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 are introduced to Song family from 30s-40s. Mr. Song is th head of Five Dragon business guild, so naturally expectations of him and his family are high. By his main wife Li, he has his eldest son Thian. He has a secondary wife Jan with whom he has a son named Yang and he has a mistress named Bua. In a Chinese family, masculinity is prized. Thian is the face of the family and should eventually take over the business, but he is hiding a secret. He is gay and in love with a commoner, a fact that when his mother find out; will do anything to keep this information hidden from everyone, even f it means killing, lying or doing anything else. HIs half brother Yang has always known about this but has always admired and loved his brother and will continue to support him without even saying the words. But the mother (second wife), wants to find out at al cost what is Thian's secret so that she can push for her son to be the head of the association even though he has no desire and would rather fall in love with a beautiful girl and live carefree. Things only get complicated when Thian falls for a commoner named Jiu, who works for Ma, a member of the association but who secretly wants to take over. With the growing fondness between Jiu and Thian, Jiu does not fulfill his mission. Thus ensues a tumultuous power struggle surrounding a forbidden romance that captures the heart. With more characters introduced and each one equally important for the flow of the plot, the show keeps you on your hooks till a very revetting finale.
To Sir, With Love is filled with murder, mayhem, cover-ups, crazy supernatural poisonings, multiple wife catfights, deceit, and many misunderstandings. But artfully tucked inside all of this are two captivating love stories, a brotherly relationship that knows no bounds, and a group of strong, powerful women who turn the tides on the men who think they control them. I kid you not, this is real soap opera. The women of the show are the real power controllers. The gay love story steals the show, which is intentional since the entire plot and all of the characters’ decisions, rash or otherwise, stem from Tian’s hidden sexuality. The love story itself doesn't get as much focus as I would have liked it to, but it is always luring in the back. It's actually the love between the two half brothers that is the real scene stealer in the show. Well aware of his brother’s sexuality from the beginning, Yang spends his entire childhood and young adulthood supporting Tian’s position in the family. Yang is a stalwart ally in a volatile world where Tian has no one and where Yang is taught to despise everything Tian is. Everything about Tian and Yang is warm, comfortable, and safe, from the teasing to the shared smiles to the promises and emotional hugs they share. In a society where patriarchy is dominant, homosexuality is treated as STIGMA. This is experienced by Jiu and Thian when they were mocked. Thian has an emotional struggle, too, with being forced to marry a woman he doesn’t love. He does this to please his father and mother and to hide his real gender identity, and then eventually succeeds in taking over his father’s leadership in the family’s business.
The biggest USP of the show is the story and screenplay. There are no boring episodes and you wait for what's going to happen next. Each (or let's say most) characters are grey. They are well - written, unique and developed. The gay love story between felt mature and honest and healthy (unlike the university based BL dramas) It is risky, sweet, dangerous but still the purest love I've ever seen. Similarly a mother's love to do anything for their sons or the straight love story between Yang and the girl. If I have to point out negatives, I would say that I wish Thian/jiu romance was focused more on. Yes, the romance story was there and was tender and honest and real but actual love moments between the two were very far and few in between. I would have loved to see a lot more of those. I do liked the female charters of potential Thian's bride who eventually becomes Yang's girlfriend. She was a very supportive ally of the brothers. Also, one other thing I'd loved to see was Mr. Song having amore stringer personality. As the head of family and five dragon association, you would expect the man to know how to handle things, but seeing him get manipulated by the women in his life os easily mad eye question his morals and his capabilities. Besides these glitches, I think the series is a vividly told emotional story about coming out and how it is not always easy and rosy. A lot of us (even from back in the day) have had to struggle in our own ways, form being forced to get married, to do doing right by the family, to surpassing your love; this show has everything. This still is a significant time investment, in which you could probably watch ten films, but a worth rewarding one if overtly dramas are your thing. I didn't;t think they were mine, but here I am, enjoying every minute of it. (8.5/10)
Comments
On the bad side, the exagerated acting was really hard to watch at times. Quasi exclusively the bad guys however (Bua and Ma were just horrible). The special effects were ridiculous. And a lot of the plot advancing revolves around eavesdropping that is a national winning sport it seems: overused after a while and way too convenient. Also some situations were just absurd.
Now onto the positive sides that far outshine the bad ones for me: everything you described. The love between the brothers and how they help each other against their mothers is absolutely fantastic. Actually the love and support between the all the good guys was good. The gay love story was toouching and vibrant (I agree, we wanted more!!). The motherly love was great too. And the whole plot, revolving around how to hide homosexuality was so compeling.
Maybe I also loved it a lot because it's the first time I watched a serie in old chinese atmosphere. New culture discovery is always so exciting!
A lot of hours to put in, but I feel if this is not your thing, you will know by the second (maximum third episode) and you should stop it. Otherwise give it a go all the way.
Althoug I do remember that at some point, when he starts helping his mom, I stated to get worried if the makers are gonna turn his character grey, but thank god, it did not happen.