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3/30/24

Upcoming Summer

Upcoming Summer

3/30/2024

I never expected that Upcoming Summer would leave such a lasting impression to me. It has been nearly a week since the credits rolled, yet there are moments when my mind replays Coldplay and The Chainsmokers’ “Something Just Like This,” instantly transporting me back to that scene. They stood side by side amidst the pulsating crowd—people hopping to the beats, neon spotlights painting the air, and breaths echoing with so much euphoria. And there they were, leaning into each other, exchanging hushed whispers, and sharing their deepest secrets.

After that, the credits were rolling. My eyes remained fixated on the fading black screen until they filled with words:

We hope we can face ourselves with more honesty.

We hope we can be braver.

I was almost convinced that Upcoming Summer would be easily forgettable. After all, I only gave this film a chance because I wanted to see Leo Wu once again after ‘Amidst a Snowstorm of Love.’ However, I remained confident that anything with him was worth watching, so I knew this film would be at least good. Miraculously, on the night of the 24th, I was in the mood to watch something. Not feeling particularly picky, I decided to hop over to BiliBili and check if Leo Wu’s Upcoming Summer was available to watch there.

Despite feeling a little hesitant during its first few minutes, I kept my cool and trusted my instincts to continue watching. To my great surprise, I enjoyed how the story became interesting after their paths finally crossed because of a casual lie made by Chen Chen. I would say, that moment when Yu Xing simply peeked on the then passing Chen Chen and asked what was going on—followed by the classroom erupting in teasing—gave me an impression that this might be an easy watch. Halfway through, I had to pause the film as the hour was already growing late. I stopped during that scene where Yu Xing took Chen Chen to the club on her 18th birthday. They were in the front, the music was pounding in their ears, everyone lost in the moment, and both of them locked in their own world—gazing into each other’s eyes. I didn’t want to spoil the anticipation, so I left it hanging that night and resumed watching the next evening. I knew that in that scene, she would lean in to kiss him, and he would pull back. Funny enough, I had already stumbled upon that very scene randomly on TikTok before I even knew who Leo Wu was or had watched Amidst a Snowstorm of Love. I remember saving that clip in my watchlist collection, knowing I’d return to it when I’m finally in the mood to watch it.

On that Monday night, well past midnight, I finished watching Upcoming Summer. Honestly, it wasn't what I had thought about. I didn't know exactly what to feel  and found myself caught between satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Perhaps it was the late hour, or perhaps it was the impact of the film itself? Curious, I ventured onto Letterboxd and checked the reviews. There, I stumbled upon something mind-blowing—something that left me gasping in awe and disbelief. This revelation prompted me to read more online reviews until I was certain of what this film truly represented.

The movie I initially thought would merely pass me by had, unexpectedly, stuck with me.

Upcoming Summer

We’ve encountered countless films with “summer” in their titles. These cinematic works often evoke memories of youth, vibrant colors, and the bittersweet nostalgia of childhood.

In the film Upcoming Summer the title seems straightforward—it’s about the impending season. However, upon watching it, I discovered that its significance extends beyond mere literal interpretation.


“Upcoming” implies anticipation—an event yet to unfold but expected to happen in due time. While “Summer”, in literary contexts, has been richly symbolic. Some associate it with youth, freedom, and breaking away from constraints. Others view it as a vessel for memories—innocence preserved in the golden haze of warm days. In my personal interpretation, Upcoming Summer represents more than just a season. It also signifies awakening of youthfulness, end of child-like innocence, making way for deeper experiences, and self-discovery.

The film’s pivotal moment occurred during the peak of summer. Here, both Yu Xing and Chen Chen shared their deepest secrets—a cathartic release. But fate intervenes, separating them. Three years later, summer reunites them, weaving their paths together once more.

On Chen Chen's Eyes

I watched the film from Chen Chen’s perspective.

