Looks over substance

It looked nice?

I can't think of anything else positive to say. Oh! Well, there was a brief side Lesbian couple! Yeah . . . That's all I got *shrugs*

There were itty bitty teensy tiny pieces of a somewhat good drama that could have been. I feel like the writers and directors were really indecisive. They couldn't decide whether to have their characters be toxic and mysterious or sweet and silly. Like, you can have some of both but you have to do it well! Seems like they just couldn't make up their minds let alone execute their vision properly.

And the writing . . . It was just bad.

Another thing, I have to be honest, for the majority of the runtime the acting of the leads . . . Sucked. I generally put the onus on the director[s] for not directing them correctly. But even if they had I still think these actors just didn't know what to do with their faces or hands most of the time.

This is a definite skip from me.

Side Note: Really? The "wife" line again? Can't we let that die already?!

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Blooming like Blueming

The Eighth Sense was a masterful lesson in care and vulnerability that pulled no punches and went all out, not just in terms of outstanding cinematography and immersive storytelling but also diving into the mindset created by depression, trauma, and anxiety as well as the behaviors that result from tackling them alone and with support.

The character of Jae Won embodied depression and trauma recovery so well:

Looking out at the world and your own choices from a fishbowl view. What you want to say and do and what you don't become blurred like water. And even being able to see it clearly doesn't mean you can reach out; grasp it. You're sitting outside yourself, numb to the world and unable to express what you truly want to because everything is just so heavy, and how could you drag someone else into that and weigh them down with you?

And then there's someone like Ji Hyun, not a savior or an angel but a person unexpectedly possessing gorgeous boldness and frankness, who understands and even when he doesn't is there to push when the net is wound too tight and listen when it's suffocating but Jae Won needs to undo it alone.

The Eighth Sense is more than a romance. More than a Queer drama. It's cinema at its finest.

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A drama sure to check off many people's boxes for their "ideal type" of drama

This was such a refreshing firework of a drama! The two leads, in particular, made it crazy fun to watch with their so-far-out-there-they-might-as-well-be-floating-in-space personalities that were only heightened when they shared the same air. And they were consistently predictable yet unpredictable, leaving me either correct in my predictions while also being pleasantly befuddled at the path taken or both puzzled beyond belief and amused. Meanwhile, the side couple offered something unique with the often overlooked issue of financial inequality in a relationship and the myriad of ways it can affect it, including self-inflicted shame, pressure, and guilt.

It was a true delight tuning into Boys Be Brave. I highly recommend giving it a go! Especially if you're into "quirky" characters and dramas.

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They got their "Happy Merry Ending," but what about the viewer?

This was just a mess, plain and simple.

First off, this should have been a movie. The pacing would still be absolutely ridiculous, but at least not as noticeable as in drama format. Not to mention, the characters' conflicts and feelings come and go whenever necessary but not in any flowing or sensical way.

Really, only these positives come to mind: The leads' pretty faces, nice singing voices, and good kissing scenes. Nothing else.

Near the end, I felt so detached I would liken it to the experience of an AI robot trying to understand human emotions.

I honestly wonder if they made this just for the OST; otherwise, I can't see a point in its existence.

This is definitely a skip, my friends. I finished it only because I felt obligated to.

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C'est Meh

Overall, it's kind of just okay. Some episodes have a few engaging moments and instances of good cinematography but the majority is just *shrugs*

The chemistry was mostly *meh,* the acting was usually pretty stiff or just *meh* (with some occasional well-acted scenes), the story was all over the place or *meh,* and the OST was *meh.*

To summarize, it was a big pile of ✨meh✨

It's a skip, my friends. Unless, you're looking for eye-candy faces or abs, in which case, you do you . . . But I still think you won't truly enjoy this, if you're being honest with yourself.

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You won't be able to respond normally to hearing the word "sunny" ever again

Well, this was a weird but fun watch that could only come from Japan!

I really liked how, when it came down to it, this was about two kind-of-kinky people who just hadn't had a proper conversation with each other about where they're at in their relationship, with one lead being terribly dense and unwilling/anxious to fully voice his desires and concerns and the other being forward physically all the while desperately craving simple but meaningful things from his lover: quality time together outside of sex, being relied on, being greeted at the door, and verbal expressions of affection.

All in all, I would recommend this sometimes frustrating drama.

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I Can't Kick the Puppy

Regarding my rating: Rating it any lower seriously feels like bullying and my conscience simply won't allow it! *groans* Honestly, if I didn't feel guilty doing so, I would be rating it a 6 at the highest.

"Why R U?" No, seriously, like, why are you? Hearing the original Thai drama was going to get a Korean remake made me feel skeptical as to the quality, to say the least. Seeing it come to fruition, I could not even muster disappointment, because, really, what did I expect anyway? To be pleasantly surprised? LMAO. The original drama already had its problems but at least it had some semblance of a story and plot and sizzling chemistry to distract the viewers.

