Crystal Boys
Crystal Boys
TV ShowEnded

Crystal Boys

5.5 / 10
2003
1 season
20 episodes
Drama

A-Qing, a sensitive youth in 1971 Taipei, is expelled from school and rejected by his family after a same-sex relationship with classmate Zhao Ying is discovered. Alone and searching for belonging, he begins spending time at New Park, a gathering place for gay men, where he meets friends and fellow outsiders navigating love, desire, and survival in a society that ostracizes them. Through his experiences and those of his peers, the story explores identity, friendship, longing, and the struggle for acceptance, offering a nuanced portrait of Taiwan’s gay subculture in the early 1970s and the bonds that sustain a marginalized community.

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Trailer

Crystal Boys (孽子) - Intro (English built-in subs, FR-ES-PT-IT-SK subs)

Cast

Seasons

In a city that won’t accept him, A-Qing finds others like him—under the neon shadows of Taipei’s New Park.

  • Ep 1

    1.Episode 1

    17-02-200355m

    Barefoot and fleeing his crumbling home life, Li Qing escapes down a sunlit alley as his broken, gun-waving father gives chase, haunted by past glory and present loss.

  • Ep 2

    2.Episode 2

    18-02-200355m

    After a painful reunion with their mother and the sudden loss of his younger brother, A Qing finds himself drowning in grief and guilt—until a quiet, unexpected moment with Zhao Yi...

  • Ep 3

    3.Episode 3

    19-02-200355m

    Cast out from home and school, A Qing seeks refuge in New Park, where he’s drawn into a hidden world of outcasts, memories, and forbidden love. With Old Guo’s guidance and Xiao Yu’...

  • Ep 4

    4.Episode 4

    20-02-200355m

    Welcomed into a chosen family, A Qing joins Xiao Yu, Mouse, and Wu Min under the wing of Master Yang. As they prepare for Sheng Gong’s party, Old Guo bids A Qing farewell with a ph...

  • Ep 5

    5.Episode 5

    21-02-200355m

    At Sheng Gong’s party, A Qing dances among strangers and longing, while his past crashes back when he finds his mother ill and broken in a basement. Her grief over Di Wa’s death tu...

  • Ep 6

    6.Episode 6

    24-02-200355m

    Xiao Yu and A Qing visit Mouse, who proudly displays his stash of stolen memories, each tied to a forgotten moment. But the fragile calm is broken when Mouse is brutally beaten by...

  • Ep 7

    7.Episode 7

    25-02-200355m

    A-Qing sings to his dying mother as she passes, while Wu Min faces heartbreak and Xiao Yu meets a man who may link to his long-lost father.

  • Ep 8

    8.Episode 8

    26-02-200355m

    A-Qing grieves alone in the rain, haunted by loss. Wu Min attempts suicide after being dumped, and Long Zi’s comfort only deepens A-Qing’s pain.

  • Ep 9

    9.Episode 9

    27-02-200355m

    A-Qing faces scorn from Master Yang and quits his job. He helps Mouse with Fumi and reunites with Zhao Ying while Xiao pursues further education.

  • Ep 10

    10.Episode 10

    28-02-200355m

    Long Zi returns, sharing a painful past with A-Qing. Xiao Yu grows distant from Old Zhou, while A-Qing struggles with his own feelings and commitments.

  • Ep 11

    11.Episode 11

    03-03-200355m

    Long Zi explains his tragic love for A Fong, while A Qing struggles with his own relationships. Xiao Yu tries to mend his ties, but faces new complications.

  • Ep 12

    12.Episode 12

    04-03-200355m

    A Qing learns more about Long Zi's past, while Long Zi's family forces him into a painful decision. A Fong's departure leaves both men heartbroken and lost.

  • Ep 13

    13.Episode 13

    05-03-200355m

    Long Zi shares his painful past with A Qing, leading to an invitation for A Qing to help him rebuild. Master Yang warns Long Zi, while tensions rise with the police.

  • Ep 14

    14.Episode 14

    06-03-200355m

    At the police station, A Qing and the others face punishment, while Wu Min’s father discovers his son's sexuality. Long Zi shares a poignant story of his own exile and painful past...

  • Ep 15

    15.Episode 15

    07-03-200355m

    Long Zi offers A Qing a set of keys to his home, but A Qing feels suffocated by the secrets lingering there. A Qing rescues a mute boy, reminding him of Di Wa.

  • Ep 16

    16.Episode 16

    10-03-200355m

    A Qing and the others take Mouse to a doctor who turns out to be Lin-san’s old friend. Xiao Yu’s dream of going to Japan is dashed once again. Li Yue’s joy fades when her old flame...

  • Ep 17

    17.Episode 17

    11-03-200355m

    At Peace Village's opening, Xiao Yu reconnects with his Japan dreams. A Qing cares for Old Master Fu, learning of the tragic past that shapes the old man's sorrow.

  • Ep 18

    18.Episode 18

    12-03-200355m

    Wu Min returns to New Park, sinking into depression before A Qing takes him in. Long Zi confronts A Qing about leaving, and A Qing recalls his past with Zhao Ying.

  • Ep 19

    19.Episode 19

    13-03-200355m

    With Peace Village at risk, Xiao Yu sets off for Japan. Meanwhile, Wu Min cares for Mr. Zhang, who finds peace with their relationship. A Qing learns of Old Master Fu's past with A...

  • Ep 20

    20.Episode 20

    14-03-200355m

    Old Master Fu urges A Qing’s father to forgive him, but dies after a heart attack. A Qing, haunted by visions of his father, returns home, leaving behind a gift for his father befo...

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