Well, I liked it!
DISCLAIMER: I do have notoriously low standards hahaI did go in with very low expectations after reading the main review but NO regrets watching it <33
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STORY:
PLOT OVERALL: It was like a cute little on-shot written with the synopsis ("Actors Play and First being made to live together for 10 days in a house to find/whip up chemistry for their upcoming series ") as prompt.
-1- I am pretty much sucker for a good "OBLIGATORY-LIVE-IN" plot, especially when mashed with an "HATE-TO-LOVE" ingredient. And I got it here.
Actors Play and First being made to live together for 10 days in a house to find/whip up chemistry for their upcoming series - was an acceptable and believable excuse. (I've seen series coming up with much more ridiculous reasons to push two people together).
-2- CHARACTER GROWTH: Personally I DID FIND subtle growth and changes in character - and that was all I needed. The story is of 10 days span and they pretty much had an slow steady built relationship, catalyzed by situations of close proximity and a third party, maybe hindered by personal inhibitions - common plot development but always realistic and understandable.
-3- DEPTH: Was lacking, or I am missing some details. But again, for a 5 episode plot explaining 10 day story with lot of fanservice scenes, it is not expected in an average show.
-4- PACE: Was slow, even super slow at times, I could safely skip 5, 10 seconds instead of waiting for something to happen and that's saying something. I was thankful to the speed controlled widget I have lol, I watched a lot of scenes between 1.2 to 1.8 speeds.
-5- HUMOR: It was a little bonus, to my humor sense, some scenes were funny, and I lowkey like Penelope (even though she was a little "clingy" at some parts haha).
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ACTING: GOOD.
MAIN LEADS: IMO CHEMISTRY WAS GOOD - their acting could show growth of their chemistry well, and the awkwardness in the beginning too. Nothing in to make me feel cringed or that it was unnatural.
There was indeed a little something missing in the chemi - a tiny little bump I cannot quite place - but as a casual viewer I was satisfied.
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SUPPORTING CHARACTERS:
I liked the variety in natures of the casting team. PRAEW was either aloof or just acts that way and probably a Y-girl, FAH was strict and more of a cold minded professional, PENELOPE was colorful character who could does have flaws but is also sensitive and fun, DIRECTOR pretty much impressed me in the tea scene lol-he gave his all, CHAI too surprised with acting skill in "that one scene". PLUTO was the sweet kind of second lead who in a well produced drama can give SLS induced heartaches.
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REWATCH VALUE: I am not big into rewatching but this definitely makes my list!!!!! It could be a cute comfort show for another day.
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Watch it!!
STORY: It's a 5 minutes short, short-film. Though that it barely time for anything to happen (and barely anything happens) overall I'd say IT'S CUTE! Just watch till the end, if you're up for cutesy romantic scene, with a good context, I'd suggest you watch this :)I rated it an 8 since,
- I am easily pleased by a basic good show
- I've seen longer series with plots confusing and story conveyed in a worse manner. This gives you a good context to scene, and if you have a good imagination you can make up prequel and sequel in your head hehe.
- It had what I'd call a HAPPY AND SATISFYING ENDING - again ... it was a 5mins video.
PACE: I did go at 1.25x because I was "in a mood" to watch in that pace.
RECOMMENDED for a super-cute dose of fluffy web-series (more like a clip though).
[You don't even have to leave this site to watch it lol, the original uploader has embedded it on their profile, https://mydramalist.com/26246-he-says-to-me#comment-2476519 ]
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Cautionary tale with a message
Intro:This is a short 3-episode educational / cautionary web-series, end credits mention TICAC (Thailand Internet Crime Against Children - a taskforce for protection of children).
It talks about dangers of the web, dangers of risky professions, and how a seemingly insignificant decision can change one's life for worse.
Story:
It's pretty simple and straight forward, (understandable for a short series) with clear cut messages.
First two episodes were introduction to 2 girls from the same school and how they are "trapped", while in the third episode the story moves in a different direction.
{The message in the ending was something we hear all the time, but can never be shared enough.}
Ending:
imo is as satisfying as it can get.
Acting:
Good.
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Chaotic
This is a chaotic story with lot of crackhead energy, about a bunch of (I'd say virile) people. The plot is driven by bunch of misunderstandings. With an ending that I personally believe is a neatly tied up in a bow - meaning I don't have much complaints.Story:
About a couple , just over 20 years into marriage with a passionate love life and "free" style of parenting.
