wonnjonn
I watched this in a single sitting and was incredibly impressed by what they were able to do with so little screentime.
STORY - 9.5/10:
One thing I appreciate about this story is the mature take it has in unpacking concepts of "love" and "authenticity", particularly for queer men. As many times as they had me chopping onions, I also walked away feeling empowered to be true to myself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It was a delicate balance but I think they found it. Forwarning, I found certain parts a bit intense. If bullying, violence, and suicide are triggers for you then please be cautious.
The ONLY reason there's a small ding in my rating for this category is I felt like the ending was very sudden. It felt like they slapped a bow on the story because they ran out of screentime. I tried not to fault them for it too hard because this is still easily one of the best BL series I've ever seen, and I whole-heartedly believe that with more screentime they would've been able to better pace the ending of the story.
ACTING - 10/10:
The moments shared between the two leads felt tender and genuine. They performed each stage of their relationship so well. From budding friendship to passionate paramours, the chemistry was present. The supporting cast also does an excellent job. Their roles felt natural and no one ever felt like a distraction from the story, nor did they break immersion.
MUSIC - 10/10:
SIS. THE MUSIC IS EVERYTHING. They made me want to learn Mandarin just so I could sing along. The opening for each episode brings the emotion right out of you, I honestly didn't stand a chance.
REWATCH VALUE - 9.5/10:
This one is tough to rate because I've personally only watched it once. However, I think what gives me confidence in the rewatch value for this series is that it is sophisticated, intense, cute, and short. I'd honestly treat it like a movie. The only deterrent is that, again, I'm a bit unsatisfied with the ending and I worry that the story will feel less and less complete every time I watch it.
OVERALL - 9.5/10:
It's absolutely worth the watch. I wish I could give them at least another hour or two of screentime! But what they gave us is beautiful. Prepare to have more than your average BL feels!
STORY - 9.5/10:
One thing I appreciate about this story is the mature take it has in unpacking concepts of "love" and "authenticity", particularly for queer men. As many times as they had me chopping onions, I also walked away feeling empowered to be true to myself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It was a delicate balance but I think they found it. Forwarning, I found certain parts a bit intense. If bullying, violence, and suicide are triggers for you then please be cautious.
The ONLY reason there's a small ding in my rating for this category is I felt like the ending was very sudden. It felt like they slapped a bow on the story because they ran out of screentime. I tried not to fault them for it too hard because this is still easily one of the best BL series I've ever seen, and I whole-heartedly believe that with more screentime they would've been able to better pace the ending of the story.
ACTING - 10/10:
The moments shared between the two leads felt tender and genuine. They performed each stage of their relationship so well. From budding friendship to passionate paramours, the chemistry was present. The supporting cast also does an excellent job. Their roles felt natural and no one ever felt like a distraction from the story, nor did they break immersion.
MUSIC - 10/10:
SIS. THE MUSIC IS EVERYTHING. They made me want to learn Mandarin just so I could sing along. The opening for each episode brings the emotion right out of you, I honestly didn't stand a chance.
REWATCH VALUE - 9.5/10:
This one is tough to rate because I've personally only watched it once. However, I think what gives me confidence in the rewatch value for this series is that it is sophisticated, intense, cute, and short. I'd honestly treat it like a movie. The only deterrent is that, again, I'm a bit unsatisfied with the ending and I worry that the story will feel less and less complete every time I watch it.
OVERALL - 9.5/10:
It's absolutely worth the watch. I wish I could give them at least another hour or two of screentime! But what they gave us is beautiful. Prepare to have more than your average BL feels!
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