Kiseki: Dear to Me (2023)

A Miracle Series with Imperfections

What I Love About the Series:
"Kiseki" stands out for several reasons that keep viewers eagerly engaged. The chemistry between the characters is undeniably one of its strongest assets. Taro Lin and Hsu Kai's portrayal of Bai Zong Yi and Fan Jherui, as well as Chen Bowen and Jiang Dian Dian's depiction of Chen Yi and Ai Di, showcase impeccable on-screen dynamics.

The characters' progression, both in terms of their story and personality, align seamlessly with the overarching narrative, making it a delightful and easy-to-follow series. The ever-evolving dynamic between Ai Di and Chen Yi, as they both pine for each other at different points, adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.

"Kiseki" also challenges conventional BL stereotypes by cleverly switching the roles of Bai Zong Yi as the savior and dominant figure in the relationship, despite his lower economic class background, and Fan Jherui as the saved and passive character from a higher economic class. This refreshing take on character dynamics deserves applause.

The series excels in integrating a multifaceted plot, notably the mafia subplot, without disconnecting it from the central romance. This ability to seamlessly weave the romance into broader narrative elements elevates the viewing experience. Moreover, the inclusion of cameos from past BL series adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of the genre.

What I Dislike About the Series:
While "Kiseki" has much to offer, there are a few shortcomings that need addressing. The 20-minute episodes released weekly can be a source of frustration for live viewers, as the anticipation can become somewhat painful.

The shift in tone during Bai Zong Yi and Ai Di's time in jail felt abrupt and could have benefited from a smoother transition. A more nuanced handling of this critical plot point would have added to the overall cohesion of the story.

Additionally, certain plot elements, such as Zhang Teng, the Fan family, and Chen Dong Yang, which initially appeared to be major factors in the narrative, were swiftly and conveniently discarded once their relevance to the main characters concluded. The only plot point that received a moderately well-structured place in the storyline was Bai Zong Yi and his family.

In conclusion, "Kiseki" is a series that combines the miraculous chemistry of its cast with a complex and engaging narrative, but it isn't without its imperfections. Despite some pacing and plot-related issues, the series manages to captivate viewers with its unique character dynamics and clever integration of subplots.

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Not my Cup of tea

Bad on my part, but this is serving as my first Taiwanese BL of this year that I'm seeing, and luckily, I thought this was good. Not great, personally, because these types of series are just not my cup of tea, but, the men are beautiful, they know how to do physical well, and the acting isn't all that bad either.

Let's Dive In.

I had heard so much hype about this series that I knew I had to hop on the train and see what this was all about. Now, I think generally, a lot of series that portray on a scale of mild to super toxic relationships outshine series that portray healthier ones (for reasons being above my understanding), and I would label the same thing with these characters as well. Homeboy definitely has the case of Stockholm's syndrome -- falling for the person who turned his life into a living hell, This is fictional, so I'll look past the, 'he-needs-therapy-to-get-over-this' mumbo jumbo, Yes, his captor turns out to be a good person, just some ill intentions in the first half. The only thing I think needed a little more time was Zong Yi'a falling for Ze Rui. It feels very out of the blue. One day he hates him, the next he's trying to bake him a cake and confess his undying love, on top of being a minor (geez-la-wheez). it just felt rushed in my opinion, even if Zong Yi needed that companionship or someone to care for him, what we get before he falls just isn't enough. Now moving on to their actual relationship, cute! But again, something about them doesn't work for me, maybe it's because of the age difference, but I'm usually a fan of that, so I don't know what it is about this couple that just doesn't sell me all the way. After about episode 10, I started skipping over their scenes cause I just really could care less.

Moving onto the secondary couple -- again cute, we have a little bit more fun with their dynamic, but again, and this is just for me, I just don't see it working out. One, their brothers, albeit not blood-related, but still they grew up together as siblings. Two, both of them seem too hot-headed and too quick to want to throw a punch or force each other into something. Again, just a very toxic couple that works for other viewers cause they're hot and can kiss (I'll give them that).

As individual characters, I really liked them all. Especially Zong Yi's family dynamic and the things he goes through to save his dad. Along with the cunning friendship between him and Ai Di. The cameos were nice, Wayne does a great job at being a bad guy, and looks great doing it. As I said before, I just don't think this was the series for me because I think too hard about relationships and don't see how they come about or how they'll last, especially when they're built on a rough/toxic path.

