Stay with Me

Addicted 2.0 or not?

Stay With Me is based on the BL novel “Are You Addicted?” by Chai Jidan and it is the second time that novel was brought to life as a tv drama show. The first adaptation from 2016, called “Addicted”, is more similar to the original novel in terms of content and also much more open in terms of showing sexual acts between two men in front of the camera. Unfortunately, that was also the reason why first the series and then the actors (Timmy Xu and Johnny Huang) were banned from the mainland China media market. Shortly before the end of the series, with three unaired episodes left before the season finale, it was removed from all Chinese channels because of "the gay and explicit content".

Stay with me (2023) is now the second time the original novel “Are You Addicted?” by Chai Jidan is brought to the TV screen. This time it’s more of a Bromance and explicit content is nowhere to be found. Names, roles and the story are slightly changed, perhaps for a more modern approach, although the novel isn’t that old, and the series takes place in 2006. I wouldn't call it a remake of Addicted (2016) but rather a new interpretation of the original material.

The main leads are Xu Bin as Wu Bi and Zhang Jiong Min as Su Yu. They play two completely different characters who initially have nothing in common. One is spoiled, arrogant and with an aggressive temper and the other is highly intelligent, reserved and caring and both of them are playing really well and convincingly. If you’re hoping for good acting, you won't be disappointed. Besides the two main leads I really loved some of the supporting actors (Su Zhi Gang, Xiao San and Duo) and some I couldn't stand at all (Ye Wan Ying and the cousin of Wu Bi). I guess that's how it was planned by the producers and yeah, success.

As already mentioned, there are no sex scenes, nude scenes, not even a real kiss between Wu Bi and Su Yu throughout the series. This is possibly to avoid censorship in China, but it could also be a simple decision by the director and producer to make something great without any physical aspects. In the end, it's up to the viewer what they make of the "playful" touches and the hidden allusions.

For me there is no doubt about the deep love between the two, may it be brotherly love or the love of lovers or something in between, but unfortunately it all leads to a difficult end in the last episode.

I had already felt that I might be experiencing a second HIStory 3 end moment. That moment I will never forget. How desperate and sad I was and for the first time in 20 years I had to cry and my whole body was shaken. It left such a profound impression back then and I was afraid to experience a moment like that again.

(Just as a side note: For over 20 years now, I have suffered from an emotional disorder that prevents me from crying or experiencing emotions like others do. I have been receiving treatment for this all those years but have never made any real progress. Imagine a world where tragic, sad but also happy and inspiring things happen and everyone around you has a way to express themselves emotionally or is just able to cry as a means to regulate your mind, but you can't do that. That was my situation. Back then, after HIStory 3, I even had to go to my therapist because I couldn't deal with what had happened. Even though I knew it was just fiction, it weighed me down so hard.)

And now that end of “Stay with me”. I have so many questions and without this ending the series could have been concluded. I just hope for the best for Wu Bi and I would be very happy about a second season. Thank you.

(This is my first review, show some mercy) :D

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Censored Same Sex original Work or Cultural Appropriation?

Stay With Me strives to remake the vibrant, spontaneously authentic and racy BL coming-of-age production of Addicted (2016) into a Hallmark Movie for the rest of the viewing public. Of the two main characters, the humble but brilliant Bai Luo Yin of Addicted is now Su Yu. Carnal, alpha and "seme" character Gu Hai is now Wu Bi . Why the name changes when the characters and basic plot are for all practical intents and purposes identical to the original work is anybody's guess. One of the genres this production falls under is "Censored Same Sex Original Work" but it feels more like gay or BL cultural appropriation., an infuriating "straight-washing" of one the better Boy's Love stories ever to come out of China. Almost all the basic elements of the original story are retained but with the addition of some of the most trite innocent feel-good filler material ever put to digital film. All this succeeds in making Stay With Me a production more family friendly than a trip to Disneyland.
Word had it some years back that the Chinese Communist party put the kabosh on gay themed entertainment works apparently in an effort to weed out the "soft" sissies and nurture real homegrown Chinese He Men. Perhaps this is in anticipation of a genuine hot war with the West. Who knows? What they have done is cut off their noses despite their collective faces.
I will opine, despite the competent acting and storyline, this production receded rather quickly to the wings and will become more obscure with time. The one saving grace of this new version is that the essential plot itself, the story of two senior high school boys thrust together by chance and fate at the most vulnerable points in their young lives, is strong enough to survive the evisceration of the intent, animus, youthful passions and motivations of the original. This production is still a hearty stew but without the spice and exotic flavor that made Addicted a cultural feast.

