Ann's 2022 Wrapped!
As I'm publishing this, it's already 2023 where I am, but i guess better late than never! 2022 was very special year, as I FINALLY graduated after 5 and a half long years after finishing my hospital internship! 2022 has had a lots of ups and downs and so much has happened.
Happy New Year 2023 to everyone🎉🎉🎉🎉 Hope everyone has a lovely, succeessful year ahead.
This long long post is kind of a new year's resolution I made last year, to publish a long post where i list my favourites of what I've read, watched and listened throughout the year 2022, and kind of like a year in review, but with more recs and some reviews!
I will admit, i couldn't do one for the past few years because of the sad sad fact of my yearly medical school final exams being in Jan every year, so that was not the time to actually make them 🥲 But, now that I finally graduated, i finally am in a good enough headspace and the time to write this up! (Despite having a major exam coming up in March lmao)
This will be in 2 parts! Part 1 has music, tv series and movies recommendations, while part 2 has the fanfic recommendations.
Let's get on with it!
Music Recommendations (in no particular order)
Spotify Playlist
Songs:
Wild Flower (with youjeen) by RM
Change pt. 2 by RM
Hectic (with Colde) by RM
Dreamers by Jungkook [FIFA World Cup official soundtrack]
That That (prod. & feat. Suga) by PSY
The Astronaut by Jin
Sexy Nukim (feat RM) by Balming Tiger, Omega Sapiens
More by J-Hope
Arson by J-Hope
Yet To Come by BTS
Run BTS by BTS
Born Singer by BTS
Super Tuna by Jin
My Universe by Coldplay, BTS
You've Got Ma Back by Fourth Nattawat, Ford Arun, Satang, Winny [My School President OST]
น้ำลาย (Saliva) by Fourth Nattawat, Ford Arun (Cover) [My School President OST]
อยากร้องดังดัง (I Want to Scream Out Loud) by Fourth Nattawat, Ford Arun (Cover) [My School President OST]
Romantic Devil by Coldin [Semantic Error OST]
Can you Stay by Coldin [Semantic Error OST]
Will You Be My Love by Kelly Cheng [We Best Love OST]
Make It Break It by Ofrin [Love In the Air OST]
You are my baby by 片頭曲 [Plus & Minus OST]
Hustle and Bustle of Ormos by HOYO-MiX,Yu Peng Chen [Genshin Impact Sumeru OST]
Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift
Mastermind by Taylor Swift
Would've, Could've, Should've by Taylor Swift
As You Are ft GOLI by Kent Yamada
Good Boy Gone Bad by Tomorrow X Together
Thursday's Child Has Far To Go by Tomorrow X Together
Talk That Talk by Twice
The Feels by Twice
Fearless by LE SSERAFIM
Attention by NewJeans
Hype Boy by NewJeans
POP! by NAYEON
Hero Too by Kyoka Jiro, Chrissy Costanza
TOMBOY by (G)I-DLE
Nxde by (G)I-DLE
CRY FOR ME by Twice
On The Ground by ROSÉ
==============================================
Favourite TV Shows
This list has shows that may not have been released in 2022 but i watched them this year. I recently caught up to a lot of boy love (BL) dramas this year as i hadn't really watched BLs since 2020 as i really got into danmei and manhwa and bl dramas got waylaid a little, till this year.
Love In the Air (2022) On YouTube, iQIYI (uncensored version), viki
When clouds in the sky and falling rain tease the two close friends in trouble, Rain and Sky, it takes them to meet Payu and Prapai, who are not only cunning saviours but also guys making storms in the two best friends' hearts. The war of love is about to take place in the warm spring, hot summer, lonely autumn and cold winter.
How would the atmosphere of love be? Which way would their hearts wave and the air full of love take them to? (Thailand)
This has to my favourite dramas ever. The start of both story arcs is a bit questionable, but the acting and sheer, sizzling chemistry between the characters draws you in and as the stories progress, they progress to quite healthy and sweet relationships, with lots of communication as well. Prapai especially, becomes like a walking green flag his arc in the shows progresses. The friendships in this show are also depicted so well!
