Like in the Movies (2020)

Not bad

There are many things to like in Gaya sa Pelikula: the undeniable chemistry between the leads, the moments of inspired acting, and the fact that it is sometimes able to strike a balance between being accessible and profound. It is also admirably clear and unambiguous in its agenda of representing queer lives with necessary depth. In my opinion, however, it doesn't always succeed. The plot advances unevenly--it starts by lumbering along, then midway, as if realizing that it's running out of time, sprints to the end. Also, the ethical agenda of the film is sometimes laid on a bit too thick, articulated by the characters as such rather than dramatized, and consequently risks being perceived as preachy. Some scenes too leave the impression of being overwrought--i.e. the scene where Karl almost cooks two cups of rice. It’s hard to tell if GSP sometimes lacks subtlety or if it doesn’t trust its audience enough with it. That being said, a good enough BL, overall.

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The Most Beautiful BL Building Story Ever

So where do i start with this masterpiece of a BL.

I came across it by accidents whilst searching for other BLs to watch since shamefully i have watched all possible Thai, Chinese and Korean BLs out there. I watched a few Pinoy but wasn’t too overjoyed so when i saw this and wasn’t interested but i was bored and ventured in. Needless to say this is the best BL to date that i have watched.

The story is beautiful and really brings out the challenges same gender relationships go through especially where you find one is confident already and another is yet to find his identify. There is a line i will always remember that Vlad says “i do not want to be the plotting device that triggers another person’s identity crisis” those are powerful words and no one definitely wants to be in that boat. Unfortunately whilst indeed Vlad ends up being the trigger for Karl’s identity crisis, Vlad however was not the one that pulled the trigger, his sister Judit pulled that trigger by cornering Karl. If she had let things be, I believe Karl would slowly as he was already would have come to accepting his feelings for Karl. That is another thing. I wished that they had focused on getting Karl to accept his feelings for Vlad rather than trying to make him accept he was gay. For someone who this was new too who barely just a day ago just kissed a guy, he should not have been asked to say that he was gay, but rather have been asked to explore his feelings for Vlad.

This is where it differs with the Thai BLs i have watched like #Sotus #TharnType amongst others was where the straight partner when asked if he was gay, they responded with saying it wasn’t about being gay but the fact that they feel in love and the person just happens to be of the same gender with them and some even went ahead to say that if it wasn’t that individual then it would not be anyone else. So i loved those focus on feeling something for another individual and not focusing on what the gender was. This was the problem with how they tried to out Karl, it should have been feelings first, especially ciallly considering he was likely effeminate, so he needed first to understand himself and deal with that before dealing with feelings or dealing with being gay.

This however was beautifully scripted. Vlad’ s voice very deep gave his character so much confidence especially since he spoke English 80% of the time, but Karl responds in Tagalog 80% of the time, it really brought so much freshness to their relationship. Every scene of theirs was simply beautiful without putting too much pressure on the viewers, it was a sweet, fun journey of two young boys. Ian played his role as Vlad wonderfully, from his outspokenness, too not being shy and encourage Karl not be shy. Paolo’s role as Karl was also on point, his nagging was frustrating though, sometimes i felt like shutting him out, but going through the story you could tag it just has internal frustrations with having to live his brother’s dream. I mean that is the most spiteful thing you could ever do to a child. One dies and you get the new one not only to wear his clothes, sleep in his bed, accept his dreams you even go as far as giving him his dead brothers name. Tragic in my opinion.

Let’s get to the supporting actors, were not like your regular supporting actors that you can ignore, they were 100% important in how this story not only developed, but infused the right emotions. I loved Judit and her “i am an ally” statement, I understood her stand as a sister, but felt she could have better managed trying to protect her brother when it came to facing Karl. I loved Anna, she was simply the life of the party in my opinion, quite hilarious to boot and whilst we only saw uncle Santi in episode 7 his acting was almost like we had seen him from the beginning. I mean when you look at it. So far the show only had 9 characters that we saw, but i only just realized that they were only 9 characters now, because their acting and scenes didn’t seem to lack anything. The production and oh please the music, soundtracks are super amazing, my favorite bathroom song now is “Ride Home” by Ben x Ben a beautiful song for a beautiful scene.

