This review may contain spoilers
Phenomenal Acting Trapped in a Somewhat Flawed Story
I have been into BL for 20 years so I have seen and read endless stories by this point. I also want to start by saying I looked forward to each episode coming out during the original 6 week airing period while I was recovering from a very invasive surgery.
I really believe had the director & editor listened to more of Ayden and Elio's (Lyu Sitong) inputs that it would have even higher ratings. During their watch reviews of the episodes they mention several times scenes being done differently than they would have wanted. I know many outstanding shots Elio did were taken out and I really think they would have added more to the final storyline. This would have truly shown people what a fantastic actor he is, I feel it almost robs him of letting people see him shine. I also wish they gave him a different hairstyle and clothes as they didn't suit him at all. He even mentioned the wigs being awful to wear and the clothes were too big on him.
I watched every episode and often go back to specific parts that I enjoy. The chemistry between Ayden and Elio is undeniable and their kissing scenes are some of the best I have ever seen. From around episode 9, it became much harder for me to watch and around 11-12 it felt incredibly disjointed in places. I believe it needed a few more episodes to make the story flow more smoothly and not feel as rushed. As its over a course of ten years and a lot happens between Yichen and Lu feng.
Considering the original story the show is based off of it was certainly toned down a lot.. but I also stopped enjoying toxic storylines a long time ago. I don't condone any of the horrible behaviors and I certainly didn't pick sides at any point. I know its a dark romance so I have to be realistic regarding the extremely dark themes: The story explores deep psychological obsession, forced confinement, severe family betrayal, trauma, and non-consensual dynamics.
They all seemed petty at times where just being honest would have brought them closer together rather than hurting one another. I understand its angst based but I am too old for constant miscommunication especially when it can be solved in a single discussion. I absolutely hated the parents as it really was their disdain and homophobic beliefs that caused endless pain and grief. Lu feng's father was incredibly abusive, horrible and when he died I felt glad he couldn't hit Lu feng anymore.
I am glad they showed a main character dealing with bipolar disorder, if you rewatch the show a second time you will notice there are signs from the start. Lu feng getting treatment as well as seeing a therapist was important and we need more stories that show characters dealing with their mental health. However, I dont know if framing severe domestic abuse and control through a bipolar diagnosis was handled realistically or effectively by the writers.
I wish Ayden could have used his voice for the series and not be dubbed over. I understand its incredibly common in Chinese productions and they mainly did it because of the characters background as a wealthy mainland Chinese heir. Yet, I feel his own voice would have delivered a deeper, more vulnerable weight to his scenes. Because Ayden is Singaporean his accent was apparently too noticeable when speaking mandarin.
The music is great, I frequently listen to the soundtracks still months after the show and found they picked the perfect songs for each scene. I also loved that Ayden's voice was shown in solo tracks and duets, even though his voice was dubbed for the show.
In the end I am really glad the show happened because it brought Ayden and Elio more job opportunities and has shown their wonderful acting abilities. I do regret during and after the show, they have had to deal with their BTS content and personal information being sold & released without permission to toxic people who try and use it against them. They have been harassed, mobbed, stalked and insulted a lot which is just disgusting. They are such kind people who are sincere and love their fanbase (little pillows) a lot.
I would say to anyone questioning to please give the show a chance! It might not be everyone's cup of tea but there are many moments I enjoyed and I never would have realized had I not watched the show how beautiful & adorable Ayden and Elio's real life bond is. I hope they can work together on another production soon that really lets both of them showcase their talents.
Finally whoever reads this, I hope you are having a lovely day and or night <3
I really believe had the director & editor listened to more of Ayden and Elio's (Lyu Sitong) inputs that it would have even higher ratings. During their watch reviews of the episodes they mention several times scenes being done differently than they would have wanted. I know many outstanding shots Elio did were taken out and I really think they would have added more to the final storyline. This would have truly shown people what a fantastic actor he is, I feel it almost robs him of letting people see him shine. I also wish they gave him a different hairstyle and clothes as they didn't suit him at all. He even mentioned the wigs being awful to wear and the clothes were too big on him.
I watched every episode and often go back to specific parts that I enjoy. The chemistry between Ayden and Elio is undeniable and their kissing scenes are some of the best I have ever seen. From around episode 9, it became much harder for me to watch and around 11-12 it felt incredibly disjointed in places. I believe it needed a few more episodes to make the story flow more smoothly and not feel as rushed. As its over a course of ten years and a lot happens between Yichen and Lu feng.
Considering the original story the show is based off of it was certainly toned down a lot.. but I also stopped enjoying toxic storylines a long time ago. I don't condone any of the horrible behaviors and I certainly didn't pick sides at any point. I know its a dark romance so I have to be realistic regarding the extremely dark themes: The story explores deep psychological obsession, forced confinement, severe family betrayal, trauma, and non-consensual dynamics.
They all seemed petty at times where just being honest would have brought them closer together rather than hurting one another. I understand its angst based but I am too old for constant miscommunication especially when it can be solved in a single discussion. I absolutely hated the parents as it really was their disdain and homophobic beliefs that caused endless pain and grief. Lu feng's father was incredibly abusive, horrible and when he died I felt glad he couldn't hit Lu feng anymore.
I am glad they showed a main character dealing with bipolar disorder, if you rewatch the show a second time you will notice there are signs from the start. Lu feng getting treatment as well as seeing a therapist was important and we need more stories that show characters dealing with their mental health. However, I dont know if framing severe domestic abuse and control through a bipolar diagnosis was handled realistically or effectively by the writers.
I wish Ayden could have used his voice for the series and not be dubbed over. I understand its incredibly common in Chinese productions and they mainly did it because of the characters background as a wealthy mainland Chinese heir. Yet, I feel his own voice would have delivered a deeper, more vulnerable weight to his scenes. Because Ayden is Singaporean his accent was apparently too noticeable when speaking mandarin.
The music is great, I frequently listen to the soundtracks still months after the show and found they picked the perfect songs for each scene. I also loved that Ayden's voice was shown in solo tracks and duets, even though his voice was dubbed for the show.
In the end I am really glad the show happened because it brought Ayden and Elio more job opportunities and has shown their wonderful acting abilities. I do regret during and after the show, they have had to deal with their BTS content and personal information being sold & released without permission to toxic people who try and use it against them. They have been harassed, mobbed, stalked and insulted a lot which is just disgusting. They are such kind people who are sincere and love their fanbase (little pillows) a lot.
I would say to anyone questioning to please give the show a chance! It might not be everyone's cup of tea but there are many moments I enjoyed and I never would have realized had I not watched the show how beautiful & adorable Ayden and Elio's real life bond is. I hope they can work together on another production soon that really lets both of them showcase their talents.
Finally whoever reads this, I hope you are having a lovely day and or night <3
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