My DNA Says I Love You (2022)

It's Actually Very Well Done, a reccommended watch!

This is a genuinely good story. From what I've seen in comments and such, I think there was a bad translation or some people misunderstood Amber's condition But if you watch a good translation and also if you understand Amber's condition, I think only then can this story really be appreciated. Here's my breakdown;

THE GOOD;
- The acting is great, the chemistry is great, no complaints about anyone. Not about the friendships or pairings.
- The pace for this was GREAT. Some people said it was slow but I disagree. The topic of this series was not something where the main couple needed to fall in love in a heartbeat. It would have been unfitting. I was very glad there was no abrupt or premature romantic physical interaction. This story included a pretty complicated situation and it was handled well.
- Original story idea in this genre, very refreshing. I admit I started to figure out Amber's situation around episode 5, the hints they were dropping were not that small after all, but yet it was still quite subtle in its own way.
- Overall music and atmosphere of the show was suitable.

I have no 'BAD' or 'UGLY' to mention, so I will just address;
THE SHORTFALL;
- It was not explained well enough that Amber is intersex. In the translation I watched, Amber explains to Yu-He that he 'was always male' and that he was born with a 'chromosome abnormality'. To me, this made it obvious he was intersex-genetically male, but in general, it doesn't explain much to a general audience. Even though some people would know what he meant, I think the show would have benefited from explaining it to all viewers more clearly.
I think though, that maybe they kept it vague because explaining too technically would have ruined the atmosphere of the show for some, so it was a double edged sword in that way.

It's barely a shortfall though, because I still thoroughly enjoyed this. I was feeling feels, especially in episode 11, man. Damn.

Side note about Amber for anyone who wants to read:
Amber was born intersex-genetically male, which means he was likely born with ambiguous genitalia which appeared more female than male. In the show he says 'I have a chromosome abnormality which was why I looked like a girl'. I think he was not referring to his outward appearance of dresses and long hair, he was referring to something more specific. So after being examined by doctors as a child, they probably realized the outside didn't match the inside (i.e; genitalia appeared more female but internally he was male). He also says something about learning how to be a real male, so I assume the 'treatment' he underwent likely referred to the process (both mental and physical) of making his genetic male sex status more predominant, since he'd been raised as a girl for several years.
For more info, if your interested, Google 46,XY DSD.

This is a good show, I'd enjoy a sequel if they make one, but it's fine as it is.

Leia Mais

This was such a refreshing change of pace from the bulk of BL dramas out there. It was a nice twist on the childhood friends - to - lovers trope that felt new yet comforting in its familiarity at the same time. It was also a great dynamic having the third friend in the mix to show the evolution of feelings and how the friendships differ from each other (platonic love to romantic love to unrequited love) and how they compared to the past verses the present.

The flow of the story was a little weird although I can't say it was bad.. just a little confusing. From the very start, we see a potential car accident so right off the bat, it is hinting at a tragic conclusion. We are made to believe it will become even more tragic over the course of the series as we see Amber's clear affection for Le but his reluctance to say anything out of fear. This would be a quintessential "secret crush" story if it weren't for the added depth of Amber actually being Wen Wen whom Le has always been in love with and had been waiting for to return. We see this through a series of flashbacks though the truth of Amber's identity is not actually revealed until pretty late into the series so unless someone read a detailed synopsis or spoilers, it may not make much sense. Maybe they did this to encourage multiple viewings so that we see it in a different light, who knows? But again, I didn't find it to be bad, just strange. It was as if they wanted people to already know the big plot twist before it actually happened.

I was very happy to see that they could create a drama without needing a "villain" or someone coming in to try and mess with the MC. There was a little bit of a hint of that with Yu He but I thought her journey was very realistic and very well executed that you couldn't help but feel bad for her. She never once tried to get in their way but she was honest about how her feelings were torn between being happy to find out Wen Wen was back yet knowing it all but demolished any chance she may have had with Le. Oh, and her brother is ultimate BF material... she's sitting there crying and alone and he just puts on music and gives her cake while he listens to her pour her heart out. Sometimes, that's all we need.. an ear to listen to us while we eat cake.

