A Masterpiece and A Game-Changer in Thai BL Industry

-- Story --

The story is closely-adapted from a novel, thus I cannot really criticise the story in the series. It is closely-tied to Thai culture with many symbolisms that may look weird or even rude in other culture's perspective. For example, Phupha pushing Tian away for Tian's own greater good. It can be perceived as a good and a bad thing; depends on the perspective. You can find many discussions about this in the comment section on both YouTube and MDL.

I must say that the series has a better ending than the novel. In the novel, Tian cancelled his plan to study in US to return to the village. In the series, Tian still went to US and came back to the village two years after that. It made the scene when Phupha got to see Tian again more romantic.

But the ending in the series (Ep 10) was too fast-paced. It is predictable though since the climax (Tian's confession and/or Phupha's getting shot) happened in Ep 8-9. The ending was crammed in just one episode and I think that is not enough.

My only complain is Phupha's appearance in the cliff in the last episode. He came alone to there after getting a RED ALERT notice. That was basically suicide.

Oh, and the scene when Phupha and Tian returned to the village from the hospital in Ep 9. Phupha drived the car using one hand. I am still finding the reasoning behind his ability to do that.


-- Acting/Cast --

Near perfect.

Earth is the right actor to perform Phupha. His micro-expression was out of the world. I really like how Phupha sighed before talking to Tian. It really showed the struggle of an old man when talking to a young man. And the beard, it's legendary lol.

Mix did an excellent job in his first time as an actor. There was something in his eyes that could make me feel what Tian felt. Some of the crying scenes looks too forced though. Compared to Gun ATP's crying scenes in Theory of Love, Mix's crying scenes are still behind. But that is actually a compliment because I compare him to Gun ATP. Nobody beats that man in the crying department.

The thing that amazes me the most is how Earth and Mix shows the love Phupha and Tian had towards each other without even saying "I love you" and "Will you be my boyfriend?" at all. Their actions alone were powerful enough to convey the message. This is the first time I see this in my 20 years watching gay-themed films/series. Truly a game-changer.

The selfie scene in Ep 10 could have been done better though. No way Tian could take a selfie with +30 people. When I watched it, my eyes were focused on the three girls behind. I am so sorry for them.


-- Music --

I fall in love with the main soundtrack Ni Taan Pan Dao. I am going to listen to it everyday.

The music suits the theme and the setting of the series. It is a perfect match. The khlui (Thai flute) sound made me feel like I was really there, in the village, experiencing the story unfolds. The lyrics is perfect for the story. And the timing of its appearance throughout the series is impeccable.


-- Rewatch Value --

This series is highly recommended even for non-BL-enthusiasts. This series is not perfect, but it is no doubt one of the best (if not the best) gay-themed films/series I have ever watched.

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