Honestly, the mydramalist reviews do this show gross disservice and often over exaggerate a lot of the stuff and almost made me not watch the show. Thankfully my experiences with novel updates reviews made me ignore the MDL reviews and give this show a chance and THANK GOD I DID.
As MDL user Lily says in her review (can't share the review itself) , if you want a clean show where everybody is a walking green flag and there is 100% consent with everything, then LITA is not for you. But if don’t mind some toxicity and can bear to see Sky’s flashbacks of his difficult and abusive past in ep. 13, then PLEASE, WATCH THE SHOW. It has so much to offer, so much sweetness, cuteness and sexiness, it would be a shame not to give it a try. The intimacy, chemisty, cinematography and acting are all excellent. It also comes with a delicious special episode as a cherry on top.
The NC scenes (Not for Children, aka the sexy scenes NOT non con) scenes in this are just FIRE 🥵🥵🥵🥵 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and some of the best I've seen in a BL so far. All the actors in this did an absolutely bangin' (pun meant) job in this and have turned me into a lifelong fan. There are a lot of other people who've conveyed why this show much more eloquently than me, but do give this a try. ALSO ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WATCH IN PUBLIC AND WITHOUT EARPHONES.
2. Semantic Error (2022)
Chu Sang Woo is a junior computer science majoring student who prizes reason, rules, and a rigid sense of what is right above all else. As part of his university work, he is told to work on a group project for the liberal arts, whereby the group is required to make a final presentation in order to pass the module. But as the rest of the group – whom he knows nothing about – have decided to leave him to do all the work on his own, he decides to remove their names, and make the presentation in his name.
But little did he know that when he did this, he would deal a heavy blow to the academic prospects of a senior student named Jang Jae Young. The latter, a design major, is Chu Sang Woo’s polar opposite. He is stylish, fun-loving, and – above all – extraordinarily popular. He is the closest thing the college has to a superstar! But when his credit for the liberal arts project is taken away, his grand plans to study abroad are suddenly thrown up in the air. He seeks out Chu Sang Woo and is of a mind to torment him. But when the duo is forced to work together, a strange attraction starts to develop between them… (South Korea)
My first Korean BL, and did a university BL so good and knocked it out of the park! Nice job SK!
3. To My Star S1 & S2 (2021,22)
Actor Kang Seo Joon was once one of South Korea’s biggest and most popular stars, but his career is now in decline. Despite his fall in popularity, he believes he has had a change of fortune when he meets and falls for a dashing young chef named Han Ji Woo.
Despite having wildly different personalities, the two enter a relationship. However, their love comes under threat when the more conservative Han Ji Woo and the free-spirited Kang Seo Joon realize that their outlooks on life, love, and everything else appears irrevocably different. (South Korea)
Both seasons of To My Star will take you on a journey of lots and lots of feelings. Especially the second season, that'll make you cry, and then smile while crying and make you feel.
4. Plus & Minus (2022)
It tells the love and collision of two couples. No matter how far or near, they only exist for each other.
Zheng Ze Shou and Fu Li Gong are good friends who have grown up together since kindergarten. Not only are they childhood friends, they even work for the same company until an accident shakes the two. At the same time, Kato Yuki, also known as X, is a free-spirited bartender and Jian Ying Ze, a divorcee who can't let go of the past, runs a laundromat. One day the laundromat owner stumbles upon the colorful nightlife of the bartender. The two collide and slowly realize each other's inner desires. (Taiwan)
My second Taiwanese BL, after HiStory3: Trapped (another iconic Taiwanese BL). It's a very sweet, if a bit cliched, drama, with a bit of frankly unnecessary angst inserted towards the end with a childhood friends to lovers main couple and a bartender with a single dad side couple. A BL drama WITH LAWYERS!!!
5. KinnPorsche (2022) YouTube, iQIYI for the uncensored version, suffixed by la forte
The second son of a Mafia boss, Kinn Theerapanyakul, is fleeing from an enemy when he meets Porsche, an enterprising young bartender. Porsche agrees to help defend Kinn from his attackers for a price.
