Admittedly, this is one of the most disconcerting BLs I have ever watched. While apocalyptic in nature, it does not quite end that way, although, given that it is from China, can be a matter of interpretation. I honestly do not know what to make of its ending. If you are an optimist, then the cracking of the ensorcelled pendent means the curse has been broken. If you are a pessimist, then you view the cracking of the charmed pendant as a fait accompli. You must decide which on your own.

The story is so simple really but has such hidden and complex meanings behind it. It is a story of two young men who are ostensibly not destined to be together. Shen Nan (Koi Wei Long) is a handsome and soft-spoken young man but very intense. Shen Nan is gifted somehow with a magical and mystical pendent that has enchanting powers. Perhaps he knows nothing of its powers until it is destined to be used and can only be activated to wish back time. He meets Gu Shi Wen (Li Yi Mu), a hypnotically enchantingly attractive young man about the same age as Shen Nan, perhaps slightly younger. Shen Nan’s father is about to marry Shi Wen’s mother. Almost immediately, they develop a connection, and a spark of love is lit between them. Yet Shen Nan keeps having reoccurring specific nightmares that Shi Wen will die.

Tragically and unfortunately, he does and in the metaphysical realm of dreams, Shen Nan is told by himself that his love for Shi Wen can never be realized. Fate has determined otherwise as their love for one another is ‘cursed’. If he continues to love Shi Wen, he will die.

Thinking he has learned from his past mistake, Shen Nan wants to try a new approach. However, will the same inevitable result occur? Can Shi Wen be given yet another chance? Will fate be changed this time around?

In this other variation of the story, it becomes even more unpleasant. While both sets of parents become inhumanely abusive towards their sons in this version, I wondered if it is a painting of a mirror image of the current society? They brought ‘shame upon the family’ and ruination of the family name. Shen Nan’s father even calls him an ‘animal’ at one point. After some thought, the parents accepted the reality of their love for one another. Yet, the inevitable still happens. I think here is the truer message of this series. Even though there are individuals who might find this behavior acceptable overall, fate (a euphemistic term for society?) still determines this is bad. Or is it? Pleading and begging for yet another chance, he is given one. How will he change fate this time?

While it certainly is a love story, this is not a BL. It never reaches any level of a serious degree of romance or deep sense of passion. And in fact, since it is Chinese, its underlying message might be of a subtle tale that whispers this type of relationship is, as it is stated, cursed and therefore wrong. It certainly is presented with a dramatic deftness and tugs at your heartstrings to be sure, but I was uncomfortable in how this all seemed a bit too contrived. In fact, the entire last episode is almost entirely devoted to pulling at our emotions and highlighted their various intense relationship moments. I felt manipulated by it all and therefore whatever they were trying to get me to feel, did not work as it became overwhelming. Honestly, I felt ‘lost’ by the end of this series.

The story is a ‘good’ story, but its underlying message is questionable. Are they relaying the message that gayness is ‘bad’? Or that the inevitable end of a relationship between two men will always lead to one’s ‘death’? Better still, will simply staying away from anyone that you love that happens to be of your own gender be best for all?

This is a delicately acted series. The two main protagonists are the force behind this series. While both display boyish charm, there is also an intensity about whom each portrayed. These could not be easy roles to play as the outcomes were manifested, and they projected that outcome throughout. They symbolized it that way and indeed it felt that way. Li Yi Mu as Shi Wen comes across with his innocence yet, for me, he always seemed to be reflective and pensive, projecting a dark cloud just around the corner as if somehow, he sensed his fate. Meanwhile, Koi Wei Long as Shen Nan always had a somber and disquieting inference about him. Always living in fear. He simply projected an aura of gloom about him.

I honestly do not mind a story that is unresolved, or is left up to us for interpretation, or even unpredictable. But in this case, I became uncomfortable with my own inner struggles as to what I thought this series was trying to really say. I do not want to project my Western mores on Eastern moralities as that would lead to a grossly unfair analysis. However, I cannot help but reflect esoterically if I were a young Chinese individual questioning my sexuality, how would I see this series? I know that is beyond the realm of an insignificant review of a love series, but it is nevertheless part of the awesome responsibility of producing ‘BLs’. What are you REALLY trying to say and to whom?

I think as reviewers we have a responsibility to point that out when necessary. Perhaps it is best to merely take this drama as a good story and leave it at that.

As an added twist, the production company provided an 8-minute epilogue, certainly worthy of attention, but equally confusing as the narrative itself. I do not want to spoil your reaction to this revised and updated denouement. However, it seems that Shen Nan and Shi Wen were like two ships passing through the night – only seeing the light from one another once a year on Shi Wen’s birthday. For 11 years this goes on until a fortuitous encounter changes the dynamics, and we do get to witness something exceptionally rare in a Chinese BL. Does it change anything for me? Honestly, no. While I smiled and felt hopeful, I am uncertain of this reality. That is still the enduring question about their beguilement.

Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala/YoYo English YouTube Channel