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Shang Yin (Chinese Series) [Addicted aka Heroin]

I am back...lol
This is one of the most popular Chinese BL series. Actually, in my opinion, it is a bit overhyping calling this a BL series, because in the truest form, this is more of a bromance with the themes of teenage love and friendships. The love, connection and friendship between the boys leads to sexual nature as well eventually (or at least that's what users can believe, because nothing is ever shown); and that's why it is important to let people know that a lot here is something that you will have to imagine what's happening. Are the protagonists gay or just looking for love is something we will all have our own interpretations of.

Luo Yin is a young, stubborn, introverted and intelligent high school student who comes from a impoverished background being raised by a single father. He was abandoned by his mother at a young age, who harbored a life of comfort, hence Luo Yin rebukes her attempts at reconciling with him years later. We then meet the extrovert, reckless and impulsive Gu Hai. Born in a wealthy family, his mother died young and he blames his father for it because of which the father-son relationship is strained. When his father decides to gt remarried, in an act of rebellion, Gu Hai leaves home and enrolls himself in a public school which incidentally is the same where Luo Yin studies. The series from now on follows the progress from frenemies to best friends before finally getting together to become the cutest gay onscreen couple. Gu Hai is the more outgoing one with his heart on sleeve and making it very clear to Luo Yin that he loves him and wants him. The 15 episodes, of about 20 minutes each, show us the beautiful budding relationship between these two boys complete with jealousy, ex-girlfriends, school friends, social imbalance between rich and poor, family bond and most importantly love.

I was initially very confused of the title of the show and it was not until later we are told that the names of two boys when put together could make Chinese equivalent of Heroine thus establishing the premise that they have become "addicted" to each other; and then it made a lot of sense. Apparently the series was abruptly cancelled after 15 episodes and the two actors have been banned from acting again together. So keeping the trivia aside for now, I actually quite enjoyed the series. The slow build up of the relationship between the two boys was very cute and loving and it always kept a smile on my face. Their chemistry was really good and you could feel they must have really worked hard to show the spray between then to reach out to the audience. We can ignore the fact that both of them looked a bit older to be in high school, but hey I am not complaining, since both of them were gorgeous, especially Gu Hai. I loved how Gu Hai always had sex on his mind and would tease Luo Yin every given opportunity especially whenever they were together in bed about to sleep. Those were some of my favorite moments. What I am confused a little is that, Luo Yin was never romantically inclined towards Gu Hai, as much as the latter was; so when does he actually start having feelings for him? Or did Luo Yin also always like him but just refused his advances just to protect himself? Either way, doesn't matter. Coming to other characters, the two other goofy boys in the class were good fun but my favorite was Luo Yin's father. He was such a cool and loving dad and his relationship with his son was shown quite well. The last 4 episodes seemed very rushed to me, where a lot was happening, compared to the first 11 episodes where there was a slow build up. The whole scenario of Gu Hai's cousin, who was acting so strange for no reason was absolutely not needed. That added absolutely nothing to the show. But besides that everything just fit together. 

I won't call this my favorite but I really quite enjoyed it, more so because of the absolutely amazing and cracking chemistry that the two leads shared. It was a treat to watch them. Gu Hai is an absolute riot. As it is China doesn't give us many BL stories compared to other Asian countries, so I would strongly recommend this show. Be prepared that it may not give you a satisfactory ending but will definitely warm your heart. (7.5/10)

Comments

Sailor Maan said…
Glad you’re back! The only real China BL I’ve seen that is not totally disguised as bromance, and it was really good. The atmosphere is indeed very different than the other BL (even than the taiwanese ones). One of the best ennemies turned into lovers couple imo. The leads have a crazy chemistry. Just the kisses scenes that look more like rapes than desired ones felt strange. Then I was very thankful to the translators, because they would add little comments on what’s supposed to happen on some cut scenes, based on the book, and made such scenes more understandable (I can’t call it censored because when the kiss ends in a blowjob, well, obviously they won’t show it on screen lol). Censoreship happened though, and it’s such a shame we’ll never get to see the end. It’s scary when you see how they treated the main actors when they realized a gay show was too popular...
Golu said…
Indeed scary how censorship works. Also what's the fault of poor actors for just doing their job right :)
Edward said…
Definitely one of the first BL Asian shows I can remember. It doesn't age that well but I remember thinking it was quite hot when it first came out. Both lead actors have moved on to pretty mainstream success in China.

Check out "Word of Honor". It recently aired was quite popular. Though not explicitly BL (due to Chinese censors), it came very close.
Suebubblegum said…
Watched this back in 2017 and was devastated when I heard how poorly the government treated the main actors. They were disgraced and forbidden to be on one stage. However, their reputation in the entertainment industry is getting better now especially for the ML.

If you want to watch BL from mainland china then I suggest you try Word of Honor. It is as close as we can get to a proper BL from china (for now) and I wish it will stay like this or develop even more for the next BL adaptation to come in china like Haoyixing, SPL, TGCF, etc.
Suebubblegum said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Suebubblegum said…
I've noticed on your watched list you haven't watch "A Tale of a thousand stars" it's a BL series from Thailand. I recommend you to watch this. It's really good. The plot, visual, chemistry, actors, character development, and it's NOT set in high school (I hate cliche and overused themes). It's about a volunteer teacher and a soldier set in a remote village. PLUS they don't use the "I'm not gay I only like you trope". The series is really popular when it aired around February-March 2021. It's made by GMMTV the same company that made 2gether the series. Can't wait to see your review on your blog post!
Golu said…
Suebubblegum and Edward: Thanks for your recommendations. I will try to get my hands on "Word Of honor" now that both of you have recommended.
I'll also add '1000 stars' to my list .

I do have a long list of Asian BL shows with me, But I always look forward to recommendations since that helps me prioritize. Really really appreciate you both
Golu said…
I watched first one and a half episodes of "Word of Honor" and have NOT liked it at all so far. Does it get better? Its a huge investment with 36 episodes of over 45 min each, so I wanna make sure. To be honest, as it stands now, I don't feel like watching it. What am I missing?

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