Good Ol’ Review: Won Tae Min and Do Woo Power the Stunningly Profound “The Time of Fever”

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
No spoilers.

I had one last opportunity to watch a Korean BL drama last month and I am so glad I chose The Time of Fever to be that one. Stunning in almost every way, this feature film/series features one of the most breathtaking depictions of the tumultuous years of adolescence. Won Tae Min and Do Woo are absolutely captivating in the lead roles as they propel an emotionally affecting screenplay and beautiful direction into what is ultimately a resonant experience.

The Time of Fever follows two childhood friends, Ho Tae (Won Tae Min) and Dong Hui (Do Woo) as they try to deal with and understand their own identity and their developing feelings for each other.

It is a delicate story that the series takes great care in developing. We are quickly introduced to the two young men’s relationship dynamic. But the series takes its careful time to unfold their stories.

The title is very apt to that burning sensation both characters are having to deal with. Whether it is being hot and bothered around each other with their teenage hormones or the negative idea that their feelings are something of an illness; the series opens up profound discussions about how young people deal with and understand themselves as they are growing up.

That inner struggle and conflict is breathtakingly depicted here, showing the two young men carefully treading around that powder keg that is their attraction to each other. And then it all boiling over in an emotionally and, frankly, sexually charged scene. A scene that is so striking in the way that it depicts each young man’s inner conflict. It is a master class in writing, directing and acting.

There is a lot left unsaid by these two characters. And seeing how their feelings are expressed almost unconsciously in the way they act around each other is one of the most captivating depictions of young love I’ve seen in a Korean BL. Or any Korean drama, really.

Often those emotions and feelings are more overtly expressed in similar series. But not here. Subtle nuances match well with the ethereal visuals.

The series also deals with the trauma of abuse and the confusion that might stem from such external influences. Clouding and throwing one’s feelings into chaos when they could be so simply and innocently experienced. Though a lot more time and focus could have been given to exploring those dynamics, especially with each family.

Still, the series opens up a profound discussion in a way I don’t think I’ve seen many Korean series do, BL or not. It really is that resonant in its execution.

The stunning cinematography is dreamy and wistful. Perfect for a series meant to be a prequel. (It is a spin-off/prequel to Unintentional Love Story.) There is a great sense of nostalgia that supports that dynamic of this being sort of an extended flashback for anyone who has seen the original series. But it is also simply a cinematic experience if you’re coming in to this series without that prior interaction.

I do I wish I could watch the movie version of the series as everything really lends itself to that feature treatment.

There are some deliberate and careful directing choices that highlight symbolism regarding the young men’s relationship. And it also helps to enhance the inner turmoil of our two leads.

Won Tae Min and Do Woo deliver absolutely breathtaking performances. The two actors portray that tender and passionate romance so well thanks to their excellent chemistry. But both actors also effortlessly use nuance and sincerity to immediately draw any viewer in to their story and this world. Helping to make you understand them every step of the way.

Really two of the very best performances I’ve enjoyed in a Korean BL production.

And to compare, this series easily outpaces the original Unintentional Love Story in almost every aspect. It is not necessary to have watched that series. But it can add a couple of missing pieces to help provide a fuller understanding of their relationship. And even better if you watch that series after experiencing this one.

Overall, The Time of Fever is a stunningly profound experience. One of the best and most complete Korean BL productions so far. And simply, one of the best Korean dramas period.