer movies and series that provide them life lessons over some films that only satiate their thirst for temporary happiness.
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Anyhow, the story, performance, and cinematography needs improvement. New actors must attend workshops frequently. The actor who plays Duen cannot portray his role well nor internalize the lines with much more impact. Overall the series offered no more giddy than social relevance.
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First, I would like to commend the featured casts. Whether they play major or minor characters, they gave justice to their roles. I admire the two main casts. They have the chemistry, with a blend of happiness and melancholy along the story. It somehow shows a realistic image of coming-out narratives where the closeted gay friend confessed love to his best friend.
Though, I agreed with one commentator who noticed the unrealistic tendency of the genre highlighting the stereotypes among the homosexual male. Honestly, I criticize the genre as too heavily cliche and corny. I know that the story in itself is fiction, but to write a male-to-male romance, it has to be realistic with or without the involvement of explicit scenes. I am well acquainted with the definition of B.L. genre as I have done my research on it. Again, I learnt that commonly who writes BL-oriented are women for female fans. To the women authors, please make sure you have read scholarly books or published research about Gender and Sexuality or the LGBTQIA+ community. As writers, your duty is not exclusively within the realm of writing, but you need to broaden your knowledge on the matter. This is to avoid prejudice.
Second, the acting is superb. Gun has been in the showbiz industry since he was young. I was blown away when I learnt that on Google. After all, it is no surprising he is a great actor of his generation. I love his acting as well in other series such as The Gifted.
Third, trust me when I say it is a must-see drama. You can try, but I tell you can never go back, for it makes you want to watch or even finish the whole series in just one week straight! Highly recommended.
Fourth, sa mga Pilipino diyan na baguhan sa genre, ito na ang unahin niyong panuorin. Pramis, walang halong pagsisisi ang mararamdaman. Pasasalamatan mo pa ang series dahil maraming lessons that you can learn and apply to in (love) life.
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"Web Series Review: Sakristan (2020)"
Despite the controversy and nose made on social media in the past weeks, Sakristan made its way to the finale. It is a Filipino BL series that deviates from the traditional aim of the LGBTQIA subgenre. The series has social relevance, in that it discusses principal issues that reconcile faith in the name of the Mother Church and faith in yourself. Acceptance, self-discovery, and compassion are the message it brings to the fore.The following criteria will be used for this review:
1. Directing
I’ve known Dir. Yap’s style and approach to his projects since I last saw #Jowable the movie. Straightforward, provocative, and sometimes topics in discussion are still treated in Philippine society as taboo, which became Yap’s major contribution as he introduces them in this day and age to young viewers. I’m aware there was an audition for the roles and choosing casts that fit the characters in them made me think that Yap may have selected them not because of talents alone, but the personality each actor carries. However the process of casting, I will honestly say that since some of them are newbies, I just hope that Dir. Yap had required the actors undergo a series of workshops before the shooting started.
2. Writing
Yap is both the writer and director of Sakristan. What I truly admire the series are the lines with underlying meanings in Filipino and Gay Lingo. Sometimes, the mistranslation can be at fault but if viewers only knew the lingua franca used in the series, they would have understood the social context in the story. Undeniably, the scriptwriting is well crafted.
3. Cinematography
Cinematography wise, I would commend the Team using a vintage-like filter in the scenes and the cinematic flavor really comes from the creative reign of the director.
4. Editing
The series is filmed but it feels raw. Notice that some actors who possess brown skin complexion or in Filipino, Kayumangi, are unfiltered, meaning it remains as it is. Perhaps, this is Dir. Yap’s decision too so as to show the physical beauty of Filipino in spite of many of us fancy over white skin.
5. Acting Performance
Truth be told the main leads lack chemistry and cannot execute the lines well. But to demand a performance like the veterans would seem unfair judgment. Of course, as viewers, we see to it they are chosen because they have real talents to offer. Unfortunately, the two actors who play Zach and Christian have to make themselves comfortable of their roles in case they will be casted in future projects. Honestly speaking, I always look forward to the series because the actress who portrays the role of Penelope is so good in acting, and sometimes exaggerated by uttering sarcastic lines.
6. Production Design
Aesthetic is essential in filmography. The series is aesthetic in its own right. Not all viewers will agree with me about that. The shooting location of urban streets and often the characters interacting in school and church highlight the Filipinoness which becomes for me an ideal motif of the series.
7. Official Soundtrack
No doubt the playlist in the series has captivated the soft side of viewers. I won’t further discuss the song one by one, but it is a must to listen to them in times of uncertainty like what we are going through.
Did it meet my expectation? At some point, it did and did not. Though there is little satisfaction in the finale (unexpected), I would still watch a second season depending on three criteria: performance, relevance, and cinematography.
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"Are Dreams do come true?"
Gasohug defies the typical Lakorn stories that viewers usually watch. The plot, story setting, and character development are unique. I'm glad the director has included the indigenous peoples of Northern Thailand, such as Lahu, Akka, Hmong. Though it can't be compared to a heavy drama for its short but light episodes, I must say the series deserves international attention. The thematic concept of dream is paradoxically untrue in reality. In the story, Eve has dreamed of her fate since she was young, even when she would meet the apple of her eye. Reality speaks, dreams are made of many factors including stress, for example. Dream cannot foretell one's prospect ahead.Overall, the series is light and expects nothing more than entertainment.
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"2 Moons2 Could have been..."
I have to admit I was hesitant at first to watch a remake of 2 Moons. Season 1 had a great selection of newest actors in Showbiz industry. With hopes that it could meet viewers' expectation, the 2 Moons 2 did not. I guess many of us would agree with other reviews. Mine is as same as theirs. It is a bit disappointment and I will lay down some points on the matter. First, the chosen actors are unfamiliar to us; hence, they have no solid background in acting. I have no intention to tarnish their image, but some casts are not well trained. The series could have been better if the casts had gone through several acting workshops. If they did, then how come they could not internalize the lines well? Second, the Official Soundtrack, unfortunately, is not captivating. I believe throughout 12 episodes, only two song are featured. It is not a deal breaker, though but I suggest the sequel must have at least more than two songs played in different episodes. Third, Cinematography wise is a major dismay. Thai BL series do leave us memorable scenes with remarkable and carefully planned cinematography, which boosts more viewers if such actors are amateur in the field.Had both director and writer considered the three points I brought up above, this series would have turned into a masterpiece---sadly, never did it happen.
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"The Epitome of Korean Drama Perfection"
I've just done watching its last episode. Hospital Playlist S1 is a total package. The plot, characters, main events, virtually the entirety of the series has been portrayed in detail and with love. OSTs are the best! It is no surprising that the word "Playlist" included in the title has been justified. All featured songs have serenaded me throughout the 12 episodes. I can't help but search them on YouTube after listening to them in some scenes. The scenario of the professional world of Doctors are so realistic that the actors made me think they were doing the actual operations. Finally, the legacy it had left on me is the realization that the role of Doctors and front liners they played in times of uncertainty has been given emphasis. Thus, not only does the series merit good reviews and international attention, but it also becomes worthy and timely during the health crisis the 21st-century people are facing today.Highly Recommended!
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