Innocent Playmates (2023)

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.

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"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.

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BE for Now (If there isn’t a Season 2)

DROPPED

**REASON**

I stopped watching this show because of its heartbreaking conclusion, where one of the main characters is entangled in a car accident, casting a veil of uncertainty over their fate. The series, classified within the classical family drama genre, unfolds at a deliberate pace, meticulously exploring the dynamics among its characters. Despite the absence of explicit scenes due to censorship, the interactions between the main characters are remarkably tender, authentically conveying a sense of affection. Regrettably, the supporting cast fails to make a lasting impression, and the powerful ending ultimately diminishes the overall enjoyment of the series for me.

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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.

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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.

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WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Gonna keep this cute and mute by not saying much, as I think this BL is worth a watch, especially for those who are a fan of the step-brothers trope. But despite the fact that this BL will never get that well deserved second season, I truly do feel like this BL is worth the time I spent watching it. The cast was great, the story was heartfelt, and the music was excellent. Even though this BL couldn't be as GAY as others due to censorship, it still felt like an intimate BL rather than a Bromance. This will always hold a special place in my heart and I die a little inside knowing it will remain incomplete for the rest of time.

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Best BL since long

Honest portrayal by all actors of conflicting feelings in a recomposed family … and what a portrayal !!

Best BL I’ve seen since long, not because of what it shows, but just because of what it doesn’t show.

The chemistry between the 2 main characters is obvious, but the “wisdom” of their little sisters is just to blow you away … amazing actors … all of them.

Some may say that 24 EP is too long … and indeed some of the plots where unnessacary but certainly not annoying.

The only “negative” point I have : I want to know how their story continues !!!!

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SPOILOR: MOSTLY ABOUT LAST EPISODE

I have not watched ‘Addicted’, so I have no knowledge of what that is about.

‘Stay With Me’ is one of the best Chinese dramas I have seen. It was not what I thought it was, it’s better than I thought.

It has so many surprise throughout it and I found that I was always on the edge of my seat wondering what was gonna happen next. It has the right amount of drama. Not to much that it’s over powering everything else but not to little that is boring. Just the right amount and at the right time.

It also doesn’t just focus on the main characters, it balances between main and support. The series shows how all characters and relationship developed over time.

The show itself was so well written and produced, the actors played their parts well. It is just an overall beautiful series, the only bit I don’t like about it, is the last episode

The ending is so sad and leaves you on a cliffhanger. It’s so hard to describe. There is little going on but so much at the same time. From the cousin threating to actually doing it, all the way up till the accident itself.

When Wu Bi told him he was taking Su Yu first, he knew that something bad was gonna happen and he was at fault for it. Yes he did warn him, but I would never image that he would sweep so low just to get rid of SuYu from Wubi’s life. I just wanna know if they ever find out that the cousin did it and the reason he did it.

Could he not be happy for his cousin. So Wubi found someone that he trusts and is happy with. He does everything for that man and loves him. Your not gonna be happy for him, you jeaslous asshole. I also wanna know why Wubi’s cousin hates SuYu so much.

And the accident happening, they both knew something was wrong with the car. Su Yu closing his eye and Wu Bi having one final look. The both knew something horrible was gonna happen. Wubi turning the car the way he did to protect Suyu, he put his own life at risk for the man he loves( ain’t know one gonna telling me they are not in love).
SuYu not letting anyone touch him and carring WuBi down the road to get the amublance was the part that really broke me. That ending scene is so sad but so sweet at the same time. It really shows how much they care & love eachother. It also shows what they would do for eachother.

I would 100% re-watch this. I need a season 2 and if there is one, I need it soon.

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The drama was good all over... But i found su yu dumber when Wu bi was trying to warn him about his cousin all the time......
I mean after know what his (Wu bi) uncle did he (su yu) still let his guard down around his cousin.... I always doubted that boy from the start. 😒

Anyway overall it was good....but i think they should've clear the ending wether he died or live .... Hope we'll find out soon (if there's any second season going to air in near future)

Well we didn't get to see that much skin ship because of course China... Which is bit disappointing but acceptable because kissing isn't the only way to show that how much two people love each other... The reason why i love this drama is because it has innocent plot with hint of them being intimate with each other which again they couldn't show on screen... So yeah it was lovely 😘😘😘😘😘

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