Not perfect, but hooked me
I watched it twice to write this review.
Let’s start by saying this is definitely not the best BL drama in terms of plot – it has plenty of flaws, like most productions. The series also shows toxic behaviors and doesn’t draw any consequences from them.
Chi Cheng is a walking red flag. Do I even need to explain why forcing Da Bao into intimacy is disgusting? Of course, they had to add the SA subplot to a dark romance. Da Bao also had his own personal issues, which made them a perfect, albeit twisted, match.
I also read the original Wattpad story, which was terrible, and the series really improved on it. They made the characters a bit less toxic – if I can even call it that.
Even though I’ve watched a lot of cringy BL dramas, this one wasn’t that bad. It actually made me laugh several times, which doesn’t happen often.
Personally, I didn’t like the subplot with the second couple, Cheng Yu and Xiao Shuai – I think it was unnecessary.
Yet somehow, it’s still addicting.
No BL series has ever made me so excited for the next episode while rewatching the previous ones multiple times.
I personally think Ziyu and Tian had the best chemistry I’ve ever seen in the BL world – not just as their characters, but also in real life. They acted their roles so well that it was incredibly easy to connect with their emotions. Every breakup in the series hit me as if it were real. Honestly, no other drama has ever done that to me the way Revenged Love did.
Regarding the plot, many people complain about the snakes, but to me, they added a unique touch and a dark atmosphere.
And the soundtrack is a total banger that really stuck with me.
I think Chinese BL dramas in general are very well done, despite there being so few of them due to censorship, and Revenged Love still delivered.
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Unlike many BL (Boys' Love) dramas, Revenged Love boasts good production quality that is noticeable in the urban cinematography, costume design, and a soundtrack that avoids typical clichés.
The plot moves quickly, offering constant twists and a tone that blends the chaotic humor of comedy with intense drama, keeping you hooked throughout its 24 episodes.
The protagonists, especially the enigmatic Chi Cheng (the heir obsessed with snakes), are charismatic and complex, making it easy to get invested in their messy relationship.
The script relies on many BL genre clichés, including exaggerated rivals, lack of communication, and highly melodramatic situations, but the relationship between Suowei and Chi Cheng is full of sexual and emotional tension.
Revenged Love is the ideal drama if you are looking for a passionate, dark, and drama-filled love story that steers clear of sweetness. However, if you prefer light dramas and characters with an "impeccable moral code," this might not be the drama you are looking for.
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Why is Revenged Love so adored?
Perhaps this should have been an editorial rather than a review.Regardless, I did enjoy Revenged Love. As a confirmed fujoshi, I do love a good BL (Boys Love) story, whether in book or drama form. If you don’t know what a fujoshi is, just know this was written by a female and directed by a female. There are a bunch of social studies as to why us fujoshis like this genre.
Truth be told, the Chinese do BL better than pretty much anyone else I’ve read. My theory is censorship is so bad, they’ve got to make a compelling story, junk never sees the light of day.
I stuck with this show because of previous reviews, the good and the bad. My hope is this review will help others understand why Revenged Love is worth supporting.
When searching where this was filmed, it is actually a little sketchy, Taiwan or China. Rumors have it filmed in Wuxi which is mainland China.
Why is this important? Censorship.
There are many parts (basically two men kissing) of Revenged Love that are banned in Mainland China. If this bothers you, this is not the drama for you. If this is your first BL, you might want to watch The Untamed, Guardian, or Word of Honor first. They will get your feet wet in this type of genre without the commitment of watching a REAL romance between two men.
If you are a fujoshi like me or want to watch an interesting romance regardless of gender, please fire up the Viki app and enjoy the show.
Characters:
Revenged Love has a primary couple, a secondary couple, and very slyly, a tertiary couple. All six men have some sort of connection to each other. Zi Yu plays the lead character extremely well. Tian Xu Ning made for a compelling broody male lead (I LOVE BROODY MALES) to Zi Yu’s sunny scheming Wu Qi Qiong/Wu Suowei.
Zhan Xuan and Liu Xuan Cheng did well on the secondary romance. I felt their story was fleshed out pretty well and believable.
Story:
The story was engaging, but not the best BL story out there by any stretch of the imagination. When we are talking source material, there are more compelling tales to be turned into dramas.
Wo Suo Wei is a straight man who is violently dumped by his girlfriend. He tries to improve himself, only to be violently dumped again. He wrongfully assumes that Chi Cheng is the cause of all his problems and schemes to get revenge.
Chi Cheng is no innocent. He’s rather a thug until he and Wu Suo Wei grow closer. The other two couples help or hinder this relationship fraught with drama and snakes. Watching them both change because of the relationship is rather sweet.
Oh Yeah. If you can’t stand the sight of snakes, this drama is not for you.
As a whole, Revenged Love seems to be made on the cheap when you compare it to hidden BL stories like Guardian, The Untamed, and Word of Honor. Please don’t let that stop you from watching. This is set in modern day which is much cheaper than fantasy BL.
Dramas like Revenged Love need to be popular and make money.
Why?
So that the really cool banned stories that haven’t seen the light of day like: Eternal Faith (based on Heaven Official’s Blessing), Immortality (based on The Husky and His White Cat Shizun), and Winner is King (based on Sha Po Lang) FINALLY get released.
These are 3 (there are more) FANTASTIC books that were made into drama but NEVER released because of CENSORSHIP in China. My theory if shows like Revenged Love make money and have lots of viewers, some company outside of the mainland will by these unreleased dramas and release them…….because these are amazing shows are on a shelf somewhere rotting away.
Is Revenged Love the best BL out there?
No. But it is the best BL we can put our eyeballs on. So a plea to my fellow fujoshis. Watch. Watch as if the fate of Hua Cheng and Zie Lan depend on it’s success. You may enjoy it like I did.
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Acting was great but narrative could have been tighter
The chemistry between the leads was palpable. The first 18 or so episodes kept me engaged, and then the plot took unnecessary turns that they could not justify with narrative or budget. They could have kept this to 16 without issues. So why stretch it? It had a lot going for it, but I forgot everything good because the story became more and more ridiculous as it went on.Actors did a great job, overall. There was a standout and it was the actor behind Chi Cheng. I, by no means, have found him appealing or attractive before seeing his acting. But afterwards, I was just waiting for his scenes. I think he may be a truly promising actor. His mannerisms and reactions seem just so appropriate to his character. Also friendship between Chi Cheng him Cheng Yu was wholesome. Altho why is it so deep was unclear.
I cannot fully trash the story as I appreciated subtle mature moments, such as the way they overcame the main hurdle of the plot. Also Xiao Shuai as the doctor was cute and interesting.
So you see I am full of confusion. I would recommend this drama as a watch. Output was pretty decent and I agree, it was decent. I would watch both leads in dramas again, this drama deserves a rewatch as well, it just was not particularly memorable as a whole.
Thank you for reading.
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A story that is both interesting and disturbing
I started watching this series encouraged by many phenomenal reviews. I was horrified when I saw the amount of abuse, especially sexual abuse. The ML constantly forces other MLs into uncomfortable situations, ignoring clear rejections and no's. Thankfully it fades out through the story. But I think people should still acknowledge just how evil the ML is, even compared to the real villains of the story. Overall the series is very enjoyable, refreshing and has an actual plot. All the characters are fun and have distinctive personalities. Acting is phenomenal; you can FEEL the emotions. So I would recommend it if you can pretend a few things happened differently and not glamorize abusers.Was this review helpful to you?
The BL we all wanted
This was sooo refreshing to watch… ohh I love when we have good looking male leads in a show and when these two are the couple, hell yeah ,,,, it was a very very good watch. I loved their sizzling chemistry, watching their journey of falling head over heels for each other was soooo endearing.. I melted into a puddle with how amazing they looked together.. everything was spot on.. they made it sooo natural, it was like being there with them and watching their love story…. I need a part 2 pleaseeee, directors, plz trust me when I say this, we will eat up their happy domestic life in a drama. We will …Was this review helpful to you?
Love "Revenged Love" !
Still the best in 2025 ! I was hooked with the author's novels particularly Addicted and Counter Attack which became Revenged Love. They have everything : drama, comedy, love and its romance. Who can ever forget Gu Hai and Bai Lou Ying? And now these two lovers of Revenged Love ! I like these novels and the two series not only because of the stories but also of the many information about the Chinese and its culture which are embedded in the story and in these series. Other factors of course are the actors and the undeniable chemistry between them. In Revenge Love, the four main characters are really believable as a couple ! The acting too is superb ! Even the secondary characters are on point in their roles. Over all, I enjoy the series and looking forward for the reunion series of the two lead characters ! It is for me the best of 2025 so far ! Keep up the good work and may we have more of this kind of series because they give us not only the entertainment aspect but many life lessons and different levels of satisfaction as well !!!Was this review helpful to you?
ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER
literally love this show sooo much and am so excited to watch it every week! it’s set such a standard for bl’s going forward, that i think it’ll definitely be hard to top, and it’s not even finished airing yet. LOVE IT!! this review needs to be 300 characters but i don’t know what else to say so, urm, im gonna start reading the novel because waiting each week is agonising, i need all the eps like RIGHT NOW im so obsessed with this show heheWas this review helpful to you?
The best double-male drama
Watching this drama makes me feel happy and happy, and I can directly feel the love of the characters in the play. The storyline is so wonderful that I fall into it. Each character scene is an effective shot. This one not only makes people want to catch up, but also want to watch it again and again, not because of how deep the plot is, but because I feel happy from the bottom of my heart, this high standard of happiness satisfaction. The two actors are very good, and the whole crew is also very good! Thank you for bringing such a good work!Was this review helpful to you?
The best BL I've ever watched — no competition
This isn't just a drama for me. It's THE drama. My obsession is way beyond normal at this point 😭 I've been counting down the days for each new episode, watching every edit, every behind-the-scenes clip, and rewatching scenes like my life depends on it.The plot? So interesting and well written. I mean, the author is already famous, so no surprise there. But the tension?? The CHEMISTRY??? It’s out of this world. The two leads are literally perfect together, on screen and off screen. As a professional BL watcher (yes, I said professional lol), this is hands down the BEST BL I've ever seen. Even my non-BL-watching friends are losing their minds over it. That's how powerful this series is.
Let’s talk about the OST real quick because WOW. I’ve been completely addicted to “Somewhere in Your Eyes” by Paper Swans ever since I heard it in the series. Like… who found this absolute gem of a song?? Massive respect to the music team. They seriously deserve a big raise. And Ziyu’s song?? His voice fits the mood so perfectly and carries the emotions so well, I get chills every time. The soundtrack really adds to the emotional depth of the story in the best way possible.
Everything about Revenged Love is flawless. The acting, the chemistry, the OST, the plot, the cinematography, the visuals (hello, the actors are literal art), and the overall production. The whole team did THAT.
I 100000% recommend it. No skips. No regrets. Just vibes, pain, tension, and perfection. If you haven’t watched it yet… what are you doing 😭
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REVENGED LOVE IS MY CURRENT OBSESSION
I started it just to check it out, but boom — first episode and I was hooked! The plot? Drama, secrets, romance… it's got everything you need to cancel your weekend plans.The characters are sooo good. Wu Suowei (played by the amazing *Zi Yu*) is the type of guy you just want to hug and protect… even when he’s being a little dramatic. And Chi Cheng (*Tian Xu Ning*)? Rich, confident, a bit of a know-it-all — but somehow you’ll end up rooting for him too. Honestly, I’m lowkey cheering for them like they’re a real-life couple. Someone cast them again, please!
The visuals? Gorgeous. The cinematography is smooth, the cast is ridiculously good-looking, and the outfits? 10/10. Like, did we expect anything less?
The soundtrack is super catchy! It’s not the emotional ballads we usually get — it’s upbeat and addictive. “Blossom Freely” is on loop in my head and I’m not mad about it.
Also, that cliffhanger at the end of the latest episode?? Rude. I need answers ASAP. If you’re not watching *Revenged Love* yet, trust me — you’re missing out. It’s dramatic, funny, romantic, and honestly, just really fun to watch.
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Name a problematic trope and you find it here.
I know, many people are going to say I'm a hater, this and that. But no,I was actually enjoying this drama as a guilty pleasure show but, I can only ignore so much. ML allowing a guy to be raped in first ep? Seriously? It's not even just "toxic". The uncountable scenes with missing consent. And shall we start our discussion on misogyny and sexism in this drama? It will take a lot of time. One can sure enjoy it as guilty pleasure, avoiding all the problematic things. You are allowed to enjoy. But so are the people allowed, who are calling out this drama and criticising it for the right things. You can enjoy a drama and still call spade a spade.Was this review helpful to you?
