Incredible chemistry remains a wasted potential due to lame storytelling!!
The major deterrent against this show was the timing. “Kiss or Kill” had its premiere at the same time as “Ash.” Two mafia romances airing at the same time were bound to draw comparisons. “Kiss or Kill” has an incredible casting- Orion & Feng Tian Hao spark an unusual camaraderie. Their NC scenes are casual and the comfort they share is pretty obvious. But the storyline revolves & devolves around frequent weak points which work against the beautiful romance built between two different individuals.
Storyline & Chemistry-
Three years ago, a violent conflict at the border brought mercenary Nie Chuan (Orion) and the mysterious Lin Yan (Feng Tian Hao) together, fighting side by side through a hail of bullets. Three years later, they unexpectedly reunite within the dangerous Lin Group, when Nie Chuan is deployed by the government agency to investigate illegal arms trafficking. Shockingly enough, Lin Yan turns out to be the nephew of the Lin Group Chairman. Nie Chuan disguises himself as a mercenary who sells trade routes to infiltrate their inner circle. Lin Yan doesn’t trust him initially and keeps him close. As Nie Chuan investigates their shady dealings, he slowly grows closer to the mysterious Lin Yan, who supposedly has his own agenda. Though they appear to stand on opposing sides, three years of suppressed feelings finally spiral out of control amid lies, betrayal, and gunfire.
Orion & Feng Tian Hao have a refreshing chemistry. Their NC scenes are tastefully done. They share a strong comfort level which is pretty obvious in their intimate interactions. However, even their undeniable chemistry couldn’t save this abysmal storytelling!
Final Impressions
Chinese BLs are selling like hot pancakes, but the storytelling is quite questionable in most shows!!
“Kiss or Kill” hinges on the strong romance between an undercover government mercenary and a mafia boss. The ending seemed rather rushed when Lin Yan meets an untimely death, only to return a year later. I was expecting this lame ending, but was left disappointed because the scriptwriters couldn’t get any more creative. The industry needs drive or maybe even better writers.
Rating- 3 out of 5
Streaming on- Gagaoolala
