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LOVELOVELOVELOVE
Okay so...Once upon a time, I was bored and in need of a good and spicy BL to entertain me. Then I fell upon a post about Addicted. After reading about how obsessed the watchers were and how it was banned in China, I knew I had hit jackpot.
When I first started watching, I was a little bit confused about how it would turn out. I switched from confused to anxious to just being on the edge of my seat. It's a REALLY GOOD love story, while also unconventional. Also, just a recommendation, make sure you watch the uncut version of certain episodes ;) You can thank me later.
If you wanna fangirl, here is an opportunity. I can genuinely say I squealed at certain moments. The BOLDNESS is ASTRONOMICAL.
If you aren't into the spicy stuff, you can still enjoy this drama because it is so heartfelt. The love isn't rushed but doesn't take too long at the same time. The was not cliché, unlike most other dramas. The main couple has a lot of realistic obstacles in their way that they overcome together. My only problem with it is that it ends so abruptly, probably because it was banned for the LGBTQ+ themes.
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Plot: It has a great pace. You’re able to witness the two male leads who started off the wrong feet to slowly falling for each other.
Acting: Superb! I was blown away at the fact that this was Jingyu and Weizhou first real drama. Their acting is way better than some of their seniors! All of their facial expressions is all on point, especially Jingyu! He is a natural at acting. They both made Gu Hai and Bai Lou Yin character comes to life. I was so persuaded by their acting so much that I even ship them in real life!
Overall: This is not my first BL drama, but this is definitely my favorite. I’ve watched this drama countless times. I even read book 1 and book 2 to get my closure. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes handsome men and great acting.
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This review may contain spoilers
when the last episode came to an end..... spoilers ahead
REVIEW**a lil personal story/reaction first**
When this drama ended, when the last episode came to an end, i just stared at the wall, totally blank for a solid minute. When the ending OST played, i stared at the screen, letting all the memories sink in. Goosebumps all over my body, reminiscing about all the moments (it had only been a day since i watched it. Yes i watched the first 14 eps in one day and watched the last ep the next day coz it was too late and also coz i wanted to be fresh and alert while watching the last episode) tears in my eyes that i had to say goodbye. And i am not lying when i say this, out of all 50+ BL dramas, 50+ BL anime that ive watched 50+ manhwas that ive read, this is the only actually the 2nd drama (1st one being The On1y One') that made me sad that it has ended. There have been many dramas which made me want more of the story however none of them have made me sad that they have come to an end. But in case of addicted and The On1y One it literally made me sad. Actually i can say that addicted made me even more sad than on1y one. because there is a possibility of The On1y One coming with a s2 but addicted? nahh it has been 8 yearss alreadyy.
now review
My likes (there's a lot)
-This story was just really awesome. All the actors played their roles very nicely tho they were not 'flawless' but i am not complaining.
-i was taken over by the cute little interactions between our main couple. The constant teasing, fighting, getting each other in trouble was ADORABLE to watch.
- But that's not all. Both of them knew how to be responsible as well (like when Bai was sick Gu took care of him. When Gu fought for Bai's sake, Bai was concerned if Gu would be expelled)
-After that dinner and piggy back ride the way they bonded was amazing. they showed their love and care for each other in subtle ways.. i love that scene where they were having break fast and Gu hai noticed Bai eating the meat out of the food so Gu gave him his meat as well awww adorable
- both actor's singing is cherry on cake
- music and songs are wisely used and i love it
- i absolutely love the bed scenes, not the sex-bed-scenes (talk about that later) but the scenes at Bai's house where both of them are on the same bed. It is hilarious to watch Gu Hai trying to sleep basically glue-stuck to Bai Luo Yin.
now, the dislikes which mainly revolve around ep 12 13 14, Lulu, and some personality traits of Gu Hai and Bai Luo Yin (not a lot but seems big coz i have described in detail)
- Lulu-- Gu hai alr has a gf-lulu, yet he goes ahead and falls for Bai. i know he cannot control it but why did they add it into the story? it could have been just as good if not better even without the gf... and also if Gu hai already knew he now likes Bai luo yin then why did he not break up with her then and there and instead led her on. In the end even when he did break up, he made it look like he did so because she was cheating on her (which she was) like he couldve just not led her on and break up with her?
now i will talk about the three episodes, Bai LUo yin and gu hai altogether
for me, the entire pace was ruined by ep 11 12 13 and 14. The atmosphere shift in these episodes was unlikeable. But more than that i had a problem with how Gu Hai and Bai's 'relationship' was portrayed in these episodes.
