Footnote: the comment of mine Mr Critic singled out in this video first appeared under his series review for Mr Unlucky Has To Kiss (posted 12 June 2022). I basically reduced the plot of four discrete series into two sentences by pointing out their lead characters were either spastic or gloomy. So, @David Means, it appears Mr Critic has taken up the gauntlet you threw that we retire seme-uke in favor spastic-gloomy.
I would offer overactive or clumsy in place of spastic. Spastic is slang term (as you know) for clumsy or hyperactive. The term works well to describe the character type. However, the term itself is ableist. Spasticity affects 12 million people worldwide and is debilitating as well as painful. My apologies if I am spoiling the fun.
@@deborahw2770 you are spoiling the fun. But that doesn't mean you're wrong. I certainly think the slang meaning of the word is better known than the specific medical definition you give here. And my usage of it reflects the vernacular meaning rather than the term-of-art meaning. But if uses like mine cause harm, then we should tamp down. Your post makes me curious about the etymology of the medical spasticity. Was the word "spastic" already in the language and applied to describe the medical condition? Or did the word enter the language as a new invention to describe the condition? If the former, then it has a generic role in language independent of its connection to the medical condition. The answer would be no consolation to those offended by its contemporary ableist connotation...but it makes for an interesting parallel with the etymology of gay/queer [old words that acquired new meaning] and homosexual [invented word to describe a medical condition]. Spastic, when used as a descriptor of social behavior, absolutely marginalizes those to whom it is attached. Deborah's proposed alternatives, clumsy, overactive, or awkward, are inherently less interesting words, but they don't carry the degree of stigma lurking behind spastic.
@@johnmaster3748 To answer your questions, the word spastic has been in the language since the 1950's and was created to originally describe a symptom of cerebral palsy. Spastic is now applied to a host of medical conditions that have muscle spasticity as a main feature. Part of my career was spent in a long term pediatric care facility where many children dealt with spasticity daily. Obviously, it had a great impact on my mindset. In fact, the term was in a popular Lizzo song until she received backlash for it and re-recorded the song Grrrls. I appreciate your willingness to have an open and frank discussion with me. Thank you kindly. I do hope I have not damaged our camaraderie. I would hate to upset those dimples. :) I can offer Tigger and Eeyore as other descriptors that might be more fun. Best I stop here for today. lol
You will never endanger our cameraderie when your point of view is well argued and well thought out. In this instance, on learning the etymology of the word, I am inclined to agree we ought not to use it. I’ve heard “spastic” since childhood, but always the slang meaning. I never realized the slang meaning derived from the medical and not the other way around. I really like Tigger as the “fun” alternative.
I 100% agree with you. Japan and South Korea are on fire this year with their BL content! 🔥 I enjoyed both series and "Old Fashioned Cupcake" hits home to me. After starting my BL journey in 2016, I sadly learned more about the Japanese culture and the suicide rate. It completely broke my heart and I speak more openly about mental health. I noticed also that although the series are shorter, many do not have side couples (excluding "A Man Who Defies the World of BL."). It has made many of my friends jump on the BL wagon. 🤣 Til next time, hugs from Orlando, FL. ☀ 🌴 🏖
Well, the big drawback to my ongoing--and highly successful--strategy of waiting to watch new series until I can binge them has one significant drawback: Mr Critic sometimes posts reviews before I even start to watch. Well, the whole point was to let word-of-mouth dictate which series could be skipped and which were must-see. I suppose Robo word-of-mouth still counts. 😀
@@blcritic and @John Master - caught up on Old Fashioned Cupcake I am really enjoying. The story of an Ossan and his younger colleague (he is IMHO smoking hot) is interesting, realistic, and just lovely. Looking forward to episode 4. More BL watching today!!