Sadly, my favorite part about this series was during the last episode, we see the behind the scenes of the cast and crew, and it just puts a smile on your face regardless of how you feel about the series because it just goes to show all the hard work everyone put behind this series. End credits get me all the time (sigh).

Ratings:

Story: 7.5/10 - Lots of it I skipped through by Episode 10 cause I wasn't really invested in any of the couples and just wanted to see their outcome and quickly. The beginning is nice though, a very intriguing starting point, and then it just kind of wanes for me. Not bad, but not the best.

Acting: 9.5/10 - They could all cry when need be! Great! Zong Yi's actor did the best for sure.

Music: 4/5/10 - Again, not my usual taste in music, so it's kind of loud and a bit hectic sounding. It distracted me so much that I actually paid attention to it.

Recommndation Value: 6.5/10 - I can see the appeal in the series and the reason why it was so hyped around. Great acting and a great story if you're into tropes/plots like this one. Not the first Tawinese BL I'd recommend, maybe the 8th, but these men are beautiful so there's that.

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BL & Makjang

As I was skipping through the last episode, (actually FFW a drama for the very first time EVER!) while trying to avoid the ultimate cringe that episode is, I was just trying to comfort myself justifying watching this by its relative shortness. There were some good things about this drama and then there was the plot.

Good things: actors, cinematography.

The plot: BAD! Nonsensical and cringy. The story follows some mobsters who are ALL gay of course: from the Boss in a a happy 30 years old relationship with his secretary down to the minor players. What kind of mob is that? The criminals themselves were extremely unconvincing, unnatural! They just looked like a bunch of PC schoolkids putting on a show in which they imagine what real criminals might look like,behave and dress! Ridiculous!
The characters are not really explained: we do get to hear a kind of a back story but it does not explain their situation at the beginning of the series! Why does he have to work three jobs in order to put himself through high school? Why is the other guy a member of the mob? They all talk about killing people but look like they'd apologize and start crying if they accidentally crush an ant? Apart from the four main characters, everyone else either cannot act or they got unclear direction?
The second half plunges deep into a makjang with rich families, paying off the unsuitable lover, amnesia...classic!

It is still watchable under one serious condition: turn your brain off. Then you can enjoy the two love stories with decent skinship and a lot of cringe. Especially in the last episode. A lot!!!!!
All in all, this was bad. Barely watchable short drama: its saving grace being the short duration. LOL To watch only when there's nothing else!

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Honestly a disappointment in hype

So many people hyped this show up and I was looking forward to it as I love all the Taiwanese bl. I’ve watched. I don’t know if I had high expectation but the plot did not do it for me.

First let me start of saying the acting and cinematography is amazing for both couples. They never felt awkward and their characters were believable . They had great chemistry , great kisses but the plot ruined it for me.

First is people recommending this should warn people who aren’t into age gaps and involvement with a minor. The first couple involves a 17 year old highschool and a person who’s an adult , while the age is never discuss with the adult , speculation says he seems to be at least 5yrs older so the adult could be 22/23 through late 20s. While 16 is the age of consent in Taiwan, legality doesn’t make is morally right. Plus the characters even mention him being a minor. While many can dismiss this age gap as it’s fiction and not real or that the characters doesn’t look like it has an age gap , it bothers me a lot. And it bothers me even more they had a NC scene when the character is still a minor despite having a time skip where the minor is now an adult . They could have made him be slightly older and in college and the plot line can still work. Second couple is cute but also know there is dubcon as one of them was drunk in an NC scene.

But still I continue reminding myself it’s fiction and not to get so hung up if it had a good story but the story line failed to deliver.

There’s a choppiness to the drama that bothers me, the characters had no depth or growth and the plot just added more plot for the sake of having a plot and plot twist that really made no sense. There was no development with the relationship of the 1st couple . One moment he dislike him, the next they like each other but there’s not much logical reason to how they fell in love. if they spent time on the first couple development on how close they gotten for more than one episode, I feel like the audience can be more attached to them. The second couple made sense on why they love each other as they grew up having a close relationship and the unrequited love storyline tugs me heart. I wish the older mafia men had more of their story as they hinted about their relationship but we never followed through

Overall,
This shown isn’t for me. People will love it but I find the hype was a let down . The plot tried having more plot line but the execution was wrong

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Yawn. Cringe. Yawn.

