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...
Khánh Dang lost his memory after a serious accident. He could only remember he had some sort of interaction with this girl named Tô Linh. When he asked her about it, Tô Linh would tell him that the two of them were actual lovers. Not having any recollection, Khánh Dang believes it to be the case, but somehow doesn't feel committed to this relationship, especially to Linh who is constantly harsh to him. Suffering from constant headaches, Khanh Dang begins to have dreams that he and a strange boy had loving gestures towards each other, which raises many questions for his psychiatrist. As time goes by, Khánh Dang grows more tired, wearied, and depressed to the point where he decides to commit suicide.
The mysterious boy is Anh Hà o, after a fatal accident in which he perishes, he becomes a spirit and goes to the land of the gods. Witnessing his beloved, Khánh Dang, being tormented and seeking to end his life, Anh Hà o asks the gods for help. He is allowed to come back to life, with no one being able to recognize him. He will not be able neither to recognize anyone but Khánh Dang. Within the 3-month timeframe, Anh Hà o must help Khánh Dang get over his mental health crisis. Simultaneously, Khánh Dang must come to recognize Anh Hà o as his beloved. And what role does that girl have to play in all this, is something that will eventually be revealed.
As mentioned above, the story was promising. A contemporary love story with a mythical twist. On paper, the story has promise but the screenplay falters big time. It takes a few episode to realize what the hell is going on and once the premise is clear and the interest peaks up, we are burdened by some sub plots like that of the doctor and all that just takes away the focus from the primary storyline. Its only towards the end of the show that the story comes back to track and by then unfortunately, I personally had lost interest. Also, the big secret of what really happened to the lovers and the girl involvement is something that you see coming from miles. Its a done to death plot twist but within the bounds of this script could have been handled better. The production quality is just average. The only good thing about the show is beautiful scenic mountain locations and some decent looking actors. But other than that acting and direction is average. The two actors playing the two gods were so annoying with their antics and crazy laughter. Vietnam BL has a long way to go but I hope they continue to take the steps in right direction. Its a shame when a story has promise but audience is failed by a jarred execution. Lets hope smelting better comes soon. (3.5/10)
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