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...
The film starts with an impeccable and presentable Jaime in Manilla seducing local boys in Manilla for sex with his charm and money. But back in Barcelona, his father, is concerned about the impact of Jaime’s lifestyle on the reputation of the family’s tobacco empire, particularly since the cops are not being very polite to commie sympathizers. Jaime has a lover who is good for him socially but Jaime is refused membership in the Communist Party because he’s openly gay. One day he meets free spirited woman Bel and love follows but she does in a tragic accident. Dejected with life and trying to move on, Jaime meets Toni, a young photography assistant and they tae liking for each other. But Jaime is painfully aware of him getting old and time passing each day. As a middle-aged poet, Jaime is painfully aware of the passage of time, his misspent youth, and the death that patiently awaits him. Jaime's father dies and events pile up. The growing tension between Jaime and Toni leads to a violent confrontation in the country house which Jaime has bought as their love nest. Years later, old and tired, Jaime lives out his days with a young stage actor. He finds out that he has AIDS. The passing of time and illness have left their mark on him.
The film tries to cover a lot of years in Jaime's life. Interestingly, more than focusing on his work, the film tries to capture the notions of his sexuality and lovers, which I don't mind at all. It gives a very interesting perspective. The script does well to bring something unique to each of the multiple relationships it portrays. And the period is portrayed with loving attention to detail, if too often suffused with the warm nostalgia of melodrama. And guess what, it doesn't shy away from nudity or sex scenes. I was actually quite surprised especially in one of scenes in orgy with Jaime and Bel. The actor playing the lead role is damn good. I recently saw him in Jack Ryan series, the result is his finest perf in years, growing stronger as the pic proceeds and his character ages. Though the poet is aloof, fastidious, sexually avaricious and often downright unpleasant, the actor never lets us lose sight of his insecurities. I can only imagine what a story this film would have caused when it came out. I am sure people would have wanted the film to celebrate his work more but with a title like this, you know what you will get to see.
The film is long but great performances and watching life of a commie openly gay man, who was also rich and successful from 60s to 90s makes for an interesting watch. Most importantly it introduced me to a name in literaly circle of Spain, that I wasn't aware of. (6.5/10)
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