Overall i cannot complain hence why i gave it a 10. I am very criticizing when it comes to what i watch and asides from Untamed and Its Okay Not To Be Okay this is the only other show that has received a 10 from me and i think it’s worth it.

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Marketed or discussed as BL but this is so much more

With two main characters who are interested in cinema, this is like a Filipino answer to the Thai series, Theory of Love. Sensitive and intelligent, it nicely occupies the space between typical BLs and gay dramas, critiquing the narratives about gay people while spinning one at the same time. The result is a really moving story that is hard to flaw even if it may not be every BL fan's piece of cake--and that one of the ideas it explores.

Indeed, Like in the Movies makes the point that it isn't exactly ethical to tell stories about someone or a group of people (such as gay people) to pander to others. In one of the many witty lines in the series, Vlad tells his friend that he refuses "to be a plot device that triggers somebody else's identity crisis". Turning a character into a plot device in this manner is all too common in BL, with the multitude of apparently straight characters who inexplicably fall in love with other male characters.

Don't get me wrong though--I don't think the series is necessarily dissing all the BL stories and series out there. In fact, it could be paying tribute to the way they have help to raise the visibility of gay people. There are several allusions to the Italian movie Cinema Paradiso in which a priest makes a cinema projectionist to censor kissing scenes he finds objectionable but the latter puts the censored scenes together into a reel of film that is eventually watched by the protagonist of the film. Perhaps the allusions remind us of the power of stories and of the moving image to bring to visibility the elements that are traditionally repressed in a society, and BL stories are no different. (The way BL has become somewhat mainstream in the last few years has hopefully done something to normalize gay people in the eyes of the public.)

While it is tempting to think that Vlad ironically does end up being a plot device to trigger Karl's identity crisis, this isn't really true as we can guess that Karl is gay but closeted from the start, and the series doesn't attempt some twisted claim like he's not gay but just in love with one guy in the whole world. In the first episode, when a shirtless Vlad comes out of the bathroom and asks Karl if he has seen anything he likes, Karl (who has been ogling) retorts that Vlad shouldn't think too highly of himself. But it turns out that Vlad is only asking Karl if he has found a job posting he is interested in. Then there's the suggestive dialogue and looks when Karl tells Vlad to wear some clothes a few moments later:

Vlad: What's your problem with my body?
Karl: I'm getting wet.

If all these doesn't make it obvious enough that Karl is aware of his own homosexuality, he later also dreams of a seduction scene in bed involving Vlad and himself.

In the end, both Vlad and Karl do acknowledge their attraction to each other, but Karl remains closeted. The main source of tension isn't whether they are attracted to each other but how they can be together when one of them has had enough of hiding his sexuality and the other simply isn't ready to come out to others, particularly his parents.

The series proves to be sensitive in the way it portrays the conflict though. It doesn't preach or show Vlad's openness to be the way to go. Not many BL series give enough thought to gay people who are not ready to come out to everyone. In Dark Blue Kiss, for instance, Kao's reluctance to come out to his friends and mother is depicted to be something of a problem and the acceptance from them comes so easily that it is a tad unrealistic. (DBK isn't bad in any way, but it's always nice to have a different perspective.)

Within just 8 episodes, the series has managed to tell a good story about two guys who meet and fall in love (not strikingly original on the surface) but it manages to be so much more as it questions what it means to be an "ally" of the LGBTQ and portrays characters whose struggles are universal--the main characters are not just gay men; they are people who happen to be gay.

While many BL series from Thailand (which I'm a fan of too) seem to be adaptations of novels that are straight women's fantasies of men, Like in the Movies is refreshing in that it doesn't seem to have such a starting point. I hope there will be more BLs like that though, of course, this would also mean that the boundaries of BL will be pushed. Such a series may not please every BL fan but it deserves to have its place too.

