A Remarkable take on a BL Series
When I watched the trailer I knew that I would be having high expectations for this series and come the first episode I was not disappointed. I really like the aesthetics and the production set as well, which actually has a deeper meaning if we were to really incorporate the series. I actually enjoyed re-watching episode after episode because it wasn't tiresome or anything but because it feels like whenever I re-watched it, it just gets better and better as I do noticed new details in each episode.For the most part, I realized that every episode or every scene was important for the development of the story. And that you really need to pay attention to what you are watching in order to really understand the story since there will be revelations in the future episodes. And when I mean pay attention, I mean it in the most profound way possible that every detail even the acting was important. I especially liked how subtle they were in dealing with the micro-aggressions most of the LGBTQ+ Community faces that didn't seemed forceful as other series would.
After watching these series it really struck an impression on me to the point that I didn't bother re-watching the last two episodes for almost a month, not because it wasn't what I wanted but because I felt the need to really reflect on those two last episode that really speaks out what we need to take in consideration.
To be honest I wouldn't really want to categorize this as "just a BL Series" since it deals a lot more on the important drama and matters our society faces nowadays.
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I'm not really a an of our own country BL Series, but this one exceed my expectation
I ate my own words saying that I will never watch a pinoy bl, I just hate how some actors deliver their lines poorly (Im reffering to a common shows/series I've watch) so I already put in my mind that don't expect too much in pinoy bl. It's 2022 so I convinced my self to try, atleast. I manage my expectation and I started browing series in Netflix. I saw this familliar title "Gaya sa Pelikula" so I watch the trailer, and I can say that theyir acting convinced me to watch it, I started watching right after my online class and I finished watching it in the afternoon. I dont know how to tell it in other words but yeah, It exceed my expectations, I was like, WOW! The script is well constructed, it's not cringey to watch. The actors are so good!! they deliver each line very well and their acting is really good!!! all the things that I hate in a series are not present in this series, I admit that some scene are kinda awkward to watch but it helps you to get attach on what you are watching. Im so speechless after watching it. I cant even leave my sit while watching HAHAHAHI love how the series focused on their story and didn't care about the sexual things (I hope you know what I mean). Overall, this series is so worth it to watch, will probably rewatch it again and Im really hoping for a S2! A must watch series, ngl. So proud o this series, they raised the standard for a Pinoy BL Series.
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Top TIER BL
One of the best series I have ever seen... this is right up there among my fave Phillipine's BLs like Gameboys and Hello Stranger.. what I love about Phillipines BL's more than Thai ones is that we actually get storylines and the stories feel real... sometimes in the Thai ones the university storyline becomes so repetitive and redundant but this show felt so real and authentic and the chemistry between the leads are stellar.. I love the girl who portrayed the sister.. her acting was also very spot on. I would recommend this show to all fans of BL's.. its really a top tier one.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I've been blessed.
For a long time now, I have avoided watching series from my very own country. They were all dragged out or cut down depending on their popularity with same old plotlines and recurring themes.This is my first Filipino BL series and I can say I've been blessed.
The series is short but well paced. It wasn't dragged out with unnecessary stuff nor was it rushed out to fit everything in but the heart and meat of the story was well conveyed. I also welcome the change of having just one couple to focus on (since Thai BLs have at least 3 couples in a series). The quotes at the end of each episode is a nice touch too. Oh and the sponsor thing is almost nonexsistent (it's a little weird and yet pleasing).
As for the story itself, it was very relatable and in touch with reality. It didn't stop at the male realizing he liked another male and everything went fluffy from there on. It delved further to the very things that a person from the lgbtq+ would take into consideration before being in a relationship, even before coming out.
The actors did well in their character portrayal. The chemistry between the pair is there and they were believable. Song choices are on point, very well chosen.
The only thing I could ask for is a season two --- their journey in life, this time, outside.
This series offered more than the regular BL series you could find. The rating for this isn't just for show at all. I highly recommend!
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A Love Letter to Those Still in the Closet
One thing this show does well is treat both those who are out and those who are closeted with equal respect. It touches on the real world fears and that regardless of the reasons, each person has the right to take the time they need, if they aren’t ready to be out. It is their choice and other’s don’t have the right to choose for them.It’s not revolutionary but it ticks a lot of boxes of things I look for in a romance. The starting out as enemies and the cohabitation: It’s nice slice of life. The characters and actors have great chemistry. Any BL that I like is one where you can feel the emotions of the characters, and this one delivers.
