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...
Shane has just graduated from high school and is looking forward to college in Toronto. BUt his plans go for a toss when his sister commits suicide. The mother almost takes to bed in grief, loses her job and the entire family is falling apart. Its fully onto Shane to support them both and find money for repairs. Not only there are lack of financial opportunities but it turns out that he is gay and there is no way that his traditional community will understand and accept it. David, his boyfriend, is also in closet and is unsure about leaving the town to go to Toronto with Shane. To keep up the appearances, Shane has a girlfriend Tara, who is more than happy to go with him. We see how youngsters in this town are struggling. David and Shane fight and come back together often. One such night Tara sees them kissing and is shocked. In a drunken state, she tells that to one other guy who eventually rapes her. Ashamed she also commits suicide. Somehow Shane's mother pushes herself to snap out of her grief when police comes looking for Shane as a suspect. She, together with David's grandmother, decide they will do what's best for the two boys and do everything in their power to make Shane go to college.
David and Shane as a couple were interesting. It was hard to say whether they loved each other or were they in love. I mean, given neither of them knew anyone gay in town, its easier to find comfort in each other. Surely, they cared; but family responsibilities prevent them from thinking about themselves. And this has probably to do with their culture where you just dont abandon family. The film moves at a slow-ish pace but the acting by all principal actors is amazing. Shane is amazing and he looks good too. Portraying the gut-wrenching desperation of what life must be like in a depressed community with no jobs and no hope for betterment is not an easy job to take and do justice to it without being biased. I commend the makers to choose a difficult subject. That said, the film is a bit dark, there is no light moments or even hope for a better future (well, there is; but not really).
I have a feeling this film may not be for everyone. Showing compassion and despair in the aboriginal community in Canada, the film somehow resonated with me at least at some level. It's a sensitive portrayal of people at cross roads with respect to family, ambitions, love, responsibilities and there is no easy option or result irrespective of what they choose. (6/10)
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