A story of fate, identity, and forbidden resonance!

Adapted from the novel “Ling Hun Te Yueh Ting” (靈魂的約定) by Hsu Tzu (緒慈), “The Promise of the Soul” has a simple premise. After a mysterious accident, a 69-year-old man named Xia Cha wakes up in the body of his 20-year-old grandson, Xia Ze Fang. It might seem like a cliche soul swap romance, but the charm lies with the characters; especially Grandpa Xia Cha. After a fatal fall down the staircase, he wakes up in his grand son’s body and has no idea of how to navigate the new world that doesn’t match his old school mentality. Add to that, Ze Fang has tonnes of issues that Xia Cha is left to deal with. It is an intriguing premise, given the fact that the main characters have a considerable age difference. They may not look the part, but their mentality certainly don’t match their age!

Storyline & Characters

Xia Ze Fang (Martin Wong) and Ye Hai Yuan (Kenji Fan) are college mates. Ze Fang has an unrequited crush on Hai Yuan who zealously avoids him. One day after an argument with Hai Yuan, Ze Fang falls down the staircase along with his Grandfather, Xia Cha (Huang Hao Yung). Xia Cha has single handedly raised him after his parent’s death. He loves his grandson immensely but Ze Fang doesn’t seem to get along with his Grandfather’s old school mentality. Both are declared dead and funeral rites are arranged. Unexpectedly, Xia Cha wakes up in the body of Ze Fang who remains resolutely dead. As Xia Cha comes to terms with the fact that he is now stuck in his younger grandson’s body. The only person he can talk to is Ye Hai Yuan, who easily accepts the soul swap theory. Things are easier said than done. Ze Fang has an odd personality, it seems like he doesn’t get along with his friends at college and he already has a boyfriend Guan Ri Qing (Yaron Qiu) despite having a huge crush on Hai Yuan. Xia Cha doesn’t know how to handle these indiscernible differences and can only cling to Hai Yuan for help. Hai Yuan on the other hand, never seemed to like Ze Fang. But after the soul swap, he slowly grows closer to Xia Cha. It could be Xia Cha’s pitiable condition that draws his attention, but as they stay together; Hai Yuan seems to catching feelings for the adorable Grandpa who acts his age. Xia Cha was happily married to his late wife, and he still clings to those memories. He can’t comprehend the concept of “a man loving another man”. Martin Wong & Kenji Fan have an interesting chemistry!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

The concept itself isn’t novel or unique but the actors are giving their best!

Especially Martin Wong who easily breezes through his performance of Xia Cha. It is actually quite amusing watching a youngster act like a Grandfather. From his poster to diction, everything matches Xia Cha’s mindset. He is doing a fantastic job of portraying Xia Cha’s confusion and anxiety. Kenji Fan matches his zeal well; as Hai Yuan, he is reserved and stoic, so watching him fall in love is an entirely new experience. I’m seated for this budding romance!

Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala