This review may contain spoilers
I was hooked from start to finish.
This was absolutely amazing, from the story, to the characters, to the music. Everything about it was beautiful. I did blubber like a baby during the last episode; I am emotionally attached to this series. EarthMix are wonderful too! They’ve really solidified themselves as one of my favourite BL ships.It was a bit frustrating towards the end with all the unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. This was top tear slow burn torture!!! It made it feel a bit repetitive and drags a little bit towards the end but the ending made it worth it all.
A Tale of a Thousand Stars deserves more attention. Definitely one of my favourites.
Was this review helpful to you?
Tian’s character growth was done so beautifully!
I am more than just impressed with the story! I was worried that the whole premise of the show will be how Tian falls for Phu (and vice versa) because of Torfun’s heart that Tian got through the transplant surgery. It’s what we usually see as it goes with the whole romanticized idea that love and emotions come from the heart. I was over the moon when Tul, Tian’s friend, said that our emotions come from the brain when Tian expressed his worries that his emotions might actually be Torfun’s emotions.The series is filled with extremely powerful and masterfully done imagery. I think some of the most memorable scenes are the ones where we see the comparisons between Torfun’s and Tian’s lives as well as the parallels between Tian’s old and new life. I think this is where we can really see how much progress Tian has made, just how much he matured and became a better version of himself. He went from this spoiled rich boy who didn’t value anything, to a very down-to-earth, grateful person who started to see value in little things. It was not an instant change, but a process that we got to follow through the series.
Phu & Tian: their relationship was really a slow burn relationship. I really liked the fact that they avoided pretty much every single cliché plot twist that we usually get in BL series. Instead, the actual conflicts came from just life running its course. It was refreshing to see. They both had their secrets, I guess we could call them that, that they weren’t ready to share with each other quite yet. Which is understandable, especially with them slowly developing feelings for each other. I think Earth and Mix have an amazing chemistry, they can portray a lot just through a gaze or a simple touch.
I think the cast in general did an amazing job with this series. The friends, the villagers, the kids… they all made the story flow so nicely. I loved how supportive they were of Phu & Tian’s relationship. I loved the fact that the friends who were the biggest shippers were actually straight – we didn’t get your usual everyone is gay series, which is another cliché in BL series.
The OST, the ending and even the sounds of the flute were perfect as well. I expected the series to make me cry at some point, however, I did not expect tears in pretty much every episode. It just shows what a great job everyone did when it came to portraying emotions. Tian’s guilt (even if misplaced) is something I could really feel at times.
It’s a must watch. Just keep some tissues on hand.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed it more then I thought
Honestly, I thought that this isn't exactly my type of series, but because everybody calls it a masterpiece, I decided to watch it, having very low expectations. But it was definitely not as boring as I thought that it would be. If you like I feel you linger in the air, you probably will like this, the vibe is pretty similar, but this is not as slow-paced imho.The first few episodes weren't that exciting, but after the whole "tea-mafia" (which I didn't expect at all lol) thing started, I was hooked. If I'm honest, I expect there to be a "super-natural element" because he has her heart, so I was a little but disappointed, but that's my fault for assuming that lol.
What I liked:
The setting in the village was very interesting and that's one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
All characters felt real, they weren't perfect or comically evil, expect Sakda (and to some extent Torfun but obviously they won't talk bad about the dead teacher they all loved).
The way they dealt with Sakda was realistic, in the end the police arrested them, Tian and Phupha
aren't super heroes after all, but real people.
That Tian actually says that he is gay (or at least Tul said that) and no of the "I'm don't like men, I only like him". And I liked Tul.
The slow burn. The slow burn was the slowest slow burn I've ever seen from a Thai BL and I love slow burn in romance.
The music and cinematography were perfect to set the atmosphere in this beautiful village.
What I didn't like:
Phupha. At first I was annoyed by how arrogant Phupha was and how he treated Tian. After that he became nicer, but I was indifferent to him. Usually I absolutely love the stoic and cold kind of character (Tin from LBC, An Zian from Like Love, Korn form UWMA, even Ram from my engineer etc.) but I didn't like Phupha for some reason, maybe he was a little but to "bland" (but realistic), which I only noticed because he is in most of the scenes.
I didn't ship Tian and Phupha at all, I'm sorry. I shipped the Doctor and Tian, Longtae and Tian, Phupha and Torfun even, the Doctor and Phupha, Rang and Tian. I'm honestly not sure why, but I didn't really feel sparks between Tian and Phupha, only an emotional connection after both of them have falling for the other.
The way Tian "killed" Torfun. That seemed like it was only there to make the villagers hate him. Also, the way of him saying he killed her and then it was actually his friend felt really predicable, like ofc he didn't kill her himself, because I knew that the villagers and audience wouldn't have forgiven him then. But the show should have addressed how bad street racing is, (and definitely illegal in Thailand).
Why was Tian blamed for not telling the villagers that Torfun was dead. Why did the Ranger never say anything??? If anyone, they should have told everyone immediately, but instead Tian was blamed. (But he was rightfully blamed for being one of the reasons for Torfun's death). Honestly, I don't even blame him for not telling the villagers that he "killed" Torfun, I mean they would not have accepted them there and then he could not have fulfilled Torfun's wishes etc, which was his main goal. But that's probably an unpopular opinion.
