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Opposites Attract (Korean Mini-Series)

Honestly I can't believe we're still getting BL series this bad in 2026. This mini series runs about 7 to 8 episodes with a total runtime of just about an hour and it is so boring that I genuinely struggle to find the words. The actors are awkward, the story is as basic as it gets and there is almost nothing about this show worth saving. The makers do try to stir up some drama here and there but even that falls completely flat. Ho Won is a 23 year old university student who spots a man sitting alone at a gay bar and gets attracted to him. The man is Min U, a 33 year old who brushes Ho Won off immediately saying he's too young. Ho Won lies about his age and since he's made a bet with the bartender that he'll get this man home before the night is over, he switches tactics and eventually the two end up at Min U's place and sleep together. Despite being complete opposites in every way there's some kind of pull between them and they go on a couple of dates. But t...

The Boys in the Band

Set in 1968 in an era before the Stonewall riots and the greater activism and visibility that followed, the film is a recreation of the hit broadway show which itself is adaptation of a play/movie back in 70s. It's a story that conveys the freedom of these men to cut loose amongst each other, while exposing festering grudges and one very toxic case of self-loathing. With an ensemble starcast led by Jim Parsons, I was really looking forward to this film

Michael is throwing a birthday party for his frenemy Harold, who describes himself as an "ugly, pockmarked Jew fairy", bringing together seven members of their extended group. First arrives Donald, who is upset since his doctor cancelled on him. It feels Michael has a slight crush on him. We meet the couple Larry and Hank who seem to be going through some fight and it feels that Larry and Donald share some history. Emory and Bernard fill n for the black and Latino flavor who are constantly being subjected to racism, homophobia and being effeminate. But a wild card emerges in the form of Alan, an old college pal of Michael's who happens to be in town, sounds distressed and wants to drop by, which Michael fears would mean outing himself. Michael's flailing aggression is channeled through a dare game requiring the participants to make a phone call to the one person they ever truly loved, with a point system based on the extent of their self-exposure. As you can imagine, emotions run high and dry leading to many fights and harsh words spoken by the end of night,

From the very first scene things are on a go go go. There is no relaxation among these people. Characters are introduced, their quirks, chemistry with each other and interactions. They seem more like frenemies than friends and there’s a constant static crackle of brittle bitchiness in the air. I actually was really enjoying the first half till the movie comes with its main event of playing the dare game. There’s a pleasure, certainly, in how electrified these back-and-forths are, as the camera zips around the apartment like an invisible guest. These men talk love, religion, and ageing. Interestingly, all the actors in this film are openly gay and very popular which makes this film very interesting. Some of the dialogues are really sharp and i quite enjoyed and laughed. Yes, the end gets too serious and a bit dark too. I wish I could understand better what were Michael's intentions behind playing the game. Does he want to hurt people or was it an innocent mistake (it did not look like that). Acting, as you can expect is razor sharp by everyone and they all fit their part. Every character has a different ending which also makes this film interesting.

While remaining funny and poignant, this story is more like a mirror to the late 60s where the life of a gay man was considered to be one of overwhelming sorrow, loneliness and bitterness. Even if you are not familiar with the storyline, it is still highly recommended to watch this film. (7/10)

Comments

Sailor Maan said…
The beginning was very good, then the tension skyrockets... before it falls flat. I couldn't understand the ending and what was the point behind the cruel game. Some of the characters don't have their endings, namely the one who started it, so it feels a bit unfinished imho. As you said they seem more like "best ennemies" than friends. All characters are basically portrayed so unhappy and disfunctionnal, it sure doesn't look appealing. But then society was so much harder on them back then... I wonder what impact the play had back when it was released.
Golu said…
I agree. I really didnt undertand the whole ;point behind the game in the first place. It was more like, "I want to torture these people". Did you know this entire same cast did a broadway play for a few times in New York, after which makers decided to make a movie version of it.
But yeah 60s were a different period and we will never know what it was really like those days for open or closeted gay people
Sailor Maan said…
Wow all those actors in a play, you have your quota of stars for the whole year lol! I wonder if the play was different and more understandable (as it sometimes is the case between a play and the corresponding movie)
Golu said…
Its quite possible. who knows!!