She acted as if everything was fine after discovering her mother’s affair with another man. She used Yu Xing as an excuse for her near-suicidal behavior, hoping it would make her mother back off, as she refused to tell her the truth. However, things turned the other way around and unexpectedly engendered an ever more dilemma. Throughout their interactions, I saw things through her eyes. I interpreted Yu Xing's actions in the same way she did. I shared her belief that when she leaned in to kiss him, he would reciprocate. Even before that pivotal moment, when he brought her to his place and she sang while he played the guitar, it felt truly romantic. They were both happy, and like Chen Chen, I thought he might have feelings for her. After all, who would put in the effort to create a mixtape with her voice singing and play it on her birthday? And taking her to the club for the first time, dancing together? Those gestures can raise anyone's hopes and make their heart flutter. So when he rejected her kiss, I felt that pang in my heart and understood her frustration.


However, my focus on Chen Chen’s perspective caused me to miss crucial insights into Yu Xing. While it’s true that he led her on and played along with her tricks, we failed to see beyond his literal actions. For instance, when he cried in the faculty room after their home teacher scolded him, it was definitely not because of him being accused of following her around, but rather due to what their home teacher told him. Then, his weighty words when he told her she wouldn’t understand his longing for Ming because she hadn’t experienced love. Lastly, when he whispered his secret to her on the music festival, revealing who Ming was. At that moment, Chen Chen realized that she had been viewing everything from her own perspective. Perhaps, just like us, she missed the nuances of Yu Xing's feelings and motivations.

The Louder, The Better

As I read that review on Letterboxd, a mental snap echoed in my mind, and I whispered with conviction, “I knew it!”

Being unfamiliar with Chinese names, I had no clue about the gender associated with the name. Throughout the film, there were no obvious signs that Yu Xing might be bisexual or gay, nor any indication that Ming was male. At first, I thought Yu Xing was infatuated with a woman eight years of her senior, who happened to be a DJ.

We were halfway through the film, and Ming remained unseen. While the story primarily revolved around Chen Chen and Yu Xing, it puzzled me that even Ming's voice remained a mystery, especially when he had a fight with Chen Chen and attempted to call Ming. The other line responded with a stranger's voice, calling out Ming, but not even a breath was heard. When Chen Chen persuaded Yu Xing to meet Ming, my suspicion intensified even more.


Outside the venue, DJ posters adorned the walls, and there it was—Ming’s name among the dominant faces of male DJs. However, Ming's face remained hidden; we only got to see this person up to his neck. It felt like his identity was deliberately obscured from us.

Why?

Finally, Ming took the stage with “Something Just Like This.” Still, identifying who Ming was proved challenging. Why did he appear masculine, though? Or maybe, it was the way he dressed?

So, when I stumbled upon a few reviews discussing Yu Xing's sexual identity and even Ming's, the pieces fell into place.

That’s why! That’s why.

Something Just Like This

Throughout the film, we got to hear "Something Just Like This" three times.

The first occurrence was in the quietude of Yu Xing's home. His uniform, crisp and unwrinkled, bore the weight of something yet unknown to us. Engaged in a deep conversation, he spoke more to himself than to Siri, who responded to him with empty words. Then, the melody enveloped the room, and Yu Xing's eyes sparkled with hope as volume turned up. "The louder, the better" he quipped, as if daring the universe to hear his secrets.

The second time we heard the song was on Chen Chen's 18th birthday. In the DJ booth, she glanced up to Xu Ying, who was half lost with his passion at that moment. He had curated a mixtape just for her, and the opening notes of "Something Just Like This" reverberated across the empty club. As she raised her hand up in the air, her heart skipped a beat. Yu Xing paused and greeted her with a heartfelt "Happy Birthday."

The final occurrence was when Ming stepped onto the stage. Chen Chen took a long glance at Yu Xing, whose face bore the neon-lit haze. The familiar song hung in the air, yet this time, it wasn’t at Yu Xing’s request or performed for Chen Chen. Instead, Ming played it as if for them that to the collective heartbeat of everyone present.

In my interpretation, these moments resonate the different trajectories of both characters as they grapple their inner truths. Initially, we only had Yu Xing who listened to this song by himself. Perhaps, at the outset, he lacks anyone to confide in, leaving him alone with his secret. Then, he crossed paths with Chen Chen, to whom he played this song for. Finally, he found someone who he could be honest with, both with his lies and hidden truths. On their final moments together, Ming made his long-awaited appearance. Once more, "Something Just Like This" filled our ears as both of them finally got the closure they needed. They whispered their secrets away, and they listened to their silent confessions against the cacophonies and spectacles around them.