Plot mainly focuses on how their lives change when the husband's childhood neighbor (who was also his ex) moves back to the house next door. The confusions and chaos, is particularly helped by the unexpectedly mature-for-her-age and imaginative youngest child.
Side plot focuses on lives of each of the couple's children - which kept the story pretty much interesting.
Acting:
Personally, liked work of all actors. Each have done their character justice.
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I didn't mind whatever happened.
STORY:
It might be "right love, wrong time" situation for these two because while they are pretty good together, as a generalization, even when they seem to not be together everything felt fine. In first season I felt Ben deserved better, in second I felt that way about Jim. Flashbacks were cute. The ending to me was fine. To be fair, by the end of the series, almost any non-tragic ending was acceptable to me.
For the main couple, it's a story of healing, and for side characters it's about romance and acceptance. The second leads were good, in short though- one seemed like a healthy person to be with and the other, well less healthy. And the whole confusing mess one of the besties fell into, initially felt chaotic and disorganized but come to think of it that whole confusion was what the writer/director meant to portray! Overall, there were a bunch of tiny subplots for all characters and everything tied up in a neat bow.
ACTING, was good, similar to the first season.
I did grow more fond of their OST this time around.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'd say Go ahead and watch it!!
[[CONTAINS NO SPOILER OF THE PLOT - first 10 minutes, and type of ending are shared, to give a feel of the movie -all section headings are clearly marked^^]]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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RECOMMENDED IF you are up for a scary movie with decent amount of jumpscares, not really gore/violent, has a story plus backstory. Acting is good, effects are decent, the movie is not pure horror, it has interspersed elements of comedy and teeny budding romances.
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STORY:::
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FIRST 10 MINUTES:
The movie starts with a group of students at a cram school, at night, asking a girl about her friend who has been missing for a while. And once she explains there is a sudden blackout.
The urban legend of girl haunting Siam Square is narrated (I was hooked by this point), after which the movie continues to explain what has happened leading up to this point.
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PACE:
Was decent. There was a stuff happening, so you'd be engaged but not too soon as to be confusing. Just optimum for a lazy watch (for a horror movie of course).
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PLOT:
> Overall, nothing controversial. There are few plot-holes but nothing I want to hang on to.
> Almost had a mini rollercoaster of emotions but I am glad I sat through it.
> SCARE FACTOR: was just okay, for a horror movie though there were few plot points where tbh I had to mute/ pause and catch my breath to continue. More than the jumpscares, the makeup and the CGI (well it got to me, I can be a scaredy-cat), I liked the story telling - (narration / the plot itself) - which could scare. No gore/ extreme violence or bloodshed. As mentioned movie often makes the mood lighter with comic and emotional elements.
> ROMANCE FACTOR (Since the synopsis mentions "romantic conflicts"): I do appreciate romance even in horrors haha, and there are few romantic interests going around, at least one of which that I found cute.
> DEPTH: Movie offers more than just scares.
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TYPE OF ENDING:
Closure : I'd say 98% if I were to nitpick
Happy/sad : better than I'd hoped for - it is more than just happy or sad, I'd call it satisfying.
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ACTING: Was good. Almost all the main characters were high schoolers who were trying to get to the bottom of what ws happening. And they played their parts well. There are definitely deeper emotions, I personally found nothing lacking. Each actors have done their part pretty well, they fit their characters
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MY OPINION: Overall, I enjoyed watching it, definitely do not regret or think it was waste of time. I would recommend as horror that can be watched on a lazy day. I am not big on rewatching (ever) but wouldn't mind re-watching this with company either.
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Short, light and not unhealthy BL
Basically, it is a light plot, almost straightforward. Story develops a little too easily, but given it is a 6 episode long series, that is almost inevitable. Neither flawless, nor ridiculous. Plus points for lowkey light thrown on toxic relationships.Acting did not seem too good initially, but as I kept watching it grew on me - most characters have an individual personality and the actors/writers maintained it throughout. Initially, few actors did seem either over top or too bleak, but they were easier to like once it was almost established as the basic nature of those characters. (if that made sense)
The whole show is not premium rewatch material imo, there might be scenes that stay with you.
