KISEKI: DEAR TO ME (2023)

Very good, stops short of great

There is lot to recommend this series - foremost the acting, which is uniformly excellent. I'm not sure I've ever seen couples behave more realistically and without reserve - you really felt like these were people with feelings for each other. The physical affection in this is natural and convincing, with lovers sleeping cuddled up and not wearing enough clothing to survive arctic exposure with a minimum of one meter between them at all times like is typical in BL.

There's clearly a lot of passion that went into this production, from direction, to wardrobe, to all aspects of the production, and it makes a huge difference.

The dialog is better than normal, and most of the characterization is steady and consistent.

There are a few issues, however. This is a classic enemies-to-lovers story, and it's at its best - as usual - in the enemies portion, with an interesting and fairly equal dynamic that's unusual and entertaining, with the enigmatic and non-maliciously manipulative Zherui showing up in bizarre and unexpected ways, and the frustrated and grumpy Zong Yi trying to get rid of him while missing him when he's gone. There is no particular seme-uke dynamic at first, which is refreshing, and when they do fall into those roles it's in an unexpected way.

The secondary couple is more clearly seme-uke, but the uke is not useless and without agency. He's crazy and mercurial, and would benefit from a steady-handed partner, but I liked that he's to be reckoned with, not a helpless damsel.

There are, however, a few issues which prevent this from reachingthe top tier. One is the convoluted plot with many holes in it and contrived relationships and coincidences, greatly exacerbated by numerous very large time jumps which plaster over organic resolution of dramatic tension, i.e. the important things tend to happen off-screen.

There is also a silly cliffhanger at the end of every episode and in the middle of them as well. For example. a character is shot, but it turns out with a rubber bullet as part of a life lesson someone was trying to teach which was totally ridiculous. Someone is stabbed, and in the next scene his friends are standing at a bridge with white flowers. To give to him because it was only a flesh wound (to the intestines) - never mind that white flowers are for the dead, and that was just cheap misdirection for 10 seconds of angst. The cliffhangers required a lot of time to be burned on backtracking to fill us in on what happened, and made it very difficult to follow the series if you watched it weekly - so I would recommend binge-watching. As it was, I usually had to review the previous episode because the beginning of each episode is unconnected to the end of the last.

Finally, the dynamic between the main pair descends into stereotypical BL roles, with the formerly grumpy and irritated Zong Yi transmogrifying into a sweet romantic lead, which is frankly boring and inconsistent with the character as originally drawn. He was bound to soften a bit, but he didn't need to become a different person. Clearly the writer wanted lovey-dovey interaction, but it could have been done with some of the edge left in. Due to what happens along the way, he suffers from a short-term memory problem - for about 5 minutes after a huge time jump, then it more or less goes away and has no further impact on anything.

There is a fake memory loss plot that is resolved so quickly that it's pointless and probably should have been left out. The story arc of the mafia boss was very well-acted, but had so little impact that it essentially wasted time. Too much was attempted for the run-time available, when it would have been better to just cut out elements that weren't necessary to the story.

Would I recommend this series? Definitely. Despite the criticisms above, it has so much going for it that the problems are overbalanced by it's good qualities, not least of which the unbelievable attractiveness of the cast - they are all smokin', and even better are all talented and skilled actors.

Leia Mais

"It's a miracle that the person you love also loves you."

This series has given so many lesson throughout, even with the gang stuff. Although I hope you don't get yourself into trouble like them, they also teach the values of putting care and trust into your relationship.

As said in the credits, "Where there's love, theres a miracle. " And that it shown itself in the series. The beautiful leads,the great storyline, and the outstanding acting all brought together creates this masterpiece. If I were to give a "BEST BL OF 2023" this one might just take the cake. (haha get it? Bai Zong Yi's shop. ok nvm..)

The love story between Fan Ze Rui & Bai Zong Yi is a long journey. There is love and there is heartbreak. Tears were shed, of joy and sadness. But I was more than satisfied with the outcome.