In the future, if the people we like can also like us, how nice would that be?
 

Upon reading closely, it becomes evident that the song revolves around the idea that one need not strive for "ideal" or "perfection." Being true to oneself is enough to be appreciated and liked.

In the song, the persona expresses a longing to be something more, feeling frustrated by how less they think they are. However, this feeling dissipates when another persona reassures them. They reiterate that they are not seeking someone with superhuman abilities. Instead, they desire something relatable, someone they can turn to, miss, and kiss—something just like this.

Considering that Upcoming Summer may have an LGBT theme, it echoes Yu Xing’s dissatisfaction with himself. He may have believed that his sexuality rendered him less desirable. However, just like the other persona in the song, Chen Chen reminded him that we just need to face ourselves with more honesty, and be braver. These same words resonate with Yu Xing as well.

Summer Again

Now that I’ve calmed down, I finally saw Upcoming Summer without any biases towards Leo Wu or the stirred-up emotions from the reviews I read on Letterboxd.

Certainly, this film was worth watching, especially if you’re a fan of Leo Wu. You’ll appreciate and even commend this actor for taking up such a risky role, considering the potential backlash from Chinese audiences and his reputation as China's Little Brother. However, from an objective standpoint, after finishing the film six days ago, I must say that Upcoming Summer failed to convey its intended message to some viewers, including myself. One major shortcoming lies in the misleading trailer. Throughout, I believed it would be a “boy and girl’s love” story, only to discover something quite different: Chen Chen’s unreciprocated love for Yu Xing, while Yu Xing yearned for Ming, whose sexual identity remained uncertain. The film wasn’t honest and brave about its true theme, tricking viewers into expecting a heterosexual romance.

Another notable aspect was when he was punched by his father, resulting in severe hearing loss in his left ear. Reflecting on this, I wondered whether this plot point was strategically included to evoke sympathy from the audience and enhance the character’s admirable qualities, given that hearing is crucial for a DJ’s work.

Towards the film’s conclusion, we witness Yu Xing living his dream, yet there’s a brief emphasis on him wearing an ear implant before taking the stage with his beats.

Could this choice have been deliberate, making it more challenging for him to pursue his aspiration of becoming a DJ?

Lastly, I felt that Yu Xing’s kiss with Chen Chen was unnecessary at the end of the film. After confessing that she had a crush on him since their junior year, he leaned in to kiss her. At that moment, I hadn’t read anything yet on Letterboxd, so I assumed that Yu Xing had finally realized that he also liked Chen Chen. However, he later apologized with the words, “I wish I could like you back.”

Final Thoughts

The ending was ambiguous.

I still hoped to see the characters together as friends. However, three years later, at the Sanya music festival once again, we found them in the same moment—separated by the stage, yet connected through his music. For one last time, we saw Yu Xing in the perspective of Chen Chen.
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3/20/24

A Not-So Review: Lighter & Princess

3/20/2024

Having recently completed a 30-episode drama series, I thought it would be some time before I could immerse myself in yet another Chinese drama. Spanning 36 episodes, more than two regular K-drama series combined, Lighter & Princess literally had me skeptical. There was no way for me to finish a series that feels like a lifetime to watch UNLESS it would be something truly spectacular, even greater than my then current C-drama favorite, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love. 

First Impression

Debating whether to invest 65 pesos for a month’s worthy subscription on Youku, I clung to the uncertainty. 

Would this series captivate me as much as AASOL, or would it fall short of my expectations? 

Initially, I jumped into this drama with only a vague notion of its premise. The title itself led me to believe it was a fantasy romance drama. The opening credits reinforced this impression, playfully hinting at magic and fairytales. From the title, I envisioned “Lighter” was a prince of lightning, while “Princess” was a damsel in distress. However, it wasn’t until I began watching that the true meaning behind the title dawned on me. “Lighter” was actually the golden zippo-style lighter that Li Xun habitually played with throughout the episodes, which later revealed its sentimental value—a reminiscent connection to his late father. Meanwhile, “Princess,” whom Zhu Yun thought was a teasy nickname given by Li Xun, turned out to be his endearment for her. I appreciated that it took time for me to piece it together, and it was only when Li Xun addressed Zhu Yun as princess for the first time that everything clicked.