The ending. I really expected a better ending than this, especially after how carefully this universe was build. It makes sense that they decided not to be together after Tian leaves, but then, Tian has to leave to the US and magically Phupha meets him at the airport and wants to be with him?? This was weirdly cliché for this kind of series. What about all the reasons they didn't get together in the first place? Yes, you could say he noticed that he can't be without Tian after being apart from him for some time, but I don't buy it, a guy like Phupha doesn't seem to change his decision easily. Also, how about their two year long-distance relationship(? idk if they were together or if he just "waited for him").
And did we all forget that they spied on the couple on the “dog howling night”, that was creepy and very weird and not even funny.
All in all, do I regret watching this? No, but it was beautiful and fun at times. In my opinion it is not the masterpiece everyone calls it though. Not my favorite, but definitely not a bad show.
Was this review helpful to you?
Unique take on the BL genre
This series is a "must see" for every Thai BL lover, but I think that anyone can enjoy it too, because the story is quite unique and moving. When we meet the main character, he feels unhappy and his life is meaningless, even though he seemingly can have anything he could wish for. Dramatic events of one night set him on a completely new course. Guilt, redemption, hope, friendship, love, caring for others - you will find all these strong emotions, beautifully acted by the main and supporting cast.I encourage you also to watch the BTS materials, to see how much effort and dedication was needed to film this series, so that we can enjoy magnificent landscapes of northern Thailand and immerse ourselves in the life of a small village by the mountains.
It'a a 10 from me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the most beautiful BLs out there
It's stunning and beautiful in so many diffferent ways, not only in terms of cinematography but also story.It's a far more mature plot than we are used to in especially Thai Bls, but it's what makes it special. We see these two people step by step falling in love, but we also watch how Tian falls in love with the life at the little village and everyone and everything who is a part of it.
Lots of people are frustrated by the lack of kisses, but I think we got a lot of intimacy before that. I do wish though the actual romance after the disruption was handled differently and more thouroughly. Also more couple moments would have been nice!
While a lot started to hate Phupa for what he said and done and I get their frustration, I think it was understandable to a degree, why he misunderstood. I just wish they would have talked about it better.
EarthMix were lovely, I am glad they have Moonlight Chicken coming up!
The music was ewually beautiful and really elevated the mood and feeling.
I really don't know what kind of magic P'Aof puts into his work but I hope he never stops!
Was this review helpful to you?
Slowburn but great development!
While I do think the relationship developed a bit slow, it was very cute to watch. Tian, who recently got a heart transplant, follows in the footsteps of the heart's former owner and become a volunteer teacher in a small village. There, he meets Phupha, the chief of the forest protection service. Tian learns that his heart donor was in love with Phupha, and realizes that he may be falling for him too.I loved seeing Tian's growth as a character. From a rich kid with no cares in the world, ready to gamble away all his parents money, to an independent adult who decides that he should use his time to be around people that he cares about and help others. Seeing his relationship with Phupha develop was very satisfying and enjoyable to watch. Though there are moments of heartbreak and conflict, the dynamic between these characters is wonderful to watch unfold.
It did feel like a lot of the show was spent waiting for Tian and Phupha to finally be together. If you don't like a slow burn romance, this one is not for you. Personally, I enjoyed watching each character grow and change after meeting the other, and seeing how this change finally led them to be together was very satisfying.
Was this review helpful to you?
Loved it
Watched this after watching moonlight chicken. Loved it! The chemistry between the leads is delicious! Honestly, few actors and directors in this genre can pull off sexy, fiery chemistry with words and eyeing each other. It's practically G- rated and yet it feels very mature and not childish or cheesy at all. Additionally, the production is modern and detailed and professional. The OST is beautiful and fits the tone of the show some well. And all the characters main and support feel well fleshed out and enjoyable. I adored this series so much because it was so unexpected.Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful and deep with lot of heart - literally!
What a beautiful story, landscape, cinematography and actors, especially Mix=Tian. From behind the scene you can see how much he gave into the character. Very well done! I felt all the emotions!It's a very deep story about heart transplantation and what that mean for the recipient to get a new heart from a strange person.
The love story is slow and deep until it reaches the peak. Great chemistry!
There are a lot of very wise messages about life in this series, I liked it a lot.
A big complement to the director and screenwriter.
The OST ist wonderful fitting to the location and the story.
Rewatch value very high!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A series with real heart
I'll be honest, I only watched this show because I'm trying to work my way through all the shows that will be featured in Our Skyy 2 next year; I'd watched two shows and fell in love with them, so I figured I'd watch the rest. I also may be watching almost anything that has a hint of Khaotung Thanawat, so.After watching the first episodes I actually put the show on hold because it wasn't really grabbing me. However, this show is probably one of the best I've watched this year.
The writing and pacing of this series is much better and healthier than the majority of BLs, I feel, and it was really refreshing.
