I really, really liked your Final Order. We regulars know Mr Critic's list includes series that FINISHED in 2022. After all, a series can't properly be judged til we see if they stuck the landing. Since this video may attract many viewers unfamiliar with local custom, that "eligibility" issue was worth airing. Hence, Not Me and Bad Buddy, whose finales aired in 2022, belong in this list, while Between Us, currently in progress, does not. My methodology prioritizes script-related factors. But ultimately "the feels" has the greatest weight on the score. The list below indicates a sense of my priorities. --whether a series delivered "the feels" and how intensely it succeeded at that --originality of story, appeal of story premise--bonus points for longer series over shorter series --character development and story arcs, including for side characters --internal story logic, consistency, development, pacing; doesn't strain credulity too far; I also weigh the effectiveness of the premiere, penultimate, and finale episodes at how effectively they do their job. --aspects of the production that may pass as groundbreaking, innovative, or daring --Technical: acting, directing, cinematography, editing --authentic representations of queer life: not a requirement, but bonus points when it's there --Re-watchability: an assessment of whether I think a series will have a long shelf-life, hold up to repeat viewing, inspire warm fuzzy feelings the second time around; doesn't contain elements likely to become objectionable in the future. 1. Bad Buddy [enters All Time Best list at # 4; Absolute BL S1 drops off] 2. Heartstopper 3. Semantic Error [enters All Time Best list at #8; ITSAY drops off] 4. To My Star 2 5. Favoritism of the Gods 6. Double 7. Old Fashion Cupcake 8. Young Royals S2 9. Cherry Magic: The Movie 10. The Miracle of Teddy Bear (tentative/pending) 11. Absolute BL S2 The above series graded at 8.5 or higher on MDL. These Honorable Mentions all graded at 8.0 (alphabetical): 21 Days Theory, Mr Unlucky Has to Kiss, I Only Want to Keep Looking at You, Kinn Porsche, Love Mechanics, More than Words; My Tooth, Your Love; Once Again; Senpai, I’m in Love; Smiley (3 of 8 watched so far) Japan: 5 of 11 ranked / 9 of 21 total Thailand: 2 / 5 Korea: 2 / 3 U.K.: 1 /1 Sweden: 1 / 1 Taiwan: 0 / 1 Spain: 0 / 1
Two more recs for Double and Favoritism. I guess I need to hunt those down and give them a watch. You liked Teddy Bear? It wasn't my cup of tea. Like SCOY, (which I thought might make your list), it's not for everyone. I'd tear my hair out if I tried to rank my all-time faves.
@@j_scott credit to DMR for guiding me to both Double and Favoritism back in the summer. She always steers me toward the good stuff. Teddy Bear has impressed me endlessly. I know the last episodes have been hated, and I haven't arrived at those yet. Mr Critic "non-reviewed" the series in March or April, and I will add some belated comments to that video when I finish. Basically, TMOTB is not a BL. You know how many of us old western gay men like BL because "fluffy, idealized, fantasy" same-sex romance stories provide a welcome alternative to the litany of depressing, heavy, angsty LGBT films we've watched for decades? Especially coming out stories? TMOTB is possibly the longest coming out saga ever committed to film (24 hours--double a typical Thai BL), and at that it's a depressing, heavy, angsty coming out story that can stand toe-to-toe with western iterations of that trope. Its themes include memory/memory loss/tricks of memory; trauma/PTSD from domestic abuse and homophobia; how to accept yourself as a queer person; thwarted first loves; and a critique of patriarchal gender roles. Marketing made audiences think they were getting a cutsey BL about a teddy bear come to life. No wonder they rebelled. Teddy Bear also has articulated the case for queer civil rights in Thailand more clearly, repetitively, and forcefully than any of the hundreds other Thai series I've seen. Oh, and it's got soap opera, lakorn melodrama, too. SCOY got a hearty defense from me because I think a lot of people judged it unfairly. Still think that. SCOY and Teddy Bear have that in common. But SCOY was never on track to be a great one. It's just misunderstood. Changing my All Time favorites is an agonizing process. My top 5 were easy to sort out, but the back five of that list may change tomorrow with my mood because the margin between #7 and #25 is so slender. I knew I wanted Bad Buddy and Semantic Error in the Top Ten. I've known that was coming all year, basically. But not until this week did I look at the list and think "what beloved series must I now de-list to make space?" ITSAY cost me plenty. I think my hair is still all there though.
WOW, so much thought put into your methodology! I loved the content though my taste is different, I haven't seen Double and I will decide weather I should watch it after reading your MDL review...I also didn't get to Kimi no Koto Dake Mite Itai yet. It's on my list. 🌼🌼🌸🌼🌼🌸🌸🌼
@@blmama50 that MDL review is quite effusive! I hope I summarized it well enough to help you decide. Also, quite impressed (and flattered) you were aware I had written an MDL review for Double!
Critic, John Master, & Dallas, my favorites were: Bad Buddy, Not Me, and KinnPorsche. "Bad Buddy" is my favorite for so many reasons: the canceling of husband/wife appellation, the canceling of strict top-only/bottom-only roles, the abolishment of unsupportive homophobic parents, and the introduction of a female couple. This was so good on so many different levels. 💓💯
Going through the comments... one Thing I noticed is.. though some of Us, esp DMR2006, John Master and myself included were more into JBL and KBL .. but it is not the case of a lot of BL fans. Thai BL is still a go to place for BL and most of the viewers have only Thai BLs on their list of favs..
@@blcritic I think all three of us respond to similar traits in our notion of excellence. If we don't find them on our own, we listen to those whose opinions we trust. I think all three of us appreciate story, character, and production value more than we appreciate hot actors with good chemistry or sizzling NC scenes. JBL had an exceptionally good year in both quantity and quality. KBL about doubled their output from 2021, and a handful of those were quite good while some were forgettable. Some of the weakest KBL also came out this year. Thai BL often remains trapped in safe formulaic stories and production values only occasionally match what's routine in Korea and Japan (while mostly exceeding Vietnam and Philippines). Taiwan usually drops an entry in our lists. This year, their BLs were good--better than average. It just happened none matched the excellence of the elite J- and K-BL. Even so, Thai BL exhibited a notable flowering of different kind of stories this year, and I think the list reflects we liked the Thai productions that felt different. My Ride ("would have been beloved two years ago" said BL Critic in his review) did not make the list despite being delightful. Love Mechanics is virtually the only "traditional" Bl on this list. But I think you're right that many of the lists we saw in the Comments reflect that a segment of BL fans still like those campus-based, boy chases boy style plots. I like those, too! (See, 21 Days Theory high on my list!) But you're right about the three of us: well executed, well acted productions that also feature creative storytelling are the series going to get our highest accolades come Award Season. P.S. I loved this comment from you. 😎
Excellent list. I think Blueming gets a bit underrated because of the ending fake-out that I admit I found a bit confusing at first too. But when I went back to the source material I appreciated the series even more, because the changes they made were so important and elevated the plot. And Triage was not released internationally with subs, the only way to legally watch was when it was streamed and a lot of people didn't know about it. I think it's a shame because the plot was so intense, and so different but also excellent. Really hoping it gets a second life if it's released anywhere officially. If they're smart they'll make it available right before Transplant airs.
The ones that you choose from Thailand for your 2022 list makes sense to me. Regardless of the issues I had with "KinnPorsche," there's no way that we can deny the immediate and future influence that series will have on other BLs that will be released out of Thailand in the upcoming years.
@@blcritic I'm not going to lie, I'm critical about the BLs out of Thailand, because I expect more from them, due to feeling like, they have a more solid industry already established, than other countries. If the quality could continued to be matched with the quantity that is being produced, then I foresee decades of more critically acclaimed series being acknowledged coming out of Thailand.
Couldn't agree more.. still feels sad.. the thai movie industry doesn't dare to experiment.. almost all the BLs still follow the 'formula BL' storyline.. and don't get me started about lakorns.. everytime i'd get a script the 'new' series had already been remade at least twice.
During the second half of the year, I thought I detected a noticeable uptick in series willing to have lead characters explicitly claim a "gay" identity and even to wield that identity as an assertion for civil rights. Previously, BL series tended to avoid confronting identity issues. Thai series, in particular, seemed more inclined to articulate a connection between the gay romances depicted onscreen and the status of gay men and lesbians in Thai society. I think that's a good thing. Here is my assessment of those series that did an exceptional job (for a BL) at depicting LGBT lives, causes, issues, and realities in 2022: 1. Miracle of Teddy Bear [EDIT: insert To Sir, With Love at this spot, primarily for somehow delivering a reasonably accurate, well-grounded depiction of 1940s homosexuality amidst a plot comprised of murderous mothers, magical mushrooms, and machiavellian machinations. Achieving historical verisimilitude amidst the lakorn mayhem stands as a noteworthy accomplishment.] 2. Not Me 3. Cherry Magic: The Movie 4. My Ride 5. Favoritism of the Gods 6. 21 Days Theory [EDIT INSERT: Secret Crush on You] 7. Plus & Minus 8. Oh! My Assistant [EDIT INSERT: Rainbow Prince--the series wasn't all that good, but it had a decidedly gay sensibility. BLs from the Philippines often feel as if they "get" LGBT culture effortlessly, and this series provides a good example. And how rare to see drag queens featured so prominently and favorably!) From what I understand To Sir With Love is likely to hit this list. But I haven't reached the relevant episodes of that lakorn yet.
It's a good point about the "explicitly claim a "gay" characters". Taiwan/KBLs/JBLs/Pinoy were mostly OK, the characters were "gay" but in Thai BLs? I can remember every gay character, because it was so different. We had Tharn, Korn, Kao, Dr. Bright, Kong, P Dean, who else? Great List!!! To Sir With Love- I don't think can be in this list (no spoilers...we will discuss it after you finish). IMO- Papa and Daddy 2 should be in the list, and special "good job" to Cutie pie. who really tried 👍🏼
So so so glad that you included "Favoritism of the Gods", "Khun Chai: To Sir With Love", "Triage", and "Double". I don't think a ton of BL lovers were able to find "Favoritism of the Gods", and "Double" to watch this year. Hopefully Viki will pick them up!
