Skam France: Season 3 (French) (Web Series)

The original Norwegian show Skam is one of my favorite shows, so when I started watching season 3 of the French remake, of course I had reservations. Each actor and character of the original show is still very fresh his my mind. I still decided to give it a fair shot. I decided to not watch all seasons, instead just focus on season 3, which is the gay love story and thats what I am going to do with the other remakes as well.

As expected, the story is exactly the similar as the original show. Lucas is in closet but has to date girls to feel part of the group. soon he meets Elliott, a new mystery boy in one of the hangout groups. Something about him mesmerizes Lucas and soon they strike a friendship. They clearly have a spark. Also since both have girlfriends, neither wants to make the first move. Eventually they both give in and a torrid affair starts. Lucas' friends feel there is something off about Lucas but he never confides in them. Elliott's behavior is a bit erratic at times. He sometimes goes missing and gets back with his girlfriend a few times. He cant take it anymore and eventually comes out to his friend. But soon, a secret is revealed that Elliott is bipolar. Lucas' life is shattered but when he is coached by his friends that bipolar is something that can be managed, he brings back Elliott in his life. With his continuous love and support, the two lovers rekindle and reaffirm their faith in closeness.

Even though Isak & Evan from Norwegian show gave a great performance, Lucas and Elliott here are no different. They have a sparkling chemistry and the two boys look soo good together. They bring the screen alive. since I was familiar with the storyline, I was more interested in the actors and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. A few scenes tugged my heart. The first kiss between the boys brought a smile to my face. But I literally had tears in my eyes when Lucas comes out to his flatmates, tells them about Elliott and how he has lost love even before finding it and how his best friend is now not even taking to him. That scene was so natural which shows the depth of understanding that the actor had of Lucas character. Absolutely no one can be left unmoved by that scene. I also enjoyed and appreciated the scenes where his closest friends are his support system. They don't make a big deal out of him being gay. Instead they sort of teach him how to flirt and date and what not. Elliott beings the required intrigue and charm that his character is supposed to bring. Needless to say that both the boys are extremely good looking and handsome. The love between them is pure and is shown with so much dignity and respect. I wouldn't have expected anything less.

This is a must watch, if you are a SKAM fan. I am one of them, and I totally enjoying the french version. I know its not fair, but I will still continue to be biased towards the original version, but this one is pretty darn close. (8/10)

Sei no Gekiyaku (Japanese) [Dangerous Drugs of Sex]

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Drug Shore (Chinese)

Apparently tis film was adapted by a true story Well, true or not, movies/series about drugs are not easy to watch. I have always said that drugs is like the end of life for anyone. For those who sink into this sea of addiction, some manage to swim upstream to recovery, while others cannot make it to the shore. The film may not be the best, but it does have a noble intention to remind everyone of the evil affects of drugs and combining that with sex. Ah Zhe is in a happy relationship with his influencer boyfriend. On his partner's birthday, they end up going to a party, which interestingly is being hosted at a drug dealer's house and this is where for the first time he is exposed to the world of drugs. The duo somehow do it just enough and come back home but next day Ah She gets invited by the dealer Xiao Fei for a meal. The dealer has a soft corner for Ah Zhe, but before anyone realizes, Ah Zhe's life spirals out of control when slowly he starts doing more and more drugs, ...

The Shortest Distance is Round 3: Fallen Flowers

Continuing with the weird trilogy of "The Shortest Distance", I am so glad that finally I am done with part 3 and won't have to deal with this again in future. Thankfully, as of now the makers have not announced any further parts; which will save all of us on this earth from the embarrassment of watching this in near future. After the first 10 minutes are used in sort of recapping bits of first two parts, the story moves forward. Haruto is now starting to have feelings for Ruka, the mysterious pole dancer from second part. In a fit of rage, Ruka ends up killing the goat man and to save him and Haruto, Shibahara asks them to go underground. Meanwhile Shibahara continues the search for Seiya (the guy who had cut off Haruto's penis). It turns out Seiya is now also taking care of the original club owner from part 1. Both of them were released after they had informed Shibahara of Aoyama's secret location. Shibahara tortures Seiya's boyfriend leading to Seiya killin...

Hedgehog said…

That scene in the couch where he come out to mika and manon moves me in tears. I felt every moment in that scene. The actor who protracted Lucas He’s really good and Elliot too he looks so mysterious too me which fits him the role. That scene in the bus stop where Elliot need to say good to Lucas and then he get on the bus and say Je t’aime. I can’t contain my feelings in these series. The minute for minute scene. I love it. And those nude and love scene is done perfectly. There’s a lot of good scene they make in series to be honest. This is one of my favorite Skam series so far.

September 29, 2020 at 6:20 PM

Golu said…

The couch scene is absolutely the best. In fact I even showed that scene in isolation to one of my friends and even he was moved even without knowing what the series is all about! And yes, the love scenes are also done so esthetically. It is definitely a worthy remake of a wonderful show.
Hope all is well at your end. I know I am reviewing a bit slow these days but things have been a bit busy at my end.

September 30, 2020 at 8:55 AM

There’s also that piano scene. It’s so mesmerizing, from what I’ve heard the actor who played Lucas do practice that piece in a month. I’ve seen parts of lucas scenes in season 1 & 2 and I’m impressed in his character development. Everything is good thanks for asking. Just get back to work and been busy. Still watching good films in my off days. I understand, still thankful you find time to keep your blog running and I owe you alot from saving me to those crappy gay movies.

September 30, 2020 at 9:36 AM

Sailor Maan said…

I was afraid to watch it because the first 2 seasons were nowhere as good as the original. I got hooked by this 3rd season, and even prefer it to the norvegian(except the last episode that is so perfect in the original). Every added scene is incredible: the piano, the kiss, the party, the couch, the painting, the boat... When it was released, I felt like a teenager, waiting for everyday episode release haha. Since you're a skam fan, you should watch french season 5 and 6 (season 5 is really good imho).

November 9, 2020 at 4:48 AM

French version has seasons 5 and ^ too? OMG!!
Whose story are they focussing on? I wanted to see season 4 too (remake of Sana storyline from original, but that felt too much of a commitment). lol

November 9, 2020 at 7:04 AM

Season 5 is on Arthur, season 6 is on the sister of Daphné. They were supposed to do a season 7 and 8 too, but with the covid blocking everything I'm not sure if it's still on going. I'll let you know if it comes out eventually ;)

November 9, 2020 at 9:06 AM

You forget the bus stop scene. The Lucas in version cries a lot. But I really loving it.

November 15, 2020 at 1:16 PM

November 15, 2020 at 1:17 PM

oh yeah, of course and that scene too :) thx for the reminder.

November 16, 2020 at 5:11 AM

WimW said…

Hahaa, the do watch the Belgian version too.
BTW I see not other place to ask something but you don't have a review for "die mitte der welt" (eng title Centre of my world) of 2016. Would like to know your toughts.

January 23, 2023 at 1:08 PM

Thx for the recommendation. I will def watch that one too.
regarding 'die mitte der welt', I dontthink I have seen that yet. I will see if I can find that and pen down my thoughts on it

January 23, 2023 at 1:28 PM

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