This was the first big Brazilian drama that HBO worked on, and it’s a five-episode miniseries that lasts almost five hours in total. It’s a really emotional and political story set in Rio de Janeiro during the late 1980s, and it does a great job of showing what that era felt like while the country was dealing with the HIV/AIDS crisis. Since the world feels so divided today, the show is a beautiful reminder of how queer people can find power by standing together when things are hard. The story is actually based on real things that happened, specifically about flight attendants who smuggled AIDS medicine from the US into Brazil in the 80s. It works as both a history drama and a strong political message. The show is mostly about three people: Nando, his best friend Lea (they both work as flight attendants for Fly Brasil), and Raul, who is a performer and an activist. A lot of the story happens at a club called Paradise, which was one of the few open gay clubs back in the 80s. Nando is a h...
His - Koisuru Tsumori Nante Nakatta (Japanese Mini-Series) [His - I Didn't Think I Would Fall in Love]
17 year old Nagisa lives alone in a seaside town. A huge fan of surfing, he does part time jobs to survive, including a hostel and surf board rental store. He is also friends with daughter of the owner Chika, who secretly likes Nagusi. Enter Shun, another teenage boy visiting his father, who unexpectedly has to leave for a business trip. When Chika causes Shun to lose his keys leaving him unable to re-enter his dad’s apartment, she invites him to stay at her home with her parents and hence ends up meeting Nagusi. The usually shy Nagusi invites Shun to join him for surfing and will teach him. The friendship between two boys develop in a strong bond and clearly Nagusi is more interested in Shun but we don't get to know Shun's feelings until much later. Meanwhile Chika is trying to pursue Nagusi and another friend of hers and Shun are also becoming close. Neither of the boy has the courage to admit their feeling for one another. Unsure of where things should go from here, Nagisa and Shun slowly begin to realize that above all else, the relationship they have is truly special. Thanks to the efforts of the two girls who eventually figure out the truth, the two boys are able to confess their true feelings.
The actors alleviate this show. They are young, not perfect, have their flaws and unique personalities but neither is over stated. Its al realistic and very subtle. In fact, even the parents of Chika add a very nice realistic and fresh touch to the proceedings (very different from what I have been used to in BL shows). Their quite chemistry is endearing to watch. You can tell Nagusi has feelings for Shun but Shun liking him bak can a surprise to me, to be honest. All through the show there are no indications that Shun likes Nagusi till he finishes reading the book Nagusi gave him. That is the only one flaw that I can think of. Every character was well developed , including the two girls. I did feel bad for them and how they get treated, but in the last 10 minutes of the series, when Nagusi explains his past to Chika, suddenly everything makes sense. He explains the rationale for his actions, why he did what he did and so on. That scene was a perfect example for me to not judge a book by cover. Even though I felt odd as to why would Nagusi play with any girls feelings just because he cannot get Shun, but the reasons later made all sense. Thankfully, the girls were not just mere props. They were strong, both girls respect themselves and their crushes and never try to ‘sabotage’ or ruin the others life. In fact, they act as an integral part in the boy’s friendship and relationship. The casual chemistry amongst all characters and realistic cast made this series one of the most enjoyable and beautiful series I’ve ever watched.
I am amazed, but maybe just ignorant, but I think this series deserves more attention and viewers than it probably has. Highly recommended. (8/10)
Comments
Watchung the movie is next in my list. Hopefully soon !!