I got a fierce jolt of serotonin when the video started right off with “Favoritism of the God” (Kamisama no Ekohiki). I think it rivals Triage for the title of underrated BL of the year. I love that series so much, especially it’s underlying themes on identity. I’ve never even heard of “Double”, so I guess I have a new BL to go watch.
@@leilatimeful depending on how strictly one defines "BL," an argument can be made that Double doesn't fit the genre label. But from what I've gleaned of your intellectual tastes in recent chats, I am confident Double will rivet your attention. Anyone who reacts to mention of Kamisama with "a fierce jolt of serotonin" is likely to engage Double.
@@johnmaster3748 I've appreciated the uniqueness of "Favoritism" very much. How the hell do you find Double? Well, I found episode one through the usual channels. That whet my appetite and now I've run into a wall.
@@ronhilton9614 I probably shifted between Daily Motion, Kiss Asian, Bilibili and other streamers of that ilk. I don't think I got the whole series in one space. Actually, I think DMR had to send me links for a couple of them. So, fight the wall.
So many choices- appreciated your “this is impossible “ feelings! 1 Semantic Error- the movie version makes even more clear how well done the edits/minor characters/light design- a simple story executed amazingly 2 Favoritism of the Gods- surprisingly nuanced and deep script 3 Old Fashioned Cupcake- different and mostly progresses nicely 4 Bad Buddy - terrific acting/directing overcome lackluster plot /fight scenes- gets better as it goes 5 Eternal Yesterday- strange, mysterious and lovely 6 Blueming- simple but effective- direction top notch 7 Roommates of Poonduck 309- romcom done quite well Special mentions: Double- is this a BL? It is an acting tour de force and an interesting script Not Me- politically daring, another terrific performance by First. Career best for Off. Messy and illogical plot at times Triage- stylish - first few episodes are stellar- sinks under some script /logic issues but aims high Heartstopper- delightful- the producer/creator has stated this is not a bl - whatever it is- it is well cast and realized Thanks to Bl critic and community for discussing viewpoints in an entertaining and informative manner. I have not yet seen KP or 180 degrees- so that might change my list
Great list! Thanks for explaining why you chose to rank the BLs as you did. I agonized about my top two choices for a long time, but ultimately went with 180 Degrees at #1 and Semantic Error at #2, though they could be co-#1s. 180 Degrees edged out SE simply because it made me feel all the feels. I couldn't stop thinking about it and anything that impacted me that much should be #1. I enjoyed watching SE more and have rewatched it numerous times. Bad Buddy is easily #3, though I wasn't sure whether it should be on this year or last year. I'd say Blueming, Old Fashion Cupcake, TMS2, Not Me, Triage and About Youth would be somewhere in my top 10. I've never heard of Double. Based on your praise, I'll go look it up! And, finally, let me rant about Triage. IMHO, the reason it's so underrated is that it's so effing hard to watch! AIS Play and their effing 1 hour watch window made it practically impossible for international viewers to watch. I actually NEVER found a legal way to watch it. Rant over. I hope your Holiday season is going great!
I love your rant. I literally timed my lunch break with the timing of the stream so that I could at least TRY to watch it legally. It’s just baffling why they would make their series so hard for people to watch.
@@j_scott I think, at that point, they really didn't understand the pull that BLs have with International audiences. Now, they're charging a monthly fee for access to the BLs they have on YT.
@@VixenByNight72 I'm fine with a fee, but I'm not fine with a tiny window and no option for a fee. I'm glad they seem to be moving in the right direction. Ideally, they'd let Viki or Gaga or IQ release their series to a wider audience.
I agree about 180 degrees... when I will go back to work in Thailand again.. I will definitely make sure the newbies watch the series.. there is so much to learn in terms of performance arts.
I hadnt even heard of favoritism of the gods or double, I need to check them them out! There were few more bls on your list that I havent watched yet, like love mechanics. We definitely got so many great bls this year! I actually got into thai dramas only in the beginning of 2022 after watching bad buddy! My top 10 of 2022: 1. Heartstopper 2. Bad buddy 3. Not me 4. Triage 5. Young royals s2 6. Kinnporsche 7. Semantic error 8. The miracle of teddy bear 9. My only 12% 10. About youth 🧡
First of all, thank you for your hard work on all your video. I always learn something in your videos and this is no different. My top 5 would be #1 Not Me - Dan and Yok and their relationship is one for the ages. Tie #2 KinnPorsche - The whole cast was perfect and Bible is a talent to look out for. # Bad Buddy -so good and virtually perfect. Definitely relationship goals to aspire for (and insane chemistry) . Hoping to see them in a other series (which is probably not likely). 3 Semantic Error - the GOAT of Korean BL. #4 Old Fashion Cupcake - unique story line and nice to see a ‘uncle’ and and age difference. #5 My Tooth Your Love - underrated series and nice to see a couple actually portrays what couple IRL. My honorary mention is My Ride. A cute story, written by a gay man, cute (if slightly old fashioned story) but solid cast and a bonus of the gay uncles. I hope Mr BL Critic and all of you fellow BL aficionados have a very healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023. xoxo
I 100% agree with your #1 choice! ♥ I didn't see many of the Japanese BLs so they're now on my watchlist. I also was thinking of who would make your top 3 and wasn't disappointed. Happy New Year and hugs from Orlando, FL. ☀ 🌴 🏖
I think I agree with a lot from your ranking. Semantic error definitely was amazing and everything you mentioned is absolutely true. For me, though, it wasn't really number 1 (but among the best ones of this year). I also think I might need to check out Triage. Just like you said, the bl community doesn't really talk about it so it kinda flew under my radar. However, it looks promising. Also, I completely forgot BadBuddy was from this year. I was convinced it's from 2021 - stupid me 😅 Happy holidays!
Mr Critic wisely refrains from ranking a series til he's seen the final episode. Hence, series that start in one calendar year but conclude after New Year's get ranked in the later year's list. Many other List makers went ahead and did Bad Buddy last year. (Though I notice most of those have listed Not Me this year.) So your confusion is understandable.
the only BL I've finished this year was cherry magic (ironically from 2020😭). all seemed to be lacking something for me to continue hehe. but i think i will give not me and bad buddy another shot. anddddd semantic error! thanks for this and happy holidays!
My favs this year: 1. Semantic error 2. To my star 2 3. Old fashion cupcake 4. Minato's laundromat 5. Bad Buddy 6. Not me 7. Kinnporsche 8. 180 Degress longitude 9. Heartstopper 10. Love mechanics PS: I also enjoyed another series: Cherry blossoms after winter, To sir, with love, Young royals 2,Blueming,Love in the air
Last year delivered a lot of amazing shows that elevated the BL genre and got me super excited, so for me its pretty mixed from Thai, Korean and Japanese Bls: 1. KinnPorsche 2. Semantic Error 3. Bad buddy 4. Love in the Air 5. Minato Shouji Coin Laundry 6. Old Fashion Cupcake 7. Cutie Pie 8. Triage 9. Choco Milk Shake 10. 180 Degrees 11. My Only 12% 12. The Miracle of Teddy Bear
I'd have to put Love in the Air somewhere in my top 5 of the year but I'm still mulling over my favorites to be honest. I never really think of rankings. I usually think of 'omg, omg omg that is good', or 'it was good', 'not so good', 'ridiculous'...etc. in a big mushy pile I suppose. I'm partly a mood watcher, I need to be in the mood for the type of BL. If I watch the wrong one in the wrong mood I have to stop, even if it is good when I finally redo.
Sir BLC and John Master, thank you for your immeasurable effort. John, do you ever sleep? Semantic Error being number one was pleasing. Standing on tiptoe to deliver a kiss melted my heart. Thanks for listing Double. I am not inclined to play it cool so I will admit I haven't seen it and it looks exceptional. I am on my way now to watch it. Minato's Laundromat isn't making top ten lists but would be on mine. It deserves a shower of those little candy Valentine's Day hearts.
@@pasguy1965 I started it last night with the intent to blast thru it before Mr Critic posted this video...and one hour later Mr Critic had posted this video. I will blast through it anyway!
Of course, "Semantic Error" made it to your Number One category. Korea said "2022 or Bust"! 2022 was a brilliant year for Korea and Japan. The BLs from Taiwan are always good for me since they at least try to maintain some semblance of real life in their original screenplays/scripts. Vietnam has two production companies, O2 Productions and Team RL Productions that release one to two BL series per year. I'm hoping for things to turn back around regarding the Philippines.
I’m really enjoying the two Vietnamese BLs airing right now: Love Bill and The Star Always Follows You. I feel like Vietnamese BLs have taken a step up recently, and I’m excited to see what comes next.
Taiwanese BLs never disappoint and all of them were really good this year.. however, they fell sort of being exceptional.. I had high hopes for almost all of them and still Plus Minus improved towards the end and both About Youth and My Tooth Your love had promising start however mediocre ending.
Here's my list, broken out by country* Thailand 1.180 Degrees 2. Bad Buddy 3. Not Me 4. To Sir With Love 5. Secret Crush On You 6. You're My Sky 7. My Ride 8. 21 Days Theory 9. My Secret Love 10. KinnPorsche 11. War of Y - The script got messier with each new chapter released, but I got what TPTB were trying to do with the series. Japan 1. Old Fashion Cupcake 2. Double 3. Eternal Yesterday 4. I Only Want To See You 5. Favoritism of the Gods 6. Absolute BL 2 7. Minato's Laundromat 8. Mr. Unlucky 9. More Than Words 10. Kabi-Koji Taiwan 1. Plus & Minus 2. DNA Says Love You 3. About Youth 4. My Tooth Your Love Korea 1. To My Star 2 2. Semantic Error 3. First Love, Again 4. Cherry Blossoms After Winter 5. Blueming 6. Choco Milk Shake Overall Best of 2022 1. To My Star 2 2. Semantic Error 3. 180 Degrees 4. Old Fashion Cupcake 5. Bad Buddy 6. Not Me 7. Double 8. Eternal Yesterday 9. Blueming 10. Choco Milk Shake *Thanks JM!!
wow.. your overall best list i do agree.. but in Thailand.. you got My Secret Love.. isn't that the series with 4 couples..if that's the same one.. the lead couple was the weak factor in that.
