“Sometimes trying to fix them, breaks YOU” ― Steve Maraboli

This show isn’t your normal rodeo; you will need a box of tissues and lots of self-restraint to get through. And even then, a breakdown is inevitable. Adapted from the web novel “Si Mian Fu” (四面佛) by Su Er Liang (苏二两), “To My Shore” is addictive, contemplative yet taxing to watch. We won’t recommend it to people with mental health issues; you need to be strong hearted to watch something so heavy. It toys with your emotions, leaves you wounded and yet, you can’t give up on watching. 2025 was a year of Chinese BLs. The production houses are finding innovative ways to stem past the heavy Chinese censorship and adapt some of the most popular BL novels in existence. While quite a few BL adaptations, dubbed as Bromance (Immortality, Eternal Faith, Winner Is King, Chasing the Light, Dreamcatcher, Guardians of the Lands & The Story of the Bat) might never see the daylight; recent productions like “Revenged Love”, “Kill to Love” were produced abroad and then streamed on international portals for easy availability. We are going to minutely dissect this masterpiece, so you know what you will be missing if you haven’t watched it yet!

The Unmistakable Red, Toxic Flag

It was the year of toxic main leads. It could be Chi Cheng from “Revenged Love”, Duan Zi Ang from “Kill to Love” or Seo Jeong Han from “Thundercloud Rainstorm”. In the crowd of these obsessive men, the one who took the crown for toxicity was Fan Xiao. Helmed by the 23-year-old debutante, Yun Qi; Fan Xiao is manipulative, possessive and all bad things in the world that are unexplainable. He is unpredictable, deceiving and despicable. There might be times when you might question his humanity; the author of the original novel was surely hellbent on creating a character with no redeeming qualities. All the toxicity he possesses stems from his childhood trauma. Born in a rich family, Fan Xiao’s mother was a mistress, who got swept away in a tsunami while trying to protect him. The trauma left a deep impact on Fan Xiao’s mind and he failed to get along with his elder stepbrothers. There is enmity, rivalries and constant betrayal between the siblings which left Fan Xiao with a convoluted mindset. He assumes that there is nothing good in this world. As such, when he meets You Shu Lang, a kindhearted man; he is quick to judge his character. He repeatedly tests him and when he realizes that Shu Lang is unlike most men; Fan Xiao develops an obsession that borders on uncontrollable insanity. Most of his choices are regrettable but ultimately his love for You Shu Lang isn’t. Yun Qi portrays this character with an honesty that is shockingly impactful. I don’t think anyone else could have delivered the painful retribution as he does!

The Bodhisattva Who Fell From the Pedestal

You Shu Lang (Hao Yi Ran) is unlike most protagonists in a BL drama. He is calm and composed. Most people might mistake his kindhearted nature as his weakness, but Shu Lang is strong, resilient and levelheaded. He has his own baggage to carry. Abandoned as an orphan, he was raised by his adoptive mother who found him on the streets. When his sexuality was revealed during his school years, You Shu Lang and his stepbrother became the target of constant bullying. As such, in the present, he keeps his sexuality and his private affairs completely under wraps. While working at a pharmaceutical company, he unexpectedly meets Fan Xiao. From day one, Shu Lang never treats Fan Xiao as a privileged individual. He spars with him & keeps him at an arms distance, despite Fan Xiao’s abundant attempts to seduce him. This inevitably leads Fan Xiao to spiral out of control. He plots & schemes so that Shu Lang breaks up with his current boyfriend. When they get together, it is a shortly blissful union, until Shu Lang discovers Fan Xiao’s treacherous nature. Being a veteran actor, Hao Yi Ran plays this role with an insurmountable ease and a composed demeanor. He displays Shu Lang’s vulnerability and strength in an unmistakably powerful manner.

The Off-the-charts Chemistry

The one thing that this couple bought to the table is their addictive chemistry. You can’t believe that this is their first time playing BL characters. Especially, Fan Xiao, his hunger for You Shu Lang’s body and affections cannot be mistaken for lame sex. They both crave each other in equal measures. Despite the imbalance in their relationship and the difficult times they experience, their love doesn’t diminish in the slightest. It has been a long time, since I saw a couple with such high sexual tension and fervor. Yun Qi & Hao Yi Ran play off on their strengths well. They really suit each other, and I’m hoping we get to see them in another project; or else, this potential will be wasted!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

Some shows cannot be graded, you need to watch, and live the experience!

“To My Shore” isn’t an easy drama to watch. It is melancholic, destructive and past any point of redemption. The characters pull you in and their gasp on your heart never loosens. Even if you hate Fan Xiao, you can’t stand to see him in pain. You Shu Lang’s desperation and despair will leave you devastated; and yet, you will defend Fan Xiao’s callous nature and hope for their reconciliation. The choices they make don’t make much sense; but at the end of the day, they are humans, prone to making mistakes. Watch it for the main leads, who will make you love and hate everything in equal measure!

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala