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...
Focus of the story is two 18-year old best friends Han Tae Joo and Gang Gook. Han Tae Joo is the sole heir of their family run business, so his parents keep him under strict surveillance. Gang Gook is not only his closest confidant but also his bodyguard. He is something of a tough guy, with a powerful physique and a no-nonsense attitude. The family tries to keep Han Tae Joo's lineage a secret for safety purposes. Although Han Tae Joo has dated a few girls, Gang Gook has not and when finally one girl shows interest in him, Han Tae Joo pushes him to go it. But very soon Han Tae Joo realizes that his feelings for Gang Gook are not just for friendship. He is jealous to see Gang Gook with a girl and his long suppressed emotions take the better off him and in a fight he tries to kiss Gang Gook who hides his feelings. When the family finds this out, they beat up Gang Gook, fire him from his job and force Han Tae Joo to go to England for studies. The two boys meet three years later, back in their town, hoping to restart where they left off.
First thing that you realize after watching the show is what an amazing chemistry the two boys share. They both are in almost every scene and they light up the screen. Its hard to say who is better because both of them do full justice to what's asked of them. Secondly, the production quality of this series is very high. Sharp locations, wonderful acting and great direction. It's obvious that the two men probably have feelings for each other as more than friends but neither is willing to make the first movie. There are few scenes like, when Han Tae Joo touches someone else's ears or when Gang Gook takes the girl for a date which showcase their emotional connect with one another. The boys and character graphs by the script is just wonderful. The girl and her mother who runs a restaurant add to some comical moments in the series. But ultimately it's the magic of the 2 boys, every moment they share, the bed they share, their fighting, cooking, walking, talking; its all really really good. Needless to say that both of them are extremely beautiful and handsome too. As much as I wish the series was longer, but I think this was perfect. The duration was used cohesively to showcase a very tight love story from beginning to end. My only problem is with the sudden ending three years later that leaves many questions unanswered like what happened in last three years? Why did they not try to meet? How come Han Tae Joo suddenly was able to come back? etc.
Despite that , I will strongly recommend this heart warming teenage Korean boys love story.It leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling which I dont think anyone would be opposed to. (8/10)
Comments
A very good watch, but it's so short it difficult to get fond of the characters. An edited version with all episodes in a row would make this a nice 1 hour movie.
Perfect during the week when you have little time, no one can be disappointed.