A delicious dessert with a questionable main ingredient

Lets first acknowledge the elephant in the room. Relationship between a teacher and student is fraught with ethical complexities due to power dynamics. As the series progressed I thought that I would accept it as fiction and move on but unfortunately, with the last couple of episodes, I am unable to ignore that discomfort. So this review will be based on the themes of the series.

Beyond the forbidden central romance, this is a coming-of-age story. We see the jouney of our titular character Toki. He starts of as a delinquent who is quick to anger and violence. Studies are the last thing on his mind but we see his character and outlook towards life change due to his interactions with other characters like Rise, Shinji and Takuya. He learns to take his life more seriously and values the relationships he has build with his schoolmates. Although, he starts having feelings for his homeroom teacher Sahara, he also respects him and challenges himself to change. Sahara, too goes through his own jorney of self-identification as he grapples with his past regrets.

As a teenager in school, Toki suffers from the same identity issues that people his age face. Toki post his delinquent phase, struggles with societal pressure and insecurities about his academic performance. He is visibly stressed about where he wants his future to navigate. He questions his feelings towards another individual and finds it difficult to show how caring he is towards the people that matter to him. Shinji too suffers from failure to communicate his true feelings for Todo resulting in them moving apart and losing all communication with each other.

Toki and Sahara, too find solace and strength in each other. Sahara helps Toki unleashing his best qualities while Toki helps Sahara accept his past and his failures and move ahead. They act as each others support system and are constantly looking after each other.

Hachimura Rintaro's portrayal of Toki makes this series the most entertaining. He succeeds in bringing a different charm to the character of a lovable, confused, tough but soft-hearted Toki. With an innocent countenance and a twinkle in his eye, he steals the show.

In conclusion, this series weaves together a compelling and emotionally resonant story about acceptance and the pursuit of happiness in the face of societal pressures. It speaks about rising above the past failures and turning over a new leaf.

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A compelling story marred by pacing issues

This series might take its time unfolding, but beneath its surface lies a compelling narrative that captivates with its central themes. While the acting leaves room for improvement, the series manages to resonate with viewers through its profound messages.

The storyline revolves around the two main characters, Kazuma and Ren, who cross paths during their school years. Ren's silent infatuation with Kazuma simmers beneath the surface, driven by the fear of driving him away. A tragic event separates the two, only to reunite them a decade later in the workplace. The rekindled emotions set the stage for their journey, though Ren keeps an emotional distance.

At a concise eight episodes, the series maintains an unhurried pace. It delves into the history of Kazuma and Ren during their school days and the reasons behind their separation through flashbacks. While the pacing leans towards the slow side, certain plot points, like the workplace sexual harassment case, the impact of Ren's separation from friends, family, and Kazuma, as well as Kazuma's life abroad in the US, feel somewhat rushed. However, the series earns merit for addressing important issues, albeit briefly. It sheds light on Ren's traumatic experiences as a 15-year-old ostracized by his parents and blamed for Kazuma's hospitalization, ultimately abandoned due to his sexuality. Furthermore, it introduces themes of workplace bullying, office politics, and sexual harassment, though their exploration is somewhat limited.

The acting performances by Sakurai Yuki and Takamatsu Aloha may come across as amateurish, but the child actors deliver commendable portrayals. Furukawa Tsuyoshi's role as Ren's friend, despite limited screen time, hinted at the potential for deeper exploration of their friendship.

In conclusion, "April in Tokyo" possessed the potential for greatness if it had addressed pacing issues, focused more on character relationships, and perhaps reconsidered the limited treatment of the workplace harassment subplot due to time constraints. Nevertheless, it deserves a watch, as it distinguishes itself from typical BL series by incorporating substance and depth into its storytelling.

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A series so good that it will stay with you

Amidst the backdrop of Chinese content restrictions on LGBTQ themes, this emerges as a remarkable series that transcends limitations, delivering a heartwarming tale that lingers in your thoughts. Witnessing the transformation of the two main characters from adversaries to lovers is a truly gratifying experience, subtly portraying their blossoming affection in a context where explicit declarations are constrained.

