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Soul Mate (Japanese Series)

By Golu
Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
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My Sky (Vietnamese Mini-Series)

By Golu
This mini-series has only 5 episodes of about 12-15 minutes each and was probably sponsored by Uber, given how blatantly it is promoted in every episode. The story of the show is pretty straight forward and basic. There was scope for lot more love, romance and drama but for whatever reason, the show wasn't explored much and even the ending seemed rushed.

One day, while driving Thien gets into an accident and hits another boy named Khanh, who is wearing a girl's dress. Scared o going to hospital, Thien brings him home. He is not serious, he takes care of him and that nightie two boys get into a one night stand and Khanh leaves early morning. Two months later when Thien sees him at school, he has many questions that he wants answers to. Thien, who is an upcoming singer, uses the help of his friend who manages his business. Together they find out that Khanh lives with his adopted uncle who beats him every night and possibly also assaults him sexually (its never explicitly told). Thien saves him form that man and bring shim soon and soon the two boys start a relationship. This doesn't go well with the manager but Thien is happy and he wouldn't have any of it. Khanh continues to be the supportive boyfriend. But when one day the news of Thien being gay goes public, suddenly he is very scared of his future and image. To top that, his friend cum producer threatens him to ruin him if he continues his relationship. Scared, Thien fights with Khanh and asks him to leave immediately. Completely heartbroken, Khanh decides to end his life to save his love's career.

The idea behind the story was ok but  the execution was amateurish. Firstly we are not given any proper introduction to who Thien is. Also, when you take a man/boy home to take care of, why on earth Ould you give them a cocktail? And to top that you have sex with that guy. That first night of their meeting is absurd beyond belief. It gets worse from here. The way Thien's manager friend try to find Khanh by installing camera in his room made me shell shocked. Despite all odds, Thien and Khanh end up being a cute couple. Thien knows the struggles this guy has been through, so obviously when his manager threatens him, you think he will do the right thing. But surprise, he drops his life like a piece of hot cake. Just like that. No remorse, no apology, nothing. His character takes a complete u-turn in that last scene which doesn't even make sense. And then the suicide happens. So, my question is what is the message that the makers are trying to send with a show like this. It was alright while Thien was nice and he actually was a good boy. The duo made a good couple, spent time with one another and cared for each other. I bet, the makers could have come up with a happy positive ending to the show rather than this lame climax, which I guess has to be one of the worst ending of a BL series, and probably done just for the shock value. I mean, I can't think of any other reason. If you wanna watch this, go ahead and just watch the first 4 episodes only. The last one just ruins everything. (4/10)
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