This review may contain spoilers
Good, but it could be much better
I had expectations, big expectations - mainly because of Jade, I love the actor - and I think because of that I ended up being a bit disappointed. I still think it's a good show, fun, sexy and interesting, but it could have wrapped up less. I recommend it for those who like the genre.The main couple matches a lot, the sex scenes are worth it precisely because of the actors' chemistry. It has a dramatic appeal due to Uea's trauma, but I missed a deepening of the script, exploration of supporting characters (like Jade and Mai, and Gun too), as well as some other things that could make us more attached to the series. Because honestly, from chapter 7 or 8 onwards it started to bore me a bit. The dynamics of Colored Friends have already been explored several times, in various scenarios and in various means of entertainment, so for the plot to be based on this it takes a little more creativity and commitment to get out of the sameness. Which is exactly what happens in this BL. It's not bad, it's just more of the same. The series could end two episodes earlier if it were to stick with this same content.
I continued for Jade and also because, as I said, I liked the chemistry that the actors have together and wanted to know the outcome of the story.
NOTE: I also have to confess that I was waiting for Mai to appear hahaha since there will be a spin-off series soon and because I am simply in love with him and Jade. Passion derived from when they played Syn and Nuer in Cutie Pie (help me, I'm deluded hahaha). The actors together are divine perfection. Besides Koraphat Lamnoi being very sexy, his look moves me.
If you liked this review, I invite you to read my other reviews here. I always update my account, every time I watch something new. You can help me by liking and following me here on MyDramaList.
Thank you for reading this far, XOXO <3
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This review may contain spoilers
Watch first 4 episodes and then drop it.
This BL started so freaking well it was hard to believe. They showed topics like childhood trauma, rape, family abuse, hookup culture, STD prevention, etc., but completely lost the steam halfway through the plot. Like there was so much they could have done with this intricate storyline, instead they just decided to completely abandon Uea's healing journey/recovery, his toxic traits stemming from his past traumas and his awful behaviour towards King, and randomly added a new rapist in a form of Mr. Krit, and made up a completely irrelevant and unrelated drama troughout the episodes 6 and 7. Like come on, this is not how a good BL drama is made.My overal rating is very inaccurate, since the first 4 episodes were truly immaculate, deserving high 10/10 totally inflating my overall rating, but at the same time episode 5 recorded the first dragging of the story, earning like 7/10 from me and the episodes 6 and 7 should be thankful if I give them a measly 2/10. That's how bad they screwed up...
I'm writing all this with a heavy mind, because I really wanted the BL to stand out and be good. Unfortunately that's not the case.
Anyway, I want to point out at least one thing: THE SPICY SCENES WERE F*CKING FLAWLESS!!!
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truly a masterpiece series
I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT OKAY JUST GO FOR IT IT'S REALLY WORTH WATCHING !!! TRUST MEnetjames served chemistry on golden platter and added it with cherries of nc yet clearly dipicted the affect of trauma within every episode people have no taste if they don't like it cus come on even the storyline is enough for conveincing anyone to see it . the trauma effects shown clearly unlike many bls . it clearly stood up among lot of bls this year . it atleast has a great story with no plotholes unlike well sm 2023 bls . the acting skills are great . they really worked 2 years for this so i wish you all will give it a watch . also the cinematography is eye candy last but not least THEY ARE GORGEOUS
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Mixed Feelings
Five episodes in and I am having mixed feelings. The actors are doing a great job so and I hope the ending meets my expectations.I have watched one too many series in which parents get away with being abusive and nothing is done in regards to the victim's mental health. It's quite frustrating to see certain forms of abusive, manipulative or controlling behavior being normalised. I do know and understand that every country has its culture and family principles however watching one or both parents (or a partner) get away with certain unacceptable actions is worrying. In one such series the son was bea**n up till the father was finally willing to accept his relationship with a man. It's okay to touch on such mannerisms or issues because they make the story more realistic but they should not be condoned.
I'm curious as to how the obvious issues in this series will be addressed. A good writer needs to put all of this into consideration; unless it is something they think has been normalised for some strange or unknown reason.
So far, the acting has been impressive and I'm enjoying the added humour in some scenes. Costumes and makeup are on point and the visuals of the lead actors is no joke. Hopefully this series will be well worth the watch when the final episode is aired.
