Desconhecido (2024)

Upped the Ante

This has super sad backstory like Bedfriend but has the superb writing and production to supercede Bedfriend in every way. I'm on episode 4 and we have comedy, family drama, angsty teenager drama, workplace drama, extreme childhood trauma, so many feels and no skinship yet which means it can hold its own without the skinship. I don't think I can emotionally handle watching a cliffhanger every week so I am going to wait until this series has all 12 episodes completed. as of right now there's only five. I'll come back and edit this when I've completed the series but let's just say the first 4 episodes are Drama chefs kiss.

Leia Mais

Taiwan is back

This is so good. At first I was kinda skeptical because BLs from Taiwan have not been hitting lately, but this brings it back. The plot is so good and new. Although I would say, one of the plot in this show which was the gangster plot was completely irrelevant. I don't think that much would have changed if they removed it. The only reason it even felt a bit relevant was to show how Qian managed to survive as a kid but even then I think they could have just went about it another way. Also the force angst of that gangster and Yuan thing was a bit of a turnoff but I was okay overall. I loved the chemistry. ONG it was through the roof. I was giggling like a little girl every time they kissed. The actors did a great job and played their characters well. Overall, a really good BL. A win for Taiwan.

Leia Mais

The uncomfortable question of why we can't love our brother

“What else can we be, if not brothers?” Unknown is a deeply affecting story about the intersections between family and romance.

Based on the novel “大哥“, which simply translates to “older brother” in Chinese, the series unearths some unsettling questions about why it’s wrong to have romantic feelings for someone we call “family”. But what if the family member is not blood-related?

The show is self-aware.

This taboo is the major obstacle standing in the way of the protagonists’ romance, and is also the biggest reason why Qian experiences so much confusion regarding his affections for Yuan. Does he care for him so much because he single-handedly raised this boy, or does he love him like a life partner?

By the 12th episode, was I fully persuaded by Qian and Yuan’s relationship? I'm not sure, but they were so sweet I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for them.

Perhaps the actual question Unknown explores is what it means to belong to a family. In all its varied forms.

Read more reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/

Leia Mais

Somehow tiresome and tedious

Idk guys, it’s probably me and I TRIED but I just COULDN’T.

Everything about this drama was fine, technically. The acting was fine, it had a storyline that wasn’t drowned out by unnecessary NCs and it had conflict.
But by GOD it was so TIRESOME to watch. It was gratuitously melodramatic and unrealistic with barely any character development at all. The same conflict was repeated over and over again, so much so that I felt like I was trapped in a forever loop.
It also didn’t help that I kind of started to despise the younger brother. He was annoyingly persistent and selfish and almost kinda started to guilt trip the older brother into considering his confession. A little manipulative and creepy. It was unrealistic how his whole existence started and ended with his older step brother. He doesn’t have a life outside of his brother and his every thought is dominated by his brother. I understand that it’s probably supposed to portray this undying, idealistic type of love (obsession more like) but that’s why it’s either unrealistic or straight up frightening.

By the end I actively rooted against them. It felt like the story was trying to gaslight the older brother into giving the younger brother a chance. Ultimately, it didn’t feel to me like the older brother had the same feelings for the younger one. In fact, their dynamic reminded me a lot of the step bro couple from HIStory 4. Both younger step brothers were manipulative, persistent and obsessive, both older brothers were confused about their feelings and, what felt like, were led to believe that they are in love with their younger step siblings. Idk, I personally feel weird and awkward about this type of relationship dynamic, but those are my personal view and feelings about it.
I do kinda feel bad for giving it a 6 stars but it was such a slog for me to get through that I simply can’t force myself to give it more.

Another thing that bothered me was the love story between the younger sister and the older brother’s friend. He looked so much older than her and probably was and he saw her grow up etc so the first thought that entered my mind was that it’s plain old grooming. I was surprised that the older brother accepted their relationship relatively easily. He wasn’t happy about it but he also wasn’t as upset as I expected or would’ve liked him to be. If it was my little sister I’d probably seriously re-evalue my ‘friendship’ with that person.

Leia Mais

Every time I watch a Taiwanese drama, I anticipate an unexpected ending. Yet, this shows remind me that being prepared is indeed essential lol.

Let's delve into this remarkable series, adapted from a novel that I haven't read, where the screenwriting excels in storytelling. The portrayal of their brotherhood, born from shared trauma, adds depth to their journey. The acting is exceptional, capturing every emotion with precision.

The dialogue is authentic, offering poignant reflections on family dynamics. Intimate scenes spark debates, but for me, they beautifully depict the culmination of long-awaited emotions. Overall, this series holds a special place in my heart, a testament to the entire team's talent and dedication.

Leia Mais

Wow just wow!

I think this is one of the best told stories I've seen in while! The storytelling was next level and I just can't describe how beautiful it was. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking. I'll admit I did question both romances at some points, but the performance of all the actors deserves 10 stars all on it's own. Every person from the children to the adults performed with such depth and understanding of their characters was truly amazing! I'm not even sure what to write, I've only just finished and I have been sobbing and laughing. I would recommend this series so highly for the amazing execution of this story.

Leia Mais

What a great start to this series

What a great start to this series❣️ This screams quality production, from the acting to the music, to the cinematography, to the storyline, etc. The writer and director spent no time telling us what this story is about. Btw both of them were involved in the We Best Love series, My Tooth Your Love series, and/or Stay By My Side series, so we know this is likely going to stay good. For me, these “bro” to lovers storylines are difficult to find the balance between endearing and crossing the line you maybe shouldn’t cross. I understand why Wei Quian would be hesitant to go from provider/ caretaker/ caregiver to lover and I also understand why it would be so easy for Zhi Yuan to fall in love completely given the circumstances and how they met. Learning their backstory puts everything into context. It broke my heart to see a young Zhi Yuan look like an abandoned stray cat or dog following its hopefully new owner home😭 Qian was truly Yuan’s ray of light among all the darkness around him💗 The gang part of the story – no surprises there, always taking advantage of the disadvantaged😔 Wei Quian is an exceptional person to have taken in someone when he himself needed help. He sacrificed for the one he loved and cared for not wanting Yuan to take the wrong paths in life, literally fighting – commendable among so much adversity. I’m already invested in these characters. This is how you start to tell a compelling story💖

Leia Mais