Unknown (2024)

I can sum up this drama with two words: A Need

Where do I even begin to review this drama?

This was a deliciously teasing slow burn, with the tension (and my anticipation) only rising with each new episode. It wound up getting crazy hype; I'm of the belief it was deserved.

They paid attention to the details here: From meaningful items that come up/are shown in the background—even quietly revealing to the viewers how things are progressing—and minute shifts in framing and lighting of scenes to detailed dialogue with weight, symbolism, and double meanings.

Impressively, while the subject matter was often serious, they somehow smoothly incorporated belly-aching comedic moments as well.

Finally, I would be remiss not to praise the actors, as not only the MLs but every side character nailed their roles.

My only real critique: While the music was great, far too many times, it came on too strong during a pivotal scene.

I would absolutely recommend watching this!

Side Note: Can we talk about the FLIRTING game here?! Not just Xiao Yuan but Wei Qian was freaking smooth as butter. Like, damn, man!

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"Ge, I can sum up my life with two words; Wei Qian"

"Unknown" is a Taiwanese drama series that delves into the complex and emotional journey of Wei Qian, who takes on the responsibility of caring for his family after losing his parents. The narrative beautifully unfolds as Wei Qian navigates the challenges of providing for his little sister, Wei Li Li, and his adopted brother, Wei Zhi Yuan. The series intricately weaves together themes of sacrifice, love, and self-discovery.

One of the pivotal moments in the series is when Xiao Yuan, a character who harbors romantic feelings for Wei Qian, confesses his affection through a forceful kiss. This event triggers a cascade of emotions, leading Wei Qian to send Xiao Yuan away. However, amidst the turmoil, Wei Qian realizes that their bond transcends mere brotherhood, sparking a poignant exploration of their evolving relationship.

Adapted from the novel "Dage" by Priest, "Unknown" showcases exceptional acting performances that breathe life into the characters. The cast's chemistry and portrayal of the intricate dynamics between the characters elevate the viewing experience, drawing viewers into a world where love, loyalty, and personal growth intertwine.

Furthermore, the series boasts a captivating soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of each scene, creating a rich and immersive viewing experience. The attention to detail in production values and the overall aesthetic of the show contribute to its allure, making it a visual and auditory treat for audiences.

"Unknown" stands out as a masterpiece in the BL genre, offering a compelling narrative, stellar performances, and a heartfelt exploration of love and identity. With its engaging storyline, exceptional cast, and top-notch production quality, this series is a must-watch for fans of heartfelt dramas that resonate on a profound level.

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Is it really unknown?

This is a really interesting slice of life found family drama, with pretty decent acting and interesting characters who seem to be able to survive more or less anything... So I am not really sure about how realistic this portrayal is but it does manage to convey hardship, growth and bonds beyond... anything.

I am not really sure how I feel a bout the romances in this, while they where very predictable and do a really good job portraying the development and events leading to the romances... I can not help but wonder if the story would have been better if the relationships stayed platonic.

But then again we would not have gotten to see Xiao Yuans fantasyes which would have been a shame as those where the cherry on top of this drama.

A good story, well portrayed but with enough iffy elamnts to keep me from giving it a higher score.

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I'm sorry

I'm going to be the one making the rating go down lol, because I've been scrolling for a while and all I can see are 10-star reviews.

To start with what I liked:
- Acting? Good. It immerses you in the story, it doesn't feel forced, nor scripted, and the chemistry is there (for all the characters). I love Lili especially, she really gave off younger sister vibes.
- Cinematography is also clean and curated, good color grading, and generally visually appealing work. I liked that.
- I guess the main couple has a lot of cute moments, you can really see the affection and love they have for each other, the way they would die for each other if needed. Their bond was apparent and strong.

The elephant in the room:
This is just plain incest. Let me compare it to Stay With Me, which also had some incest-y tones to it: there, the two guys meet as teenagers, not knowing they are related. They become friends, maybe something more, then find out they're stepbrothers. So technically they're related, but haven't grown up together, and don't see each other as brothers. Even though that's still a questionable premise, it isn't as scandalous as this one in Unknown. Yuan has been *raised* by Qian since he was a child, and sees him as a hero (and older brother). Qian acts like a brother and father figure to both Lili and Yuan as they're growing up. I could see Yuan maybe developing feelings for Qian as some sort of unhealthy coping mechanism, but in NO way would that make it acceptable for Qian to reciprocate those feelings. He is YEARS older than Yuan, has treated him like a sibling since childhood, has protected him from abuse and poverty. He should know better. He is an adult, his prefrontal cortex is fully developed, and he knows (should know) right from wrong.
The fact that they're not biologically related doesn't mean anything. That would make it okay for adopted siblings to engage in intimate relationships. They were raised as such, and therefore it's incest. Point blank. Yuan needs therapy and so does Qian - and maybe Yuan should have stayed in the US. Maybe some distance from Qian would have made him come to his senses. If they had been ANY other thing - neighbors, childhood friends, family friends, coworkers- I would have been okay with it. Hell, as I've said, even stepbrothers can get a pass if the series is good (and they didn't grow up together). But this is just not it. I'm surprised by the lack of shock they received from the people around them. What makes it worse is having seen Qian with Yuan and Lili as literal children, which makes me kind of queasy because they change their actors to younger ones but not Qian's. So I couldn't stop picturing that poor teenage boy falling in love with his adult sibling.
I say this as someone who has adopted cousins. Not biologically related is still related. That's all there is to it. There might be chemistry, there might be love, but it's still weird as fuck.

