It was GOOD until it became confusing

"Jazz For Two" boasts a standout cast, featuring talented rookie actors who inject freshness into the series. However, the limited run time of only 8 episodes feels insufficient to fully explore the depth of the storyline, resulting in a rushed narrative that struggles to allow viewers ample time to absorb crucial story details.

Backstories lack depth, with some introduced too late in the series to have a significant impact. The development of the main couple's relationship feels abrupt, lacking sufficient buildup, while the supporting couple's storyline is underutilized and would benefit from more screen time or a separate project to fully explore their dynamics.

Conflict resolutions are often too quick, leaving little room for tension or emotional payoff, such as a crucial moment where Tae Yi misinterprets Se Heon's intentions.

The series could also benefit from more exploration of the relationship between classical music and jazz and further delving into the characters' motivations.

Nonetheless, the friendship between Tae Yi and Do Yoon shines, portraying a ride-or-die dynamic that adds depth, while Do Yoon's unwavering support for Se Heon highlights the strength of their bond.

Cameo appearances from "A Shoulder to Cry On" provide enjoyable fan service and a hint of nostalgia. Regarding the "proper kiss" issue in the early episodes, it's likely a creative direction from the production team rather than a reflection of the actors' abilities. The exceptional OSTs add a magical touch to the series.

Despite its shortcomings, 'Jazz For Two' remains entertaining, with the potential for a Do Yoon x Joo Ha spin-off, which would be eagerly welcomed.

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Loved it!

The casting for 'Love for Love's Sake' is undeniably superb. Lee Tae Vin's portrayal of Tae Myung Ha is solid, fitting seamlessly into the role. Cha Joo Wan brings a delightful charm to Cha Yeo Woon, though some moments may come off as cringy, his genuine approach adds an endearing quality to the character. Meanwhile, Oh Min Su and Cha Woong Ki deliver commendable performances as Chun Sang Won and Ahn Kyung Hoon, respectively.

However, the love triangle involving Myung Ha, Yeo Woon, and Sang Won could have been explored further. It felt as though the resolution came too abruptly, leaving much potential unexplored. Additionally, the decision to portray Sang Won and Kyung Hoon as cousins rather than potential love interests reflect South Korea's hesitance to fully embrace BL narratives.

Despite these shortcomings, the acting throughout the drama remains authentic, with no forced moments evident. While some scenes could have benefited from a longer runtime to allow for deeper exploration, the overall execution is commendable. Although the game concept could be further developed, the production team utilized their resources effectively, resulting in a satisfying drama experience

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Candid Charms of TayNew

"Cherry Magic," the Thai adaptation of the popular Japanese BL series, introduces Achi, an ordinary employee who discovers an extraordinary power on his thirtieth birthday – the ability to read minds through physical contact. Portrayed by Newwie, known for his role in "SOTUS" since 2016, it's evident that he has grown as an actor, delivering a commendable performance. His chemistry with Tay, who plays the charming colleague Karan, brings freshness to the screen, particularly for me who's accustomed to seeing Newwie with Earth (my last BL with Newwie starring on it)

Tay's portrayal of Karan is engaging, although lacking a point of comparison since I haven't seen him in previous dramas. The storyline follows Achi's struggle to navigate his newfound ability, especially after unintentionally uncovering Karan's feelings for him. While the Thai adaptation stays faithful to the original premise, there are moments where the pacing feels sluggish, making some parts of the series less captivating.

One aspect that stands out is Newwie's handling of intimate scenes. Despite his experience, there's a noticeable awkwardness that detracts from the authenticity of those moments. However, it's worth acknowledging that this could be a result of various factors, including character dynamics and personal comfort levels.

Overall, "Cherry Magic" offers a decent adaptation for fans of the BL genre, with strong performances from its leads. While it may falter in pacing at times, it's a refreshing addition to Thai BL dramas, showcasing both familiar faces and new talent in the genre.

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BREATH OF FRESH AIR

I came across "A Breeze of Love" on Tiktok, and considering I've already watched 43 Korean BLs just this year, my options will either be to venture again with Thai BLs or just wait for any Korean BL releases this year or next year.

To be honest, the pacing of the drama is "okay-ish" since the main focus is the main leads and their story. But considering how limited the run time is, especially for Korean BLs, they didn't manage to squeeze in any back story aside from the short flashbacks here and there.

1. The cinematography is great; there are some hiccups on some parts (and that's me nitpicking).
2. The plot is open for improvement.
3. The OST songs threw me off on some scenes; there are parts of the scene that really didn't require any emotional music, but I could accept their creative choices.
4. The run time could've easily been extended to ten episodes. This will focus more on understanding what happened after they became a couple.

