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Contrast (Japanese Series)

This is basically a high school BL where two guys who have nothing going on in common somehow end up getting really close to each other, and that's kind of the whole point of the title too. There's barely any drama or fluff packed in here, it stays pretty straightforward the whole way through. A little bit of friction pops up here and there, but it's nothing compared to what you'd normally get in this kind of show. Runtime wise you're looking at 8 episodes, each one sitting around 25-30 minutes. The two guys carrying the story are Akira and Kanata, and funny enough they knew each other's faces way before they ever knew each other's names. Kanata's the type everyone likes, always got people around him, popular guy, but there's this distance to him that people can't quite place. Turns out he had an injury that ended his football days, and that's what pushed him into being more withdrawn, and it only got worse once his younger brother got picked...

Straight Men & The Men Who Love Them - 3

This third installment of international short films chronicles the pitfalls and pleasures of fluid sexuality in men exposing the complex, dynamic and at times volatile relationships and situations surrounding friendships and hidden attractions. Themes included in this selection explore the differences and similarities of shared experiences as societal expectations, stereotypes, and traditional values, are unexpectedly challenged as attitudes evolve.

Quarters (USA, France)
The night before his wedding, Paul celebrates the last hours as a bachelor with childhood friend Jeremy as they drink and play "Quarters". However, as both men raise the stakes, so do the confessions and dares. This is one night neither is soon to forget.

Rubber Duckie (USA)
In a seemingly post-apocalyptic world, consumed with boredom, Jesse and Daniel push their own limits and boundaries. But is it simple boredom or an insatiable innate appetite for more? They begin a journey that explores the unconscious part of the self which harbors their shameful, self-destructive, and dark selves.

Boygame (Sweden)
John and Nicholas are 15 years old and best friends. They are very interested in girls but feel insecure when it comes to a first sexual encounter with a girl. The obvious solution would be to "practice" on each other. What will happen now? Can they remain friends?

Early One Summer (UK)
A short film about a first crush. When Dave goes on a camping trip with his PE teacher, he thinks something amazing will happen. It does, but it changes both their lives forever.

From Here To There (Hong Kong)
Two college boys meet again at a wedding banquet ten years after graduation, sitting next to each other, as in the past. Jae drives his drunken friend, Him, far away to his home. The trip was long enough for them to review their relationship, but not good enough to repair it.

Boygame and the one from Hong Kong were the only decent films in this collection. Rest three are easily missable. Although I binge watched the whole trilogy here, I have to say that oversell it was a bit disappointing. (3.5/10)

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