A short but soft flame that stayed lit!
It honestly feels like China has cracked the cheat code on how to deliver BLs and they have been quietly doing a good job at it.Trapped in Osaka is a bite-sized series, just four episodes, each around 10 minutes. Super short but very digestible.
The plot is as straightforward as it gets: a debt collector ends up falling for the guy he is collecting from and somehow, they end up living together. It hints at a lot of backstories and possible subplots, but never dives deep considering the run time. Strangely enough though, it still works. You just get what is happening, both on screen and between the lines.
It sure does lean into cliches but I don’t mind a cliché when it’s done well. And this one is.
The two leads were a total visual treat.
Their acting felt really natural, nothing over-the-top, just smooth and very believable. The chemistry between them was from the get go. It did all the heavy lighting when plot ran thin.
There was this constant lingering tension in the air like something was always about to happen...Even when they were just standing, it felt like something is gonna snap but somehow it does and doesn't at the same time! No dramatic or big moments, just this lowkey connection that kept building.
It works without making a big deal out of itself and honestly, that is what makes this good.
The production is clearly low-budget, but it never really feels lacking. In fact, some of the beach shots were genuinely pretty.
I know giving it an 8.5 might seem kinda generous, but it earned it. It's not at all flawless and there are number of things that could have been fleshed out more. But for something so short and low-budget, it had a surprising amount of heart. You can tell they really tried and honestly, that effort landed. It didn’t need to be perfect to be good.
Definitely worth checking out. And it’s so short, even if you end up not liking it, it’s really not much of a loss.
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'"Passion" is a brand of Lubricant' said Chen Xi with a perfect little shit eating grin.
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ ꜱʏꜱᴛᴇᴍ: 9.5 = [ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ, ɢᴏᴏᴅ ꜱʜᴏᴡ]I actually just loved this short piece in general!
Even just some of the candid dialogue lines in these short 4 episodes were so unique and so straightforward, and also quite true to how natural conversation and banter might go in a situation where two unfamiliar people are discovering attraction for one another and flirting. So let me break my thoughts down.
THE GOOD:
- Not only was their acting natural, smooth and appropriate to each scene, as well as their chemistry being easy and effortless, these two Chinese actors also might be two of the best looking leads I've seen together in a BL in a long time. For me personally, I usually end up liking one, or neither ML, looks-wise in a show, so the fact I think both of these actors were good looking was a bonus.
- The budget wasn't high for this but it goes to show what can be done with even a minimal budget if the actors, script, director and set designers are ALL competent. Very suitably written, designed and filmed.
- There was so much clear context in just four eps and yet it didn't feel rushed or forced or confusing. It was pretty complete for only being four episodes, we knew just enough about all the moving parts to understand these two characters individual situations and to appreciate their damaged yet sincere connection to each other.
- The dialogue, I loved the dialogue in this.
- Chen Xi's actor (and his character) was very unintentionally and intentionally sexy, it was a nice blend.
- Tidy little tale with a happy enough ending.
- No shitty slow motion, excessive music and all that crap that wastes time in the run of mill BLs.
No BAD here, but two smaaalll disappointments:
- Duh, the length, even just 4 eps at 30 min long would have been a little bit better.
- I wish they'd kissed properly even just once. The lip pecks were nice, but really, the visual of them kissing properly would have just been the cherry on top.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Again, some of the dialogue in this was so well written, just the right kind delivery too from the leads.
- Proper emotional range in the acting, which is rarely seen in BLs from Thailand, SK, Taiwan and Japan.
This is short but it's a small gem, I would 100% recc this.
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This review may contain spoilers
Some 30 minutes shows are better than most...
The same production company who brought us "Infidelity, It's a Disease" brought us this little story. While I was not that happy with the first series, this one had much more impact. I felt the story made more sense, the acting was better. The only gripe I have is the lack of proper kissing, which of course is a downgrade of my rating.Of course they also used clichés but it did not feel forced. There is a flow to the story and the visuals are very good indeed even with such a low budget. The first episode is a bit disgusting to watch (you will know when you see it), but overall it was enjoyable.
So when you came from "Flirt Milk" or "Eye Contact" this ~30 Minutes (4 episodes around 8 minutes) feels like a boon and I'm sure most of you will enjoy it. Should you also be a member of the youtube channel you will get an extended version with around 36 minutes.
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Trapped in Osaka" – A Quick, Fun Watch with Stunning Actors
I just finished Trapped in Osaka, and let me tell you, it was such a fun and satisfying watch. The show is short, with only four episodes, each under 10 minutes, but it packs a punch!Both Qin Jialin (秦佳林) as Chenxi and Wang Zihang (汪子航) as Haoyu are absolutely stunning 😍. These two have it all – great looks, perfect bodies, and smiles that will melt you 😏. Seriously, they elevate the entire show with their undeniable chemistry!
The plot is simple, but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment. Even though it's brief, I never found myself bored or disconnected from the story. It’s easy to follow, but still emotionally engaging. 🎬
What makes it even better is that it’s filmed in Japan – a beautiful backdrop for this BL, especially since BL is banned in China. It adds a nice touch of authenticity and freedom that Chinese BL fans can’t always get. 🇯🇵💕
And, let's be real, Chinese BL just hits differently – there’s something special about the way it’s portrayed. 🙌
I honestly wish it was longer – I could've easily watched more of this adorable couple.