I watch both. And as I liked Cherry magic, I think Old fashion cupcake is next one. After third episode I do think it even more. In Cherry magic,they did not even kissed and it was good to watch and next episode of OFC seems to be 🔥.I agree with you about the kiss in Senpai. It would be ok without that kiss. Was unnatural for me. But the scene where they showed that their affection is mutual...He keeps things, as Toh in Secret crush on you did😂🤦♀
I wasn't anticipating the amount of Japanese BLs that have been produced in the first half of 2022 alone. I didn't particularly enjoy "My Beautiful Man", but it's inspired diehard fans, and they're getting a movie as a sequel. I loved the college set series of "Mr. Unlucky", and now to have TWO different series/storylines based in a workplace setting with "Old Fashion Cupcake", and "Senpai, Danjite Koidewa!" As the "kids" say, "we are being fed" with these quality BLs this year. We have had some duds, from Thailand, South Korea, Phillipines, Vietnam, Malaysia, but Japan is just different.
When a country increases the volume of BLs, duds become an inevitable part of the process. Korea Republic has also churned out gems this year and one or two tweeners. Zahra had the first comment to this video and noted Cupcake 🧁 felt fresh. I think that's been key to the continuing success of J-BLs....there's always some quality that conveys originality and invention, disguising just how recycled most of the ingredients actually are.
Which ones are from Malaysia? I think I haven't come across or seen anything from there! When John mentioned rainbow prince I saw 1 ep of it but it was really cringey .Was that from Malaysia? Or Phillipines?
@@zahrabjinu The Rainbow Prince was from the Philippines. There was one BL that was released from Malaysia back in March or April of this year. I can't remember the name of it.
Dallas! I loved "My Beautiful Man." Dang, girl. I wanted to say, "Thanks", for recommending "Cupcake." I've watched 3 episodes and I'm hooked. I like it a lot. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
@@zahrabjinu there are 2 I know of: Stay Away from Me (which aired on an app end of last year, was super awkward, and potentially sketchy because one of the two leads was underage and sued the production company after it aired) and WuDi in Love (which was Malaysian-Chinese, also on an app, and I don't think was ever released with English subtitles? But was easy enough to follow without them).
At first, I didn't like Japanese BLs because the actors all had jacked-up hair. Terrible, spikey, jacked-up hair that I couldn't get past. Now, it seems like the stylists are letting the boys actually be cute and have good hair. Hair aside, I've enjoyed the Japanese BLs that I've seen. Old Fashion Cupcake is especially good. I like the dynamic between the two men, and I like the fact that it's not too cutesy. Any BL where the characters talk about jerking off is A-okay in my book. The first episode of Sempai is cute. We'll see how it goes. I love that you included John Master's "spastic and gloomy" terms. So spot-on.
I remember those BLs, but I think at that time, everyone that was associated with those adaptions, felt that they really had to be incredibly faithful to those source mangas, down to the horrible hair/clothing, because of thinking that the series/movies would only appeal to those fans/followers. Now, it's MUCH better.
Star performers attracted to ordinary people happen only in dramas. Introverts, socially awkward people, stammerers,nonconversationalists, slightly disabled/slow people are all marginalized and sidelined,
Isn't seme - uke better than spastic and gloomy? They both are labels but spastic & gloomy only can describe certain personality type but seme- uke is for all personality type.
@@VixenByNight72 Agreed. Generalized terms are generalizations. Labels/terms do not fit all individuals. I can use Tigger or Eeyore instead of spastic and gloomy which is cute but not reflective of all characters.
Japanese series and films have a rhythm and charm all their own for me. There is often more silence than talking. The characters are often broken people, disappointed by life, who want to get the rest of their lives over with decency and hope neither for happiness nor for love. Hang in there and move on. The camera work and editing are also so different. Often camera shots are held out for a very long time (sometimes agonisingly long). Together with the characters and the plot, this gives the films a brittle charm and a melancholy that I like very much.