I personally haven't watched yet all of the series in this list, however, considering the ones I have seen, this list reflects my own opinion quite well. Semantic Error was top notch flawless, deserving of the top spot. Bad Buddy started last year, finished this year and is still an impact on BL community... The only difference I would make would be to include Miracle of Teddy Bear and Roommates of Poongduck 304 somewhere between numbers 15 and 7. But I understand your positions and I will try watching the ones I missed in here. One piece of advice: to the ones putting Love In The Air and/or KinnPorsche as best series of 2022 (or worse like best series ever) do seek therapy. It is for your own health. There is no shame in having to consult with a mental therapist (I have one and it is great). This might seem like a joke, it is not. Take care of your health, people. Lastly, I wish everyone here a Happy New Year, and may next year bring series as entertaining and as good as the ones listed here (and also some not so good, but at least entertaining...)
😄Kinn Porsche is definitely not best series of the year or ever.It left me disappointed on many levels.However,I put it on my list for great set design,an OST from Slot Machine and because it was jazzed up adult BL.It attempted to go 'global' with its NC scenes and for international audience.It was a first attempt for Thai BL industry to do that. Bad Buddy on the other hand became well liked because it ticked right boxes with its dialogue and corrected the popular local notions of LGBT community as Mathew pointed out in his post on this video. LITA was good one time watch and here I agree with you that those who think it's best ever need to reexamine their thoughts.
As I went through the comment.. I found a lot of viewers started watching BL pretty recently.. and I do not know but there seem to be a section of viewers who enjoyed series with similar themes like Cutie Pie.. or lita.. or other mame' works. hehe I think they are fine.. just preference.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed KinnPorsche, LITA, Cutie Pie and so on. They were very entertaining. To be honest, three of my most listened songs this year were from Cutie Pie OST... However, I have seen people going like "Oh, I want someone like Kim or Vegas/ Payu or Prapai" and I'm like "No, you don't?". The series themselves were ok, but some of these characters were complete red flags, head to toe. This is my warning. People may rather one or another and that is completely ok. Just be careful with the reasons why
I quite liked To Sir With Love. I liked that it was long, convoluted, that loyalty swung back and forth with some characters, with a very 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' vibe here and there. Villains were nasty, and some family members were just as bad, too. What I didn't like was how PG it was when it came to the physical intimacy. To My Star 2 was difficult. I wish I had understood it better. It seemed jumbled and a bit hard to follow for me. I really couldn't understand fleeing the relationship as it happened. Loved and enjoyed Not Me so much. First, OffGun were spectacular in an even more mature and compelling way. It was an unusual, hard hitting plot, and First was outstanding in his role, as were many others. Dark at times, and I'm not a huge fan of breaking the law, for me it was but truly good. I liked Blueming. I liked KInnPorache so so much. Tong who played Khun was far and away my favorite. Bible and Build who played Pete and Vegas...the best couple by a terrifyingly intense mile, (though I loved every scene with the throuple KhunPolArm in it) (I know not a real throuple but...). Then the convoluted couple of KimChay. Oh boy. Gotta be a season 2 you know. Please, Please, Please! Lots of handsomeness in this series, and good acting. Like I said, Season 2 is a must. Love Mechanics. Liked it, they were beautiful and difficult, and it was worth it. War as the Uke...finally a rock solid, built Uke who could top if he really wanted...in a heartbeat. Strong series. Triage proved too hard to find and watch in the end and I never saw it. Might have to try again. Old Fashion(ed) Cupcake...Liked it, wanted more, ending was too mild, and it went out before I wanted it to. I don't know why but after a few eps...I couldn't watch more of 180 degrees. another BL I will have to try again. Heartstopper was wonderful. Wanted more right away. Will definitely rewatch! The chemistry was great and I enjoyed it even if I don't find the actors visually attractive, those characters made me love them. Bad Buddy was good. 'Nuff Said. I did like Semantic Error.
My list top 5 would be in this order Old fashioned cupcake, Semantic error,Hearstopper, Triage, Love Mechanics 2 The next 6 in no particular order Not me, Kinn Porsche, Teddy bear ( though I didn't like the ending), Cherry magic movie ( just because...)Blueming, TMS2.
Since there were so many Bls this year - there were some like Kabe koji, 180 degrees longitude and mr unlucky has to kiss which come under ‘well liked but I don’t know where to place them ‘ category.😂 Bad buddy i would count in 2021. Double i didn't complete.Young Royals i couldn't get to it. Your list is well done too and it reflects personal likes more than other parameters.
As we all know, sometimes I write torrents of words to explain myself. But sometimes, the best explanation consists of the simple "just because." Because no one can argue with "just because."
@@zahrabjinu actually, in this specific example, I would suggest your "just because" is wordy and redundant. 😉 To anyone familiar with the original, the mere title "Cherry Magic: the Movie" suffices without need even of that basic justification. 🍒 Magic? Say no more!
Thank you BL critic for excellent year of reviews❣I agree with some of your choices, and some are not to my likings. I strongly agree with Heartstopper, Triage, Semantic Error, Not Me, Cupcake, To Sir with Love, Love Mechanics and Everything You Said about War which I adore. I wish you had also Taiwanese BLs. I was surprised that Bad Buddy was in your list as I thought its a 2021 series. My list has one Spanish BL name Smiley . My list includes also Lita, About youth and Plus and Minus. Edit- minor spelling mistakes🤒🤒🤒
Oh, my goodness....now I have to go and edit my comments to include Smiley, which I haven't finished yet! Good call on that one. I have the Taiwanese series this year as good...but not great. Hence, not on the main list. For me My Tooth, Your Love outshone the rest.
@@johnmaster3748 hey John! I am happy to hear that you also thought that Smiley is good! I have a weak spot for Taiwanese series and due to it I'm less objective.
@@blmama50 I favor longer series over shorter ones. I favor series that represent queerness over those that pay lip service and, especially, over to see that distort it. So, sure, you can favor Taiwanese series if you like. And which one of those was best this year?
We already had from Domundi, DeeHup and MFlow... there will be some.. but those small production houses make 1 or 2 series a year, they do not make it like the big event like Gmmtv.
I'm waiting for the return of Sir BLC and some of the regulars, especially "you know who" to weigh in on Hit Bite Love. You know, the teens romping through BDSM land in Episode O at this time. Supposedly, there was research into this culture or, if you prefer, subculture so the teens would know how to "do it right". For example, knot-tying in ways different than the Boy Scouts. Will I watch the series? Yes. I'm a curious chap. Will I feel pervy viewing it? I may or may not tell.
If it hadn't been for you, I would never have considered 180 degrees. The story "boy falls in love with his father's old friend" didn't seem that exciting to me. The many long dialogues that kept popping up in descriptions didn't exactly get me excited about the series either. Well, I've only seen BL series from Thailand so far and can't afford to judge the TV industry, but polished dialogues and character actors are not what I associated with Thailand. WRONG. The series is what feels like 80 per cent dialogue 15 per cent landscape and architectural shots and 5 per cent plot , but I wouldn't want to miss a second of the dialogue. The three main actors filled their roles so intensely and so tenderly, so painfully, so expressively. I enjoyed every second of being sick in bed today and being able to watch this series in one piece. Thank you!