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'unknown' helped to know the unknown.one of the best bl of all time

I don't remember (it's been really long time)when I last saw a wholesome bl..stay with me was super but the ending was not perfect..kiseki had some flaws though just a little amount..but this is the bl we call wholesome from head(da ge) to toe(unknown)..every single emotions were worthy ...actors stood strongly beyond hope but not the production(they successfully ruined actors hardwork in that cheap editing).. they actors brought novel to life..to sum up this is the wholesome masterpiece ...novel and show is not focused on nc scene ..it's based on real emotion -slow burn struggle mixed with enjoyment , concerning about every step carefully, heartwarming and heart tightening phases,forced to control tears, development with time just beyond perfection... the realistic guarantee of lifelong stay..actors were truly amazing. I was never bored ..rewatched every single episode that I lost count.. definitely one of the my most favourite gem..

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A well rounded, brilliant piece of art that definitely should NOT be missed!

From start to finish this series has served above and beyond. The story, acting, OST, cinematography, and overall production have been fantastic.
If you take the plot, they have created a unique and realistic story where you get two main leads who have been through a lot since their childhood and while coming into adulthood the trials they have to face from demons from the past, health, family, relationships and unhinged emotions. It's a slow burn and by no means do the producers rush to give the audience a forced relationship. They tackle everything at a very realistic pace and not a single episode is unrelated or a filler. All the pieces come together nicely in the end, you will find yourself transfixed and completely satisfied. Certainly, you will feel a void in you once it's over as the whole series is such a phenomenal cinematic masterpiece.
The acting was very raw and natural. The whole cast was brilliant. The main leads had one of the best chemistry I've seen on a BL pair. Their relationship by no means was an easy one, the whole connection was a turbulent navigation, and the way they depicted the complexity and the realism is applaudable. If you expect intimacy, their show of feelings wasn't physical, for a good part of the story it was character development, you will understand how they come to be at the same spot eventually, the main focus was building it to a point where everything came in full circle.
The OST is exceptional, with almost all songs on my favorite list, perfectly suited to the theme of the series.
2024 is the year for Taiwanese BLs. This is the best entry so far from them and the future will be great if this is the BL standard everyone's aiming for. Unknown from now on will forever be Known as one of the best dramas regardless of the genre cz this has the ability to break boundaries and become an all-time classic. 10/10. Hope this will bag all the awards!

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Well-acted with Great leads Chemistry and a beautiful OST but not without flaws.

Taiwan really produces high quality BL dramas and is not afraid to show intimacy and not in a porn-like way. I believe the challenge for some viewers would be to go over that ‘hump’ and maybe the ‘ick’ factor of romances between individuals who have siblings-like relationships. I am mostly fine with the romance between Qian and Yuan. But for the other romance, I have my reservations. That one seems a little more extreme especially when I can’t see how the romance is developed. It’s a hard sell for me.

Nevertheless, “Unknown” is a well-acted drama with great chemistry between the leads. I actually think the drama has a slow start but things kick up a notch when all hell breaks loose in episode 6. I do think Qian’s actions were cowardly in that episode and just avoided the issue. Four years is a very long time to have limited communication with your loved one. The second half is also when I am more invested in the drama. I enjoyed following Yuan’s transformation from a smitten, clingy, lovesick puppy, to becoming a mature, flirty and quite sensual adult. Yuan’s love for Qian never changes, but it’s how his way of thinking changes and matures that encourages Qian to slowly open up to his affection. I love the scenes when Yuan would subtly tease and flirt with Qian, and Qian is all shy and not sure how to respond. Flirty Yuan is a lot more attractive and I love how touchy-feely he is unconsciously/consciously. I actually would have loved to see them get together an episode sooner, and give me more dating and sweet scenes.

Although I find the sister adorable, I also think her subplots are a little underwhelming without enough time to flush out the stories. The gangster subplot is a little over-the-top for me. I cannot believe a more mature Yuan would do something so stupid to challenge people where he has no winning chance. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised to see Prince Chiu guest stars as the awkward teacher. I guess he was in the same boy group with Chris Chiu. Sam Lin also has a small supporting role as Dr. Lin. This role is quite different from what I’ve seen him in before.

If you are a BL fan, I definitely would recommend this drama. It’s well-acted, Chris Chiu and Kurt Huang have great chemistry, no annoying characters, and has an awesome OST. I’ve added most of the songs to my Spotify playlist. Although I have my criticisms, I also had a great time watching it. From an enjoyable point of view, this drama is worth an 8.5. If I were to rate this more objectively, it’ll be an 8.0. I wish the drama was longer to better tell everyone’s stories.



