This review may contain spoilers
What BL can be when it has matured!
I'm absolutely floored by this masterpiece! But where to begin explaining why? Ok, I will start with the fact that I went into this a bit apprehensive. Did not really know what to expect with 2 ML that I've seen in previous performances but never expected together. Ben is known from the (also quite good) Step By Step, while Boy, who is quite a bit older, has not done a BL role before, but has a ton of experience in other acting fields.
Mandate is about the plot, the story is being told low-paced and deliberate. While we see tension between the ML, it is a slow slow burn, that takes a backseat to the political scenery and the changes that causes in Dr. Nhong. From a sincere and upright country doctor we see him change into a political beast who appears to have some secrets under his belt.
The political climate, lead by Vee's father and ex-lover makes it all too easy to throw away your principles and scrupules to hold on to power. While telling yourself you're doing it all for the good of the people.
When someone shows even a little sign of weakness, the hungry sharks won't hesitate to immediately come out with manipulation and blackmail, escalating throughout the series.
It all culminates in a smoking heap of mistrust and misunderstanding, forcing a desparate decision that breaks the cycle and opens the road for a fresh and cleaner start.
We end with an emotional scene where grief and relief battle for the prime emotion.
Boy and Ben are delivering the performance of a lifetime. Flawlessly executing the struggles, emotions and fear that belong in this environment while also falling in love and wanting to hold on to that.
If you are a (perhaps younger) bl-fan, you might initially feel that this is all too slow and political. I beg of you to watch till the end. You won't be disappointed i promise!
I do desparately need a S2, because i'm enough of a bl-girl that I want to see them take it all down and finally be happy and together.
This S1 has somewhat of a bittersweet and unfinished ending. Not a bad one, it just left me needing more closure. And revenge. That too.
Mandate is about the plot, the story is being told low-paced and deliberate. While we see tension between the ML, it is a slow slow burn, that takes a backseat to the political scenery and the changes that causes in Dr. Nhong. From a sincere and upright country doctor we see him change into a political beast who appears to have some secrets under his belt.
The political climate, lead by Vee's father and ex-lover makes it all too easy to throw away your principles and scrupules to hold on to power. While telling yourself you're doing it all for the good of the people.
When someone shows even a little sign of weakness, the hungry sharks won't hesitate to immediately come out with manipulation and blackmail, escalating throughout the series.
It all culminates in a smoking heap of mistrust and misunderstanding, forcing a desparate decision that breaks the cycle and opens the road for a fresh and cleaner start.
We end with an emotional scene where grief and relief battle for the prime emotion.
Boy and Ben are delivering the performance of a lifetime. Flawlessly executing the struggles, emotions and fear that belong in this environment while also falling in love and wanting to hold on to that.
If you are a (perhaps younger) bl-fan, you might initially feel that this is all too slow and political. I beg of you to watch till the end. You won't be disappointed i promise!
I do desparately need a S2, because i'm enough of a bl-girl that I want to see them take it all down and finally be happy and together.
This S1 has somewhat of a bittersweet and unfinished ending. Not a bad one, it just left me needing more closure. And revenge. That too.
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