This one got boring about 4 episodes in... Main leads' (both couples) acting was bearable, but couldn't say the same about the supporting cast. Besides the first few episodes, the rest of the episodes had barely any story line. Kudos to the actor playing FZR though, he managed to portray strength and vulnerability pretty well.

The script and dialogue started to get cringey a third in to the whole series and it seemed as though the screenwriters were just trying to get to the goal of having the 2 couples fall crazily in love (aka strip each other shirtless and kiss/make out. alot...). And after that goal was achieved, most of the show was then just them getting separated or facing some overly dramatised obstacle, then yearning for each other, then getting back together again (and getting horny) very conveniently.

What hooked me in at the beginning was Ai Di's fiesty personality and BZY's tsundere character but it wasn't long before their characters started getting whiney, piney,, and angsty (and unlikable). The storyline, well there was barely any, was simply unoriginal and disengaging, and don't get me started on the awkward placement of bgm throughout the drama...

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FUCKING WATCH IT!!

OMG, I teared up so much during these series!! Both couples were so touching but Fah Ze Rui and Bai Zong Yi were just something else. Their love was so deep even though they didn't spend so much time together and it made me really cry so hard whenever they were separated and fuck their reconciliation was so amazing!! I was so happy everytime they could love each other in peace and Bai Zong Yi is such an amazing person... he made me cry as he chose Rui and his father over himself and his future but was still able to fight when he got out of prison and believe in his love. So heartbreaking!!

Then Ai Di and Chen Yi, I originally came for them but Chen Yi seriously disappointed me when he ditched Ai Di for his boss and didn't keep his promise... their first time was actually really sad... Ai Di was in the wrong when he slept with him in his drunk state but it made me so sad to see how desperate he was and he didn't even think that Chen Yi knew he lost his virginity to him. They were really problematic at first but as gang members I can understand... in the place they were brought up at they just didn't took their fights and other aggression seriously. At the end how they talked about death, I saw a younger generation of their boss and his partner who also want to leave together and boss loved his man as much as Chen Yi loves Ai Di.

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Fun Watch that is Dear To Mt Too.

Gangsters are people too, rich people not so much... and forced co habitation can lead to a love that goes beyond stabbing, blood baths and what not... This is also a drama that teaches us the complete distrust towards authorities the schools of Taiwan seem to have since they rather invite a gang to investigate drug-dealing in the school instead of what one would think the more conventional choice of police could be...


We also get to meet a poor geek who is forced to let in a rich gangster in to his home against his will. The gangster is fun, sweet, and could use a lesson or ten in respecting others boundaries but other than being a gangster who is gets a bit to close to a minor (17 year old so not that big of a deal, where I live it is totally legal), The poor geek is the perfect cold male lead and it is a pleasure to watch him grow.

The second couple too has some (a lot) of issues, and should probably serve more time behind bars than out in the open. But they do seem to show some kind of remorse and understand right from wrong as well as show that there are circumstances that call for stabbing... Aware or not hey just do not really seen to be able to stick to what one would think is the right path or close to some kind of path that could keep them out of danger but that is what makes the gangsters of this show human...

The kisses in this show are surrounded by fluff, so are the make out sessions and moments of cringy romance giving us a nice balance between fluff and puddles of blood.

An entertaining, easy bing watch with decent chemistry and not to bad twists.

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One of the Best!!!!

Wow, I just finished this series and I am super sad. I loved this so much and didn’t want it to end. My favorite BL genre is mafia and this definitely did not disappoint. But, oh my gosh, there were twists and turns every episode. I actually binge watched this entire series in one day.

I loved the cast so much. They all did a fantastic job. The chemistry was off the charts! I loved the main couple but, wow, Yi and Ai Di were exceptional. The heartbreak, the tension, the denial, and the passion…. just wow.

Don’t miss the behind the scenes episode.

This will definitely go on my rewatch list.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Re-watch worthy? Probably not

I will say everything straight to the point

The main lead couple and side couple absolutely ruled my WORLD.
The story was not my favorite part, I think it could have been better.
I am a sucker for age gaps, although this one seemed a little bit illegal for 80% of the show. BUT anyways I loved their chemistry and the scenes with them. The second couple was also a blast, I was just a little bit sad that they had too little (for my preference) romance/cute scenes.