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underwhelming story with melodious OST and one thing that stood out for me

8 episodes, each lasting an average 30 minutes.

This was an easy watch. Simple story (guy moving in with his neighbor and they gradually fell in love with each other). Acting by main leads and supporting leads was natural enough. The songs in the drama were melodious - and I think this should be part of the Filipino culture, that is, very melodious songs in dramas - and slow and soothing, so soothing that I fell asleep many times at night watching.

One thing which stood out for me was the contrast in the main leads’ attitudes towards homosexuality. Vlad played by Ian Pangilinan was totally open about it and did not mind people knowing, Karl played by Paolo Pangilinan, on the other hand, was totally hesitant and did not want to admit or even say the word ‘gay’. Such a contrast was something I seldom saw in other BL dramas. However, Karl’s hesitation was not developed much and was shown explicitly only in the second last episode.

I would not re-watch this because the story was quite underwhelming. Most of the time from episode 1-6, I was just waiting for the main leads to confess and ehem…show some form of affection when they ‘officially’ admit and confess their love to each other, it was just a matter of when and how, but for this drama, after that happened, it was almost towards the end, then people around them got to know about it, Karl became worried because he did not want to admit he was gay, then his friend and uncle gave him advice, he listened to them, gave himself more confidence and finally mustered enough courage to say the ‘gay’ word to Vlad and that was about it.

I would recommend only if you want to watch a very short and easy to watch BL drama.

This is my first Filipino drama. Pardon my ignorance, but I was surprised the dialogues were made in both Filipino or Tagalog (can't tell the difference between the two) AND English., 50% in each language I would say. Well, it was a refreshing change to hear English in an Asian drama when I have been watching Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese dramas.

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BOMB of 2020, BEST BL story ..A case study for LGBTQ+ and Its emotions.

Hello Lovely Pancakes,

I am an ardent fan of Thai BL and I can't get enough of GMMTV series, though of the new studios are making the cut, ITSAU and LBC, UMWA are example of Superior Acting and lesser Focus on Fan Services for Girls.
BUT!!! Pinoy industry has taken the BL world for a Ride and OMG!! its so much needed in this Pandemic 2020.

GSP is a case study on HOW A BL STORY SHOULD BE.. Mere Love at first sight by Leads and then Happy Go merry at the end is not the reality of LGBTQ+. The Struggle and pain is much more than what it looks, So showing reality does help someone who is in dire need of a Ray of light in this Dark world.

GSP has the best Writing ,Dialogues that can be quoted for Ages to come, screenplay that is simply and Yet the most difficult to pursue and Above all, the Finest acting by both the Leads.. I have a confession, My only reason to watch this series was that the lead (KARL) looks like Angel Rivera :D , Yes the CockyBoys exclusive model. But OMG, i never thought I will end up being a FAN of this series for the life lessons it has given.

Let's be true, Dialogues and screenplay here is as amazing as Christmas.. Man.. We see Thai series leads saying "Phom chob nai" (I like you) and people go Gaga about it and in here people complaining about Dialogues. I will just put in some of the Line from EP7 and 8, this only to show how beautifully was this written, I just love the writer for being so genuinely awesome.
1. Vlad: "I do not want be the Plot machine to trigger his identity crises ", This shows the pain he himself went thru and doesn't really want a closets guy ever to go thru such.
2. Karl and Vlad opening up about their family background/detail, that monologue by Karl, "How you felt if you are not the lead in your own story, you are just a supporting role"? See the Pain of the boy , he is sick of pretending to be what he is not, sick of living a life that is hallow and so made up.
3. Uncle Stani and Vlad conversation downstairs "Everyone has their right to take time to come out and none should Pull Out", This is the so true, those LGBT Ally who unknowingly in the name of help try to pull out Guy, should know, Its his Truth and he has the right to take his time, you may help him show light, but do not pull him out.
4. Vlad Karl kiss in Gazebo and Karl reaction upon getting caught was just too hearting. The PANIC in Karl eye was the epitome of how fine an Actor can feel the character, it is just so sad to see the real You in series/movies and you cry along the
5. Ep8, Karl & Vlad discussion on Alternative to their ending was just wholesome, Vlad dialogue "I want to tell people story and i should be controlling how it should end" shows the LGBT struggle to daily life pain and their wish to rewrite their life if given a chance.
6. Anna's Suggestion to Karl on how he should be , its ok to find your confirm zone but "GO OUT There and see the world your own"