Even as the narrative draws inspiration from the original "Addicted" series, "Stay with Me" unveils the lives of two high school students, Su Yu and Wu Bi, whose personalities clash vehemently. Oblivious to the fact that their estranged parents are now married, the series deftly navigates their interactions as their connection deepens, unravelling the complexities of their family dynamics.

Within its narrative, the series embraces a spectrum of emotions, including drama, nuanced romance, friendship, unrequited love, and the intricate relationships between parents and children. It effortlessly weaves mystery and action, making each episode a captivating chapter in their journey. At the heart of the series is the brilliant portrayal of the lead characters, showcasing the remarkable talents of Xu Bin and Zhang Jiong Min. Xu Bin brings Wu Bi's fiery yet compassionate persona to life, capturing his internal struggles, love, and longing. His portrayal of a young man who values love over material wealth resonates deeply. Zhang Jiong Min's performance as Su Yu is equally mesmerizing. He masterfully conveys the layers of emotions beneath Su Yu's academic prowess, unveiling a character driven by unresolved feelings, yet undeterred in showing his affections.

Together, Xu Bin and Zhang Jiong Min convey the intricate relationships their characters share with family members and with each other. The series adeptly navigates their evolving bond through moments of conflict, jealousy, and an irresistible yearning to be together. Amidst their squabbles, the underlying affection remains unshaken, reflected in their mutual support and sacrifices for each other's happiness.

The subtlety in portraying their love is a testament to the series' finesse. While misunderstandings and fights occasionally punctuate their relationship, the unspoken emotions remain intact. Their mutual protectiveness and genuine care are reflected in their actions, whether it's Wu Bi's watchful eye on Su Yu or Su Yu's unwavering support for Wu Bi's aspirations.

In conclusion, this series triumphs as a superior adaptation, filling the void left by “Addicted”. The exceptional performances, engaging music, and heartfelt narrative combine to create an emotionally rich experience. While the series concludes with a cliffhanger, one can only hope for a second season to continue this captivating journey of love and self-discovery.

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This series will knock you down

If there is one thing that I appreciate in a series is a well written character and this one doesn’t disappoint. Although there have been countless series with young characters in love, this one just hits you differently. This is all because the series takes its time developing characters and their relationships. There is no love at first sight or true feelings hidden behind friendship or raw overwhelming emotions. Instead, we get genuine interactions between characters, inner monologues explaining what the characters feel and true portrayal of relationships between siblings, friends, parents and lovers.

Although on the outset the story is about a good guy falling for bad guy to ultimately show him the error of his ways and turning him around, this one is so much more. We have Thi, a shy, naïve and studious college student who due to multiple unfortunate circumstances ends up being a tutor for Noey who is a delinquent and a leader of a local gang. During their multiple interactions Noey starts to have feelings for Thi while Thi, although disapproving of Noey’s ways thinks he is cool.

The story moves at a slow pace taking time to show Thi and Noey and their characteristics. Thi may be naïve and a coward but when push comes to shove, he doesn’t run away from a fight. Noey on the other hand has a softer side and only his family and close friends of aware of it. What makes watching this series an entertainment is the performance of Tar (Noey). He has done a remarkable job portraying a young delinquent with a heart of gold. You can feel his frustration as well as his love in various scenes. He alone carries the weight of this entire series. Next is Ohm, the guy who plays Noey’s best friend. The brotherhood between the two characters is portrayed rather astoundingly throughout the series. I didn’t enjoy the role of Thi as in many scenes he appears way naïve for his age although I do feel that Bom who plays Thi has done all that he could to play this faulty character.

In conclusion, this series wins in my book for a great storyline, wonderful actors, some good cinematography and nice soundtrack. I watched all the end credits to enjoy the little dance between the 2 characters.

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What happens when 2 toxic people like each other?

