Our Golden Times (2024)

Short. Sweet. Effective for what it is.

Multi-episode series with a cumulative runtime shorter than a feature film are remarkably review proof. After all, the web-drama format signals "abbreviated story telling ahead." Does one fault the absence of effective character development or the short shift given to developing a fully fleshed out plot? That would be unfair, eh? The viewer should understand, prior to pushing play, that such finer details will be sacrificed on the altar of brevity. Perhaps three questions are relevant: does the premise capture interest? Are the characters compelling despite being underwritten? Does the series maximize the time it does have in a satisfying way? Since only one hour of your life is at stake, this reviewer is comfortable answering in the affirmative to all three questions. As the BL genre thrives on generating "feels," I can also report that the appropriately handsome actors do convey an appropriately warm and fuzzy bond between their characters. Perhaps they achieved this union a bit too easily in story context, but the pacing for a union given 60 minutes of narrative time felt just about right. I'd summarize the plot, but that process would take me longer to compose than for you to watch. Just forge ahead. It is all a bit quick and convenient, but then these mini-Bls are the convenience stores of the industry. Quick and convenient, able to supply you, the consumer, with your basic needs. Perhaps while you're on the go and have a spare hour to kill. Just don't expect full-service character arcs or a wide selection of subplots. At an hour of your life, Our Golden Times is worth that much trouble.

Could have been more? Yes. And maybe that is the hallmark of a successful mini-BL web drama. Leave 'em wanting more.

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