Plot Might Ruin it.
I'm on episode 6 and they're actually trying to put something in the story, which I'm fine with, but this BL was never about story in the first place, this BL is good because it's funny, absurd and too over the top (In a good way) I hope they don't loose this charm just so for the plot progresses. (To put simply this show is actually a feel good show despite the title, and in the anime world this would probably be like Kono Suba good because it's funny. It's very funny if you're not too critical.(Edit) Episode 7 OMG it's still in it's A game comedy wise.
(Edit) Episode 8 OMG it just got even better ahhhhh, this is what actual romcom, Watch it TRUST, ahhhh
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This review may contain spoilers
Fruits 'n Suits
THE BAILIFF: All rise. The court is now in session. Justice Bea Yeller presides.DEFENCE: Objection!
JUDGE: We haven’t even begun yet, counsel.
DEFENCE: We're here, your Honour. We're here, we’re (not) queer, and we’re loud and clear.
JUDGE: Oh, do sit down. (To the Prosecution): Now, what is the substance of the claim here?
PROSECUTION: A JBL programme, your Honour. Love is Poison. We claim that it is another predictable, pointless and a disappointing addition to the canon, and that, though it is often enjoyably silly, in 2024, it feels dated and retrogressive.
DEFENCE: Spoilsports!
JUDGE: Is that a legal ground for objection, counsel?
DEFENCE: It is in the show!
JUDGE (sighing): They don’t pay me enough for this.
THE JURY: Nor us, your Honour.
JUDGE: Alright, I’ll hear from the Defence first. What do you have to say?
DEFENCE: We say, simply, that LIP is a fun, funny, quirky, and delightful BL, that warms our hearts, and fills us with joy. It does not aspire to anything more than that. And it should not be taken to task for not being anything more than that. The entirety of Prosecution’s case rests on what it *wants* a BL to be, not what it is.
JUDGE: And what is it?
DEFENCE: A BL.
PROSECUTION: Objection, your Honour. Facts not in evidence.
JUDGE: Sustained. Counsel, you can't just go around begging the question. What do you mean by "just a BL"?
DEFENCE: It’s a fantasy in which two men fall in love. That’s all. It is governed by a set of well-established conventions, and Love is Poison merely follows those conventions. That does not make it derivative or dull, even if it is predictable.
JUDGE: Alright then. What makes it so fun and enjoyable? What is it that warms your hearts and fills them with joy?
DEFENCE: Two very handsome leads, one nerdish lawyer and one sexy rogue. Workplace romance that is half Suits, half Legally Blonde. A light, almost wafer-thin plot which we can comfortably ignore as background noise. People talking to succulents, succulents talking back. Food porn. Manga-style very loud interior monologues. (Japanese sounded never more masculine.) A killer soundtrack. (With helpful furigana to sing along.) The assurance of a happy ending. And, it is very, very funny. What more could you possibly want?
JUDGE: Does the Prosecution dispute any of this?
PROSECUTION: No, your Honour.
JUDGE: Then why are we here?
PROSECUTION: May we put certain questions to the Defence, your Honour?
JUDGE: Why?
PROSECUTION: Latitude, your Honour.
JUDGE: Go ahead. I need to file my nails anyway.
PROSECUTION: Those two very handsome leads, do either of them call themselves ‘gay’?
DEFENCE: No.
PROSECUTION: Is there a character in the show that explicitly does?
DEFENCE: Yes.
PROSECUTION: Is he handsome, this openly gay person? Is he shown with his lover? Are the two shown in any intimate light? Is he anything more than an unattractive, supportive sidekick?
DEFENCE: No. No. No. And no.
PROSECUTION: Do the leads kiss?
DEFENCE: Objection, your Honour. Where are they going with this?
JUDGE: Overruled. Continue.
PROSECUTION: Do the leads kiss?
DEFENCE: It depends on what you mean by kiss.
JUDGE: I think we all know what kissing means, counsel.
