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...
Its time I think to start reviewing some short films. My first short film barely lasting 13 minutes, but it was very impressive. The story is simple, well edited and to the point.
Darren and Connor are 2 star crossed lovers bound by blood. They are brothers. Right from first scene where Darren saves Connor in swimming pool as a kid, we realize that they share a special relationship. Film progresses to present day and the boys find themselves struggling for emotions and love they feel for each other. They realize that the world is never going to understand the love that they share. The ending just breaks your heart. Their parents find out and Daren and Connor run away form home. They know they can't live without each other and the world would never understand their relationship. They commit suicide. I guess the message that the director tried to tell was that love can come in the most unexpected ways. Connor and Darren love story is sweet, tender and sad, oh so sad, but not a bad kind of sadness. One might be putt off by the idea of incest but if you need to be open minded and try to appreciate the love when you feel it. Honest acting, it never felt amateurish. I had no idea short films could be this interesting. Now I wish someone would make a feature version of this.
Definitely worth a watch. I am glad this was my first short gay film. (7/10)
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