BLC glad it is your list and happy to have your bias included. I think that is what makes you stand out from other channels and I am sure the regulars here will agree. The year was crazy, the amount of bls is over whelming to say the least. I usually try to check everthing out but even for me it was just to much. Kudos to John for the effort he put into all his lists, makes it so much easier to remember what was out there. I am not a list person myself but always happy to react to other peoples hard work and throw in my two cents worth. What we saw from Japan this year was amazing, but Japan was making LGBTQ movies long before the current bl craze and it is not surprising to me. Korea on the other had has been homophobic in the past and even though we have seen some nice series come out of Korea, I think it is only with the huge popularity of Symantic Error that bl is being embraced and I am sure now bl will become part of the K drama machine. Let see what next year brings. Taiwan has been fairly quite this year, a few interesting things. The Philipines who cares, so sad because they did some nice things in the past. We had a lot of Thai series but it was a little like picking thru the trash trying to find the hidden gems. They have the actors and directors and can step it up if they want but it seems like they are motivated by different goal. When shipping becomes the main goal and not a bi product it is sad. Beside the issue of the huge volume of series, what makes it even more difficult is we are dealing with different generas with in a genera and we get back to this question of bl versus LGBTQ drama. As they say it is difficult to compare apples to oranges. I think I have been pretty clear that Symantic Error is my number one pick as well. Love that BLC saw what I did. There are very few series I watch more than once, but Symantic Error I have watched several times including the movie format. Everytime I enjoyed it so much. I tried hard to look for the flaws but have to say it really checked all the boxes for me everytime, thank you Korea. Blueming and Old Fashion Cupcake would have to be near the top for me, they were well done but also made you feel good at the end. I think I would add Takara and Amagi Kun and You're the Only One I Want to See in that group, classic Japaness coming of age series, sweet and well done. 180 Degree Longitude Pass is Through Us, for sure was a favorite of mine. Yes very much a stage drama formate and just thinking about it makes me sad, but a beautiful piece of work. It kinda goes a long with To My Star 2, beautifully acted and done but do I really want to go thru all those emotions. Another series I would add to that is More Than Words, nicely done, very real but not so happy. I think I prefer Blueming and Old Fashion Cup Cake. We started the year with Bad Buddy craziness, BLC reviewed every episode which says something. When you have perfect casting with great actors and a top director what is not to like?? Well maybe it was a little bit to slick. The product placement started to make it feel a little like a big commercial, even though Aof is a master at it. Who can forget sucking the finger. It clearly had some of the most memberable scenes in bl history. The roof top kiss is hard to forget. But at the sametime the drama was contrived at times and it had it share of trope like moments. The ending was a slight of hand trick to say the least even though we loved it. I loved it and it started off the year with a bang, but I do not find my self wanting to go back and watch it like some of the others. Also the Ohm Namon drama after the series left me cold. It would be near the top but not really sure where. Love Mechanics 2022 is the series other than Symantic Error that I think I was the most invested in. It was not perfect but I really bonded with YinWar and I thought the acting of both Yin and War was good. I think the direction was really good and because it was kinda a remake, it really highlighted how the right director can really make a big differance in a project. So many times I thought, they are not going to do that old trope, and they did not, which I give a lot of credit to the director. Because they used many of the same actors but recast the girl it really pointed out how changing one character can really make a differance. I think the girl they cast this time was perfect and thouht she was very good. I have seen so many series that I felt if they had only cast it differently it could have been good. I also loved at the end how they changed up the roles, perfect War. Bad Buddy and Love Mechanic are a bit of a toss up for me, but truthfully I think it is Love Mechanics that I would want to go back and watch again. When I first saw Double on the list, I went blank. When I went back and checked, I remembered. It is in a kinda fringe goup of series that kinda have LBGTQ undertones. I watched it, but clearly not easy watching. Very much art house cinema kinda stuff. Beautiful imagery, powerful drama, yes let's do a class on it kinda stuff. I guess if we are including this kinda thing I much preferred Weak Hero Class 1 it had those LBGTQ undertones as well or maybe Kei X Yaku from early in the year. I remember when I first saw the original promo for Kinn Porsche, I said that is the one that will change bl and in many ways it finally did. We waited a long time for it and it delievered on many levels but I think failed on many as well. If it had been made a year earlier maybe it would have been the one but this year there were so many strong series. The casting of Miles Apo was magic as well as the cast in general. But a lot of it was just over produced and over the top. I think they could have taken that same cast and done a smaller budget production and maybe had a better result. I do think the spicey scenes were top notch, some of the best I have seen in bl. For sure it would be on my list but maybe more towards the bottom. To Sir With Love, another big budget series, I loved. Another series that I think was perfectly cast, Film and Jam were perfect for those roles. It was a big over the top drama but it kept me coming back for more. Some epidodes I watched several times because of subtitles and there were scenes that made me cry everytime, but also lots of contrived drama as well. Everyone standing under the rainbow at the end, come on. It made me laugh in the end Tinn and Jiu having dinner with the rich Chinese Thai family would never happen then and not now. He would be married with a kid, he would not sleep with the wife, the servant would come at night to prepare the bed, they would do their business and he would leave. I have seen Triage on several peoples list, I give them credit for trying to do something different. I watched it but it is a concept that is not easy to pull off and I found it boring. I found it a little like a video game where you have to solve the puzzle. It is to bad, I do like those actors and the couple was nice. Not on my list I guess I will finish up with Young Royals 2 and Heartstopper. Young Royals was a disappointment for me, since I loved the first season a lot. Hoping season 3 will get back on track. Not on my list. I do not know if Heartstoppers is on my list or not. I liked it, I like Kit Conner, I have seen the cast interviewed and they are very bright young people. But I find the series to be a little to politically correct and woke. This is not a realistic LBGTQ coming of age story it is pure fantasy and many young gay people on TikTok have voiced that. My opinion. Before it was kinda fun trying to find everything and looked forward to watching it all. Now I am kinda having a little bit of a bl burn out, BLC I am sure you understand.
Thank you for your nice take on the series you liked this year and i do agree.. for Thai BLs it is sorting diamonds on trash... so many series and the BL burn. And for me. I have to take care of my family business, the time difference, the different means to watch these series, as things are not free outside Thailand. I do miss the chaos and the old fashion ways of action and cut, hope i will return to that soon.
@@blcritic If you have time you should really check out The Director Who Buys Me Dinner, not a new idea (First Love Again) but I like what they are doing with it so far. If you have not seen it, My Tooth Your Love is not bad they did some nice things with it. Last year I had some hope for Never Let Me Go, I like Pond Phuwin and that director, it is ok, it is starting to grow on me. Pond is good and like like what they are doing with Phuwin's character. I don't know but I am not feeling the Chimon Perth match up. I was a big Chimon fan at one time but not liking the more mature Chimon that much.
I watched My Tooth Your Love, in fact I thought it would break into top 10, however, it faltered towards the end with everyone having a happy ending.. however the start was good i will certainly check the director who buys me dinner. i am yet to watch gmmtv series School Pres. and NLMG
@@blcritic I am trying to stay away from these kinda movies after 30 years of that kinda stuff but I know you liked Double so wondering if you had seen the South Korean movie from 2017 The Poet and the Boy. Just saw it again amazing movie, the story, the acting. A movie you could do a class about.
For in 2022 Bad Buddy stole the show. It was great acted and the production was top notch. As someone who don't like Thai BL in general (there are some exeptions) Bad Buddy was great. I don't know why everybody loves KinnPorsche that much, I personally think it is overrated. Old Fashion Cupcake was a great BL too, I love the more mature BL's. Semantic Error was good but not that good. I personally think the Webtoon is way better.
Just for laughs and giggles, I broke out my top titles by country. Thailand's list is longer because Thailand remains the BL volume champion. Japan's list is longer because....holy cow what a year Japan had. Best Series-Japan (8.0 and higher) 1. Favoritism of the Gods 2. Double 3. Old Fashion Cupcake 4. Absolute BL 2 5. Cherry Magic: The Movie 6. Mr Unlucky Has to Kiss 7. Senpai, I’m in Love 8. I Only Want to Keep Looking at You 9. More than Words 10. Eternal Yesterday 11. Takara-kun to Amagi-kun Best Series-Thailand (8.0 and higher) 1. Bad Buddy 2. The Miracle of Teddy Bear [14/16 so far] 3. 21 Days Theory 4. Love Mechanics 5. My Ride 6. Triage EDIT INSERT: 180 Degrees of Longitude EDIT INSERT 2: To Sir, With Love 7. Kinn Porsche 8. On Cloud Nine [I expect To Sir With Love will join this crowd; 6/17 so far] [I have yet to begin 180 Degrees of Longitude] Best Series-Korea (8.0 and higher) 1. Semantic Error 2. To My Star 2: Our Untold Stories 3. Blueming 4. Once Again 5. First Love Again 6. Cherry Blossoms After Winter 7. Choco Milk Shake Best Series-Taiwan (all rated 8.0) 1. My Tooth, Your Love 2. DNA Says Love You 3. About Youth 4. Plus & Minus Best Series from Europe and North America: 1. Heartstopper (UK) 2. Young Royals S 2 (Sweden) 3. Uncoupled (USA) 4. *Smiley (Spain) [3 of 8 episodes watched so far] *--Smiley released on Netflix in December. If you've not yet seen it, give it a try.
"Smiley" is wonderful, and with absolutely no marketing whatsoever from Netflix, it's been in the Top Ten ranking for a number of weeks now on that platform. I would add "Kabi-Koji" to my list of Japanese BLs released in 2022.
@@blcritic erroneous conclusion! I watched twice as many Thai BL as all other countries combined. I cut off those rankings at 8.0. It just so happened Japan hit 8.0 or greater more frequently than any other country. If the list extended to 7.5 or, especially, to 7.0, then Thailand's list would go on and on and on.
I meant to toss Thai Cave Rescue (Netflix) onto the Thai list. It's not a BL, but it starred an actor remembered for an early BL. And honoring Beam's memory one last time doesn't hurt. People: *Thai Cave Rescue* !
it was sad to lose Beam.. he had so much potential esp after Stranded, never worked with him, but had met him on parties. Another person we lost is P'Tangmo.. I absolutely love Panward ,and i texted her that she looks too young to be Jan, and Tongtong's mother.. still I wonder how it'd be if that role was played by P'Tangmo.
I really, really liked your Final Order. We regulars know Mr Critic's list includes series that FINISHED in 2022. After all, a series can't properly be judged til we see if they stuck the landing. Since this video may attract many viewers unfamiliar with local custom, that "eligibility" issue was worth airing. Hence, Not Me and Bad Buddy, whose finales aired in 2022, belong in this list, while Between Us, currently in progress, does not.
My methodology prioritizes script-related factors. But ultimately "the feels" has the greatest weight on the score. The list below indicates a sense of my priorities.
--whether a series delivered "the feels" and how intensely it succeeded at that
--originality of story, appeal of story premise--bonus points for longer series over shorter series
--character development and story arcs, including for side characters
--internal story logic, consistency, development, pacing; doesn't strain credulity too far; I also weigh the effectiveness of the premiere, penultimate, and finale episodes at how effectively they do their job.
--aspects of the production that may pass as groundbreaking, innovative, or daring
--Technical: acting, directing, cinematography, editing
--authentic representations of queer life: not a requirement, but bonus points when it's there
--Re-watchability: an assessment of whether I think a series will have a long shelf-life, hold up to repeat viewing, inspire warm fuzzy feelings the second time around; doesn't contain elements likely to become objectionable in the future.
1. Bad Buddy [enters All Time Best list at # 4; Absolute BL S1 drops off]
2. Heartstopper
3. Semantic Error [enters All Time Best list at #8; ITSAY drops off]
4. To My Star 2
5. Favoritism of the Gods
6. Double
7. Old Fashion Cupcake
8. Young Royals S2
9. Cherry Magic: The Movie
10. The Miracle of Teddy Bear (tentative/pending)
11. Absolute BL S2
The above series graded at 8.5 or higher on MDL. These Honorable Mentions all graded at 8.0 (alphabetical): 21 Days Theory, Mr Unlucky Has to Kiss, I Only Want to Keep Looking at You, Kinn Porsche, Love Mechanics, More than Words; My Tooth, Your Love; Once Again; Senpai, I’m in Love; Smiley (3 of 8 watched so far)
Japan: 5 of 11 ranked / 9 of 21 total
Thailand: 2 / 5
Korea: 2 / 3
U.K.: 1 /1
Sweden: 1 / 1
Taiwan: 0 / 1
Spain: 0 / 1
Two more recs for Double and Favoritism. I guess I need to hunt those down and give them a watch.
