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...
George is 16 year old teenager, navigating the difficult road of social and academic failure in a small town. George, who’s certain of his own talent even though no one else seems to share that belief, dreams of becoming a famous musician. He is not good at studies ether and his father and school teachers are very worried about his future. Enter Max, a handsome student, the son of a mega-famous musical duo, who much to surprise of George, takes interest in George and his music. Their budding friendship both excites and confuses George, leading him to question not just his music career, but his own evolving feelings toward Max. The duo hang out as off they can and Max agrees to sing while George plays music at the year end talent show. Over one weekend at a camp site, they end up kissing as well, which journalists publish in a newspaper. Both teenagers are super confused and Max decides to leave town to go live wit his father since at least in London he can hide in the crowd. George wants him to stay but is scared to tell him his true feelings, but when George's mum reminds him that he needs to be true to his heart and love, he lets Max know how he feels and the duo perform a final musical number also sealing their friendship and love.
The film explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and teenage relationships with heart and sincerity. The movie does not have any hard hitting drama, over the top. The film is just light hearted with charming moments that capture the awkwardness and confusion of teenage life with some warm and authentic characters. These same things actually make the film very predictable too. These days we are used to seeing a lot more about gay teen love stories, but here ib the film, despite some great performance by the two teenage actors, something feels missing and held back. George does a great job of a frustrated teenager, whose talent, no one gets. What was not clear here was why is Max so interested in George? Their friendship, which sparks from a brief interaction in the school cafeteria, feels rushed and lacks the natural buildup you’d expect from an emotionally driven narrative. While they also share a brief moment in music class, the film doesn’t do enough to establish their dynamic. This leaves the early stages of their relationship feeling a bit forced, as though the movie were trying to fast-track the bond instead of letting it develop organically. Thankfully, actor playing max is drop dead gorgeous, charming and sexy. Overall, it's predictable and charming one time watch about gay teen's self-discovery. While it’s charming and heartfelt, the film doesn’t break new ground within the genre. (5/10)
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