Please appreciate the end credit scenes. It’s the same shot of the mains are always watching a movie but their positions get closer and more familiar each episode and I’m all for it. It’s subtle but communicates so much. I like details like this. Make sure to watch each one.
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"Accepting yourself" - BEST storylined BL of 2020
First of all, I have to admit that I was a bit scared watching it, as it's a Filipino BL series and I made the experience that they are often really cringe and exaggerated. For example: I liked 'My Day' but most of the series I had to bite my fist as it was just too much and I skipped some scenes because I wasn't able to watch it.GayaSaPelikula was on my watchlist but I totally forgot about it and missed the airing date. Looking back - a good expiry because I could watch it in one piece.
It had my intention again because I saw a sneak peak on YouTube and skimmed some reviews on MyDramaList (everyone gave a 10 or wrote a nice comment) so I told myself 'ok let's watch it even it's a Filipino BL' and OMG GUYS I DIDN'T REGRET IT!
Three words: JUST WATCH IT!
For me personally this series was one of the BEST LGBTQ series I EVER watched. It shows the reality of a coming out.
-Not the coming out to other people - the issue with yourself by accepting who you are.-
I really felt with the main character Karl and I could empathize to his anxiety and thoughts. For me it wasn't just another BL. It's an "Accepting yourself who you are" story combined with a homosexual main character. And especially if you aren't a part of the LGBTQ community - due to that series you get a better understanding how hard it is to accept yourself for who you are, who you love. I think now I even understand more the main issues and how people of the LGBTQ community goes through this process by watching GayaSaPelikula.
The acting was on top, the story line is a masterpiece because it shows how life could be. Just put attention to the small details in this show and you know what I mean.
I think this is a series that everyone who aren't familiar with LGBTQ should watch to understand better, especially the older generation.
All in all for me indcluding 'I Told Sunset About You' the best storylined BL series of 2020 and a MUST WATCH for everyone.
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my definition of a perfect BL
this was so beautiful and so carefully made to fit into reality and the struggles of gay relationships. the only problem was the little cliche of one of the mains thinking he was straight in the beginning. its an overused cliche but they worked it in so well that i didn't mind it.the casting was great i really loved all the characters and how they played their parts in the story, no unnecessary characters got involved, simple to understand and the feels in each episode got me almost screaming.
the music was beautiful and really fit with the scenes and i do have a soft spot for good OSTs it brings such good feeling to an already good story.
the ending was beautiful although i do wish there was a bit more information to as how the future would look for them but i cant complain, we got enough joy from just understanding the characters and there was still happiness in me by the end.
all in all a really great series and if we could get another season i would be overjoyed. i really recomend this to someone who wants and emotional series that wont make you depressed but in genereall feeling like you can relate to a character cause trust me there is at least one person you can relate to cause everyone has these kind of people in their lives or at least i hope so with my whole heart.
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Profoundly Realistic
This series is hard to describe. It starts out with a comedic flair to it and it is funny to a point. The screenplay for this series is one of the best. It captures in a very profound esoteric way the pain of coming out and how individualized it all is. Some are never able to make that transition while others make it almost instantly while others suffer through it perhaps in a torturous state , sometimes for years. The ending may put you into a deep funk but yet it is so realistic for many, many individuals who are trying to grapple with being gay. My full review of this very likeable and realistic story is at ppbongi.medium.com.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Gayest BL Ever!
Let me tell you, I am emotionally wrecked from this. First things first, I just spent 5 minutes rocking myself and crying after watching this because I was so distraught. I am a bisexual girl and although I enjoy BLs because I enjoy romance, I have never really ever related to them because although they're romantic they don't actually represent the queer experience. This one is different, so different.First, the story is incredible. It has cliff hangers and plots twists that feel very realistic to me. I have trouble seeing a couple in distress or who aren't together, so this show was difficult during the last two episodes, but I just blame that on me and not on the writers. In terms of writing, the coming out and approach to sexual orientation feels almost too real to me. When Vlad is describing his knowledge of being gay and just being really happy about a guy that talked to him, I felt that. That's how I felt about girls sometimes.
Next is the acting. This is my biggest issue with Filipino shows. Sometimes, I feel like the acting kind of feels off (maybe it's a cultural thing IDK) and although I feel it a smidge, it doesn't greatly impact my viewing pleasure and I have no complaints. The actors landed their emotional moments and they have great chemistry with each other.