Completed: 5/22/2024 - Review #443

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Painful yet Beautiful

Yes we are talking about bl drama. Everybody can love whoever they want. but the problem arises when that person doesn't love you the way you want.
It is a beautiful story director by Ray Jiang, he directed some of my favourite dramas like my tooth for your love, we best love.
The main lead ( wei Xian) is both attractive and hardworking, who works day and night to feed him and his sister after his parents death ( I don't know about the death part , but anyways they have nobody to look after them.) He is also a kind hearted person, because of that he brings a boy (yuan) from the street to his home and since then he is taking care of yuan as his brother. But the boy(yuan) slowly develops feelings for his guardian angel Wei Xian. He doesn't even know when did he fall in love, but when he knew he was completely trapped. And ofcourse wei Xian who only considered yuan as his brother feel betrayed after knowing the truth and sends his brother away for his studies. can he ever fall in love with his brother...
After watching 2 episodes these were my thoughts-
It is ok from the perspective of wei yuan, because he never considered wei Xian as his brother from the start. but the difficulty is all with wei Xian because he only thought yuan as his brother. how can he fall in love with his brother. I am not saying that he can't, but it's surely going to be difficult. we are not living in a fairy tale world and the director is known for portraying real people.
I hope they give justice to the viewers in the end.
Till now I'm happy watching this drama.. This is beautiful at the same time heartbreaking. i rewatched it so many times already. If you don't watch this drama, you are going to miss a wonderful experience in your life. From acting, music, direction, story everything is on top. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster.

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Even Though the Name is Unknown, the World Should Know About This Drama

I really don't know how to express it fully; this is my personal opinion and may differ for others. I want to talk about it non-stop now. For those who came to check the review before watching, I'll keep it short. These are the main points I want to discuss:

1. Never judge a book by its cover (brother tag).
2. You are going to get addicted to the characters.
3. Best Taiwanese BL to date.
4. Awesome cast, direction, cinematography, and story.
5. Excellent execution.
6. No boring stuff; all to the point and precise.
7. Rewatch worthy.
8. This is my fourth drama that I will give a 10/10 after watching thousands (very biased opinion).
9. It released on my birthday (so special).

I can go on talking. Initially, when I watched the trailer and read the synopsis, I was afraid of the forbidden relationship and thought of not watching. Once it was completely aired, there weren't many dramas that week, so I simply started watching because it was the only completed show on my watchlist. I thought if it wasn't worth it, I would stop. However, the first episode itself made me realize: never judge a book by its cover. That started my binge-watch. I completed it in one day and couldn't get enough of it. I need season 2 (there is scope). Now, I am recommending people to watch it. Yesterday, I rewatched it again and felt the same emotion the second time too. It's awesome, awesome, awesome. Well done, crew.

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Angsty

Personally I am not a fan of these tropes with the step brother or adopted brother storyline but for some reason these same very ones keep putting me in a chokehold like Stay With Me *insert crying emoji*. The chemistry between the family dynamic feels so natural.
Trigger warning potentially for people who have experienced familial abuse.
Some people think the storyline moved a little too fast at the end but I think it’s rather the opposite. Our main leads finally let themselves feel their emotions without any restraints and the rest is history.
Definitely a good laugh cry type drama.
Absolutely stunning and timeless!
Probably one of the best if not the best Taiwan dramas I’ve watched with such natural acting and chemistry!!!!

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An unknown person becoming one's everything

Didn't have any high hopes when I started this but damn this series took me on the best emotional roller-coaster ride and showed me a magnificent firework show of how love can be beautiful even if it's forbidden and doesn't fit into the accepted societal terms.

The story without any spoilers — The ML has had an abusive childhood and is struggling to raise himself and his sister. One day out of kindness he helps an 'unknown' boy and later adopts him as his brother. He is a smart person, who takes calculated risks at each step of his life because he doesn't want to drag down those who depend on him. When the adopted brother expresses his feelings for him, he reluctantly holds himself from letting himself venture into this 'unknown' relationship road.

The show shows the characters' journey from the struggle between not being able to control who they fall in love with, questioning what's wrong with oneself for falling in 'forbidden love', not being able to suppress it, coming to terms with it and acknowledging it, gathering up the courage to express it to the loved one, acting okay after getting rejected, trying to get over that person and miserably failing it, and settling to always love that person even if it was un-requited was incredible.

They beautifully portrayed that love isn't a feeling that can be erased nor should one be embarrassed of it. You can't force whom you love nor can you force someone to be with you.

Everything about this series was brilliant — the story, casting, acting, narration, dialogues, and ost. And a special mention to the cinematography of this series because it was top-notch. The use of lighting, mirrors, and frames to set up the background for each scene and thereby subtly conveying the atmosphere was fabulous.

I loved how they focused only on the main lead and that allowed them to show layers of their emotions and their personal battles which allowed them to face the situations maturely.

Honestly, as a BL fan, I rarely come across dramas that deal with complicated relationships and complex emotions. This drama clearly showed how the characters confront their feelings of 'dangerous brotherhood love'. Highly recommend everyone to watch it.

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