On the surface this looks like your typical university rivals to lovers setup, and honestly it is, but it's such a beautifully put together story about two guys who are clearly meant to end up together but can't find the nerve to admit it. It really nails that terrifying, electric, heart aching feeling that comes with first love. A lot of that comes down to how naturally it's executed, the strong character work, and a cast that really brings the whole thing to life. This Chinese - Hong Kong co-production runs 8 episodes, each about 35 to 45 minutes. Yu Lei and Chen Ke are our two leads, and their story kicks off when they move into the same dorm at a new university. Chen Ke's an experienced piano player, and the university president, who happens to be Yu Lei's older cousin, pays him extra attention. Both guys are top students, and Yu Lei throws himself into competing with him relentlessly, until he realizes the jealousy he's feeling isn't about his cousin at...
Even though this film is something like 30 years old at this point, so much of it still feels weirdly relevant today. Gay relationships still get messy, people still hide things from each other, couples still carry their own insecurities, and balancing love with sex is still a real struggle. The movie basically follows three couples, or something close to couples, who head out to the countryside together for a weekend. Right from the start we get quick intros to all three pairs. First up are Paul and Ben, together for five years now, though things between them aren't great at the moment. Paul's been on edge lately, especially since losing his brother, and this whole weekend trip is actually meant to celebrate his birthday. Then there's Matt and Owen, who only met three months ago, with Matt already convinced he's found the one and asking Owen to move in with him, while Owen just feels smothered and a little too loved for comfort. And finally there's Will and Adam, w...