This review may contain spoilers
Awesome at every level!
As a television professional, a friend referred me to Addiction here in 2022 after it was made in 2016. The initial budget of 1 million USD for 15 episodes made me wonder if it had been made on an iPhone. It hadn't and is a creation of such artistry, dedication and love to the telling of a thrilling - if disturbed at core- story. The curation and crafting of the script, the performances and the music create a painting to be hung high in a wonderful gallery. That the camera burn off the screen, is rare. I don't speak Chinese but have a good understanding of the culture and the people having lived in this great country. The two stars live! The director achieves the sense of being flies on the wall of this most passionate love story which is thrilling by virtue of its lack of explicit sex, though one would be intrigued to know what censors cut. A lot. And the series has become a cult legend for its cancellation having tripped on new morals legislation of China's film and television authorities. A tragedy really. The last three episodes were not screened in China and in seeing them they would seem oddly rough and as if the scenes were stretched to fill the time. What was in the original, perhaps we will never know. Perhaps that the magic of the series. It is a glimpse into the lives of two uniquely beautiful souls, one very troubled and the other in Yin being a character that could go up again Titanic's Jack as a victim as much as a hero. The abduction and rape scene is one of the most disturbing things I have ever seen and it comes out of nowhere - as if you truly are witnessing this travesty and betrayal of the lover to the loved. It is an awfully awfully sad scene. I don't know- again - what was in the original and perhaps in relation to that sequence censors may have saved us the experience of such an awful event. Gu Hai is disturbed. They both have needs which cross the line into the psychopathology. Viewers will note that perhaps 50% of the scenes are set to music which is as subtle as it is beautiful. An unseen device which tells us more of the story This is most impressive. Terming it BL puts it in the genre of cutesy Asian stories for young girls romanticizing Korean singers hugging each other - and nothing wrong with that - but Addicted doesn't touch that genre in its essence, i ts intend and its explicit horror which runs to the side. The fact both actors were and are banned by the Government from every appearing together in any form of media is remarkable and adds to the legend of the great Addiction of Gu Hai and Yin. Johnny Huang went onto great fame and wealth as a machismo superstar of Chinese films, Timmy Xu as a beautiful performer in music and film. But the chemistry created between them is with few peers in cinema or film anywhere. For those outside China, the videos on youtube of the making of Addicted are intriguing to watch. Almost as much as the series. You find them on youtube at this time of writing. I don't do film or television reviews, this is a one time. Jeffrey JamesWas this review helpful to you?
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The Ultimate Blueprint of Raw Passion and Legendary Chemistry – 10/10!
Addicted (Heroin) is a timeless cultural phenomenon that defined a whole generation of BL. Despite being cut short due to censorship, the remaining episodes deliver one of the most intense, gripping, and unforgettable romances ever put on screen.Story (10/10):The plot is an addictive, slow-burn transition from enemies to classmates, and finally to an obsessive, all-consuming love. It handles complex themes of blended families, social status, and personal boundaries with a raw, unpolished realism that is incredibly rare nowadays. The pacing is fantastic, building up a thick, magnetic tension that keeps you completely glued to the screen. It is chaotic, intense, and emotionally raw.Acting & Cast (10/10):Johnny Huang (Gu Hai) and Timmy Xu (Bai Luoyin) delivered performances that can only be described as lightning in a bottle. Their on-screen chemistry is legendary and completely unmatched. Gu Hai’s fierce, obsessive, and fiercely protective nature contrasts perfectly with Bai Luoyin’s quiet, stubborn, and vulnerable pride. Every glance, argument, and physical interaction feels incredibly genuine and bursting with electric energy. They didn't just act—they made the audience feel the weight of their obsession.Music & Production (9/10):For a 2016 low-budget web series, the production has a beautiful, nostalgic, and gritty indie aesthetic that perfectly fits the raw tone of the story. The iconic opening and ending themes are deeply melancholic and beautiful, perfectly capturing the bittersweet and unforgettable essence of the show.Overall:Addicted is a masterpiece that every single BL enthusiast must watch. It is the ultimate definition of high-tension chemistry and legendary passion. Even with its sudden, heartbreaking open ending due to real-life circumstances, it is a flawless 10/10 that will forever hold the crown in the BL world.Was this review helpful to you?
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This review may contain spoilers
Okay for my First BL Drama
This was my first every BL Drama, so I had no expectations going into this. The actors are fairly new to me. I do think the ML was a little rough around the edges, and at time, very aggressive. I have since watched Thai BL's, and they come across as a lot more subtle in their pursuits.Overall, I did like the this. It's just unfortunately the two actors will not be able to collaborate again because of the BL regulations in their country.
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A pioneer in the BL industry
This was one of the first BL's ive ever seen.. and it remains in the top 3 best of all time for me.. The acting these boys displayed. the tension.. the addictive nature of it all.. Everything about this was so thrilling and powerful.. I hope one day we get other versions of this because it was so gritty and raw and good.. There were simply no flaws in this show. I would recommend this show to anyone who is a fan of the BL genre.. it's top tier acting.. top tier intimate scenes. I hope one day we see these actors again in a BL because they have insane chemistryWas this review helpful to you?
I heard there will be a Season 2 and I'm looking forward to it *^*
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This series feel like a 13yo Fujo's wattpad story w weird ass fantasies/fetishes
This series is genuinely weird...I don't understand how ppl are enjoying this???? The whole show is just uncomfortable to watch (heavy on the love interest and his actions, cause nothing will and can save him from what he's doing). This especially gets worse in episode 11. I do not understand why it was even necessary to include that in the story??? The rating would've gone up by 2 stars atleast if that episode doesn't exist. It's just weird...I had to edit this review again to say it's pain Sexual assault and I'm not even joking. The love intrest is just forcing the MC into everything, it's irritating
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IM ADDICTED!
OMG! I just watch this series recently and im addicted to Guo Hai and Luo Yin! It's so sad to know they are not together in the real life. Hahaha. It's not kind like an act but it seems real. The first time I see Luo Yin I fall in love with him and then come Guo Hai and I ship both of them. Yu Qi also steal my heart too... hahaha... Too bad China gov banned this series. This is value to rewatch and must have sequel. 15 episodes are too short.I want to know every single thing about Hai Luoyin. Im addicted! Watch the cast in other darama and play with other cast just make me hurt ahahahahah
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I am addicted
The story is well written and the ost ( If hai has yin) gets me every time.
I have lost count how many times i have re watched it...
I love Gu hai personally... If you've already read the novel you can feel me☺
...
... I made this account just for vote this drama...
They are having a Chinese as well as Thai adaptations . I hope they won't disappoint us🙃🙃
If you are still on cliffhanger... Then go for the novel.. Believe me its totally amazing👍
I m assured about the Chinese adaptation cause its under the author of the novel the great Chai jidan itself..
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F Censorships
I don't know why folks are claiming this BL was not good when it broke the internet which alerted to its censorship and cancellation. I swear straight men makes the best BL. Gao De Shi (Sam Lin) reconfirmed that for me in We Best Love. The pacing of Addicted got me addicted. I just wanted to see those two leads on screen. For the folks crying about things being forced and not being consensual, may I remind you that it's Yin Zin who willingly realized his feelings and decided to kiss Hai. All I know is I'm mad I never got to see the good stuff that everyone else saw. Where can I watch an uncut version? I loved the chemistry with the main leads, that's all that I was following. I couldn't give this a 10 since we don't have all the series. How many episodes was supposed to have originally?Was this review helpful to you?