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There's a lot missing
So I was actually quite excited for this series but with each episode it becomes more uncomfortable to watch. First, I kind of liked the idea of 'Bed Friends' but there's seriously no storyline whatsoever.They basically just casted good looking actors and filmed a lot of 18+ scenes.
But there's actually not much tension between them. I don't really understand what's going on to be honest.
It seems like they just mixed a bunch of 'sex' scenes and some 'flirty' scenes together without thinking about a plot or a good storyline. Atleast I don't get the storyline behind that and some scenes don't really make sense or are necessary.
And in my opinion they portrayed the trauma /past Uea went trough also really weird
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This review may contain spoilers
More!
Both the male leads are hot and their chemistry is simmering explosiveness.I can understand both leads perspectives. Uea was raised by a cruel homophobic mother. He's undeniably gay but not openly comfortable with expressing it. King is flirtatious and seemingly shallow. However, I'm getting strong undercurrents of unrequited love and definite sexual interest. He does thoughtful and responsible things for Uea. I really don't get the comments about "rape". Uea ask for his attentions. Morally King should have denied him due to how drunk Uea was but the sex was still consenual even if Uea was cognitively impaired. While King could have taken the "high" road and just held Uea instead of having sex, there is a degree of responsibility on Uea's part to not drink to the point he is passing out.
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Not just a steamy romance
Reviewed after completing EP. 3___________________________________________________
I started watching this series coz I wanted to watch something lighthearted and maybe sizzling romance. But after 3 episodes, I am sure Bed Friend is going to demand much more emotional involvement than I thought. It's kinda like an emotional rollercoaster...
Though I am seeing a pretty consistent theme with Uea here. It's like he has got all the problems in his life and others lives are seemingly perfect. I hope King also has some story and depth to his character.
Finger crossed?for future development in the story....
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This review may contain spoilers
MAYBE NOT A FAN OF THIS KIND
I got to be honest , I really tried my best appreciating this drama but I just can't, but it is not the show's fault, some people may like this one but also maybe not me.I did not like the fact that the time is just spent on bed scenes, but I thought this is the reason why the title is bed friend, so I just ignored that and skipped those parts, acting on bed scenes somehow lacks something, I cannot feel the desire specially on the Eua's face , But King is stealing the show here .
It is about trauma as far as I think even I cannot finish the show anymore , and like what I've said maybe this show is not for me, I just tried watching it because of Net, but yeah sadly I did not liked it
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Not delivering
I think the series has the same problems as Cutie Pie did. It makes me disappointed because Net is a good actor, the visual is stunning and they should be able to sort the rest out.The biggest problems are the slow pace and the lack of conviction in what they’re doing. The slow pace is evident in how they talk, which is not natural and full of pauses. This results in a feeling of lack of chemistry and a plot that’s kind of not happening. Their interactions are done with a body language that’s not convincing, because it seems like they’re not convinced themselves. This I think is mostly James problem, he can’t pull off taking his shirt off or rubbing the crotch in a sensual way. It falls flat.
Next problem is the balance of the characters. The mother is way over the top. It’s difficult to understand why Uea would stand for that kind of abuse as an adult. And why does he turn down King who’s nothing but kind to him. Uea seems mostly bratty and King is so underdeveloped it’s impossible to understand his fascination for Uea.
Overall the humor doesn’t work. This was also the main problem in Cuie Pie. They’re not funny, they’re trying to be, which makes it cringey.
Lastly, I agree with the comment of someone else; in which century are they living? “You have sex without being in love?” can’t be asked like that’s unheard of in today’s society. It’s just not very realistic.
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something so special
This is one the very few drama that Im giving a 10 solely because this drama made me feel things that no other drama did/could/will.Maybe it was me relating to Uea's charecter, or me falling head over heels for King or just Netjames insane chemistry idk what it was but it definitely left a huge impression on me.
it became my comfort show despite the heavy themes.
Net's eyes are so expressive, the love and adoration King had for Uea was so clearly visible. They also had a very healthy and understanding relationship.
Considering there's most likely no more netjames in future, maybe this is all I'll have left as a wonderful memory of them both together.
