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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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Arisan! 2 (Indonesian) [The Gathering! 2]

By Golu
I had no memory of the first Arisan film, so I had to go back and read my review to get some context before I watched this second part. As the original source material, this film is not queer per say, in fact it is so much more about a group of female friends, but the stories of the prominent gay characters continue here as well and I think it deserves a mention rightly here on my blog. The film kicks off 8 years after the events of the first film happened. The gay couple Sakti and Nino have broken up. Meimei is now divorced and Andien is now a successful person after losing her husband. We have a few new characters who join as well.

The film starts with Meimei anther young son (or is it her friend's) spending time on an island getting therapy from a doctor Tom. The two have connection but we are later told that Meimei has cancer and is dealing with her issues. Nino now has a much younger boyfriend and this makes Sakti not happy, He has still not completely gotten over his ex. His boyfriend is now a much older man, who is "straight" and married. It is much later that we find out the old man's wife is a famous dermatologist Dr Jay, whose mission in life feels like giving botox to everyone. While life is going on for everyone between parties, runway shows and high society events, Meimei's choice arouses the suspicion of her four friends, and after a while, Sakti, Nino, Lita, and Andien, are forced to face the reality that Meimei is not merely going on a prolonged retreat, but that she is in fact struggling with something much more serious. The four of them show their full support to Meimei while dealing with their own issues. The film even has a sweet ending where Nino and Sakti, the gay couple get back together.

The first half of the film is a good look into the socialite world in Jakarta, full of vanity and superficiality. Life is about the pursuit of beauty, wealth and of course relentless gossip. The film picks up in second half when focus is on Meimei's story. Her life is a big contrast to the socialite life portrayed earlier, but it seems more fulfilling, authentic and satisfying. I would say this film is again more about true friendship and how people will stay true and loyal to their friends and will do anything for them. Especially towards the end when everyone shows up for Meimei, and how she struggles to confide in her friends on everything she has been going through because of her cancer. It was quite emotional. Some of the events were quite bold, in my opinion. For example it turns out that Dr Jay always knew about her husband's relationship with Sakti and was even welcoming and agreeable to it as long as they don't make it public. But clearly Sakti wanted more. I think Nino was more sorted, but his much younger boyfriend and him were two very different personalities, but nonetheless it was all fun. The film feels dated but then it did come out many years back. If you have seen the original, then you maybe curious to know what happens with the characters. Just don't go in expecting a major gay love story or anything. Two of the five main characters are gay, but the film is all about friendship. (5/10)
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