Stay by My Side (2023)

Love overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, differences and ghosts

A love that overcomes misunderstandings, rivalries, personality differences and ghosts

'Stay by My Side' begins with an unexpected and involuntary collision between Gu Bu Xia, the Anthropology student and owner of a sports scholarship as he is one of the best players on the university basketball team, and Jiang Chi, the future lawyer and son from a famous family of doctors who has just been transferred to Yong Yu University.
After several setbacks, these two young people, soon declared enemies, begin to live in the bedroom occupied by Bu Xia, since Jiang Chi has been forced to make a living by his own means after defying his parents, who want the boy to continue his steps in the career of Medicine.
Starring Isaac Yang as Jiang Chi, and Hong Wei Zhe as Bu Xia, the romantic and supernatural comedy with an LGBTIQ+ theme revolves around the unlikely romance between these two young college students with major personality differences, marked by paranormal ability of one of the protagonists, which provides a pleasant and fun novelty to the audiovisual product.
Soon the tender, light and happy series will introduce us to the lives of both characters. While Jiang Chi is an excellent basketball player, he does not seem interested in joining the varsity team, not wanting anything to distract him from his studies. Additionally, he works several part-time jobs to avoid being financially dependent on his parents.
For his part, the orphan Bu Xia has been raised by his grandfather, a spiritual medium, in a temple run by his sister Gu Bu Tao (Jin Cheng). After the death of the old man, the shy and insecure Bu Xia hears ghost voices murmuring in his ears, a circumstance that will worsen just as the new roommate enters his life.
Bu Xia, who has lived alone in his bedroom until Jiang Chi's arrival, will soon come to a conclusion: being close to the boy who now sleeps a few meters from his bed brings him peace, as the ghosts feel self-conscious and flee before him. Your presence. The more he interacts with Jiang Chi, the less he hears the voice of those who "pull the chain." That is why he will try to always have him around him..., but he hides the reason from him.
For his part, the law student mistakes Bu Xia's camaraderie as if the boy was flirting with him. "Could it be that Bu Xia has fallen in love with me?" he will ask himself. Jiang Chi comes to think that he is the object of his dormmate's love interest.
As a result, the supernatural element spices up a series with greater originality than the classic college romances, while the relationship between the two boys takes us on a journey surrounded by mystery and intrigue and in which love can overcome misunderstandings, differences in personalities and even outwit the ghost chase.
Likewise, the series will allow us to appreciate how two rivals can come to love each other with such madness and passion, to the point of one of them accepting the transfer of the uncomfortable ability to hear ghost voices that the other suffers.
Vidol, the Taiwanese streaming platform that makes BL series such as 'VIP Only' (2023), 'Anti-Reset' (2024) and 'You Are Mine' (2023), commissions Cai Fei Qiao, known for being the screenwriter of the acclaimed drama 'Unknown', 2024, the executive producer of another classic of the genre: 'We Best Love: No. 1 For You' and 'We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd', and for playing Mrs. Yao, Shun Yu's mother, in 'You Are Mine Special', released in May 2024.
Lovers of the genre will be pleased with 'Stay by Me Side' for its strong BL content, for the tender and constant romantic interaction of the protagonists, for portraying two college sweethearts living the fullness of romantic happiness, for exploring the bond of the physical, emotional and spiritual couple, for their happy ending.
Likewise, fans of BL series will like the complicity of Bu Xia's sister and Jiang Chi, both interested in the young man's well-being and happiness.
I like the character played by Hong Wei Zhe: a boy who shows traits of insecurity and cowardice in the face of paranormal phenomena, who doesn't? But he leaves us with a memorable memory, especially when he discovers that he has fallen in love with another boy, and there he acts not infrequently in a childish and insecure way as well. What sometimes overreacts? His contagious laugh, his innocent eyes, his angelic face redeem him from excesses.
The mysterious and reserved character played by Isaac Yang is equally convincing, especially when he seeks to protect Bu Xia from ghosts and everything that could affect him. He is a lover who gives himself completely to the loved one.
I would have liked the series to delve deeper into the denunciation of possible homophobia (the reasons are not clear), perceived when Bu Xia and Jiang Chi's relationship becomes gossip among the other university students, who will try to obtain invasive photos of the loving couple, or make annoying comments in physical and virtual settings.
Isn't Taiwan the only Asian territory where Equal Marriage or Homosexual Marriage has been approved? Is sexual diversity not widely accepted by the Taiwanese population? Are same-sex sexual relations not legal? Why then consider the fact that two boys holding hands and attracting each other on a university campus or on the street in Taipei a public spectacle?