Something I was surprised to find myself liking is the fact we go through the entire show without any physically romantic scenes; let's be honest, we all love a good spicy scene, but this series really didn't even need any. The lead actors manage to convey emotion and chemistry without even touching each other, and whenever there is the odd lingering touch it really drags you in further. When we do get the kiss at the very end, it felt worth the wait (albeit a little unusual that two adult men declared their everlasting love for one another without even kissing, but we're all hopeless romantics now and then).
Another thing I feel like this show should be commended on is that it doesn't overly focus on Torfun's killer; yes, of course her death is a large focus, but there's no big REVENGE plot or anything, it's just people dealing with loss and trying to move on, and I felt like that was good. I know some people find Prem being the driver a cop out, but I think it served the main plot really well.
This show has a lot of heart, and I think the supporting cast should get credit for much of that. The children were fantastic, as were Nammon, White, Champ and Drake.
I'm really looking forward to the 1000 Stars episode of Our Skyy 2 next year, and I'm so glad I took a chance on this little series.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
EARTHMIX ARE ROCKING IT!
This story sure has some highs and lows and there were some moments that disappointed me but more there were moments that melted my heart and gave me butterflies in my stomach. Like every romantic scene of Tian and Phupha got me flying in space without oxygen. Without skin ship, their chemistry was seen just in their stares like the first time they ever met there was such a big attraction. I liked that no one really cared about their sexuality just Tian himself was worried cuz it was new to him but others made him sure it's really fine as long he loves the person. I loved Tian's moments with the children, they were so touching and those kids were so sweet but not so innocent towards the end, heheh. Doc Nam was our supporter from the beginning making our ship true and I really appreciate this character. Phupha was such a workaholic and also thought he's not good enough to find his love but Nam kept giving him confidence in his love life.What disappointed me was how everyone turned their back on Tian as they knew the truth about Torfun. I understood the villagers, Tian was still a stranger to them so they had rights to have trust issues but Phupha disappointed me in this matter. Not only he didn't understand the situation, he accused Tian of stealing Torfun's heart which she voluntarily gave as a donor. Plus it's not like Tofun was on the crosswalk, she literally ran to the road without looking around but others and even Tian blamed himself for her death. Tian had such a self-conscious throughout this story and when he needed Phupha the most, he was not there for him. I have to appreciate Longtae, our little Khaotun, played such a great friend here. He understood Tian the most without judging him and even overcame his own fears for him. I really enjoyed his character and his father Khama was literally the same, tried to understand Tian even as the leader without judging him. Really great character.
I get Torfun was really important to the story but sometimes it already got annoying when they were mentioning her name the whole time after every little thing Tian did, seriously but I liked her character. Even though she was rejected by Phupha, she kept wishing he finds the right person for him.
My favorite episode has to be 10th. It was so moving , the reconcilation was muahh and those kisses oh damn. Not even gonna mention the last scene with my dirty mind but really great story. Not my favorite bl but EarthMix really got my attention here and I'll definitely watch their other series
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of best BL's out there
If you want to watch a beautiful BL with insane chemistry - watch Tale of Thousand Stars!The story is well made. It's slow paces but the leads make each episode better than the other. The characters are written beautifully, the breathtakkng scenery and love the side characters too! It's worth mentioning about Tian's character growth from being the spoiled rich kid to learning about himself is brilliant. This isnt only story about love but self growth, discovery about yourself and life.
At first I wasn't sure why this BL seemed so familiar but then after couple episodes it me: it reminds of Sotus the Series (maybe it's just me?), not from the plot but the insane off the roots chemistry the leads have just by staring at each other. Sotus was also focusing less on touching and the pure, unconditional love they had and they didn't need to kiss or touch to show it. I absolutely love that when BL's do it.
I've always been a fan of that Grumpy x Sunshine love trope, where the grumpy one slowly gets to open up.
Phu is one of my favorite characters. At first he's seen as strict, very stern, not smiling. Him and Tian keep bickering yet have this chemistry off the roots from first scenes together. Phu slowly opens up to Tian, you see him slowly losening up and being less stressed. He falls for Tian and I loved we see him only smile with him. Those small, yet powerful stares they share - they don’t need any kissing scenes or spicy ones cos the eyes and their body language tells it all! God, I love stories like this where they don’t need touching because their gazes simply tell how much in love they are. That moment leading up to the most anticipated kiss.. soo worth it!!
(Though, just my opinion: no kissing for two years? I know they wanted it to be this romantic kiss but that got me thinking lmao)
The reason I am not giving this series 10 (I really wanted to) was the unnecessary drama at the end. It didn't fit the shows focus and shifted it for me too much, some of the drama between Tian and Phu seemed OOC for being there only for the sake of drama. The gang drama would have been enough - but Phu working for his dad all along was too much. Some of it seemed to be made up at the spot to create so much drama, when there was barely none in the previous episodes. They could have just done that Tian chose to study in America and Phu to wait for him (the scene at the wedding.. angsty for the sake of angst).
Despite this, I really enjoyed this and think it's one of the best BL's made for a long time.
Was this review helpful to you?