@DMR'S note that My Beautiful Man will get a movie sequel has me pondering the Universe. Or, at least, the BL Universe. Ponder with me in the replies? 1. The line between LGBTQ+ genre fare and BL genre is difficult to pin down anyway, but it seems to me that movies from "the BL countries" focusing on same-sex couples tend to build around LGBT tropes more than BL tropes. Can anyone name a non-sequel film that is unambiguously BL? (Also disregard the film edits of the mini K-BLs. ) 2. Sequel films to good BL series have underwhelmed. Gameboys and 2Gether spring to mind. (Haven't seen Cherry Magic.) 3. Is it a fair conclusion that BL stories work better in the series format?
I like BL in series format. I think it's better in series format simply because it's spaced out. For people like who don't binge watch because of time constraints.
I'll confess that I haven't actually watched any BL movies, unless you count "Love, Simon," which was cute. Most sequels, both series and movies, fail to live up to the originals, so I think it stands to reason that the sequel BL movies would fall flat. I prefer the series format. Viewers get more time with the characters and the writers can dig deeper into the stories with the expanded time of a series. Note that I said "can". Not all series manage to do more than toss some tropes and skinships on the table.
@@j_scott Love Simon checks every box to be classed as BL--except originating in Asia. Since BL itself is an artifact of Asian culture, it's fair to question whether productions from other corners of the world (especially western countries that have an already-established tradition of gay storytelling) should carry the BL label. [I take no position on the subject. Just framing a question.] I do regard Love Simon as being MORE about coming out and building a personal identity as gay and only secondarily a story about HS lads falling for each other/experiencing first love. So, I think that film is best classed as gay rather than BL. That said, it's the closest to BL of any US production I could name.
@@johnmaster3748 I see your point, but I think it's about both coming out and falling in love for the first time. Regardless, it's one of the first American movies that I've seen that even comes within sniffing distance of BL. So...does a movie or show need to be based in Asia to be classified as BL? I would argue for "no", although nothing outside of Asia comes close to meeting the criteria at the moment, especially when it comes to series.
@@johnmaster3748 Agreed, because I can vividly recall when "Love, Simon" was initially released, it was well received by the audience it was marketed towards (a younger generation). There was a small percentage of older cis gay white men, who absolutely couldn't comprehend that Simon was able to have his entire family, accept his sexuality, with no problems. They couldn't understand that Simon could have the option, of not having his unfortunate outing, end up without him having to run away from home, becoming homeless, having to live on the street, using his body to survive (memories of the 70s tv film sequel, "Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn").
I think we have to thank the Japanese for some solid series this year, do I think they have been some of the best, not really, but a cut above most of the junk out there. I like that they are very culturally defined, kinda quirky and never fail to entertain on some level. I like that they tackle a wider range of subjects and ages. Old Fashion Cup Cake, has some clever writing, loved the idea of two middle age guys acting like teenage girls as a way to deal with a midlife crises. My one complaint so far is the older guy who is 39 dealing with becoming 40 should have been played by an older looking actor. The actor playing him is really 36 but looks much younger. Also office culture in Japan is very unique, as we have seen before in Cherry Magic, it is kinda fun to have a window into that world. Thai bl had their own office romance with Top Secret Together a few years back, not good. A movie I really enjoyed earlier this year was Both Me and Him are the Grooms, worth a watch. Senpai, this can't be Love, a little early to tell. We have the seemingly love hate but really secret love story line. The actors are cute, looks fluffy, lite viewing.
I agree, even though they are not on the standard we expect from the Japanese BLs still they are better than most of the junk airing today. And Both Me and Him are the Grooms, it was wonderful. The chaos was hilarious, still I think they could have done it better.
@@blcritic just a note: Watched the final of Plus Minus it was fluffy and sweet as expected, the bed scene was nice(this company seems to be good at that) I think the thing of note is that the series delt with gay marriage in a country that has gay marriage. We do not have the couple hoping or wishing or faking they got married. So they have their happy ending including marriage, sweet. Also because the main characters are divorce lawyers they dealt earlier in the series with a gay couple wanting to get a divorce and explored the idea that marriage is not always a happy ending and maybe couples rush into it to soon.
