Q & A

Q&A Banner Image (c) Illustration by Kazue Katō. "Ao No Exorcist." Shueisha.

Q: What is the criteria for inclusion of titles in this blog?

A: There are several actually, but first and foremost, is the fact that I have actually viewed these titles. I would not include titles which I have not personally watched. Secondly, is also the most obvious, is that it must be Boys' Love / Yaoi, either explicit or implied themes. Third, Series and movies, whether they are TV Dramas or web series, or short films, or minute commercials - no matter the media format as long as they are acted live and have the above criteria, will be included.

Q: What is considered BL to be included in this selection?

A: This is very subjective. Most will agree that to be considered BL, the drama/movie must at least contain one overt skinship, most likely mouth-to-mouth contact between the two male characters, with romantic or sexual intent. In the absence of any lip action, at least one of the male leads must clearly express romantic love or sexual attraction to another man, or admission that he is gay. Example, in the case of "Coming Out" (Japan), where male lead expressed romantic love to his male friend; because Boys' Love, after all, is a boy loving another boy, even though it is unrequited. 

But quite a few also, including myself, believe that some titles can be included if there are BL undertones, especially in the wake of the famous  "Chinese Ban on Homosexuality", dramas and movies that are originally based on BL novels, have been watered down to appease the censors. And so, the burning question, "Are they or aren't they a couple?" remains a mystery. For the answer to this question, I suggest we all have to look towards the origin of their story, and fill in the gaps from reading the source material. Because of this ban, the standards for inclusion, especially in the case of Chinese dramas/movies, are lowered, but do not necessarily affect the quality of the story-telling. 

Q: I still don't buy it that such-and-such title is BL. I see it no more than as a bromance. So what is the difference?

A: You have a good point there, but to me, BL is not just about tongue-lapping and the over-the-top confessions. It is the side glances, the sacrifices, the presence of love other than brotherly affection. For example, you don't see the guys in "Boys over Flowers" giving each other lingering back-hugs, sharing the same bed, and practically attached to the hip like some of the men in "Unwilling Marriage" or "Advanced Bravely."

Q: How about popular titles that are not part of this blog, like "Make it Right" or "Love Sick"? Why are they excluded?

A: This is a matter of preference. I find it uncomfortable to watch actors who have not yet reached the age of majority - in this genre. To me, it is akin to robbing the cradle. 

Q: If this is the case, why then did you not include other titles? Do you have a criteria for exclusion?

A: Yes, as previously mentioned, titles not viewed personally, will not be part of this blog. Of course, I would add more as time permits, but there are other reasons why some titles are not included:

1) General non-interest. Either no interest in plot, in the actors, or characters, whether for personal or aesthetic reasons. 
2) Predominantly bad reviews, but not necessarily, "bad" endings. I scour the net, i.e. Dramalist, for recommendations of what to watch, and what to avoid. 
3) Long dramas. I do not have patience for series that have over 20 one-hour episodes, or if the series needs more than total investment of 20 hours per drama.
4) Dropped game. Obviously if I could not finish the series/movie, I won't be able to write about it.

Q: Why did you list some titles under the series name, and why did you decide to list others as a stand-alone title?

A: This is purely discretional. For my part, I feel titles such as the Takumi-kun series, should be attributed under its series name because most, if not all of the stories are related to each other. In this case, it is strongly recommended to watch the whole series, and not merely choose one particular movie. 

In "Mr. X and I," although the stories bear no relation to each other, the titles of the individual stories are lesser known. "Be Here For You" is less prominent, as "Mr. X and I Season 2" is easier to find. For consistency's sake, the 3rd season of this series, is listed as Season 3, rather than "Goodbye Mr. X." Meanwhile, the titles under "HIStory" series are more popular and can work outside of the program, and therefore are listed as stand-alone titles, such as "Boundary Crossing" and "Obsessed." 

There are exceptions though, for example, "Open" will be listed under its title, rather than its parent title, "Gay Out Soon 4." The reason for this is that it is hard or almost impossible to find videos under the main title. The decision-making whether the titles should be listed as a group or as a single work, is on a case-by-case basis. 

Q: Why did you choose Dramalist as the primary go-to site, instead of AsianWiki or IMDB or any other website?

A:  I personally find that Dramalist has a larger community presence, at least in terms of  subject, which is Asian Movies and Dramas, and therefore, it will be more useful as a resource.  It may not have the minute details such as technical specs or trivia as in IMDB, or notes or episode ratings as in AsianWiki, but Dramalist entries contain enough information to aid in your search of a title. It also has more reviews and commentary from other users that may or may not guide your decision to watch a particular movie or drama. 

Dramalist also has a better search function (Advanced search) that I find very functional as you can sort by release date, ranking, popularity, etc, and/or filter dramas and movies according to your taste. Dramalist is also a more comprehensive  website as lesser known titles, (for example, movie shorts or student films) will have more chances of an entry in this website, than in AsianWiki or IMDB. 

Q: "Such and Such" instance did not actually happen in the drama or the movie did not end up like as in your skit. What gives?

A: The skits are just another rendition of the dramas and movies that are included in this site. It is my way of interpreting said works, what I take away from them, like how you can draw your own conclusions after watching them. Please read the site's General Disclaimer for further statements on this matter. 

Q: Why is [Insert Title] not yet included in this site, when it looks like you've viewed it after seeing your "Top" and "Bottom" section. When can you write one about it?

A: Please be reminded that most, if not all, blogs are a Work In Progress. They will be forthcoming so please be understanding. 

Q: What is your general recommendation in reading your blog?

A: Take it with a grain of salt. I also would suggest that you watch the drama or movie first, and then read the corresponding skit so you will get or see what I mean, hopefully that is. You could also do the other way around, whatever floats your boat, but because this site contains quite a few spoilers, and if you are the type of person who loves the mystery, then I would watch first, then read.




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