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Happenstance philippines drama review
Completed
Happenstance
5 people found this review helpful
by jpny01
Mar 13, 2021
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.5
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

This is wonderful.

This is a beautiful series, very well written, thoughtful and moving.

Be warned that the ending is not likely the one you wanted, but when you see it you'll know that it's perfect - and beautiful and moving. This series is heavily layered, with a lots of symbolism and it moves into the long shadow the Marcos era casts over the Philippines. It contains not one single tired BL trope, so if you're looking for something different, and with a supernatural element, this might be for you.

It's not perfect. The production quality is just OK, although it's very well shot. The ambiguity of the mirror scenes was well-done and you're left questioning what is really happening and what isn't. Most of the problems are sound-related.

The acting is... not spectacular. The main character, Wade, is played by Kiko Ipapo, who does not display a huge range - he's a bit stiff and flat. While he won't blow you away, he's good enough for you to know how Wade feels about Jose Manuel, and the conflicts he faces, so the series works. And good God is he beautiful - I know it's shallow, but I could stare at him all day (this is not a series you're likely to rewatch, but you might want to review the shirtless scenes several times). The other main is a little more skilled.

I understand this series won't be for everyone, but for me it's one of the higher-tier BLs, and well worth a watch.
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