Porsche's martial arts skills impress, and spurred on by his father, Kinn seeks to hire Porsche as one of his personal bodyguards. Porsche is opposed and rejects Kinn’s offer despite his attempts at intimidation. It isn't until Porsche's family home and his ability to care for his brother are threatened that he acquiesces and moves onto the Theerapanyakul property.
It's not a smooth transition into the unorthodox, violent job, and his relationship with Kinn vacillates between strained and playful. When his feelings for Kinn take an unexpected turn, his work becomes even more high-stakes. (Thailand)
It's an absolute SENSATION of a show that blew up, and for good reason. Hot actors, sizzling chemistry, Mafia men and a high stakes romance combined with the old adage of if red flag, why red sexy? make it an absolutely entertaining delight to watch even with it's pacing and storyline issues.
The NC scenes of this scene are so so hot you'll feel yourself melting. And the behind the scenes of how this show came to be made is WILD, do give it a read someday. Also this post reviewing the drama is ABSOLUTE GOLD. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WATCH IN PUBLIC AND WITHOUT EARPHONES.
6. Between Us (2022-23) YouTube, iQIYI for uncut
Team is a talented swimmer who just entered university. However, when it comes to swim competitions, he's never able to perform to the best of his abilities. When swim team upperclassman Win comes to know that the problem doesn't lie in Team's abilities or dedication, but rather his trauma and the sleeping difficulties it causes, he offers up his own room for Team to stay in.
With the comfort of company, Team's performance starts to improve and feelings start to grow between the two young men. But Team isn't the only one with issues from his past preventing him from moving forward. Win struggles with how to handle receiving love and how to give special treatment to those closest to him. Occurring parallel to the events of "Until We Meet Again," this story focuses on how Win and Team come to know and inspire growth in each other. (Thailand)
This currently ongoing drama shows us the story of Win and Team, the side couple shown in Until We Meet Again (another iconic Thai bl). The lead actors are doing an absolutely awesome job! And never before have i ever seen consent being as sexy as it's depicted by Win, and that's in the first episode itself! I've waited years for this drama and I'm so excited for what comes ahead!
7. My School President (2022-23)
Student body president Tinn has a secret crush on Gun, the head of the music club and lead singer of the middling band Chinzhilla.
The son of the principal, Tinn is instructed to axe any clubs that don't boost their school's reputation. The music club tops that list and Tinn is therefore Gun's number one enemy. Desperate to save his club, Gun will do anything, even pledge servitude to Tinn. When Tinn learns Chinzhilla has a rule that band members aren't permitted to date until they win the Hot Wave Music Contest, he vows to do whatever it takes to help them do just that. (Thailand)
This started in December and I honestly wasn't expecting it to be as good as it has been so far. The acting in this is SO SO GOOD and both actor's faces are SO EXPRESSIVE. The songs are so good too! Tiwson deserves best matchmaker of the year, the poor boy's doing the most for TinnGun. It's a sweet, lovely school drama that has sprinted into my favourite dramas of the year, even with just 4 episodes out!
8. Not Me (2022)
Black and White are twins with a powerful connection. After their parents' separation, though, White’s father took him abroad, their family effectively severed in two. It isn’t until fifteen years have passed that White—now grown—returns to Thailand.
One day, seemingly from nowhere, White feels an agony like death. He recovers in the hospital, but they’re unable to determine the cause. Then he picks up a call from a childhood friend, Tod. Tod tells him that Black is in a coma following a vicious attack and he learns that Black is in a motorcycle gang. Unable to endure the harm done to his brother in silence, and suspecting it was one of Black’s close friends—Sean, Gram, or Yok—who betrayed him, White disguises himself as Black to root out the traitor.
But White doesn’t know his brother as well as he thought; he’s not behaving like the Black Sean knows, distrustful and uncaring about the feelings of others. Sean's suspicious. The difference gets under Sean's skin and makes him feel things he shouldn’t. (Thailand)
The story is unique and nothing that anyone has easily come close to achieving. The actor playing Black/White, Gun has done a outstanding job, as has his co main lead, Off. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show and would definitely recommend it to anyone in the mood for a thriller BL drama.
