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...
This film was short and touching. I watched it with my boyfriend and he was really touched by it. The film reminded me of another film that I recently saw in terms of a guy trying to mend relations with the mom of his estranged lover. Cal is an upcoming writer in New York who falls in love with Andre, an aspiring actor. Andre's mother knowing everything still fails to acknowledge that Andre is gay. When she visits to NY from Texas, Andre has to go for an audition forcing her to spend sometime with Cal. She has a hard time dealing with her son's relationship and lifestyle, despite Cal's efforts to become her friend. Andre's grandmother on the other hand is more accepting but her daughter is intransigent in her disapproval. Andre finally falls prey to Aids which further creates rift between Cal and Andre. It kills Cal to see that Andre's mother still would not acknowledge him and maybe blame him for what happened. After the funeral, an emotional outburst from Cal forces Andre's mother to finally look and accept that her son was different and she needs to appreciate the love he shared.
Decent acting by lead cast, the film focussed very much on its theme. There were no unnecessary side plots. Cal's desperation was very evident in trying to make Andre's mother accept him as well as her own son for what he is. Unfortunately by the time it happens, it is too late.
Heart touching and a warm film. (5.5/10)
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