The Promise of the Soul

Storyline

I really enjoyed this Bl. Your not going to please everyone all of the time. We all have different opinions. The two actors were first class in their acting.No embarrassing silence between the actors. It flowed.
I thought the storyline was cute and gentle. The actor who player Zefang was exceptional in his portrayel
of a young man who was having to live with his grandfather's soul inside him. Quite emotional to watch. The other grandson Ye Hai Yuan was his comforter. I've watched some abysmal BLs where the standard has been well below par. I hate bls that mix to much comedy with drama. For me it's one of the other.
Although Promise of Soul has a bit of comedy it
doesnt compromise to much with the drama.I loved the music.. All in all I enjoyed it. The tie around the two MLs wrists was unique. Grandfathers love for both his
grandsons. I thoroughly enjoyed it.. Thankyou to everyone who took part.
❤️

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It had Promise....

The overall show was sweet if you watch with your brain turned off. But watching to get some sense of cohesive- ness you will be highly disappointed. The story for the first few episodes was coming together and afterabout episode 5 as the title of the book "Things fall apart". I was trying to add concepts to make so sense of what the writers were trying to convey and the only thing I can come up with is if we let 2 men fall in love, givethe show a catchy title aznd evry BL face would fall for it. I dont mind the premise of the older man soulgoing into his grandson, my biggggest problem is a 69 year old man who lived for 69 years and dont even know how he feelseven if he was married to a woman, I think he should know if he is attracted to someone.

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The Promise of Being Bored to Death

Let’s make one thing clear: this series had the right ingredients. A good storyline, decent actors who could act, and the soundtrack wasn’t that bad. Despite these positive elements, the series ultimately falls short. The main issue for me was the pacing and how the characters spoke to each other; the dialogue felt flat and, at times, downright boring.

Don’t get me wrong, the main leads have great chemistry, and they do share some sweet, adorable moments. But I just couldn’t get into the series. I kept thinking, “When is this episode going to end?”

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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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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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Well, the series as a story is still new and the acting is good and so are the heroes, but when I feel that the ending is perfect, I wish that the boy would return to his body again and the grandfather would ascend to heaven, and when the boy returns, he works on improving himself and being better. He saw what happened, so it was better for him to change himself, but the author had another opinion, which was for the grandfather to continue, and I think that the ending is not better for me, because the grandfather lived for 70 years, and for this reason he knew a lot, and that is why everyone loved him, but the boy still learning

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Go in open without letting reviews dictate your experience

First review, kind of nervous :3
I felt compelled to write a review because so many people are dissing the plot.
Story:
Hai yuan on a trip back home meets xia cha, the grandfather of his college acquaintance who’s harbored feelings for him for years. In an unfortunate accident, zefang and xia cha die. Hours later, xia cha wakes up in his grandsons body. Now having to navigate college life, an unhealthy relationship, and other twenty year old challenges, the 69 year old promises to help change zefangs life around for when he’s ready to reclaim his body. In the midst, hai yuan begins to see a side to cha that inevitably draws him in. Realizing he’s falling for xia cha, he fears the day zefang inhabits his body leaving him a hollow shell once again.

Review: I believe this was beautifully written and progressed very well. It wasn’t slow or stuck like a lot of recent shows. The acting at times was stiff but for the most part pretty good. I really appreciate how this was executed. There are many smaller details that if missed can ruin the whole story though. For instance, in xia cha’s life he has experienced three different loves. The first when he was a young boy, the second his wife and lastly hai yuan. It’s revealed that these three loves are the same soul, xia cha’s soulmate. When cha is speaking to riqing he says that his wife would’ve been his same age if she was reincarnated the day she died. This implies that Hai yuan is also the same age as they are only a few months apart. Another detail that could be missed is that once the swap happened the grandfather began to experience feelings as a twenty year old. Although he still has his memories which gives him wisdom, he was much more immature and illogical than his former self. Lastly, the grandfather sincerely loved his grandson. Throughout the show he is always defending him and hoping people will see the real him. He even blames himself for spoiling him so much but not teaching and humbling him. When he is able to see zefang for the first time he takes that as a sign that he’s ready for his body back and drowns himself. He was always willing to give zefang his life back but didn’t know how so in the meantime he worked to better things for him when he returned.
All in all I think xia cha is the greenest character I’ve seen in a while!

Hopefully if you’re reading this you will watch and make your own conclusions.

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I Thought This Is Weird

I honestly expected the series to be weird based on the plot summary—but surprisingly, I’ve ended up liking it so far. And no, I wasn’t creeped out at all, lol!

The story follows Zefang, Haiyuan, and Xia Cha (the grandfather). At first, when Zefang’s soul was still in his body, he was completely obsessed with Haiyuan—to the point where he would sometimes force himself on him. And it’s not that Haiyuan wasn’t into guys; it’s just… who would like someone that obsessive, aggressive, and borderline abusive?