This series certainly doesn't answer that question. It is a convoluted mess of multiple characters all concerned about just one goal and that is to get the 2 leads to be in a relationship. The story line had so much potential but the writer just couldn't understand what to do with the 2 toxic leads and just added multiple characters with no other motivation but to hope and pray that these 2 seriously broken people fall in love.
To summarize, the story, is about two playboys who meet and decide to be friends with benefits. But the first lead (Fahlan) can't help himself from being jealous, become a push-over and get punched and slapped multiple times. Next we have Sherbert, who can't stop himself from fighting with Fahlan over everything, cry, drink, forgive Fahlan, have sex, rinse and repeat.
And then you have a wide variety of supportive characters who only talk about what Fah and Sher are doing. "Are they together? Have they broken-up? " OMG! find a hobby. So many characters have been introduced that you cant keep pace with what is happening. Fah's 2 friends, Sher's twin brother and his lover interest, and his half-brother, Sher's best friend and his love interest, a fujoshi and her love interest and other random set of characters that dont play any role in furthering the story. Instead they just tell you what you have already seen.
The strangest thing that I have seen in this series is the amount of time these characters go to eat or drink. In fact they just eat, talk, fight and drink and go back to eating. You can righfully call the food and drinks as supportive characters for how often its on screen and being talked about.
In conclusion, take heed from all the other reviews and either skip this series or watch it using the fast forward button like I did.

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A string of random events

Like many here, I read the reviews for the series before I decided to give it a watch and this was certainly a wild ride. The basic plot is simple, 2 boys at school with different personalities meet, spend time together and fall in love amidst pressure from parents and society to some extent. However, the way the series has been directed, the story gets more and more convoluted as it progresses and when you reach the finale the issues are simply resolved and you wonder whether you skipped an episode or two.
The sound recording has been atrocious at places and the dialogue is confusing. The acting has been mediocre but considering all the actors have been young, I can give that a pass. But credit where credit is due, the only thing that made me not give up on this BL was the chemistry between the 2 leads. The acting chops may be lacking but in certain scenes I could feel the spark between them.
I have seen the same actors in other series and their acting skills have certainly improved. So kudos to them. That being said, this series isnt complelety hopeless and can certainly be recommended when you are feeling lazy and can't find anything good to watch.

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Closure and Character Growth

I finally got the actual ending of this series, something I was looking for but didn’t think I will get. This follow-up delivers answers to lingering questions left by the series finale, providing a sense of closure and character development.

Bu Xia, like in the main series still acts playful and a brat and that is because of his upbringing. Suffering from torment from souls every day, he was protected by his grandfather, his sister and now Jiang Chi. We do however, see a growth in his character. He acknowledges that he has been kept safe by near and dear ones but he is willing to change and take responsibility for himself and Jiang Chi. He is worried about Jiang Chi all the while enjoying the concern and care he receives from him. His annoyance at Jiang Chi's self-sacrificing actions reveals his growing concern for his partner.

Jiang Chi has also developed as a character. He is all the more loving towards Bu Xia and wants to excel in life so he can take care of him. While playful in his reprimands, he adopts a more nurturing role, reminiscent of a parent caring for a child. Despite a lack of family support, Jiang Chi displays determination and ambition to secure their future together.

While the series excels in plot and character development, the acting might leave some viewers wanting more. There's room for improvement in emotional delivery, particularly in tackling more complex roles. That being said, they look good together and there certainly is a chemistry between them.

In conclusion, give this one a watch if you have seen the main series and enjoyed their antics. This special episode brings a close to the main story and shows their relationship growing stronger.

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A Blend of Action, Thriller, and Romance with room for improvement

A BL story with action, thriller and drama are hard to come by and in my opinion is always greatly appreciated. This series contains a bit of all that with a good serving of romance. But there is still something lacking in its execution that hinders complete immersion.

