I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
Another one of those movies, which have a good script but then probably they are not the best to adapt in a full length feature film. I would say that the subject would have been good for a short feature or even a play but here was nothing much to show in terms of a full length film. Though I would repeat that premise and story had potential in it.Joe, a former professional baseball player is married to Mary for convenience. Both are in denial of their sexuality plus both need this marriage. Joe for professional reasons and Mary, so that she does not have to bear the brunt of her mother. The home they live is shown very weird with everything covered with plastic. I still don't understand what was the whole idea behind it. Anyways, Mary's best friend Aura is visiting them who happens to be a lesbian and in college days Mary and Aura had a thing for each other. Meanwhile Joe gets involved in extra marital affair with Thomas, a guy whom he called for estimation of his backyard work. Mary gets paranoid when she learns about it because she desperately needs this marriage. On the other hand when Aura and Mary realize they love each other, Aura asks her to leave everything to be with her but Mary refuses because of odd reasons. Ultimately Mary realizes that everyone needs to be happy in life and just pretending to be happy by being someone she is not is neither helping her nor Joe. Ultimately Joe gets with Thomas and Aura and Mary are together.
There was not drama or anything in the movie. Simple movie, very basic characters and minimal stress. Thats the reason I say there was more potential in making it a short feature.
OK movie. My ratings are more for story potential rather than the film itself. (5.5/10)
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