Then one day, the grandfather and grandson fell down the stairs because they argue and had a commotion. When the grandfather woke up, he found himself in his grandson's body—Zefang had died. So yes, the plot involves body swapping after death.

Xia Cha (now in Zefang’s body) becomes very dependent on Haiyuan, probably because he's still adjusting to his new body and unfamiliar surroundings. He comes off as clingy, but honestly, I find his actions really adorable. Even though his body is Zefang’s, the soul inside is now the grandfather’s—affectionate, gentle, and warm. He has that “old soul” charm, which is the complete opposite of the original Zefang. That’s why Haiyuan eventually falls for him.

That said, I feel like the later episodes took a turn—and not necessarily for the better. Xia Cha’s character started to change in a way I didn’t enjoy. I’m not a fan of this kind of writing or direction. There weren’t enough sweet or heartwarming scenes between them, mainly because of the ongoing tension surrounding the body-swapping issue. Xia Cha wants Zefang to return to his body, even though Zefang’s boyfriend (the “other guy”) clearly isn’t a good person.

And another thing—I don’t understand why the writers made Xia Cha comfort Zefang’s boyfriend so much. He keeps hugging and consoling him when, in reality, their interactions should’ve stayed more casual or even distant. It just doesn’t make sense emotionally.

Still, the series isn’t bad at all—it just could’ve been better. What I really liked were the charming actors, solid performances, great visuals, and the side couple’s storyline (though they didn’t get enough screen time). I’d still say The Promise of the Soul is worth watching. And for what it’s worth, I think the filmmakers did a decent job handling the body-swapping theme.

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If you're looking for a sign to watch it, please do; this series is a hidden gem.

Oh, you don't know how much I regret finishing this series in less than 10 hours, it was so addictive, I wish it had more episodes.

Many may have been bothered by the large age difference between the main characters, but although there was a marked contrast in that, I feel they handled it well. I admit I felt uncomfortable at first because of the age difference, but after the first two episodes, I started to love the series. Honestly, there shouldn't have been so much fuss about it, Since Ye Haiyuan always knew who the new owner of Zefang's body really was, and besides, it's legal.

Putting aside the age difference, THE CHEMISTRY, THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN BOTH CHARACTERS WAS SO EXQUISITE. I LOVED ALL THE SCENES OF THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER, She couldn't stop smiling like a lovestruck schoolgirl as she watched them interact. I love how their love evolved, I loved the process of falling in love, how at first Ye Haiyuan was reluctant to take care of Grandpa Xia Cha, until little by little he showed his concern, his longing, love, jealousy, and protectiveness towards Xia Cha. I admit that Ye Haiyuan did go too far with Xia Cha when he got jealous, but I can't help but love him. Although I wasn't sure if Ye Haiyuan was the reincarnation of Xia Cha's wife and young master, that left me with a big question mark; they failed to develop that part enough. Because I feel that those scenes of Xia Cha dreaming about the young master, and the mess that ensued about whether Ye Haiyuan was Xia Cha's wife, didn't contribute much, because in the end they didn't get anywhere. That's why I insist that the episodes should have been longer, a full hour, or that there should have been more episodes. They left me wanting in that aspect, and that's why I gave it a 9.5 for the plot.

Both actors shone in their roles, Martín Wong (Zefang, Grandfather Cha) He was able to convey to me that maturity, the melancholy, the curiosity for the new and that affectionate and kind attitude that the character of Grandpa Cha had. Honestly, the actor looked really handsome in the grandpa clothes, hahaha, anyway Lucia looks gorgeous in any outfit, but yeah. And Kenji Fan (Ye Haiyuan) She's not far behind; she managed to bring tears to my eyes in her scenes and knew how to show her anger and jealousy in the parts where she misinterpreted the protagonist, I also cried like crazy when I hugged the protagonist in the final chapter; she knew how to convey the desperation, longing, and fear that her character felt at that moment, how she feared that Xia Cha It wasn't Zefang there anymore, I loved how he managed to show a side of the character where he was usually seen as serious and disinterested, becoming warm, smiling, overprotective And acting like a spoiled brat, pouting to get the protagonist's attention, hahaha. Their performances were so refreshing and natural, I hope to see them together again in other projects.