May king and Uea live happily ever after ❤
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This review may contain spoilers
Not the greatest, but better than Cutie Pie the series
Okay. I knooow a lot of yall won't agree with this, but if you like Cutie Pie's story, then I kinda get why you won't like Bed Friend's more realistic plot. I mentioned Cutie Pie because they came from the same production and even in the same universe, I think? But they're like in the opposite ends of the spectrum for plots.I'll start with the good elements:
1. Plot- Bed Friend touched on a very triggering, but very, (disappointingly and disgustingly) real issue of sexual abuse, pedophilia and r*pe. Bed Friend did a good job of how they were able to translate the trauma, the trauma responses, and the not openly talked about PTSD of victims of this abuse. PTSD is not just for war veterans; it happens to all victims of any trauma.
It's refreshing to see that instead of just focusing on the senseless steamy, NC scenes, ( I was honestly getting tired of the overly steamy NC scenes making it look like BL is just a collection of softprn for impressionable teen girls who's pining after a superstar) they used the s*x to explain why they are in a friend with benefits situation in the first place, used their multiple s*x scenes that lead them to catch feelings for each other, and also portray the changes and how comfortable Uea is becoming with King.
Since Uea is openly gay, and is even feminine representing, it's a breath of fresh air to see his portrayal that isn't as flamboyant as other feminine openly gay characters. Especially in an industry that uses gay characters as a comic relief. Uea was given a complicated, and dark history that thoroughly explains his character, and his attitude around people (how he doesn't open up to people) and his self-sabotaging decisions.
I've read a comment on YT that said that there were too many scenes of trauma that they think didn't need to be on there, but on the contrary, those scenes were very necessary. It just proves that a person who has not gone thru what you did, will never understand how you feel. Those memories of trauma were engraved in his brain, as much as affecting his everyday function because his traumas weren't addressed then, and worse, his family (except his sister) were one of the perpetrators. A person who has not gone thru this level of trauma can never begin to understand how and why, but Bed Friend was able to translate that on screen. And for that I commend them.
I'll mention an example that might help this point- Sky in Love in the Air, Daisy from SCOY- characters that only wanted to love and be loved but were let down and hasn't healed from it yet.
I know this plot isn't unique, but there aren't a lot of series that did a good representation of this like Bed Friend did.
2. Resolution- And even more, how they delivered the resolution. Making sure the perpetrators got what they deserved, and how Uea took time before becoming official with King. And I love how they did in the final scenes of the series. Uea needed that. I know it's a bare minimum to have a good resolution, but lately, we've been having shitty series enders and I'm just happy to get all the good endings I can.
3. Acting- Net's eyes are *chefs kiss*. This guy can act with his eyes, and I love that because they needed work on their communication so how else will King be able to portray his feelings for Uea? His fcking eyes.
And don't get me started on James. James's take on an openly gay feminine character was amazing. It was a perfect blend of a he knows he's sexy, but is silent, and reserve. He's obviously feminine, but he wasn't overly flamboyant. He was hurt and he had his walls up, but he was confident and knows how to set his boundaries. His complexity was palpable even though he didn't say much.
The supporting characters did okay. They were able to add value to the storytelling, and was helpful with the narration, but not the best. Which made it realistic because Uea is not the type to have a big support group because he wasn't easy to trust because of his family. And also, on King's side. I love his family. And they even made it obvious why King was so set on Uea. Uea was so much like his mother.
4. Pacing- If you don't have enough content for 12 episodes, make it shorter. Which they did. I love how they only had 10 episodes and spared the watchers of senseless fillers. But they were able to give the characters closure and reassurance.
Bad Elements:
1. Blocking- I have a little issue with the blocking. It's like the characters look out of place in a setting in times.
2. Editing- The editing is not the best either. It felt choppy, almost awkward.
There's actually not a lot I can think of. Well not enough to be memorable anyway. Although the series started a little rocky, and they were not able to fully explore on why Uea hated King's gut so much, except that he was a womanizer. Although it would make sense since it seems like Uea has always found King attractive. You'll never have strong emotions for people that don't matter to you. Period.
Overall, it was a good watch. It needs a clear PSA, just to warn viewers that it'll deal with traumas.
Okay, that about it. Peace!
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