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...
50-something Michael, a travel writer for New York Times is traveling to Tel-Aviv for five days to explore the city and write about it. He has sublet an apartment in a hip neighborhood from film school student Tomer, who is as messy and spontaneous as Michael is buttoned-up and organized. Tomer has mixed up the American's arrival date but since he needs the money, he quickly leaves the place. When Tomer drops by next day, Michael invites him to stay for breakfast. The younger man dismisses Michael's city itinerary as too obvious, volunteering to show him some cool neighborhood spots instead. This leads to Michael's suggestion that Tomer stay on the couch and continue to be his tour guide. Through skype calls with his husband back at home, we hear that Michael is hesitant to go ahead with surrogacy plans. There is a weird flirtation between Tomer and Michael with conversation around sex. An awkward sex moment with another man and Tomer which Michael gets to watch gets very awkward for Michael. Tomer invites him to meet his mother on the kibbutz where she raised him. Here is when we find out the real reason behind Michael's sorrow. It's finally time for Michael to leave, but the last night Tomer makes love to him, reinstalling the confidence & the happiness that Michael had been missing.
The one thing that stayed with me even after the film finished was how good was the actor playing Tomer. He is an amazing find and the confidence and realness that he brings to the character is absolutely praiseworthy. His chemistry with Michael starting from indifference, to friendship, to admiration , respect and finally love just all makes sense. The dynamic between them unfolds in subtle moments but it's the big revelation at the dinner which makes Tomer look at Michael with a completely different perspective. There’s also an unspoken but palpable sexual tension between the men, but the eventual sexual healing is more about expressing and exploring their connection with one another than about lust. The film is simple yet complex and through Tomer's friends dance recital and the neighborhood, there is a slight political commentary as well. I quite enjoyed reliving my trip to Tel Aviv through this film. There is an interesting view of what actual student life might be like, with glimpses of the cultural viewpoints of young Israelis, especially in contrast with older Americans.
This is a touching, heartwarming, and ultimately hopeful film, with some poignant and even profound moments, all conveyed with an appealing lightness of touch. (8/10)
Comments
The wardrobe scene is hilarious :D