Innocent Playmates (2023)

Best Series of 2023

As someone that has seen "addicted" I was expecting the same emotions. However, this show took on a life of its own with its adaptation of the novel. Never have I been soo entranced with some basic school boys trying to live their lives as best they could. All they really wanted was to be happy and I truly believe that they brought out the best in each other, while also helping to heal each other's pain. I also loved that even though a good bit of the main cast are really handsome, they were not sexualised at all, but they all had moment when I thought "dang he really sexy though". The ending could not have been done better, I hated it by the way, but I was living for it at the same time. I have never been more upset that I didn't realise it was the last episode, than I have ever been till I realise the out-of-space high cliff hanger I was left on. The show was masterfully done and I cannot wait for season two.

Story:
The story began pretty slow, which was great, gave us a good chance to get to know the characters and subsequently judge them to say who we want to support or not throughout the series. The premise wasn't new and I was fooled into thinking that it would be some basic highschool drama. I was soooooo happy to be wrong about this. This drama took on some mature theme of family dynamics and how we are affected by the choices our parents make. The emotional damage and how it takes one person to heal that was fully developed in this series. The many plot twists and the reveal of how his mother died were superbly executed. The two sons crossing paths and becoming friends, helping each other to understand the people that angered them most, that was a beautiful full circle moment. Also, that moment when Wu bi stormed into that house and started to beat people up for making his friend stand in the rain was magical. Their protection of each other physical and mention state was a truly heartwarming. All the will they wont they moments were also a very nice touch without making it the centre of the scene but it was the centre of the scene. The supporting story lines and characters all made for an excellent blend of sweet and sadistic. The ending though.... They better bring season 2 quickly. I just need to know about him.... I just need to know. Please just don't break his heart. don't break anything. the glass on the ground is enough broken things. Please, just please. I know his big brother will be devastated if his plan to separate them backfired... but the broken glass is enough.

Acting:
They honestly blurred the lines into BL territory, but I honestly think the relationships and chemistry between the two main actors was AMAZING. The moments when they were genuinely going out of their minds worrying about the other could be felt off the screen. Su yu and Wu bi were everything in this series, yes I know they are the main characters, but a lot of shows have main leads that no one likes. This show did them well... You know the actors are great when you want to jump inbetween them to stop them from arguing. That one scene where who's married to whom and who isn't really who father. God! The pain, the anger, the fear.... every emotion was on full display and the actors had wishing I could just explain to them not to fight, it isn't each others fault. Stop, remember you both are besties.... It actually broke my heart to see them scream at each other.

Citeste mai mult

Comparison Time

Okay so have seen both the original and the adaptation and I will say it without any regrets: The Original Is A 100x Better!

Now Comparison Time:
The love Gu Hai showed in these 15 episodes was way better than Wu Bai
The original series was about them unlike the adaptation where they cared about every character's story unfortunately and put equal focus on them
Of course the original had some faults but which show doesn't?
This drama is up on my high-priority list!
I was going to wish for a season 2 from the original but that is never going to happen so I will patiently wait for a season 2 from the adaptation
The adaptation itself was not bad but it was a bromance that you had to imagine as a BL.
However, I do understand the Chinese censorship.
The original was a straight-up BL and you don't need to imagine anything at all.
Both of them have a high rating from my side. I like both the couples and I think their chemistry is off the charts if compared with some leading Thai BLs.

Summary: Feel free to watch both stories and while you wait for another season, feel free to read more than 100 chapters of the book :D

Citeste mai mult

So good, feels like reading the novel all over again

As someone who read the original novel, I was thoroughly impressed by the series. The story was paced very well. It also focused more on the side characters, which helped us understand their dynamics more. It's definitely a step up from Addicted, though Addicted will always have a place in my heart. The casting was also done well, each actor/actress portrayed their roles quite well.

*Spoilers*

This was the first time I didn't want them to follow the novel's direction. I wanted them to be happy. Experiencing the pain of the ending (1st book) the second time doesn't hurt any less. I'm looking forward to seeing how they tell the story of the second book in S2.

