HIStory3: Armadilha (2019)

The HIStory tended to focus more on the teenage aspect of gay love, which is okay since I live for high school romances, but Trapped strays from this tradition and gives a story between a police officer and a crime boss. The result is WOW. Never have I felt a rush like I did with this show, I was heavily anticipating every new episode, even up to the last one. No episode is boring and there's so much plot development that happens with each episode that it's dizzying.

The development of the love between Shao Fei and Tang Yi is electrifying (I know I used this word already for my Make Your Days Count review but it's the perfect word to use here). It's a gradual process and it's one that makes you incredibly eager to see the end result because you want to see both of them win at the end. Jake Hsu and Chris Wu have incredible chemistry and you can really feel the emotion, care they have for each other. To see Tang Yi begin to open up to Shao Fei was one of the most well done moments of this trope I've seen anywhere. Usually the trope is used to excuse the main guy's horrible personality and attitude for reasons ranging from whatever but here Tang Yi is not that. He's actually hardened for a reason and doesn't use that to be as a reason to be horrible to other people, even despite the fact that he's a crime boss. Both he and Shao Fei were done written and done so well that I really want to applaud the writers for doing this.

The second couple is cute, leave it for a few too many moments of actual cringe. I did find Jack's sudden attraction to Zhao Zi to be random but I did like that he was open and unafraid of his feelings for him early on. While I still kind of find Jack to be kind of one dimensional, Zhao Zi is absolutely adorable and he's such a great and loyal friend to Shao Fei. His interactions with majority of the characters is absolutely adorable too.

While I do love this series in its entirety, there are a few problems I have with it. For one, its representation of other gay characters aside from the main four. There were so many stereotypes that were put forth with these characters that it's kind of sad to see in a show that is usually progressive in terms to how they represent the queer community. Andy is one of Tang Yi's friends who is gay and obviously has a thing for Tang Yi. That's not a problem if it weren't for the fact that Andy has a BOYFRIEND and yet he's still pining for Tang Yi's affection and it is very sensual with him. This puts unfortunate strength to the negative stereotype that gay men are incredibly promiscuous and prone to cheating. Then theres Zhi-de, who is also in love with Tang Yi because who isn't. Anyways, when his advances are constantly rejected and in favor for Shao Fei, Zhi-de resorts to kidnapping and sexual aggression to gain Tang Yi's attention. This furthers the stereotype of promiscuity and also the horrible stereotype of gay men as predatory. Now onto two, Hong Ye. Sigh. I was so disappointed that the show was going with the route of the evil female character in the BL. It's a horrible trope that is not also rooted in sexism but also downright misogyny that will do anything to make the male characters look good. It was quite confusing what the reasons for her being antagonistic with Shao Fei were. I thought at first she was also in love with Tang Yi but then Gao De comes in and that's the one she's in love with. ???. However that doesn't stop her from being horrible. She is actually responsible for Shao Fei getting shot the first time and wipes her hands clean from the whole ordeal by telling Zhi-de she doesn't want to be connected to it... and she gets away with it. The hell? It pissed me off because after a while everything she did is glossed over and eventually she accepts the relationship ... Now for the last one, three, the plot is a bit farfetched and cliche. However, this isn't a jarring problem so I might let it slide.

All in all, the show isn't one without flaws but it's definitely one of the best BLs out there (with HIStory 2: Crossing The Line, SOTUS, Mr. X and I: Be There For You). It's got a great cast with great performances, excellent music (the opening theme is AMAZING) and impressive cinematography. It's a great ride and it definitely has rewatch value. I definitely recommend. I just might watch it again myself.

Leia Mais

The best in the series

The plot is very good. However, family link is easy to guess from very early on but is still good.

It has a good balance of chaos and calm to emphasise the story and emotions and not have it be too overwhelmingly dramatic.

I also liked the more action part of it. It was very well done and not other the top.

It is different from most other BLs and that’s what gives it its’ charm.
The main couple is not shy, will not be pushed around by other people and do not care about what other people think about their relationship which is quite refreshing to see. I love how they are both strong characters and I really like the way they did the rivals/obsession to lovers. The actors are both very convincing and I love their chemistry.
The side couple, although more down the traditional BL route of shy weak male and bold strong male, is also very good. They are very cute and I love their chemistry. I also like how the confident male is not too forceful towards the shy one and that the shy one actually seems to like him back and not like he’s being forced.

Overall, this is definitely worth watching. The actors are great, the story is there and it successfully creates emotional moments.

Leia Mais

Best of the HIStory Series - would 100000% recommend

Story:
Although the main outcome is pretty clear from the start there are a lot of surprises and revelations that makes the ending so much sweeter. There's action, romance (with some very good kissing scenes), comedy, and mystery. The first time I watched it I did so in one sitting as I had to know the story behind Tang Yi's past and how he'll get over the death of his father figure and how he and Meng Shao Fei will fall in love.

