A lot of laughter after a lot of crying

Like many other people, I cried my eyes out when IFYLITA ended and was anticipating this special episode like crazy. I was one of the lucky people who attended the IFYLITA screening at the Berlinale where the special episode was also shown. I really liked Scent of Memory because it made me laugh A LOT. It's completely separate from the original story and feels more like a side quest. It's hilarious to see Yai in our current time! I especially liked to see Yai and Jom back together and going on dates like people nowadays do. It's a nice change to see Jom taking the lead and explaining everything to Yai. I feared that I would need to cry at the end again, but this episode managed to keep everything light and happy. It was a really enjoyable watch and I hope that now after the first screening in Europe they'll make it available for other international fans as well.

Read More

To little time for too many storylines

This series had a lot of potential: a promising story with interesting characters, a great cast and catchy songs that accompany each couple. However, 16 episodes were just not enough to fully explore each character and couple. Of course not every couple can have the same amount of screen time, nevertheless, especially in the beginning, it seemed like each couple would get two episodes which made it feel rushed to get from “we don't know or like each other” to “you are the one for me”. If I might remember correctly, this platform first said it would have 10 episodes, which later than got changed to 16 and that's also the time when each couple got a little more time to grow. Because there were so many characters/couple, I felt like some of them were forgotten as soon as they got together, which was unfortunate as their character didn't seem to be important later on any more. However, some characters were quite interesting. Especially some female characters were not your typical “drama girl” which I thought to be refreshing being that the entire premise of this show is a group of bachelors hunting women.
I started watching this one because of Mix and stayed because of him (Hunter appearing out of nowhere was my favourite thing) and because of Nanon's acting, the couple portrait by Off and Pat and because of Aye's character.

Read More

Never seen anything like it befor in Thai BL

I must say I'm still in awe because of the series, I just finished it, and it left me happy and sad at the same time. Happy because I watched a show that will have a special place in my heart, and sad because it is already over.
If you're looking for a mature story that not only revolves around love between two people but also encompasses their daily life, struggles, accomplishments and failures, then this is the show for you. We have a portrayal of at least three different generations, different social status and ways to love or how to show that love. We are shown the beginning and end of relationships, what it means to grow up and to learn from one's mistakes and how to say sorry. It also puts you in the shoes of people who struggle because of the pandemic and its following economic crisis, which makes it even more realistic.
As I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I must say that I am beyond joyful with the grand portrayal of our members. It is shown through small details, gestures, and conversations that make me feel like I could sit down with some characters, and we would click automatically because we went through the same struggles or had the same hurtful thoughts.
Everyone involved in this masterpiece did a fantastic job. Every actor delivered their characters perfectly, so believable that I was glued to the screen and never once felt awkward. It was truly a pleasure watching this show. I cannot recommend it enough. I hope there will be more content like this in the future.

Read More

I watched the entire thing in one day...

First time writing a review but because this show isn't watched enough, I have to write one. Here are the main reasons why you should watch this BL:
1. Earth and Mix's chemistry is on point. It's such a joy to see them on the screen together.
2. Acting. Janhae, Earth and Mix did a fabulous job. Especially Janhae and Mix because they had to portray very specific character traits which were not within their original character.
3. Production. The team did a fantastic job at portraying the switched characters perfectly. You never forget that Win and Lin switched bodies without creating confusion or awkward situations.
4. Story. Body switching is a classic tool to create plot, but here it was on another level. A very well and realistic (if one can say that, lmao) execution.
5. Comedy aspect and realism. Episode 4. That's all I'm saying.
6. It actually teaches some Buddhism, which gave the series a unique touch.
All in all this was a wholesome watch and I can recommend it for everyone who wants to watch a good story, with incredible actors and a bubbly feeling.

Read More

The show if you want to have it warm and cozy

This is one of my comfort-shows from now on, and I tell you why:

1. The setting: Finally we have a BL that is not situated in a school, uni, or big city, but no, we're in the mountains of Northern Thailand and wow is this place beautiful! It really gives the entire show a unique feeling, and you get to learn more about Thailand in general.
2. The story: Even tho they use a common trope, it is executed really well, because it goes beyond a love story propelled by destiny. It also shows how an environment shapes oneself, how we never stop growing and that we can find home anywhere with just the right people around us. It is a coming-of-age-story that convinces on every aspect.
3. The cast: I was shocked when I found out that this was Mix' first acting job – he's done it so well! I knew Earth from one or two other series, but never as the main role, but he also convinced me every step on the road. The amount of emotions both can portray through their eyes gave me life.
4. The cinematography: P'Aof is just a talented director. After watching ATOTS and BB I was convinced to watch everything this man would produce/direct. This show will give you goosebumps because of how well this story is shot and told.
5. The music: Every time now when I hear the Khlui flute, I will have butterflies in my stomach! Very well-chosen music and lyrics that fit the atmosphere of the story sooo well!

