Baba, I'm in love with a criminal
"In 1989, Hong Kong, Jiaolong Walled City"I couldn't stop reading the novel Chusan's Liuyi Children's Day I found on fanmtl which plays mainly in the early 90s, not 80s as advertised. We have first mobile phones and computing power rises for faster and advanced trading. It's a great story and the cast fits very well. the first episode throws you right into great visuals + violence, you feel weak + aroused like Sammy/Chusan. It's not for the faint hearted but the love story itself is actually fluffy and nice, not toxic at all. I like how they show from the beginning how Chusan is already into Liuyi.
I'm looking forward to see how they bring this into action.
criticism:
the Cantonese is dubbed, so this strong language isn't quite reflected in the facial expressions as most actors speak the softer Mandarin. But as it plays in Hongkong, the Cantonese makes it more authentic. I read the main leads are dubbed in HK Cantonese and the supporting roles in other Cantonese dialects. As I don't understand Chinese well enough, I don't mind it too much. I'm busy reading subtitles anyway 😅
In episode 2 they added sound effects to funny scenes. My reaction: Please, no. stay cool! don't become a silly Thai romcom.
They threw some facts and scenes together, changed the timing and storyline but else they can't tell the novel in such a short time. I hope they don't screw it up. The novel isn't following typical drama tropes but watching episode 5 I fear they chose to go down the common road.
my thoughts after the last episode:
I expected such an ending, so I'm not mad about it. I hope for season 2 and 3.
They changed Liuyi's character. he's so cute and soft , they told a different love story. in the novel he's so much more avoiding and doesn't show any romantic behaviour. It's Chusan going after him again and again even so Liuyi is difficult and throws tantrums. So, the life adaption is good but much sweeter. the time line isn't clear in the series. it gives the impression everything happens within half a year but it's 2.5 until the first kiss. they changed the plot and I'm curious how they'll tell the rest of the story as it can't continue like in the novel. I assume they simplify the plot.
anyways, good drama.
Go with the flow, enjoy the ride!
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raw teenage feelings
this drama portraits the feelings of young men/teenagers well. those who love each other tease each other.some complain about stalking, sexual harassment.. these are tough boys growing up without learning how to express their feelings but a high energy (sexual) drive. and he grew up as the master with only his father above him. there's sexual tension, there's possessiveness, love bombing, during a time in which no meant maybe. but in the end he still accepts his boundaries and waits. sad we don't get a proper ending as the show became a scandal and got cancelled
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