Acting:
I find that if the plot is good, I am not too fussed with the acting but this drama is one of the few that I can confidently say had good acting. Other than the fact that both men in the main couple and side couple and veryyy attractive, the chemistry between Jake Hsu (Meng Shao Fei) and Chris Wu (Tang Yi) is amazing, and the side couple, Andy Bian (Jack) and Kenny Chen (Zhai Li An) was just as good. Though many people prefer Jack and Zhai Li An's relationship, I prefer Tang Yi and Meng Shao Fei's story as I find it more emotional though I would not be against a second season with Jack and Zhai Li An as the main couple (or just the actors together again).

Music:
The only reason I did not give this a 10 is because, unless the soundtrack is incredible or awful, the music does not affect my opinion on the TV show/movie. That being said I do have the main theme song on my phone as I enjoy remembering the TV show and it is nice to listen to...

Rewatch Value:
I have already rewatched this series multiple times and I love it every time. Every time I watch it I laugh when Meng Shao Fei does something cute but stupid, and get excited for Tang Yi when he finds the truth about his family and becomes close to Shao Fei.

Overall:
I have watched a lot of dramas and many of the HisTory series but this one is not only my favorite HIStory but definitely one of my favorite dramas in general. The story is perfect as is the cast - I would recommend watching their interviews after watching the series, they're super funny.

Leia Mais

little bit confused in the first 2 episodes and it was boring but it gets better ( or not? )

The acting was the best thing about this series, the story the worst. I´m setisfied quite easily when watching something but I can ´t be bored and here i find 60% of the series boring.
In episode 3 I was asking myself if I should continue watching and I decided to continue but only because of Andy´s character ( Jack ). He was the most interesting person for me and I really wanted to know more about him. Also I was much more interested in his and the other guy´s ( forgot his name sorry ) relationship than in relationship of the two main characters.
Acting was good but I didn´t like the one girl´ s acting that much. It didn ´t felt real...
Overall the series isn´t that bad but there isn´t the charm of good series.
If you are bored and don´t know what to watch, watch it. If you have more series in your watchlist, try them first :)

Leia Mais

This series is everything you could ask for in a BL, the acting, storyline, actors were all phenomenal and combined, created one of my favourite H IStory series.

For starters, this series follows somewhat of a stereotypical storyline, but with its own twists that are realistic in a way. Shao fei, the brave, courageous, self sacrificial (probably has a death wish), is the hardworking borderline obsessed cop who is after Tang Yi, a gang leader, who is cold, business minded and closed off to some degree. This series doesn't just put the two together immediately, or create an initial attraction between the two characters, the relationship between the two develops as a relationship would and can between a cop and a gang leader.

The story has a well thought out storyline, that doesn't just stick to love-hate then lovers, this story goes from hate to acquaintances to Care before eventually finding an attraction. This series is also refreshing to watch after Thai BL's, just like the other HIStory's as it is stripped of the playful, sometimes cringe editing that works (but it's okay cause we love them anyway).

The actors - Chris and Jake, played these roles extremely well, their chemistry was incredible to watch unfold, even in the small moments early on when they were still in the "enemies phase", there were caring moments that just seemed natural but also foretelling when you spot them.

The characters also have really well done development, (without spoiling anything major)
Shaoove fei- is headstrong at the start, adamant on finding what he wants to find out(even though after years he still hasn't lol), he doesn't have an interest in the gang business, but just wants to know how and why Tang Yi is involved in the incident four years ago. By the end of this series, Shao fei doesn't see the biggest change, but by watching there is some that is evident.

Tang Yi undeniably undergoes the biggest change- We get to see this gang leader, open up and become almost vulnerable to Shao Fei, as they become closer and we see that he is not all he appears to be- and he can be cute.

The other stars of this show, Jack and Zhao Zhi, although have less moments as a couple, they really do shine and take your hearts, with Jack's cheeky, playful attitude and mannerisms (he kinda reminds me of deadpool weirdly?) and Zhao Zhi's almost innocently food driven personality, that actually has layers and wisdom to his words. I like that the series although focuses on the main couple, they don't just leave the development down to Tang Yi and Shao fei, they let it come through to the other characters.

The ending although somewhat frustrating, is actually quite realistic and better than one of them dying like most Chinese/Taiwanese series. They don't skim over the fact Tang Yi was involved in crime for the sake of a happy together ending, which makes it all the more endearing. It also leaves the needing to our imagination- you can imagine yourself what the characters would be like after they are reunited.

I honestly can't give this show enough praises, and I definitely can't write them either (as seen above- sorry if all of this did not make sense). But this show is an amazing package deal, and if you have time to commit to watching all the episodes, then do because it will be a great decision, and you can join the rest of the fans in screaming lol

Have fun watching :-)

Leia Mais

I’m surprised this pops up as most popular

So this came highly recommended the reviews and comments on here are very encouraging. But I just was not feeling it. Definitely had the potential.

So it has a pretty good story, I figured the plot out rather quickly tho. But atleast it had a good story and plot without holes and it went smoothly.

Chemistry was meh I am never a big fan of the out of nowhere a character suddenly is like in love or obsessed when they were straight two seconds ago. I think there should be some internal struggle that lasts a little longer. I mean I’ve definitely been there and it’s not just a fleeting thought and then you’re like OK IM DOWN IM PURSUING YOU. But yeah I was not ready feeling them. But I liked the side couple Jack was funny.

