This documentary is basically a love letter to a super specific and mostly forgotten slice of queer history—the world of all-male magazines between 1955 and 1973. It’s a really interesting guide that shows how these images changed over the years, eventually moving from still photos into the world of film. Before 1966, these gay magazines were all about musclemen in jockstraps posing like Greek Gods. But then, everything flipped. In this "golden window" from 1966 to 1973, the pages started featuring young guys between 18 and 22 who had boyish faces and totally normal bodies. They weren't gym rats; they were just ordinary kids, often drifters or runaways, who modeled for unknown photographers for just a few bucks. They’d show up in a magazine for a minute and then just disappear. After 1973, the "hardcore revolution" happened, and these softcore magazines became old news almost overnight. Just like that, the whole era was gone. The movie mixes together old photos,...
The story of the film is pretty straight forward and simple. See Joon is a popular actor who has recently being embroiled in a controversy about having hit his best friend. To avoid paparazzi, his talent management company make him live with Han Ji Woo, a handsome chef, so that he can stay away from public eye. The personalities of the two men could not be any different. While See Joon is optimistic, cheerful, happy guy, Ji Woo is a quiet person who is actually not enjoying the sudden company of a stranger. Him being popular and an actor doesn't affect Ji Woo at all. Meanwhile a female reporter is on her mission to find the truth behind the whole controversy. To keep himself busy, See Joon joins the restaurant so that he can learn to cook from Ji Woo and slowly, as you would expect, See Joon finds himself getting attracted to him. Initially Ji Woo is quite surprised with his advances, but eventually he gives in to his heart and the 2 boys are now together.
The two leads look good together and act well together but there is a lotto backstory missing here. Who is Ji Woo. Why is he so cold to See Joon at the every first meeting? Why work in restaurant? Is there a family issue? What else? We are told absolutely nothing about this character and it gets a bit messy for me, not knowing anything. See Joon's character is slightly more evolved. We slowly see his fame, his insecurities, his loneliness. With a plastered smile on his face, dimples flashing, he seeks attention and comfort from Ji Woo in odd ways. The pacing is beautifully done, and I love how things are not rushed nor too slow for this drama. They are taking their time and there is something within the story that makes it feel comforting. But even when the kiss happens, it happens a little too sudden. Also, oddly enough, besides the actors, you hardly see anyone in cafe, road, public places or anywhere. I mean, come on, these people cannot be living in a bubble where there is no one present at all.
Overall, this is a very simple, straight forward chill BL story with decent production values. The chemistry was good and the film passed on well. It son great shakes and will not give you anything new that we have not seen in the past. My expectations were a bit higher form the makers, given their previous work. This is an alright addition. (6.5/10)
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