PROSECUTION: You'll be surprised, your Honour. We must be grateful we are not in a South Korean court. But to clarify, we mean a kiss that clearly shows two men desiring each other. Not a kiss in which one man presses his lip against another as if he might catch the plague, or worse, turn him “gay”.
JUDGE: No need to be snippy, counsel.
PROSECUTION: Cheerfully withdrawn.
JUDGE: Very well, do they kiss?
DEFENCE (looking a bit hapless): We refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it may incriminate us.
(The JUDGE rolls his eyes.)
PROSECUTION: Alright. Is there an intimate scene in which, rather than show any body contact, one actor just planks on top of the other, again, you know, because… eww… gay…
DEFENCE: Objection!
JUDGE (at the same time): Counsel! You are on a short leash here.
PROSECUTION: Apologies, your Honour.
JUDGE (to the Defence): Answer the question.
DEFENCE: No, there isn’t. But the actors…
PROSECUTION: Oh, we actually do have a statement from the actors, your Honour, in which they say they have no problems whatsoever with same-sex intimacy. That it is part of their job. That the homophobia was not theirs.
DEFENCE: Objection. There’s no homophobia in the show.
PROSECUTION: We don’t disagree, your Honour. There *is* no homophobia in the show. That is part of what makes it enjoyable. Right? It is pure fiction.
DEFENCE: Yes. So what? Is that wrong? Many of us need that fantasy to escape this world, and we are well within our right to.
PROSECUTION: We take no issue with that. But everything around and about the show is, shall we say, more 2014 than 2024. After all, why introduce a gay character with no individuality, no depth, and no heart, except to support the very straight-coded leads?
DEFENCE: Straight-coded? Are you suggesting the leads be effeminate to conform to a stereotype?
PROSECUTION: Not at all. But the Defence has already admitted to the existence of BL conventions by which LIP abides. Did you not? Would you not then agree that this is one of them? That the leads must, to all appearances and in all aspects, act ‘straight’? One consequence of which is that they can never identify as ‘gay’? And another consequence of which is that effeminate or openly gay characters don’t ever get to be the leads?
DEFENCE: Objection, your Honour.
JUDGE: What is it this time?
DEFENCE: Relevance? Must these people ruin everything that is fun by making it about something grave and important?
PROSECUTION: Might we remind the jury that BLs are, by the defendants' own definition, stories of two men in love? Which makes the question of whether or not they are gay or bisexual more than relevant.
JUDGE: Overruled. Hurry up, counsels. Some of us have to go to lunch.
PROSECUTION: Your Honour, what the Defence calls conventions, we call clichés. What they call silly, we call stupid. What warms their heart, makes us cringe. What fills them with joy, fills us with regret.
JUDGE: Isn’t this all a bit subjective, counsel? What exactly do you want me, and the jurors, to do about it?
DEFENCE: Exactly. Why harsh our mellows?
JUDGE: Is that a legal code now, "harshing one's mellows"?
PROSECUTION: Your Honour, we don’t ask for realism from BLs. Not at all. That would be an oxymoron. We just think that many of the conventions, as the Defence calls it, or tropes, as we call it, are backwards and regressive. They are exclusionary, even discriminatory. We would also enjoy LIP a lot more if it did not resort to these tropes in 2024. When the majority of Japanese are in support of gay marriage. And when Japan, as a society, seems apt to move on.
JUDGE: What does the Defence say?
DEFENCE: We don’t believe in telling people what to make, your Honour. We just enjoy what is given.
PROSECUTION: But not telling people what to make is to tacitly endorse what they are already making. By claiming to enjoy it for what it is, you are voting for more of the same. For stasis and mediocrity. And it shows.
DEFENCE: Objection.
JUDGE: Overruled.
DEFENCE: Your Honour!
JUDGE: O-ver-ruled. (To the Prosecution): Wrap it up, counsel.