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Acting doesn't let you down
Investigations into a string of murders involving students attending a girls' school in the village, starts unravelling dark truths which might help capture the killer. Movie goes in a decent pace, with smooth plot twists incorporated seamlessly. The actoring imho is top notch. Cinematography and sceneries being a wonderful bonus.If you can handle the strong disturbing tags including child abuse, domestic abuse, violence, bullying - I'd suggest not to look too much into reviews or comments, and dive right into the movie.
Beginnings have the power to capture the interest of the viewer, middle is THE whole substance but a really good ending is leaves the movie lingering in one's mind. Every part was delivered well in this movie.
It was a beautiful wrap up, nailed in the feels, and music was so impactful!!
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A good watch
The ratings being low makes sense because the beginning wasn't too good tbh. Thanks to a comment below, I watched the whole thing and I like the stories and how they string few together or makes sense of almost everything by the end. The synopsis is all you need but the story is much more than what you'd typically expect from it.The movie is almost like an anthology - but to be more precise, it's a group of stories all connected by a main theme - the ghost bride. Another review details on each short stories so I'm not getting into it.
Acting - was good and natural. Not much awkwardness.
Story - might not be hold your attention initially, but do watch in order. Once I finished the first 3 stories, especially at the 4th, it got my interest.
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I liked it so much!!
overall, mine seem to be differing from most opinions here BUT I am going to stand by it. Gen Y is a really good show.Very personal opinions, here we go.
# STORY: Normal series, romance only, no moral take-aways. WRITING at times is a mess.
✪ Minus side would be how haphazard the plot inclusive of WAYU is, almost as if the writer feels conflicted in every two episodes on which pair to go forward with. Not to mention new plot-twists were added in last couple of episodes. It was indeed bearable but almost amateur-ish move.
✪ On the plus side there are no major plot-holes, the subplots all relate to each other and despite having multiple supporting characters they are almost well managed.
✪ HUGE appreciation -
>> no non-consent being romanticized in any way (the few "physical" scenes were all within a safe gray zone imo), consent is unfailingly given importance.
>> they stayed away from "wife" tags for love interests / boyfriends
>> at the core characters are no pushovers,
>> there are no sexuality tag discussion - it was almost a pan-normative zone, and anyone could fall in love with anyone.
✪ Not only is it made in the right way, this was a naturally unproblematic show - it did not really bother to project the correctness. It was subtle and weaved into the nature of the show. Personally I appreciated the lack of implicit mocking of other series (even if they had it coming) to show how politically correct this series is- that is something few pretty good series had done, which made me slightly uneasy.
# ACTING: Kimmon-Copter just floored me with their acting, they were pure talent - I might have extra love for them after being rescued by their scenes after having to watch the other, stiff, couple. Hate to be criticizing a skill I do not possess but Dun and Bas just .. are not the best of actors. The engineering senior gang is also teeny bit awkward at times but again, way more natural. The high schooler gang was breath of fresh air, loved how they can bring the energy up.
# CHARACTERS/ COUPLES::
✪ MARK & KIT - Seriously sweetest dream couple. Realistically such a couple might not exist but then, that is the reason I watch dramas. They are patient, understanding, do not stress unnecessarily much on ego, and not to mention truckloads of sweetness and love - couldn't get enough. Personality wise, I cannot help but think how suitable these two are for each other. Mark is someone who can get to emotionally guarded person like Kit. And Kit does deserve the world. My favorite character indeed, wholesome, caring, understanding and mature - I just feel supportive and protective of everything he does <3
✪ WAYU - not been a fan of the actor himself but the character seems okay. Did not find him clingy or weepy or dull or depressing, he was simply a person who was deeply in love who got his heart broken.
THANU - again, not a fan of the acting, character being confused seems justifies to me though. Got no complains about his actions.
PHAI - sweet, and angelic character, the actor's looks almost suits that. Love how mature he is and pleasantly happy about the plot making two brothers have similar core characteristics!!!
SANDEE - confusing, but lowkey trusting him
TONG/POK - Surprised but sudden burst of chemistry, definitely second favorite couple!
KOH/JACK - probably 3rd favorite couple. And they are not even a couple :)
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This review may contain spoilers
More of spoiler filled musings than a review
---SPOILERS ALL THE WAY for both seasons ---(I was about to post this essay under a YT fmv lol but decided to blabber here instead, though it is much longer now than what I started with)
I am saying this as someone who at the end does ship TehAew.
