The Promise of the Soul

So much misconception about this series!

Let me just start by saying this: after so many weird tropes and stories that get lost, toxic characters and leads with no soul or chemistry...allow me to say this series is so heartwarming!
I had read a lot of comments of people that could not enjoy the show because they could not get over that one tiny fact of the main plot.
The story is not bad, it's actually wonderful, funny and well delivered. The actors did an amazing job, chemistry was top notch, great soundtrack and smooth skinship.
People just need to take a leap of faith, have an open mind and actually watch the whole thing and enjoy the ride.
A solid 9/10 and a good watch!!

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A Red String That Is Soulful Indeed

Being a Westerner, I am completely drawn to the metaphysical construct of soul-transference prevalent in Eastern cultures. Especially if you throw in the mythology of the Red String of Fate. There is something so mesmerizing about the concept of two souls being bound forever via an invisible red string. The intensity of that symbolism is mystical for those of us from the West and I am compelled by its underlying intensity. Evocatively, I can think of no more intimate way to attach to someone you love, truly love, than by tying a red string around their wrist along with yours. Not only is that figurative, but it is also so romantic and shows a deep sense of commitment to a relationship. This series had all of that. Perhaps not in an intense way, and seemingly more peripheral than serious, but nonetheless, it remained its central theme. Read the full review at BLBliss.com.

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The hell was that

Despite all the negative reviews i still gave the series a chance because in reels the couple looked cute.

I hated the ending. First of all the scene where grandfather and grandson was talking near the tree at the end episode ig had no depth. it was just 'Goodbye grandpa' and puff, scene change like WHAT?

The grandfather didn't even stop him let alone getting emotional on his grandson's departure. Everything felt rushed, no depth. It felt like only Guan Ri Qing was grieving rest nobody gave a fuck. Specially the grandfather. Bro, your grandson left the world and the next thing is you are kissing and having lovely time with your lover. The writers had a random thought and executed without thinking and planning. Loved the chemistry and actors though. .

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Shit makes no sense!!

With all due respect, I was honestly just relieved when I finished this series. Wtf. At some point, I was literally watching only for the visuals of the actors and because I was curious about what would happen with ZeFang soul. But honestly? It felt like the series had no plot. No script. No real writing.

The actors themselves I actually liked, the whole cast was new to me, and to me they all had genuine chemistry. Everyone did a good job as actors. But the characters they were playing? They needed serious help. There was basically no character development. On the contrary, Hai Yuan seemed to regress instead of maturing, he got more childish as the episodes went on.

I fully get that love has no color, no age, no gender but, this story just didn’t land. Like… this guy has always known you, has always had a crush on you, and you never liked him back? But then suddenly, you fall for his grandfather, who ends up in his body someone you allegedly never even had feelings for before? The whole thing felt messy and inconsistent, and honestly, I’m still conflicted about it. Maybe I just didn’t understand the “purpose” of the show, but I feel like the plot had potential that was wasted. For example, the Thai series My Stand-In had a similar cross-body soul storyline but that one actually made fucking sense.

Again, my issue isn’t with the actors or their acting — it’s with the writing.

One character I did low-key like was Guan Ri Qing. He was clearly heartbroken, and even though his way of showing love was toxic, he still came across as one of the most relatable characters. I honestly wish we had gotten to see more of his relationship with Ze Fang, because my boy was really in love with him.

And lastly, one thing that really bothered me was Hai Yuan’s complete disregard for the loss of life and soul of Ze Fang. Like, one thing is not having romantic or sexual interest in someone but to not give a single fuck about another human being’s existence? That was too much for me.

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A daring idea as a wholesome experience!

The Promise of the Soul - Ep.12 Final REVIEW

Now with Episode 12 this very challenging topic was resolved. I know some disliked the premise, but as some who enjoys... how can I say - broad perspectives on life, I really enjoyed this series a lot.
For all those who followed it to the end and liked it like me, I wonder if you found the ending a Happy one? For I surely did. I was really afraid at Ep.11, the famous drama apex. I feared, shall we say morality would hold them back. First, it was well acted, beautiful set in scene and the difficult part of the one MC was well played by the actor. It does have a sad element, and I am usually one to quickly find such... dilemmas bad. But I felt it was finished wholesome and meaningful and I for one shall keep this in fond memory for a long time, as wholesome hope giving story. For in the end, as it was wrapped up, I feel it was a good ending for everyone.

For the courage to seek out different perspectives, without regret I give
10/10

Life is large. 🥰

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A story as old as time with room to grow

It can be difficult for some viewers to accept the idea of an older man falling for a younger man. Even though we live in what’s supposed to be a more open culture, certain relationships still carry a sense of taboo. But as the saying goes, love is love—and if BL relationships are to be embraced, then age-gap dynamics should be viewed with the same openness that we often grant heterosexual couples.

What stands out about this series is how much it focuses on character growth and emotional evolution. As the story unfolds, you discover there’s much more depth to the relationship than first meets the eye, which makes it all the more special. While the acting still has room for improvement, the natural chemistry between the leads more than makes up for it. The kissing scenes could have been stronger, but it’s worth noting that both actors are straight, which adds its own challenge.

I haven’t seen many BL dramas produced and located in Hong Kong and it has potential. The OST is both beautiful and haunting, adding a layer of atmosphere that lingers after each episode. I’d love to see these two actors reunited in future projects

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Just watch it!

