This review may contain spoilers
Wasted talent
I won’t lie , the first 3 episodes got me OBSESSED. The acting was so good, the chemistry was chemistrying so hard and the guys were so GORGEOUS that I was wondering where those guys came from and why didn’t I know of them because they weren’t even rookies , they acted in more stuff that I thought. Ok, the plot was basic and cliché, true, the setting was a simple house and a beautiful pier and the budget was what they had in their wallets but despite all this I was so entertained with their interactions … And then the bitchy female villain showed up (gee, what a surprise) and everything turned into a melodramatic soap opera with OTT acting, teary eyes and intense feelings after only knowing each other for 4 days. The kid suddenly wasn’t sassy, bold and cheeky but rather a dummy led by the nose by that woman and although he was paid to have baldie’s back he was actually voluntarily chased away by that woman’s sob story. Meanwhile baldie was acting like a dramatic heroine in a South American telenovela, walking around all teary-eyed and sad while waiting for the kid to come back and at the same time trying to convince the fiancé ’ from hell to go back to hell and let him live happily ever after. From a 9 rating to a 6 in just 2 episodes. The kisses were decent but something was still missing. It also had a censured explicit beginning of a sex scene. I know how it sounds but trust me, it’s a thing. Like, they kiss and touch and start to undress and you’re there all tense waiting to see some skin . And when they finally remove the shirts suddenly there’s a tank top underneath. So , you see, this is what I call a censured explicit sex scene Chinese style hehe. The scene was still beautiful though and more than I expected from a Chinese show, however I still feel that this was a bit of a waste of acting talent on a subpar and way too short script.Did I mention how beautiful those men are?
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Started strong with good chemistry then came the self sabotage trope!
This drama started with a charming setup and two leads who carried it effortlessly, only to fumble halfway by squeezing in unnecessary melodrama like it’s a full-length series. It has 5 bite-sized episodes, we are talking 8 to 10 minutes each, you would think every second would be used wisely right !!? But no, apparently not!The premise here is familiar with the "classic fake dating" trope where Zai Rong is desperate to avoid an arranged marriage and Lu Xiao is a broke uni student trying to get by.
But what starts as a transactional setup quickly shifts into something deeper. From the second these two share a screen, the chemistry is fire with those looks, the body language, the quiet tension! Nothing feels forced and it felt like they don’t need big dramatic moments to sell it. Their vibe was lowkey sweet, a little awkward and just right.
Then the second half rolls in and suddenly someone decided this was the moment to throw in a dramatic ex and waste precious time on a classic meddling third-wheel plotline that added absolutely nothing
Even though the production is bare-bones, it uses its limited space well. Everything feels too intimate when the leads are on the screen.
Overall, the pacing is fast and with such a short runtime, everything from plot to characters stays surface level.
I have watched another BL "Trapped in Osaka" from this production house and loved it. The difference (not talking about the actual plot) was that they concentrated on the main characters and their stories. There were backstories and other characters mentioned, but they never took away from the screentime.
I would recommend it if you are here just for the chemistry (which is solid) but don't expect much. It's more charm over substance but since it's a mini series, there is not much to lose.
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Minimalistic but beautifull.
First of all, oh my gosh! Those 2 men are gorgeous!!! And their chemistry, out of this world!!I really liked this drama, it all was in a very minimalistic setting. But the visuals were stunning, good very subtle music, it was a good story and great acting.
The final kissing / love making scene was so beautifull, it shows that you don't need to see "half" naked bodies to still create a stunning love making scene.
I watched this series twice and will definatly watch it again in the future.
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This review may contain spoilers
When Zai Rong met Lu Xiao
Yes, once again, China has stepped into the arena and delivered. Well, for the expectation from China. Place two decent actors in a scarcely decorated room with the right script and watch soft magic happen. The acting, esthetics, and chemistry between Lawrence Zhang (Zai Rong) and Su Yu Hang (Lu Xiao) carried this short series. Immediately, upon meeting, they held the screen captive. This presented itself as the beginning of the life LX and ZR would share. Do not expect more.Cornered into an upcoming arranged marriage, ZR seeks the help of LX to extricate himself and live freely. Unfortunately, his family and their connections may not allow for this as there may be severe consequences. The moment ZR looked into LX eyes, he knew he didn't want this to end. LX, an actor, is naturally charming and proceeds to play the part he was hired for. To be ZR love interest. While preparing for a visit from the intended fiancé, LX gives ZR what he craves. A warm ear and genuine attention as they bond. ZR nestles within LX arms and believes that his lifetime love will come. He desperately wants to believe. LX has told him so.
The budget used in the production of this series was not extravagant and truthfully not necessary. All that was needed were these proficient actors, an ocean wall, and two rooms. Together, they made a beautiful couple. The viewer also believes in LX by the way he held and reassured ZR. He was the man for him. Their dance, mesmerizing. The fiancé pleadings and silent exit were gracefully done.
Five episodes were enough for this to be told with little to improve on. No excesses, no lulls, evenly paced. The script was simple but effective to propel the story along. The last episode had a slightly different texture to the previous as it felt performative. The music a bit erratic. Ultimately, everyone involved did well. This was a very nice watch.
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First Impression: A Sketchy Job
Overall: same premise as Sweetheart Service but hoping they have good pacing in this one. 5 episodes about 8 minutes each. Airing on Secret of Us YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7BSona1dmx50GA_E5MncPccjZdoNfjLn&si=BRP6NYZqmq5PrXoz The production has also made: Trapped in Osaka and Infidelity, It's a Disease.What I Liked
- clear premise
- their dynamic/opposite personalities
- production value (for what I assume is a very indie company)
Room For Improvement
- with such a short runtime I'm hoping we don't get other characters taking up precious screentime
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It is possible that I am exaggerating, but here there is no production and no budget, acting like a 3-year-old, a director is not even needed. What is the point of a series of 5 episodes of 6-8 minutes, I really don't understand???
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