Unknown (2024)

Masterpiece ??

I just have to say that this series is placed one of my top 3 bl dramas of all time. I finished this series yesterday and today I'm feeling empty i don't know what i will watch after this wonderful bl. I felt this emptiness when bad buddy and love for love sake ended. I highly recommend to watch this drama its worth watching. I never wrote reviews for any drama before but this drama made a good inpact on me. Story full of happy, emotions, comedy which made the story to grow deep ?❣️. Never gonna forgot qian and yuan, their love story ❤. I do watch it again and again. This drama is a MASTERPIECE ?

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There is a reason why the title is Unknown

Unknown is clearly a master piece in BLs.
The title Unknown is chosen for a reason because Qian and Yuan's relationship doesn't fall in to the norms of society,
I see lot of reviewers using words like disgusting, Yuck etc... but do they realise that this BL title itself is saying do not look at their relationship with the norms of society and what society knows? I am not sure. Qian and Yuan's relationship evolves from something to something else at each period of their life. There is no name for this kind of relationship in our society .
Data points:
1) Qian and Yuan are not blood related but Qian chooses to raise Yuan like a brother despite Qian being a child , parentless himself and Yuan being a homeless stranger and a younger child. In the societal norms this would be closer to adoption but adoption is done between an adult and a child but not a child and a child. So their relationship is more closer to unknown in norms of society.
2) Yuan cares for Qian and knows his PTSD with women and relationships where Qian cannot actively seeks partner. He starts seeing Qian in a different light as he grows that would make him want to stay with him forever. Again it's an unknown relationship in the norms of society.
3) Qian knows something is off with his own feelings in their relationship early on given the extreme closeness both have for each other before Yuan confesses. He also doesn't know what to call it because again it doesn't fall in the norms of the society. So he decides to stay in his safe zone of brotherhood by keeping distance between both.
4)Yuan makes it extremely clear after coming back that he cannot and will not let go of Qian. Qian once he realises that he might have lost Yuan in US starts to panic and realizes the relationship and what he feels is definitely not in the norms of Society. Again the relationship is Unknown according to societal rules.
5) After Yuan's persistence, Qian gains courage to act on his feelings which is not easy for him to begin with. He realises that he is the happiest he has ever been and he has a shoulder to lean on. But according to society they are brothers. But between them they are lovers. This would not fall in the norms of society in relationships either. So hence Unknown. I hope the negative reviewers look at this and try to see this BL in a new light. I really do not wish people losing out on a beautiful story that is so poignantly shown.

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It was good

Normally I wanted to rate it 8.5, but I decided for 9.5, because of the chemistry the actors had between them. The way they brought up their character emotions is gold. The ost was great too. I listen nonstop to the ending song.
Now, let's talk a bit about the ending: a bit rushed, a few flashback cuts would be good. I know what the editors tried to do, but of a NC scene, kids don't belong much. Don't get me wrong, I found it very intimate and tasteful, it didn't bother me the rest.
I loved the dynamic of the character from childhood to adulthood. Many commented regarding Lili... she is 23, she is not a child. She knew well what she was doing. If some of you saw her as a child in her behavior, let me tell you, even at 37, I act like that sometime, but that doesn't mean I am not a full length adult with heavy responsibilities.
Overall a very good drama which keeps you each episode glued to the screen and both actors do a great job.
Became fast a new fav drama of mine.
The blood clot was treated realistic, and I like they didn't overdo it.
I think another episode would have wrapped nicely the full drama or a special ep.
As every drama has flaws, but overall is good.

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Best series I've ever watched!

“MASTERPIECE” is the best word to describe this series.

Currently watched all episodes of this series and when I tell you I’m IMPRESSED. The only flaw about this series is how addicting it is. I love the dynamic between Qian and Yuan. But also, surprise! ? Le Ge is the one of my favourite characters. His micro expressing is amazing and I felt from the beginning, that he treat Qian like a son.

Salute to the actors, the production team, the screenwriter and the director. I'm waiting for more mature content like this with real emotions and storyline. ?????

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Gorgeous

I loved this series so much, amazing story and amazing actors.
From beginning till end it was amazing. The pace of the story and the growth of the characters. All of them were hurt in their own way but together they survived getting strong.
Qian and Yuan made me so happy and so sad at the same time. The way they Qian tryid to understand Yuan but didn't really get him. And then the moment he finally opened his heart. There first kiss and everything after that was so unexpected but so beautiful, it had me crying.
And Lili and San pang were lovely. Them falling in love was such a nice thing to add. And the baby is cute.

