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Journey With You (Chinese Series)

By Golu
I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
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Method (Korean)

By Golu
A film about films (or in this case, a film about a play) is always interesting and make for a good watch because you get to see two different methods of acting by the actors. It can get very fascinating. Similarly, this film tries to explore the emotional journey of a method actor and his emotional swing when the line between his character and himself starts to get blurred.

Jae-ha is a successful theatre actor, who always transforms into his characters, both on stage and in his life. His roles consume him. So when the famous idol Young-woo joins him, it frustrates Jae-ha because oh his impatient careless attitude towards theatre. The play "Unchained" is supposed to be the story of a dangerous homosexual love. Of course Jae-ha is straight in a very steady relationship. During a rehearsal when Young-woo feels the raw emotions that Jae-ha portray, something changes in him. An easy seduction leads to both men kissing and taking an impromptu beach trip. The girlfriend feels and is fully aware of this closeness and love but is also aware of Jae-ha's methods. Their pictures are everywhere now and Young-woo tells Jae-ha that he wants to announce their love to the whole world but the latter refuses all the rumors in the press (even though he is falling madly for him). The evening of the play, Young-woo arrives late but thhe performance starts and they are both very passionate and into the theme of the play, especially since the play's theme is almost mirroring their real life. Young-woo takes his suicidal scene to the level of being very realistic which scares Jae-ha. Backstage Young-woo tells Jae-ha that now he is the perfect Singer, while Jae-ha is only a mediocre Walter. Young-woo moves on with his life accepting that he will never get Jae-ha while leaving Jae-ha very confused about his own sexuality and needs and sudden love for Young-woo.

One thing that is still bothering me about this film is that was Young-woo playing around with Jae-ha from the very beginning since he wanted to become a good method actor or was it a change in heart towards the end when he realizes that Jae-ha will never accept their love publicly. I want to believe that its the latter but I cant comprehend, how suddenly someone can totally lose their love for someone if they really truly loved that person. Both the actors did do a good job. As I mentioned before, they have to represent 2 layers of acting because it's a play within a movie and as an audience it reached out to me. The storyline is mature and the theme is handled with sensitivity. I wish there was more in depth on Jae-ha and his girlfriend's relationship. She seemed to be getting a very raw deal in all this. The ending is something which will leave people with mixed reactions. Its unconventional but I think it's the right thing. Something as if a novice new actor sort of played with the senior actor's emotions using tricks from the senior's own practices. It is a bit discussion worthy.

Overall an easy straight forward film, with no random side stories to distract you, but it still leaves a bit to be desired. Not bad by any means. (6.5/10)
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