nix52

That the Cultural Revolution is not a topic most Chinese people wish to bring too readily to the fore is most probably based in the reality that it is a shared horror. You only have to read what Xi Jinping has said about his own experiences of that period - which very much echo the fictional experience of Ye Wenjie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xi_Jinping ). I always find it strange that his first wife, Ke Lingling, lives in England and his daughter is a university undergraduate in the US.

The first chapters of the book were really heavy going. I couldn't initially see why the emphasis on these events was going to be relevant to a sci-fi story. In retrospect I think the author wanted to be sure we understood Ye Wenjie. Knowing her journey and suffering makes it easier to understand her motivation for sending the signal and later behaviour. One of the recurring themes of the book is that the suffering of humanity in general and the damage humans (some) are causing makes it hard to justify our continuing existence - certainly not as some kind of superior species.

Just watched this. Really admired this so much. Would love to see more by this director. So delighted to find there is to be a sequel.

To My Star: Untold Stories a 10! To My Star was really great although you felt unsatisfied by the ending. I hoped that any sequel would develop the story. This addon was just a rehash of the first Series, didn't add anything of significance to the sztory or back stories of the characters. a 1 at best.

My apologies I replied to you as if you were Spencer21. I judge also from your writing style that, as with Spencer21, you are highly educated. Your English is equally impeccable, even in the correct use of modern idiom. I wish series subtitles were as well written!

I have now watched 4 episodes and my initial gut reaction is unchanged I know this show is lakorn and so could be construed as a way to open up conservative views to a more modern open society. One reason I did not appreciate the acting style. I do accept pantomime to work (and be humorous and bearable) only in short stints - not 17 episodes. Surely though lakorn with its ongoing use of stereotypes and tropes is not the place for any serious or sensitive discussion of LGBTQ+ issues.

I know I am an outsider. I know that as an elderly homosexual man I have lived through a period of huge changes in social attitudes over the last 50 years. Things do change and mainstream film and TV media has helped with the making of those changes albeit gradually.

BL series are also pretty bad with their appreciation of LGBTQ=. I forgive that for no reason I say in all honestly defend. I do despair though at how young women expect to be treated in relationships when they see these images of how a gay male 'prospect' can be stalked and emotionally as well as physically assaulted by another man. Is this not encouraging men and society to treat young women similarly? How do you as as a highly educated young woman see this?

Actually I did go on to watch episodes 2 and 3 but saw no reason to change my view. The acting is terrible, particularly the established actors. The young actors in other BL dramas do a much better job.

Sorry , so you think that kidnapping someone is acceptable. At no time is it suggested that Kim accepted the restrictions on his movement to late in the series. Sex took place well before then and in the circumstances consent to ANY sexual act could never have been freely given - legally, morally or otherwise.
Wow!
This is cut and dried, there is no grey area on this. Obviously in your mind male on male violence is acceptable. I can understand that you think this way but I am ashamed for you that you feel able to express your beliefs on this in a public forum.

I do confess that I have watched the whole show. It was absolutely awful but somehow compelling. I was intrigued to see how angry I might be by the ending! Particularly the concept that love can grow in the face of abuse where consent is only given at a price. I am not saying that this does not happen; nor that a person's attitude to particular sexual acts may change only when actually experienced. But an 18+ only rating No

One thing I do not get is the prevalence of male on male sexual violence in many BL Dramas suggesting that this in any way acceptable. Rape should never be portrayed as acceptable behaviour and absolutely not in dramas aimed at age groups that, for the most part, will be beginning their exploration of sex, lust and love.

Yes, I accept that male on male sex can be seen by many as violent or abusive and that consent is freely given to such violence. However a recurrent theme is that a man's feelings about male on male sex can be changed by force. Surely this is not something that should be shown as 'natural' to any mainstream audience, shown maybe but not as 'natural' or acceptable.

I accept that I might have enjoyed some aspects of this drama. Even so that does not retract from the awful casting, writing and directing. The awful acting I do not hold against the actors as some of them have been really quite good in other dramas.