You liked Teddy Bear? It wasn't my cup of tea. Like SCOY, (which I thought might make your list), it's not for everyone.
I'd tear my hair out if I tried to rank my all-time faves.
@@j_scott credit to DMR for guiding me to both Double and Favoritism back in the summer. She always steers me toward the good stuff.
Teddy Bear has impressed me endlessly. I know the last episodes have been hated, and I haven't arrived at those yet. Mr Critic "non-reviewed" the series in March or April, and I will add some belated comments to that video when I finish. Basically, TMOTB is not a BL. You know how many of us old western gay men like BL because "fluffy, idealized, fantasy" same-sex romance stories provide a welcome alternative to the litany of depressing, heavy, angsty LGBT films we've watched for decades? Especially coming out stories? TMOTB is possibly the longest coming out saga ever committed to film (24 hours--double a typical Thai BL), and at that it's a depressing, heavy, angsty coming out story that can stand toe-to-toe with western iterations of that trope. Its themes include memory/memory loss/tricks of memory; trauma/PTSD from domestic abuse and homophobia; how to accept yourself as a queer person; thwarted first loves; and a critique of patriarchal gender roles. Marketing made audiences think they were getting a cutsey BL about a teddy bear come to life. No wonder they rebelled. Teddy Bear also has articulated the case for queer civil rights in Thailand more clearly, repetitively, and forcefully than any of the hundreds other Thai series I've seen. Oh, and it's got soap opera, lakorn melodrama, too.
SCOY got a hearty defense from me because I think a lot of people judged it unfairly. Still think that. SCOY and Teddy Bear have that in common. But SCOY was never on track to be a great one. It's just misunderstood.
Changing my All Time favorites is an agonizing process. My top 5 were easy to sort out, but the back five of that list may change tomorrow with my mood because the margin between #7 and #25 is so slender. I knew I wanted Bad Buddy and Semantic Error in the Top Ten. I've known that was coming all year, basically. But not until this week did I look at the list and think "what beloved series must I now de-list to make space?" ITSAY cost me plenty. I think my hair is still all there though.
WOW, so much thought put into your methodology! I loved the content though my taste is different, I haven't seen Double and I will decide weather I should watch it after reading your MDL review...I also didn't get to Kimi no Koto Dake Mite Itai yet. It's on my list. 🌼🌼🌸🌼🌼🌸🌸🌼
@@blmama50 that MDL review is quite effusive! I hope I summarized it well enough to help you decide. Also, quite impressed (and flattered) you were aware I had written an MDL review for Double!
wow
Critic, John Master, & Dallas, my favorites were: Bad Buddy, Not Me, and KinnPorsche. "Bad Buddy" is my favorite for so many reasons: the canceling of husband/wife appellation, the canceling of strict top-only/bottom-only roles, the abolishment of unsupportive homophobic parents, and the introduction of a female couple. This was so good on so many different levels. 💓💯
It also held up well when re-watched.
@@johnmaster3748 Extremely well!!
Going through the comments... one Thing I noticed is.. though some of Us, esp DMR2006, John Master and myself included were more into JBL and KBL .. but it is not the case of a lot of BL fans. Thai BL is still a go to place for BL and most of the viewers have only Thai BLs on their list of favs..
@@blcritic I think all three of us respond to similar traits in our notion of excellence. If we don't find them on our own, we listen to those whose opinions we trust. I think all three of us appreciate story, character, and production value more than we appreciate hot actors with good chemistry or sizzling NC scenes. JBL had an exceptionally good year in both quantity and quality. KBL about doubled their output from 2021, and a handful of those were quite good while some were forgettable. Some of the weakest KBL also came out this year. Thai BL often remains trapped in safe formulaic stories and production values only occasionally match what's routine in Korea and Japan (while mostly exceeding Vietnam and Philippines). Taiwan usually drops an entry in our lists. This year, their BLs were good--better than average. It just happened none matched the excellence of the elite J- and K-BL.
Even so, Thai BL exhibited a notable flowering of different kind of stories this year, and I think the list reflects we liked the Thai productions that felt different. My Ride ("would have been beloved two years ago" said BL Critic in his review) did not make the list despite being delightful. Love Mechanics is virtually the only "traditional" Bl on this list. But I think you're right that many of the lists we saw in the Comments reflect that a segment of BL fans still like those campus-based, boy chases boy style plots. I like those, too! (See, 21 Days Theory high on my list!) But you're right about the three of us: well executed, well acted productions that also feature creative storytelling are the series going to get our highest accolades come Award Season.
P.S. I loved this comment from you. 😎
Excellent list. I think Blueming gets a bit underrated because of the ending fake-out that I admit I found a bit confusing at first too. But when I went back to the source material I appreciated the series even more, because the changes they made were so important and elevated the plot. And Triage was not released internationally with subs, the only way to legally watch was when it was streamed and a lot of people didn't know about it. I think it's a shame because the plot was so intense, and so different but also excellent. Really hoping it gets a second life if it's released anywhere officially. If they're smart they'll make it available right before Transplant airs.
AIS play did cave into int'l viewers by giving the 1 hr window but they should be free like gmmtv hence series like Triage do not go underrated.
The ones that you choose from Thailand for your 2022 list makes sense to me. Regardless of the issues I had with "KinnPorsche," there's no way that we can deny the immediate and future influence that series will have on other BLs that will be released out of Thailand in the upcoming years.
It is funny right.. for the entirety of the year I complained about Thai BL missing its mark and Thai BL comprised 50% of the slots
@@blcritic I'm not going to lie, I'm critical about the BLs out of Thailand, because I expect more from them, due to feeling like, they have a more solid industry already established, than other countries. If the quality could continued to be matched with the quantity that is being produced, then I foresee decades of more critically acclaimed series being acknowledged coming out of Thailand.
Couldn't agree more.. still feels sad.. the thai movie industry doesn't dare to experiment.. almost all the BLs still follow the 'formula BL' storyline.. and don't get me started about lakorns.. everytime i'd get a script the 'new' series had already been remade at least twice.
During the second half of the year, I thought I detected a noticeable uptick in series willing to have lead characters explicitly claim a "gay" identity and even to wield that identity as an assertion for civil rights. Previously, BL series tended to avoid confronting identity issues. Thai series, in particular, seemed more inclined to articulate a connection between the gay romances depicted onscreen and the status of gay men and lesbians in Thai society. I think that's a good thing.
Here is my assessment of those series that did an exceptional job (for a BL) at depicting LGBT lives, causes, issues, and realities in 2022:
1. Miracle of Teddy Bear
[EDIT: insert To Sir, With Love at this spot, primarily for somehow delivering a reasonably accurate, well-grounded depiction of 1940s homosexuality amidst a plot comprised of murderous mothers, magical mushrooms, and machiavellian machinations. Achieving historical verisimilitude amidst the lakorn mayhem stands as a noteworthy accomplishment.]
2. Not Me
3. Cherry Magic: The Movie
4. My Ride
5. Favoritism of the Gods
6. 21 Days Theory
[EDIT INSERT: Secret Crush on You]
7. Plus & Minus
8. Oh! My Assistant
[EDIT INSERT: Rainbow Prince--the series wasn't all that good, but it had a decidedly gay sensibility. BLs from the Philippines often feel as if they "get" LGBT culture effortlessly, and this series provides a good example. And how rare to see drag queens featured so prominently and favorably!)
From what I understand To Sir With Love is likely to hit this list. But I haven't reached the relevant episodes of that lakorn yet.
@John Master. Happy Holidays! Glad I am not the only one who included My Ride on my list.
It's a good point about the "explicitly claim a "gay" characters". Taiwan/KBLs/JBLs/Pinoy were mostly OK, the characters were "gay" but in Thai BLs? I can remember every gay character, because it was so different. We had Tharn, Korn, Kao, Dr. Bright, Kong, P Dean, who else?
Great List!!! To Sir With Love- I don't think can be in this list (no spoilers...we will discuss it after you finish).
IMO- Papa and Daddy 2 should be in the list, and special "good job" to Cutie pie. who really tried 👍🏼
@@pasguy1965 technically, this list was for the best LGBT content. But I've been feeling all day like my list shortchanged My Ride.
@@johnmaster3748 how do you think you shortchanged My Ride?
@@pasguy1965 I think maybe I should have ranked it higher rather than Honorable Mention. And definitely higher on the Thai-only list that I did.
So so so glad that you included "Favoritism of the Gods", "Khun Chai: To Sir With Love", "Triage", and "Double". I don't think a ton of BL lovers were able to find "Favoritism of the Gods", and "Double" to watch this year. Hopefully Viki will pick them up!
I've never heard of either of them until right now.
I got a fierce jolt of serotonin when the video started right off with “Favoritism of the God” (Kamisama no Ekohiki). I think it rivals Triage for the title of underrated BL of the year. I love that series so much, especially it’s underlying themes on identity. I’ve never even heard of “Double”, so I guess I have a new BL to go watch.
@@leilatimeful depending on how strictly one defines "BL," an argument can be made that Double doesn't fit the genre label. But from what I've gleaned of your intellectual tastes in recent chats, I am confident Double will rivet your attention. Anyone who reacts to mention of Kamisama with "a fierce jolt of serotonin" is likely to engage Double.
@@johnmaster3748 I've appreciated the uniqueness of "Favoritism" very much. How the hell do you find Double? Well, I found episode one through the usual channels. That whet my appetite and now I've run into a wall.
@@ronhilton9614 I probably shifted between Daily Motion, Kiss Asian, Bilibili and other streamers of that ilk. I don't think I got the whole series in one space. Actually, I think DMR had to send me links for a couple of them. So, fight the wall.
So many choices- appreciated your “this is impossible “ feelings!