@@blcritic Not sure where to start Kinn Porsche, what a mess, like they were trying to deal with tomany different plot lines and not sure what to do. Kinn and Porsche at Porsche's house were like two different characters, maybe thst was the idea. The Pete Vegas sex scene was just shock value, they did not need to show his feet wraped with chains, just the soft tying of his hands was enough. Spring of Crush, maybe I am changing my mind. Still do not like the casting but have got hooked by the storyline and the different relationships. Four more episodes interested to see how it ends. To My Star 2, as other people have pointed out is a little to slow paced, maybe they were trying to stretch it out to make more episodes. Interesting instead of seeing the year they were together we are seeing the painful aftermath of the breakup and boy is it painful. The end of episode 8, my god what can I say. It is well done, the acting is great but I ask myself do I really need to see this. I guess if it goes to form it will end happily. So the message is, we can not just be happy we have to go thru pain first than we can be happy. I guess I would have rather have seen a series of them being in a happy relationship with its ups and downs and working it out. Love Mechanics 2022, have to say I am really starting to like this series, episode 3 was really good for me. What it makes me think about is how much more I liked season 2 of Love Sick, I am sure you understand my point.
@@samtab2364 Even though it starts with break up, and seeing Kang Seo Joon confused, fumbling and trying to not break down completely is painful. The acting is great. I think I like this one more than other BLs simply because of acting, 'slice of life ' treatment with other characters included along with main leads. I dislike sad sendings so I hope they both either get back together or find closure. Edit: Love mechanics is an upgrade so well done. The cinematography, pace, the realistic way temperaments, infidelity, confusion, reluctance to solve problems instead avoiding them are handled.I think writers and director( team) deserves a patvon the back. It's an example of a simple, run of the mill story told well.
I saw Unforgotten night ep 1. Misery! I don't think I want to see BDSM or even know about it. Torture during sex seems offensive.There are enough psychos shooting children in school.I don't think crazy/kinky behaviour needs to made mainstream or encouraged.I hope they tame the storyline or I will have to drop it.
I just don't understand why BDSM is mixed in with BLs. Especially when these novelists (and screenwriters/directors) have absolutely no idea about the rules, and the psychology behind the individuals that choose to participate in these relationships.
I actually, surprisingly, like the "Old fashion cupcake" more instead of "Senpai, this can't be love". Maybe because it's something different from what they usually show or the notion is just so absurd that I have to keep on watching it, but somehow I find it fascinating. But damn they are stuck to gender roles, like men do eat sweets, they don't have to be "feminine" about it, it doesn't emasculate you. But oh damn I'm so fed up with the BL's where they kiss without asking permission just because someone said they liked them. It happened in the "Mr. Unlucky" and now in "Senpai...", like haven't they heard of the notion of consent and that it should be given before being kissed, touched, etc. Or is it just the fact that I am a woman I view this matter as so crucial it should be implemented even fictional works? Maybe, but it really should be implemented in fictional works, no matter the genre and target group.
![Jim & Whetu | Their full story [PUNCH]](/img/1.gif)
Old fashioned cupcake is like a breath of fresh air.
Ikr
I am waiting for 4th ep .
Footnote: the comment of mine Mr Critic singled out in this video first appeared under his series review for Mr Unlucky Has To Kiss (posted 12 June 2022). I basically reduced the plot of four discrete series into two sentences by pointing out their lead characters were either spastic or gloomy. So, @David Means, it appears Mr Critic has taken up the gauntlet you threw that we retire seme-uke in favor spastic-gloomy.
I would offer overactive or clumsy in place of spastic. Spastic is slang term (as you know) for clumsy or hyperactive. The term works well to describe the character type. However, the term itself is ableist. Spasticity affects 12 million people worldwide and is debilitating as well as painful. My apologies if I am spoiling the fun.