Read More

Stay By My Side" Review: Taiwan's BL Drama Shines Once Again

🚨 **Spoiler Alert** 🚨

When it comes to the pulsating world of Asian BL drama, Taiwan has always held a distinguished spot. From the inception of the famed *HiStory* series, Taiwan has showcased its unique flair. And now, with **"Stay By My Side,"** produced by the illustrious Sanlih E-Television, traditional Taiwanese TV has boldly stepped into the BL arena — and what an entry it is!

Meet Gu Buxia, a student whose academic prowess may be questionable but whose charm is undeniable. Raised amidst Taoist temples, this character has a quirky fear: ghosts. Yet, it's his childlike innocence, devoid of any guile, that captivates the enigmatic transfer student, Jiang Chi. As Jiang eloquently puts it, "I'm smitten with the very essence of you."

The show beautifully weaves quintessential Taiwanese elements — Taoist temples, the traditional birthday dish of pig's trotter noodles, and colloquialisms that might get lost in translation. Yet, fret not international viewers! The endearing dynamics between our leads will keep you grinning from ear to ear, language barriers be damned.

And here's the twist: who knew that the ultimate way to drown out pesky ghostly whispers was by diving deep into a same-sex romance, complete with passionate embraces? While the series might shy away from any risqué sequences, there's no shortage of heart-throbbing kisses between our leads.

In conclusion, **"Stay By My Side"** is more than just a BL drama. It's a vibrant tapestry of Taiwanese charm and culture. It promises not just romance, but depth, humor, and a cultural immersion. Tune in, and let yourself be whisked away by its youthful zest and allure!

Read More

Encantador, divertido, mas com alguns tropeços, assim foi o dorama

Foi uma experiência cativante, mas com altos e baixos para mim. No início, senti um pouco de vergonha alheia, mas logo me vi imerso numa trama fofinha que trouxe conforto e distração. A história, embora não tenha trazido grandes inovações, conseguiu me prender pela sua abordagem interessante. A abordagem do sobrenatural deixou um pouco a desejar, mas sei que isso não era o foco, então não foi um grande problema.

Apesar de os efeitos visuais não serem os mais impressionantes, a ambientação e a fotografia foram pontos altos. Os locais de filmagem eram bonitos, contribuindo para a experiência visual. A trilha sonora também foi cativante, combinando muito bem com a narrativa. O que mais me cativou, no entanto, foi a diversão que tive assistindo. A série se mostrou uma ótima companhia durante o tempo em que estive envolvido, e o fato de ser um dorama curto foi uma vantagem considerável.

Jiang Chi e Bu Xia formam um casal adorável, apesar de suas diferenças. A evolução da relação deles, partindo de uma rivalidade inicial para algo mais profundo, foi encantadora. As atuações dos dois foram adequadas, sem ser excepcionais, mas também sem serem ruins, transmitindo uma química palpável na tela.

Contudo, o final não foi perfeito, mas ainda assim, deixou espaço para mais. Sinto que uma temporada 2 ou um episódio especial seriam bem-vindos para proporcionar um desfecho mais completo à história. No geral, "Fique ao Meu Lado" cumpre o que promete: é uma história fofa e reconfortante, ideal para momentos de descontração, sem abordar assuntos difíceis, proporcionando um puro conforto.

