HIStory3: Trapped (2019)

The HIStory tended to focus more on the teenage aspect of gay love, which is okay since I live for high school romances, but Trapped strays from this tradition and gives a story between a police officer and a crime boss. The result is WOW. Never have I felt a rush like I did with this show, I was heavily anticipating every new episode, even up to the last one. No episode is boring and there's so much plot development that happens with each episode that it's dizzying.

The development of the love between Shao Fei and Tang Yi is electrifying (I know I used this word already for my Make Your Days Count review but it's the perfect word to use here). It's a gradual process and it's one that makes you incredibly eager to see the end result because you want to see both of them win at the end. Jake Hsu and Chris Wu have incredible chemistry and you can really feel the emotion, care they have for each other. To see Tang Yi begin to open up to Shao Fei was one of the most well done moments of this trope I've seen anywhere. Usually the trope is used to excuse the main guy's horrible personality and attitude for reasons ranging from whatever but here Tang Yi is not that. He's actually hardened for a reason and doesn't use that to be as a reason to be horrible to other people, even despite the fact that he's a crime boss. Both he and Shao Fei were done written and done so well that I really want to applaud the writers for doing this.

The second couple is cute, leave it for a few too many moments of actual cringe. I did find Jack's sudden attraction to Zhao Zi to be random but I did like that he was open and unafraid of his feelings for him early on. While I still kind of find Jack to be kind of one dimensional, Zhao Zi is absolutely adorable and he's such a great and loyal friend to Shao Fei. His interactions with majority of the characters is absolutely adorable too.

While I do love this series in its entirety, there are a few problems I have with it. For one, its representation of other gay characters aside from the main four. There were so many stereotypes that were put forth with these characters that it's kind of sad to see in a show that is usually progressive in terms to how they represent the queer community. Andy is one of Tang Yi's friends who is gay and obviously has a thing for Tang Yi. That's not a problem if it weren't for the fact that Andy has a BOYFRIEND and yet he's still pining for Tang Yi's affection and it is very sensual with him. This puts unfortunate strength to the negative stereotype that gay men are incredibly promiscuous and prone to cheating. Then theres Zhi-de, who is also in love with Tang Yi because who isn't. Anyways, when his advances are constantly rejected and in favor for Shao Fei, Zhi-de resorts to kidnapping and sexual aggression to gain Tang Yi's attention. This furthers the stereotype of promiscuity and also the horrible stereotype of gay men as predatory. Now onto two, Hong Ye. Sigh. I was so disappointed that the show was going with the route of the evil female character in the BL. It's a horrible trope that is not also rooted in sexism but also downright misogyny that will do anything to make the male characters look good. It was quite confusing what the reasons for her being antagonistic with Shao Fei were. I thought at first she was also in love with Tang Yi but then Gao De comes in and that's the one she's in love with. ???. However that doesn't stop her from being horrible. She is actually responsible for Shao Fei getting shot the first time and wipes her hands clean from the whole ordeal by telling Zhi-de she doesn't want to be connected to it... and she gets away with it. The hell? It pissed me off because after a while everything she did is glossed over and eventually she accepts the relationship ... Now for the last one, three, the plot is a bit farfetched and cliche. However, this isn't a jarring problem so I might let it slide.

All in all, the show isn't one without flaws but it's definitely one of the best BLs out there (with HIStory 2: Crossing The Line, SOTUS, Mr. X and I: Be There For You). It's got a great cast with great performances, excellent music (the opening theme is AMAZING) and impressive cinematography. It's a great ride and it definitely has rewatch value. I definitely recommend. I just might watch it again myself.

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The best in the series

The plot is very good. However, family link is easy to guess from very early on but is still good.

It has a good balance of chaos and calm to emphasise the story and emotions and not have it be too overwhelmingly dramatic.

I also liked the more action part of it. It was very well done and not other the top.

It is different from most other BLs and that’s what gives it its’ charm.
The main couple is not shy, will not be pushed around by other people and do not care about what other people think about their relationship which is quite refreshing to see. I love how they are both strong characters and I really like the way they did the rivals/obsession to lovers. The actors are both very convincing and I love their chemistry.
The side couple, although more down the traditional BL route of shy weak male and bold strong male, is also very good. They are very cute and I love their chemistry. I also like how the confident male is not too forceful towards the shy one and that the shy one actually seems to like him back and not like he’s being forced.