@@deborahw2770 you are spoiling the fun. But that doesn't mean you're wrong. I certainly think the slang meaning of the word is better known than the specific medical definition you give here. And my usage of it reflects the vernacular meaning rather than the term-of-art meaning. But if uses like mine cause harm, then we should tamp down. Your post makes me curious about the etymology of the medical spasticity. Was the word "spastic" already in the language and applied to describe the medical condition? Or did the word enter the language as a new invention to describe the condition? If the former, then it has a generic role in language independent of its connection to the medical condition. The answer would be no consolation to those offended by its contemporary ableist connotation...but it makes for an interesting parallel with the etymology of gay/queer [old words that acquired new meaning] and homosexual [invented word to describe a medical condition]. Spastic, when used as a descriptor of social behavior, absolutely marginalizes those to whom it is attached. Deborah's proposed alternatives, clumsy, overactive, or awkward, are inherently less interesting words, but they don't carry the degree of stigma lurking behind spastic.
@@johnmaster3748 To answer your questions, the word spastic has been in the language since the 1950's and was created to originally describe a symptom of cerebral palsy. Spastic is now applied to a host of medical conditions that have muscle spasticity as a main feature. Part of my career was spent in a long term pediatric care facility where many children dealt with spasticity daily. Obviously, it had a great impact on my mindset. In fact, the term was in a popular Lizzo song until she received backlash for it and re-recorded the song Grrrls.
I appreciate your willingness to have an open and frank discussion with me. Thank you kindly. I do hope I have not damaged our camaraderie. I would hate to upset those dimples. :)
I can offer Tigger and Eeyore as other descriptors that might be more fun. Best I stop here for today. lol
You will never endanger our cameraderie when your point of view is well argued and well thought out. In this instance, on learning the etymology of the word, I am inclined to agree we ought not to use it. I’ve heard “spastic” since childhood, but always the slang meaning. I never realized the slang meaning derived from the medical and not the other way around. I really like Tigger as the “fun” alternative.
@@johnmaster2800 I am glad to hear that there is no hard feelings. I will use Tigger and BL Critic can use whatever terms they feel is appropriate.
I 100% agree with you. Japan and South Korea are on fire this year with their BL content! 🔥 I enjoyed both series and "Old Fashioned Cupcake" hits home to me. After starting my BL journey in 2016, I sadly learned more about the Japanese culture and the suicide rate. It completely broke my heart and I speak more openly about mental health. I noticed also that although the series are shorter, many do not have side couples (excluding "A Man Who Defies the World of BL."). It has made many of my friends jump on the BL wagon. 🤣 Til next time, hugs from Orlando, FL. ☀ 🌴 🏖
There are even more in line for the rest of the year from Japan, looks like we will experience some really good ones.
Well, the big drawback to my ongoing--and highly successful--strategy of waiting to watch new series until I can binge them has one significant drawback: Mr Critic sometimes posts reviews before I even start to watch. Well, the whole point was to let word-of-mouth dictate which series could be skipped and which were must-see. I suppose Robo word-of-mouth still counts. 😀
I am still waiting to Binge watch To MY Star 2...
@@blcritic I plan to commence my binge in a few days.
I am so far behind on so many series, hope to binge both of this during this upcoming weekend.
That’s what you get for going on vacation
@@johnmaster2800so true!!! it was great to get away but now I am so behind.
John ... haha...
@@blcritic and @John Master - caught up on Old Fashioned Cupcake I am really enjoying. The story of an Ossan and his younger colleague (he is IMHO smoking hot) is interesting, realistic, and just lovely. Looking forward to episode 4. More BL watching today!!