I honestly didn't understand the purpose of the car accident.. I mean, there was barely a scratch on Amber so why make us think it's going to be much worse than it is if it was barely a blip on the radar when it actually happened?

But that's probably my biggest gripe with the series. I knew going into it that it would be a slow burn which I generally do not prefer. But it definitely worked here and made sense. Also, honestly, that was probably the most satisfying kiss I'd ever seen.. not so much the kiss itself but just the fact that it FINALLY happened. 12 episodes of tension and buildup ultimately get released and it's like letting out a breath that's been held in for way too long. Then from that point on, it was seriously adorable.. I liked how they showed them as normal friends at the end with the flirty undertone. They were just so comfortable with each other after all that uncertainty throughout.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect with the synopsis I'd read somewhere else but I'm so glad I watched this series and would certainly recommend it to anyone. Truly beautiful and enjoyable watch.

Leia Mais

Really slow start, but totally worth it

Like others might say about DNA Says Love you, the beginning of the series is extremely slow and honestly the first episode, if not the first two episodes are completely skippable. Since they mostly drag on and add no real substance to the plot or characters aside from establishing the childhood friend Wen Wen and that the main character is essentially a YouTuber. The only other flaw I could really say about this show was that the side couple felt both rushed and forced with their mini arch within the series.

However, its after the slow beginning that the series really starts to pick it up. Not only is the "twist" behind who Amber really is and why they've been away for so long extremely unique, but it helps to add real depth and heavy stakes with how they interact with their old childhood friends. It's not just Amber themselves who shine in this BL. All of the characters each have their own moment in the spotlight. Their relationships with one another seeming only the most of genuine and heartfelt, and only the most endearing. Even Yu He as a female character has a small arch of growth when she gets over her feelings for Le. Something I feel lacks in many BL shows as these female characters tend to fall into the mad with jealousy trope.

DNA Says Love You is not only strong with its characters but its plot and directing as well. With what has to be one of my favorite scenes in any form of media being the park scene. Where both Le and Yu He, now grown adults, ask a ten years older and now male Wen Wen/Amber to take their picture on a see-saw not recognizing them. The way Amber begins to break down after, confirming that it would be basically impossible for them to have the friendship they once did with their old friends will always pull at my heartstrings when I think about it. The music in the scene as well is absolutely phenomenal and did not help to stop the waterworks.

Overall, I would most definitely recommend DNA Says Love You to anyone who values a slow burn and is willing to wait out the boring parts at the beginning for an exceptional story to begin around midway through. And especially for those who enjoy the childhood friends trope but are looking for something new/different and an added twist.

Leia Mais

Well, the series production wasn't that good BUT I loved the fact that they talked about something more than a "gay couple", asexuality is something that isn't talked about enough, and this series shows it in the most beautiful way they could.

I think it's too much history for such short series and that's why everything seems so rushed. Le Chien felt in love out of nowhere I don't really like that.
Amber was an amazing character, he had so much consideration for Le Chien and Yu He that he ever forgot abput himself and his mental health.

Overall it's cute and easy to see, as I said before it also spreads awareness to different types of LGBTQ+ people.

Leia Mais

Unpredictable and really good

This series has definitely turned out to be one of the very well made BLs out there. It has a very different and interesting plot which has never been explored before. The script is solid.
Loved the cast- the adults and the kids. They all were exceptionally good at portraying their roles.
The story really travels through the story of a lost and found relationship and how some drastic things affected their bonds. It also has a faint supernatural undertone, but it is so subtle and a charming element for the story.
First episode is a bit confusing as to what we are heading into, but its totally worth a watch or more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Leia Mais

Unique plot but only average acting

The best thing about “DNA Says Love You” is the unique and original plot. Although I wouldn’t say the drama is full of unexpected plot twists and it’s actually somewhat predictable, I enjoy the writing and the introduction of the mysterious Amber. The characters are college students, but I am glad that this is not a college drama. Friendship plays a central theme in this drama, and there are some fun and solid friendships and banter.

