OKAY, BUT THEN EPISODE 10 HAPPENED

STORY. Everything was okay until Episode 10. This is when LI GONG suddenly broke up with SHOU. nd what’s the reason? He thought Shou was just being kind to him and couldn’t say no. That was such a big turnoff. That forced conflict. So, although Episodes 11 and 12 were good, the damage has been done.

CAST / ACTING. SHOU (actor: MAX LIN) is more natural than LI GONG (actor: SHI CHENG HAO). LI GONG has many awkward moments and you see and feel that he’s just acting. And to think, this is Max Lin’s first role, not counting a 2020 series in which he had a guest role). The second couple both have awkwardness in their acting. This is YUKI’s first acting job, so it’s understandable. JIAN, on the other hand, has had main and support roles before. The supporting cast are all good except for Ling-Ling. I don’t know, her acting is too wooden for me.

For me, MAX LIN carried the series. His bubbly, endearing personality was the saving grace of this drama. LI GONG’s personality, in contrast, is somber and a little dark, so he sufferer in comparison to Max’s character, Shou.

TECHNICALS. Cinematography was above average, especially the first scenes (flashback). Very impressive. Though the “magic” seemed to fade towards the end. Music is also very good, especially the opening and closing songs.

8 / 10

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PERFECTION!

STORY AND CHARACTERS. Here lies the strength of this series. Both male leads (and Kazuki) are not absolutely good or bad. We see both sides of each character. We see Kiyoi at first as a brat, user, bully, then later we realize he also feels like he’s a victim. Hira, on the other hand, despite being seen as a willing victim, is also unwittingly using Kiyoi for personal, selfish reasons. Kayoma, who seems to be the most “normal” of the three, can also do the wrong things at the wrong time.

We understand where the two MLs are coming from with the help of animated scenes showing how they grew up. This is what is missing in MR. UNLUCKY CAN ONLY KISS. That series ended leaving us with no clue where the two ML’s families are.

Pacing is just right: too slow, not too fast. Also there’s no irritating side stories of side couples, so the focus is just on the main leads. Attention, Thai BL producers!

Also, this is the only BL I’ve seen so far in which the POV switched from one character (Hira) to another (Kiyoi). This switch made us see more where our main characters are coming from.

ACTING. Superb ang acting from the entire cast. Special mention is the final confrontation. Acting on that scene was spot on. Good writing, too.

TECHNICALS. Cinematography is above average, seasoned professionals obviously are behind this. Same with editing and music, above average.

REWATCH VALUE. I’d watch this over and over again, yes!

10 / 10

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ANOTHER LOVELY TREASURE FROM TAIWAN

Love the GAMEBOYS feel to it, especially the last scene when they finally met up close and the camera was moving around them. This is short and sweet. Very special. It will leave you smiling in the end. Cute, light, funny, touching.

You’ll feel really, really good after watching this one. So sastisfying.

Will I watch it again? Why not!

The only thing that is quite confusing are the subtitles (NOTE: Different sites have different subtitles, but those I've seen are equally confusing): He and she, him and her, boyfriend and girlfriend are most of the time interchanged.

Acting is flawless from the entire cast. Effortless and you won't feel they're acting at all.

I like series that are as short as this one that you can finish in one sitting.

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WHAT THE.... ????

Why did they introduce a new conflict at the very last episode --- if they won't follow it up with another season? This ended in 2015. It's now 2021, so most probably, there won't be a Season 3. This is another ADDICTED HEROIN -- cliffhanged forever!

Btw, Season 1 is much better than this Season 2. This has unnecessary plots that didn't help in the main story arc -- like the couple they met at the beach -- and that ridiculous subplot about baby photos being used for blackmail. What's with that??
Speaking of the beach couple, that YanYan and An Ziyan's chemistry is oozing! They should have a BL together!

The best thing about this Season is the acting of Maiding's mother and other support actors. However, it wasn't made clear what made Mai Ding's parents suddenly change their mind (literally overnight!) and accept An Ziyan as their "son-in-law." So many flaws and loopholes.

One surprise though are the sex scenes. Take note that this is from CHINA! Very brave of the producers!

One (obviously) unintentionally funny scene was the love making in the car. It was interspersed with An Ziyan singing a love song to Mai Ding. I don't know but it just came out really laughable and quite ridiculous!

Another thing that is quite bothersome is this: Why are all the lights and lamps turned ON even during daytime in ALL interior scenes? Amateur lighting director? Sorry, but they're really distracting!