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I came for the romance, I stayed for the found family feels <3

I checked out this drama as a fan of the original Addicted Heroin, curious to see what they would be doing with this remake, and I ended up quite disappointed with the romance. I have absolutely no problem with shows selling me romance in a subtle and non-explicit way - WangXian is still my Chinese BL OTP til today, and Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei are not far behind - but it does require remarkable acting and chemistry to sell it, which was, in my opinion, not the case here. I rarely felt like the actors actually conveyed the romantic dimension of their love towards one another, except towards the end. It was obvious they were extremely close and cared a huge deal about each other but the chemistry was, most of the times, more brotherly than romantic to me.

It did not prevent me from enjoying their relationship at all, as I soon came to discover that Stay with me, unlike Addicted Heroin which was more romance-focused, is a family series. Family is not just a plot device here, it's the overarching theme of the show, what drives most of the characters' actions and what they find meaning in. Both Su Yi and Wu Bi working through their complicated family relationships, and Wu Bi finding his place and his family in Su Yi's own, were some of the most wholesome journeys to watch this year. This drama is brilliantly written and acted when it comes to family relationships, by the main leads and the supporting actors alike. The actors playing Shu Yu's father, Aunty and Duo Duo in particular gave stellar performances and I loved their characters. The pace, the camera language, the music choices also complemented the series well.

All in all, it was a warm and full of heart watch.

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Stay With Me

I really enjoyed the series! The actors did an amazing job portraying the main characters. They had great chemistry and conveyed their emotions convincingly. I especially appreciated how they showed the evolution of their relationship, from initial rejection to love.

However, I also noticed some flaws in the production of the series. For example, there were changes of clothes from one scene to another (during Wubi's kiss with Suyu in the classroom, Suyu comes out wearing glasses, then not), cameramen in the shot, and continuity errors. These are small details, but they threw me off a little bit.

What I loved most about the series was its humor and jokes. The series did an excellent job of balancing drama and comedy while showcasing China's unique sense of humor. It's hard to put into words, but it's definitely one of the things that made the show so enjoyable.

What I liked least about the series was the ending. It seemed very abrupt and sad, and left me with a lot of doubts. I don't understand why they decided to end the series with an accident and that's it. I would have liked to see a happier and closed ending for the main characters, or at least see what happened to everyone.

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A FOUND FAMILY DONE RIGHT

In the heartwarming Chinese drama "Stay with Me," two individuals form an unexpected bond, creating a found family that brings them solace and support amidst life's challenges. As they face various trials, their connection grows stronger, and they learn the true meaning of love, friendship, and loyalty. The show beautifully explores the power of human connection and leaves you with a warm feeling as you witness the characters' growth and transformations. It's a delightful drama that will touch your heart and remind you of the importance of cherishing those who stay by your side.

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After 7 years, my soul has been satisfied

At first, I did not want to watch it. I was too loyal to the original cast and to the first series. My good friend encourage me to give it a chance. So I watched the first 3 episodes. I was expecting the same plot as to the first series. It discourages me. Then again, my good friend told me to watch it without comparison with the first series. I gave it another try. Though names, some characters, some plot were changed, some parts were able to follow the book. I started to enjoy. I was only able to finish it for 2 days. It satisfies my soul after 7 years of waiting, finally, they were able to finish the 1st book. I have been wanting it for a long time. The best scene for me was Ep. 22 at 22:22, to those who read the book, we all know how important this scene is. It made me emotional coz finally, we have the photo we have been wanting for the whole time. As for the story, YES, it was a bit different from the book, but I guess they have been trying their best to copy what's in the book to avoid it from being banned. For those people who has been saying this is not BL only bromance, for me it is a complete BL. I am looking forward to Book 2 of this. I hope it will be soon. <3

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Not at all what I expected but very heartwarming show

I just finished this show and WOW. I am sobbing rn. (no spoilers)

The acting coming from the two main leads was amazing. This is the first Chinese show I've ever watched and I didn't realize that it was going to be so tame (compared to Taiwan's BLs) I understand it's like the governments fault but I was definitely disappointed with the lack of kissing etc. Despite the lack of making out, their chemistry was FANTASTIC! I am really really impressed with how obvious their love and attraction was without those scenes. The looks they give each other, the little cheek kisses--everything!!!

Also, loved duo so much. I didn't know where else to put this in the review but she is a fantastic character loved every single thing she did or said.

