Kannadin

Really enjoyed this one but I'm glad I didn't check the novel first. Once you know the original characters are in their late 30s you just can't undo it and the actors appear terribly miscast, they're just too young... At least take actors in their 30s. It's particularly true for Shu Yuan in my opinion.

Both actors are too skinny but Zhang Zhun who is acted by Shu Yuan is supposed to be thin but muscular... I would say, think Bruce Lee though probably not as muscular. Skinny asian but does martial art so beautiful body overall, pretty firm and solid... They mention several times in the drama about how beautiful he is... It's only when I checked the novel (which is much more graphic but also gives way more in terms of the psychology of the characters) that I understood why they were always talking about Zhang Zhun's beauty... He's got a very beautiful face very "uke" like, so beautiful that he attracts men but also is the reason why he doesn't get lead roles as his face is a bit too pretty, too feminine.

However Shu Yuan... Well face is all personal preference so I won't go there but he is JUST skinny. Not muscular skinny... Just skinny, his body which should be lean and honed by years of martial arts isn't there... This is not the body of somebody who exercises...

The vibe is also too youthful. The novel sells mature characters, you get two baby faced actors.

In fact, apart from the height and acting ability, they're just wrong for the role... No matter how good your actors are if their physique doesn't fit the roles given it's gonna be a hard sell.

Now... Was it bad... No it wasn't... One of the best BLs I've watched... I'm gonna stick with my 9 ratings BUT ... I would recommend to anyone interested in the novel, to read it AFTER watching the drama... Otherwise you won't be able to appreciate it for what it is.

The novel is way better though... It goes darker but both love stories are also more heart-wrenching. Truly beautiful... AND you get epilogues for both stories so that's also great.

I don't think they could have gone farther than what they did in this adaptation though, so overall, well done China.

EDIT: Rated down to 8.5 in the end... It's just that I can't with the casting choice... Again I understand the logic of choosing younger actors given the censorship in China... Might be awkward for older ones... But in that case... Well it just doesn't work for me... One character is supposed to be 38, the other 36... These two are just too young. Still worth the watch though, it was a good show.