I Promised You the Moon (2021)

Let me start with admitting that I like cheating plots. I know for many people this is a red flag, but I really like how it pulls on my heartstrings. In real life it's a red flag for me too. So I don't hate this because of the cheating plot. I was really excited to watch it. I Told You About Sunset wasn't satisfying me at all. I wanted to know more about those characters, to understand them more. But after watching the sequel, I don't know anything. Until the very end I have no idea who those characters are. What was going on with Teh? So sensitive, so dramatic, and then so ... I don't know. It's too cheesy and too shallow. I feel like the script writer just wrote down his own fantasies and maybe his own experiences. This is about love and lust, and we just have to believe that those two love each other. I feel they don't match each other at all. It's just sooo dramatic. If not for the actors who have good chemistry, and apparantly a deep bond, this wouldn't work at all. The actors behave in real life like a long married couple. It's astonishing. I have never seen such a couple before. There is no fan service, no shyness. It just comes to them naturally and without any drama. They really deserved better. I would watch those two any time in another production with a better script! Maybe I should watch "My Ambulance" where they also worked together.
To make it short: great cinematography, nice soundtrack, good acting, but cheesy and amateurish script. The plot is pretty okay, but the characters are written in such a bad and shallow way - it's terrible. But since I enjoyed the series and like I said, the whole production is pretty good, I give it 7 stars out of 10.

Read More

Not a masterpiece but oh man the character progression! Mature, nuanced storytelling

I know I’m the odd one out here in the sea of masterpiece reviews for both ITSAY and IPYTM, but see below for my honest thoughts on this without rose coloured glasses on. I’ll preface this by saying I thought ITSAY was good, but not a masterpiece either. Which meant I went into this 2nd season without much expectation or bias.

The Story: I actually think they showed a lot more restraint with the storytelling in this season. The storyline may not have been what we wanted to see (mainly, the cheating). But I think it was actually a better told, more fleshed out & mature story than the 1st season was. I say they have more restraint here because one of my main criticisms with ITSAY was that a lot of scenes were very overlong, drawn out and extremely melodramatic. I got tired of the tediously long crying and phone related scenes that went on forever. I feel like they utilized screen time a lot more efficiently in IPYTM to add to the story rather than drag it out where it wasn't needed. Although I'll admit I still personally liked the storyline more in the first season overall because I’m ALWAYS going to be more drawn to watching the “developing love” stage of a relationship rather than the “years into it working through relationship issues, after honeymoon" stage of a relationship.

I think a lot of people are disappointed with how their relationship develops this season and how shitty Teh becomes. I think their relationship progression was really realistic (which is probably why a lot of us aren’t super in love with it. Because I know I myself often come to romance dramas as an escape to see all the cute, lovely parts of relationships for example rather than the realistic, not so sweet aspects).
This season was a really strong narrative example of a teenage/high school relationship adapting to the “adult” world and all the realities that come with it. Because in real life you often do change, grow and become a somewhat different person as you mature and learn who you really are and what you want to do with your life etc. I think they really handled it well showing just how different both characters really are and their motivations in life. Their conflict was believable and realistic. Sad, but realistic.
Especially with childhood loves (or even friends)- you can really feel like they love you for who you were in the past and not who you are now. When someone comes in that gets who you are now or is more like who you want to be (Jai for Teh), it makes complete sense you may be drawn to them over what you see as the past you (or what you feel subconsciously may be holding you back -Oh-aew for Teh). Teh had emotionally moved on way before any physical action took place. His immaturity meant that he went ahead and acted on it without any care for his actual partner- which was really cemented by him confessing to Jai and wanting to progress with him. I'm still annoyed at what Teh did and if this were a real life romance, I would really be against Oh taking Teh back in the end. As I really feel like that whole scenario showed he really didn't love Oh enough, even if he did love him. But I understand this is a romance drama at the end of the day. And them getting back together was always going to be the end of their arc- no matter what happened in between.

Characters & Acting: Teh is a really immature and selfish character. He deals with situations immaturely and irritatingly compared to Oh-aews softer, more sensitive approach. I’m still not convinced these characters suit each other as Oh-aew deserves someone more emotionally in tune in my opinion. I find Teh pretty unlikeable in general if I'm honest.
The actor for Teh really improved a LOT compared to the first season though and we were weren't given a million of his sometimes cringey extended crying sequences- which I found a relief. I was much more impressed with his acting in IPYTM. His haircut and styling was also so much more flattering this season as well thank gosh. I thought they made him look really dorky and unappealing in season one- which combined with his personality made me wonder at times why Oh-aew even liked him.

Oh-aew was pretty whiny and needy in the first ep, but it was an important part of seeing his character grow and try to adapt to a different environment and life. He’s a soft character that I relate too a LOT more than Teh’s headstrong, abrupt attitude. The actor was incredible and nuanced here just like he was in the first season. I loved that he realized acting wasn’t for him and changed courses even against Teh’s whining. Because I really felt like the first season showed that Oh-aew didn’t really know what he wanted yet and that was something his character really needed to work through for himself over time. And he really did do that this season and I just love how they showed his character progression through the years.

