A Step Forward in Danmei

The story remained true to the novel which is something that many fans will appreciate. However, one of the significant drawbacks was the portrayal of the non-consensual scenes. Instead of addressing these moments with the seriousness they deserve, they were romanticized, which is misleading. This aspect could have been handled more sensitively to provide a more responsible portrayal of such themes.

On the brighter side, the performances by the actors were amazing, the chemistry among the cast was good which contributed to the authenticity of the adaptation and despite being constrained by a limited production budget, the creative team managed to deliver a visually compelling project.

This adaptation represents a promising direction for the genre. It successfully incorporated Chinese actors and culturally relevant elements, setting a new benchmark for future projects. It’s encouraging to see a production that respects the source material in the DANMEI world so I think while there are areas that require more careful consideration and improvement, this adaptation is a meaningful step towards creating more nuanced and culturally faithful representations of danmei literature.

Leia Mais

More Than a Romance

At first glance, people might assume it’s just another cliche about two brothers turning to lovers. But that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. This story dives into something so much deeper. It's a beautiful coming-of-age tale that explores themes like loneliness, self-discovery, love, and trauma. It goes beyond the surface and taps into the raw, messy emotions of youth. And if you're expecting a typical BL, think again—this one leaves a lasting impression.

The actors? Absolutely phenomenal. It’s rare to see characters brought to life with such honesty. You can *feel* their sadness, their quiet longing, and the unspoken connection between them. It’s like every glance, every touch is loaded with meaning. There’s a vulnerability in their performances that makes everything feel real. You don’t just watch them—you feel what they’re feeling. The pain, the joy, the hope, all of it hits hard.

And let's talk about the pacing. Yes, it’s a slow burn, but that’s the magic of it. It pulls you in with all the little moments—the fleeting touches, the stolen glances, the way they look at each other when they think no one’s watching. It’s those small, intimate details that make your heart flutter. The way their hands brush accidentally (or maybe not-so-accidentally) or the way they share these soft, lingering stares—it’s all so delicately done, and it’s beautiful.

Nothing feels rushed, and that’s what makes their relationship so special. You’re not just witnessing a romance; you’re watching it *grow*, piece by piece. And somehow, every scene between them has you completely hooked, like you’re on this emotional journey with them. It’s tender, heartwarming, and absolutely worth the wait.I

It’s not just a BL; it’s a story about finding yourself, about healing from the past and learning to trust love, even when it feels impossible.

6/12 Episodes seen.

Leia Mais

A Stunning Start

This show delivers everything you'd want from a BL series: a gripping plot, electrifying chemistry, and top-notch cinematography. The dynamic between Great and Tyme is absolutely riveting, keeping me hooked and excited for each episode. It's especially refreshing to see Bible take on such a unique role. His flustered moments around Tyme are both amusing and heartwarming-

From the very start, it was clear that this show was something special. The concept alone is intriguing and fresh, promising a unique narrative that stands out in today's Bl's television.

Each frame is meticulously crafted, showcasing breathtaking visuals that enhance the storytelling in profound ways. The use of color, lighting, and composition is not just beautiful to look at, but it also adds depth to the story.

The plot, even in this initial episode, is incredibly engaging. It hooks you right from the beginning. The pacing is perfect, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, more introspective scenes that allow the characters to shine.

Speaking of characters, the cast is phenomenal. Each actor brings a unique energy to their role, delivering performances that are both compelling and authentic. Their chemistry is amazing, making the relationships feel real and deeply affecting, they have managed to create characters that are multidimensional and relatable, drawing you into their world effortlessly.

Leia Mais

VEGAS APOLOGIST ?

VEGAS PETE

Everything about their relationship flies in the face of all that I know is LOVE. This couple breaks into your vulnerability and turns you weak for them. They’re deeply, violently kinky, and that just does it for me, and no amount of moral's can make me doubt that what they have is real. Pete and Vegas are both people who protect their hearts, they have chains locked around their emotions so it's hard for them to define any of this. They are closed off to the world and maybe they will be each other's freedom but it starts as an understanding. Vegas is seeking validation so he doesn't want to hurt Pete because he is the only one who can provide it. He unlocks something new and exciting far from reality and beyond heaven but not hell. It's again something right but at the same time wrong. Their relationship simply can't be described in black and white. The last close-up in ep 12 is very important with Pete is smiling like he feels fulfilled about unlocking this side of him, he finally allowed his dark side to come to the surface and it's clear he feels liberated.

The dynamic between these two characters is too complex to decipher. Both of them wear professional crafted masks. Vegas is a psycho seemingly without empathy. Pete, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine with a layer of darkness underneath. Pete's desires are covered and Vegas is bringing them to the surface, we can already see that in episode 11-- he physically reacts when Vegas licks his face, his eyes close, he is shivering under vegas's tongue. Pete feels connected to Vegas because of his own childhood, they are bonding over their trauma and Vegas is reticent to connect with Pete but the chains are already tied between them both and there is no escape any more. Both Vegas and Pete will cave in irrevocably. And we can see the last drop of their self control when the hedgehog dies. Pete chooses to console him and Vegas willingly let's him. When Vegas hurts himself, Pete is finally discovering the unseen hatred he has towards himself and he tries to reason with him without success until Vegas brings his layered, cold behavior out again. He tries to lure Pete in a new game thinking he won't play along but Pete surprises him and takes the lead, easily winning. Vegas uses his body as a catalyst and it's electrifying. Their body language lays everything they feel bare for the audience to see. They are tiying the chains around them tighter, they strengthen their connection through physical attachment. An other thing I want to point out is Vegas's blood type. AB means universal receiver, he will take any love he can get because he's that starved for it and Pete's blood type is O which means universal donar, he has the capacity of loving anyone and this is a clear metaphor for the receiving dynamics and I admire the details in the show.