So happy that everyone was happy in the end. Definitely goes in my top 5 of bls list.

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this is a must watch

they arent actual brothers or stepbrothers !!

qian when young had “”adopted”” or better took in a kid from the streets , so out of respect they do consider each other as brothers and a family but they aren’t actually related so if that’s what is making you stop from watching it then you can watch it with no problem bcs again they aren’t related in any kind of way.

the series and storyline , is not something for everyone as is pretty mature and if you like silly little teenager love is not for you.
the emotions were well played from the sad moment to the happiest , it had all.
Family drama , comedy , teenager problems , childhood trauma , relationships between sibling and friends , work and 18+ scene.

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easily a solid 10/10

Everything was so beautifully done, Taiwan keeps outdoing themselves with these masterpieces, this one takes the cake.

The story played out perfectly they take their time developing the feelings that grow, starting from the earliest days of this small little family. A brother and sister who are struggling all alone take a "stray" in off the street, he quickly becomes part of the family and the close bond they all form is beautifully done. When things start to take a turn and the little brother starts having different feelings for the older brother that took him in, the story turns turbulent and they do an incredible job keeping it both realistic and angsty without pouring on the drama.

The actors are all amazing, I was really impressed how easily they capture your heart and pull you into the story, and the chemistry between them is so good ?

Music and production were probably one of the best ibe seen in Taiwanese bls, they did a great job keeping things realistically gritty and still adding that cinematic flair for beauty.

Watch it, your only regret will be that it only has 12 episodes.

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My first/last review because, people brought the reviews down for reasons I cannot understand

The subject gives pretty much idea on why I am giving my review.
I read the novel by Priest and watched Unknown. I have to say this. I like Unknown better purely because it gives insights in to their relationship. No they are not related. Qian adopts Yuan in to his family so that he can go to school. Yuan and Qian's relationship evolves from where it was to something else. I personally think Yuan is so dedicated and attached to Qian that he subconsciously becomes someone who Qian needs in his life.
For those who find the story unrealistic- I can assure you the situation Qian is in where he has to support his family is not unrealistic. It is seen in most of the asian countries that lack resources to support their large populations.
For those who are contemplating to watch or not watch: Unknown is a masterpiece from cast to story telling. Its beautiful. If you are tolerating the nonsense Thai and some Japanese BLS, loved stay with me - you will love this.
Don't get sidetracked by reviewers who have their own reasons to bring this down.

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A Must Watch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing storyline and direction. Talented actors, chemistry between main leads is ? literally. Not much to say, just watch it and give it a try. You won't regret it.
It's my first taiwanese bl, and it didn't disappoint me. It's not like normal bl but has depth and is emotional, you will feel connected to it and feel complex emotions of main characters. Chris chiu and kurt huang are amazing actors. Chris and kurt literally portrayed wei qian and wei zhiyuan respectively very well. These characters were made for them, nobody else could protray them like they did, they gave these characters a life and a face to always remember. And you could also see their 10 years friendship bond in their chemistry onscreen as well as offscreen that I also admire the most. And they are so comfortable with each other that makes me happy.

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As long as you are by my side.....

The series has been adapted from the novel 'Dage' by the chinese author Priest. I don't know what made me check out this series, but I am glad I stumbled onto it. This is the first BL series that I have watched and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out to be.

The Unique Selling Point (USP) of this series for me was the strong bond between the Wei Family members. What makes a family? Biological family is the traditional form of family wherein we care for the members because we are born into it, however some families are formed due to the choices that we make and strengthened by sheer determination, sacrifice, trust and above all LOVE. It is the journey of two people, Wei Qian and Zhiyuan From 'UNKNOWN' to Dage to 'UNKNOWN' to Lovers.

When a young orphaned Wei Qian (Chris Chiu), shouldering an immense responsibility of being the sole breadwinner and a guardian of a young girl, his sister Wei Lili(Tammy Lin) takes on the added burden of providing shelter for a homeless street urchin Wei Zhiyuan (Kurt Huang) a different kind of a family comes into existence. The first few episodes show us how a deep bond is formed between Wei Qian and Wei Zhiyuan. Starting from the feeling of gratitude and dependency of Zhiyuan and commitment and devotion of Wei Qian, morphing into an unbreakable soulbond and a deep desire to be an equal partner, sharing all weal and woe together.