PROSECUTION: Your Honour, we would love to do nothing more than enjoy the same BLs that the Defence does. Nothing would make us happier. But many of these outdated conventions leave a very bad taste in our mouths. We love the cactus choreography, we love the blinding white camera flares, and we all love the strategic towel drop that accidentally reveals the nerdish lawyer’s unexpectedly hot body. We love the stupidity of the BL insistence that every student, lawyer, doctor, be a genius and the best in the whole country. We love the even greater stupidity that they all also happen to be hot, popular, and surrounded by girls who do nothing but shout ‘kawai’, and run around with gifts and flowers to give the ‘ikemen’. (Of course, we won’t talk about how JBLs treat the women in the show, which is a whole different can of worms.) All we ask is that gay people’s identities be not erased in the name of appealing to the masses, and pandering to the homophobes. We don’t think we are being unreasonable.
JUDGE: Anything more to add?
PROSECUTION: No, your Honour.
JUDGE (to the Defence): Counsel?
DEFENCE: The Defence rests, your Honour.
JUDGE: Very well then. Jurors, deliberate, and when you come to a conclusion, let me know. I’m off to Bianca’s.
THE JURY: Still out there.
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If you know what's good for you: Binge watch!
To be honest this show is 10/10, my favorite series this year!What you will see:
- original story
- actors suitable for the characters the play (+ very handsome, eye candy)
- not too focused on solving law cases, but still true to the topic
- awesome chemistry between actors, and if you like hot n' cold relationships, this series is a must for you!
- there is novelty (new stuff) in the way the actors carry out different lovey-dovey scenes, which feel refreshing and adds a bit of the feeling: "Wow, I have never seen anyone do it like this before!")
Overall, the series is awesome, handsome, goofy, lovely, cool and kind, a bit serious, and definitely "watch worthy"!
Hope you will enjoy it just as much as I did ?
Love you all,
atoroklivi
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When you didn't see love coming
These are my types of BLs where the one guy didn't know he would be into guys and alas he must give in and fall in love. I can binge on those for days! The acting is great with this series. I love the chemistry between the main leads. I'm held in suspense right now because I still need to see the final 3 episodes. Haruto surprised me with his fighting skills. There was a tear jerker moment there for me when Ryo learned from the kids of his mistake. This will not be a disappointing watch. Japanese started the whole BL genre and I think they can reclaim the top spot. Some comments said this was immature and funny. I do not think so. Maybe if they said invasive, I would agree. Haruto was invasive.Was this review helpful to you?
Short but fun and well tied together
TLDR: Lighthearted Romcom + Sunshine x Tsundere/Grumpy + “It was supposed to be just another job” x “I don’t have time for love and don’t even know what that is” + a sliver of plot that shows up in the last episodes and lots of cuteness with mature and unique characters with their own little quirks and very nice chemistry.Each episode is about 20 minutes long, so you can watch everything in 4 hours or save these to watch during lunch break since they’re bite-sized and perfect for that.
And I’m always very picky in regards to pacing and editing in everything I watch, but even if these episodes are short they are still very well-paced, introducing more plot points as it goes without tripping over itself. And the editing is not overwhelming or nonexistent. In comedic times it adds up to the moment, and in serious or emotional moments it doesn’t get in the way of it all. So if that can also be a turn-off for you I think you’ll enjoy it! I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the last three episodes to drop.
The lead actors did a great job and gave these characters great chemistry and funny moments, and when it was time for a more serious tone they also did not disappoint. But even the side characters are very charming, charismatic, and funny. And the antagonists are not exaggerated caricatures as I thought they would be. I adore the lawyer with my whole heart, his inside thoughts are always hilarious, and watching the leads' relationship develop was so fun and adorable. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud, just a full-chested laugh. I really needed something light like this lately.
The soundtrack is not its strong point. Except for the awesome opening and ending tracks, everything else is just generic stock music, stock sounds and basic piano notes to fit the tone of some scenes. As a soundtrack lover, I was saddened to not hear a recurring leitmotif throughout the episodes, but it’s understandable, and it didn’t ruin the drama at all. They did very well with what they had and no sound cue or music seemed out of place.
