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...
We know Shiro and Kenji as the loving couple now, who have been together for a while and despite their very contrasting personalities, make their relationship work and how! The film starts with Shiro taking Kenji on vacation, an event which is very unlike Shiro. Worried about the reason, it turns out that Shiro is doing this as an apology since his parents do not want Kenji to join the family for New Years, despite them trying their best to understand the couple's situation. But Kenji is very understanding. We see and witness their daily events at their respective law and hairdresser. We meet the other gay couple Kohinata and Wataru as well again here (remember them from the series!). Since their fridge goes bonkers they show up one night with a lot of vegetables and meat and the four eat some very delicious scrumptious meal together. When Kenji's father passes away, he goes to meet his mother and siblings who are very excited to see him. The mother offers Kenji to take over his hairdresser business but that would mean moving cities which Kenji is not sure how it would play out with Shiro. When Shiro notices some behaviors changes in Kenji, he suspects something is off, but the duo eventually talk it out. The couple is happy, and in a very endearing finale have a beautiful picnic moment in the park.
To be honest, if you ask me about script, there is not much happening here. It feels more of a slice of life as to witnessing how Shiro and Kenji's relationship is growing along with situations and people around them. And Personally for me, this sensitive storytelling, with gentle humor and some beautiful heartwarming messages made me fall in love with this film also, just like the series. An ordinary couple leading a normal domesticated life and what happens on a daily basis with them. The characters are relatable, so it's easy to feel immersed in their cozy, down-to-earth relationship. Despite the simplicity, the story successfully creates amusing scenarios and compelling tensions out of their everyday routine. The low-key situations are high-key entertaining. And of course, the mouth watering unbelievable looking Japanese dishes. Sure, because the film is only 2 hours, the makers cannot show a lot of scenes involving cooking, and io wish there were more scenes of that, but whatever few there were, were all so yummy. I always looked forward to Kenji's happy reactions while eating the food.
The amazing actors and a perfect direction is still the backbone of this beautiful film. Shiro is torn between his love for Kenji, his obligations to traditional elderly parents, and his self-consciousness about being gay. We see his kindness and cowardice, depicting a flawed character with sympathetic circumstances. Similarly, the movie showcases Kenji's perspective with thought and care. We embrace his vivacious personality as much as his emotionally vulnerable moments. Both the actors handle drama and comedy and reactions in an almost perfect manner. My issues with the film remain the same as the series where we do not get to see any actual physical intimacy between the couple. Whenever Kenji initiates contact, Shiro dodges him playfully. But this film does try to normalize a stable and happy gay relationship, proving the strength of their love will overcome personal adversities. Having said this, I have no doubt that film gave me everything that I expected and more. It filled me with happiness, charm, a smile on my face and a optimism with a charming everyday story and a lovable couple with a most loving chemistry. I really really wish this becomes a franchise and I see more adaptations and follow ups to this one. (8.5/10)
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