4
Is black romance a genre?
To say that this series sailed under my radar is the understatement of the century. It was released in 2021 but I have, hand on heart, never heard of it until a friend recommended to me. Cheers, @Nelly. :)
This show hits well above its own weight. It does not compute if you look at it clinically. It is a short form drama. 8x20mins. It is closer to movie length once you top and tail the intro/outros. The production value is passable but you know it is made with a small budget. No fancy costumes or CGI anywhere. Nondescript locations adds to the . . rustic charm. You can forget about handsome idols or traffic stars. Heck, they probably have to pack their own lunch from home. ;)
On top of that, the A-plot is about as non-PC as you can get! It is loaded with triggers and very questionable moral values. Which brings us to the obvious question. How did this series ever passed the Chinese censorship?! The only other one that came to mind is Rock it, Mom! If anything, this show is darker.
The series certainly does not mince words when it present us with the dire situations our leads are in. One no longer wants to live (as compared to wanting to die) while the other survives on a razer's edge. Both are so damaged that they consider their continued existence as some kind of cruel joke if not outright curse. That is until their paths collided one fateful night.
I am not going to give away the plot as it is not exactly original although there are some nice twist early on. The writer managed to give the story a strong beating heart and a delicate soul. It is a rough ride and a tough watch. I'm serious when I said that this drama is full of triggers. The underbelly of this dramaverse is as black as coal. You have been warned.
Thankfully, our young leads gave us their all. It could have been an idol drama of little consequence but I'm thankful that we are spared that fate. With such a short run time, the pace is fast and almost breathless at times. Nevertheless, it managed to slow down at key moments so that we can take a breath and empathise with our leads as their perspective starts to change under each other's influence. Imperceptible at first but with gathering pace as their lives become more entwined. Their growth is surprisingly organic. You knew what is on the card but when it happened your heart sings as you give thanks to the writer. Who needs corny expositions when the storytelling is on point.
To be honest, this doesn't feel like a c-drama. It could have been a t-drama or an indie project from a Nordic country. It might be a bit rough around the edges but that's part of its charm. I salute the production team. Just getting it made and pass censorship is already an achievement. It has earned a place on my rewatch list. Peace.
This show hits well above its own weight. It does not compute if you look at it clinically. It is a short form drama. 8x20mins. It is closer to movie length once you top and tail the intro/outros. The production value is passable but you know it is made with a small budget. No fancy costumes or CGI anywhere. Nondescript locations adds to the . . rustic charm. You can forget about handsome idols or traffic stars. Heck, they probably have to pack their own lunch from home. ;)
On top of that, the A-plot is about as non-PC as you can get! It is loaded with triggers and very questionable moral values. Which brings us to the obvious question. How did this series ever passed the Chinese censorship?! The only other one that came to mind is Rock it, Mom! If anything, this show is darker.
The series certainly does not mince words when it present us with the dire situations our leads are in. One no longer wants to live (as compared to wanting to die) while the other survives on a razer's edge. Both are so damaged that they consider their continued existence as some kind of cruel joke if not outright curse. That is until their paths collided one fateful night.
I am not going to give away the plot as it is not exactly original although there are some nice twist early on. The writer managed to give the story a strong beating heart and a delicate soul. It is a rough ride and a tough watch. I'm serious when I said that this drama is full of triggers. The underbelly of this dramaverse is as black as coal. You have been warned.
Thankfully, our young leads gave us their all. It could have been an idol drama of little consequence but I'm thankful that we are spared that fate. With such a short run time, the pace is fast and almost breathless at times. Nevertheless, it managed to slow down at key moments so that we can take a breath and empathise with our leads as their perspective starts to change under each other's influence. Imperceptible at first but with gathering pace as their lives become more entwined. Their growth is surprisingly organic. You knew what is on the card but when it happened your heart sings as you give thanks to the writer. Who needs corny expositions when the storytelling is on point.
To be honest, this doesn't feel like a c-drama. It could have been a t-drama or an indie project from a Nordic country. It might be a bit rough around the edges but that's part of its charm. I salute the production team. Just getting it made and pass censorship is already an achievement. It has earned a place on my rewatch list. Peace.
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