BL Has Evolved So Much Thanks To SOTUS
Another BL that many consider god-tier status. Though I appreciate that this series doesn't go for some problematic tropes it's got its fair share of non-problematic tropes for me to foresee how "SOTUS" influenced other series I've seen thus far. Since this was made in 2016, so it's considered quite old in BL standards. I was surprised to find this series on Netflix, because here in the states Thai BL's aren't really on streaming services, except for Viki sometimes. I guess that also attributes to it's status!Let me start with what I liked. I enjoy both of our leads, whom both started their acting careers from this show I think. As well as some of the side characters actors as well. Arthit really got on my nerves at the beginning of this show, but his character softens a lot so by the end he was okay. Kongpop (played by the lovely Singto) was my favorite, of course seeing as I love him in other shows. But his character was also the most well-rounded and kindest out of anyone in the show. I also liked Aim, but again I knew that actor and I liked him prior anyways. The entire college initiation was interesting (for awhile) and I did really want to see how Arthit and Kongpop became a thing. So for the base level stuff in the show, it was fine!
Moving onto what I disliked. The show got kinda boring after awhile, I wanted the orientation stuff to be over and desperately wanted something else to happen. Eventually we moved on, but it was too late into the series and I wish it would've happened sooner. Also we could've gotten more couple development. Most of it was saved until the last 2-3 eps I'm pretty sure, well minus "longing" glances and obvious tension. I wanted concrete evidence that things were progressing, but I guess that's what the sequel series is for which I am going to watch! I have a feeling I'll like it more than this show, but again I appreciate what this show did for future BL.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
FRUSTRATING
RATING: DGENERAL
I know this opinion will be highly unpopular, but I can’t believe so many people like this series. I found it infuriating and at times excruciating. I wanted to stop watching so many times, but I stuck it out through the end. It did improve but not until about Episode 12. Considering Episodes 14 & 15 are basically filler (full of flashbacks and flashforwards), that means there are only 2 good episodes in the entire series.
2/3 of the series is about the hazing and initiation rituals. I assume this is based on actual habits in Thailand, but I have never heard of this type of system before. In my University, the only “hazing” happened within fraternities, not the entire student body. And that hazing went on for a week only, not the entire semester. While I saw the disclaimer that the hazing rituals had been exaggerated for the series, they were so extreme that I cannot believe anyone would have allowed them to happen. That ruined all believability for me. As it continued and got worse, I became increasingly frustrated. No teacher should have allowed behavior like this. Promoting unity, brotherhood, and support amongst students is a good idea, but none of these activities seem to be geared to that end. I think it is a far stretch to say that push-ups and running laps would do anything to help with unity, and none of it would help them become better engineers.
Because of this extreme set-up, much of the series has the two lead characters going through the same emotions over and over again. There is very little character development for the first half of the series. Arthit is dictatorial to the extreme, and Kong repeatedly disobeys – often for very little reason and never seeming to learn from the past. The worst example of this for me was during the beach scene when Kong feels compelled to complain because they’ve been allowed to go swimming. “It’s not fair!” Who would ever complain about being allowed to go swimming? Yes, they say he doesn’t like to swim, but this was just ridiculous. Without deeper character motivations, there was little to draw me in. I felt the series was cruel and there were not many characters that I even cared for and rooted for. The more it continued in this direction, the more frustrating it became. A big fail on the scripting side, IMO. Additionally, the script repeats itself continuously. Perhaps this is more to do with the translation I viewed. The translator may have missed some subtleties, but when 4 characters are discussing something, then 2 lines later simply repeat themselves, then 4 lines later go over it again, that is just lazy writing. The writer has done nothing to progress the scene, the characters, or show more emotion. So aggravating.
When the romance finally kicks in, some real character development comes with it, along with better acting (since they finally have some decent material to work with). It’s sweet and tender, conflicted and raw. If this had been a 4 episode mini-series focusing on this time I would have enjoyed it much more. My issues with the romance however, also have to do with scripting. Kong “jokes” (although he seems utterly serious) that he will make Arthit his wife in episode 1. Later he gives Arthit his “Heart” (the gear badge). He surmises that Arthit treats him so harshly because “You like me”. So it’s clear Kong has feelings for Arthit from the start, yet Arthit seems very unclear about Kong’s intentions. I understand that a young boy who is unclear about his sexuality may deny and hide his feelings, but after 3 admissions like this, to deny it later on seems absurd and out of character. Kong has been brave, honest and forthcoming. It felt like a convenient cheat for him to hide it later on.
There is a some of the usual stereotyping and homophobia in the portrayals of 2 other characters. One is an overtly effeminate senior who helps Kong during his photo shoot for Moon. While the hair, make-up and purse are a bit over the top, the actor plays the character fairly neutral, which was a relief. Tutah is an openly gay Senior who is friends with the Hazers. While his portrayal of the character is not over-the-top, several other characters use gay slurs when talking about him. This may have been meant as playful teasing amongst friends, however it did not come across that way, but merely as homophobic bullying – and was entirely unnecessary.
ACTING & DIRECTION
The acting is actually good across the boards (the only reason I give the series a D instead of an F). I give even more credit to the actors, given the script was so thin that they had very little to work with. Singto as Kong is decent, but it’s his personal charm that resonates the strongest, rather than his portrayal of the character. Krist as Arthit does a very nice job. He plays more levels and most of it is very real and natural. When we finally get into the romance story, he does a nice job showing his shifting emotions. The stand-outs for me were New who portrays his one-sided love story well (I know many feel his acting here was not as strong as in other series, but I found him believable and tender). But the brightest spot was Off as Bright. He brought great humor and energy to every scene he was in. According to the Special Episode, he improvised a lot in the role. With such a poor script, perhaps the other actors should have followed his lead even more.
On many levels the direction was sub-par. Given the limitations of the script, the director should have looked for more ways to play other levels and bring more to the characters. It just felt like we were getting the same beats and emotions over and over. Additionally, there were annoying “conveniences”, where you could tell action was staged for ease, rather than realism. The prime example is again the beach scene. The boys are allowed to go into the sea to swim, and yet they all simply sit at the water’s edge. But when Kong walks into the ocean moments later (are we really supposed to believe he is this devasted by being yelled at for the 100th time?), none of the boys are around. Only Arthit runs to his aid. And he pulls him out of the sea by himself, before anyone else shows up. Your best friend is drowning, but your only response is to say, “You disappeared for such a long time.” That’s not a friend at all, just someone who has been told to stay out of the shot by the director.
KISSING & INTIMACY
There’s very little and that’s fine. Since most of the series focuses on the hazing and adversarial relationship, there is no real space for true intimacy. When they are allowed to kiss it is sweet and tender and felt natural. The best moment for me is after they kiss on the rooftop. Immediately, Arthit turns away. His body language is so awkward. He bends himself as if he’s been punched. It’s a perfect example of his shy/conflicted nature in that moment.
My favorite moment in the series is the scene between M and May, when he confesses his feelings and tells her he will wait until she is ready for him. It was a beautiful, tender moment and both actors played it very well.
THE DOWN SIDE
Episodes 1-11. Yeah. There’s a lot to dislike.
SUMMARY
Sorry folks, I don’t recommend this one. I’m not certain I can sit through SOTUS S, either. I feel compelled to give it a chance, since Kong & Arthit will be in an actual relationship and we might get to see some real character development instead of endless hazing, but I’ll probably wait until I watch other series before I revisit this franchise, as I would assume the writing is on the same level.
Was this review helpful to you?
It was nice to see new here, I liked him as Kao so it was a nice surprise . I liked some of the side characters but not enough top watch the show till the end.
I like characters in established relationships so I'm going to skip to Sotus S and hope it's better than this one and the actors are more comfortable in their roles and ship.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Unromantic BL Classic
I feel that this show was more focused on this SOTUS system than it was on the couple. I didn't like that they wrote in their friends' drama, including the side couple. It felt unnecessarily distracting and it added no spice.There weren't many intimate scenes between the leads. People say this is enemies to lovers (which I love), but this felt more like Kongpob was pretend flirting and he accidentally fell in love. There wasn't enough romantic development for me to feel like I was on the journey of a romance.
I didn't understand why people loved this show so much until I read the novel. It included insight into Arthit's character that was necessary to appreciate the character and their romance. The cast did a pretty good job of bringing the novel to screen. I'm not sure if this means that the plot itself was lacking or that they added too much and dragged the show on for too long.
Overall, this is a classic BL drama that people recommend and I can see why. It was satisfying when they got together and it was pretty sweet, if you can take into account how Arthit's feelings develop. The music made the drama feel hyped up enough that I had to finish the whole thing in two days.
Was this review helpful to you?
STORY: In reality, i actually still do not agree about hazzle thingy, so at first the summary did not really impress me. But i still should watch it, because of Singto's adorable smile in U-Prince. I admit, the story is well written. But (again) unfortunately, i watched this series after i watched LoveSick, so i do not have another choice but to compare them. LoveSick were focused on the main couple's feeling, so it was full of sweetness (i almost got diabetes). And Sotus Season 1 were not as sweet as LoveSick, since its the beginning of their relationship, so it kinda lacks of sweetness (i need more, ya know). But i'm still hoping that in the Sotus S they would show me bunch of sweetness.