OVERALL I would definitely suggest watching this at least once in your life time. It is an enjoyable watch, but for me, I only started to enjoy it half way in to the series.

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What A Mess!

I'm not sure how so many people are swept away by this, nor how it's scored over eight stars on MDL. However, I also never quite understood the hype around We Best Love: No. 1 For You, which is one of the top 10 ranked BL dramas on MDL. Both shows come from the same author.

IMHO there are a bunch of much better BL dramas that are rated lower than this on MDL, but are infinitely better, including Kinou Nani Tabeta?, Utsukushii Kare, Kamisama no Ekohiiki, Hello Stranger, DNA Says Love You, Once Again, Kimi no Koto Dake Mite Itai, More Than Words, Ossan's Love, Bokura no Micro na Shuumatsu, Oh Mando! and Mood Indigo, to name more than a few. More Than Words and Mood Indigo are particularly well produced shows, though quite serious dramas, and as ridiculous and over the top as Ossan's Love is (the 2018 version), it's actually quite funny and Tanaka Kei is comic genius. Your time would be much better spent on any of these titles.

The cinematography on this show is very similar to what we've come to expect from most Taiwanese BLs -- It's very professional looking, but has a very candy coated sheen which lacks any realism. When you venture beyond schoolboy and cafe romance fantasies, and instead venture into gangs and prison, I think a grittier, more realistic look would have done much to help this show be taken a little more seriously. Having said that, the actors are made to look very attractive, so if you're in it for eye candy, you may like this show. They also did a better job than many other BLs by developing the characters histories and motivations, so you really knew what these characters defining background stories are. This show also did a nice job of bucking expectations about sexual roles in bed, which I appreciated.

Where this series really fell apart however, was the writing and plot. The "never exactly explained" list for the series is troublingly long, and after a while you just stop caring about what's going on.

[STOP READING HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT MASSIVE SPOILERS!!!]

The entire warring gangs storyline was thinly explained throughout. The machinations of Fan Ze Rui hiding from his gang in order to keep his gang looking for him, so that his boss can take over Zhang Teng's territory was particularly convoluted. Then, that the high school let a gang member come in undercover to become a temporary teacher in order to expose a rival gang's drug dealing within the school made zero sense. The connection between the Fan family orchestrating the chair attack in prison also felt very tenuous. Especially after Bai Zong Yi took the fall for Zhang Teng's murder. I understand it's because Fan Hong Da didn't approve of Bai Zong Yi and Fan Ze Rui's relationship, but wouldn't there be some respect for Bai Zong Yi saving Fan Hong Da's grandson from going to prison? And if Fan Hong Da hated is bastard grandson so much, why did he want to keep him out of jail, and why did he care so much about his relationship? Didn't he sort of want to disown him anyway? The motivations here all seem very contradictory. Do you want to know how Ai Di got himself into jail to protect Bai Zong Yi ? I would like to know that as well, but it was never explained! Bai Zong Yi has short term amnesia, but doesn't really seem to forget everything -- except his wedding vows in the final scene. Fan Ze Rui is pretending to have long term amnesia to protect Bai Zong Yi (from the Fan family I guess) and to get dirt on his family's business... maybe? Was he blackmailing his grandfather, or was he offering a bribe to his grandfather? Again, never really explained. There's also the Hail Mary of plotting at the end to throw in a twist from a character that the show kind of ignored throughout the series. And would you like to know why Chen Dong Yang's boyfriend was coughing up blood in the final episode? Well, you won't find out. Those are just a few of the reasons this show is a mess.

My understanding is that this was originally a novel, and with any novel they always have to cut things back to make work in the running time of a show. However, I also read that Chen Yi and Ai Di were side characters with no romance in the novel. If the writers didn't spend so much time fleshing out this additional story and turning it into a romance, maybe they could have gotten the basics down and made the overall plot points connect better and make more sense. It feels like they added an extra story in at the expense of creating a show with an understandable and believable plot.

Oh... and the theme song was terrible.

If you're interested in BL gang's, I suggest you check out Not Me. It doesn't have as attractive actors, but the plot is infinitely more interesting and logical. Another title you might enjoy would be Kinn Porsche, which is also kind of terrible, though not as terrible as this, and it's got a lot of sex, so that's a plus.

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