When I tell you this made less than no sense! Just . . . Why? Trying to think of something nice to say feels like work. The kisses were better than some K-BLs? I don't know, that's all I can seem to come up with!

Save yourself the time and find something else to watch, or go binge the Fighter and Tutor cut on YouTube. We both know you watched it last week anyway. I see you.

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The two C's: Consent & Communication

I'm going to be the person to say that I would compare Leo and Fiat to Gene and Nubsib from Lovely Writer. Yep, I'm going there. When it comes to asking for consent and checking in with your partner, they were on par and maybe even better about it.

There were so many questions and conversations about what are you into, what are you worried about, what do you like, is this okay, are we on the same page, etc. This showed a level of consent to strive for and look up to.

Okay, onto my more detailed thoughts:

First off, this was adorable. A big portion of this drama (especially in the beginning) focuses on these two people who are starting a relationship and don't quite know how to go about it, have their own insecurities and inexperience, and are trying to overcome their nerves and fear of disappointing the other.

You don't really get to see a drama start with them already being in a relationship and showing how it's not as though everyone knows how to be together perfectly right off the bat. People get nervous and shy. People worry that some aspects of themselves may be disliked by their partner. It's exciting but terrifying to start something with someone you have loved for a long time and have longed to be with.

Also, there were so many amazing conversations being had, whether it was between Leo and Fiat or one of them and their friends. It may have taken this couple a little bit of time to have the talk they needed to but they always brought their deepest thoughts and feelings out into the open. I fell in love with the open conversations we got. Yes, for communication! Yes!

Such a healthy couple. And, I really admire this drama for its tone. It knows when to give you something light-hearted or fun and when to slow down and just have the characters talk. Just, talk. Talk about where they're at and what they're feeling/thinking. I think people forget that relationships aren't just about being physically intimate with someone--and relationships aren't so perfect and easy that you are able to read your partner's mind--they are about voicing your wants, needs, insecurities, and concerns with honest and upfront dialogue.

I loved how this drama would often set things up as though it was going to be something bad when it wasn't at all, twisted our expectations, and/or had its characters deal with legitimate conflicts/issues that fit them/the situation. Seems like this year I am learning to have more faith in my dramas and its characters. And the faith is actually being well-placed.

Once again, I have to reiterate that consent is seen as a priority here and is amazingly done. Not many dramas will set so much of their run-time and lines around this subject. Here, it is a constant.

Regarding representation, because I would be remiss not to mention it, we had a confirmed Pansexual SML, Leon. And they did it in no uncertain terms. They described how he would date/was interested in men, women, and non-binary people, they called him Pansexual at least twice, and he was also involved with a girl before he started seeing Pob. Could we ask for much more? Not really short of him saying it himself.

There were some flaws during the last few episodes but nothing that took away from the overall experience and what they were going for.

Good job, Don't Say No. Good job.

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An easy but perhaps too easy watch

First off, the chemistry was insane. I had no idea if Sea and Jimmy would go well together, but these two actors swept all those doubts away almost immediately.

The plot does leave a lot to be desired, though, and the new place Talay and Puen find themselves in isn't explored enough. I would have loved to have seen more differences between the universes and more interesting locations highlighting those differences. There also aren't many conflicts, making the story feel a bit aimless but also pleasant. Each week I could rest assured that I wouldn't feel anxious or upset at big misunderstandings or dangerous situations. It reminded me a little of the few episodes in Bad Buddy where the couple just got to exist together for a while. Either this will make you annoyed, or you'll enjoy the easygoing nature of it. It really depends on what you look for in a drama. For me, I quite liked it. The strong characters and solid acting carried me along to the end.

Side Note: I love how this year we're getting Thai Dramas pushing legalizing same-sex marriage. Not Me and Cutie Pie, for example, would not shut up about it. And we love them for that!

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Close to great

This did well with the message of pushing back against conformity as well as capturing the painful experience of youth being faced with monumental pressure during their school years; and the toll it takes on them.

In particular, I was glad to see a Queer character truly given the space to breathe and take accepting their sexuality at their own pace without pressure from their partner.

My big let-downs:

1.) The protesters needed more background to them.
2.) Thua's forceful outing of Akk is never addressed or truly called out. For a drama that portrays young LGBT+ people realizing their identity and struggling with coming out due to legitimate fear and anxiety, you'd think they wouldn't gloss over something as important as this.

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Mission Accomplished

More than thorough enjoyment, I appreciated the unique world and full-rounded story they brought to fruition here. The game aspect made for highly creative and fun as well as stressful "mechanics," the use of harsh sound effects and "errors" in particular lended well to this.

Love for Love's Sake managed to toe the line between light action/almost horror and comedic school romance in a way I don't think I've seen before. And the banter between the two MLs allowed some levity in times when the world went dark.