To be honest, I was expecting a show that focuses on their romance and drama, but this isn't it. In reality, this show is about finding family and growing up/coming of age. I was really impressed by the plot however. This plot was one of the best I think I have ever seen. I loved the development at the beginning of the show from strangers to rivals to kind of friends and then more... It felt very realistic. The timing of everything was phenomenal, it wasn't too focused on the main leads, there was good side plots and sub plots, there was most importantly, an ENDING THAT I COULDN'T PREDICT AT ALL. Not to brag or anything, but until this day, my guessing the ending to shows win rate was 100%. Now it's at a crisp 99.9% unfortunately.

Some things I didn't like about the show: I honestly didn't like any of the music. Fortunately, I feel like music doesn't really have a HUGE impact on a show's value, so it's easy to look past. And it's not like I just hate all Chinese singing like there are plenty of Taiwanese shows that I think have good music but this just is not it. I did like that one song they had in English though lol.
Another nitpick but the clothing was really throwing me off and kind of lifting the illusion. Nobody is convinced they dressed like that in 2006. All those clothes were modern... honestly, If they had replaced those Nokias with iPhones I would have thought this took place in 2023.
I thought that some of the acting could have been better on the part of the dad (Yang Shuo/Su Zhi Gang).. also why did they never really address the lottery tickets? Chekhov's gun?

So final thoughts on this show. Not at all what I was expecting, much more subtext-based than actual relationship. However, this made it feel so much more realistic. I really loved following their journey growing up and learning more about themselves and each other and the world and.. coming of age <3. This is a series I will definitely remember and think about at least a few more times after this.

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hidden gem

i was very surprised when i came across this show. firstly it was chinese, second it was 2023. the law and banning of anything remotely suggestive if BL.

as i started to watch i thought i know this story omg it is Addicted Heroine. excitement settled.

Xu Bin i though was no Johnny Huang. howeve xu bin made this role his own. he was able to express a lot with his sullen nad behaviour.

there has been mich adjustments to the story bit the important bits seems to be lining up.

i have heard rumours of a season two. having read the book i know where the story is heading.

i was especially please how they cleverly worked around the romance, there were many subtle hinys of their being in a relationship and a physical one at that.

just show you not wverything has to be in your face. the audience can read between the line too.

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Very cool.

I watch this not knowing anything about the source material or anything. I of course, now know that there’s some controversy about this show in China, but I’ve gotta tell the people in charge in China, never once did either of these characters come off as anything but straight teenagers. They literally just look like really good friends. That was enough to drive this story for this season and another one! The chemistry between these two guys was over the top amazing. There’s literally nothing not to like, except for the annoying acting of the little girl, and The fact that one of the actors seem to be voice dubbed. Being that I was watching it with subtitles it wasn’t that big of a deal, but when I watched interviews later, it was very obvious that WuBi doesn’t have the same voice in real life that he does in the show.

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A MASTERPIECE OF BL ❤️

I finished watching stay with me a few days ago and I have to tell you that I haven't stopped thinking about them for days and I don't think I'll ever be able to stop.

I was a little afraid to watch it because of all the spoilers I saw but thank goodness I did. This series made me feel all kinds of emotions. There wasn't a single moment that I didn't like.

Su yu and Wu bi stole my heart. What a cute connection they had and the thing about always wanting to be together. Let alone their moments together and whoever tells me this isn't a bl I don't think they watched the same series as me.

I loved all the drama that was in this series. When they would fight and then make up. They were meant to be together.

I have to tell you that I am also obsessed with the ost. Shining stars and Waiting are tremendous ost.

This series made it in my top 3 in less than two days and I don't think it will be out of my top 3 in a long time.

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CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 2 ?

I don't write review for every drama,series or movies ........i write the review for those which have touch my heart ........and I writting review means. I have fallen love with this series❣️The series is just perfect . Addicted is one of my favourite bl series and I didn't accept that the adaptation will be able to achieve that love from me....but I was really wrong because stay with me is one of the best adaption ..... Addicted has some unfinished or incomplete development of character..... I don't know well who know if addicted has season 2 then these problems may be removed......but stay with me clear all these doubt and character development was well done ..every character has got their role and story well ......like wubi father and mother,su yu mother and father .....duo duo ...and his mom ....ever character story was developed well and shown well....whereas many new characters were also introduced like mo yi father and wubi younger uncle......and mo yi character was also developed and I don't know why but I kinda feel mo yi is really obsessed with wubi (I don't if it is for Wu group or something else).......Addicted has left a huge hole in my heart bcoz I have been waiting for season 2 and in same way stay with me got a open as well as unfinished ending ....I just hope that the season 2 will not get cancelled or anything...... I love addicted as well as stay with me equally ❣️

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