I watch both. And as I liked Cherry magic, I think Old fashion cupcake is next one. After third episode I do think it even more. In Cherry magic,they did not even kissed and it was good to watch and next episode of OFC seems to be 🔥.I agree with you about the kiss in Senpai. It would be ok without that kiss. Was unnatural for me. But the scene where they showed that their affection is mutual...He keeps things, as Toh in Secret crush on you did😂🤦♀
I wasn't anticipating the amount of Japanese BLs that have been produced in the first half of 2022 alone. I didn't particularly enjoy "My Beautiful Man", but it's inspired diehard fans, and they're getting a movie as a sequel. I loved the college set series of "Mr. Unlucky", and now to have TWO different series/storylines based in a workplace setting with "Old Fashion Cupcake", and "Senpai, Danjite Koidewa!" As the "kids" say, "we are being fed" with these quality BLs this year. We have had some duds, from Thailand, South Korea, Phillipines, Vietnam, Malaysia, but Japan is just different.
When a country increases the volume of BLs, duds become an inevitable part of the process. Korea Republic has also churned out gems this year and one or two tweeners. Zahra had the first comment to this video and noted Cupcake 🧁 felt fresh. I think that's been key to the continuing success of J-BLs....there's always some quality that conveys originality and invention, disguising just how recycled most of the ingredients actually are.
Which ones are from Malaysia? I think I haven't come across or seen anything from there! When John mentioned rainbow prince I saw 1 ep of it but it was really cringey .Was that from Malaysia? Or Phillipines?
@@zahrabjinu The Rainbow Prince was from the Philippines. There was one BL that was released from Malaysia back in March or April of this year. I can't remember the name of it.
Dallas! I loved "My Beautiful Man." Dang, girl. I wanted to say, "Thanks", for recommending "Cupcake." I've watched 3 episodes and I'm hooked. I like it a lot. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
@@zahrabjinu there are 2 I know of: Stay Away from Me (which aired on an app end of last year, was super awkward, and potentially sketchy because one of the two leads was underage and sued the production company after it aired) and WuDi in Love (which was Malaysian-Chinese, also on an app, and I don't think was ever released with English subtitles? But was easy enough to follow without them).
At first, I didn't like Japanese BLs because the actors all had jacked-up hair. Terrible, spikey, jacked-up hair that I couldn't get past. Now, it seems like the stylists are letting the boys actually be cute and have good hair.
Hair aside, I've enjoyed the Japanese BLs that I've seen. Old Fashion Cupcake is especially good. I like the dynamic between the two men, and I like the fact that it's not too cutesy. Any BL where the characters talk about jerking off is A-okay in my book. The first episode of Sempai is cute. We'll see how it goes.
I love that you included John Master's "spastic and gloomy" terms. So spot-on.
I remember those BLs, but I think at that time, everyone that was associated with those adaptions, felt that they really had to be incredibly faithful to those source mangas, down to the horrible hair/clothing, because of thinking that the series/movies would only appeal to those fans/followers. Now, it's MUCH better.
@@VixenByNight72 Yep. It's SO much better now!
I agree about the hairstyles... thank god.. they changed it now.
Star performers attracted to ordinary people happen only in dramas. Introverts, socially awkward people, stammerers,nonconversationalists, slightly disabled/slow people are all marginalized and sidelined,
Isn't seme - uke better than spastic and gloomy? They both are labels but spastic & gloomy only can describe certain personality type but seme- uke is for all personality type.
@@zahrabjinu I don't particularly like "seme" and "uke". We can, and should come up with terminology that fits each individual character, as it fits.
@@VixenByNight72 Agreed. Generalized terms are generalizations. Labels/terms do not fit all individuals. I can use Tigger or Eeyore instead of spastic and gloomy which is cute but not reflective of all characters.
@@zahrabjinu I think John meant it for Japanese BLs particularly as those character types are prevalent in the latest crop of BLs.
@@deborahw2770 Or their particular role they like to enjoy in the bed, in a tent, on the kitchen counter, or on the beach. 😃 😊
Japanese series and films have a rhythm and charm all their own for me. There is often more silence than talking. The characters are often broken people, disappointed by life, who want to get the rest of their lives over with decency and hope neither for happiness nor for love. Hang in there and move on. The camera work and editing are also so different. Often camera shots are held out for a very long time (sometimes agonisingly long). Together with the characters and the plot, this gives the films a brittle charm and a melancholy that I like very much.
same here, you put it right... they are somewhat melancholic and still it draws us into that...