Particularly, I want to highlight how they fully utilized the potential of Cha Yeo Woon's character, managing to hint at his desire as well as fear to be vulnerable and his shyness in expressing his interest in someone (Tae Myung Ha), all within a few episodes. And his actor plays his sulking moments and hesitancy very well.

Also, I would be remiss not to mention Tae Myung Ha's character; the quiet depth he had in a story that wasn't supposed to be his. And the complex expressions he had astounded me. Especially in moments he had to put on a happy face as well as convey that he was barely keeping it together.

I am so glad I didn't miss this surprising masterpiece.

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A dishonest rating but an honest review, because I am a fool for OnlyOneOf

Is my rating honest? No. In reality, it's more like a generous 7. But I love my LGBT+ supporting kings OnlyOneOf, and I would just cry if I rated a drama they starred in any lower than an 8, okay?! So forgive me for fudging the numbers! I am a person with feelings!

All this being said, just because I won't rate it honestly doesn't mean I won't review it honestly.

It makes sense that the acting here wouldn't be stellar; they were all new to this. Credit where credit is due, though, Nine and Mill managed to pull off some pretty decent chemistry with their characters despite not being given a lot to work with. However, the editing, story beats, and pacing desperately needed work, and there is no excuse for that. Many times, when scenes continued, they would abruptly cut to new locations or would skip forward a few hours, giving the watcher this uncomfortable feeling of being rushed. Also, more screen time should have been devoted to showing more of the leads spending quality time together rather than talking about or cutting to very brief clips of it. As they say with books, "Show, don't tell." Finally, did we need the scheming ex? No, we did not.

All in all, could have been a lot better.

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Maybe we can be each other's shelter

It's all empty space and frustratingly suffocating. Like wearing a wool turtleneck on a winter's day. You ache and long to tear the thing off, but it's just so bitterly cold.

The intro itself was a work of art. There and throughout the drama, I particularly appreciated the use of shadows and temperature. Not to mention, the actors did an amazing job. I found myself so weighed down by their emotions I felt like I was sinking.

I found the conclusion both unique and fitting. It ended with an understanding: We need to be on equal footing first, independent of each other, to sort through these muddled thoughts and feelings. Then, perhaps, we can . . .

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Spoiler that shouldn't be a spoiler ahead because it's a Trigger Warning!

I'm just going to jump right into it:




Waii rapes Apo. And afterward, a "romance" blooms between the two. It is not a scene featuring questionable consent. It is undeniably rape. Apo says no and tries to fight back; Waii doesn't listen and restrains him. You may be asking hopefully, "Is it condemned?" I'm sorry to tell you, it's not. The drama doesn't treat it as the horrible act it is, not at all. Not only does Waii face no consequences for what he does, but romantic music is played over it, and it's even used in a flashback later. Apo also takes almost no time to forgive Waii, as if he stole his homework rather than forced himself on him against his will. Now, it is each survivor's right to be affected by their experience in different ways and heal from it however they see fit. However, this drama did something unforgivable and extremely damaging by not properly framing rape as wrong. If you can stomach the experience, I would recommend watching The Effect. It properly shows how horrifying and violent rape is and its effects on someone, including not only trauma but also the conflicting feelings that may come as a result of someone you love hurting you in a way you never thought they would.

After reading all of this, you may be wondering, "Why in the Hell did Noir watch this?"

I started this for the Bi/Pan FL. Every time I asked for Queer FLs, this drama kept getting recommended to me, always tagged along with the phrase "problematic content." I wish now I'd looked into this drama more so I knew what to expect and could skip that horrible scene. So, if, like me, you do decide to watch this drama for the rep alone, let me save you: The rape scene takes place in Ep 4 1/4. Unfortunately, I can't remember what episode has the flashback.

What also hurts me inside is seeing the year this was made was 2017. It was only 5 years ago that this mindset of using rape as a plot device for romance was perfectly acceptable.

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Nothing is easy, but this was easily a 10

Everything about this was well-thought-out. From the clothing, lighting, props, and music to the dialogue, line delivery, and message.

It doesn't paint its protagonists as always right. More often than not, their points of view are challenged, often by each other. And, there is no easy answer. Peacefully protesting is a great way to speak out but does not guarantee a solution. Many companies are happy to wait it out until the public forgets about it. Acting illegally but nonviolently to expose deep-seated corruption is another way. But you can be arrested and/or have the public turn against you. For many, the end does not justify the means. And, if the law can be so easily disregarded, what is the point of it? Removing one person in power doesn't necessarily make the root of the issue go away; someone else will take their place.

None of it is easy. Even though this drama ended, it wasn't the end for the characters. They won the battle, but they're still fighting the war.

Our protagonists, while working together, aren't even on an equal playing field with each other. I think this is best shown through White's internal dialogue about growing up privileged and ahead of others and how unfair that is reflected by what he sees around him and what others say.

This wasn't a cash-grab romance drama with "brownie-points" material thrown in. This was a genuine attempt to portray working-class people being taken advantage of, discriminated against, and still fighting for equal rights.

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