Overall, Trapped in Osaka is an 8.5/10 for me! Definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of short but sweet BL stories. ❤️
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Very hot short BL : collecting debt was never so sexy
Let me get to the very obvious point : those two actors were so hot together than you could feel the chemistry and sex appeal ooze through the screen despite the obvious limited budget.The concept of this BL is so good with a young and almost innocent debt collector falling under the charm of his debtor in his sleazy appartment...Super original and intriguing but unfortunately the fact that it was such a short snipbit prevented the idea to be fully exploited. If it was 3-4 times longer, it would have been so good but that's probably me being very greedy.
I would recommend this to people that enjoy BL featuring cohabitation trope with great chemistry. It is super short and definitely worth a shot even if given its length and format it cannot go as deep as I would have wanted, it still pack a (hot) punch.
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Tiny gem, must see!
This reminded me of a stage play - in the best way ( I love theatre). Such an intimate, minimal setting, intense presence of the actors. Loved it!It is terribly sad and hilarious and sweet and feels so real. I like that they trust the viewer to have imagination, to be able to read in between the lines, and let actors show rather than tell what is going on with the characters.
I was ever so impressed. Indeed less is more.
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This review may contain spoilers
loss and love
Overall: an enjoyable short indie series about a situation that is not frequently shown. 4 episodes about 10 minutes each. Aired on Secret of Us Official YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BSona1dmx4H7qAsET9W5qnlsd3cpJ1_&si=pwUbEhFWaq9L4_oQ - they also made Infidelity, It's a Disease.Content Warnings: past death, grief, self harm, blood, suicidal ideation/attempted suicide, non con turned consensual?, beaten up off screen, blood
What I Liked
- chemistry/tension
- centered on the 2 leads
- how my initial impression of each of them changed
- rarely told story of loving again
Room For Improvement
- started with a flash forward
- some scenes were very dark and they needed more light on the actors' faces
- that the non/dub con had been clearly consensual
- rushed ending
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Trapped in a short yet captivating story
I swear, if the government of China lifted the BL censorship, they would be a total powerhouse. Almost every BL show I watched from this country, including the bromance films, is so good.The production quality of this mini-series was already that high despite the limited budget. It has so much potential, and I can visualize several plots already from our main characters. Filming it in the four corners of the wall, with one scene from the ocean, was impressive. With Osaka as the shooting location, I think they are somehow free from the Chinese restrictions or some sort.
Chen Xi is so freaking handsome and sexy. His charisma consumed me. Along with the fragile debt collector, Hao Yu, they are such a cute and perfect pair. Chemistry is great. I want more from these two giant cuties and hotties.
This show deserves a huge audience, and I just wish that we could see more from these actors. Upon seeing the replies of the official YouTube channel of this series, I can sense that they can give us at least a bonus EP if this gains deserved popularity. I can already tell that they are getting popular enough since I keep seeing a lot of their clips on social media.
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This review may contain spoilers
Heartfelt Chinese BL with thought provoking dialogue & fiery chemistry
I saw this poster on MDL's newly added dramas search results. I don't watch many BL but this caught my attention again when I noticed MDL user Jelena Petrovic's rave comments on my feed. I enjoyed this short drama immensely.What I liked:
1. Qin Jialin - Wow his acting impressed me very much. His micro expressions were on point that I had empathy for his character from the start of the drama. Gosh, Qin Jialin was damn sexy not just the physique but also in the way he spoke. At times Qin Jialin resembled Korean actor-idol Park Hyung Sik.
2. Chen Xi characterisation - I knew he was a troubled soul from the first moment Hao Yu threatened him. He was nonchalant about life after being abandoned by former lover.
3. Hao Yu characterisation - He seemed tough but he was a softie & green when it came to life experiences.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension between the two men right from the start - well maybe that shower scene at the very beginning prompted us the audience. The first intimate scene was 🔥 even though Hao Yu was resistant.
5. Writing - This story had heart, genuine affection. There was a chat about the meaning of life. I liked it that way because most BL dramas that been marketed on streaming platforms heavily emphasised on lust.
What I disliked:
1. Ending - I felt like it was abrupt. In addition to their growing relationship, I also want to know about their individual growth after they got together. It seems like hope will drive them to get out of the funk that they're experiencing.
Favourite scene
When Hao Yu found Chen Xi at the beach contemplating life
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Even It's a 30-40 minutes drama but it Worth
This Is my first time giving review so don’t judge me. And english is not my first language.this drama story manhua coded so, I like the story so much.
And acting is top notch. Their acting is genuine not cringe at all, this sort drama better than some Thai cringe drama. I like their acting so much like I can't describe. The cute debt Collector yu is so cute and innocent and the gege is so hot bro so hot I love his acting so much he deserve more lead role and bigger drama. I just fell in love with him.
I'm gonna watch this drama Again and Again.
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A Dark Comedy Worth Your Time!
Don't let the naysayers sway you! I found this to be full of dark humor with a good sprinkling of sadness to puncture its levity. It is a story about two astonishingly handsome yet despondent young men. Full of life yet both having given up on it as well. Although this series is short, it portrays an acutely innermost story between two men that were never meant to meet, yet did. Forced circumstances allowed them to fall in love. Although they were not supposed to; they did anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It let us look at two rather pleasing-looking guys in the here-and-now that I could believe in. And these two actors put it all together and made it work and made it feel genuine and honest.Was this review helpful to you?
Short but very nice.
This was a really good short chinese series. Though it was only about 40 minutes, it still managed to tell the story of both leads and you don't feel cheated out of anything. It even had a few funny moments.Clearly a low budget film, but so well done!
Very handsome leads with great chemistry and acting. Definatly worth watching.
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