And what's with that big, monstrous frame behind the dining table in Mai Ding's house? An empty frame without a mirror or a painting?? Sorry, but it is really attention hugging.

And that girl that Mai Ding's parents want him to date --- how old is she? She looks 10 years older than Mai Ding when they're supposed to be the same age! And An Ziyan's sister who looks older than her mother!

In summary: They should have stopped at Season 1.

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SHORT BUT REALLY GOOD!

You won’t feel the minutes pass when you watch this one. Not a minute is wasted. Just 3 characters: gay lovers who are not “out” and a classmate of one of them who is at first clueless that his classmate is gay.

Sometimes we try to hide our true selves from people who we thought might judge or ridicule us or might not understand. But sometimes those people turn out to be open about what we are trying to hide from them.

Good acting from all three, and it helps that they are good looking, especially the tall one (Is he a giant or is his partner a midget? Haha. Because he really towers over his lover.

Go watch it. What’s 12 minutes, anyway?

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2 MLs HAVE NO CHARISMA AND NO CHEMISTRY AT ALL

I can say this: GAP (Mon) and MHING (Soh) are my least favorite pair in lead roles – both physically and acting wise. So, it was an effort to finish this series. It’s good that there is lang NEW (Tan), POON (Pond), MEW (Tack), and ZAX (Tim).

Acting is understandably below par because all cast members are newcomers. So, the awkwardness is expected but that’s no excuse if 1) they screened the cast well 2) the director guided the actors. My prediction: actor Gap (who plays Mon) won’t go far in the acting business. I suggest he change careers. Same with Mhing (who plays Soh). Both are ham actors. The good actors in the cast are those who played Pond, Saint, Tack, and Tim.

STORY: Nothing new here. Hate turns to like. Execution is also not fresh. You feel that you’ve seen all that before. It was an ordeal.

PACING. Super slow. And the way the characters talk, they are like in slow motion. You always feel like taking the words out of their mouths. Lots of dead air, tbh!

SCRIPT: One of the worst. The only characters with good lines and delivery are the coach, Pond and sometimes, Saint. I feel like their lines were written by a different writer from those who wrote the ML’s lines (there are four writers, including the director).

Most of the comedy lines/scenes fell flat – except that of the COACH’s and POND’s. They’re both natural and likeable, unlike the two MLs.

DIRECTING. I checked out the filmography of the director. Just 1 drama before this. And only 5 MDL users have seen it.

Cinematography and camerawork: Below average. But there’s a big improvement beginning with Ep 10. It seems that they changed their DoP starting with that ep. Music and sound effects are irritating, to say the least. I had to stop using earphones while watching.

This is one of the least favorite Thai BL series that I’ve seen..

5.5 / 10

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I EXPECTED TOO MUCH

Trailer made me expect much of this series. Love the photography and production design, the colors, the texture. Especially the provincial scenes. But great photography alone doesn’t make a great movie or series. This one suffered from its dragging pace and lousy dialogues. Lots of shots should have been edited and wouldn’t affect the story flow at all.

Acting is awkward especially from Aek, Vich and even veteran Gameplay. Aue is consistent, and so is the mother and other support characters.

Despite its snail-paced storytelling, I still watched the series, hoping it will get better.

And then EPISODE 8 happened. From the candlelight dinner onwards, everything went downhill. I couldn’t stomach Aek’s character here. Why was he so rude? Why walk out? It was out of character. He is suddenly homophobic! Then, another out-of-character moment came from Aue himself: He kissed Aek! What was he thinking?? Then the running while crying in the rain. Haha!! Laughable. Then stumbling down. More haha moment! Then that hospital scene: Why was Eve suddenly there? And why did Aek call a stranger to be with him – then spend the night with him??? Duh.

And Aek’s coming back to Aue, what was that? No apology at all? He came back as if nothing happened? As if he didn’t punch Aue on the face? As if he didn’t act like a homophobic prick??

Just fast-forwarded the last 3 episode, actually wishing Aue end up with Eve. Haha!!! Yeah, that’s how I hated Aek. To me, he doesn’t deserve Aue at all.

And that finale was more about Vich-Prem story than anything else.

Then that non-kiss between Aue and Aek at the end. Sigh.

Initially, I thought I’d be giving this at least a 9 / 10 rating, but in the end, I gave it a 7. Yeah, I’m kindhearted that way. I know it deserved a much lower rating. But hey, first time producers, so… let’s cut them some slack.