Production & Music: There is no criticism here, it’s filmed and scored beautifully. The production quality of both seasons is far above pretty much any other Thai BL series. Beautiful.

Overall I think this season excelled at character development rather than romance and it did so better than probably any other Thai series I’ve watched. I didn’t necessarily love where the story went and enjoyed the sweet, romantic vibe of the first season more- but this season really did well at showing the future of both boys in a realistic way.

Read More

A good start for an incredibly toxic relationship

While having high expectations from the first season I must say I was disappointed with Teh's actions so much I couldn't keep watching seeing it got worse. The cinematography and music is great and I love the aesthetic and overall visuals, but the story went downhill for me. The way Teh kept acting selfishly and everyone around him kept accepting his behaviour as it only kept going worse is incredible.. the way Oh-aew accepted his apologies and kept loving him even after the way he acted is astounding to me, if anyone acted or did to me what Teh did to Oh-aew I wouldn't be keeping them around me, he absolutely deserved better and Teh needed time to stop acting as if the world revolved around him and getting disappointed people didn't act the way he wanted them to.

I just couldn't bear watching more of Teh even if I understood his stance to some extent but it was too much. The score I give it is for the great acting and visuals but I'm not a fan at all of the story. Would rather have imagined how it went for these two after itsay.

Read More

the disappointment is immaculate

I won't even boter to write a detailed rewiew because of how mad I am atm.
Honestly, Teh beacame absolutely insufferable , to the point where I just want him not to show up on the screen. He is extremely impulsive and immature. While Oh-aew is a cardboard, prettyboy who can't stand up for himself in their relationship.
Cheating was cliche but absourd simultaneously, and the relationship of the two leads felt dull and tenced, altho we knwo that they supposedly were madly in love with each other in ITSAU
I don't want to finish the story just to not ruin the ITSAU and it's characters for me completely.

Read More

What was I expecting?

I shipped Oh-aew and Q from the moment they met. They could have made a really nice couple.
Well Lets say the story till 4th episode was cool. But my guy Oh deserved better.
1 thing I don't get is Teh. Like he's been sus since episode 1. And idk why but for some reason I never liked that character. Maybe it's cause I didn’t like the acting, maybe cause Teh is very selfish and toxic or maybe cause of the aggressive smelling thing he did in season 1. I JUST DON'T LIKE THIS CHARACTER TEH AT ALL. And after all the things he did in season 1 he still had the freaking audacity to cheat on Oh-aew. I can't stand Teh and sometimes I feel like beating him up lol
Now lets talk about Oh-aew. PP did an amazing job. I love this guy so much. He has this weird ability of speaking through his eyes.
So the whole series they showed character development in Oh-aew. He starts loving Himself and giving priority to himself Which I loved a lot. But then he ended up getting back with Teh. All this self love and character development for literally nothing.
Oh deserved better. This series did him dirty.

Okay finally Q. My man stole the show. We all deserve a friend like him. And don’t even get me started on his visuals. Guy is an eye candy. The way he took care of Oh ? such a sweetheart. I shipped him with Oh so hard. I really wished they ended up together.
But lol it had to be the most stereotype ending.
The guy playing Q deserves lead roles. He's so good. And I'd cry if him and PP were partners for a series. Please just think about the acting and chemistry and of course visuals ?.

Read More

This Second Season Was Kinda Doomed

First off. "I Told Sunset About You" (the first season) was a masterpiece. So anytime there's a follow up season to something like that, its kinda met with unrealistic expectations. I really tried to keep my own expectations in check for this, however they still did influence somewhat how much I enjoyed this second season. I should say upfront too, season 1 had me in tears many times. This one did not get me once. Which says a lot right away about its effectiveness. Let's get into the positives first.

The soundtrack for this second season was fantastic. Really good follow up soundtrack to the first season, which was also fantastic. PP Krit (Oh-Aew) was heavily focused on in this soundtrack to counter Bilkin's (Teh's) focus in season 1. I downloaded this entire soundtrack yet again and it was beautiful. The cinematography of his season, though not quite up to par with season 1 was still visually really pretty. I loved the use of colour again. Though less atmospheric because we have cityscapes which aren't really explored much, whereas season 1 had beaches and mountains. I wish we would've gotten to see wayyyy more of Bangkok because why not have our 2 main characters explore their new place of living! When we had smaller parts shown visually it was really nice though. I appreciated the exploration of livelihood and figuring out career paths. Some people have to change paths with experience and it can leave you feeling lonely and behind on life. But you can do something like change majors and still be successful! I understood where Oh's character was coming from in that regard heavily, and I also understood Teh's too. He can be upset with his own plans changing because of Oh's decision AND there's the whole added layer of his sacrifice in season 1 to get Oh into the program. Which in turn affected his own ability to get into a college he wanted. Making a new friend group too can be difficult on a couple. All this stuff was interesting.

