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...
5 swimmers have been shortlisted for an elite swimming training camp. Out of these 5, only one will be able to represent Israel for Olympics. Erez is the newest member of the team, whose father is friends with the coach Dima. Erez is actually good and very son becomes a string contender, almost a given for finale. Amongst the two other string guys, Erez soon develops an attraction for fellow teammate Nevo. Nevo is from England and had no family here but there is some sort of mutual attraction, clearly more from Erez's side. To keep up appearances, both of them have girlfriends who occasionally show up in camping but Nevo and Erez also become close friends. Dima starts to get a whiff of something might be going on between the two guys and gives Erez a warning to stay away from Nevo. They 2 boys spend a night together jerking of in their beds, neither making a move, until the very last day when disregarding Dima's warnings, Erez actually makes a move on Nevo and he runs away. But one thing is clear to him that he will never be able to get over the discrimination for him being gay. On the final day of the competition, despite him winning, he slows himself down anklets Nevo win the coveted position. But in his head Erez is happy for accepting and loving himself for who he is.
This small film is a gentle coming-of-age/coming out story as we follow a young man’s journey towards self-love and self-acceptance. The lead actor playing the role of Erez gives a good performance. He is hampered by a weak screenplay though. Even though the story was fine, some of the things made no sense. The random interactions of Erez with his father and other adults made no sense and added little to the overall proceedings. Was Erez always gay or was it the proximity to the charming yet aloof Nevo, that awoke feelings in him? Initially I actually thought Nevo was into Erez too but I guess he had more control over his feelings. The assistant coach was a hoot and she did well in her small brief role. The film was probably made on a very low budget just around a swimming training center which is evident bu a very small team of actors. Visually, it's a lot of eye candy, with 5 hot men in speedos pretty much throughout the film and some very homoerotic moments of sexual awakening and anticipation which never take on a full form. The opening sequence with shaving the full body for swimming was quite innovative. But I cannot say the same about the ending, where an interpretive dance to represent Erez's state of mind is something stood well with me. It was novel and new but I don't think it was effective. Overall a pretty decent movie. (6/10)
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