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CHARMING CAST AND STORY REMINDS US OF CHERRY MAGIC

CAST. Just like another Japanese series, CHERRY MAGIC, the two main leads of this series are its best asset. Both are adorable, especially Sato Yusuke who plays Naoya. Both the actor and the character are endearing. Acting is also natural. As for Soyta Ryosuke who plays Kota, his exaggerated acting makes you feel that you are watching an anime. Even the delivery of his lines are very cartoon-like. And it’s also charming.

10 / 10

STORY. Story is cute, although I feel that the writers should’ve written in about the two main character’s families. One can’t help but wonder: Why are both characters living alone? Where are their families? Who pays for their tuition/rent/bills? I love the maturity of Naoya and how he handles situation and how he respects Kota. Also love Kota’s character development towards the end.

I read some comments from viewers who are disappointed that there is no kissing scene at the end. Hey guys, we got one at the beginning, right? Also, series like CHERRY MAGIC worked and are well-loved despite the lack of kissing scenes.

9 / 10

CINEMATOGRAPHY. It’s still a puzzle to me why Japanese and Korean BLs use so much filter. I know some series/movies use filters to hide the cast’s age, but in this case, the cast are all young – so what gives? Some Thai series are guilty of this, too. It’s ok if white filters (diffusers) are used for dream sequences or fantasy scenes or flashbacks, but for present day scenes, I don’t think it’s necessary. MUSIC is also mediocre, nothing impressive.

7 / 10

REWATCH VALUE. 10, if only because of the two male leads. Haha!!

10 / 10

OVERALL RATING

9 / 10

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ONE OF THE WORST MOVIES I’VE EVER SEEN (WHAT WAS THAT??)

Gun is miscast here. His acting is so awkward that it’s painful to watch. Always spitting, but it doesn’t suit his facial expression or movements. AND THAT VOICE!!! Why did they get THAT dubber to record over his voice?? It’s really laughable!!! Is that Russian? Haha!

Forty minutes into the movie and we still have no idea what the characters are talking about. Is it drugs? It’s not clear. Worst script.

If sadomasochism is your cup of tea, then maybe you’ll enjoy this movie. The first 30 minutes are nothing but nudity, sex, beating, whipping, slapping, pulling hair, kicking, hitting each other, cursing and shouting at each other.

Then, we get to have a respite of about 10 minutes, then it’s M2M sex again!

One hour into the movie and I still have no idea what the characters are talking about. Worst script ever.

Then, it’s over. I have no idea what went on there.

This is like watching a train wreck. You can’t look away. But in the end, you feel empty.

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THIS MADE ME HUNGRY!!!

Watching this series will make you hungry. Seriously. And you’d wish you know how to cook well or have the patience and perseverance to do so.

I stumbled upon this series after watching HE SHE IT (2019) – while researching about the actors and the song at the end (that haunting song ironically titled “Comedy”). So I got to know a little about the lead actors. Gameplay is a chef in real life and Jeff Satur is a singer-songwriter. So, perfect roles for them!

After their intense kissing scenes in HE SHE IT, I was naturally expecting something similar – if not more – from their follow up, INGREDIENTS. Well, if you did, too, you’ll be a little disappointed. But hey, kissing is not the sole basis for a BL’s appeal, right? CHERRY MAGIC has no kissing, yet I gave it a perfect 10 rating.

Anyway, at the first few episodes of INGREDIENTS, I was a bit confused. These two (Win and Tops) are living together, so it’s natural to assume that they are lovers, right? Wrong! As you will realize in the succeeding episodes, they are NOT a couple!!! So, you ask: Why are they living together? Maybe THAT question will be answered as you go along, BUT – no answer came after you watch the finale!

Then you search online for answers. And you find out there is an EPISODE 0 (ZERO)!! A prequel!!! A 5-minuter which will answer THAT question. Why wasn’t I told about that?? Haha! Maybe they should’ve put an “announcement” of sorts at the beginning of Episode 1! So, if you’re planning to watch this series, watch EPISODE 0 first, okay?

Going back to the series… it’s quite long at 21 episodes (average of 10 minutes each) or 3.5 hours. Did I compute that right? But since each episode is short, you won’t feel bored or anything like that. But you will feel impatient though in the “touching” and “romance” department. Touching and intimacy came much later in the series. And when they came, you’d feel like they weren’t enough. But then again, that’s just me.

Love the way cooking/recipes are incorporated in some episodes. Reminds you of movies which also has cooking as its theme like CHOLOLAT (2000), JULIE & JULIA (2009), LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE (1992), etc.

