REALISM AT ITS FINEST!
This movie brough me to tears.. I absolutely loved every aspect of it.This is my first review because I just felt like this movie just deserves the best. The acting was amazing, the story too. I loved how the story tackled the harsh reality that a lot of people face in relationships where it be gay relationships or straight ones. I loved that this story focused more in the story aspect, the girl faced challenging stereotypes that society likes to place on people who are being themselves, society hates people being different.. Since Korea is a conservative country its good that this story showcased the struggles that many gay people face, where it be choosing to embrace themselves or please their parents.
This story hit a nerve especially when they showcased the homophobia and hate that the LGBTQ+ community faces, the scene where our main character was being hit by a group of mobs made my heart ache and I could feel the pain.. I also like the aspect of showing casing the difficulties of straight relationships and straight ones, the best friend, the girl (I don't remember their names) but she conveyed feelings of being naive and dumb, in the dating aspect.
The best friend showcased the hardships of dating in straight couples. We learned that she is actually a lover girl and has this tough exterior to protect herself. I also liked the fact they did not shy away from showing us the name calling and misogyny men do, they tend to name call women 'sluts' and playing women like a sport.
I liked how the ex of the main character did not end up with him, because I just think that its good that the main character learned the hard way and learned to, love himself and accept himself, and coming out to the world which I loved and finally being free. So its good that he ended up learning that love is not always going to wait for you to finally accept them, they will eventually seek it somewhere else. I thought it was touching when the main character finally bought gucci shoes for his ex, and I feel like the gucci shoes represented acceptance, closure and finally putting their romance behind them but still remembering it still happened.
Anyways this was a fantastic movie! I recommend this to everyone who wants to watch something that tackles real life problems.
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The BL That Defied All Expectations
Let me start by saying I went into this Chinese BL fully prepared for the usual censorship dance. You know the one where two guys stare longingly for eight episodes and the closest we get to romance is a suspiciously intense handshake? Yeah, not this time. Secrets Happened on Litchi Island looked at China's BL restrictions and said "Watch this."The setup seems simple enough: two attractive men on a lychee farm (though let's be honest, the lychees are just set dressing). There's the obligatory forced proximity, the lingering eye contact, all the classic BL tropes we know and love. But here's where it gets wild they actually kiss. Like a real, proper kiss that leaves zero room for "are they just friends?" interpretations. I nearly choked on my snack when it happened.
What makes this even more impressive is the undeniable chemistry between the leads. These two manage to create more romantic tension in their shared glances than some BLs do in entire seasons. When they finally give in to the attraction, it feels earned rather than rushed. The way they navigate their growing feelings has that perfect blend of awkwardness and sincerity that makes BL so addictive.
At just a handful of episodes, it's remarkably efficient storytelling. There's no filler, no pointless side plots just two guys figuring out their feelings in beautiful surroundings. The shorter runtime actually works in its favor, keeping the pacing tight and the romance front and center.
Is it groundbreaking cinema? Of course not. But as a BL fan, I have to respect a series that delivers exactly what it promises with such confidence. In a landscape where so many BLs play it safe, Secrets Happened on Litchi Island feels almost rebellious in its willingness to show actual romance between its male leads.
Final verdict? If you're tired of Chinese BLs that tease but never deliver, this one's for you. It's sweet, surprisingly spicy, and proof that sometimes the best surprises come in small packages. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go figure out where I can buy lychees in bulk.
Rating: 8/10
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Low Budget, High Chemistry: The BL That Broke My Brain (and My Standards)
Yes, I know this series didn’t have a high budget. It was campy. The script was giving fanfiction written at 2AM. The plot? Confused. Lost. Maybe on holiday.But hear me out: this is a perfect example of when acting shines, chemistry sizzles, and yes, they’re all ridiculously good-looking. I am superficial. Fight me 🥊✨
Now let’s dive into The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Buckle up.
🌟 The Good:
Honestly, I adored the entire cast. I’m not usually into “shipping” characters (I lie), but Joss and Gawin did something to me spiritually, emotionally, hormonally. I didn’t want the series to end. In fact, I need seventeen more BLs with them. cue that meme “Fantastic, I want 17 of those!”
Special shoutout to the actor who played Nakan. Started off wanting to yeet him into the sun, ended up whispering “you’re the real MVP” by the finale. We love a redemption arc.
And RIP to Aunty Nan, the queen who appeared for 1% of the show but gave 100% Oscar-worthy energy. A legend. Gone too soon.
Now let’s talk about Mother Thara – aka Vampire Mother Theresa. The villainess who wore white instead of black like, “Oh I’m not evil, I just look like a candle at a funeral.” Ma’am, you weren’t fooling anyone. But you were iconic.
Mark and Tong? Soulmates. And that surprise Pride and Prejudice moment? The range! Their English was flawless. I’m pretty sure they have secret Oxford degrees. Honestly, being bilingual is such a flex. (Yes, I speak two languages too, not me casually flexing lmao.)
😬 The Bad:
Okay, look. The actor playing Tong definitely did not look 20. But his mannerisms sold it, so I suspended disbelief and vibes-only’d through it.
Also, Mark was shirtless in every single episode. Why is this in the "bad" section? Because it was BAD for my health. I was weak. I was unwell. I needed the next episode of My Golden Blood like oxygen. Honestly, I’ve never simped harder. Joss is in a league of his own. He’s not just hot and he’s artistically sculpted.
😵 The Ugly:
Let’s be real. That script was on something. The plot was like a drunk GPS, every now and then it made sense, but most of the time I was like “where are we going???”
I get that they were aiming for camp, and the budget said “we can’t help you,” but they still managed to pull off something. And for that? I clap.
Now, the background music? Absolutely criminal. Upbeat pop during serious moments? Ma’am, this is a funeral scene, not a TikTok dance. So I took matters into my own hands and muted the show and curated my own playlist like a true genius. 🎧
Domino Dancing by Pet Shop Boys – perfection for Episode 6.
Fire for You by Cannons – peak drama for the finale.
Up All Night by Cannons – I was, thanks to them.
Yes, I rewatched Episode 6 more times than is healthy. No, I don’t regret it.
💖 Final Thoughts:
Despite the chaos, the plot holes, the rogue music editor (cause what was the background music💀) —I gave it an 8/10. Realistically? It’s more like a 3 or 4, but Joss and Gawin carried this series like Olympic champions. They earned at least 6 points just for breathing on screen. The rest is sprinkled generously for all the small but mighty moments that made it fun.
So go ahead and watch it. Ignore the hate. Watch it for the chemistry, the drama, the unintentional comedy, and the sheer audacity of that plot. Who knows? You might end up loving it too.
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