Their relationship trouble is more than just the "cheating" imo.
Teh technically kissed for a workshop and didn't do anything else physical but it's not black and white. He kept ignoring Aew and even in his mind started to replace him with Jai - it was more than a passive falling in love with another guy. Teh knew he was changing, he knew he would hurt his boyfriend but he just went on with his fantasies and actively ignoring Aew for it's sake. He did see how much Aew would be affected when they had that one talk in the car, he had a chance to get himself out of that headspace. If not, the kinder thing would've been just to break up.
And the reason this couple is worrying is not just what he did at this point. In the first season he couldn't just decide who he likes. He is indecisive between the girl he has long time crush on and Aew. He acts impulsively when is comes the admission. And each time he is a bit too hurtful to Aew. All this along with his attitude towards Aew's (Really good) friends and Aew's decision about his future -- everything just adds up to make him one very confused, damaged, angsty, self-destructive character who can be indecisive.
And it's almost ironic that he keeps calling out Aew as someone who changes his mind too often and cannot make a firm decision, but when it comes to feelings Teh is exactly the same. Aew on the other hand never shows doubts, since before they got together and even after they stopped being together. A man with that kind of conviction ideally deserves someone who loves him back the same way.
And that being said, these stories are not ideal. It is not being someone ending up with the person who they 100% deserves, who deserves them 100%. It believe is about an optimum point. In the end if the bad and good sides of a person and a relationship and everything it encompasses can form a good balance, if the people in it make up fro their mistakes so that the person who was wronged (not everyone around) feels easy again, if in a relationship in spite of not ALWAYS being happy they are at the end and on an average day happy and content, maybe it is not too bad after all.
Teh is someone who I feel needs to do a lot, really lot, to make it up to Aew but their relationship can be salvageable. To me, even after the series end, he will need to repent and spoil and love the guy so much more so that maybe finally, one day, he'll once again be worth Aew.
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Short and quick dose of fluff
Just watch without a lot of expectations, the whole series is little longer than an hour perhaps, and for the short time span, they have covered quite a bit of plot. Plus given a soft romance with believable chemistry.I've got no complaints about acting, story, direction. All are good even compared to the kdrama standard. I can understand the frustrations of other users.. the story is beautiful with a lot of potential, and hopefully they will start making full length dramas of this vibe <3
Personally, I'd call it a mood booster material, though I'd rather watch the movie for re-watch!!!
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Good for a light watch to kill time
STORY:- The skeletal framework for the plot, and subplots to stretch the drama are pretty good - felt they were fresh, dreamy and not forced (except maybe one). Plus the characters are unique and has a certain depth too.
- BUT writers have done only an average job in making these components into a good story. I really feel there was more potential to make this plot much much better.
- got to appreciate that decent focus was also given to friendships, family, and struggles of these characters <3
- imo, final episode was little hurried but satisfactory, especially since it gives closure on some matters.
ACTING:
Pai, Pure, Folk and even Waan were portrayed pretty well. But when it comes to chemistry, the gay side couple is still better. To be fair Itt-Pai kiss scenes do not disappoint but I personally boys give low "feels", AT TIMES.
Rest, including direction, production, music, rewatch value - I'd describe as "low to medium average".
FINAL VERDICT: Not something I regret watching. Overall, liked it. Not something of high quality story acting or direction but you can binge watch on a lazy day for the lowkey cuteness.
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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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Not a lot but still just enough
I am talking about what the episode has, not the exact content, so hopefully this will not be considered spoiler.The special episode really filled my heart, it was so wholesome!!!
They showed how an ex does not necessarily mean a villain, and that even though it was in the past, what they had still love. And the hurt of having to separate when they still like each other, especially the helplessness the one who did not make the decision was acted out so beautifully (tmi: I was patting my screen throughout a scene?)
And not only did they redeem the ex, they ended it with a sweeter note of how even someone who might have felt so broken, and like their world has ended at a point, can find happiness on moving on. I really appreciate how they neither showed a relationship as better nor another one as superior.
If anything was missing, it would be screentime for any other character, but I wouldn't complain.
This small and sweet episode itself has overwhelmed me - in a good way. <3
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