The story centres around 4 central characters. Bai Zong Yi is a medical student studying hard to be a doctor. One day on his way home he finds an injured Fan Ze Rui and helps him out. Instead of showing gratitude Fan Ze Rui threatens Bai Zong Yi and hides in his house until he heals completely. What begins as a chanced encounter turns in to string feelings between these 2 characters. The series also revolves around Chen Yi and Ai Di who are members of the same gang as Fan Ze Rui. As orphans they have grown up together and Ai Di is in love with Chen Yi but Chen Yi does not reciprocate those feelings. Life takes a tragic turn for Bai Zong Yi as his life intertwines with Fan Ze Rui

Zong Yi is driven by his values of hard work and finding a stable future. Ze Rui is part of a dangerous organization who hides his true identity from Zong Yi. For Zong Yi, he is a mysterious character and this might be a reason he is drawn to him. It’s Ze Rui’s affiliation with the group and Zong Yi’s family situation that forces him to make a difficult decision. Chen Yi has a complicated relationship with the gang boss. He is secretly in love with him but is always reprimanded by him. Ai Di harbours feelings for Chen Yi, but is unable to find space in Chen Yi’s heart no matter how hard he tries. He in turn befriends Zong Yi and protects him from any harm that the group may cause.

In conclusion, this series sets a stage for a complex relationship between Ze Rui and Zong Yi from different worlds. There is also Ai Di’s struggle to find love and be with Chen Yi.

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Hearts melt when you share great meals together

This series stands out not just for the subdued performances of its main cast and the slow-developing relationship between them, but primarily for its portrayal of flawed characters who, together, become stronger.

The story revolves around Hirokuni, a troubled office employee suffering from low self-esteem. One night, while lying on the road exhausted, he encounters his estranged childhood friend Kai, who has nowhere to stay and insists on living with Hirokuni. Kai takes care of Hirokuni's daily meals, all the while flirting with him and reminding him of the promise he made to marry him. As days turn into weeks and then months, Hirokuni witnesses his life transforming and finds himself growing accustomed to Kai’s presence.

Although the main plot may seem generic, it is the nature of the two main characters that makes this series worth watching. Through multiple flashbacks, we learn how they first met, became friends, and eventually drifted apart. Kai, having lost his parents at a young age, becomes indifferent with no expectations from anyone, while Hirokuni is stuck in a thankless job with long working hours and strict schedules. A once youthful and cheerful Hirokuni has turned into someone gloomy and isolated. When they reconnect at a low point in their lives, they uplift each other through daily conversations and shared meals.

Kota and Shunya deliver exceptional performances, bringing to life the flawed and down-on-their-luck characters of Kai and Hirokuni, respectively. The audience is taken on a journey through their daily lives, rooting for them every step of the way. Their struggles and small victories are relatable, and you empathize with their situations while hoping for their happiness. Additionally, the series features the characters bonding over good food, which feels like a staple of Japanese BL.

In conclusion, this excels in depicting characters who have lost hope in life but find strength and transformation through their bond. The series is a heartwarming testament to the power of companionship and mutual support. A few of the plot points might feel rushed owing to the fact that it’s a 6 episode mini-series.

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Multiple Missed Opportunities

This movie offers a charming yet an uneven viewing experience. Although there are a lot of heart warming and emotional moments, it leaves a lot to be desired at the end. Truly a lost potential

The basic plot is rather simple. Golf, a miscreant at school finds that his father has remarried is now has to share his house with his step-brother Bank. Initially Golf mistreats Bank but slowly starts developing feelings for him. As the story progresses, we find Golf and Bank interacting with each other and the feelings blossoming between them. And as is customary in almost all love stories, there is initial jealousy followed by confession.

This movie lacks in the execution of the plot and rather falls for the cliched BL tropes. There is the initial jealousy when another guy shows interest in Bank. Post the confession, there are a few moments of tenderness and affection but the movie sways again to the familiar tropes of misunderstanding and societal pressure. This is followed by the mandatory third act breakup between the main couple and silent suffering. But I was certainly blind-sided by the last 15 min as the movie decides to take a hard turn. The movie also suffers from uneven pacing and terrible editing, thereby creating confusion. Also, the characters while charming, could benefit from deeper exploration.

In conclusion, “My Bromance” is a decent movie that suffers from uneven packing, choppy editing and reliance on cliches. Those seeking a more profound and emotionally resonant experience might find it lacking.

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An interesting prelude to a complelling second part

"Irresistible Love" is a story that is divided in to two movie and the first part "Secret of the Valet" is just an introduction all the important characters in this storyline and getting the basic plot in order. There is drama and emotion, all meant as a prelude to the main content that is part of the second installment.

