This review may contain spoilers
Let's start with the abject truth, that I have already rewatched this several times or turned it on to go to sleep. It's already become a comfort food. lol
Now for the critical explanation:
1. The music choices are immaculate. The sound engineering also deserves praise with the subtle and detailed enhancement of the scenes. Even the title song is, imo, the best BL title song I've heard.
2. The story, while not exactly true to the novel, is perfectly told. I think the right choices were made as far as what to include, what to leave out and what to alter slightly. But nothing deviated from the original heart of the story, which is that two men fall in love while playing the roles of two men who fall in love. And our inability to tell what's real and what's not is exactly aligned with theirs as it progresses. The script is thoughtful and all of the characters feel believable, and in some ways likeable, even the "protagonists". The pacing is perfect. There's no fat on the story but it isn't rushed either. I found myself unable to predict as easily as I normally can with BLs what exactly was going to happen in the next episode.
3. The casting is A+, especially Zhang Zhun, Zhen Xin and Director Chen. Director Chen is hilarious and genuine. The main leads are beautiful and meticulous actors. The subtleties of the choices they made moving in and out of their "true selves" vs their characters was so well done. Side note: They are both pretty criers. And lastly, their chemistry was outstanding. Again it felt genuine and lived in, without needing to go to the extremes of nudity and saliva dripping off of their kisses, the implication of their intimacy was just as effective.
So with that, I really have no notes and this is currently ranked as my #1 BL. Bravo!
And in case you haven't looked, the director is only 27!
Now for the critical explanation:
1. The music choices are immaculate. The sound engineering also deserves praise with the subtle and detailed enhancement of the scenes. Even the title song is, imo, the best BL title song I've heard.
2. The story, while not exactly true to the novel, is perfectly told. I think the right choices were made as far as what to include, what to leave out and what to alter slightly. But nothing deviated from the original heart of the story, which is that two men fall in love while playing the roles of two men who fall in love. And our inability to tell what's real and what's not is exactly aligned with theirs as it progresses. The script is thoughtful and all of the characters feel believable, and in some ways likeable, even the "protagonists". The pacing is perfect. There's no fat on the story but it isn't rushed either. I found myself unable to predict as easily as I normally can with BLs what exactly was going to happen in the next episode.
3. The casting is A+, especially Zhang Zhun, Zhen Xin and Director Chen. Director Chen is hilarious and genuine. The main leads are beautiful and meticulous actors. The subtleties of the choices they made moving in and out of their "true selves" vs their characters was so well done. Side note: They are both pretty criers. And lastly, their chemistry was outstanding. Again it felt genuine and lived in, without needing to go to the extremes of nudity and saliva dripping off of their kisses, the implication of their intimacy was just as effective.
So with that, I really have no notes and this is currently ranked as my #1 BL. Bravo!
And in case you haven't looked, the director is only 27!
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