Driven by curiosity and the desire to learn from one another, a motley crew of freshmen got together in a campus study group. With only a few scenes set in their dormitory and classroom, their campus life mostly revolved within the confines of their base, which took up more than half of the series. This left me wondering whether the show realistically captured the life of a university student in China. In their sanctum, they toiled away—heads bent over keyboards, fingers tapping out codes as their screen filled their eyes' reflection. Despite my own programming ignorance, I still found myself drawn to the snippets of technical jargon they casually tossed around. It was as though I stood on the periphery, an outsider eavesdropping on their world.

When the Flint Wheel Meets the Flint, the Sparks Fly 

Li Xun, in particular, stood out—a brilliant mind straddling the line between genius leadership and imperious aristocracy. In his case, there was no doubt: he fell to the latter category, ruling with an unapologetic will that either garnered devoted followers, outright critics, or loyal friends. Despite his conflicting personality, others still regarded him with admiration. Perhaps topping the national college entrance exams could work wonders, or maybe it was his good looks? 

He was nonchalant, arrogant, and sharp-tongued. Were it not for his good looks, I bet everyone would not be impressed by his talent. Yet, if we were to shift our attention to the actor who played this character, we couldn't deny how Arthur Chen convincingly breathed life into Li Xun. His lips, taut and unyielding, framed furrowed brows that spoke of intensity. His very stance exuded casual confidence and an unbothered temperament. It was a captivating blend—a magnet for any girl, willing to embrace the weighty responsibility of believing, “I can change him.” 


And then there was Zhu Yun—a delightful blend of naivety, stubborn charm, and a fire that mirrored of Li Xun’s. It seemed almost ironic that Li Xun affectionately and playfully dubbed her “Princess.” Yet, despite her inherent privileges, I didn't feel any blunt display of lavishness from her, particularly in the way she interacted with him. It wasn't also used lamely to enforce tension between them; instead, it lingered as a subtle undercurrent, adding depth to their dynamic. When it comes to her acting, I occasionally sensed that Jing Yi struggled during dramatic scenes. She effortlessly showcased her dorky side alongside Arthur Chen, but when it came to sharing intense moments with him, I found it hard to connect emotionally. Despite this, I can hardly envision any other Chinese actress portraying Zhu Yun as effectively as she did.

From a Spark to a Flame

The enemies-to-lovers trope is a familiar one, often revisited across a myriad of dramas. It's a narrative route that has been so frequently explored that audiences grow accustomed, perhaps even weary, of its predictable beats. However, "Lighter & Princess" manages to reinvent the clichés with its unique charms. While it embraces a storyline that echoes many before it—replete with recycled plot points and foreseeable developments—it introduces a fresh and compelling perspective. 



The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, sparking flames that seem to leap off the screen. Their exchanges, from playful banter to stolen glances and intense gazes, send a thrill through the viewers, giving butterflies in our stomach. Their evolving bond transcends mere romance; it's a metamorphosis. From bantering enemies, they slowly morphs into each other's ally, and eventually, blossoms into something infinitely more profound and beautiful.

Like the familiar revenge-themed dramas, we had the character re-emerging with a singular focus: revenge. After three years of imprisonment, Li Xun embraced the fleeting comfort of a fresh start, which was, in essence, a vengeful resurgence. Zhu Yun, who might seem pathetic, embodies, in my view, the enduring power of loyalty. Even the world seem always ready to turn its back on him, her loyalty to him never once wavered. She proved to him that a princess like her is destined for heaven, as betrayer condemns to hell. Li Xun was indeed lucky to have Zhu Yun; she was more than her lover—she was an important ally and his sole confidante. Without her, I doubt Li Xun could have successfully regained L&P. She not only support him but also steered him away from being consumed by his own fury and vengeance. Indeed, Li Xun had Zhu Yun all along to pull him up...but in that defining moment in Episode 17, this was not so, as Li Xun had made a choice not to be pulled up by Zhu Yun. 