9. We Best Love: No. 1 For You and Fighting Mr. 2nd (2021)
It is not a simple thing to like someone, because... many times, we dare not say anything! "If first place is the only way to make you see me, then I will never lose to you before you fall in love with me."
Zhou Shu Yi stared at the class report and saw Gao Shi De’s name above him again. He didn’t understand. He had always ranked second ever since Gao Shi De came into his life. For this reason, he was excited to go to college and parted ways. He hoped to never see Gao Shi De again. In college, he joined the swimming club and was revered by everyone. He was happily enjoying college life until Gao Shi De suddenly appeared at the swimming competition during their senior year. This made him wonder why Gao Shi De always followed him wherever he went. But little did he know that Gao Shi De had eyes for him and would never let him go. (Taiwan)
Despite being released last year, i only managed to watch it this year. It's a captivating story that'll enchant you and it has the the one who falls in love second falls harder trope. The first season is set in university while second season is set in office setting! It's definitely going to be amongst my favourite dramas .
10. Bad Buddy the Series(2022)
Ever since they were young, Pran and Pat's families had a deep and raging rivalry — trying to one-up each other on everything. This also extended towards their sons. Comparing their sons' achievements and merits, whether it be academic or extracurricular — the two families left no stones unturned to outshine and gloat in front of the other.
It was almost like rivalry was passed down as a family heirloom and the two boys became rivals as well. Until... they grew tired and became friends. Really good friends.
However, because of their families' rivalry, their friendship had to be kept under wraps. And so began a journey of secret friendship... and then perhaps a sweet secret romance? (Thailand)
This show is proof that even if the plot is not new, that even the simplest story can be great with proper execution. It's another one of those university-themed BL series that is already a little bit of a cliche in itself. An enemy-turned-to-lover slightly diluted Romeo & Juliet story so common in a lot of Thai dramas. However, they have proven It's like they took note of all the bad comments from all the other series and aspired to make it better - even promised not to fall in the trap of those tiring BL tropes. It's set a benchmark for university dramas and let's hope we get more shows like this!!
11. Gameboys 1&2 (2020,21)
Teenage streamer Cairo is caught off guard when he receives a video call from a new online rival called Gavreel. He is even more surprised when the handsome stranger asks him out. Can two gamers make romance work during the COVID19 pandemic lockdown, or will it be game over for their love story. (Philippines)
12. Feludar Goendagiri: Darjeeling Jomjomat (2022)
Feluda returns to the place from where he started on his first investigation but this time accompanied by Jatayu and on the invitation of the famed Bollywood director Pulak Ghoshal on his venture of picturisation of one of Jatayu's adventure novels. But as it always happens that adventure seems to chase the trio even on a supposed pleasant vacation to the hill station. (India)
13. Business Proposal (2022)
Ha-ri made a deal—go on one blind date for her BFF and pretend to be a super-vixen to end all of her unwanted marriage set-ups! Unfortunately, instead of easy money, Ha-ri’s got a headache. Her date is Taemu, her company’s hot new CEO, and he’s got his own plans to get his family to back off by marrying whoever shows up on the date. Should Ha-ri accept his proposal to keep playing pretend? Nothing could go wrong with lying about your real identity while dating the boss... right?? (South Korea)
14. Heartstopper (2022)
Teens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love. (UK)
15. My Love Mix-Up / Kieta Hatsukoi (2022)
Aoki has a crush on Hashimoto, the girl in the seat next to him in class. But he despairs when he borrows her eraser and sees she's written the name of another boy—Ida—on it. To make matters more confusing, Ida sees Aoki holding that very eraser and thinks Aoki has a crush on him! (Japan)
16. Old Fashion Cupcake (2022)
Sleep, wake, and work — sums up the day-to-day life of 39-year old, Nozue. A routine that eases him, and conversely weighs heavily on him — which worries the hard-eyed but reliable Togawa, a 29-year old subordinate of his. In an unexpected turn of events, the two of them end up visiting a pancake shop bustling with girls. (Japan)
17. Takara Kun to Amagi Kun (2022)
Takara Shun, a high school student who belongs to a popular group in the class, and Taichi Amagi, a pure boy who is not a conspicuous type but is liked by people, realize their love for each other. Even though they start dating in secret, it is difficult to be honest. (Japan)
18. Minato Shouji Coin Laundry (2022)
"I want to grow up quicker, so I can date Minato-san."