1 Semantic Error- the movie version makes even more clear how well done the edits/minor characters/light design- a simple story executed amazingly
2 Favoritism of the Gods- surprisingly nuanced and deep script
3 Old Fashioned Cupcake- different and mostly progresses nicely
4 Bad Buddy - terrific acting/directing overcome lackluster plot /fight scenes- gets better as it goes
5 Eternal Yesterday- strange, mysterious and lovely
6 Blueming- simple but effective- direction top notch
7 Roommates of Poonduck 309- romcom done quite well
Special mentions:
Double- is this a BL? It is an acting tour de force and an interesting script
Not Me- politically daring, another terrific performance by First. Career best for Off. Messy and illogical plot at times
Triage- stylish - first few episodes are stellar- sinks under some script /logic issues but aims high
Heartstopper- delightful- the producer/creator has stated this is not a bl - whatever it is- it is well cast and realized
Thanks to Bl critic and community for discussing viewpoints in an entertaining and informative manner.
I have not yet seen KP or 180 degrees- so that might change my list
I so wanted to include Eternal Yesterday. Liked it..
Watch 180 Degrees first, and then KP!
Great list! Thanks for explaining why you chose to rank the BLs as you did.
I agonized about my top two choices for a long time, but ultimately went with 180 Degrees at #1 and Semantic Error at #2, though they could be co-#1s. 180 Degrees edged out SE simply because it made me feel all the feels. I couldn't stop thinking about it and anything that impacted me that much should be #1. I enjoyed watching SE more and have rewatched it numerous times.
Bad Buddy is easily #3, though I wasn't sure whether it should be on this year or last year.
I'd say Blueming, Old Fashion Cupcake, TMS2, Not Me, Triage and About Youth would be somewhere in my top 10.
I've never heard of Double. Based on your praise, I'll go look it up!
And, finally, let me rant about Triage. IMHO, the reason it's so underrated is that it's so effing hard to watch! AIS Play and their effing 1 hour watch window made it practically impossible for international viewers to watch. I actually NEVER found a legal way to watch it.
Rant over. I hope your Holiday season is going great!
I love your rant. I literally timed my lunch break with the timing of the stream so that I could at least TRY to watch it legally. It’s just baffling why they would make their series so hard for people to watch.
@@leilatimeful Right? It defies logic that they'd exclude a large potential fanbase from being able to watch.
@@j_scott I think, at that point, they really didn't understand the pull that BLs have with International audiences. Now, they're charging a monthly fee for access to the BLs they have on YT.
@@VixenByNight72 I'm fine with a fee, but I'm not fine with a tiny window and no option for a fee. I'm glad they seem to be moving in the right direction. Ideally, they'd let Viki or Gaga or IQ release their series to a wider audience.
I agree about 180 degrees... when I will go back to work in Thailand again.. I will definitely make sure the newbies watch the series.. there is so much to learn in terms of performance arts.
I hadnt even heard of favoritism of the gods or double, I need to check them them out! There were few more bls on your list that I havent watched yet, like love mechanics. We definitely got so many great bls this year! I actually got into thai dramas only in the beginning of 2022 after watching bad buddy! My top 10 of 2022: 1. Heartstopper 2. Bad buddy 3. Not me 4. Triage 5. Young royals s2 6. Kinnporsche 7. Semantic error 8. The miracle of teddy bear 9. My only 12% 10. About youth 🧡
Watch Love Mechanics.. I recommend it...
First of all, thank you for your hard work on all your video. I always learn something in your videos and this is no different. My top 5 would be #1 Not Me - Dan and Yok and their relationship is one for the ages. Tie #2 KinnPorsche - The whole cast was perfect and Bible is a talent to look out for. # Bad Buddy -so good and virtually perfect. Definitely relationship goals to aspire for (and insane chemistry) . Hoping to see them in a other series (which is probably not likely). 3 Semantic Error - the GOAT of Korean BL. #4 Old Fashion Cupcake - unique story line and nice to see a ‘uncle’ and and age difference. #5 My Tooth Your Love - underrated series and nice to see a couple actually portrays what couple IRL. My honorary mention is My Ride. A cute story, written by a gay man, cute (if slightly old fashioned story) but solid cast and a bonus of the gay uncles.
I hope Mr BL Critic and all of you fellow BL aficionados have a very healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023. xoxo
I was hoping My Tooth Your Love would make it into my top 10, however, it went downhill towards the end for me..
@@blcritic For me the BL that went down hill at the end was Blueming. Looking forward to your next video!
I 100% agree with your #1 choice! ♥ I didn't see many of the Japanese BLs so they're now on my watchlist. I also was thinking of who would make your top 3 and wasn't disappointed. Happy New Year and hugs from Orlando, FL. ☀ 🌴 🏖
I think I agree with a lot from your ranking. Semantic error definitely was amazing and everything you mentioned is absolutely true. For me, though, it wasn't really number 1 (but among the best ones of this year). I also think I might need to check out Triage. Just like you said, the bl community doesn't really talk about it so it kinda flew under my radar. However, it looks promising.
Also, I completely forgot BadBuddy was from this year. I was convinced it's from 2021 - stupid me 😅
Happy holidays!
Mr Critic wisely refrains from ranking a series til he's seen the final episode. Hence, series that start in one calendar year but conclude after New Year's get ranked in the later year's list. Many other List makers went ahead and did Bad Buddy last year. (Though I notice most of those have listed Not Me this year.) So your confusion is understandable.
@@johnmaster3748 Oh great, thank you so much for the explanation! It does make sense to rank it like that :)
Happy holidays
the only BL I've finished this year was cherry magic (ironically from 2020😭). all seemed to be lacking something for me to continue hehe. but i think i will give not me and bad buddy another shot. anddddd semantic error! thanks for this and happy holidays!
My favs this year: 1. Semantic error
2. To my star 2
3. Old fashion cupcake
4. Minato's laundromat
5. Bad Buddy
6. Not me
7. Kinnporsche
8. 180 Degress longitude
9. Heartstopper
10. Love mechanics
PS: I also enjoyed another series: Cherry blossoms after winter, To sir, with love, Young royals 2,Blueming,Love in the air
Last year delivered a lot of amazing shows that elevated the BL genre and got me super excited, so for me its pretty mixed from Thai, Korean and Japanese Bls:
1. KinnPorsche
2. Semantic Error
3. Bad buddy
4. Love in the Air
5. Minato Shouji Coin Laundry
6. Old Fashion Cupcake
7. Cutie Pie
8. Triage
9. Choco Milk Shake
10. 180 Degrees
11. My Only 12%
12. The Miracle of Teddy Bear
I'd have to put Love in the Air somewhere in my top 5 of the year but I'm still mulling over my favorites to be honest. I never really think of rankings. I usually think of 'omg, omg omg that is good', or 'it was good', 'not so good', 'ridiculous'...etc. in a big mushy pile I suppose. I'm partly a mood watcher, I need to be in the mood for the type of BL. If I watch the wrong one in the wrong mood I have to stop, even if it is good when I finally redo.
Sir BLC and John Master, thank you for your immeasurable effort. John, do you ever sleep?
Semantic Error being number one was pleasing. Standing on tiptoe to deliver a kiss melted my heart. Thanks for listing Double. I am not inclined to play it cool so I will admit I haven't seen it and it looks exceptional. I am on my way now to watch it. Minato's Laundromat isn't making top ten lists but would be on mine. It deserves a shower of those little candy Valentine's Day hearts.
Zzzzzzzz.
@Ron Hilton thank you for reminding me of Minanto Laundromat - I need to finish this and is worthy of being i a top BL list! Happy Holidays!
@@pasguy1965 Hey, stranger! New in town? You are welcome and happy 2023 ahead to you.
@@pasguy1965 I started it last night with the intent to blast thru it before Mr Critic posted this video...and one hour later Mr Critic had posted this video. I will blast through it anyway!
Minato and Eternal Yesterday both were good.. but the list was so tight I couldn't remove any to make space for those.
My top 3 based on rewatch and emotional investment were Bad Buddy, KinnPorsche, and Semantic error. Honorable mention to Not Me.
I like how you gave a list based on a single attribute. Plus, "rewatchability" is a criterion worthy of respect.
but yes.. rewatchability is a worthy criterion.. i usually follow in K drama.. I have been re-watching every episode of Alchemy of Souls ..
@@blcritic my current K-drama is Bad and Crazy (2021). Police show. Enjoyable. Off kilter.
@@blcritic AOS had me hooked. I am waiting until Season 2 is done airing and then I will binge it.
@@johnmaster3748 I just finished Bad and Crazy last week. That show was unhinged in the best way.
Wow you add Khunchai 🔥🔥"To sir with love" is really best series of 2022 as it really talk about
Out of 15 bl series I admire so much to Bad buddy the series.. The best for me...
Of course, "Semantic Error" made it to your Number One category. Korea said "2022 or Bust"! 2022 was a brilliant year for Korea and Japan. The BLs from Taiwan are always good for me since they at least try to maintain some semblance of real life in their original screenplays/scripts. Vietnam has two production companies, O2 Productions and Team RL Productions that release one to two BL series per year. I'm hoping for things to turn back around regarding the Philippines.
I’m really enjoying the two Vietnamese BLs airing right now: Love Bill and The Star Always Follows You. I feel like Vietnamese BLs have taken a step up recently, and I’m excited to see what comes next.
@@leilatimeful the ones I've watched seem to outperform their budgets.
Taiwanese BLs never disappoint and all of them were really good this year.. however, they fell sort of being exceptional.. I had high hopes for almost all of them and still Plus Minus improved towards the end and both About Youth and My Tooth Your love had promising start however mediocre ending.
@@blcritic about youth should have special best music award🎶
I agree.. it was beautiful.. and I actually enjoyed it a lot..
Here's my list, broken out by country*
Thailand
1.180 Degrees
2. Bad Buddy
3. Not Me
4. To Sir With Love
5. Secret Crush On You
6. You're My Sky
7. My Ride
8. 21 Days Theory
9. My Secret Love
10. KinnPorsche
11. War of Y - The script got messier with each new chapter released, but I got what TPTB were trying to do with the series.