Now let me get this straight. Since the beginning of the series, we can clearly see that Gu hai is head over heels for Bai luo yin. All the existing chemisrty between them is 99.99% because of Gu hai's actions. Bai luo yin, since the beginning has been resisting and pushing Gu away (which is not a problem but stay with me and hear me out). He does show some subtle signs of affection towards Gu hai but it does not really come out as love (for me atleast).
So now all of a sudden, in ep 11 12 13 and 14 they start behaving like a couple which is a problem to me. I personally cannot feel Bai luo yin's affection towards Gu Hai which is exactly why in ep 11 12 13 14 when they do couple behavior it seems out of place
talking about Bai luo yin's character, i found it particularly unlikeable in ep 11 12 13 14...Actually since the beginning i was quite neutral towards Bai's character...i did not like him nor disliked him (contrary to Gu Hai's character which i loved)...he was just there for the plot and to be loved by Gu hai...however in the episodes i found him unlikeable and idk why
About Gu Hai, i saw someone say that he is a walking red flag. like in that scene where gu hai punched and threatened to break a guy's leg... other red flag was the sexual assault which even i agree was veryyy wrong.. we could literally see Bai struggling under him. but i just ended up ignoring all the red flags tho
DESPITE all the dislikes i mentioned, still love the series. I actually am not gonna let my dislikes affect the rating of the story and am gonna give it a 9 okay a 9.5..
This is rare for me to do coz usually even if i dislike a part of a story, i would lower the rating but i am not doing that for this series which shows just how much i love it mannn
ohh and i researched A LOT about this series out of curiosity read multiple articles and blogs.. they all mention the 8 year promise ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Even though it had already been 8 years when i watched this series (in 2025) i am still gonna be a part of the 8 year promise and just like millions of other people i am gonna wait for them to appear together (deep down i know it is impossible and it makes me sad but, i will still believe)
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One of the best and most original indie Chinese series ever!
I can't say enough good things about this wonderfully scripted and acted series. As many fans and viewers have commented, it makes one yearn for more and it is a pity that the PRC government banned it after just one season. For most avid readers and viewers, you'd know that the writer had in fact completed two books, and this 15 episodes only covers about 1/3 to under 1/2 of the first book.Nevertheless, I found the short 15 episodes riveting. Firstly, the storyline is entirely believable. The setting is rustic and authentic. The main and even supporting characters are all interesting and one wishes for more for them to develop as the series progresses. Finally, the acting is almost flawless given the fact that the four "boys" were amateurs then and had not much experience prior to filming the series.
Eventually, a great deal boils down to the chemistry between the two leads played by Huang JingYu and Xu WeiZhou. Both were first time leads then and the casting director did a perfect job to discover such talent. The chemistry between the two actors was subtle yet electrifying, which made the entire short series so believable, real and memorable.
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Left Me Intrigue
The story was great. I could not stop watching it. The 2 main lead actors (Timmy Xu) and (Jonny Huang) performance blew me away. I hope they won an award for there acting. I watched this because I have seen there works (Timmy Xu) and (Jonny Huang) in other dramas. The intense and mysterious way the story goes. The BL scene surprise me. I was just intrigue and I don't watch BL dramas. The only thing that upset me was that it was not finish. We may never get a second season or the ending of this drama. But it is worth watching this 1st season. This is similar to the movie "Brokeback Mountain"Was this review helpful to you?
The character of Gu Hai appealed me more in the drama than Bai Luo Yin, but when i read the book after having watched the drama and curiosity to know more, i equally fell in love with Yin Zi.
Gu Hai character is for sure the best of a Boyfriend Kind, who would cross mountains or swim oceans Just at the call of his beloved Yin Zi.. The best Part of this drama was, that the emotion that you capture while reading was well represented here.. When I read the Book both the character appeared same, even the demeanor and silhouette ..
from gifting underwear to cooking looked like real.. their acting excelled far beyond words.. I may be incorrect but i felt that they acted pretty well because in real life also they connect as Gu hai and Yinzi...