To summarize, the story is about Shu Nian, an orphan who enters the Xie family as a child and is tasked to take care of Xie Yan who regards him more as property than a person. Xie Yan returns after studying abroad and immediately tasks himself to be around Nian, oblivious to the fact that Nian harbous feelings for him. Things take a turn for the worst when Xie Yan being an open homophobe discovers Nian's feelings and immediately pushes him out of his life. This separation from Nian, makes his recognize his own feelings towards Nian

The plotline is rather simple and is mostly driven by the characters. Shu Nian, is our poor damsel in distress and is saved by a knight in shining armour who takes him away from the orphanage. Nian is forever obliged by this act and becomes a play thing for his saviour. Xie Yan from the beginning acts like a bratty child and uses Shu Nian with complete disregard for his feelings. This attitude of his continues even as an adult. Nian, however looks beyond these faults and is in love with Xie Yan who inturn rebukes him at first and on realising his true feelings acts obsessive. We as viewers are left pitying Nian and hoping Xie Yan finds a way to redeem himself.


The actors Wang Bo Wen and Meng Rui were exceptional in their portrayal of the characters. Bo Wen with his whispering dialogues demonstrated the vulnerability of Shu Nian as a character whereas Meng Rui played the angry, obsessive Xie Yan to the T.

In conclusion, "Irresistible Love: Secret of the Valet" serves as a promising prologue, providing a glimpse into the characters and their intricate dynamics. The exceptional performances and character introductions set the stage for an anticipated continuation in the subsequent part, making it a worthwhile watch for those invested in character-driven romantic dramas

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As good if not better than the original Japanese version

As Ossan’s Love Returns graces our screens five years after its Japanese predecessor, I ventured into the Hong Kong version for a fresh take on the beloved storyline. Binge-watching all 15 episodes, I was pleasantly surprised. Staying true to the original plot, the extended runtime allowed for a more nuanced exploration of the characters, enriching the overall viewing experience.

While the primary narrative mirrored its Japanese counterpart, the standout factor here was the characters. Edan Lui's portrayal of Tin Yat Hyung (Haruta Soichi in Japan) was a masterclass in capturing the character's eccentricity and innocence. His reactions, though over-the-top, avoided cringiness, rendering Tin simultaneously lovable and annoying—an art that Lui executed flawlessly. Anson Lo, in the role of Tin's love interest Ling Siu Muk (Maki Ryota in Japan), delivered an exceptional performance. Siu Muk's confident and caring persona, coupled with Anson's portrayal, conveyed desperation for acknowledgment from Tin and the struggle to sustain their relationship against all odds.

With 15 episodes, as opposed to Japan's 7, the Hong Kong adaptation utilized the extended runtime to delve deeper into character backgrounds and intricacies, portraying the gradual evolution of relationships. The series seamlessly blended comedic elements with ample doses of romance and emotional scenes, effectively tugging at the heartstrings.

In conclusion, Ossan's Love (Hong Kong) excels in character development, weaving emotions through stellar performances from the entire cast. Whether or not you've seen the Japanese version, this rendition is a heartfelt homage worth experiencing.

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A Culinary Journey of Friendship and Love

"There is beauty in subtlety," and this sentiment perfectly captures the charm of this delightful movie. It serves a delicious blend of sweetness that leaves you craving more. The storyline is a fluffy exploration of the lives of our two main leads, Aki and Haru, as they share a roof and savor the culinary delights prepared by Aki in their new home.

Unfolding from April to December, the movie captures the journey of best friends Aki and Haru navigating their shared life. While the film prominently features their daily life and gastronomic adventures, it's the nuanced layers beneath these themes that add depth and a continuous smile to your face.