AND THE SECONDARY COUPLES ARE NOT FAR BEHIND, Oh my god, I generally don't care about the secondary couples in the series I watch, but this BL managed to make me love not only the main couple but the secondary couples as well. All the couples had great chemistry, I loved Jiang Bailing, he's the standard aaaaaaaaaaa, I love him, he's the prototype of the ideal boyfriend honestly, he seems too good to be real. The actor reminded me a lot of Suho from Weak Hero Class hahaha, I love how he was always so affectionate and spoiled me so much a Chen Qiansui, Those two are literally the most adorable secondary couple I instantly connected with. I loved watching them every single moment. And Hana y Haru, MY MOTHERS, LONG LIVE LESBIANS, DAMN IT. I need a series of them; their few scenes weren't enough, and I'm so glad they got married in the series.

The series finale and its last episodes brought tears to my eyes; it was heartbreaking to see the boy I cared about suffer with the original Zefang, even though at first I hated him for his intensity and Because of how badly he treated the protagonist, I loved that he got a good redemption. I really liked that Guan Riqing finally found out that he was actually Xia Cha and not Zefang; at least he got closure with Zefang, albeit a painful closure, to be honest. At least she was able to keep moving forward, and what great character development she had in wanting to heal and calm things down; I was even touched that her bond with Ye strengthened. Aaaah, my baby! 🥹 Although of course I don't forgive him for the mess he caused for the protagonists, but without him and his stupidities there would be no plot.

I would definitely watch it again.

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When Grandpa Becomes The Twink ( He’s 70 in the Streets, 20 in the Sheets)

Alright, this one was a watch for sure. Honestly, I’m not even impressed—at the end of the day, it’s Taiwan BL, and when has that ever been normal? But yeah, I’ve got a lot to say here, so buckle up.

First off, what a weird story. Like…did anyone else watch this and constantly remember that Zhe Fang’s GRANDFATHER was in his BODY? Because I sure did. And that’s just insane. I couldn’t wrap my head around half of what was going on. Logically speaking, if this ever happened in real life:

1. The grandfather would stay straight. This man lived in a generation where being gay was basically treated like a crime worse than murder.

2. The age gap? Absolutely not. Unless grandpa was secretly a pedophile, no normal old man would look at someone his grandson’s age and think, “Yeah, that’s hot.” Ew.

3. If anything, a grandpa would’ve been fighting tooth and nail to return the body immediately. But no, this man just vibed until the end when he suddenly decided, “You know what? Suicide attempt time.” Like…what?

That’s where the story flopped for me. The logic just isn’t there. And sure, it’s fiction, but even unrealistic stories have to feel believable in their own world. If they wanted a body-swap plot, they could’ve done something way better. Imagine this: instead of death, grandpa and grandson just accidentally swap bodies, both survive, and they spend time living each other’s lives. The grandpa could’ve finally learned what modern youth and queerness are like, and the grandson could’ve gained a deeper appreciation for his family. They bond, they swap back, then we get the romance side of things. Stereotypical? Maybe. Less cursed? Definitely.

Now let’s talk about Guan Ri Qing. At first, I rolled my eyes and thought, “Here comes another toxic manipulative boyfriend,” but honestly, he was misunderstood. He just wanted love, specifically from Zhe Fang. And honestly? Poor guy. It felt like Zhe Fang used him, while secretly wanting Hai Yuan. That’s brutal. Imagine loving someone, then watching their body (literally) date someone else—your half-brother, no less. That’s heartbreak on nightmare mode. His whole depressed wall-staring scenes? Gut punch. I ended up feeling like Guan Ri Qing and Zhe Fang were soul-tied, red-string-coded. In another life, they’d meet again and maybe actually make it work. Though I feel like if Zhe Fang and Guan Ri Qing story continued, Zhe Fang would get reincarnated, once he's 20 he meets 40 year old Guan Ri Qing and wow beautiful romance, once again Taiwan BL coded, tho thats not as bad as whatever this is.

Now here’s the contradiction. I kept asking myself: what’s the real difference between this and a vampire romance? Vampires are literally 500 years old dating high schoolers, but somehow that’s romantic and not creepy? Grandpa is “only” 69, and suddenly it’s gross? Don’t get me wrong, it is gross—especially since it’s his grandson’s body and crush—but the double standard is kind of funny. Like, vampires get a pass, but this man can’t?

Final thoughts: I liked some parts. The kisses? Pretty good. Chemistry? Not bad. The pacing? Short and sweet. But overall, it didn’t land. It was unrealistic for being unrealistic, if that makes sense. The drama and jealousy were over the top and unnecessary. Grandpa should not be dating a 20-year-old. Grandson should’ve lived his own life and gotten his second chance. Hai Yuan? Lost child. Probably has daddy issues. Someone please direct him to people his actual age who have “old souls,” not literal old men.

So yeah. This show was a mess. A funny, wild, sometimes entertaining mess—but still a mess. 7.5/10. Can’t wait to see what Taiwan cooks up next, because at this point I’m convinced the writers are just high in the meeting room tossing darts at a board of “weird plot ideas.”

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