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Contrast (Japanese Series)

By Golu
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 Turns out he had an injury that ended his football days, and that's what pushed him into being more withdrawn, and it only got worse once his younger brother got picked...
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Lost In The Woods (Thai Series)

By Golu
Firstly I wouldn't call this a typical BL story. It felt more of a coming of age story than romance per say, but clearly the feelings of the two men that they had for each other was extremely string and in thier own ways they learn a thing or two from one another. Not every love is a forever love. They both knew at the beginning of their relationship that it wasn't going anywhere, so better not to really start. Also considering their ages, I think it was a good ending that left room for future possibilities. Also man, what a wonderful location and cinematography. The series is almost entirely shot in a national park, the trees, waterfall, animals and the whole environment is just so serene and calming. Plus the show had elephants, so I was already sold. With 7 episodes of about 50 minutes averaging each, it was a pleasant watch. Just don't expect a full on romance here please. 

Fifa, is a young charming boy who has always wanted to go to Japan for further studies. He has been applying for scholarships and believes he will get it. While the family is ok with the plan, the grandma is completely against it. And since she pays for the family's expense and housing, she forces Fifa to come and work with her in this national park for 3 months. If after that , he still wants to go, he can go. Fifa has no choice. In the park, grandma assigns Hem, a park ranger, as his trainer. Hem in a guy in late 20s who has had a heart break, doesn't talk much stays aloof and is unhappy. That now he needs to take care of a child. Slowly both the people working in the woods and Fifa don't get along because Fifa doesn't know much, but slowly he starts to warm up to the natural environment around him free from phone and other technology. He becomes one with nature and slowly a warm and genuine friendship and admiration start to develop between the two. In its own subtle way, the series clearly shows that Fifa and Hem are falling hard for each other and there are a few occasions where they come close to kissing but none of that actually happens. They love for each other is shown through them taking genuine care for each other. Some part of their heart knows very clearly that this will not be a happy ending.  As expected, eventually Fifa gets the scholarship and he is ready for his life ahead, but in the process he helps Hem open up his heart again for the possibility of love.

This show is very slow burn which may be annoying to some folks, but for me I was hooked on to the show mostly for the stunning visuals - the lush jungle, the nature, the whole vibe was just stunning. The first half really focused on Fifa bonding with the villagers, and it was so sweet watching them slowly open up and form connections. The relationship with Hem felt natural and unforced, which I loved. What I wasn't really sure of what the underlying message was. As much as we could see Fifa getting comfortable being one with nature, his dream of studying art in Japan never goes away. So is it about living your dream, finding happiness or something else. Also it was never clear, why did the grandma force Fifa to work in the nature park. What was she trying to get out of it? Also, a little disappointing that almost no romance was developed between Hem and Fifa. It might have been because of the huge age gap but despite that , the show had so many opportunities for it. As a viewer I was always left wanting more. I mean, a nice kiss is not too much o ask, especially in today's time. The actors playing the two lead roles were both pretty good and understand their part very well. I liked them both. And loved how the bunny head was used appropriately in many situations.

The ending was alright and somewhat expected. Hem's past no longer defined his present and an opportunity for Fifa's initial dream came through. Hem's declaration of always being there for him, gives Fifa the strength to embrace it. We are left with the hope that their story hasn't finished. (7/10)
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