THE STORY (slight spoiler? skip this part if you don't want any!):

Bai Zong Yi is a regular student with dreams of becoming a doctor. Until one day, that all changes. When he meets Fan Ze Rui, his life gets twisted all around. Once getting to know each other, love is in the air! But that love comes crashing down when injury occurs leading to amnesia. Will they be able to pass this tragedy and rekindle their now broken relationship?

CHEMISTRY:
Taiwanese BLs always have great leads with great chemistry, and that's the case with both couples. The way they would gaze into each others eyes, the body language, and everything overall gave me BUTTERFLIES!!

You can't forget the CAMEOS!! My boys from Plus&Minus making an appearance made my day better. Seeing them on screen together was a delight, and I really wish to have another series with them as well, and not just a cameo. Along with other characters in the show, such as ones from HIStory and Be Loved in House:I Do. Although I haven't seen those series yet, it's lovely to see couples such as those on screen again, even for just a second.

When it comes to Taiwanese BL, I always have high hopes. Was that a bad idea when coming into this? NOT AT ALL! IT SERVED! Getting to spend the last 13 weeks with these 2 couples was everything, and I'd do anything to be able to watch it for the first time. Their love story made me cry. From laughter, and from quite literal sobs and I'll miss that.

It's a rare sight when liking both couples, but Kiseki did it for me. Chen Yi and Ai Do were ADORABLE! There was enough screen time for both couples, which is a win.

I hope to see more of both couples, and maybe even a series with Nat Chen (Chen Yi) and Louis Chiang (Ai Di) as the main leads👀. Would definitely recommend to others!!

Leia Mais

I have mixed feelings regarding this series and Taiwan BL in general. I remember when HISTory aired, the very first series was called "Obessed", and everyone was talking about it. I checked it out and thought the story makes zero sense, but the actors were committed and showed us great make-out scenes. Many years later, not much changed.
This series' author also wrote Trapped and MODC, and again, I have the same criticism. There is only one explanation for the author's success I can come up with (some even call her the "queen of Taiwan BL"): She puts so much stuff into her stories, that there is something for everyone. You like a couple where one guy is much older? Check. You like a couple with unexpected top/bottom roles? Check. You're into student-teacher stories? Check. You like the tsundere type and the cold/stoic type? Check. You like big height differences? Check. You like the one being manly, and the other being cute? Check. You like mafia guys? Check. So I assume whoever reads this found at least two points they like. So go watch it!
Seriously, the author talks about stuff she doesn't know anything about. In Trapped those police officers behaved like children playing detective, now in Kiseki the mafia guys behave like children running a car repair shop and doing some street fights. The older mafia guys are sitting in the hot tub, looking dangerous and talking in a way that it sounds important. It's low budget, I know, but don't go there, if you're not capable of making it believable. The whole plot is a mess. Two young guys going to prison for 4 years is a good example of the weak wattpad-style storytelling. You could write a whole series about their experience in jail, but they brush over it, and they even get out in the same episode. Not much changed, as if they had seen each other just months ago.
Back to the same criticism I had regarding Trapped and MODC: There is no balance regarding the mood of the story. Kisekei had some very touching and serious moments, but then it gets incredible cheesy and corny. It's funny, and in the next moment it's tragic. The author apparently wants to evoke as many emotions in the viewer as possible. The result? It's a mess.
But not only the plot is a mess, the acting is too. Ai Di (Louis Chiang) is the only good actor, I would even say, he is the only "real" actor. What do I mean by that? He embodies the character wholeheartedly. Even if the character develops or changes over time, you still feel it's the same character. I have no issue with Chen Yi (Nat Chen) acting. He is doing a good job, and it's not uncommon that an actor reaches a new level when paired with someone talented. But still, it's obvious he isn't as good as Louis. Unfortunately, everyone else, from the younger guys to the older guys, is just here for the paycheck.
My final thoughts and rating? I love the 2nd couple, they are my guilty pleasure for many reasons. I hope those two get a new series, because I love their chemistry and acting. Everything else was forgettable. The main couple was too cheesy, and Taro Lin should really work on his acting. For me this was second hand embarrassment.
7 stars for the effort (they did some things right, and some scenes were beautifully filmed), but since I'm madly in love with Ai Di and Chen Yi I will give 8 stars.

