Give it a chance.. Don't drop it too soon...
I was actually planning to watch this right after I saw the announcement of this series but when the first episodes were released, this got a lot of backlash and because of that, I actually placed this series on hold.. I've also read a lot of bad reviews from this series... Still, I gave this one a chance and surprisingly, I actually watched this until the end..
Now, before I'll discuss THE CONS or the issues within the series, let's first start off with THE PROS..
First thing would be the production, cinematography and OST in the series are actually good.. There are no awkward transition scenes from the story and the plot flows well.. I also love some of the soundtracks used in the show.. Most especially the meaningful lyrics of the songs which the audience / viewers can relate to.. As for the acting, the cast did well in portraying their characters especially the main couple.. Though there are some scenes that I find the acting to be lacking, overall, the acting in bl taiwan series have improved..
Second thing, the healthy relationship of the main couple (Xiao Li Cheng and Teng Mu Ren).. At first, I got a bit turned off with Xiao Li Cheng's character but as the series goes on, I started liking his character.. One minute we see his carefree and playful attitude, then during serious moments, we get to see his maturity.. Although, the main couple's relationship started off with a pretend one, we still get to see the development of the main couple's relationship.. Their relationship might not be perfect but applause for their healthy relationship..
I'm also glad that when the two got together, they talked things out when they encountered problems which is important in a relationship.. Xiao Li Cheng also stole the show for me because of his positive mindset.. Although, there were moments where he was too aggressive or too imposing in pursuing his relationship with Teng Mu Ren, his character improved as the series went on..
I actually love his lines when he told Teng Mu Ren that our happiness can be found on our own... A subtle way of telling us that we shouldn't be bothered with what society sees not just in an LGBT relationship but all types of relationships.. I mean, isn't happiness the point in getting into a relationship regardless of their sexuality, race, culture etc.?? If you're happy with that person then that's great rather than staying in an unhappy relationship.. All relationships are not perfect, what's important is that we find ourselves happy, safe and comfortable in that relationship..
Aside from that, I'm glad that the series focused more on the development of the plot rather than having A LOT of steamy or hot moments like some bl series which I won't mention lol.. If you're looking for a series that has a lot of these moments, then this would not be for you.. Although, there are hot and steamy moments from the show, I'm glad that it wasn't overbearing or too much.. You have to admit though that the smexy scenes in the series are really damn hot and detailed... lol..
The main issue within the series which I find it to be uncomfortable would be the NO CONSENT that happened between the side couple (Fu Yong Jie and Ye Xing Si).. Why are some script writers fond of the trope "getting that person drunk then having sex with them". I find this to be eye rolling.. It's not good, CONSENT is a must in all relationships..
In addition to that, the whole fujoshi thing in the story is just MEHHHH.. Although, the fujoshi character is needed especially in the development of the main couple's relationship, I just find it to be uncomfortable especially when you're shipping people together that aren't together.. Other than that, the fujoshi thing was funny in the beginning, but in reality.. it's not good to ship real people together...
Another IMPORTANT ISSUE that should not be taken lightly in the series would be the step brother's (Fu Yong Jie) attitude and personality which definitely needs major help.. His obsession with his older brother (Ye Xing Si) is too overbearing.. His stalking tendencies needs to be addressed in the show too.. Sure, he loves his brother, but the way he portrays his love is just too much and it's unhealthy or toxic.. That's why, he really REALLY needs help..
As the series went on, I thought that his attitude would IMPROVE, sadly it didn't.. I find his character to be too straightforward, aggressive and disrespectful... I understand that he's 20 and described to be still a "kid" in the series, still.. his words, actions and attitude towards his step father were just damn rude.. Not to mention, there were a lot of times in which he feels and also tells the other characters that he's entitled to be his older brother's significant other.. Like he's the only one who understands his older brother well and he is the best one to become Ye Xing Si's significant other..
What's also bothersome is his older brother's attitude or take in his younger brother's actions.. He's defending his younger brother's actions too much.. Sure, he genuinely cares for his brother, but he shouldn't be taking his younger brother's side most of the time.. At the end of the series, I thought that they wouldn't end up together but yeah.. they did.. and it's disappointing for me not because they are step brothers but because first, they didn't have much development in the series as lovers. Second, I feel like the older brother loves his younger brother but not in that kind of way. Lastly, it would've been better if the main issues I mentioned above were addressed then their relationship would have been taken in a positive note..
Some people might also find the side couple's relationship to be immoral, appropriate or incest.. However, I knew what I was getting into when I watched the series.. I watched this with an open mind rather than judging it first and dropping the series midway..
All countries have different laws or takes regarding the step sibling relationship issue.. In my country, a relationship is considered to be an incest if it's between blood related people within the 1st to 3rd consanguinity.. What's important to consider in this show is that one should be open on this heavy topic.. People (based on their law and culture) have their own perspectives regarding this topic. What's relevant is that respect must be given to people's different perspectives..
Overall, this series had its good points and its downsides... There are cute, sweet and comedic moments that viewers can enjoy.. There are also scenes that are questionable, angsty and serious.. To be honest, the saving grace of this series is actually the main couple (Xiao Li Cheng and Teng Mu Ren).. However, If you're looking for a long watch and if you're open on the side couple's relationship... Then, give this one a try.. Other than that, Enjoy watching and Happy Pride Month! 😊❤️🌈
Now, before I'll discuss THE CONS or the issues within the series, let's first start off with THE PROS..