At its core, the movie is about food and the life of Haru and Aki. But it’s what lies beneath the veneer of these themes that makes it interesting and puts a smile on your face. As the movie begins, you realise that our two main characters share a special bond. Haru is decisive and a cleanliness freak. He is aware about the direction he wants to take his life and is actively studying for the same. On the contrary, Aki is a happy-go-lucky fellow who is oblivious about what he wants to do in life and despises studies. What he lacks in understanding he makes it up with his culinary abilities. As we see these characters going through their life and interacting with multiple supporting characters, we get a glimpse of the relationship that they share. The movie does a great job at presenting the true nature of their relationship through the eyes of the supporting characters.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a heartwarming and uncomplicated narrative, this movie is a perfect choice. It seamlessly keeps a smile on your face, navigating moments of tension with swift resolutions. The movie's success lies in its simplicity, offering a comforting and enjoyable experience.

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A tale of strong performances hindered by plot constraints

As the second instalment in to the VBL series, “You are Mine” stands out as an entertaining office rom-com series with a good plot supported by strong performances. But like its predecessor, falls short of being great due to lack of episodes. A couple of more episodes fleshing out the main characters would have made this one of the best series of 2023.

The series is about 2 central characters; Xia Shang Zhou, General manager of a reputed organization feared by his employees for being stern and quick to temper. Yao Shun Yu, a young and innocent man joins the organization as an Assistance Secretary to Xia. Finding him utterly useless during their first interaction, Xia learns to soften himself through daily interactions with Yao as he finds himself being attracted to this new addition to his team.

The series excels due to the strong performances by the two lead actors Parker Mao and Hsiao Hung. Parker Mao played a stoic, work-oriented individual who is above social interactions and lacks human emotions. Hsiao Hung, on the other hand brings to life the role of a young, cheerful youth who wants to work hard to help his family. Their acting prowess shines at scenes requiring extreme emotions of loss and heartbreak.

The series however fails in using the plot that it introduced in the early episodes. Xia Shang Zhou, is shown to be suffering from headaches and insomnia due to a childhood trauma and his mother’s strict upbringing. It’s this treatment from his mother along with multiple other factors that make him emotionless. That is a strong character building but is not capitalized further. There is no arc for Xia to break free from his mother’s control and grow as a character. Hsiao Hung, goes through an inner turmoil caused by his own feelings and his misunderstanding of Xia’s feelings towards him. A couple of more episodes to go through Xia’s past and his ultimate growth would have made this truly exceptional

In conclusion, “You are mine” is a series wherein the acting and chemistry between our two main leads, a plot with underlying themes of trauma, parental control and power dynamics makes it a must watch albeit a stronger plot could have made it a masterpiece

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A Lackluster Attempt at Adapting Agatha Christie's Murder Mystery

As an avid fan of Agatha Christie's intricate mysteries, my expectations were high when I dove into this Japanese adaptation. While the source material provided a solid foundation for a compelling murder mystery, the execution fell short. The special failed to keep my attention and I gave up mid-way to try and piece together the clues myself and watched the rest for the final reveal of the real killer.

The plot revolves around a glamorous actress, Irodori Madoka, who has recently moved to a new residence with her husband. She hosts a party where a local woman, Kannokouji Rin, dies after drinking a poisoned cocktail. The investigation reveals that the intended victim was Madoka herself, and the poisoning was a result of a long-standing grudge.

Initially, the special introduces the characters effectively, establishing their relationships with the main protagonist and casting suspicion on multiple individuals, a hallmark of Agatha Christie's style. As the story progresses, layer by layer the true plot behind the murder and the intended victim is unraveled. Where this special fails is at the execution of this plot. The essence of a true murder mystery lies at ensuring that till the very end the identity of the true killer is hidden from the audiences and everyone equally seem suspicious. Herein, we find that all the suspects are swiftly eliminated and more or less you are able to guess it correctly. The mystery part of the story is overshadowed by the mundane drama of the characters. The investigation is simply boring and pulls you out of the story.

The charisma of the detective is also lacking. Unlike iconic detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s very own Hercule Poirot, the detective Shoukokuji Ryuuya has no method or process of evaluating the evidences and clues. At no point do we see him pondering over the evidences intently or having his assistants go on a chase after a piece of information whose significance is revealed at the end.

In conclusion, Agatha Christie stories are known for its intricate plot and clever twists but this special misses the mark. It was an average attempt to bring to life one of the stories of detective Hercule Poirot

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