Read More

VBL pertama yang sangat berkesan

Rangkaian series bL taiwan baru yaitu VBL Series sudah dimulai, diawali dengan series yang satu ini. Stay by My Side menceritakan seseorang yang bisa mendengar suara hantu, dia begitu frustasi sampai akhirnya menemukan seseorang yang dapat membantunya menangkal semua itu ; kebetulan, dia adalah teman sekamarnya yang begitu sempurna. Bagaimana kisah mereka? saksiksan series ini. Dari segi alur dan dialog, sangat mudah difahami ya ; series ini adalah series ringan yang moodbooster banget, sangat rekomendasi untuk mengisi waktu luang anda. Scene di series ini begitu sederhana namun sangat berkesan menurutku, beberapa ekspresi dan romansa para tokoh sangat terasa dan kuat, serta hangat. Dari segi warna, mungkin mirip seperti series bL "dark blue and moonlight" ya, punya pallete yang sama dengan beberapa scene terlihat overexposed. Series ini benar-benar tidak punya cerita yang toxic dan sangat menghibur! sangat rekomendasi.

Read More

Ho decisamente amato questa serie.
Mi è piaciuto molto come all’inizio si odiassero e Jiang Chi fosse veramente fastidioso ma quando Bu Xia gli ha detto che per lui era una persona speciale ha cambiato totalmente atteggiamento diventando una persona così fottutamente carina. Ho amatissimo poi come in tutta la serie l’unica persona con cui è sempre stato carino sia stato solo Bu Xia, nessun altro, adoro questo tipo di cose perché rende molto evidente come appunto la persona che ami sia speciale per te.
Non mento se dico che all’inizio mi è dispiaciuto vedere Jiang Chi innamorato mentre Bu Xia che cercava di avvicinarsi solo per non sentire i fantasmi. Infatti il litigio ci è voluto e sono stata felice di vedere come si siano capiti e in generale come Bu Xia si sentisse in colpa e non volesse veramente succedesse quello che è successo. Si è pentito.
Da lì il loro amore l’ho trovato così fottutamente carino e mamma mia quanto amo il loro amore, si amano così tanto e si vede proprio che hanno occhi solo per l’altro. È un amore molto forte soprattutto quello di Jiang Chi che ha voluto si facesse quel rito solo per non far sentire le voci a Bu Xia, disposto anche a sentirle lui al posto di Bu Xia. Lì ci sono rimasta un pò perchè speravo veramente tanto lui non le sentisse ma alla fine è successo, Bu Xia non le sente ma Jiang Chi si. Non credo effettivamente Bu Xia lo saprà mai e sento che in un certo senso debba saperlo, per questo spero molto in una seconda stagione. Una seconda stagione dove magari si trova una soluzione o dove almeno Bu Xia sappia la verità, poi ovvio la seconda stagione la voglio appositamente per vederli di nuovo così dannatamente belli e carini assieme. Non pensavo mi sarebbero piaciuti così tanto, consiglio molto questa serie.

+Per me la seconda stagione dovrebbe essere tipo: inizia con loro tutti carini che vivono le loro avventure quotidiane ma Bu Xia inizia a diventare sospetto nei confronti di Jiang Chi a causa di varie sue reazioni simili a quelle che lui aveva quando sentiva i fantasmi.
Bu Xia incomincia a rendersi conto anche che non sente più i fantasmi e chiama la sorella per spiegazioni che molto probabilmente verranno buttate a caso, come se fosse fortuna.
Quindi Bu Xia rimane giusto con qualche sospetto ma non sa che Jiang Chi sente i fantasmi fin quando non succede un grave incidente a Jiang Chi a causa dei fantasmi e quindi lì la sorella è costretta a dire a Bu Xia la verità, quindi che Jiang Chi ha fatto fare il rito così che li sentisse al posto di Bu Xia.
Bu Xia ovviamente si sentirà molto in colpa nei confronti di Jiang Chi ma le cose si sistemeranno parlando.
Poi magari preferirei se si trovasse anche una soluzione che farebbe sì che entrambi non sentano le voci.
Bho mi piacerebbe vedere questo tipo di dramma, anche se sicuro farà un pò soffrire.

Read More