All things ultimately come to an end but that doesn’t mean we can’t remember them fondly!

When I first started watching this show, I had my own doubts. They stemmed from my fear about Chinese censorship. With regards to the censor board’s prudent crackdown on any material related to queer culture, I often wondered if this show would manage to finish airing (or it would be pulled off-air mid season). Changes did happen, there were times when the audiences were sent into a wild rush, rift with speculations. But as of last night, “Revenged Love” finished its run ahead of its schedule. There were two things to take away from this daring adaptation- firstly, the actors DID NOT shy away from kissing scenes or portraying physical intimacy (which is rare to see in Chinese BLs). Secondly, the story was well-developed, it wasn’t a half-hearted attempt at projecting a popular web novel. Kudos to the cast and crew, because you could see their dedication and efforts via the BTS posted on the social media. From coaching the actors in terms of their intimate scenes to leading the narrative, you could see how much they enjoyed producing this drama. Their dedication translated to some excellent chemistry & storytelling; the final product delivered at our doorstep was worth the long wait!

Tian Xu Ning & Zi Yu

Tian Xu Ning first caught my attention when he was cast in the xianxia drama “Eternal Faith”. A multi starrer project which might never see the daylight, Tian Xu Ning is one of those actors who actually dared to star in a BL adaptation for a second time. Zi Yu was an unknown name, without much credits to his name. So, what did this show do for them? It gave them the platform to project their calibre. Sure they did; as Chi Cheng & Wu Suo Wei, they have imprinted their characters in the minds of die hard fans who might mourning the ending of this show. As Chi Cheng, Tian Xu Ning had to portray a arrogant character who falls hard for his love rival unknowingly. Chi Cheng is very clear about his sexuality, has no interest in women or family business apart from his home bred snakes. So, how do you catch the attention of such a man? Take tutorials from Wu Suo Wei who plots, schemes and manipulates his way into Chi Cheng’s heart before falling hard for the man himself. They are opposites in every bit of their nature and yet together they complete a puzzle unheard-of before. Tian Xu Ning & Zi Yu’s sparkling chemistry was refreshing, igniting and explosive. No words can truly describe the romance they spun. If you are enamored (like me), you would be praying to the BL Gods for a second season or the probability of these actors being cast in another show together!

Kissing Chemistry- 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Zhan Xuan & Liu Xuan Cheng

It’s all about being paired opposite the right person. Even though Liu Xuan Cheng’s first project was “Revenged Love”, his second drama “Moon & Dust” had an early release. You can compare both and see how uncomfortable Liu Xuan Cheng is in the kissing scenes in “Moon and Dust”. Now compare those scenes to the ones in “Revenged Love” and you can see the difference. It might be because he stuck a chord with his “Revenged Love” co-star Zhan Xuan, so maybe he was unable to enter the same comfort zone with his “Moon and Dust” co-actor. Despite their age difference, Zhan Xuan & Liu Xuan Cheng have a comfortable chemistry. I’m saying so, because their kissing scenes are calm and gentle, unlike the main leads who were often in a mad frenzy. Liu Xuan Cheng plays a spooked doctor Jiang Xiao Shuai. He wants to save the world but at the same time is extremely wary of relationships. Zhan Xuan plays the complicated playboy, Guo Cheng Yu who is always at odds with his childhood friend, Chi Cheng. Sparks fly at their first meeting and since then, Cheng Yu is a goner. Despite his bad reputation, Cheng Yu is always gentle in his approach towards Xiao Shuai. He wins his trust slowly & steadily; even takes revenge on his ex-boyfriend and sells his snake farm to expand Xiao Shuai’s clinic. These two were a dream romance, soft and soothing.

Kissing Chemistry- 🥰😍😘😚🤩

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

At times, dreams come true; mine was to watch a full fledged Chinese BL adaptation which projects intimacy as scripted in the original!

The last time I sat down to watch “Addicted Heroin”, I always wondered if we had ever get an adaptation close to that one. The lead pair had such a fiery chemistry that they threatened the national censorship. “Revenged Love” outdid itself, the cast and crew must be commended on their daring approach, the narrative is crisp. There isn’t a single dull moment, the actors need to be applauded for embracing their characters fully. Tian Xu Ning & Zi Yu literally breathed life into two fictional characters and turned them into a worldwide sensation. Such a phenomenon is unprecedented, at least in the Chinese diaspora. This show could be the beginning for great things to come in the future. Fingers crossed!

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala/Viki