Overall, this is definitely worth watching. The actors are great, the story is there and it successfully creates emotional moments.

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Best of the HIStory Series - would 100000% recommend

Story:
Although the main outcome is pretty clear from the start there are a lot of surprises and revelations that makes the ending so much sweeter. There's action, romance (with some very good kissing scenes), comedy, and mystery. The first time I watched it I did so in one sitting as I had to know the story behind Tang Yi's past and how he'll get over the death of his father figure and how he and Meng Shao Fei will fall in love.

Acting:
I find that if the plot is good, I am not too fussed with the acting but this drama is one of the few that I can confidently say had good acting. Other than the fact that both men in the main couple and side couple and veryyy attractive, the chemistry between Jake Hsu (Meng Shao Fei) and Chris Wu (Tang Yi) is amazing, and the side couple, Andy Bian (Jack) and Kenny Chen (Zhai Li An) was just as good. Though many people prefer Jack and Zhai Li An's relationship, I prefer Tang Yi and Meng Shao Fei's story as I find it more emotional though I would not be against a second season with Jack and Zhai Li An as the main couple (or just the actors together again).

Music:
The only reason I did not give this a 10 is because, unless the soundtrack is incredible or awful, the music does not affect my opinion on the TV show/movie. That being said I do have the main theme song on my phone as I enjoy remembering the TV show and it is nice to listen to...

Rewatch Value:
I have already rewatched this series multiple times and I love it every time. Every time I watch it I laugh when Meng Shao Fei does something cute but stupid, and get excited for Tang Yi when he finds the truth about his family and becomes close to Shao Fei.

Overall:
I have watched a lot of dramas and many of the HisTory series but this one is not only my favorite HIStory but definitely one of my favorite dramas in general. The story is perfect as is the cast - I would recommend watching their interviews after watching the series, they're super funny.

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the last 2 episode!!

every part of this series screamed "mama I am in love with a criminal" and i loved it and again i had the second lead syndrome. but the first lead was also not bad at all. I am giving this a 10 just because of the last 2 episodes. I won't speak more or i will end up spoiling you all.

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This series is everything you could ask for in a BL, the acting, storyline, actors were all phenomenal and combined, created one of my favourite H IStory series.

For starters, this series follows somewhat of a stereotypical storyline, but with its own twists that are realistic in a way. Shao fei, the brave, courageous, self sacrificial (probably has a death wish), is the hardworking borderline obsessed cop who is after Tang Yi, a gang leader, who is cold, business minded and closed off to some degree. This series doesn't just put the two together immediately, or create an initial attraction between the two characters, the relationship between the two develops as a relationship would and can between a cop and a gang leader.

The story has a well thought out storyline, that doesn't just stick to love-hate then lovers, this story goes from hate to acquaintances to Care before eventually finding an attraction. This series is also refreshing to watch after Thai BL's, just like the other HIStory's as it is stripped of the playful, sometimes cringe editing that works (but it's okay cause we love them anyway).

The actors - Chris and Jake, played these roles extremely well, their chemistry was incredible to watch unfold, even in the small moments early on when they were still in the "enemies phase", there were caring moments that just seemed natural but also foretelling when you spot them.

The characters also have really well done development, (without spoiling anything major)
Shaoove fei- is headstrong at the start, adamant on finding what he wants to find out(even though after years he still hasn't lol), he doesn't have an interest in the gang business, but just wants to know how and why Tang Yi is involved in the incident four years ago. By the end of this series, Shao fei doesn't see the biggest change, but by watching there is some that is evident.

Tang Yi undeniably undergoes the biggest change- We get to see this gang leader, open up and become almost vulnerable to Shao Fei, as they become closer and we see that he is not all he appears to be- and he can be cute.

The other stars of this show, Jack and Zhao Zhi, although have less moments as a couple, they really do shine and take your hearts, with Jack's cheeky, playful attitude and mannerisms (he kinda reminds me of deadpool weirdly?) and Zhao Zhi's almost innocently food driven personality, that actually has layers and wisdom to his words. I like that the series although focuses on the main couple, they don't just leave the development down to Tang Yi and Shao fei, they let it come through to the other characters.