I read the reviews here before watching this and saw so much dislike for this series that I almost didn't start it. And that would have been a shame!
Yes I get the whole premise of the grandpa in the younger grandson's body, and him being around the other male lead is wigging people out, but honestly just look past that and you will see so much more. For one, I really enjoyed the main leads, I think they did a great job, and their chemistry was so believable. I've seen a lot of Bl series, and often times the main leads lack that spark, but i think these two nailed it.
The story was different from most of the Bl series out there which I can appreciate, I think they did a good job with production.
Honestly, if the only thing holding you back is the whole "age" thing, just give it a shot! The promise of the soul, is fluffy, funny, and gets you in the feels as well. You gotta watch it and make your own opinion on it!

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uncomfortable watch

A Taiwanese BL that began with a deeply intriguing premise but quickly turned into something emotionally uncomfortable and morally confusing. The story follows Xia Cha, an elderly man who transmigrates into the body of his deceased grandson, Xia Ze Fang. Now living in a young body, he encounters Ye Hai Yuan, a man who — in a karmic twist — happens to be the reincarnation of Xia Cha’s late wife.

At first, the idea sounds beautifully tragic — two souls finding each other again across lifetimes. But as the story unfolded, I couldn’t shake off my unease. Why was Xia Cha, who had already lived a long, full life and known love, given a second chance, while Xia Ze Fang, a young man who never even got to experience his own story, was erased completely? His body, his voice, his youth — all taken away without acknowledgment. Nobody truly grieved him. It was as if his existence didn’t matter at all.

That thought stayed with me throughout. I kept feeling an ache for Xia Ze Fang — unloved, unwanted, and forgotten by everyone, even by the narrative itself. The injustice of it made it hard to root for Xia Cha’s second chance at love, no matter how fated or soulful it was meant to be.

And then there’s Ye Hai Yuan, the supposed reincarnation of the grandmother. What struck me most was the inconsistency of his love — if he and Xia Cha shared such an eternal bond, why did he never love Xia Cha when he was alive? Why did affection only ignite once Xia Cha was reborn inside the youthful body of his grandson? That sudden shift made their romance feel unsettling — as if love depended on the vessel, not the soul.

The Promise of the Soul had the potential to be a profound meditation on reincarnation and love transcending time, but it lost its heart in execution. The premise was fascinating, yet the emotional balance felt wrong. Instead of a moving love story, it became a quiet tragedy about a forgotten soul who never got to live.

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good but story have a little falt thing

I don't think it's as easy as it's shown in the movies to change an old man's mind and lead him towards love.And the biggest thing is that the old man had a wife before and he loved his wife very much and then even after going to a completely new body in this old age. Forgetting his wife. It is a very strange thing. Even then, he is attracted to another completely unknown thing, boys love. And the biggest thing is that usually the old people or the previous people disagree with this for various reasons. But it is a little strange to agree to it so easily and then fall in love with it so easily.The story is really beautiful and I really liked it, but if you looked at it a little better, I think it would have been even better.

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Good but not perfect

It's a very good drama if you look beyond the illogical things that's going on.

Honestly, whenever I see the word "fantasy" or "supernatural" in a very normal drama, I immediately turn off my brain cells, because I know that it would piss me off with ridiculous and illogical situations. And Boy!!! Little did I know that this would be the best decision to make before starting this.

This drama lacks many things, but be that as it may, that didn't change the fact that this is a very good drama.

I kinda have to say the positives and negatives because how else am I going to explain how is this good and bad at the same time.

First a big shout out to Martin Wong, he singlehandedly carried the whole show, and he didn't disappoint at all, he was spectacular.
The rest of the cast were good too, no one was bad or cringe and chemistry was smooth and enjoyable, also a fair amount of kisses and making out (for people who enjoy those things, you are in for a treat)

Story is pretty simple, soul exchange then falling in love with the new person, but as a BL not a straight couple. It was entertaining, the pace is nice and little to no unanswered questions (as it usually tends to be with these type of dramas), cast was good, I loved Yaron Qiu, he nailed his role and gained a new fan.

However...
The story is simple but messy, like what is the point, what are we focusing on? The grandpa or the grandson? Xia Cha or Xia Ze Fang?? Also the way they messed up Hai Yuan character from cool and poised to clingy childish and impulsive character is overwhelming!! He basically became Guan Ri Qing... I see no difference, I even wanted Ze Feng to come back so that the grandpa and Hai Yuan won't be an endgame....

Nevertheless, I can understand that for the sake of "character development" or degradation in this case but anyway, also the fact that Xia Cha has been a straight guy who doesn't even fathom the idea of two men falling in love, and you turn him into a gay guy who falls in love with a boy his grandson age??? Good lord! What the heck was that writer high on??? Also the 70YO man is too childish I couldn't stomach it in some scenes, how come he is that innocent acting like a 10 YO kid who knows and understand nothing of this world, despite being a very very lovely character, in some scenes I was questioning who he is actually!!!

Another thing I didn't like but it's generally presented in some BLs is that every guy is gay, and every woman is a lesbian, no straight characters whatsoever, and I'm not saying that because I want to see straight characters in BL, I couldn't care less, but the fact that you assert and show that every single side character has a partner of the same gender is just a bit too much, unnecessary and superficial.

After saying all that I'm embarrassed to say that I actually liked it, because it was actually good, but you definitely have to shut your brain down to be able to enjoy it.

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