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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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13 Sentimentos (Portuguese) [Perfect Endings]

By Golu
This films feels like another one of those breezy films lacking emotional depth, where the film maker is probably lost somewhere on trying to make a point. It's a shame because it's from the director who made one of my fav films "The Way He Looks". It's not that the film is bad but there is really not much memorable to take home with you once you are done watching the film. 

Joao is a 32-year-old filmmaker living in San Paulo, who after ending his 10-year relationship with Hugo, turns to dating apps in search of another boyfriend. He believes that the relationship ended on a. High note which is good, because just like a TV series you don't wanna leave when things get boring. He throws himself on dating apps but doesnt jump to meet people. He wants to take things slow. meets up with a couple, Alexandre and Rodrigo, and his voyeurism leads to an unforeseen career flirtation. He also meets Viktor, whom he likes but after a couple of flings dthatfades away as well. He is also a struggling filmmaker. His screenplay is delayed by his production company. Tired of editing boring institutional and educational films, he finds success as a cameraman filming private couples having sex in amateur arty porn films, some of whom invite him into the action which he declines thanks to the gay couple whom he met earlier. Joao decides to put his life into writing as a script, but if his relationship doesn’t go as planned, he edits his entire idea. If romance doesn’t work out with Leo, he can always replace him with Vitor. If Vitor flakes, he can bring in Orlando. It’s an entertaining device that has an undercurrent of emotional avoidance for João. The film feels like a sitcom at times, though not hysterically funny.

The pacing of the film occasionally feels somewhat uneven. The narrative begins abruptly and moves slowly, but finds its rhythm as we watch Joāo explore his past relationships and his new side gig, filming  amateur porn. HIs lovers come and go, And I was also confused a few times on what really is the film trying to say! He uses his dates to enhance his script. Also, why so much focus on the filming of amateur sex? Maybe it is suggesting that engaging with intimate moments isn't inherently shameful, but can be a powerful means of personal growth and artistic expression. As an audience there were times I was able to see myself in Joao as he juggles professional and romantic trials. The actor playing the lead was fantastic, but as I mentioned before, I really am not taking anything back with me from the film. Did he have a happy ending, when he met yet another guy? Also , maybe the version I had was bad subtitles, but I am not sure why the tiles of the movie. Overall, the film is neither erotic, nor funny , it's just just average and slightly dull worth watching and just forgetting. (5/10)
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