ACTING/ CAST: Before i know that Singto is actually Krist's senior in reality, i actually scared of Krist, but now i kinda scared of Singto haha. Krist's acting skill of being scary, being annoyed by Kongpob, being cute and awkward, also being nice is perfect for Arthit. Singto was also good as Kongpob, he totally looks like a student with so many question in his life, so i think he looks perfect as Kongpob. Another supporting actors, like P'Off and Newie is also good as a supporting characters, they got into my eyes, and linked me into another series. GODDAMN IT!
MUSIC: I do not really observed the musics. But, i have no negative comment about the music, it's just compatible for the story, so i guess i like it.
REWATCH VALUE: For me, this drama still lacks of sweetness, and i'm not the type of person who re-watch a drama again and again, so, maybe if i should re-watch it again, i would probably re-watch the sweet moment only. But LoveSick broke me into pieces, i re-watched it 5 times, i guess.
SPECIAL NOTE: I'm a k-drama lovers, and i'm a newbie in Thai-series. But i already found many handsome, cute, tall, and hot actors in Thai-series. I actually tired to know more new handsome yet cute actors in dramaland. If anyone have some tips for me to rescue my life from those actors, please tell me the secret haha. Sotus S! I'm waiting for you! I miss P'Off and P'Gun already.. haha
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This show is one of the only show with school theme in them that seems really beside “2 Moons” and “The Crossing Line” I didn’t think I will like this show, but the plot is really great. The side characters are very interesting people, and not fell like a time be using to fill in the gaps. I like to competition aspect of the show where they are fighting to get their gears. But around episodes 11 to 14 the show lost my interest in it. But I did like how they ended the show. I will mostly not watch the second season though. Was this review helpful to you?
Watching SOTUS Felt Like Falling In Love
Watching this show, I had a similar experience with Carol, where I felt like I was experiencing a deep, profound love. Watching SOTUS felt like falling in love, being loved, realizing that you are worthy of love, that love is worth fighting for, the pain of having your heart broken and sharing your life with someone. The writing is oh so good. The performances are wonderful. I love how grounded and real this show is (like when compared to 2gether). The chemistry between Krist and Singto is electric (as can be seen in their live appearances). I was introduced to SOTUS after doing some research about more popular BL series after binging 2gether. I simply adored this season though I felt that there wasn't enough scenes between Arthit and Kongpob. There was too much filler with the secondary characters in my opinion. I still absolutely loved this season though.Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
As others have mentioned, the first episode really threw me off. I started this series a couple of times but could not get past the first episode, but it was so worth it. This has become one of my favorites. The story starts off with what we would call straight up bullying and I just couldn't imagine as the one doing the bullying as the love interest. Once I figured out it was more of a cultural difference thing and when you learn their reasons for doing what they are doing it eases it a bit.
I love the main character, love how he doesn't really care what people think just what Arthit thinks. It helps that they are both easy on the eyes, especially when they smile. The story is a bit slow going and there isn't any hot and heavy scenes, but if you like the warm feel good, love the mc kind of story this is for you.
Story: The story is pretty good, it dragged in some parts and others I was a little put off by but again I think it was a cultural difference type of thing. I would love to read the story which it was adapted from as I feel I messed a lot of the details that would have made this story great.
Acting/Cast: I don't think anyone could have filled the roles as well as these 2 did. They had such chemistry and Kongpob fit his role as a cheeky jr. Arthit was so serious that when he gave his smiles it felt like winning...something. Their acting was believable (and from what I can tell many fan girls want it to be true in rl) and it never felt forced, something that is usually wrong in BL dramas
Music: Got to be honest, I don't remember the music much but from what I can remember it fit the mood great.
Rewatch value: I am not one of those people to rewatch something again and again. I'm usually a once and done kind of person or once and then maybe a few years down the road kind of person. This series though, I'm already wanting to rewatch it, just to see what I missed and to see the 2 leads chemistry.
Overall, give a go if you like slow romances and just power through the first few episodes. Also follow up with Sotus S the sequel is so worth it!
Was this review helpful to you?
LOOKS: Kong(Singto) and Arthit(Krist) they are both handsome and very pleasing to your eyes.
CHEMISTRY: Their chemistry is not so perfect but still they give justice to their specific roles.
ACTING: I feel awkward the way Arthit acts here since he is really a bad ass but his looks is different. I can say that he is trying his best to be mean but in the end he did good. For Kong, I can say that he stand out. He portrayed his role well and he really kick off the role well.
STORYLINE: This is the first BL Series that I watched so far and the gear thing in the Engineering course is their signature. The story proves that when it comes to love you are willing to change. If you are a bad ass you are willing to change just to fit with the person that you love.
# PrinceEldie's Review 2021
Was this review helpful to you?
