Mr. X and I

Mr. X and I is a rare gem from 2015 China—a raw, heartfelt anthology of four gay love stories ripped straight from real-life experiences. Each episode stands alone, offering a window into the joy, pain, and resilience of queer love in a society that often resists it. In Ep. 1, ‘Us Against the World,’ two high school boys face relentless bullying after their secret gets out, yet find courage in each other. Ep. 2, ‘Beijing Beijing,’ follows a couple torn apart by family pressure, only to reunite years later in the capital. Ep. 3, ‘The Groomsman,’ explores the heartbreaking sacrifice of a boyfriend who steps aside so his partner can marry a woman—all while doubling as the best man. Finally, Ep. 4, ‘Promise You a City,’ tackles adult struggles of unemployment and infidelity in a new city. What makes this series unforgettable is its unflinching honesty: these aren’t fairy tales, but snapshots of real love fighting to survive. With short episodes, strong acting, and intimate direction, Mr. X and I is a poignant, must-watch for anyone seeking authentic LGBTQ+ stories from a time when Chinese censorship hadn’t yet clamped down.