Leia Mais

Why writers why.. why every good drama have to be spoiled by the end

Very nice plot although they want mix every genre they could think offfff. I love the comedy side and don’t even doubt the chemistry. The chemistry is a huge plus and it’s nice to see other couples giving guest appearances. People who miss them would be delighted.

Spoiler alert*:
Although people are quirking about the age gap , I don’t mind it but bai zong yi being a minor taking a decision to love an adult that too a mafia one by risking everything in the drama doesn’t sit right with me though. Even though minors are not appreciated to watch this I don’t believe they want a minor to take those life changing decisions but still doesn’t want him to regret it. All he felt bad about his lover while sitting in the jail but not about his goal or career. Ok let’s leave that aside because he is a minor . What about Fan ze Rui he just forgive that sis and heroically said “live a good life in place of zhang teng.” He didn’t even think about the person who changed his whole life because of him. And what the writers want to say to the viewers , “even if someone tries to kill you or your loved one don’t try to defend yourself even if you did eventually someone will come to you to take revenge and kill you … Then what’s the most important thing to do is feel guilty for protecting your loved one instead of letting him die and stop defending to get yourself killed . Now icing on the cake is even if you are alive after the whole mishap by a Miracle (Kiseki) , you should forgive your killer and encourage them to be a murderer” . I gave a standing ovation 👏 to the last episode while watching it. Writers , what a plot. I take a bow for your logic.
So since I’m done with my venting , all I have to say is leave your brain in the suitcase and watch the drama and enjoy the chemistry and acting.

Leia Mais

I would reccomend not watching.

Okay, so you may want me to mark this a spoiler related review but I need an opening warning to anyone who will watch this show: the main character is a minor until the last 3-4 episodes. The story has him engaging in a romantic and sexual relationship with an adult. Do not argue with me that “he’s 17, he’s almost an adult” when your frontal lobe doesn’t finish developing until you are 25. I could not like either of them beyond the fact that the actors get along well and you can obviously tell that.

I was severely uncomfortable with the fact it was romanticizing that relationship even if initially they had the adult realize it was wrong. I think it’s disgusting and will fuck over a lot of kids who don’t understand that it’s not hot or cool to have sex with an adult when you are a kid. It’s setting up younger fans who find this show to be exploited. He could’ve been a university student and it wouldn’t’ve been less creepy bc he wouldn’t be a LITERAL child.

I think whoever likes this and looks beyond the fact that it’s an illegal age gap should reasses what they actually like about this show beyond “ooo it’s taboo” and the actors having good chemistry. An adult preying on a child that obviously has no support system or parent around is fucking disgusting, and if you say it’s not you don’t get how much that fucks up someone.

The only redeeming part of the show for me was Ai Di since his age gap with Chen Yi was THREE years instead of 5+. He was the only character that actually felt compelling to me especially with how Louis played him. He was the one who didn’t have his whole personality revolve around his romantic interest, he had other things going on at the same time as everything. You can say I’m biased but he didn’t get start his relationship with Chen Yi until he was in his 20s after he and Zongyi get out of prison (but was still an ADULT when they had sex before he left).

Like no hate to the actors, they’re just doing their job, but genuinely whoever wrote this is gross. Literally as a gay man, especially one who’s been the older person in the room for some of younger peers, I can’t suspend any disbelief for this storyline. I can’t think an adult having a sexual relationship with a child is hot or sexy or whatever you fucking call it. It’s literally what us queer men have been trying to fight, because the impression made by conservative media of gay and trans people is that we’re predators, and then you make a gay romance out of an incredibly predatory relationship? You don’t fight for us. You only care about your fetishes.

I don’t recomend watching this show. (I’m not saying boycott the actors though, they didn’t write the story. They just did a job.)

If this review offended you, if it make you angry because I said the truth of what this show really is and you don’t like that, reassess yourself. Liking queer romance isn’t a crime but when it’s including shit like this, it’s doing the opposite of what mainstream queer media is supposed to do. It’s not advocating, it’s showing an adult and child having sex. It’s setting up impressionable minds to getting hurt. I can’t accept that, especially when there are more well written actual queer stories to come out of Asia.