The standard for BL's just has risen to a new dimension!

Read More

10/10 would watch it again but...

I love this series so much. It is one of my favourite BLs of all time. I've watched it twice now, and I have to applaud the entire production team for their relentless effort to bring real cinema to our homes. This series feels worthy of being watched on the big screen because it uses smart and delicate camera shots, the editing is phenomenal, and the music fits each scene beautifully. It's one of the few productions where I feel like that every actor and actress was chosen perfectly. Not only did Nonkul and Bright convince me of their acting talent, but also young actors like Guide and actresses like June made the difference for me. I want to emphasize though that Nonkul and Bright outdid themselves in these complex roles. They've done an amazing job. Their chemistry is undeniable, and you could see and feel how much work they've put in into building these characters. This series doesn't only revolve around our main couple and their love story but tackles difficult topics like abuse, patriarchal structures, abortion, and (in)justice. How can you pursue of your dreams and desires in a society where you're viewed as an outcast because of the person you love? I love the diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community as it's not your stereotypical gay couple, but we also have a lesbian couple, a bi-/pansexual character and a person who is trans.

There is only one thing I have to criticize, which is the penultimate scene where Khun Yai's modern version shows up at the Phalatip house, where Jom sits and cries while reading Khun Yai's letter from almost 90 years ago. I don't understand how modern Yai was able to remember Jom. It's apparently Khun Yai's spirit that awakened in him, otherwise I cannot explain it. I would've preferred just to see modern Yai enter the house, both of them locking eyes and end scene. That would've left us to our imagination of how these two get to know each other again in modern times, and we could've rest assured that yes they have found each other again. Happy End after all. Maybe it is something I only understand once I read the novel. If so, I'll edit this post lmao

Read More

This series has it all...

drama, funny scenes, diversity, sex education and all that without making it awkward. This series gives us a glance at what our society really looks like and how we talk or should talk about topics like sex, gender, feminism, and diversity. While it does that, it also doesn't forget to critique itself by including criticism on the entertainment industry itself. It speaks about casting actors just for their looks and not their acting skills, the pressure on actresses to look a certain way and nepotism. It surprised me that even though the cast is this huge, I didn't feel like certain stories weren't complete at the end or that they only existed for certain plot points. Every character had its own meaning throughout the entire series. Every plot is interesting because it highlights a different aspect of our world be it sexual harassment, pregnancy, homophobia, coming out as queer, sexual preferences or just communication skills. It's a full package where I think everyone will find themselves in one or more characters. Above that, the acting skills of each actor and actress are amazing. I felt no awkwardness whatsoever and enjoyed every second of it.

Read More

We need more of this!

This series blew my mind in so many aspects!
1. The story: It is so unique and full of depth. It's not only a love story but a story about friendship, social injustice and how different people have to work together for the same goal. And how such a goal like to change a rotten system can even be achieved.
2. Representation: This series finally shows you well-rounded characters, even if they're only side characters. The women of this show are not your typical hysterical girl that only exists to cause drama. No, they have their own minds and goals, which they communicate as well. We don't have your typical gay men either, and we have a trans character who is not used for comedic relief but triggers some important conversations in the group.
3. The music: For a BL this has a unique soundtrack which I loved. Every song fit the scene perfectly by underlining its atmosphere and there were a lot of them, not just one or two that get repeated over and over but a huge variety.
4. Cinematography: This series is an eye-candy. So many beautiful and also interesting shots. Sometimes you really feel like you're being pulled into the screen by how the director used the camera.
5. Acting: The cast chosen has done an incredible job. I have never seen Off and Gun representing such deep characters, and you can really see how much they have grown as characters. It was also my second time to see First in a series, and I was again blown away by his acting skills. Such a delightful watch!

Overall, you can really feel that the director is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has an eye for what's going on right now and what maybe is not talked enough about in mainstream media, which is why it is great to have this piece of art. I highly recommend you to watch this show if you want to understand Thailand's society better, to maybe get some new perspectives on some issues and to see a beautiful love story.

