This review may contain spoilers
Forgettable BL with a HE
- Genre –
Entertainment Industry/Romance/TV Star/BL
- Brief Synopsis –
Protagonist A is a die-hard fan of B and dreams of meeting him. One day, he secures an internship on B’s set and ends up given the duty of taking care of B. As they start spending more time with each other, B start falling for A and they end up in a secret relationship. The rest of the episodes focuses on the development of their relationship. Towards the end, their relationship is temporarily broken when A finds out B has done an intimate scene with another actor without telling him. The shows ends with them getting together and A leaving his fan persona behind to properly become B’s lover.
- Plot and Storyline –
This plot does not contain any plot twists that would make the story memorable in any way. The pacing is notably swift, particularly in the development of the romance, which can feel abrupt and lacks a gradual buildup. While the story introduces elements of angst, the emotional impact is diminished, primarily because the source of conflict revolves around one of the main characters doing an intimate scene with another actor without the knowledge of their partner. As a viewer, the lack of investment in this particular couple undermines the potency of the angst, failing to evoke a meaningful response. All in all, it's a good story but badly executed.
- Character Development –
The only development is that both characters learn to become more mature over time.
- Acting -
The overall sweetness of the relationship between the main characters is apparent, but the absence of a gradual buildup makes their coming together feel somewhat plain. The kisses and small touches, while present, lack a significant impact due to this rushed development. Despite all that, the actors do a good job in building chemistry. Another thing to note is that in this show, the actors offer a more mature portrayal of intimate scenes, pushing the boundaries by depicting sexual content to the extent permissible without revealing everything.
However, the acting from supporting characters occasionally falls into the realm of exaggeration, making it challenging for the audience to fully engage. Furthermore, the portrayal of acting within the fictional show in the series is deemed subpar, to the extent that skipping those scenes becomes a necessity.
- Production Quality -
Decent production quality with somewhat realistic sets and props.
- Writing and Dialogue -
Writing can sometimes be a little cringey.
- Pacing -
Pacing is good.
- Themes and Message –
In order to have a long-lasting relationship with your idol, you need to stop looking at him as your idol but as a person.
- Audience Appeal -
Anyone who likes the concept of idol dating a fan will probably like it. But it should be noted that A’s personality can be a little too childish which is a turnoff for some.
- Standout Moments -
The onsen scene really stood out to me because I have never seen an intimate scene so sexual. This scene was leaning closer to porn rather than what we typically see in BL.
- Criticisms -
x A's character is way too childish, to the point it's almost a little cringey at times.
x Acting from other characters can sometimes get way too exagerrated. The writing also suffers the same problem, which takes away realism.
x Both A and B's characters aren't very likable for me so rooting for them and getting invested in their relationship is a little difficult.
- Conclusion -
I won’t be rewatching this show but I will be revisiting the onsen scene…probably.
Entertainment Industry/Romance/TV Star/BL
- Brief Synopsis –
Protagonist A is a die-hard fan of B and dreams of meeting him. One day, he secures an internship on B’s set and ends up given the duty of taking care of B. As they start spending more time with each other, B start falling for A and they end up in a secret relationship. The rest of the episodes focuses on the development of their relationship. Towards the end, their relationship is temporarily broken when A finds out B has done an intimate scene with another actor without telling him. The shows ends with them getting together and A leaving his fan persona behind to properly become B’s lover.
- Plot and Storyline –
This plot does not contain any plot twists that would make the story memorable in any way. The pacing is notably swift, particularly in the development of the romance, which can feel abrupt and lacks a gradual buildup. While the story introduces elements of angst, the emotional impact is diminished, primarily because the source of conflict revolves around one of the main characters doing an intimate scene with another actor without the knowledge of their partner. As a viewer, the lack of investment in this particular couple undermines the potency of the angst, failing to evoke a meaningful response. All in all, it's a good story but badly executed.
- Character Development –
The only development is that both characters learn to become more mature over time.
- Acting -
The overall sweetness of the relationship between the main characters is apparent, but the absence of a gradual buildup makes their coming together feel somewhat plain. The kisses and small touches, while present, lack a significant impact due to this rushed development. Despite all that, the actors do a good job in building chemistry. Another thing to note is that in this show, the actors offer a more mature portrayal of intimate scenes, pushing the boundaries by depicting sexual content to the extent permissible without revealing everything.
However, the acting from supporting characters occasionally falls into the realm of exaggeration, making it challenging for the audience to fully engage. Furthermore, the portrayal of acting within the fictional show in the series is deemed subpar, to the extent that skipping those scenes becomes a necessity.
- Production Quality -
Decent production quality with somewhat realistic sets and props.
- Writing and Dialogue -
Writing can sometimes be a little cringey.
- Pacing -
Pacing is good.
- Themes and Message –
In order to have a long-lasting relationship with your idol, you need to stop looking at him as your idol but as a person.
- Audience Appeal -
Anyone who likes the concept of idol dating a fan will probably like it. But it should be noted that A’s personality can be a little too childish which is a turnoff for some.
- Standout Moments -
The onsen scene really stood out to me because I have never seen an intimate scene so sexual. This scene was leaning closer to porn rather than what we typically see in BL.
- Criticisms -
x A's character is way too childish, to the point it's almost a little cringey at times.
x Acting from other characters can sometimes get way too exagerrated. The writing also suffers the same problem, which takes away realism.
x Both A and B's characters aren't very likable for me so rooting for them and getting invested in their relationship is a little difficult.
- Conclusion -
I won’t be rewatching this show but I will be revisiting the onsen scene…probably.
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