I can go on and on and believe me, this series is worth a rewatch N no of times for every dialogue you hear, changes your view. Like someone said well, We should watch our Favorite movies and series, time and again, the Plot and story doesn't change anything, BUT our perception to situation in the plot does.

Recommended 200%., Go for it in a Binge-watch.. Happy PANCAKES!!!

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words can't express how beautiful this is.

gaya sa pelikula is a show i randomly stumbled upon on youtube and i can't begin to explain how glad i am i did. from the plot, to the acting, to the messages it wants to convey, everything is executed perfectly, not to mention the also hilarious moments at the beginning of the show. the dialogue is natural and realistic with every single line tugging at your heart strings or leaving u roll on the floor laughing. as a queer person who was watched plently bls, this ones is unmatched, i would go as far as to say that it doesn't deserve to be called that. it portrays the lgbt community in the most realistic and best way. i would geniunely recommend it to queer people and those who want to understand the lgbt community better. but it doesn't only focus on the lgbt community as it dabbles in other realist scenarios and issues of current society. i especially appreciate how they wrote the female characters, every each one of them was unique and well written with their own struggles and aspirations and not just there as a prop to move the plot. and lastly i want to talk about the little messages at the end of each episode because the validation i felt was so overwelming i cried every single time. a must watch.

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A realistic story of falling in love ,great directing,great acting, great story telling.

For me first Gaya sa pelicula was just another Bl series . I thought eventually I will stop watching it after it reaching a certain point. As it started airing I find a special connection to it. In the first episode itself I fall in love with the characters. With every new episode they got better. Finally it comes to the 4th episode where I fall for it completely. After that I can't wait to see them. With every episode they put magic in it. It is a simple story of 2 people fall in love, but the way they presenting every situation,small details,simple moments etc are genius,take it to another level.
Direction of the series is great. I don't know much about directing and other stuff about making a film but as a viewer they satisfy all my expectations. The background music is another hit for me. Every song just injuncted to my heart with every episode, 10/10 there.

Each episode have it's own place and it made very brilliantly. They shows every emotions very beautifully. It's not only deals about fall in love but also being courageous and being yourself. It put yourself in each characters shoe and be them,that is relating to both characters.

Ian and Paolo are done great with Vlad and Karl. They injuncted that characters to my heart. They amaze me with there great acting, their expressions for small details, everything. 10/10 there. Not only them, Judit and Anna was amazing too.

It also deals with the problem and hurt face by a person of LGBT community and as also as a human. Being accepted by the people you love and let them live there life as they deserve is all they asking for.

I'm not usually go to review or rating any shows. But they made me do this. That's alone is an enough reason how much they are close to my heart. They deserve a lot. Still I don't know why I get attached to it so much,I don't know how to express some feeling in words too.
I KNOW ONLY ONE THING,THEY DONE SOME MAGIC ON THAT SHOW THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY,SAD ,LOVE,HURT , COURAGEOUS,HOPE , JEALOUS, HEARTBROKEN ETC.
It's my favorite show.

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Blindfoldedly... go to YouTube and find this amazing series❤️

"Like in the movies" is less like a movie and more realistic like our daily life.
This BL is one of a kind series that I have not seen until now .. like trust me.. the story, cast, their acting is Bang ON!!

The leads- Karl and Vlad have great chemistry and an intriguing relationship which keeps your heart pounding every time you see them together ❤️

The dialogues are just wow and the way they are delivered is like cherry on the cake!