Japan
1. Old Fashion Cupcake
2. Double
3. Eternal Yesterday
4. I Only Want To See You
5. Favoritism of the Gods
6. Absolute BL 2
7. Minato's Laundromat
8. Mr. Unlucky
9. More Than Words
10. Kabi-Koji
Taiwan
1. Plus & Minus
2. DNA Says Love You
3. About Youth
4. My Tooth Your Love
Korea
1. To My Star 2
2. Semantic Error
3. First Love, Again
4. Cherry Blossoms After Winter
5. Blueming
6. Choco Milk Shake
Overall Best of 2022
1. To My Star 2
2. Semantic Error
3. 180 Degrees
4. Old Fashion Cupcake
5. Bad Buddy
6. Not Me
7. Double
8. Eternal Yesterday
9. Blueming
10. Choco Milk Shake
*Thanks JM!!
wow.. your overall best list i do agree.. but in Thailand.. you got My Secret Love.. isn't that the series with 4 couples..if that's the same one.. the lead couple was the weak factor in that.
@@blcritic Yup, that's the series.
I personally haven't watched yet all of the series in this list, however, considering the ones I have seen, this list reflects my own opinion quite well. Semantic Error was top notch flawless, deserving of the top spot. Bad Buddy started last year, finished this year and is still an impact on BL community... The only difference I would make would be to include Miracle of Teddy Bear and Roommates of Poongduck 304 somewhere between numbers 15 and 7. But I understand your positions and I will try watching the ones I missed in here.
One piece of advice: to the ones putting Love In The Air and/or KinnPorsche as best series of 2022 (or worse like best series ever) do seek therapy. It is for your own health. There is no shame in having to consult with a mental therapist (I have one and it is great). This might seem like a joke, it is not. Take care of your health, people.
Lastly, I wish everyone here a Happy New Year, and may next year bring series as entertaining and as good as the ones listed here (and also some not so good, but at least entertaining...)
😄Kinn Porsche is definitely not best series of the year or ever.It left me disappointed on many levels.However,I put it on my list for great set design,an OST from Slot Machine and because it was jazzed up adult BL.It attempted to go 'global' with its NC scenes and for international audience.It was a first attempt for Thai BL industry to do that.
Bad Buddy on the other hand became well liked because it ticked right boxes with its dialogue and corrected the popular local notions of LGBT community as Mathew pointed out in his post on this video.
LITA was good one time watch and here I agree with you that those who think it's best ever need to reexamine their thoughts.
As I went through the comment.. I found a lot of viewers started watching BL pretty recently.. and I do not know but there seem to be a section of viewers who enjoyed series with similar themes like Cutie Pie.. or lita.. or other mame' works. hehe I think they are fine.. just preference.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed KinnPorsche, LITA, Cutie Pie and so on. They were very entertaining. To be honest, three of my most listened songs this year were from Cutie Pie OST...
However, I have seen people going like "Oh, I want someone like Kim or Vegas/ Payu or Prapai" and I'm like "No, you don't?". The series themselves were ok, but some of these characters were complete red flags, head to toe. This is my warning. People may rather one or another and that is completely ok. Just be careful with the reasons why
I have tried to watch Blueming several times as it has been well recommended.
it is just a feel good simple BL
I quite liked To Sir With Love. I liked that it was long, convoluted, that loyalty swung back and forth with some characters, with a very 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' vibe here and there. Villains were nasty, and some family members were just as bad, too. What I didn't like was how PG it was when it came to the physical intimacy.
To My Star 2 was difficult. I wish I had understood it better. It seemed jumbled and a bit hard to follow for me. I really couldn't understand fleeing the relationship as it happened.
Loved and enjoyed Not Me so much. First, OffGun were spectacular in an even more mature and compelling way. It was an unusual, hard hitting plot, and First was outstanding in his role, as were many others. Dark at times, and I'm not a huge fan of breaking the law, for me it was but truly good.
I liked Blueming.
I liked KInnPorache so so much. Tong who played Khun was far and away my favorite. Bible and Build who played Pete and Vegas...the best couple by a terrifyingly intense mile, (though I loved every scene with the throuple KhunPolArm in it) (I know not a real throuple but...). Then the convoluted couple of KimChay. Oh boy. Gotta be a season 2 you know. Please, Please, Please! Lots of handsomeness in this series, and good acting. Like I said, Season 2 is a must.
Love Mechanics. Liked it, they were beautiful and difficult, and it was worth it. War as the Uke...finally a rock solid, built Uke who could top if he really wanted...in a heartbeat. Strong series.
Triage proved too hard to find and watch in the end and I never saw it. Might have to try again.
Old Fashion(ed) Cupcake...Liked it, wanted more, ending was too mild, and it went out before I wanted it to.
I don't know why but after a few eps...I couldn't watch more of 180 degrees. another BL I will have to try again.
Heartstopper was wonderful. Wanted more right away. Will definitely rewatch! The chemistry was great and I enjoyed it even if I don't find the actors visually attractive, those characters made me love them.
Bad Buddy was good. 'Nuff Said.
I did like Semantic Error.
wow
I haven’t seen all of the series on your list, but just so you know, I really liked Rainbow Prince and Minato Shouji Coin Laundry.
Minato Shouji.... had a promising start, could have been better.. still was enjoyable.
My list top 5 would be in this order
Old fashioned cupcake, Semantic error,Hearstopper, Triage, Love Mechanics 2
The next 6 in no particular order
Not me, Kinn Porsche, Teddy bear ( though I didn't like the ending), Cherry magic movie ( just because...)Blueming, TMS2.
Since there were so many Bls this year - there were some like Kabe koji, 180 degrees longitude and mr unlucky has to kiss which come under ‘well liked but I don’t know where to place them ‘ category.😂 Bad buddy i would count in 2021.
Double i didn't complete.Young Royals i couldn't get to it.
Your list is well done too and it reflects personal likes more than other parameters.
As we all know, sometimes I write torrents of words to explain myself. But sometimes, the best explanation consists of the simple "just because." Because no one can argue with "just because."
@@johnmaster3748 ha ha…..Tbh,Brevity and to the point conversational style has been both bane and boon right from college days for me.
@@zahrabjinu actually, in this specific example, I would suggest your "just because" is wordy and redundant. 😉 To anyone familiar with the original, the mere title "Cherry Magic: the Movie" suffices without need even of that basic justification. 🍒 Magic? Say no more!
@@johnmaster3748 Ah well,..
Thank you BL critic for excellent year of reviews❣I agree with some of your choices, and some are not to my likings. I strongly agree with Heartstopper, Triage, Semantic Error, Not Me, Cupcake, To Sir with Love, Love Mechanics and Everything You Said about War which I adore. I wish you had also Taiwanese BLs. I was surprised that Bad Buddy was in your list as I thought its a 2021 series.
My list has one Spanish BL name Smiley . My list includes also Lita, About youth and Plus and Minus.
Edit- minor spelling mistakes🤒🤒🤒
Oh, my goodness....now I have to go and edit my comments to include Smiley, which I haven't finished yet! Good call on that one.
I have the Taiwanese series this year as good...but not great. Hence, not on the main list. For me My Tooth, Your Love outshone the rest.
Bad Buddy did come out in 2021 and only had a few episodes in 2022. That is why for me it was the best BL of 2021.
@@johnmaster3748 hey John! I am happy to hear that you also thought that Smiley is good!
I have a weak spot for Taiwanese series and due to it I'm less objective.
@@tamaramoore2304 Same...🤩
@@blmama50 I favor longer series over shorter ones. I favor series that represent queerness over those that pay lip service and, especially, over to see that distort it. So, sure, you can favor Taiwanese series if you like. And which one of those was best this year?
hi, are there going to be any more production/channel BL series announcement trailers for 2023 like GMMTV did?
We already had from Domundi, DeeHup and MFlow... there will be some.. but those small production houses make 1 or 2 series a year, they do not make it like the big event like Gmmtv.
1. Triage
2. Bad Buddy
3. Kinnporsche
I'm waiting for the return of Sir BLC and some of the regulars, especially "you know who" to weigh in on Hit Bite Love. You know, the teens romping through BDSM land in Episode O at this time. Supposedly, there was research into this culture or, if you prefer, subculture so the teens would know how to "do it right". For example, knot-tying in ways different than the Boy Scouts. Will I watch the series? Yes. I'm a curious chap. Will I feel pervy viewing it? I may or may not tell.
If it hadn't been for you, I would never have considered 180 degrees. The story "boy falls in love with his father's old friend" didn't seem that exciting to me.
The many long dialogues that kept popping up in descriptions didn't exactly get me excited about the series either. Well, I've only seen BL series from Thailand so far and can't afford to judge the TV industry, but polished dialogues and character actors are not what I associated with Thailand.
WRONG.
The series is what feels like 80 per cent dialogue 15 per cent landscape and architectural shots and 5 per cent plot , but I wouldn't want to miss a second of the dialogue. The three main actors filled their roles so intensely and so tenderly, so painfully, so expressively. I enjoyed every second of being sick in bed today and being able to watch this series in one piece. Thank you!
I am glad you liked it...
BLC glad it is your list and happy to have your bias included. I think that is what makes you stand out from other channels and I am sure the regulars here will agree. The year was crazy, the amount of bls is over whelming to say the least. I usually try to check everthing out but even for me it was just to much. Kudos to John for the effort he put into all his lists, makes it so much easier to remember what was out there. I am not a list person myself but always happy to react to other peoples hard work and throw in my two cents worth.
What we saw from Japan this year was amazing, but Japan was making LGBTQ movies long before the current bl craze and it is not surprising to me.
Korea on the other had has been homophobic in the past and even though we have seen some nice series come out of Korea, I think it is only with the huge popularity of Symantic Error that bl is being embraced and I am sure now bl will become part of the K drama machine. Let see what next year brings.