Citeste mai mult

Why I like Stay With Me

Stay with Me is my favorite drama among others. The story line is very interesting. Among actors, Wu Bi( Xu Bin) did very well. At BTS, he is a little bit shy but in actual drama, his acting skill is excellent. I like the way he acts, he look Su Yi and the way he cares and protect about Su Yi. It makes me one of the fan of WuBi. I am very fond of him since episode 6-7. I watched it several times. I hope forwards to seeing Season 2. Nothing bad happens to actors because of sensor ship policy of mainland China. I ‘ d like to advise all my friend to watch this series. It is worth to watch and the best Bl I’ve ever watched. Thanks.

Citeste mai mult

Better Than Heroin

Stay with Me" is a remake of "Addicted: Heroin." I haven't watched "Addicted: Heroin" yet, as it was unfinished. However, this version did not have any of the toxicity of that series. This series had the same feel as the earlier HIStory series 1-2, especially "Make Our Days Count." GMMTV could learn a lot from this series.

The story centers around Su Yu, an intelligent high school student who lives a hard life with poor his father. He resents his mother for remarrying a wealthy man and refuses to acknowledge her new family or accept any of her help. Su Yu has a stepbrother he has never met. Unbeknownst to anyone, his stepbrother, Wu Bi, unknowingly transfers into his class as an act of rebellion against his stepfather. They did not get along when they first met. From the outside, it looks like Wu Bi is a spoiled brat and an underachiever who is a disappointment to his father. Through a random coincidence, Su Yu’s father befriends Wu Bi and introduces them. Despite their initial differences, Su Yu and Wu Bi gradually warm up to each other. They become friends as they get to know each other and form a special bond. However, when a heated fight arises, their true identities are revealed. They overcome each new obstacle, unforeseen discovery, and misunderstanding to form a special relationship.

I am glad that I binge-watched this instead of waiting week after week for each episode to come out. I would have either put this series on hold or dropped it if I had watched it weekly. The first two episodes were slow, and to be honest, I fast-forwarded a lot through them. After episode three, we see the story develop between Wu Bi and Su Yu.

This series was very well-paced. It had so many heartwarming moments. I've laughed and cried in equal measure during this series.

Since this is a series from China with its censorship, it delves more into the dynamics of Su Yu and Wu Bi’s relationship without showing you anything remotely close to explicit scenes, but you still understand they had a sexual relationship.

I love that the first part was about laying out the messy lives of both Su Yu and Wu Bi. The second part shows how Wu Bi becomes a member of Su Yu’s family. The third part is about how Su Yu works on resolving their messy family situations and giving Wu Bi his peace. The last part sets up Wu Bi’s family, especially Mo Yi, for season 2.

Every character was well-developed. This includes our leads, Wu Bi and Su Yu, their parents, Aunt Zhao, Duo, the classmates, the would-be girlfriend of Su Yu, and Wu Bi’s uncle and cousin.

I might be in the minority, but I liked the ending as it is the ultimate cliffhanger for a season 2.

Citeste mai mult

"Stay with Me" tells a really interesting story about two very different people, Su Yu and Wu Bi. They end up meeting each other unexpectedly, and as the story goes on, we get to see how their relationship changes and grows. There are lots of surprises and secrets that come out, and they become really close .

The actors who play Su Yu and Wu Bi have great chemistry, which makes it easy to get caught up in their friendship. You can really feel how their connection gets stronger as you watch.

The show is a mix of different things – there's drama, there's emotion, and the characters change and develop over time. It's all about how people relate to each other, like their families and how they grow as individuals.

The music in the show also adds a lot to the scenes. The songs fit really well with what's happening and make the whole experience even more enjoyable.

It is a great example of how storytelling can be so powerful. It's a mix of different feelings and experiences, and it makes you think about how people connect and grow together. It's definitely worth watching if you like shows that make you feel something and care about the characters.

Citeste mai mult

A Heartfelt Bromance (with BL undertones)

"Stay With Me" is a Chinese drama that offers a refreshing take on the coming-of-age story. It follows Su Yu, a high school student whose life takes a turn when his mom remarries, introducing him to his step-brother Wu Bi. Despite initial awkwardness, their bond grows, navigating the complexities of family, friendship, and self-discovery.