I just feel that some side stories were not necessary or didn’t add anything to the main story arc, like Dome’s character (the third wheel wannabe) – and that girl who came crying to Win – who at first I thought was his girlfriend because of the English translation of her initial lines.

So, this series made me hungry because of the featured dishes, and hungry for more intimacy between Win and Tops – which I feel was not enough.

I don’t know if there’s a sequel to this series, but I really hope there is. So maybe then, we’ll get more romantic moments for Win and Tops.

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A LOT BETTER THAN “MANNER OF DEATH”

TRIAGE
A LOT BETTER THAN “MANNER OF DEATH”

Very interesting and intriguing story. Started really good, but middle part somehow dragged because of many repetitions. But it again picked up when the “burden of the loops” was transferred to TOL.

The FINALE was quite a disappointed as there are many laughable scenes at the first half. It picked up on the second half but then it came to a screeching halt. I guess we missed the old TIN at the last two episodes, and that very last scene didn’t give us enough of him.

Acting is generally good, esp TOL (actor: TEE) and KINTA (actor: MORRIS K.). On the other hand, TIN’s (actor: TAE) facial expressions, mouth movements and always raising of an eyebrow when reacting – are sometimes putting off. Supporting actors are good, except for GAP (actor: AOB) who has only one facial expression. that irritated look. Also mediocre (almost ham) acting are MAI (actress: AOM) and DOI (actor: BOAT). ART (actor: MILD) is given the usual, stereotypical role of the funny classmate; poor him, he never graduated from it.

Directing is okay, but there are many melodramatic and laughable moments (like TOL jumping like a kid after the saved a patient when he pretended to be doctor) and later kissing TIN right then and there at the E.R. – with face mask on!).

Story has loopholes but can be forgiven since this is a fantasy series anyway. It’s a lot better than MANNER OF DEATH (from same director/writer) which has lots of head scratching scenes. Only MAXTUL saved that one from being a forgettable mess.

8.5 / 10

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ALL’S WELL UNTIL *THAT* SCENE HAPPENED

This is from THE IDEA FIRST COMPANY, makers of GAMEBOYS, so I watched this with high expectations.

Paolo Ballesteros, Anne Curtis, Dennis Trillo, The Idea First Company. Winning combination! There’s also Sinon Loresca! Bonus, Yayo Aguila, and that drag queen role of Michael de Mesa! What’s not to love??

STORY. Nothing new but the presentation is quite fresh, so… still a winner. In the first scenes of the movie, you’ll feel that Kylie (Anne Curtis) and Diego (Dennis Trillo) are the end game here. Paolo (as Benj) is also in the main cast, but his role is more on the comedy side, and no romance angle for him, really. This Kylie-Diego pairing is reinforced at 37-minute mark (theater scene) and later in the fitting scene where the background music that played is “May Minamahal” (It means “there’s someone being loved”). And then, at the 49-minute mark, the song was sang by Kyle and Diego, so…. we know!

This singing of “May Minamahal” marks the turning point in the movie. This is the seed of realization on Kylie and Diego about their feelings for each other – though they still haven’t realized that at this point. The misunderstandings and incompatibility of Diego and Fiona are also starting to show. So, it’s really quote predictable from this point on what will happen next.

What is not believable is Diego asking Kylie to pretend to be Fiona (since Fiona is always busy) for their church interview (a requirement if one is to get married here in the Philippines) and the couples seminar (another requirement) where the two were forced to kiss each other. Wasn’t Fiona bound to find out about that?

Plus point is the inclusion of male/female/gay stereotypes (how one looks at one’s fingernails, for example). They were incorporated in very funny ways.

*****

Everything was going well until that party scene at 1:24 mark where a drunken Kylie accused everyone there of being gay (“Bakla! Bakla kayong lahat!”; or You’ll all faggots!”). It was a very awkward scene, one done without finesse, so all the sympathy that Kylie got since the beginning of this movie, was thrown out the window. To me, this was unnecessary and overdone. Being drunk is no excuse for being ill-mannered. Big minus points. She ruined the party, she ruined her friendship with Benj, she ruined their business deal with Diego and Fiona, and she ruined her reputation.

When she did this at that opening of the movie, it was fine because we were just establishing her character then. But to repeat it at THIS party, it was way over the top already.

Good thing Benj and Diego forgave her. If it were me, I won’t ever talk to her again.

*****

This is NOT a BL series because there is no M2M relationship here of any kind. Benj likes Diego, but that’s it. So, if you’re expecting a BL movie, you’ll be disappointed.