@DMR'S note that My Beautiful Man will get a movie sequel has me pondering the Universe. Or, at least, the BL Universe. Ponder with me in the replies?
1. The line between LGBTQ+ genre fare and BL genre is difficult to pin down anyway, but it seems to me that movies from "the BL countries" focusing on same-sex couples tend to build around LGBT tropes more than BL tropes. Can anyone name a non-sequel film that is unambiguously BL? (Also disregard the film edits of the mini K-BLs. )
2. Sequel films to good BL series have underwhelmed. Gameboys and 2Gether spring to mind. (Haven't seen Cherry Magic.)
3. Is it a fair conclusion that BL stories work better in the series format?
I like BL in series format. I think it's better in series format simply because it's spaced out. For people like who don't binge watch because of time constraints.
I'll confess that I haven't actually watched any BL movies, unless you count "Love, Simon," which was cute. Most sequels, both series and movies, fail to live up to the originals, so I think it stands to reason that the sequel BL movies would fall flat.
I prefer the series format. Viewers get more time with the characters and the writers can dig deeper into the stories with the expanded time of a series. Note that I said "can". Not all series manage to do more than toss some tropes and skinships on the table.
@@j_scott Love Simon checks every box to be classed as BL--except originating in Asia. Since BL itself is an artifact of Asian culture, it's fair to question whether productions from other corners of the world (especially western countries that have an already-established tradition of gay storytelling) should carry the BL label. [I take no position on the subject. Just framing a question.] I do regard Love Simon as being MORE about coming out and building a personal identity as gay and only secondarily a story about HS lads falling for each other/experiencing first love. So, I think that film is best classed as gay rather than BL. That said, it's the closest to BL of any US production I could name.
@@johnmaster3748 I see your point, but I think it's about both coming out and falling in love for the first time. Regardless, it's one of the first American movies that I've seen that even comes within sniffing distance of BL.
So...does a movie or show need to be based in Asia to be classified as BL? I would argue for "no", although nothing outside of Asia comes close to meeting the criteria at the moment, especially when it comes to series.
@@johnmaster3748 Agreed, because I can vividly recall when "Love, Simon" was initially released, it was well received by the audience it was marketed towards (a younger generation). There was a small percentage of older cis gay white men, who absolutely couldn't comprehend that Simon was able to have his entire family, accept his sexuality, with no problems. They couldn't understand that Simon could have the option, of not having his unfortunate outing, end up without him having to run away from home, becoming homeless, having to live on the street, using his body to survive (memories of the 70s tv film sequel, "Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn").
I think we have to thank the Japanese for some solid series this year, do I think they have been some of the best, not really, but a cut above most of the junk out there. I like that they are very culturally defined, kinda quirky and never fail to entertain on some level. I like that they tackle a wider range of subjects and ages.
Old Fashion Cup Cake, has some clever writing, loved the idea of two middle age guys acting like teenage girls as a way to deal with a midlife crises. My one complaint so far is the older guy who is 39 dealing with becoming 40 should have been played by an older looking actor. The actor playing him is really 36 but looks much younger.
Also office culture in Japan is very unique, as we have seen before in Cherry Magic, it is kinda fun to have a window into that world. Thai bl had their own office romance with Top Secret Together a few years back, not good.
A movie I really enjoyed earlier this year was Both Me and Him are the Grooms, worth a watch.
Senpai, this can't be Love, a little early to tell. We have the seemingly love hate but really secret love story line. The actors are cute, looks fluffy, lite viewing.
I agree, even though they are not on the standard we expect from the Japanese BLs still they are better than most of the junk airing today. And Both Me and Him are the Grooms, it was wonderful. The chaos was hilarious, still I think they could have done it better.