Strong Points:

Compelling Characters: Both Su Yu and Wu Bi are well-developed characters. Su Yu is introspective and artistic, while Wu Bi is outgoing and playful. Their contrasting personalities create a fun dynamic, and their growth throughout the series is heartwarming.
Wholesome Relationships: The drama beautifully portrays the development of brotherhood between Su Yu and Wu Bi. It avoids unnecessary melodrama and focuses on genuine connection and support. The side characters also add depth, with storylines exploring family dynamics and personal struggles.
Subtle Romance (for BL fans): Though limitations exist due to censorship, the chemistry between Su Yu and Wu Bi is undeniable. The show cleverly uses subtext and suggestive moments to convey their deepening feelings.
Considerations:

Open Ending: The drama concludes without a definitive romantic resolution, which might leave some viewers wanting more. However, the focus on their strong bond is a satisfying payoff.
Toned-Down BL Elements: If you're looking for an explicit BL drama, "Stay With Me" might not be it. However, for those who enjoy a slow-burn romance with strong emotional connection, it delivers.
Overall:

"Stay With Me" is a charming drama that will resonate with fans of coming-of-age stories and heartfelt friendships. With its relatable characters, positive themes, and underlying BL vibes, it offers a delightful viewing experience. Just be prepared for a potentially open-ended conclusion.

Citeste mai mult

Un vero gioiello nato come remake di una serie che era l'esatto opposto

Difficile spiegare i molteplici aspetti che mi hanno stupita - in positivo - di questa serie. Quando ho letto la trama ho avuto la sensazione di un "de ja vù": Resta con me è in effetti il remake di un altro drama made in China, risalente a una decina di anni fa e intitolato "Addicted". Una serie che ho visto un po' di tempo fa e che mi era andata proprio di traverso, volta alla ribellione assoluta, non solo verso la censura dei drama cinesi ma anche nei confronti del sano buonsenso, e il risultato era stato un drama malsano e tossico, diseducativo e per nulla coinvolgente, che nel concreto più che terminare con una prima stagione sembrava essere stato opportunamente interrotto. Quante volte davanti a serie con buon potenziale ma risultato più che deludente mi sono detta "ah, se la rifacessero da capo come si deve...". Ecco, "Resta con me" fa proprio quello. Riparte da zero con idee più chiare e più pulite, e ci aggiunge un notevole salto di qualità. Gli attori protagonisti sono davvero convincenti (quelli di Addicted avevano anche un'età che stonava con il contesto scolastico), la trama è ricca, la storia dentro la quale i personaggi ritagliano il proprio spazio è ben delineata, scorre con naturalezza e coerenza, mantenendo viva l'attenzione dello spettatore. Non ci sono passaggi lasciati al caso, scene forzate ma senza senso, al contrario. E' un drama che presenta spaccati originali, ricco di spunti non scontati. Il secondo aspetto che tanto ho apprezzato di questo drama è l'importanza dei personaggi: non ci sono due protagonisti e poi un gruppetto di figure a contorno, bensì personaggi tutti importanti a modo loro, principali o secondari che siano. Sono ben tratteggiati e danno veramente un valore aggiunto alla trama, fondamentali per portare avanti la tematica della famiglia, aspetto davvero sentito e ben gestito. Tutto questo lo si riscontra già all'inizio, nella sigla, a mio avviso bellissima. Dei tanti pregi di questo drama, però, il migliore in assoluto è quello che proprio non avrei mai immaginato: il drama, più che una storia BL, sembra puntare a una Bromance. Solo verso la fine ci sono passaggi che, in maniera davvero velata, possiamo ricondurre a una BL. Paradossalmente, l'impatto emotivo è davvero fortissimo. Non avevo davvero messo in conto una tale capacità di coinvolgere ed emozionare, tutto grazie a gesti e parole e sguardi studiati - mai sdolcinati, mai fuori luogo, mai eccessivi - ma che davvero riescono a esprimere un sentimento molto forte e intenso. Il tutto senza scene esplicite, baci mozzafiato, o che altro...credo sia un'impresa davvero ardua. Sostanzialmente, potrei definirla come la meno BL tra le BL ma quella che più mi ha emozionata. Sembra contraddittorio ma è davvero prova della grande qualità di questa seria. L'unica pecca è il finale, aperto e con questioni palesemente in sospeso. L'avrei anche perdonato in attesa del meritato e dovuto sequel ma, purtroppo, ho letto che la prospettiva di una seconda stagione è sfumata. Davvero un peccato, se c'era una serie che meritava era questa. Però, anche con questa nota di amarezza, non me la sento di penalizzare il giudizio sulla serie in sé, che rappresenta a mio avviso una delle migliori BL in circolazione.

Citeste mai mult