A Freak's Review: Blue Gate Crossing

Director Yee Chin-Yen did a really great job in bringing out one of the most common ground topics in today's society - Homosexuality. The theme isn't slapped on your face but is brought out subtly and (if I may say) cleverly by the director. Each scene is carefully crafted to bring out a serious topic without appearing too serious. In fact, it appears to be dreamy, surreal yet believable. That's why I highly recommend this movie. It's a thumb-up from me.

Meng Kerou (starred by Guey Lun-Mei) and Lin Yuezhen (starred by Liang Shu-Hui) are best friends and high school classmates. They are seen together whether at school, outside of school or even when they are walking on the streets. They share a special bond that encourages transparency of thoughts and expressions. And so, YueZhen tells Kerou that she is in love with a guy in school. His name is Zhang Shihao (starred by Wilson Chen Bo-Lin).

(refer to photo on left) This is Chen Bo-Lin in the movie. So innocent, boyish cute and handsome. I couldn't recognize him at first because he looks even better now in his latest appearance in Kungfu Dunk.

And so Kerou approaches Shihao after her best friend persuades her to do so. Yuezhen is too shy to get to know him herself. She is very grateful when Kerou agrees to be the intermediator between herself and the guy of her dreams. She writes love notes and letters to be passed to Shihao but secretly signs off with Kerou's name. Kerou is furious when she finds out because now, Shihao thinks that Kerou likes him. He accuses Kerou of lying about a friend liking him but at the same time slowly finds himself falling for her. And so, he pursues her day and night hoping that they could get together one day.

You may have figured out the entire plot as you watch the movie only to discover that you have got it all wrong. Blue Gate Crossing is not a typical triangle love story. It's about a girl doing all she can to please the one she loves, who turns out to be her best friend. While making her girlfriend happy, things get complicated for Kerou because Shihao has fallen in love with her instead. How does the story goes from here? I won't spill the beans.

It's a great movie and its artistic approach makes it even greater. I think everyone should watch it because it is different from the many I have watched previously. Blue Gate Crossing is now on my must-watch list and I won't be surprised if it finds its way to your list as well.

Foundations Of My Reviews

Books
I believe a good book is one that contains a strong main plot and lots of interesting mini ones to build up to the peak. It has to be written in a simple language that enables the readers to read with ease, not with a dictionary at hand. Most important of all, the characters have to be crafted in such a way that readers will believe in their existence.

Drama Series
Consistency is important as far as characterization is concern. I believe that everyone has a habit of their own that define them. And that is important when it comes to watching a drama. The presentation of the story shouldn't be too draggy as well, because it is a drama series. If it only captures attention in the first few episodes and dies down later on, then it should probably be better of as a film.

Films
A strong message behind film is really important. I hate films that teaches me nothing at the end of it, or films that simply doesn't have a beginning and ending to it. Those are just a waste of time. A good film is one that makes you nod when the credits roll out and you know that when you walk out of the cinema, it was worthy for the dollars you paid.

Games
My definition of a good game would be a partially addictive one with missions and goals to drive the gamer to want to push further in the game world. It has to be user-friendly in terms of controls and settings. The graphic has to be of standard quality because when you are into a game, it hurts when the graphic sucks.

Manga
A good manga is one that keeps you reading from one page to another, one chapter to another, one volume to another. It doesn't get too draggy and the plot must have a pull-string to drive readers to want more of it. Most importantly is the graphic - it has to have details to enrich the reader's imagination to picture the whole scene in mind.

Music
A good music is one with powerful lyrics and a suitable tune to go with it. It might not be accompanied by instruments or vice-versa. It might be a band or solo singer. The most important of all, the presenter of the song has to feel it with their heart before they present it to their audience. That's the best music ever!

Music Videos
I think a good plot is essential in music videos. The purpose of having a music video is to help audience to engage in the song through visuals. It helps to bring the audience to another world where the song makes sense in order for them to experience the music fully.

Personality
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to admiring others. I, for one, admire women who have full control of their life. I look up to women who have made it to the top in the field of their choice. A dynamic personality interests me.

Plays
The essentials of a good play include presentation, the engaging power and outstanding audio system. The storyline is just a vessel to carry out a message. What matters is how entertaining can it be while sending out that message. No one watches a boring play.

Products
A good product have both physical and emotional benefits for the users. It is also affordable and user-friendly. Most of all, it has to leave the users feeling good about themselves.

Video Clips
Lengthy does not mean good. There are some short videos that tell stories as good as a full length film does. Keeping the video short while trying to tell the entire story perfectly - that is a good video clip.

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Blue Gate Crossing

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