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...
A very successful married doctor is struggling with his feelings. Of late, more and more he wants to wear female undergarments and even dreams of makeup and dresses. Bt given his profession(gynecologist) and him having two kids don't make things easy. His eldest son, almost 18, is dealing with a pregnant girlfriend unknown to his parents, younger 10 year old son is seeking sexual experiences online, and his wife is frustrated for having had sex and her son's friend openly flirts with her and make advances. When a trans male visits his office for medical checkup, it surprises the doctor because of his boldness but also because it is probably the first time he is interacting with such a patient. Initially hesitant, he agrees to be his doctor, but never has the courage to admit to his own feelings. Thankfully halloween is fast approaching and he decides to dress up as a nurse. The reactions he gets from his colleagues and neighbors etc including his ids and parents is not what he expects. The film ends at an open note where the family has come together but there is really no conclusion to the doctors inner turmoil.
The film feels like an after thought to be honest. It is trying to deal too many issues at the same time. A much better scenario and story would have been how the doctor would have taken courage in a small town to come out and be who he really is. I know its easier said than done, but it feels the idea and the main issue was just brushed upon. It ass never really discussed or viewpoints addressed. I wasn't expecting a conclusion when the moment I realized that this film is going to be all over the place. Which is such a shame because this film had some really fine casting and very well known actors. To use such great names and do injustice to both script and overall theme is sad. Trans is a complex topic and treating it so trivially is gross injustice. Watching this film, would eve no education or opinion to anyone since the film doesn't even take side to right or wrong. It just shows people's prejudices as they are. The only good thing was the trans couple who we meet as the doctor's patients and who are trying their best to live a life of honesty with every adversity coming their way. There are many much better films dealing with trans stories. This one can be avoided easily. (3/10)
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