In the end Vegas is the one who is trapped. The same man who likes to be ahead of everyone, who is calculated enough to over do everyone, simply doesn't know what to do anymore. He is scared. He is actually afraid of the consequences because it'll all be like a chain reaction. He is the vulnerable one despite being free, he may not have physical restraints but I assure you his head is in a cage.

Now compared to the novel, their story seems to go faster than the speedlight, it's extremely rushed and I don't think that what they have is anything rational to begin with. To me it seems like they developed an emotional support that they gradually got addicted to. Vegas is layered with so much affection but there is an unabashed violence to this because of his trauma as for Pete, he seems to free himself into chains, he was masked with this fake appearance his entire life and now Vegas undressed him, leaving his dark side exposed and Pete can finally be himself. Vegas is the other way around, he can be evil when he pleases but his sensitivity must be hidden from the world, with Pete he is able to let it out. They are literally like Yin and Yang. They need each other for balance. Pete needs Vegas to be dark and Vegas needs Pete to be light. It's not love, it's balance.

The scene where Pete was "eating" the ramyeon and breaks down crying reminded me that he is alone, no one really knows him beside Vegas.

Vegas and Pete can't kill each other because if one of them dies, the other will crumble. If one of them is hurt the other one will shatter in pain. That's why Pete couldn't pull the trigger.

They honestly broke my heart, together & individually.

Also can we talk about the tenderness with which vegas treats Pete in the moments where he lets himself be vulnerable? He looks at Pete like he's the most precious thing he's ever laid his eyes on, he touches him as if he was a fragile treasure that was too frail to break. Especially when he comes down from his anger and suddenly turns into a little puppy, you see his eyes change and you realize he is guided by his feelings for Pete.

Honestly, even though their story is going faster than expected it surprises me how a few episodes managed to get me this invested, the writers are following through with all the angst and twisted devotion between them and it's truly gratifying to watch. I think the development was carefully done and rightfully so because it's a very complex story and I’m so happy both characters have been given adequate time to process their individual trauma and desires.

KINNPORSCHE

Porsche and Chay display their affection through physical service act of service, their care is established properly and visibly. And for kinn is the exact opposite, within his family It's always the small details that covey their feelings. They are used to different environments and I think it's important, kinn's perspective on what " caring " means is very different in contrast to what it means for Porsche, they are different but somehow the same and I loved to see their journey together, they balance each other out so well. They ended the season trusting each other, going through various extreme situations together, fighting together, keeping their mutual attraction. They had time to built their relationship, they were cared by the creators and it shows, nothing was rushed and it was all perfectly executed.

KIMCHAY

The power imbalance between them is more celebrity/fan. For most of their relationship, Chay has seen Kim through rose-colored glasses. Because Chay was obsessed with the celebrity, there’s still a lot to be discovered with their relationship and their feelings together. But there is definitely a change in control now compared to how it started, and I’m interested to see how it will evolve in season 2.

ACTING

I'll give a special row of lines to Build. Those screams are just so raw and extremely convincing. He truly made me believe his pain is real. Bible was so great with Vegas as well, I was shocked to find out how introverted and shy he is in real life, I have deep respect for them. Bible sells it at every moment, he is magnificent in his role. For every one of Pete’s panicked, despaired looks, Vegas returns an equally unsettling one, their dynamic on set is actually mindblowing. Vegas is such a convincing manipulator, he is a master minded psychopath and it’s hard to distinguish him. We see Vegas's eyes seizing Pete, analyzing him with each stare and there’s a degree of arrogance there as if he's trying to be superior when in reality he's inferior. The way they both observe with the details of their eyes is immaculate. They are delivering.

Mile and apo's friendship is so authentic and real compared to so, so many actors and musicians and other entertainers who work together and claim to be close, but these two seem incredibly bonded and their connection is brought onto the screen which makes their acting even more phenomenal, their chemistry feels natural and it's easy to watch them without cringing one bit.

Jeff and barcode managed to steal my breath for each 5 minutes of the little screen time they had, with such a short amount of time they succeed to convey so many emotions and draw the audience so deep within their story.

OVERALL

I can only describe this show as vulnerable -- It was done so tastefully and grounded in humanity. It was sexy yes, but it was fragile. It was immaculate accompanied by the perfect scenery and an outstanding cinematography, watching their love bloom was so heart wrenching but evenly so beautiful.