The last episode idk I barely watched it I started typing this as it was finishing up. The last couple episodes kind of lost my attention because it started having less action, all loose ends were figured out and it was kind of getting to be fluffed or I figured it out.

But it was not horrible! The story was cool. I wish there was more chemistry better romance or flirting smoother development of attraction. I mean clearly in the beginning there was no attraction and they were enemies in a way a cop and gangster and things started brewing later on and he didn’t even realize he felt that way or had attractions to males and had to deal with those thoughts and attractions mentally. Other male lead obviously was bi and had already gone down that road no biggie for him.

Leia Mais

Gaawd...this show is absolutely brilliant!

If someone told me a few months back that a BL series involving action, police, gangsters, and crime would air in this world, I would have literally been like....."In million years maybe in your dreams". I just can't get enough of the characters and the storyline. Such a creative and different story.......I love the fact that the relationship and chemistry between the characters are realistic rather than being too lovely- doovy always. The character sketch of Shao Fei is the one I love the most, I mean in terms of other ukes being showed as very cute, too gentle, too good, too nice, and too much of all the good qualities( in most of the series), his character is very refreshing. I love the actors and their fabulous acting and chemistry, the way the different emotions are portrayed, and the awesome direction of the series. Sure there are some loopholes, but in my words, no series can be perfect. This series has topped my list of BLs and is a must-watch for all those who crave something different from the normal BLs we get ( not blaming the others though....). A love story of two cops and 2 gangsters, fighting destiny, stigma, different notions of revenge, love, anger, and sadness, and all the odds that their "poles-apart" jobs bring them. A million thanks and love to the crew and actors of trapped for giving us such an amazing series.....Keep making such an amazing series and remember that you guys have the support and love of countless thankful and happy fans :)

Leia Mais

I can thoroughly say I enjoyed this part of the series even though I haven't watched in any other. I don't watch many BL shows and I usually watch Lakorn's but this was easy to watch, a great story, good action and just good acting overall. It was dramatic and fast faced and all in all not a terrible show at all. The cop in the beginning actually did bother me for a bit because I was like bruh, you're annoying.. but I understood where he was coming from and I like how the two main characters click and I liked the sister even though she was kind of a jackhole sometimes and I even enjoyed the secondary characters story as well. It took me a day to watch this and I definitely binged it; it was a good story of course, the characters all just made a nice impact and there wasn't anything like "ugh" about it honestly. I think it was definitely worth my time and a fantastic watch.

Leia Mais

HELL YES!

OMG! this was amazing like dude this shows the ships and the creators for History3: Trapped was an epic BL drama, it was better than History2 like OMFG! Dude the chemistry between (Jake Hsu)Meng Shao Fei and Tang Yi(Chris Wu)
was way too damn good it was better than good it was excellent. oh and the other ship Zhao Li An(Kenny Chen)and Jack(Andy Bian) was cute. DUDE watch it you will be flat on this drama that's how good it is. I like this drama hats off to the creators, actors, and the staffs for creating this brilliant drama. I can't wait to see more BL dramas like these. DUDE these are my type of BL drama that I would love to watch.

Leia Mais

Obsessing over people and things, past and present, imprisons us; and loving someone special--confiding in that person, pledging yourself to that person, and standing by that person, whatever hardships come your way--is truly liberating. These insights have taken shape for me while viewing the film, and will continue to evolve for me long after I've viewed the film and continue to reflect on it.

While there are many tender moments between the secondary couples, the tender moments between the main couple power the film. Several tender scenes stand out to me now: the scene in the hospital room when Tang Yi traces Meng Shao Fei's serene face with his finger; the scene when Tang Yi encircles Meng Shao Fei with his cuffed hands; the scene in the bedroom when Tang Yi kisses Meng Shao Fei's stitches; the scene in the kitchen when Meng Shao Fei urges Tang Yi lovingly to move beyond his anger and safeguard himself against regret; and the many scenes when Meng Shao Fei calls Tang Yi by name softly, lovingly, and compassionately.

The flashback scenes really help you to understand the story line, and the beautiful clothing provide an aesthetic layer in this film that many same-sex films fail to capture. Each cast member gives a strong performance, and the chemistry between the characters--gay or straight, paternal or avuncular--are beautiful, moving, and rare. There are many reasons why a love story between good guys and bad guys--cops and drug dealers--should fail, but this film works from beginning to end--over multiple viewings, I suspect.

Treat yourself to this love story extraordinaire!

Leia Mais

I'm not kidding. Titanic, the Notebook, all of that heterosexual stuff WISHES it was Trapped. So self indulgent in the best way! The dynamic between the couples is fantastic, and Jack is simply the sexiest man alive (and, as a lesbian, an aesthetic goal). The only part I didn't like was the relationship between Hong Ye and the man who knew her since she was a child - super gross! But its ignorable. Also in general I don't like cop movies and anything that glamorizes the police. But the romance is just that good.

Campy, dramatic, fun banter... whats not to love.

Leia Mais