Read More

Weak start, strong half-time, weak ending

No spoilers:
Overall, this show convinced me because of Zo's character and how the script only revealed his backstory bit by bit, making me want to re-watch the show at least once. Where the show almost lost me was at the very slow beginning and the convoluted end. In retrospective, only episodes 3-9 grabbed my attention, either because the relationship was still developing or struggling. Another thing I liked was the second couple, as they felt enriching to the story and also had an interesting plot. However, one of the main parts (?) of the story – the debating club – I think could've been used more effectively and didn't feel as important as it was supposed to be. For me, the topics they debated were too fictional to take them seriously.

Acting-wise, I do feel like Joong and Dunk improved from Star in My Mind. Especially, Dunk portrayed Zo's nervousness perfectly with his physical responses to Joke's advances. I'm certain that some scenes/situations helped bring across these emotions because it was also their first time shooting scenes like this. However, I see the need for both of them to act separately from each other, so that they can learn from other situations, plots, and more experienced actors. Of course, I want to see them again together in a series, but then it must be outside the uni-context and maybe in another genre – be it action, thriller, more mature or full on rom-com where you sit on the other side of the screen laughing so hard you have to cry.

Let's talk directing-style: I think in the special episode that aired before Hidden Agenda was released it was mentioned that this was the first or one of the first bigger projects for the director and I think you can feel that. Sometimes I felt lost as to how much time has passed (especially episode 7). I was missing transitional-shots or something that gave a clue as to where and when we are in the scene. Also, I'm not a huge fan of this very milky background we got most of the time (again, episode 7) – at some point it felt over-used. It could've had a better/bigger impact I think if it would've been used more sparingly. Additionally, the music often felt quite random. Maybe a bigger selection would've made the job easier and could've improved to convey certain feelings in some scenes.

Spoilers included:
That Zo is a pan- or bisexual character came to me as a pleasant surprise because I read his behaviour when he realized his feelings for Joke as i'm-getting-to-know-my-sexuality kinda thing. As it turns out, however, this was only him dealing with the trauma experienced back when he was a kid, and he had feelings for a boy for the first time. So, now the first 7 episodes change their meaning – at least for me. And I love that we don't have this i'm-getting-to-terms-with-my-sexuality-trope, but rather deal with how-can-I-overcome-this-trauma.
What I also admire about Zo is that he stays true to his principles. He communicates very clear and doesn't make any distinction between classmate, friends, or boyfriend. A few examples: As soon as he figured out his feelings for Joke, he acts on them (the kiss in episode 4). Next he goes to Nita because he realized the difference in his romantic feelings towards Joke and his feelings of admiration towards Nita. When Joke is again pushy with the food, and he gets into a fight with one of Zo's friends, Zo ends the fight and takes Joke with him to tell him off in a mature way. And of course when Joke's hidden agenda gets revealed, and he doesn't apologize correctly, Zo doesn't get weak and waits for Joke to come to his senses and (hopefully) learn from his mistake. Now of course Zo is not perfect as I don't like the silent-treatment he's giving Joke, but again, no person is perfect, and I love it that we see more characters like that.
Joke being the green-flag and supportive boyfriend was a great watch. Even though he really frustrated me in episode 9 when it took him the entire episode to realize what he did wrong – but I'm here for it. What I admire about Joke was his consistent reassurance he gave Zo about his feelings for him. He tried to not pressure Zo which I think is important to show more in BL as there are too many storylines out there where pressure is romanticized. I think we saw the peak of it in episode 8 where we got the super hyped NC scene.
While Zo and Joke were the example for good communication, I feel like the second couple, Jeng and Pok, showed us what happens when you don't communicate your thoughts and feelings honestly. However, their conflict also got resolved in a mature way where Jeng realized how his behaviour hurt his boyfriend, and Pok learned that he needed to communicate his feelings better for Jeng to be able to act on them.
Now the last two episodes felt really out of place, I think that's because Hidden Agenda was originally supposed to run only for 10 instead of 12 episodes? Anyhow, the end felt convoluted and rushed because they squeezed in Joke's family drama and another quarrel between Zo and Joke. It's possible, that if it had been 12 episodes from the beginning they could've built up the Joke situation way better. Now, his family-situation was used to explain Zo's misunderstanding with his mom – a classic “don't tell but show”-situation where the time ran out to show rather than tell what just happened. Because without Zo's explanation, I don't think I would've got his isolation in episode 12. In the end I would've been more happy with just 10 episodes because after episode 9 I didn't feel as excited anymore to wait for each episode.

Read More