ON A SIDE NOTE

The fantasy is aimed at the people who are mature enough to see it for what it is, and to distinguish between the morality and ethics of real life and those of a immoral fictional universe, if anyone is questioning the series based on the representation of a healthy relationship then you shouldn't watch it.

Leia Mais

Heartbreaking.

Bible has once again demonstrated his exceptional acting prowess. His performance was both profoundly moving and beautifully executed, capturing the depths of emotion in a way that was both heart-wrenching and compelling. Jes, although less familiar to me, also delivered an outstanding performance. His experience and talent were evident in every scene. In just 20 minutes of screen time, they managed to convey a love story that was both powerful and deeply affecting.

From my perspective, the story revolves around a love between two people, one who loved too much and one who loved too little. Garn was ready to give everything to Tul, and he did so, loving Tul with all his heart until his last breath. Tul, on the other hand, chose a path dictated by societal expectations, opting for a wife and child. He did not regret his choice, but he did wish that his love for Garn had been strong and courageous enough to match Garn's devotion.

This narrative explores the contrast between Garn's selfless love and Tul's conflicted emotions, torn between his genuine affection for Garn and his desire for societal acceptance. Garn's love was unwavering and all-encompassing, while Tul's love, though real, was constrained by his fear of judgment. The performances of Bible and Jes brought this complex and poignant story to life.

They both did amazing. ꨄ

Leia Mais

Although I'm not usually drawn to political dramas, this particular show managed to captivate my attention from start to finish. The romantic aspect of the plot was a bit slow-paced, but it was executed beautifully and left me feeling emotionally invested in the characters. Speaking of which, I found myself loving every single one of them, even the second main leads who I typically don't care for in other shows. This series truly made them all so endearing and likable.

Leia Mais

The story was heartwarming and it unfolded beautifully without any unnecessary theatrics. While it may not be my usual cup of tea, I found myself enjoying it nonetheless. It was a good binge-watch, but I don't think I would revisit it. Overall, it was a sweet and simple romance that left me feeling content.

Leia Mais

I found the show to be quite adorable. However, I must admit that the plot did not leave a lasting impression on me. Nevertheless, what truly captivated me and kept me glued to the screen was the undeniable chemistry between the main leads. It was simply breathtaking and left me in awe. The way they interacted with each other was truly remarkable and made the show all the more enjoyable.

Leia Mais

The initial episodes of the series were filled with excitement and intrigue, captivating my attention from the very beginning. The plot was fresh and innovative, introducing unique twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed and their motivations were clear, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys.

However, as the story progressed, I couldn't help but notice a decline in originality. The once unpredictable plot began to rely heavily on cliches and tropes, making it easy to anticipate what would happen next. This lack of creativity was disappointing, as I had hoped for more surprises and unexpected developments.

One aspect that particularly let me down was the chemistry between the two lead actors. While Perth delivered a commendable performance, effectively conveying his character's emotions with conviction, Chimon's portrayal fell short. Despite his acting abilities, I found myself unable to feel the spark or love between the two characters. Their interactions lacked the intensity and authenticity that I had hoped for, leaving me feeling disconnected from their supposed romance.

In my opinion, Chimon needs to work on his romantic acting skills. While he may excel in other areas, his ability to convey deep emotions and create a believable connection with his co-star needs improvement. With more practice and guidance, I believe he has the potential to deliver a more convincing performance in future projects.

Overall, while the initial episodes of the series were impressive and left me wanting more, the decline in originality and lack of chemistry between the lead actors ultimately left me feeling disappointed.

Leia Mais

The bromance depicted in this series was nothing short of deep and beautiful. Despite the constraints of censorship, the creators managed to capture the essence of the romance between the main leads with incredible subtlety and finesse. Through nuanced gestures, meaningful glances, and tender moments, they conveyed the profound connection between the characters in a way that was both touching and heartfelt.

Watching the final episode of this series left me with a profound sense of emptiness and sadness. It's as if saying goodbye to dear friends whom I've grown to cherish over the course of the show. Already, I find myself missing the characters deeply, wishing for just a bit more time in their world.

The actors delivered such incredible performances, bringing the characters to life in a way that felt genuine and heartfelt. Their portrayal of emotions was so captivating that I found myself completely immersed in their journey, feeling every joy and sorrow alongside them.

Leia Mais

The show had a promising start, with an intriguing premise and engaging characters that drew me in. However, as the plot progressed, I found myself losing interest and becoming increasingly disengaged. By the middle of the season, I was struggling to stay invested in the story and found myself checking my phone more often than paying attention to the screen.

Despite my waning interest, I continued watching, hoping that the show would recapture the spark that had initially drawn me in. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and as the final few episodes played out, I found myself skipping through scenes and fast-forwarding to the end.

Leia Mais

It had a great balance of humor and heart, making it an easy-going and enjoyable experience. The actors truly shined in their roles, especially Chan's character. While some viewers criticized his immaturity and lack of respect for Yul's boundaries, it's important to remember that Chan is only 20 years old and experiencing his first crush. While his actions may not have been perfect, they were true to his character and age. Additionally, Chan showed immense respect for Yul's dreams and never held him back, despite his own feelings. Overall, this show was a sweet and funny journey that left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Leia Mais