This drama did not offer anything new (especially on the kinds of KBLs released this year), but you wouldn't hold it against them because, at the end of the day, a good drama will stand without any gimmicks.

Recovering from Bump Up Business, A Breeze of Love did end up meeting my expectations—a simple breath of fresh air.

Not too overcomplicated, just a good Korean BL.

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the love we think we deserve

Before its release, Love in the Big City faced a lot of pushback and controversy. I admire the production team’s dedication in bringing this story to life despite the challenges.

South Korea, like many places, still harbors prejudice toward LGBTQ+ themes, and BL dramas often face additional scrutiny. But it’s disappointing that this artistic expression, which reflects real experiences for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, would encounter so much resistance. This is the reality for countless people, and I can’t understand why two men sharing a love story on screen is any different from the heterosexual stories we’ve seen for years. Why should it be restricted when it’s simply another story about connection, pain, and growth?

Nam Yoon Su’s performance is a standout and exceeded my expectations. His portrayal was nuanced, layered, and showed a clear dedication to understanding and honoring his character’s experiences. It’s refreshing to see a character like Go Young evolve in multifaceted ways, allowing us to see vulnerability, strength, and a journey to self-understanding that isn’t one-dimensional.

Nam Yoon Su didn’t just bring Go Young to life; he made him feel relatable and genuine, and it’s clear he did his homework preparing for this role.

I’d been keeping Love in the Big City on my watchlist for a while, anticipating what the series would offer. When it was finally released, it delivered the satisfaction I expect from a well-made Korean drama. I’m not someone who often reads the original source material, but judging from feedback and reviews, it seems like the production team really respected the story’s roots. They captured the essence of the characters and crafted a realistic, engaging portrayal that felt true to the lives and relationships it was representing. I’m glad they paid attention to the finer details that make characters feel real, without compromising or simplifying their struggles.

The storyline can be complex and might feel a bit chaotic to those who prefer a straightforward plot. In reality, though, the mixed pacing and emotional highs and lows added a raw authenticity. Love in the Big City is definitely a roller-coaster of emotions, from heartfelt to heart-wrenching, with steamy and even uncomfortable moments mixed in. This range, I think, is part of its charm—it doesn’t sugarcoat relationships or emotions. Each of Go Young’s love interests brings their own traumas and past scars, adding depth to the plot and enhancing the storytelling. Their baggage isn’t there just for drama; it plays a role in their development and helps paint a fuller picture of who they are.

Despite initial expectations that it might lean into a sex-driven narrative, the series proves itself to be far more meaningful. It balances intimacy and substance thoughtfully, presenting a story that is about much more than physical attraction. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community, I found certain elements hit home, especially in how Mi Ae and Go Young’s partners portrayed their relationships and the complexities within them.

There’s a rawness here that resonates, particularly in Go Young’s romantic pursuits, which examine the universal truth that overfamiliarity can slowly erode relationships. His interactions with both Gyu Ho and Nam Gyu show how desire and boredom intertwine, a reality that often mirrors many modern-day relationships.

The chemistry among the actors was undeniable; nothing felt forced or out of place. Even the sensual scenes were handled delicately, with genuine connection in their kisses—a refreshing change from the lackluster, “fake” kisses we’ve seen in the past.

One of the most profound themes Love in the Big City explores is the idea of “the love we think we deserve versus the love others are actually able to give.” We often go through relationships looking for something specific, believing in an ideal form of love. But at the end of the day, real love is about mutual understanding, and we have to learn to accept the love that aligns with who we are. My only disappointment is in Go Young’s character arc; while he found solace and support among friends, I wanted to see a more resolved arc for him—a deeper, more satisfying exploration of self-love and fulfillment beyond friendship. The series does so much right, but leaving Go Young’s development open like that left me wishing for a bit more closure.

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Some good laughs but didn't sell.

"TharnType: The Series" garnered acclaim during its release year; however, revisiting it in 2024 reveals a somewhat disappointing experience. Perhaps the series' reception was influenced by the demographic and the state of BL genre development in 2019, which may have been less mature compared to later years.

The casting and storyline, while adequate, fail to leave a lasting impression, lacking the depth necessary to captivate viewers who have since been exposed to more refined offerings within the genre. Despite its initial acclaim, the series falls short in providing substantial character development beyond surface-level exploration, particularly in its handling of conflicts and narrative pacing.

Furthermore, the editing issues and excessive focus on intimate scenes detract from the overall viewing experience, making it difficult for the series to strike a balance between romantic elements and a cohesive storyline. While "TharnType: The Series" may have resonated with audiences in its time, it ultimately struggles to hold up to the evolving standards of the BL genre, leaving much to be desired for viewers seeking a more nuanced and engaging narrative.

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