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 Spanish movie, which before it started, I thought would be interesting with an interesting title like this. After watching the movie, I realized that it was interesting in bits and parts but the main crux was somehow lost on the movie.Dona Herlinda is this rich woman whose son Rodolfo is a doctor and is a closet gay. Though there have been instances when Dona realizes that Rodolfo is gay and has seen him fooling around with his ex boyfriends but purposely ignores everything. Rodolfo is in love with Ramon and they go out together often. Dona likes Ramon and enjoys his company. Dona is desperately trying to fix Rodolfo with a girl though she knows that there is something special between the 2 men. After months, Dona invites Ramon to live with them. Initially hesitant, he moves in because his place is rally small. Slowly he realizes that his moving in was more for Dona Herlinda's company rather than him being with Rodolfo. Slowly Rodolfo starts getting cozy with this girl Olga whom Dona wants Rodolfo to marry. Giving into his mother's wish Rodolfo decides to marry Olga. Ramon is heartbroken but he deeply loves Rodolfo and so does Rodolfo. He learns to live with it. Rodolfo and Olga move out of the mother's house and Ramon still stays back with Dona Herlinda. The life goes on. the couple has baby. Rodolfo and Ramon occasionally have their flings and they are still in love with each other. Rodolfo and Olga are living happy. And Dona Herlinda has got another son in form of Ramon even after Rodolfo has moved out after marriage.
It was interesting to see how like most moms, even after watching Rodolfo and Ramon making out, she completely ignores it hoping that Rodolfo will someday marry and have kids too. But it was heartwarming to see that she was very loving and caring for Ramon as well. Although there was a selfish motive behind all that because she never wanted to left alone by herself. And the way they ended left me asking for more. Why does Ramon deal with all this. Its not common to see someone love the other person as much as to sacrifice his own love and personal wishes. Although I must admit, it was something very nice.
An overall decent exposure and this film with a tighter screenplay can be made into a very well feature. (6/10)
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