After learning the truth that Fang Zhi Jing was the culprit for the tragic car accident that claimed his sister's life, Li Xun faced a harrowing decision. Driven by a thirst for revenge, he risked it all, including his stakes in L&P and his future with Zhu Yun. This pivotal moment signaled the close of an era where the plot took an intense turn. The aftermath was grim: Li Xun found himself behind bars for three years, Fang Zhi Jing was left partially blinded, Gao Jian Hong took over L&P, and Zhu Yun, in pursuit of a fresh start, departed the country, leaving her shared history and the life she might have had with Li Xun.

The events surrounding Li Xun and Zhu Yun left a profound impact on me. It's unfortunate that the narrative did not delve into his time in the penitentiary shadows. I had hoped for a glimpse into his prison life, to witness the complexity of his emotions—his intense wrath, yearning, fear, and possible remorse. Instead, we were presented with a portrayal of him steadfast in his anger and quest for vengeance. In contrast, Zhu Yun's transformation was stark; she became a shadow of her former self. Her usual bubbly persona was replaced by a hollow emptiness after Li Xun's imprisonment. She completely lost herself, appearing lifeless. Given that Li Xun is human, it was disheartening to see him depicted as unyieldingly strong beyond that critical juncture. Throughout the series, there were only a few scarce instances that revealed his vulnerability, let alone capturing his lowest point. It was as if he deflected emotional blows with practiced ease. His facade remained adamant, even when the world crumbled around him.

Keep The Fire Burning!


By around episode 25, the narrative transitioned from the past to the present, picking up where the initial snippet left off in Episode 1. The anticipation was palpable as their interactions intensified—each glance, every word exchanged—leaving me both impatient and exhilarated. The push and pull between them was masterfully executed, keeping me on the edge of my seat, yearning for the next encounter.

And oh, the tropes again! First, the classic enemies-to-lovers trope which ignited their sparks but then lost by the end of the first chapter. Suddenly, they were strangers again. Yet fate, ever mischievous, intervened once more, pulling them back to being bantering enemies, and finally, a triumphant return to enemies to lovers. Come on, who wouldn't want that?


We saw a parallel narrative in the second chapter of the show. Their bond flourished within the familiar confines of their base, but this time, it orchestrated a reunion in the unassuming corner of a company building called My Heart Flying Network. The intensity surged as they grappled with their desire to stay apart, yet their yearning threatened to break through. Together, with their newfound squad, they replicated the same dedication they once poured into their previous venture, L&P. Despite the initial hurdles and setbacks, they stood their ground, managing to rattle Gao Jian Hong. 

Expectedly, Gao Jian Hong slowly became Li Xun's biggest archenemy. However, it didn't happen in a snap; it resulted from a series of events that pushed him to betray Li Xun. Ranked sixth in the national college exam, Gao Jian Hong was a self-assured student who was open to learn different perspectives from others. From the outset, he expressed his desire to learn from Li Xun. Unfortunately, Li Xun was uncooperative and occasionally made him feel inferior instead of working together with him. Disappointingly, every time he wanted to prove himself to Li Xun, he completely dismissed his effort, which led him lost confidence in himself. That is why, I understand that partially it was Li Xun’s fault for igniting Gao Jian Hong’s envy, which wasn’t present initially. 


With Li Xun’s favor, he assumed control of L&P, seizing this opportunity to avenge himself against him. Initially, L&P aimed to reduce the cancer death rate by creating a system with improved access to medical services. However, it later rebranded as a gaming development company under the leadership of Gao Jian Hong. During his last visit to Li Xun, fueled by anger, he revealed that he was the one who told his sister's whereabouts to Fang Zhi Jing, ultimately leading to her demise. This revelation intensified Li Xun’s desire to confront him beyond the prison walls. Although we didn’t catch glimpses of Li Xun’s life behind bars, we witnessed how L&P had evolved into a prominent game development company. This transformation showcased Gao Jian Hong’s potential, yet I couldn’t help but wonder why the show portrayed him as weak when pitted against Li Xun.

