drucross_
This review may contain spoilers
First Note of Love: A Sweet Tune to the Heart
First Note of Love is a 12-episode Taiwanese Yaoi series directed by Shiue Bin Jian, streaming on Gagaoolala from August to October 2024. It follows Neil (Charles Tu), a famous guitarist and singer, and Sea (Michael Chang), a prodigy composer and closet fan. The story blends first love, healing, and dreams as the two form a deep connection through music.
Six years after Neil’s brother and bandmate Matt passed away, Neil is still coping, grappling with anxiety and stage fright. Sea, a talented yet inexperienced composer, is invited by Neil’s manager to collaborate with his idol. Sea’s earnest love for music begins to chip away at Neil’s walls, promising a heartwarming tale of growth and mutual healing.
The series has already delivered touching moments and showcases a love for music that feels genuine. Neil and Sea’s relationship starts off rocky, with Neil viewing Sea as unworthy. But, their growth promises to be satisfying as they move from reluctant partners to a harmonious duo, both in music and in love.
The supporting characters, particularly Sea’s cheeky friend Liang, and Neil's colleague Mei add a fun dimension, and the unexpected subversion of character types keeps things fresh. With Neil and Sea’s strong past connection and shared musical passion, their romance is gentle yet impactful—a slow-burn love story focused on understanding and emotional connection.
The production quality is solid, with strong cinematography (though some time jumps could be clearer), and the music is beautifully integrated, enhancing the narrative and character depth. The actors bring maturity to their roles, which is refreshing for a BL series, and the language barrier with Orca, a Thai character, is handled realistically.
First Note of Love strikes a lovely balance between love and music. The original soundtrack stands out, with lyrics that mirror the characters' struggles and dreams, amplifying the emotional stakes. With its touching themes and addictive storyline, this series is a warm, soulful watch that will resonate with viewers on many levels.
Six years after Neil’s brother and bandmate Matt passed away, Neil is still coping, grappling with anxiety and stage fright. Sea, a talented yet inexperienced composer, is invited by Neil’s manager to collaborate with his idol. Sea’s earnest love for music begins to chip away at Neil’s walls, promising a heartwarming tale of growth and mutual healing.
The series has already delivered touching moments and showcases a love for music that feels genuine. Neil and Sea’s relationship starts off rocky, with Neil viewing Sea as unworthy. But, their growth promises to be satisfying as they move from reluctant partners to a harmonious duo, both in music and in love.
The supporting characters, particularly Sea’s cheeky friend Liang, and Neil's colleague Mei add a fun dimension, and the unexpected subversion of character types keeps things fresh. With Neil and Sea’s strong past connection and shared musical passion, their romance is gentle yet impactful—a slow-burn love story focused on understanding and emotional connection.
The production quality is solid, with strong cinematography (though some time jumps could be clearer), and the music is beautifully integrated, enhancing the narrative and character depth. The actors bring maturity to their roles, which is refreshing for a BL series, and the language barrier with Orca, a Thai character, is handled realistically.
First Note of Love strikes a lovely balance between love and music. The original soundtrack stands out, with lyrics that mirror the characters' struggles and dreams, amplifying the emotional stakes. With its touching themes and addictive storyline, this series is a warm, soulful watch that will resonate with viewers on many levels.
Was this review helpful to you?
