dionarthit

This series is the kind of BL that deserves a review. I've seen dozens of BL's, but there are only a few that are worth talking about in depth. It's not perfect, there are things I didn't like, but it's definitely a positive point I want to continue talking about it after having seen it. So this is more rambling than a well-done review.

This series, although it doesn't touch on anything in great depth, brings to the table very interesting and noteworthy plots, making this series unique. Important aspects, among them would be the past of the protagonists, youth, adulthood and the bonding between people. It wasn't until chapter 6 I said to myself "ah, THIS is why this series is so popular." At first it's a bit empty or introductory, but as you progress you get deeper into this world and you get to some very nice places.

Let's see, should we start with the bad or the good?

THE GOOD BC I'M CRAVING.

—The past explored of Jian Tian and Cheng Wang. They both have a tragic past they have to share in order to break free from it. Something that connects them both is their shortcomings in their childhood, both share having suffered abandonment and extreme neglect by adults, causing them both to have exactly the same fear: abandonment. Each one expresses it in a different way. Their characters are incredibly coherent with the past each one has, that's special. I like they SHOWED this, they didn't told it. As a viewer one can infer many things, but they don't say anything explicitly.

—The range of characters: Something I LOVE in series is when they make me as a viewer remember the names of characters other than the main characters, I mean, they make me care about them. This series more than fulfilled that purpose. I was not only interested in Tian and Wang, but also in their parents, their friends, their teachers and their acquaintances, such as the shop owner or Tian's adoptive grandfather. They created a genuine world of their own I was genuinely immersed in. I loved Gao and his one-sided crush, I loved the teachers' dynamic, I loved Tian's mom. I LOVE when they do that, I love entering a new world. The only show I can remember now which did this is Sotus, oh, and My school president!

—The emotional scenes really moved me (except for the ending). When the parents had the conversation with their kids I literally broke down in tears. I really empathized with Tian's mom a lot, and her conversation with Tian broke me. Or the hug with the "welcome to home"? Beautiful. Almost all the actors in the cast are AMAZING ACTORS (especially the leads), and watching an interview with Tian's actor, I understand they were committed to their roles. It shows in the acting of many.

—I loved the slow burn. I admit, it drives me crazy, but I love they take things slow and build the relationships the way they SHOULD BE. Only then does it get so dramatic later. I LOVE they became friends and then brothers. They were never really friends-friends, there was always a “beyond” there between them, but it’s beautiful that superficially (because they both think it’s one sided their “weird” feelings) they formed such a strong bond without romance. It’s beautiful, I love it.

—Just a small point, but I loved the inclusion of the character "the mute uncle". I've never seen the inclusion of a character like that in a series like this, (and in Southeast Asia) and for him to just be there, exist, and be part of this world, is very special to me.

—I LOVED THE SOUNDTRACK.



NOW IT’S TIME TO COMPLAIN.

—It must be said, sometimes I felt like it was losing rhythm (in all chapters ,actually). I felt like some things weren’t necessary or they were dragging out others scenes too much (especially the gazes, you know what I mean). After a while you get used to it, but it is a little tiring to see after a while, I felt so uncomfortable. Its like "please, just stop" or "What was the point of showing this?" Tried to convince myself it was to show everyday life, instead of just being lacking in material.

—The fish kisses. Look, I can forgive the semi-kisses between the main characters, OK, they are young, and inexperienced and stepbrothers, BUT BETWEEN THE TEACHERS, WHO WERE IN LOVE FOR YEARS? I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THAT! I will literally never forgive such a horrible kiss. GOD, JUST CLOSE THE FKNG EYES.

I tried deeply to understand and empathize with everyone in the end, but I couldn’t do it completely, that makes me sad. Still, I really appreciate they kept the character quality. When Wang's exam came out, Tian didn't explicitly say anything, he didn't accuse him either, but WE know he thinks Wang is abandoning him and he feels genuine fear and frustration, he feels lonely and afraid of being alone again. Wang also doesn't openly say he did it on purpose, but WE as viewers know he was desperate and scared of his feelings and thoughts (as we see them). Wang never says anything, he just acts impulsively. Tian never says anything, he just walks away.

They left a lot of things open, but I understand everything was being left for a second season, almost taking it for granted. So many, too many things open. Tian's emerging feelings weren't explored too much. And if they put THAT scene in Tian's flashback, I interpret it will have to do with how Tian will have conflicts with his own feelings and sexuality. What happened with the teachers? What will happen with Wang? Will Wang stay in the same dorm or will he go home?

I REALLY need a second season, I beg the universe to let it come out this year. Please don't let this be a second Stay with me. That would be funny anyway, considering both shows are about stepbrothers.