Vlad is an open gay who is strong headed and gives angry young man vibes but easily gets tamed into a sweet caring guy after meeting our munchkin Karl.

Karl on the other hand is a peace loving timid person who opens up and becomes more confident after meeting Vlad!
They both fill each other's gap thereby completing one's own self in this process ?

I have seen many BL till now but this one is on a completely different level than others.
It's romantic, soul filling, indulgent and a well thought and executed series.?❤️

Trust my words and watch this without any further delay and thank me later!!??

This being my first Filipino series I was little hesitant at the beginning but after watching this .... I have a whole new list of Filipino movies and series in my watch list... Not just BL but also straight ones!?
This is its impact!?

Last but not the least ... One of the best part of Filipino industry is the frequent use of English amidst their own language... It's so satisfying and cute to hear.... You will understand only after you watch it!?

So go for it!! ??

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Not Bad, But Good Either

Okay so this drama does have a lot of high reviews, which one of the reason I watched it, Honestly it was not a bad drama, but for me it was not wow factor or a holy smoke this was astounding.

The story was interesting and touched on very good points and topics, I just feel that it could have been more explored, I did love the Sister gosh she was really funny and made show even more enjoyable, the two leads were an okay match, and they did suit each other.

I cant overall say that it was a great drama, but it was a nice watch and it was light and it did have some funny moments to it.

Overall: it was ok, would I rewatch it probably not.

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Perfection

If I could give this show higher than a 10 then I 100 percent would. This served as my first Phillipino Bl series, and it has blown all my expectations out of the water. I thought I had seen good series, but they are nothing compared to Like In The Movies. I was recommended to watch this series, and this was literally the best-recommended thing I have ever received. Such a real depiction of a gay romance, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. Where do we start?

Let's Dive In.

I think Thai BLs can learn a thing or two from this series. It didn’t involve a 3rd person in the way, or some dumb trope about “I don’t like guys, I only like him” type shit. This shit was REAL and I mean Real as in Realistic. This show had me hooked from the start as soon as Karl saw Vlad dancing in his unit, I could tell that this series was about to be THAT bitch. I love the balance between the tough subjects and the humor. I mean, the humor was spot on. I laughed at pretty much everything. What I loved even more about this series is that Vlad was open about himself and the struggles that he goes through with his family. Us just watching the moments that Karl starts to fall in love with Vlad was so sentimental and so raw. These two actors have such amazing chemistry that it’s insane. Don’t get me started on when Karl gave Vlad his first slow dance. My heart couldn’t contain the emotions that I had. The vision of them dancing with the lights and all the other stuff, dude, I couldn’t take it. Another really raw moment was when Vlad and Karl got caught kissing, which wasn’t a very big deal, but in Karl's eyes, it changed everything. He was being real about his emotions, which was the best part about all of it. And then Vlad starts crying, so I start crying and it was so good.

Talking about that scene, let’s talk about the soundtrack. Good googly-moogly, I have never had so many emotions from just the song itself. Fools by Nathan and Mercury is such a FUCKING BOP. I have had that song on replay for two weeks straight after I had watched it. And I love who when moments were happening, we could see the lyrics of the song, and it just connected so well with whatever situation was going on.

The best part about this entire series, and I mean the best part, is between these two scenes: Karl having the heart-to-heart conversation with his Uncle, and Karl envisioning his alternate ending with Vlad. Both had me weeping like a fucking baby. Those were once again such raw and real emotions, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved the ending, it one of the best endings in BL by far. Karl is still figuring himself out, and even though he had come to terms with him being gay, there is still so much else he has to get through. Also, in the credits, Tay and New from DBK are mentioned as a thank you, which was really nice to see that others' series help to inspire others with their work.

This series rocked. We definitely deserve to see more of the realistic depictions that this series has shown. I’m very hopeful for a season 2, and I’m pretty sure we’re getting one. A definite recommend, and a definite favorite.

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