Minato Akira inherited his grandfather's coin laundry. And so, the middle-aged former corporate drone, Akira, peacefully ran the well-loved coin laundry. One day, a high-school student, Katsuki Shintaro, enters the coin laundry. Despite the difference in age, they quickly became friends. However, Shintaro suddenly finds out that Akira is gay. (Japan)
19. Weak Hero: Class 1 (2022)
Yeon Shi Eun is a model student who ranks at the top of his high school. Physically, Yeon Shi Eun appears weak, but by using his wits and psychology, he fights against the violence that takes place inside and outside of his school. (South Korea)
20. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
Woo Young Woo is a young lawyer with Asperger's syndrome. She boasts a high IQ, an impressive memory and a wonderfully creative thought process, but she struggles with everyday interactions
==============================================
Favourite Movies of 2022
Hindi:
(I rarely watch Hindi movies, and the ones i watch come highly recommended by others)
1. Badhaai Do (Feb 2022)
Shardul, a gay guy, and Suman, a lesbian woman, enter into holy matrimony to appease their families. However, when Suman's girlfriend moves in with them, their lives become more complex.
Available on Netflix.
This movie is sweet, and a huge step into the portrayal of LGBTQ+ in bollywood, and while the movie isn't perfect, it's a step forward to getting more LGBTQ movies in bollywood.
2. Gangubai Kathiawadi (Feb 2022)
After being duped and sold to a brothel, a young woman takes control of the world she was once a pawn in, utilising her underworld connections to rule it.
Available on Netflix.
Alia's acting in this is so good, and her emotions are shown so well. Alia's acting improves every movie she does and this was definitely worth the watch. I cheered for Gangubai and her girls, cried with her and watched with glee as she stomped on her opponents. I read the book the story was taken from, Mafia Queens of Mumbai, by Hussain Zaidi and it was an interesting read!
3. The Kashmir Files (March 2022)
Krishna endeavours to uncover the reason behind his parents' brutal killings in Kashmir. He is shocked to uncover a web of lies and conspiracies in connection with the massive genocide.
Available on Zee5
I watched this in theatre and boy was I blown away. I walked into watching this film just based on word of mouth reviews of it being good and a vague idea of the history of the exodus of the Kashmiri pundits. And i wasn't disappointed in the least. The acting was fabulous, heart wrenching and emotional.
Watching it in a theatre made the experience even more immersive. I remember sobbing while watching the movie. It was thought provoking, and made me do my own research into this part of my country's history.
Darshhan Kumar as Krishna Pundit and Pallavi Joshi as Radhika Menon were simply fascinating to watch. It's a dark movie, that does not shy away from graphical depiction of violence that can trigger, so if it is a trigger for you, just be careful.
4. A Thursday (Feb 2022)
One fateful Thursday in the city of Mumbai invites tremendous horror when Naina, a nursery school teacher, holds 16 children hostage and produces a list of unfathomable demands.
Available on Disney+Hotstar
Yami Gautam's acting in this is so so good and the suspense will keep you at the edge of your seat till the end. It's a movie with good suspense, and an important message as well.
Definitely worth a watch at least. Considering that my dad, who doesn't really like movies and stuff sat through the whole of this movie and called it good should say something as well.
5. RRR (March 2022) (I've watched both the Hindi and Telugu dub of this)
A fearless revolutionary and an officer in the British force, who once shared a deep bond, decide to join forces and chart out an inspirational path of freedom against the despotic rulers.
Available on Netflix and Zee5.