Then, there's the music. This soundtrack is the best soundtrack I've ever heard on any Asian drama. Whoever created it is a literal genius. Indie and Gentle, but also manages to be current and pop. It also tells the main characters story perfectly which is always nice. I love it when a show does that, has the soundtrack tell the story. It's just such a great detail to include.
Finally, there's the rewatch value. I would rewatch this again and again because just like UWMA I want to experience the euphoric highs and lows again. It's like going on a beautiful rollercoaster ride and never knowing what'll happen while you're on it. Sometimes, there might be a cute moment, sometimes your heart might get ripped out and abused.
In general, this is my favorite Filipino show ever. It is filled with the soft conversations that I love and never disappoints. I would like to address the scandal with the writer in this review and say that I in no way condone his actions. What he has done is absolutely horrendous and it gives the LGBTQ community a bad name. This time I am definitely in favor of canceling and gatekeeping him from the queer community. Anyway, now that that's done. WATCH THIS! It's worth it.
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Some scenes got me laughing, some made me tear up and some just gave me butterflies.....
Worth watching and re watching again and again.....
The songs in the ost are now in my playlist too! They just fit so well with the vibe of the show and i feel refreshed after listening to them!!....
The show was able to portray everything it was meant too nothing was too overdone or left incomplete....
The two lead actors are just so cute and it didnt feel like they were acting.....
They really did justice to this role!!
Im so glad i watched this show and now im never gonna stop rewatching it!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Awesome series
The Pilipino BL series are certainly not following a script like the Thai BL mostly do. And Thank-you for that. The scene the topics the scenario's are all very unique and interesting. Some do fulfill the initial interest and some exceed the initial interest. that's the case with Like in the movies. Warm touching and engaging. That describes the characters and the script. Ian certainly gets my Top actor award with Paolo very close runner up. Paolo's character was a bit more challenging so maybe he would win in the technical merit category. Anyway, Salute to all involved in creating this series. It will be viewed for many many years. I'm sure!Was this review helpful to you?
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A low budget but beautifully made series
This is my very first review ever on this site so maybe there are some hype in it, but it's true that I really like this series.This series has the visual, the characters, the story and it reflects gay people - things that ironically many BL series seem to ignore.
Story: The setting of this series is nothing new: a seemingly straight guy got forced into rooming with his neighbor whom he disliked from the start, only to ended up falling in love with that hot, handsome neighbor in the end. However, while many other BL series are fan services as a whole, focus sorely on the shipping: how they met, how they got attracted to each other (or not, they just deep down "like" each other from the get-go), their intimate moments and their cliché jealousy from their over-possessive characters; this series is a story about gay guys that tackles on gay problems: the acceptance and attitude of family members, self-discovering, self-acceptance and fear, expectation of parents and desire of one's own, the unfair need of coming out and its hindrance, etc. It has a story to tell and we can see a little more into the lives of the characters and their struggles (at least the main characters) instead of just love. And that love was viewed from the scope of gay people instead of that of the heteros, as many other BL series made me feel so.
Acting: The lines, actions and movements was delivered naturally and smoothly. While there is no complicated moments or conflicts of emotions to challenge the actors' skills, it's still good acting nevertheless. The interactions between the two leads are sweet, cute and believable. That's all I need.
Characters: There are very few characters in this series, but we still have a diversity of characteristic: an out-and-proud gay dude having a cold war with his family, a lost guy carrying the burden of expectation from parents without chances to know and do for himself, a self-proclaim ally that's cheerful outwardly but fierce inwardly, a nosy neighbor but helpful and understanding, a sarcastic and blunt best friend. While it lacked in quantity, it made up in quality.
Music: It's agreeable enough in my opinion. The music is nice. It's just... that I'm still getting use to Filipino so I find their songs to be hilarious. Maybe it's just me.
Visual: As I have said before, I think this is a low budget series. In this series, you can see that they use two apartment rooms, the front of the apartment, some public areas of that complex, the inside of a taxi. That's it, the whole filming scenes; and eight characters in total: two mains, three supports, three minors. However, with what they had, they made it good. The scenes, the camera works, the color and the lighting are no less than that of other series. The makeup is good, not make me grossed out with faces too white or lips too red like some series I have seen. Above all, I guess the cuteness and handsomeness of the two male leads blinded me and made me cannot see anything else that may be flawed *LOL* And the dance. Gosh, I love it. Like a scene plucked out of a fairy tale.
With those interesting characters, good visual and interactions of those two cutie pies, and the way they cared about the scope of gay people, I don't mind watching it again.
Strongly recommended.
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