Taiwan has been fairly quite this year, a few interesting things. The Philipines who cares, so sad because they did some nice things in the past.
We had a lot of Thai series but it was a little like picking thru the trash trying to find the hidden gems. They have the actors and directors and can step it up if they want but it seems like they are motivated by different goal. When shipping becomes the main goal and not a bi product it is sad.
Beside the issue of the huge volume of series, what makes it even more difficult is we are dealing with different generas with in a genera and we get back to this question of bl versus LGBTQ drama. As they say it is difficult to compare apples to oranges.
I think I have been pretty clear that Symantic Error is my number one pick as well. Love that BLC saw what I did. There are very few series I watch more than once, but Symantic Error I have watched several times including the movie format. Everytime I enjoyed it so much. I tried hard to look for the flaws but have to say it really checked all the boxes for me everytime, thank you Korea.
Blueming and Old Fashion Cupcake would have to be near the top for me, they were well done but also made you feel good at the end. I think I would add Takara and Amagi Kun and You're the Only One I Want to See in that group, classic Japaness coming of age series, sweet and well done.
180 Degree Longitude Pass is Through Us, for sure was a favorite of mine. Yes very much a stage drama formate and just thinking about it makes me sad, but a beautiful piece of work. It kinda goes a long with To My Star 2, beautifully acted and done but do I really want to go thru all those emotions. Another series I would add to that is More Than Words, nicely done, very real but not so happy. I think I prefer Blueming and Old Fashion Cup Cake.
We started the year with Bad Buddy craziness, BLC reviewed every episode which says something. When you have perfect casting with great actors and a top director what is not to like?? Well maybe it was a little bit to slick. The product placement started to make it feel a little like a big commercial, even though Aof is a master at it. Who can forget sucking the finger. It clearly had some of the most memberable scenes in bl history. The roof top kiss is hard to forget. But at the sametime the drama was contrived at times and it had it share of trope like moments. The ending was a slight of hand trick to say the least even though we loved it. I loved it and it started off the year with a bang, but I do not find my self wanting to go back and watch it like some of the others. Also the Ohm Namon drama after the series left me cold. It would be near the top but not really sure where.
Love Mechanics 2022 is the series other than Symantic Error that I think I was the most invested in. It was not perfect but I really bonded with YinWar and I thought the acting of both Yin and War was good. I think the direction was really good and because it was kinda a remake, it really highlighted how the right director can really make a big differance in a project. So many times I thought, they are not going to do that old trope, and they did not, which I give a lot of credit to the director. Because they used many of the same actors but recast the girl it really pointed out how changing one character can really make a differance. I think the girl they cast this time was perfect and thouht she was very good. I have seen so many series that I felt if they had only cast it differently it could have been good. I also loved at the end how they changed up the roles, perfect War. Bad Buddy and Love Mechanic are a bit of a toss up for me, but truthfully I think it is Love Mechanics that I would want to go back and watch again.
When I first saw Double on the list, I went blank. When I went back and checked, I remembered. It is in a kinda fringe goup of series that kinda have LBGTQ undertones. I watched it, but clearly not easy watching. Very much art house cinema kinda stuff. Beautiful imagery, powerful drama, yes let's do a class on it kinda stuff. I guess if we are including this kinda thing I much preferred Weak Hero Class 1 it had those LBGTQ undertones as well or maybe Kei X Yaku from early in the year.
I remember when I first saw the original promo for Kinn Porsche, I said that is the one that will change bl and in many ways it finally did. We waited a long time for it and it delievered on many levels but I think failed on many as well. If it had been made a year earlier maybe it would have been the one but this year there were so many strong series. The casting of Miles Apo was magic as well as the cast in general. But a lot of it was just over produced and over the top. I think they could have taken that same cast and done a smaller budget production and maybe had a better result. I do think the spicey scenes were top notch, some of the best I have seen in bl. For sure it would be on my list but maybe more towards the bottom.
To Sir With Love, another big budget series, I loved. Another series that I think was perfectly cast, Film and Jam were perfect for those roles. It was a big over the top drama but it kept me coming back for more. Some epidodes I watched several times because of subtitles and there were scenes that made me cry everytime, but also lots of contrived drama as well. Everyone standing under the rainbow at the end, come on. It made me laugh in the end Tinn and Jiu having dinner with the rich Chinese Thai family would never happen then and not now. He would be married with a kid, he would not sleep with the wife, the servant would come at night to prepare the bed, they would do their business and he would leave.
I have seen Triage on several peoples list, I give them credit for trying to do something different. I watched it but it is a concept that is not easy to pull off and I found it boring. I found it a little like a video game where you have to solve the puzzle. It is to bad, I do like those actors and the couple was nice. Not on my list
I guess I will finish up with Young Royals 2 and Heartstopper. Young Royals was a disappointment for me, since I loved the first season a lot. Hoping season 3 will get back on track. Not on my list.
I do not know if Heartstoppers is on my list or not. I liked it, I like Kit Conner, I have seen the cast interviewed and they are very bright young people. But I find the series to be a little to politically correct and woke. This is not a realistic LBGTQ coming of age story it is pure fantasy and many young gay people on TikTok have voiced that. My opinion.
Before it was kinda fun trying to find everything and looked forward to watching it all. Now I am kinda having a little bit of a bl burn out, BLC I am sure you understand.
Thank you for your nice take on the series you liked this year and i do agree.. for Thai BLs it is sorting diamonds on trash... so many series and the BL burn. And for me. I have to take care of my family business, the time difference, the different means to watch these series, as things are not free outside Thailand. I do miss the chaos and the old fashion ways of action and cut, hope i will return to that soon.
@@blcritic If you have time you should really check out The Director Who Buys Me Dinner, not a new idea (First Love Again) but I like what they are doing with it so far.
If you have not seen it, My Tooth Your Love is not bad they did some nice things with it.
Last year I had some hope for Never Let Me Go, I like Pond Phuwin and that director, it is ok, it is starting to grow on me. Pond is good and like like what they are doing with Phuwin's character. I don't know but I am not feeling the Chimon Perth match up. I was a big Chimon fan at one time but not liking the more mature Chimon that much.
I watched My Tooth Your Love, in fact I thought it would break into top 10, however, it faltered towards the end with everyone having a happy ending.. however the start was good
i will certainly check the director who buys me dinner. i am yet to watch gmmtv series School Pres. and NLMG
@@blcritic I am trying to stay away from these kinda movies after 30 years of that kinda stuff but I know you liked Double so wondering if you had seen the South Korean movie from 2017 The Poet and the Boy. Just saw it again amazing movie, the story, the acting. A movie you could do a class about.
@@blcritic Just checking on you, hope you are ok. Hope school and your family business is not getting you down.
KinnPorsche was a masterpiece in BL world that kind of production, cast & acting is top notch.
Semantic Error was also best
Bad buddy ❤
For in 2022 Bad Buddy stole the show. It was great acted and the production was top notch. As someone who don't like Thai BL in general (there are some exeptions) Bad Buddy was great. I don't know why everybody loves KinnPorsche that much, I personally think it is overrated. Old Fashion Cupcake was a great BL too, I love the more mature BL's. Semantic Error was good but not that good. I personally think the Webtoon is way better.
Big Dragon
Just for laughs and giggles, I broke out my top titles by country. Thailand's list is longer because Thailand remains the BL volume champion. Japan's list is longer because....holy cow what a year Japan had.
Best Series-Japan (8.0 and higher)
1. Favoritism of the Gods
2. Double
3. Old Fashion Cupcake
4. Absolute BL 2
5. Cherry Magic: The Movie
6. Mr Unlucky Has to Kiss
7. Senpai, I’m in Love
8. I Only Want to Keep Looking at You
9. More than Words
10. Eternal Yesterday
11. Takara-kun to Amagi-kun
Best Series-Thailand (8.0 and higher)
1. Bad Buddy
2. The Miracle of Teddy Bear [14/16 so far]
3. 21 Days Theory
4. Love Mechanics
5. My Ride
6. Triage
EDIT INSERT: 180 Degrees of Longitude
EDIT INSERT 2: To Sir, With Love
7. Kinn Porsche
8. On Cloud Nine
[I expect To Sir With Love will join this crowd; 6/17 so far]
[I have yet to begin 180 Degrees of Longitude]
Best Series-Korea (8.0 and higher)
1. Semantic Error
2. To My Star 2: Our Untold Stories
3. Blueming
4. Once Again
5. First Love Again
6. Cherry Blossoms After Winter
7. Choco Milk Shake
Best Series-Taiwan (all rated 8.0)
1. My Tooth, Your Love
2. DNA Says Love You
3. About Youth
4. Plus & Minus
Best Series from Europe and North America:
1. Heartstopper (UK)
2. Young Royals S 2 (Sweden)
3. Uncoupled (USA)
4. *Smiley (Spain) [3 of 8 episodes watched so far]
*--Smiley released on Netflix in December. If you've not yet seen it, give it a try.
"Smiley" is wonderful, and with absolutely no marketing whatsoever from Netflix, it's been in the Top Ten ranking for a number of weeks now on that platform.
I would add "Kabi-Koji" to my list of Japanese BLs released in 2022.
I am yet to watch Smiley.. and looking at your list.. you are more into Jbl than Thai one.
@@blcritic erroneous conclusion! I watched twice as many Thai BL as all other countries combined. I cut off those rankings at 8.0. It just so happened Japan hit 8.0 or greater more frequently than any other country. If the list extended to 7.5 or, especially, to 7.0, then Thailand's list would go on and on and on.
I meant to toss Thai Cave Rescue (Netflix) onto the Thai list. It's not a BL, but it starred an actor remembered for an early BL. And honoring Beam's memory one last time doesn't hurt. People: *Thai Cave Rescue* !
it was sad to lose Beam.. he had so much potential esp after Stranded, never worked with him, but had met him on parties. Another person we lost is P'Tangmo.. I absolutely love Panward ,and i texted her that she looks too young to be Jan, and Tongtong's mother.. still I wonder how it'd be if that role was played by P'Tangmo.