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...
A troubled teenage Noel comes to live with his aunt. Only much later towards the end we find out that he was beaten and kicked out of hime for being gay, which eventually led to their parents separation as well. His two cousins Carol and Leo are very welcoming and friendly and soon he starts to feel at home. Leo's best friend is Fred and they have been friends since kids and is considered part of the family. When Noel and Fred meet, they feel a spark but obviously neither of them is going to do anything about it. Also Noel finds out that Carol has a crush on Fred too. Thankfully, Fred, as gently as he can, explains that while he loves her, he only loves her as a sister. Slowly the attraction between Fred and Noel starts to grow stringer and they both fall head over heels in love with each other. Noel already has history of abusive father, and Fred doesn't know if he will be able to come out with his strict parents as well. We see how their love grows, how the family and cousins find out and are extremely supportive. There is a bit of drama with Noel's father coming back in picture and wanting him back, but together they all fight back. It's time that Noel and Fred will create their own Paris in their city.
The best thing Is liked about this series was family. This is a beautiful family that was able to overcome a lot of emotional baggage and pain. And when needed, encouraged each other to be themselves, as a family should. This is a ‘feel-good’ series that makes sense. After the initial shock of the relationship between Noel and Fred, all three embrace Noel and Fred’s as being gay with complete acceptance and their relation is accepted as valid and normal as any other relationship. Having said that, it still needs to go a long way before it feels like a polished show. It is still pretty rough and amateurish at multiple places. Thankfully the show never gets overdramatic at any point and keeps it very relatable. The acting by everyone is strictly ok. Again, we have to remember that this is probably done by a very small production company with a limited budget. Noel and Fred make a great couple. They are both handsome (Fred is slightly more). They fall in love, make no apologies for that, and are not hesitant in wanting to display to each other their affection for one another. The way their love slowly develops is handled really well. I liked how Leo respects the boundaries of both his best friend and cousin when he sees them kissing, but is also extremely supportive at the same time. Similarly for Carol and the aunt to be there for young love was very reassuring. As a story, this was quite good, but the makers would still need a bit of time and experience to hone their skills and make a world class product. This series as is, was a pretty good attempt and I salute them for it. (5.5/10)
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