The ending although somewhat frustrating, is actually quite realistic and better than one of them dying like most Chinese/Taiwanese series. They don't skim over the fact Tang Yi was involved in crime for the sake of a happy together ending, which makes it all the more endearing. It also leaves the needing to our imagination- you can imagine yourself what the characters would be like after they are reunited.

I honestly can't give this show enough praises, and I definitely can't write them either (as seen above- sorry if all of this did not make sense). But this show is an amazing package deal, and if you have time to commit to watching all the episodes, then do because it will be a great decision, and you can join the rest of the fans in screaming lol

Have fun watching :-)

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LITERALLY MY FAV DRAMA FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE

OKAY, let's talk a little bit about this AMAZING, ASTONISHING, and STUNNING series.
I swear this is the best series i've ever watched should i talk about the acting, the cast, the story or even the music literally everything about this series is just PERFECT.
When i watched it for the first time i immediately fell in love with Tang Yi and Shao fei their chemistry is just everything, you can even see love in their eyes shining, and the most thing i like about this drama is the Genre, i like the thriller, action, crime, and gang's type especially when it comes to have a relationship between a police officer and a mafia boss it gives me chills since both are in an opposite worlds.
Pluse the second couple are also amazing i love Jake and Zhao li's relationship they're so adorable and cute, you can say all the couples in this series are adorable and loved ones they're not bad. I kinda really liked the opening OST after all this still my opinion at the end AGAIN, my opinion but you really should watch it

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Es una historia llena de secretos verdades y expectativas buenas hermosa su real con actuaciones magistrales por Chris el actor principal y Kenny que nos hicieron suspirar y amar cada capítulo con sus personajes atorancias y sus ganas de saber la verdad y llevar una vida feliz porque su prioridad siempre fue ser felices con su familia y mas con la elegida que tomaron el compromiso y fidelidad es tan hermoso que querían cada vez mas las dos parejas nos dieron amor, pasión y muchas ganas de amar con tanto que quedaran buscando tener un jack en sus vidas o un Shao fei de verdad veanla que vale cada segundo con un final super hermoso y esperanzador

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EVERYTHING

The acting was everything. Natural and non-rushed development of feelings made me fall in love with the main leads just after a few episodes. I liked the story and how background information is given about the characters, everything goes steadily without making me question about particular character's actions. The chemistry between the main leads is good, although it doesn't seem like the main focus of the drama in first episodes, but it got better and better after each episode! And side characters "couple" interactions are cute too, I kid you not was I ever invested in side couple as in this series. Also, given all the action and keeping the plot "active" , every episode you can find yourself on the edge of the seat. Overall, I'm really glad I came across this, had an amazing weekend indulging in this!! Recommending this to my friend asap.
P.S for those thirsty people out there, YES, there will be some hot interactions and OH MY, the build-up tension was there.

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because i usually watched bl-themed that going around puppy/ one sided turned lover kind of plot, for the first time, i can proudly say tHIS IS IT!!!. i'm the type that do not usually recommed a bl series. because even when i think the show is good on the other side i know im being biased because i only watch it because of the actor. not the plot.

but Trapped is a MUST WATCH. for real. it may be overated when you watch the first episode bcause the Shao Fei character is kinda lousy and aggresive there. but following the timeline of the plot, it's understandable. do make sure u know what kind of plot they have before watching this series.

The whole show is perfect IMO because even there were scenes that ppl said were unnecessary, for me those were necessary. it's not focusing on the love story only. the have real plot and somehow love was involved there and that was beautiful they didn't overdo the lovestory . the had it balanced. even for Dao Yi x Hong Ye (het couple) couple they were perfect addition to the series.

as for acting. Wu Cheng Yag (Chris) is the best actor for Tang Yi. even when there were no lines for Tang Yi, we caould know what was Tang Yi feeling on those scenes. He just that good at expressing raw emotion. love him so much.

for music, the have it GREAT. i love all of the osts. the opening, and ending song. and idk but for me there is like an ost for each couple. and they didnt over do the music background. there was this scene when Tang Yi sot shao fei, instead using like dramatic music background they use the music box's music and it was just made it even more dramatic!

the only downside is there are scenes that made from cut frame(s). so it was kinda like there was cream on his cheek but the next second its gone because the scene was made from several cuts. but that's okay though not really important details.

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