However, I was actually not very interested in the first couple episodes. I did not like the unnatural acting of Lukas Huang, who plays ML Pu Le Chien (Ah Le). I also find the general acting of Lin Wei Jie and Tannie Huang a little over-the-top, but that’s probably because Taiwanese acting is a little hit-or-miss for me. I did get used to it after a while but as a whole, it’s just OK acting. With the introduction of Erek Lin’s character, Amber, the story picks up its pace. I like Erek’s acting more than others, probably because his character is not as loud, and his acting needs to be more subtle.

Once Amber comes into the picture, the plot moves a lot better for me. I enjoy how he’s welcomed into the circle of friends, and how he really gets close to Ah Le. I think viewers slowly find out the identity of this mysterious Amber. I enjoy seeing how the friendship/romance develops but do think it’s too fast for Ah Le to go from realizing his feelings and to falling head over heels within 15 minutes of screen time. I wish there’s more time for his realization to set in, for him to ponder and agonize over it a little more. The last four episodes are emotional and really touching, and definitely better than the first four episodes.

The secondary romance could have been written better. They have so much screen time in the beginning and then disappear after their subplot is over. I thought they left town already but they haven’t.

The OST only has four songs but I like them, especially the three slower ones: 決定我愛你, 蝴蝶 Butterfly, and 曖昧關係 Ambiguity. I added all three to my Spotify playlist. ?

Despite not being a big fan of everyone’s acting, I do recommend you to check it out for its unique plot and lovely songs. There are only 12 thirty-minute episodes and it is an easy and quick watch.


Completed: 5/7/2024 - Review #437

Leia Mais

AHH this was so cute ?

I know, this drama was a little confusing and slow the first 1-2 episodes but STICK WITH IT! I was originally watching Plus & Minus (another Taiwanese BL) and ended up dropping that halfway through episode 8 ? then I started this and at first, I was kind of confused and you could definitely tell they didn't have the highest budget ? however, the dynamic between Amber & A'Le is so freaking cute. Their chemistry is insane and DAMN, they can ACT. This show is so wholesome and attacked me with the PERFECT amount of angst. Despite the shorter runtime, nothing felt rushed and everything felt genuinely built up and developed. I loved it. Even the arguments, emotional scenes, and points of conflict were so well executed. I can't gush enough about this bl.

The main twist wasn't a shocker to me (I guessed as much in the first episode) however, I don't believe they wanted it to be completely hidden. *SPOILER WARNING* Even though I typically hate lying or hidden identity as a main trope, it was completely understandable in this case. Plus, I appreciated the development between the two leads as they are now--before the secret is revealed. *END OF SPOILER*

Another think I loved was the soundtrack! It was SO GOOD. At times, it was slightly too loud in certain scenes but other than that, I loved the music and how it was utilised.

I also just have to say that the actor who plays Amber did an amazing job. He was, for sure, the standout among the cast and probably had the toughest role to execute.

Anyway, I seriously recommend giving this bl a solid chance!

Leia Mais

A good storyline, with very good characters

I really enjoyed watching this series. In part, because of the originality of the story. There isn't another bl out there that is quite like this one. It's not just the story of two boys falling in love, but also of three friends and how they come back together and accept one another for who they are.

I do agree with other reviews that say parts might be slow, but I liked the pace better than some that feel rushed. The two male characters have a great connection, and you can really see the emotion of which one likes the other first, and then how the feelings start to grow between both of them.

The female friend in the series is a smart, likeable character who just wants her friends to be happy, the background music is ok and fits the scenes, the photography is pretty good, overall, I think this is a nice, refreshing series that will leave you with good feelings and little to criticize. Give it try and don't give up on the slow parts.

Leia Mais

Don't judge this series by the first three episodes

When I started this series, I was slightly put off by the first two episodes that I literally stopped watching it. Then I had a lull as the other series that I were watchng were ending. So, I told myself 'Time to resume watching this again.' And, again, I wasn't that impressed qith episode three but I have NDD (no dropping disease) and I continued on. By continuing on...the series improved drastically that I was finally up to date with episodes and eagerly awaiting each week for the remainig ones.

Story-8.5/10
I didn't expect it to but the story was beautiful and well told (except for those beginning episodes for me personally). From the main characters to the secondary characters (especially Pu Le Chien's mom!), I feel in love with the uniqueness of the story and while there are some parts that didn't impress me, they are very small. So, for that, I'm giving it an 8.5.

Acting/Cast-9/10
I love everyone's acting so much. They conveyed thier emotions so well and was able to give an excellent and beautiful story. This was done from the main characters to even the secondary characters. As such, I give a 9.

Music-10/10
The music is and will forever be beautiful. I loved listening to it when I watched every episode. I wil truly miss it.

Rewatch Valu -8/10
Because of it's ending, I do see myself watching it again soon. This series was in all honesty, not what I was expecting it to be. And in this case, that's good. Because it exceeded all my expectations.

Overall- 9/10
Overall I give this series a 9. I know that the first few episodes can seem daunting and you maybe considering dropping this series. But please believe me when I say that it does get better and that you should continue watching it. I would most definitely recommend this series.

Leia Mais

Beautiful

In a world where people come and go, it is already beautiful to have met people who have given you long-lasting memories. The story progresses, from fun, regular living, and continues as they show a lovely friendship and you see a romance on its way to get fulfilled. Life happens for everyone. But if you can stay true and cherish what is important, may be there is a way for it all to come together eventually. And isn't that beautiful.. when life reinforces the love you have for all the important people in your life?

There may have been technicalities, but this story has a whole lot of heart. The acting fit the characters. It's not very well-rounded on the details I feel, and can come off amateurish at times but since it delivers alright on whatever is relevant to the plot, this can well be ignored.

Leia Mais

Thoughtful New Topic, Great Ep 9-12.

It starts off weakly and builds really slowly, but at the same time I want to encourage people to watch it because it's a thought-provoking queer story and the romance is beautiful!

The last 3rd of the series (Ep 9-12) was a gem! The first 2/3rds were mostly slow, sometimes boring, and with an annoying secondary couple. The episodes are only 20-30 mins though so it was bearable with some fast-forwarding. Ep 9-12 were more tightly written, thoughtful and insightful, well acted, and extremely emotional.

The series sensitively explores a topic I've never seen in a show before. I knew beforehand what that topic was and my curiosity about that character, and the way he was well-acted, kept me watching through the first 2/3rds, and I'm really glad that I did! The last 1/3 was both heart-wrenching and heart-warming and ended very satisfyingly.

The cinematography was beautiful at times and the music was ok but not memorable.

TOPIC SPOILER and explanation below.

I know that translation can be difficult when there aren't exact matches for words, but I think 2 things are worth mentioning.
1) The English translators use the term "disease" when it isn't one; "condition" would have been more appropriate.
2) They didn't actually use the term intersex anywhere so I would have been a lot more confused with Amber's brief explanation if I hadn't read it in spoilers beforehand!

It's obvious to the audience early on that Amber has some kind of connection with Wen Wen, the childhood friend of Le Chien and Yu He. I had trouble getting into the series but the reviews were so passionate about it that I intentionally read some spoilers and learned that the character Amber is intersex. Intersex people genetically have both male and female chromosomes and often some combination of male and female internal reproductive organs and external genitalia. This is sometimes not noticeable until a child reaches puberty and their body starts to develop differently than expected. That's why Amber and his family thought he was female until puberty (genetic gender and gender identity are different things.)

The magnitude of what Amber and his family had to navigate mentally and socially, and how it effects his friends too, is really eye-opening and thought-provoking.

Side note: I strongly disliked how Yu He handled the information over time, but it's realistic too; I'm sure there would be some people who would make the same decisions in the situation she was in. I personally had a hard time forgiving her though.

I'm really glad I stuck it out and watched the whole thing; I feel that overall it was time well spent.

Leia Mais