All in all, I think this was a lovely watch and I will definitely be rewatching this soon haha. Give it a try! You might fall in love with it like I did.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Straight Laced Lawyer & A Dramatic Conman Fall in Love
“All is fair in love and lies” seems to be the theme for TBS’s “Love is Like a Poison”. A mature Boys’ Love story between two men from the world of lawyers and legal cases. Young lawyer Shiba Ryoma played by Hama Shogo has been handed a hard case of proving whether a cryptocurrency company used an influencer’s likeness without his permission. Like a domino falling, he meets conman Haruto played by Hyodo Katsumi. Shiba has been unable to find any blatant legal ways to make his case. But like a second domino following the first, Haruto’s volunteered voice recordings bring the validity of the case before the judges. Despite Shiba’s misgivings and knowledge that Haruto is a conman, he still allows the man into his life and home.Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/10/01/love-is-like-a-poison-first-impressions-ep-1-to-3/
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quirky series with some darker moments
Overall: I enjoy the quirky aspect though the last few episodes may change my rating quite a bit. This series is adapted from a manga "Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru" by Makino Keisuke which I haven't read and I am reviewing the series on its own merits. Partway through its release it started airing on Netflix in some countries.Content Warning: manipulation, blackmail, beaten up
What I Liked
- made me laugh a few times
- the friend
- good dreams
- the tie pull
- sweet/caring moments
- the plants/quirky humor moments
Room For Improvement
- it was difficult to root for their relationship because the writers weren't clear about a character/his motivations for a long time
- how a supposed super intelligent lawyer was just asking questions at the end of episode 7
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This review may contain spoilers
Unexpectedly Cute!
The story follows Ryo a brilliant lawyer with a stone face, a harsh manner and no love life. Until Haruto bulldozes his way into his life and home. At first, Ryo is understandably skeptical of Haruto, but he gradually warms up to him, until he finds out Haruto is a con-artist. After kicking Haruto out of his house, Ryo realizes he misses Haruto and has fallen in love with him.I love the comedy relief in this show. From Ryo's awkwardness with affection to his impromptu daydreaming about Haruto, he's such a lovable character. I'll update more once the show ends.
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A tsundere lawyer and a flirty con artist!
Disclaimer: I will update this review as the episodes keep updatingWatched the first 3 ep, and, oh my god. I have no words. The comedy and plot is really interesting! I was a bit hesitant at first but am not disappointed! Their chemistry and the sexual tension asdfghjkl it got me hiding behind my hands
I'm interested to see where this story goes, and who exactly is Haruto. The only thing we know is that he is involved in a fraud case handled by Ryoma's co-worker. Ryoma also knows this, but decided to use Haruto anyway since he's useful. And Haruto is in love with Ryoma...or, is he really???
As expected of a con man, even I am not sure if his confession was the truth or is he just trying to trick Ryoma for some hidden reason?? His obsession with Ryoma sound genuine which made me even more curious as who and why he is in love with Ryoma.
I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds. Crossing my fingers that they won't flop this :0
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A Stoic Lawyer and A flirty Con-Artist
This Netflix series, despite its remarkably brief overall duration, manages to engage viewers fully, ensuring that not a second is wasted on unnecessary filler or distractions. So far, I have only watched two episodes, and I must say that it has proven to be extremely intriguing and captivating. I especially appreciate how each and every scene flows effortlessly into the next, creating a seamless narrative experience that feels cohesive and well-crafted, all the while ensuring that no important details are overlooked or neglected. This meticulous attention to storytelling truly enhances the viewing experience and invites deeper immersion into the plot and characters.I have only had the opportunity to become familiar with Hama Shogo through his portrayal of a supporting character in the captivating series 'Zettai BL ni naru sekai,' where he delivered a performance that added depth to the storyline. On the other hand, my experience with Hyodo Katsumi extends beyond just one series, as I have seen him in the wonderful and memorable baseball-themed series titled 'Gekokujo Kyuji,' where his acting was truly magnificent and showcased his remarkable talent, making a lasting impression that resonated with the audience.
So far this series is promising. i cant wait to finish this.
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