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...
Beautiful, refreshing, wonderful and touching are the words that I will use to describe the movie. Coming out of the stereotypical gay movies, this movie deals with some of the most practical challenges one has in life, be it gay or straight. Most importantly it talks about importance of family, the sacrifices you make for them and how things can be made to work if you really love and respect the people around you.Zack lives with his sister Jeanie and nephew Cody whom he loves more than anything. He was forced to give up his dream of art school and support his sister (whose husband left her). He genuinely loves Cody and wants everything best for him. But life has something else in store for him. Zack's best friend Gabe's older brother Shaun comes to town. They start hanging out together because both of them are crazy about surfing. Zack is struggling to keep his relationship with his girlfriend Tory. During this time Zack and Shaun start building relationship. Zack is confused and is torn between hat he wants in life versus what he should do as his responsibilities. He genuinely cares and loves Shaun but is afraid to do anything because it would mean shying away from his responsibilities towards Jeanie and Cody. Meanwhile it is shown how he is trying to best to keep everything in place. Gabe finds out about Shaun and Zack and is completely supportive of it. But Zack can't handle it anymore. He freaks out and breaks up. But he is restless. Meanwhile Shaun applies in the art school for Zack and he gets in. This time he genuinely wants to go but he cannot. Jeanie wants to move to Portland with her boyfriend who does not want Cody. Zack is ready to live with Cody but only if Jeanie agrees that they would be living with Shaun. They promise to make things work between them. Things end well.
The story seems simple but the way it is directed is beautiful. The way Zack is struggling to balance between his aspirations and responsibilities is amazing. It kind of reminded me to a level of my personal life. I respect the fact that Zack wanted everything best for COdy and the way he reacts when Jeanie's boyfriend snubs at Cody. One more thing that I admired was when Gabe says that he will still be best buddies with Zack irrespective of whatever.
Small things can make a movie a wonder to watch. Go for it. Definitely. (8/10)
Comments
The fact that you rated this movie an 8, makes me realize how personal & differently peoples respond to film. I find three of the four movies ranked higher to be inferior to this superb film. Your review also fails to mention the excellent visuals & soundtrack.
The good thing is we all love movies :)
Actually one of the first one I saw, and it made me want to see a lot more gay movies.
Mainly because it's a simple, guenuine feel good movie (when many gay films are over dramatized...), with a lot of sweet romantic moments but never syrury.
I love to watch it every now and then. The last scene with the "family" playing on the beach keeps me smiling everytime. You can see that some time has past, and they are still very happy together. I feel this this is something you rarely get to see actually.
I love your blog btw. It's a "go to" for me whenever considering a movie. Thanks for all your hard work -- and for the longterm commitment you've given to the sometimes thankless task of informing the faceless masses via the web. xx
I truly liked this film and hope more and more people it, along with mu favourite 'Big Eden'.
You know, I saw Big Eden, like, back around 2001-2002 and didn't love it. It's been on a million lists since then which has had me thinking that I should see it again. Thanks for the recommendation.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2473718/
Meanwhile, yes please, do watch Big Eden again. I have seen it like 5 times and have cried every single time in that one scene that I talk about in my blog !!