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...
Aoyagi has just been offered the lead role in a BL show. He got famous thanks to an orange juice commercial when he was a kid but since then he hasn't done much substantial. He lacks confidence and doesn't believe his career is notable. Turns out his co-actor on the show is one of the most famous and upcoming BL actor Akafuji. Although Aoyagi tries to introduce himself to his costar, Akafuji seems standoffish around him. Aoyagi worries they may not get along in the long term. The crew suggests that the two actors should start to live together so thatchy will have more chemistry. Despite agreeing to this living arrangement, both feel awkward once they become roommates. Aoyagi thinks his costar doesn't like him. However, that isn't the case. On the contrary, Akafuji has a secret crush on him. Before becoming a celebrity, Akafuji had been one of Aoyagi's fans and followed his career closely. But he is also super nervous and hesitant share his true feelings for Aoyagi. As they live and perform together, the pair's relationship improves. Eventually, as you would expect some misunderstandings (mostly funny and humorous) happen and eventually Akafuji finds the courage himself to confess his love to Aoyagi who is more than happy to reciprocate.
If you are used to the slightly OTT Japanese comedy, where actors react a lot and their thoughts speak out Lous, you will find this show funny as well. Fans of this genre will recognize many familiar archetypes and situations. From the outside the show feels like full on comedy but it in own subtle way, it shows us why both these individuals have issues regarding insecurity for one and the other's inability to confess his love. You can feel the helplessness of Akafuji on how desperately he wants to be with his crush and he has the opportunity but he doesn't have the nerve. The two actors do a wonderful job around their characters and the show interestingly takes minor digs here and there on how the actual functioning of the BL world and shows happen. Actor playing Aoyagi was particularly very charming and engaging. The two actors playing there managers were also funny in their parts. Having said that, for me the show offered nothing new from a story perspective. I have seen the same thing many a times now and when I watch shows, I expect to see something new. So despite that the show made me smile and occasionally laugh, it still fell short of being great. I would recommend this to people looking for a fluffy, cute and fun BL and something simple and non-complicated quick watch. (6.5/10)
Comments
Somehow it reminded me of teenage years, when you (or both) have a crush and don't know how to act, until you finally find the courage. Because here the guys are 25 and should be a little bit more bold. Hook up first, ask for a date after lol. This is where you see BL are really for teenage girls (... and us ^^)
The Japanese OTT reactions are my fav too and they really know how to do it