Leia Mais

A Miracle Series with Imperfections

What I Love About the Series:
"Kiseki" stands out for several reasons that keep viewers eagerly engaged. The chemistry between the characters is undeniably one of its strongest assets. Taro Lin and Hsu Kai's portrayal of Bai Zong Yi and Fan Jherui, as well as Chen Bowen and Jiang Dian Dian's depiction of Chen Yi and Ai Di, showcase impeccable on-screen dynamics.

The characters' progression, both in terms of their story and personality, align seamlessly with the overarching narrative, making it a delightful and easy-to-follow series. The ever-evolving dynamic between Ai Di and Chen Yi, as they both pine for each other at different points, adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.

"Kiseki" also challenges conventional BL stereotypes by cleverly switching the roles of Bai Zong Yi as the savior and dominant figure in the relationship, despite his lower economic class background, and Fan Jherui as the saved and passive character from a higher economic class. This refreshing take on character dynamics deserves applause.

The series excels in integrating a multifaceted plot, notably the mafia subplot, without disconnecting it from the central romance. This ability to seamlessly weave the romance into broader narrative elements elevates the viewing experience. Moreover, the inclusion of cameos from past BL series adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of the genre.

What I Dislike About the Series:
While "Kiseki" has much to offer, there are a few shortcomings that need addressing. The 20-minute episodes released weekly can be a source of frustration for live viewers, as the anticipation can become somewhat painful.

The shift in tone during Bai Zong Yi and Ai Di's time in jail felt abrupt and could have benefited from a smoother transition. A more nuanced handling of this critical plot point would have added to the overall cohesion of the story.

Additionally, certain plot elements, such as Zhang Teng, the Fan family, and Chen Dong Yang, which initially appeared to be major factors in the narrative, were swiftly and conveniently discarded once their relevance to the main characters concluded. The only plot point that received a moderately well-structured place in the storyline was Bai Zong Yi and his family.

In conclusion, "Kiseki" is a series that combines the miraculous chemistry of its cast with a complex and engaging narrative, but it isn't without its imperfections. Despite some pacing and plot-related issues, the series manages to captivate viewers with its unique character dynamics and clever integration of subplots.

Leia Mais

Honestly a disappointment in hype

So many people hyped this show up and I was looking forward to it as I love all the Taiwanese bl. I’ve watched. I don’t know if I had high expectation but the plot did not do it for me.

First let me start of saying the acting and cinematography is amazing for both couples. They never felt awkward and their characters were believable . They had great chemistry , great kisses but the plot ruined it for me.

First is people recommending this should warn people who aren’t into age gaps and involvement with a minor. The first couple involves a 17 year old highschool and a person who’s an adult , while the age is never discuss with the adult , speculation says he seems to be at least 5yrs older so the adult could be 22/23 through late 20s. While 16 is the age of consent in Taiwan, legality doesn’t make is morally right. Plus the characters even mention him being a minor. While many can dismiss this age gap as it’s fiction and not real or that the characters doesn’t look like it has an age gap , it bothers me a lot. And it bothers me even more they had a NC scene when the character is still a minor despite having a time skip where the minor is now an adult . They could have made him be slightly older and in college and the plot line can still work. Second couple is cute but also know there is dubcon as one of them was drunk in an NC scene.

But still I continue reminding myself it’s fiction and not to get so hung up if it had a good story but the story line failed to deliver.

There’s a choppiness to the drama that bothers me, the characters had no depth or growth and the plot just added more plot for the sake of having a plot and plot twist that really made no sense. There was no development with the relationship of the 1st couple . One moment he dislike him, the next they like each other but there’s not much logical reason to how they fell in love. if they spent time on the first couple development on how close they gotten for more than one episode, I feel like the audience can be more attached to them. The second couple made sense on why they love each other as they grew up having a close relationship and the unrequited love storyline tugs me heart. I wish the older mafia men had more of their story as they hinted about their relationship but we never followed through

Overall,
This shown isn’t for me. People will love it but I find the hype was a let down . The plot tried having more plot line but the execution was wrong

Leia Mais

Yawn. Cringe. Yawn.