@@blcritic just a note: Watched the final of Plus Minus it was fluffy and sweet as expected, the bed scene was nice(this company seems to be good at that) I think the thing of note is that the series delt with gay marriage in a country that has gay marriage. We do not have the couple hoping or wishing or faking they got married. So they have their happy ending including marriage, sweet. Also because the main characters are divorce lawyers they dealt earlier in the series with a gay couple wanting to get a divorce and explored the idea that marriage is not always a happy ending and maybe couples rush into it to soon.
Well I checked the bed scene after your comment and they surely did it right. I loved the way they did it.
@@blcritic Not sure where to start
Kinn Porsche, what a mess, like they were trying to deal with tomany different plot lines and not sure what to do. Kinn and Porsche at Porsche's house were like two different characters, maybe thst was the idea. The Pete Vegas sex scene was just shock value, they did not need to show his feet wraped with chains, just the soft tying of his hands was enough.
Spring of Crush, maybe I am changing my mind. Still do not like the casting but have got hooked by the storyline and the different relationships. Four more episodes interested to see how it ends.
To My Star 2, as other people have pointed out is a little to slow paced, maybe they were trying to stretch it out to make more episodes. Interesting instead of seeing the year they were together we are seeing the painful aftermath of the breakup and boy is it painful. The end of episode 8, my god what can I say. It is well done, the acting is great but I ask myself do I really need to see this. I guess if it goes to form it will end happily. So the message is, we can not just be happy we have to go thru pain first than we can be happy. I guess I would have rather have seen a series of them being in a happy relationship with its ups and downs and working it out.
Love Mechanics 2022, have to say I am really starting to like this series, episode 3 was really good for me. What it makes me think about is how much more I liked season 2 of Love Sick, I am sure you understand my point.
@@samtab2364 Even though it starts with break up, and seeing Kang Seo Joon confused, fumbling and trying to not break down completely is painful. The acting is great. I think I like this one more than other BLs simply because of acting, 'slice of life ' treatment with other characters included along with main leads. I dislike sad sendings so I hope they both either get back together or find closure.
Edit: Love mechanics is an upgrade so well done. The cinematography, pace, the realistic way temperaments, infidelity, confusion, reluctance to solve problems instead avoiding them are handled.I think writers and director( team) deserves a patvon the back. It's an example of a simple, run of the mill story told well.
Turning you into a fudanshi? Hasn't that ship already sailed, based on your channel name?
hehe....
I saw Unforgotten night ep 1. Misery! I don't think I want to see BDSM or even know about it. Torture during sex seems offensive.There are enough psychos shooting children in school.I don't think crazy/kinky behaviour needs to made mainstream or encouraged.I hope they tame the storyline or I will have to drop it.
Unforgotten Night is a disaster. I dropped it already.
I just don't understand why BDSM is mixed in with BLs. Especially when these novelists (and screenwriters/directors) have absolutely no idea about the rules, and the psychology behind the individuals that choose to participate in these relationships.
@@VixenByNight72 same here... It has no place in Bls. Are they doing it for ' something different' Or to tantalize or shock people?
@@zahrabjinu To tantalize, and shock people.
I actually, surprisingly, like the "Old fashion cupcake" more instead of "Senpai, this can't be love". Maybe because it's something different from what they usually show or the notion is just so absurd that I have to keep on watching it, but somehow I find it fascinating. But damn they are stuck to gender roles, like men do eat sweets, they don't have to be "feminine" about it, it doesn't emasculate you. But oh damn I'm so fed up with the BL's where they kiss without asking permission just because someone said they liked them. It happened in the "Mr. Unlucky" and now in "Senpai...", like haven't they heard of the notion of consent and that it should be given before being kissed, touched, etc. Or is it just the fact that I am a woman I view this matter as so crucial it should be implemented even fictional works? Maybe, but it really should be implemented in fictional works, no matter the genre and target group.