“Stormy Honeymoon” Movie Review

A sequel to “The Star Always Follow You”, “Stormy Honeymoon” is a ‘stand-alone’ production. I personally think the prequel was so much more powerful and dramatic. This epilogue to one of the love stories, however, took the main couple from where we saw them in the prequel to where they are now at such a galloping speed that I felt like a missed something in between. Besides, it went from a serious theme to a light-hearted and silly narrative. A somewhat big schism for me to jump.

“Midnight Love” Movie Review

This mini-movie appears to be more like an ‘after-school’ project and perhaps held together with chewing gum and glue. This is never going to win any awards nor be on any top 10 list. However, it did do something for me that so many BLs, especially Thai, do not do for me anymore. And that is, it made me smile. It made my eyes tear up. It also made me reflect. Further, it made me see how so, so many everyday ordinary gay relationships begin. This gem captured the heart and soul of a humanity that is not often portrayed. A humanity of individuals whose beauty lies within, not without, whose goodness is inherent, not extrinsic, and whose fortitude is who they are. It is a story of genuineness and strength of character. It is a story of life. And most importantly, it is a simple, basic story of love.

“To Do (Oh My God)” Series Review (Ep.1 to 5)

To be honest, this comedic BL is uneven. The story at times got a bit pedestrian. But hidden in this series is another tale; one that is not so sweet and with hints of deep pain and sadness. It is simply confounding yet brilliant how this BL can tell two different stories bound to one character that, seemingly, are insignificant. But is he the key to this captivating series?

“The Love Ring” Movie Review

This soft, well-meaning and very short BL drama is obviously a labor of love coming from Myanmar. And it should be applauded for its courage, message, and commitment to equality and gay rights. No less important is its passion towards seeing love as all-encompassing. But be forewarned. This is not a series for all. If you want the fancy, drawn-out, splashy, big production, then move on. Because this is not it. The production is simple and basic; the acting, though a bit inconsistent. But I believe it is an early and very beautiful attempt to introduce BL into a culture not known for its openness to such a concept.

“Bus Stop” Movie Review

Perhaps merely a coincidence, but this short paragon of a production is the same name as a 1956 film starring the iconic Marilyn Monroe. (If you are unaware of who she is, Google her- I remember her vividly). While not necessarily the same plot, its underlying message is exactly the same. RESPECT. And respect is what gives this strikingly beautiful parable its own sense of worth and beauty.

“The Star Always Follow You” Series Review (Ep.1 to 8)

Sometimes brilliance comes along and hits you, not with its might, but with an emotional sword aimed right at your heart and your soul. This is that kind of series.

“Boyscation” Series Review (Ep.1 to 20)

I desperately, and I mean desperately, wanted to like this ‘reality’ show about 10 gay guys from Hong Kong getting together for what was posted as a gay dating show.

“Love Bill” Series Review (Ep. 1 to 10)

This is one of those series that is so centric to being Vietnamese, that it might not be translatable into other languages. Idiomatic expressions and nuances of the language are powerful but when translated into other languages might not have the same intended impact. Does that take away anything from the series? Sure, it does. Does it make watching this series more difficult to interpret? Absolutely. Does it make it less impactful? No! I still felt its impact. I merely have to translate into my own internal language and give it meaning to me. And this series is astonishingly moving and so full of life. And that life had so many peaks and valleys that it made watching it joyful and sorrowful emotionally for me.

“Till the World Ends” Series Review (Ep.1 to 10)

“Thus with a kiss I die.” – Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

“Home Par” Movie Review

This is an excellent example of what you can do when you have a robust focus on a story to tell even within a short time frame. This gay short film is all of 22+ minutes long and has a powerful message. What is that message? Determination and Acceptance.