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Journey With You (Chinese Series)

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...

Let's Eat Together, Aki and Haru (Japanese)

The way this film is treated with periphery of a bromance, it feels as if the makers had Chinese censorship in their mind. Regardless there is ample hint of BL here even though the interactions are strictly of that of a bromance. It's a simple story of two friends who have a very very close relationship with one another but are also worried about what future will hold for them. The film is uncomplicated with a very relaxing and cozy overall vibe to it, somewhat similar to what those Christmas gay movies give you.

Haru and Aki are friends from school and they had decided they will live together once they into university.  Aki is an amazing cook, who cooks mouth watering dishes , but is a messy person. So Haru balances him in keeping the house clean behind himself and Aki. A lot of film time goes into see Aki prepare these scrumptious dishes which both of them enjoy. They have the same social circle and all their friends have come to accept that these two are super close and there is nothing that can come between their friendship (or so everyone thinks they are friends). Of late, since they are in their last year of college, they both hav individually started to worry that soon they will need to find a job and their living arrangement will have to separate with each one going his own way. When Haru gets an opportunity to spend a year abroad to enhance his photography skills, he seriously considers it but he also doesn't want to leave Aki behind. Clearly both of them have feelings for one another but neither is able to openly express them. Even in the end, we just see Haru telling Aki that they will live together forever and celebrate many anniversaries, indirectly hinting at their mutual love.

As I mentioned earlier, this movie is very subtle, soothing, lightweight and another addition to a show/film showing us some mouth watering dishes along with full on recipes. It’s a very soft and peaceful movie with just a little bit of angst. From therapeutic cooking scenes to delightful conversations, this gentle film gives off positive vibes. Besides the food, the fun element of the film is the playful banter that the two share with one another. They joke around, tease each other, and have goofy fun together. These cute scenes showcase their endearing personalities and highlight how much they get along. All the adorable moments come from their everyday routine, like cooking in the kitchen or dining over a homemade meal. The film takes the simplicity of their domestic bliss and transforms it into a charming relationship. The actor playing Aki is definitely the charmer of the two. He is almost like a cartoon who makes me smile with his silly reactions. IN contrast, Haru is more calm. I also enjoyed the scenes where Haru's sister visits them for.  A few days and there is an instant connection between her and Aki. The film will be compared with one of my fav shows 'What Did You Eat Yesterday', but that explores all the spectrum of aa middle aged gay couple while this is more around teenage friendship and possible romance.

The one thing missing here is the romance and love. Maybe there maybe a sequel, where we get to see a full on romance between the two leads, but I do have to say that for the scope of this film, I'd say this is very much just a bromance, even though their friendship, interactions are super strong. (6.5/10)

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