First thing would be the production, cinematography and OST in the series are actually good.. There are no awkward transition scenes from the story and the plot flows well.. I also love some of the soundtracks used in the show.. Most especially the meaningful lyrics of the songs which the audience / viewers can relate to.. As for the acting, the cast did well in portraying their characters especially the main couple.. Though there are some scenes that I find the acting to be lacking, overall, the acting in bl taiwan series have improved..
Second thing, the healthy relationship of the main couple (Xiao Li Cheng and Teng Mu Ren).. At first, I got a bit turned off with Xiao Li Cheng's character but as the series goes on, I started liking his character.. One minute we see his carefree and playful attitude, then during serious moments, we get to see his maturity.. Although, the main couple's relationship started off with a pretend one, we still get to see the development of the main couple's relationship.. Their relationship might not be perfect but applause for their healthy relationship..
I'm also glad that when the two got together, they talked things out when they encountered problems which is important in a relationship.. Xiao Li Cheng also stole the show for me because of his positive mindset.. Although, there were moments where he was too aggressive or too imposing in pursuing his relationship with Teng Mu Ren, his character improved as the series went on..
I actually love his lines when he told Teng Mu Ren that our happiness can be found on our own... A subtle way of telling us that we shouldn't be bothered with what society sees not just in an LGBT relationship but all types of relationships.. I mean, isn't happiness the point in getting into a relationship regardless of their sexuality, race, culture etc.?? If you're happy with that person then that's great rather than staying in an unhappy relationship.. All relationships are not perfect, what's important is that we find ourselves happy, safe and comfortable in that relationship..
Aside from that, I'm glad that the series focused more on the development of the plot rather than having A LOT of steamy or hot moments like some bl series which I won't mention lol.. If you're looking for a series that has a lot of these moments, then this would not be for you.. Although, there are hot and steamy moments from the show, I'm glad that it wasn't overbearing or too much.. You have to admit though that the smexy scenes in the series are really damn hot and detailed... lol..
The main issue within the series which I find it to be uncomfortable would be the NO CONSENT that happened between the side couple (Fu Yong Jie and Ye Xing Si).. Why are some script writers fond of the trope "getting that person drunk then having sex with them". I find this to be eye rolling.. It's not good, CONSENT is a must in all relationships..
In addition to that, the whole fujoshi thing in the story is just MEHHHH.. Although, the fujoshi character is needed especially in the development of the main couple's relationship, I just find it to be uncomfortable especially when you're shipping people together that aren't together.. Other than that, the fujoshi thing was funny in the beginning, but in reality.. it's not good to ship real people together...
Another IMPORTANT ISSUE that should not be taken lightly in the series would be the step brother's (Fu Yong Jie) attitude and personality which definitely needs major help.. His obsession with his older brother (Ye Xing Si) is too overbearing.. His stalking tendencies needs to be addressed in the show too.. Sure, he loves his brother, but the way he portrays his love is just too much and it's unhealthy or toxic.. That's why, he really REALLY needs help..
As the series went on, I thought that his attitude would IMPROVE, sadly it didn't.. I find his character to be too straightforward, aggressive and disrespectful... I understand that he's 20 and described to be still a "kid" in the series, still.. his words, actions and attitude towards his step father were just damn rude.. Not to mention, there were a lot of times in which he feels and also tells the other characters that he's entitled to be his older brother's significant other.. Like he's the only one who understands his older brother well and he is the best one to become Ye Xing Si's significant other..
What's also bothersome is his older brother's attitude or take in his younger brother's actions.. He's defending his younger brother's actions too much.. Sure, he genuinely cares for his brother, but he shouldn't be taking his younger brother's side most of the time.. At the end of the series, I thought that they wouldn't end up together but yeah.. they did.. and it's disappointing for me not because they are step brothers but because first, they didn't have much development in the series as lovers. Second, I feel like the older brother loves his younger brother but not in that kind of way. Lastly, it would've been better if the main issues I mentioned above were addressed then their relationship would have been taken in a positive note..
Some people might also find the side couple's relationship to be immoral, appropriate or incest.. However, I knew what I was getting into when I watched the series.. I watched this with an open mind rather than judging it first and dropping the series midway..
All countries have different laws or takes regarding the step sibling relationship issue.. In my country, a relationship is considered to be an incest if it's between blood related people within the 1st to 3rd consanguinity.. What's important to consider in this show is that one should be open on this heavy topic.. People (based on their law and culture) have their own perspectives regarding this topic. What's relevant is that respect must be given to people's different perspectives..
Overall, this series had its good points and its downsides... There are cute, sweet and comedic moments that viewers can enjoy.. There are also scenes that are questionable, angsty and serious.. To be honest, the saving grace of this series is actually the main couple (Xiao Li Cheng and Teng Mu Ren).. However, If you're looking for a long watch and if you're open on the side couple's relationship... Then, give this one a try.. Other than that, Enjoy watching and Happy Pride Month! 😊❤️🌈
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