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...
Michael, is a lonely, gay singer-songwriter, who is just better about love and is fully convinced it's a sham. He also struggles to express what he needs from the people in his life. His social circle is his best lesbian friend Tristan, who sings in a band and her girlfriend Abby. Much to Abby’s chagrin, Michael leans on them to fulfill his needs for emotional intimacy. One night in the club, Michael catches the attention of Georgie and Connor, a married gay couple looking for a third to spice up their life. A nonchalant hookup becomes a night of vulnerability that none of them expected. With encouragement from Tristan and Abby, Michael pursues Georgie and Connor. The couple challenges Michael to open up about his feelings and even write some new songs. But things dont. Go as such since one of the guys starts to have string feelings for Michael, and Michael also doesn't know what he wants. When he sees the couple flirting with other boys, he I snot sure what he means to the couple. Around same time, Anna proposes Tristan and for whatever reason Michael mocks their relationship because of his own issues. All this makes Michael feel abandoned. Finally he decides to take matters in his hand and apologies to his best friends. Meanwhile the gay couple also comes to the realization that they both equally want Michale in their life to which Michael agrees on and they all get in a relationship.
As I mentioned before, the film is likely more about self discovery, self-acceptance and going for what you want from life. It touches upon various aspects of different kinds of relationships and how important it is to communicate. The title was probably put in to attract audience, so from that perspective, it should have delved further into the titular throuple - there was a little more telling than showing and I think it would have made the film better if we had gone more in depth into each of their connections/issues. I would also have liked to know a little bit more about Michael's background but we are never clearly told if he is dealing with a past trauma that has made him bitter in life which could help us analyze his character better. Having said that, overall the acting was quite decent, the actors did a good job, but still there was a lot missing that could try and hold my attention. The direction was also good but I feel something engaging was missing in the overall screenplay, maybe those high moments that would have elevated the film to the next level. (5.5/10)
Comments