This one got boring about 4 episodes in... Main leads' (both couples) acting was bearable, but couldn't say the same about the supporting cast. Besides the first few episodes, the rest of the episodes had barely any story line. Kudos to the actor playing FZR though, he managed to portray strength and vulnerability pretty well.

The script and dialogue started to get cringey a third in to the whole series and it seemed as though the screenwriters were just trying to get to the goal of having the 2 couples fall crazily in love (aka strip each other shirtless and kiss/make out. alot...). And after that goal was achieved, most of the show was then just them getting separated or facing some overly dramatised obstacle, then yearning for each other, then getting back together again (and getting horny) very conveniently.

What hooked me in at the beginning was Ai Di's fiesty personality and BZY's tsundere character but it wasn't long before their characters started getting whiney, piney,, and angsty (and unlikable). The storyline, well there was barely any, was simply unoriginal and disengaging, and don't get me started on the awkward placement of bgm throughout the drama...

Leia Mais

FUCKING WATCH IT!!

OMG, I teared up so much during these series!! Both couples were so touching but Fah Ze Rui and Bai Zong Yi were just something else. Their love was so deep even though they didn't spend so much time together and it made me really cry so hard whenever they were separated and fuck their reconciliation was so amazing!! I was so happy everytime they could love each other in peace and Bai Zong Yi is such an amazing person... he made me cry as he chose Rui and his father over himself and his future but was still able to fight when he got out of prison and believe in his love. So heartbreaking!!

Then Ai Di and Chen Yi, I originally came for them but Chen Yi seriously disappointed me when he ditched Ai Di for his boss and didn't keep his promise... their first time was actually really sad... Ai Di was in the wrong when he slept with him in his drunk state but it made me so sad to see how desperate he was and he didn't even think that Chen Yi knew he lost his virginity to him. They were really problematic at first but as gang members I can understand... in the place they were brought up at they just didn't took their fights and other aggression seriously. At the end how they talked about death, I saw a younger generation of their boss and his partner who also want to leave together and boss loved his man as much as Chen Yi loves Ai Di.

Leia Mais

Fun Watch that is Dear To Mt Too.

Gangsters are people too, rich people not so much... and forced co habitation can lead to a love that goes beyond stabbing, blood baths and what not... This is also a drama that teaches us the complete distrust towards authorities the schools of Taiwan seem to have since they rather invite a gang to investigate drug-dealing in the school instead of what one would think the more conventional choice of police could be...


We also get to meet a poor geek who is forced to let in a rich gangster in to his home against his will. The gangster is fun, sweet, and could use a lesson or ten in respecting others boundaries but other than being a gangster who is gets a bit to close to a minor (17 year old so not that big of a deal, where I live it is totally legal), The poor geek is the perfect cold male lead and it is a pleasure to watch him grow.

The second couple too has some (a lot) of issues, and should probably serve more time behind bars than out in the open. But they do seem to show some kind of remorse and understand right from wrong as well as show that there are circumstances that call for stabbing... Aware or not hey just do not really seen to be able to stick to what one would think is the right path or close to some kind of path that could keep them out of danger but that is what makes the gangsters of this show human...

The kisses in this show are surrounded by fluff, so are the make out sessions and moments of cringy romance giving us a nice balance between fluff and puddles of blood.

An entertaining, easy bing watch with decent chemistry and not to bad twists.

Leia Mais

Not my Cup of tea

Bad on my part, but this is serving as my first Taiwanese BL of this year that I'm seeing, and luckily, I thought this was good. Not great, personally, because these types of series are just not my cup of tea, but, the men are beautiful, they know how to do physical well, and the acting isn't all that bad either.

Let's Dive In.