Obviously, it wouldn't be a worthy love story if the protagonists did not have to overcome a few hurdles in their path to everlasting bliss and happiness. From Wei Zhiyuan's side it was very clear from the opening that Wei Qian was not his 'dage' but was the very air that he breathed. Throughout the series, Wei Zhiyuan showed and expressed his feelings very clearly, be it helping to pay bills by working part-time while he was a school student to taking care of Wei Qian's health by ensuring he took proper meals and rest. The hurdle in this relationship was Wei Qian. From the beginning Wei Qian as well as others around him had put him in a position of a guardian and caretaker so it was difficult for him to transition into a life partner. Even though it was evident how much he cared for Wei Zheiyuan, he was reluctant to change their status quo. Wei Qian had closed himself to romantic emotions, dedicating his life to the wellbeing of his sister and Zhiyuan. It took a major jolt for him to realise that he should grab onto the person who matters the most to him before it's too late.

Wei Qian had to realise that it was alright to reciprocate Zhiyuan's feelings. It was ok to leave the shroud of 'dage' and step into a new role of a lover and a partner. Wei Qian and Zhiyuan had to make their own family by finding the answer to the question WHO AND WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?

With each progressing episode, the viewers get more attached with this new family that was in the making..at the end of each episode, there was a quote attached to highlight the changing family dynamics. (The quotes always caught my attention so I am compiling them here)

Episode 1 to 12
Episode 1 -The first- ever family that will never abandon you.
Episode 2 - The second kind of a family always leaves the light on for you.
Episode 3 -The third kind of a family is the one that makes you stay.
Episode 4 -The fourth type of a family member is someone who is always there for you.
Episode 5 -The fifth kind of a family is too good to let go.
Episode 6 -The Sixth kind of a family pretends to be strong and doesn't say goodbye.
Episode 7 -The seventh kind of family is always waiting in the distance, never leaving.
Episode 8 -The eight kind of a family shows care in his(their) own way.
Episode 9 - The ninth kind of a family is always there to protect you when the end comes.
Episode 10 - The tenth kind of a family loves you so much that they want to leave you.
Episode 11 -The eleventh kind of a family indulges you unconditionally because they love you so much.
Episode 12 -The twelfth kind of a family stays together for life.

What kept me invested in this series and the relationship between Wei Qian and Wei Zhiyuan was the fabulous performance by Chris Chiu and Kurt Huang. From the start till the end, there was never a moment when I doubted the deep love between Wei Qian and Zhiyuan due to their performance. Eyes cannot hide, what the lips cannot speak was proven correct in their case.

An honorable mention to the actor Kim Jae Hoon who plays the character of San Pang and actress, Tammy Lin who plays the character of Wei Lili. San Pang was a kind of friend who stands by your side metting out bitter truths but also holding your hands when you are down. Wei Lili was the sweetest sister who grew up under the nurturing care of two young boys.

A special mention to the OSTs, the lyrics were so suitable, they conveyed the feelings of the characters to the audience when the characters were unwilling to acknowledge them verbally.

It is clearly evident that a lot of attention and care was given by everyone to small details while making it. The production team, the screen writer, the director and actors worked in tandem to create a series that would set a high bar for other BL series in future.

Overall: Not to be missed, makes you believe in the adage, "Love Conquers All".
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Additionally, I have also written the episodes' reflection along with some special comments as and when they aired. If anyone is interested to read more they can read episodic musings written in the general comment section, I will leave the links to all episodes below as well as all clickable links as a comment to this review.

Episode 1 and 2
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16426687

Episode 3
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16480939

Episode 4
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16548613

Episode 5
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16617895

Episode 6
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16694139

Episode 7
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16769473

Episode 8
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16853383

Episode 9
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-16933581

Episode 10-12
https://mydramalist.com/762497-unknown#comment-17032049

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Brilliantly Redefines the Meaning of Love

Overall, this is a raw, gritty series that presents itself more like a documentary movie than a BL series. It is dark, brooding, and exceedingly realistic. The characters are real people with real problems in real life actualities. I felt drained after watching this series. And categorically it is one of the most intelligently thought-out and refined BLs I have ever seen. It started out dark and remained dark even though its essence is not dark. The presentation of this series is very dark and certainly contemplative. It feels perilous and is filmed in a rather hazy dim fashion. Perhaps reflective of life for many people whose lives are more represented by this series. Pedestrian. Overlooked. Where life is difficult. Full of struggles. Lots of pain. Many unfulfilled dreams and desires. Yet, the foundation for continuing is still family, love, and commitment.

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