Definitely worth watching, that's all I'm gonna say. A classic tollywood blockbuster that is a superb entertainer.
My top Hindi Movies of all time:
Just please watch these and I'm not writing much because i can actually write essays on why each is included in my favourites
1. Jab We Met (2007)
On Netflix/PrimeVideo/YouTube (without subs on YT)
Aditya, a heartbroken business tycoon, aimlessly boards a train to escape his depressing life. He meets Geet, a bubbly Punjabi girl, and gets pulled into her crazy life. (One of the best rom-coms bollywood has ever made)
2. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
On Netflix/Prime Video
Kabir and Naina meet during a trekking trip where she falls in love with him but refrains from expressing it. They soon drift apart but end up meeting at a friend's wedding. (Have all dialogues and songs memorised)
3. Sita Aur Gita (1972)
On Prime Video
Identical twins Seeta and Geeta are separated at birth. One is tortured by her abusive aunt while the other grows up as a street performer. However, their lives change forever when they swap places. (Comedy of Errors meets Princess and the Pauper)
4. Gully Boy (2019)
On Prime Video
Murad, an underdog, struggles to convey his views on social issues and life in Dharavi through rapping. His life changes drastically when he meets a local rapper, Shrikant alias MC Sher. (An uplifting story that i mostly watched because ranveer and Alia were in one movie, but ended up liking a lot)
5. Student of the Year (2012)
On Netflix
Rivals turned friends find their bromance tested when they battle it out to win not only a grueling school competition, but also the same girl's heart. (Gossip Girl meets Bollywood)
6. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
On Prime Video
The heroic Peshwa Bajirao, married to Kashibai, falls in love with Mastani, a warrior princess in distress. They struggle to make their love triumph amid opposition from his conservative family. (Gorgeous sets and Cinematography)
7. Om Shanti Om (2007)
On Netflix
Om, a junior film artist, is smitten by Shantipriya, a renowned actress, but is killed while trying to save her from a fire accident. Thirty years later, he is reborn and sets out to avenge her death. (Cult classic)
8. Chak De! India (2007)
On Prime video
Kabir Khan, a former hockey star, is tainted as someone who betrayed his country. However, he begins coaching the Indian women's national hockey team to prove his loyalty to the nation. (One of my favourite sports movies ever)
9. Kal Ho Na Ho (2003)
On Netflix
Naina, a girl living a dreary life, finds a new meaning to her life when she meets Aman. Even though she loves him, Aman claims to be a married man and convinces Rohit, her friend, to woo her. (I have yet to not cry while watching this film)
10. Main Hoon Na (2004)
On Netflix
Major Ram is given orders to go undercover as a college student to protect a general's daughter from a rogue soldier. He even has to fulfil his dying father's desire to reconcile with his family. (It's dumb and the music is so good)
English:
1. Turning Red (2022)
A thirteen-year-old girl is torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
An aging Chinese immigrant is swept up in an insane adventure, in which she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led.
3. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T'Challa's death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia and Everett Ross to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom.
4. Enola Holmes 2 (2022)
Enola Holmes takes on her first case as a detective, but to unravel the mystery of a missing girl, she'll need some help from friends -- and brother Sherlock.
5. The Lost City (2022)
Fictional writer Loretta's reality transforms into a dreadful adventure when she finds herself abducted on a doomed island.
6. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.
7. Matilda the Musical (2022)
Matilda, an extraordinary girl armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand against her oppressive parents and head teacher to change her story with miraculous results.
8. Fire Island (2022)
A group of queer best friends gather in the Fire Island Pines for their annual week of love and laughter, but when a sudden change of events jeopardizes their summer in gay paradise, their bonds as a chosen family are pushed to the limit.
9. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Thirty years of service leads Maverick to train a group of elite TOPGUN graduates to prepare for a high-profile mission while Maverick battles his past demons.
10. The Batman (2022)
Batman is called to intervene when the mayor of Gotham City is murdered. Soon, his investigation leads him to uncover a web of corruption, linked to his own dark past
================================================================
Continued in part 2(A) and part2(B)
