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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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The Bangkok Boy (Thai Series)

By Golu
I wouldn't call this series as a typical BL. This was actually a classic gang/revenge story between 2-3 underworld clans and just bit of romance thrown between the lead guy and the other boy. It was never developed, was never the focus. With 12 episodes each of about 55 minutes, I went into the show hoping for a gay love story, but I was disappointed. Having said that, if you watch the show for the grit and novel story that it says, it is actually quite good. But it's all about managing your expectations. Even this poster is soooo misleading.

The plot centers on a young man named Sun, who is the son of a benevolent gang leader. After his father and best friend, Kong, are tragically murdered, Sun is wrongly accused and sent to prison. Once he is released, he works to expand his power and uncover the truth behind the deaths of his loved ones, his life becomes intertwined with Peach, a sensitive Korean artist. Unbeknownst to Sun, Peach is the son of the rival Korean gang leader, Mr. Jo, who was involved in the murders of Sun's father and friend. This creates a "Romeo and Juliet" dynamic, forcing Sun and Peach to navigate a complex path of love, hatred, and betrayal.

This series had way too many characters and a lot of them get introduced to you in the first couple of episodes itself.  I felt the relationship of the main character wasn’t fully developed and just rushed. The guys have no chemistry and also it's never explained auto why were the two characters attracted to one another. I don’t mine a bait and switch storyline but there just too much switching I couldn’t keep up. The plot s all over the place, like they are trying to make a long running soap opera (which actually might have been better, if they removed the tiny BL angle). Trauma is thrown in and then ignored. Mei, a sister assaulted for years, is sent to rehab with no emotional follow-up. There are 3 big families - One good goods, one lady boss with a psychotic side-kick and a third Korean-Thai mix family who wants to take over Thai drug/gang business. There are so many characters and are made to believe they are important but nothin much comes out of it. I really cannot believe that people online are going gaga over series as one of the best BL. Because honestly it's barely a BL. I found this a complete waste of time (from a BL perspective). Had I objectively watched the show as a revenge action drama, my opinion might have been different. (3/10)
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