While I recognized that he genuinely feared Li Xun, I believe his programming skills were not adequately showcased. The latter, who had been away from programming for three years, managed to completely disrupt his composure with a single game release. I wish they had portrayed Gao Jian Hong as a stronger adversary for Li Xun, making his revenge more challenging. Unfortunately, instead of intense confrontations between the two, the show opted for an anticlimactic approach. In Episode 36, we learned that he was suffering from a malignant brain tumor. To me, the show did him dirty. Instead of allowing him to face Li Xun head-on, he was diagnosed with a disease that completely defeated the purpose of his revenge. Imagine waiting three long years to get even with Gao Jian Hong, only to be halted midway by the unexpected revelation of a debilitating illness. It felt like the show had sabotaged Gao Jian Hong, when they should have allowed Li Xun to do the job.

Despite these shortcomings, I appreciated that among them, Fang Zhi Jing remained true to his disagreeable nature. He recognized that Li Xun's intentions were to undermine their egos, leading them to make poor decisions that would ultimately contribute to their downfall. It's regrettable that there weren't more clashes between him, Gao Jian Hong, and Li Xun. 


Xu Lina emerged as a character who, I initially believed, a mere pursuer of Li Xun. Despite her marriage to Gao Jian Hong, it was commendable that the narrative did not force her into a romantic attachment with him, nor did it excuse his wrongdoings. She remained steadfast in her willingness to sacrifice everything for Li Xun, a price Gao Jian Hong anticipated upon his return. Xu Lina’s decision to stay with Gao Jian Hong after discovering his illness was something I had expected, but also admired. Her choice to stay with Gao Jian Hong was surely not driven by love but by gratitude and appreciation. After all, Gao Jian Hong had never stopped loving her.

The last few episodes of Lighter & Princess lived up to my expectations. Li Xun and Zhu Yun, having reclaimed L&P, faced their greatest yet familiar hurdle: winning over Zhu Yun’s parents. It’s clear that her parents favored Tian Xiu Zhu, and realistically, he was the preferable match over Li Xun. Yet, Zhu Yun’s stance had always been clear—the ‘ideal’ choice isn’t necessarily the right one, particularly if it feels undeserved. I appreciated the show avoided turning Tian Xiu Zhu into an unwarranted villain, which would have been overkill given the existing conflicts with Gao Jian Hong and Fang Zhi Jing. And, of course, how could I miss out Zhu Yun's parents?


Li Xun was undeniably a flawed character. Yet, it baffled me why he was never given the chance to redeem himself, particularly by Zhu Yun's mother. From her standpoint as a teacher, I understood where she was coming from as cheating was unequivocally wrong. Yet, it remained unclear why she harbored resentment towards him after all this time. He was merely a child who made a mistake, acknowledged his wrongdoing, and sought her forgiveness. Rather than extending forgiveness, she remained resolute, leaving him with the impression that there was no way for him to change for the better. 

They were absolutely unreasonable. It was exhausting for me to watch them sob and completely distort Zhu Yun’s words, making her feel guilty for loving Li Xun. I perceived them as controlling (actually, they really were), even taking over significant decisions in Zhu Yun’s life. In the final episode, we saw Li Xun and Zhu Yun took another chance to persuade her parents. As expected, and to my appreciation, her mother remained firm. Fortunately, this time, Li Xun had learned his lesson and had matured enough to reassure Zhu Yun that it was okay, as they still had a lifetime to convince her parents.



Things turned out quite satisfying by the end of the series. After discovering that a scene where Li Xun proposed to Zhu Yun was deleted, I wasn’t really disappointed. In fact, I thought it was a good decision. It made more sense to me that they opted for a civil wedding instead. This choice supported the scene where Zhu Yun impulsively asked Li Xun to have a baby, which aligned with their decision to start a family.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. For someone seeking an idol drama that isn’t too serious, ‘Lighter and Princess’ was an excellent option. As I mentioned, I had recently watched ‘Amidst A Snowstorm of Love,’ which was a fantastic show, so I was pleased that the Lighter & Princess' was just as impressive. 
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