[More over i really know why this drama was banned from airing.. and if i could change my opinion just by watching this drama for the LGBT community i am pretty sure million others would also have accepted it as any natural Love affair...]
Also, i wish if I could befriend with any gay guy... I really really want to be friends, but unfortunately i dont have anyone who i can befriends with.. I wish to see someone becoming my friend soon...
Love from and ordinary Girl who likes gay lover now...
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Comparison Time
Okay so have seen both the original and the adaptation and I will say it without any regrets: The Original Is A 100x Better!Now Comparison Time:
The love Gu Hai showed in these 15 episodes was way better than Wu Bai
The original series was about them unlike the adaptation where they cared about every character's story unfortunately and put equal focus on them
Of course the original had some faults but which show doesn't?
This drama is up on my high-priority list!
I was going to wish for a season 2 from the original but that is never going to happen so I will patiently wait for a season 2 from the adaptation
The adaptation itself was not bad but it was a bromance that you had to imagine as a BL.
However, I do understand the Chinese censorship.
The original was a straight-up BL and you don't need to imagine anything at all.
Both of them have a high rating from my side. I like both the couples and I think their chemistry is off the charts if compared with some leading Thai BLs.
Summary: Feel free to watch both stories and while you wait for another season, feel free to read more than 100 chapters of the book :D
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Unmatched and Unparalleled
This series is based on a book series which I've read countless times before. The show and the books are not for the faint of heart and it has content that some may find triggering. The show features dubious consent and the novel has a brutal rape scene between the two main leads. This may lead some people to not condone or enjoy this series but I personally found this show to be the best BL I've ever seen. Real life is not fiction and shows are not meant to portray all LGBT relationships. People who can't understand the difference here should not watch. Taking that into account this show has wonderful acting, a gorgeous soundtrack especially when it comes to the OST, two ML who have magnetic and profound chemistry, and very touching moments. The show does end on a cliffhanger because it was banned by the Chinese government. Google if it you are interested, but the story itself is completed. The author completed the book series and I recommend people watch the show and continue with reading the books to see how their relationship proceeds. The two ML are masculine and begin as sort of "enemies". They have a very cat-and-mouse relationship at first which the actors do a great job in portraying. The emotional and sexual tension between the ML can be felt throughout the show and it makes the scenes poignant and ADDICTIVE. You just keep wanting more of them. No other BL or story has ever captured the magic that this series has with these actors, for me. So basically if you can differentiate between fiction and reality and want to see a BL where the ML have insane chemistry watch this.Was this review helpful to you?
The chemestry between the characters is something that couldn't be explain.
The story, finally, is different from every BL that i watch. Original, beautiful, touching, happy, real. Even if the relationship is develop very fast ( the part of Gu Hai ) his falling in love seem so real that this doesn't count, it's amzing like this. This series is perfection.
It's so sad that they have banned from China. But at least the last episode has a happy ending! HAHAH
The song, oh gosh, i falling in love with the song, they make me found out song like " Hero - Family of the year. " or " Touble i'm in - Twinbed" .
they put it the song in the right place of the series. The filming is the best i ever seen in a BL, seem so professional.
So, in the end, WATCH IT.
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This review may contain spoilers
I’m inspired
Questions are asked why the Chinese authorities banned this Addiction series specifically, and banned the two leads from being seen together: there are other gay series that are not banned, why? First, this is not a 'gay' series, there is no aggrandisement of any gay lifestyle or anything characteristically gay: on the contrary, these two masculine actors portray two (twenty-four year old) adolescents who happen to fall in love, like any two other people, simple as that: they are portrayed as normal, adjusted, healthy, and reasonable in every respect:that is the problem for the authorities. Two guys falling in love is depicted as the most normal way of life, nothing unusual, or weird, or bizarre, or anything to attract attention: two guys struggling, as any couple would do, in courting. That the casting was genius to match these two guys together: the raw, unashamed direction of the physical and emotional affection and human sensitivity between the two is so touchingly sensitive, there is no shame or embarrassment, makes normality of what might be titillating...it is not anything but normal and healthy, therein is the rub: their love is so attractive, if these are your feelings, hey you, go for it.Was this review helpful to you?
