Secrets Happened on the Litchi Island (2025)

beautiful cinematography & filled with symbolism

Overall: I would call this a coming of age story. It hurt at times, was beautiful at times and worth it in the end (ending spoiler in the comments). 7 episodes that varied between 12 and 23 minutes long. Aired on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-CWu74qAe0yVW9kUOx_UDuBzYdQl4fZ3&si=t4oKRorq2rzxDprd (note that the playlist is not in correct viewing order)

Content Warning: bullying, homophobia, vomiting, slaps

What I Liked
- acting
- production value (cinematography especially)
- symbolism (how blue/red represented each of them, with the artwork and putting/moving that black patterned overlay)

Room For Improvement
- not totally clear on the timeline/how much time passed
- who was the other guy in episode 7
- the beginning voice over was not subtitled and the hard coded subtitles were extremely small/difficult to read though I do appreciate there being subtitles

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Like a breath of fresh air, beautiful coming of age story....and yes, absolutely worth the hype

This is so pretty, and refreshingly unpretentious, with a storytelling that feels almost lyrical...the tension and anticipation all through, for the 'dam to break' is plain beautiful,....and then when it finally overflows, it's so damn satisfying

BL-needle Score: 8.5. High BL-ness

They got most things right in this one, an arresting story and script (even though nothing new), stunning locales, beautiful cinematography, great editing, and acting.....I also loved the way they use euphemisms and symbols to depict the hurdles of a queer life and the unrelenting gaze of the disapproving society all around....

The elder brother and his constant attempts to drive a wedge and keep his friend and brother at a arm's length, strikes a raw nerve with me....reminding me of all those family and friends who go out of their way to try 'control' and suppress queer lives in the name of 'all for your good'.....even when well-intentioned, it is an absolute abuse of power and privileges

The story is one that most queer individuals will identify with.....about how queer people are afraid to live their authentic lives, how expressing and living even the most obvious and commonplace emotions feel like a huge hurdle...and how almost everybody around seem hell bent on keeping up the 'make-believe' given their own insecurities and an absolute lack of understanding and empathy.......but that kiss and the 'dam-break' at the very end, was like a befitting reply to all of that ....felt so effing good......

To me the recurrent visuals of two lychees, the sudden rains, and shaking of the water-laden trees seemed to symbolise the queer gaze, resisting inertia, shaking up the 'status quo' and refusal to 'do the expected'...

Update: They are releasing short Special Episodes now...treating us to the delight of everyday cute life of Chen Li and Xhiaozhi.....it gives off such a comforting and purr-y vibe..sigh..this is beyond cute... I just raised the score to 9

Definitely recommended.

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