This is a 9, but because of THAT scene, it became a 7. But let’s add a half point for acting from Dennis Trillo, Anne Curtis and also Michael de Mesa (not so with Paolo medyo whose acting here is stereotypical).

*****

MISCAST

I think Alma Concepcion is miscast as Dennis Trillo’s mother. She’s 40 y/o and Dennis was 35 y/o when they made this movie.

FAMILIAR FACE

That actress who played the lady assistant at the church counseling is also the actress who played that dastard aunt of Gavreel in GAMEBOYS THE MOVIE (2021).

7.5 / 10

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SIZZZLING CHEMISTRY

First, the writing. It was uneven and most of the time problematic. It was sometimes messy. There are scenes that are repeated (girlfriend-Oun talk after the party and the following day). It’s as if the writers didn’t have a story outline/timeline and checklist.

Anyway, the main message of overcoming challenges and finding love along the way was very clearly stated.

Acting: Overall, there’s improvement in the two MLs, though Chap (as Nawee) still has awkward moments, despite all the assignments he has recently. The chemistry between the two is sizzling hot. And sizzling hot, too, are the kissing/love scenes despite not showing much (of THAT part, you know. Haha).

We must thank Tape (as Sichol). His character and performance helped a lot to lighten the mood when things were going downhill. Actually, his character/acting is one of the more memorable pluses of this series/ .

On the technical side, it’s okay overall, but no “wow” factor really. Above average though.

THE FINALE: You get the feeling that it was rushed. Again, there are many support characters (very typical of Thai BLs) so you get the feeling that many were underdeveloped.

But the overall pacing of this series is just okay for me. There were no forward moments because the episodes are short – unlike in other BLs where there are lots of unnecessary or dragging scenes..

The director is obviously old school. So many stereotype characters, acting and scenes. Fit for a telenovela. Too many unrealistic moments (slipped that’s why they kissed – not once but twice! Haha!).

Hope to see the two MLs handled by more competent directors in better written series in the future.

8 / 10

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WHERE’S THE EXCITEMENT FOR THE GAMES? WHERE’S THE AUDIENCE??

If you’ve watched PING PONG (starring Timmy Xu of ADDICTED fame), this one will definitely suffer in comparison. PING PONG generated such an interest for the game – in epic proportions! You follow the progression of the main characters and you develop a love for the sport. Partly to blame here is the editing. But of course, the director calls the shots, so he’s one responsible for putting everything together. Two sports are featured here: basketball and track & field. Neither were given proper spotlight.

Also here, MAJOR games have no audience at all? Only a handful? Two school are competing. Shouldn’t the bleachers be full of students? Also, the host school had no audience at all? All those handful cheerers are from the visiting team! Doesn’t help in making the series believable at all!

PING PONG’s actors obviously invested time and effort in perfecting their games. You see and feel they really ARE masters of their game! Here, you don’t feel that. You feel they’re all amateurs up the very last episode. Also amateurs in the acting department. Only Saen (actor: Boom) is a natural, but even he has awkward moments.

Also, the timeline is quite confusing. Transition from present to past to present sometimes makes you wonder if what you’re watching is present or months ago. Example: During the final game, Thorn was a prick which everybody hated, including his teammates. Then we get to see flashbacks from months ago. Then, even before the game ended, we see Thorn crying and Fah comforting him. Is this past or present? Confusing because they didn’t even show the results of that game!! Which team won?? Like so many things in the series, that one was left unanswered.

Time jumps between episodes are quite confusing, too! So you don’t feel a smooth flow of events.

Nagging question: Did Dome say (they he and Wee were assisting a drunken Pete) that he just used Pan to get close to Wee? Did he address that issue after that scene? Did he say sorry to Pan for that?

PLUS POINT: Cinematography, whether is daylight or sunset or nighttime, the lighting is almost always perfect.

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This one hit all the right notes: the writing, acting, direction, cinematography, editing, music.

And it’s not overlong. Just 3 episodes (50 minutes average/ep).

It’s simple yet the message comes across very clearly.

It is also a light comedy rin ito, but its humor is not forced. Even the flow of the story is very natural. No forced conflicts here.

And that little girl is soooo endearing. And smart. In fact, all the main characters here – including the ex-wife – are endearing. No negative vibes – except for a few narrow-minded minor characters.

Prepared some tissues. Not many though. Haha!

This now ties with CHERRY MAGIC as my favorite Japanese series.

Really thankful that I came across this one.

TRIVIA: Baruto Kaito (born Kaido Höövelson on 5 November 1984) is an Estonian politician and former professional sumo wrestler.

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