I had heard so much hype about this series that I knew I had to hop on the train and see what this was all about. Now, I think generally, a lot of series that portray on a scale of mild to super toxic relationships outshine series that portray healthier ones (for reasons being above my understanding), and I would label the same thing with these characters as well. Homeboy definitely has the case of Stockholm's syndrome -- falling for the person who turned his life into a living hell, This is fictional, so I'll look past the, 'he-needs-therapy-to-get-over-this' mumbo jumbo, Yes, his captor turns out to be a good person, just some ill intentions in the first half. The only thing I think needed a little more time was Zong Yi'a falling for Ze Rui. It feels very out of the blue. One day he hates him, the next he's trying to bake him a cake and confess his undying love, on top of being a minor (geez-la-wheez). it just felt rushed in my opinion, even if Zong Yi needed that companionship or someone to care for him, what we get before he falls just isn't enough. Now moving on to their actual relationship, cute! But again, something about them doesn't work for me, maybe it's because of the age difference, but I'm usually a fan of that, so I don't know what it is about this couple that just doesn't sell me all the way. After about episode 10, I started skipping over their scenes cause I just really could care less.

Moving onto the secondary couple -- again cute, we have a little bit more fun with their dynamic, but again, and this is just for me, I just don't see it working out. One, their brothers, albeit not blood-related, but still they grew up together as siblings. Two, both of them seem too hot-headed and too quick to want to throw a punch or force each other into something. Again, just a very toxic couple that works for other viewers cause they're hot and can kiss (I'll give them that).

As individual characters, I really liked them all. Especially Zong Yi's family dynamic and the things he goes through to save his dad. Along with the cunning friendship between him and Ai Di. The cameos were nice, Wayne does a great job at being a bad guy, and looks great doing it. As I said before, I just don't think this was the series for me because I think too hard about relationships and don't see how they come about or how they'll last, especially when they're built on a rough/toxic path.

Sadly, my favorite part about this series was during the last episode, we see the behind the scenes of the cast and crew, and it just puts a smile on your face regardless of how you feel about the series because it just goes to show all the hard work everyone put behind this series. End credits get me all the time (sigh).

Ratings:

Story: 7.5/10 - Lots of it I skipped through by Episode 10 cause I wasn't really invested in any of the couples and just wanted to see their outcome and quickly. The beginning is nice though, a very intriguing starting point, and then it just kind of wanes for me. Not bad, but not the best.

Acting: 9.5/10 - They could all cry when need be! Great! Zong Yi's actor did the best for sure.

Music: 4/5/10 - Again, not my usual taste in music, so it's kind of loud and a bit hectic sounding. It distracted me so much that I actually paid attention to it.

Recommndation Value: 6.5/10 - I can see the appeal in the series and the reason why it was so hyped around. Great acting and a great story if you're into tropes/plots like this one. Not the first Tawinese BL I'd recommend, maybe the 8th, but these men are beautiful so there's that.

Leia Mais

BL & Makjang

As I was skipping through the last episode, (actually FFW a drama for the very first time EVER!) while trying to avoid the ultimate cringe that episode is, I was just trying to comfort myself justifying watching this by its relative shortness. There were some good things about this drama and then there was the plot.

Good things: actors, cinematography.

The plot: BAD! Nonsensical and cringy. The story follows some mobsters who are ALL gay of course: from the Boss in a a happy 30 years old relationship with his secretary down to the minor players. What kind of mob is that? The criminals themselves were extremely unconvincing, unnatural! They just looked like a bunch of PC schoolkids putting on a show in which they imagine what real criminals might look like,behave and dress! Ridiculous!
The characters are not really explained: we do get to hear a kind of a back story but it does not explain their situation at the beginning of the series! Why does he have to work three jobs in order to put himself through high school? Why is the other guy a member of the mob? They all talk about killing people but look like they'd apologize and start crying if they accidentally crush an ant? Apart from the four main characters, everyone else either cannot act or they got unclear direction?
The second half plunges deep into a makjang with rich families, paying off the unsuitable lover, amnesia...classic!

It is still watchable under one serious condition: turn your brain off. Then you can enjoy the two love stories with decent skinship and a lot of cringe. Especially in the last episode. A lot!!!!!
All in all, this was bad. Barely watchable short drama: its saving grace being the short duration. LOL To watch only when there's nothing else!

Leia Mais