So we get this good stuff narratively. However, I'm hella conflicted with this season overall. Some stuff was done so well, but other things were honestly cheap or out of nowhere. I didn't like just how much time skipping we had in this right off the bat. There was some in season 1, but it felt evenly spaced out. This second season it was all over the place and was very confusing what time frame we were in. The Jai stuff felt cheap and Imma say it again! Many MANY fans were not happy with that plotline and I get it. At least it wasn't done in a "common tropey" way, but we didn't need a cheating plotline. We really didn't. It could've just been something not carried out but thought about. There are lines to acting. Jai pushed them too far obviously and he gives directors a bad name. He also disrespected Oh on multiple occasions, including while he was sitting in on the play practice. The gaslighting ya'll was INSANE! There was also NO KISS IN THE PLAY which was a plot twist lol. Teh was naive, caught up in the lust of Jai's fantasy. Period, it was just work to him and nothing more.

Teh's character is complicated, we knew this. However, this season instigated the thought that nothing ever seems enough for him and that's frustrating. I didn't want Oh to end up walked all over again and that's basically what happened but he put up even less of a fight this time around. Though this also goes into many fans saying Teh never cared about Oh. Which also isn't true and ya'll know it. He came out for Oh literally, took care of him drunk, had a years long relationship with him. There's a deep connection there and people were just pissed about the cheating plotline. Once we get to the foreseen breaking of their relationship, I gotta say I was proud of Oh for breaking down at the karaoke bar and beating Teh up with the bouquet. I wanted to see a spark in him and we got that! However, he ultimately does go back to Teh and here's again where I'm conflicted. Did I want to see them together? Yes and I liked that Teh made a play about their love affair. However, it didn't feel fully deserved. We kinda just get Oh saying he wants to be with him but he doesn't need a forever from Teh. Which is kinda sh**. I kind of understand what they were trying to go for, but because this season wasn't as well written as season 1 it didn't eloquently portray what that meant. It just felt like Oh was being again walked all over and passive. Taking in a relationship that isn't even stable and definitely not one that his character deserves. I appreciate his talk with Bas and seeing old characters again be happy for them. But this wasn't it and I feel like either them not ending up together, or having been apart for far longer and coming back together in the end would've been stronger of an ending. This felt again cheap.

I will miss these 2 though and hope to see them together again soon in a series!

Read More

I get what I expect; phenomenal acting, straightforward storyline, and great cinematography and OST

After watching ITSAY, I expected a lot from the second part and yes it doesn’t disappoint me. Kuddos to all the people behind its success, the title itself is already beautiful so do the whole story. As a student who also studying communication arts, I feel so connected to the drama. The portrayal of Teh wanting to be an actor is great and it really shows how difficult it is for someone to become an actor without luck and given opportunities. Why is it so hard to do what we loved?

Indeed, University life is so different compare to our school days during high school. Most people actually change during this era, time is really valuable at this point. We are all chasing for our dreams in our own chosen path. I love the tension given to the couple; one is not ready to accept changes between those people who shares the same desired path as him and the other one chooses to let go of his long term dream the moment he finds out that it so difficult for him to pursue it. In our life, there are couple of times that we have to choose between giving up and continuing on going on.

But the main plot here is Teh cheating on Oh-Aew. During this episode I am so angry with what Teh did, he hurt his boyfriend big time. Oh-Aew breaking up with him is the satisfying thing ever and what people should actually do in real life. But I hesitated about my opinion after watching the finale. At some point, I just wish that the ending is the two of them had their closure and became a good friend only but a part of me also agrees with the ending, because I really witnessed their love story and I must say that maybe giving Teh another chance isn’t a bad idea. Just like Bas said to Oh-Aew some couple become stronger after getting back together and some become toxic. Personally, if I am Oh-Aew, I don’t want to be with Teh again.

Overall, it was an extraordinary second part. Excellent acting from each of the cast, it was so realistic and very convincing to us, the viewers. Great sequence of story and amazing cinematography/editing skills. Plus, another pretty OST once again, very romantic and pleasing to my ears. I love how they ended up the story filming back on Phuket where everything starts on. I guess Thai BL shows must be something like what ITSAY and IPYTM gives to me, no cringe acting, genuine and timely story with a very soothing relevant ideas from the first episode till the last one.

Read More

Oh aew and Q next project bl

Please director make oh aew and Q as main actor in other BL project please ??? I think many viewers want they as main actor cause I think they match together
Many viewers heart want oh aew and Q together not just me

So, we've got to the end of TehOhaew's story. I wanted to record my thoughts on this, and even though I'm terrible at reviews, I'll try my best.
At the finale, there was one song playing through my head: Selena Gomez's The Heart Wants What It Wants. I guess it fits the situation Oh-aew has been ever since season 1. Wouldn't things be easier with Bas? Maybe with Q...? It's a shame that some things are out of our control.
This season could've been better, but mostly at the last episode when I was divided between 'I love it' and 'Why, Jesus, why?', I felt the butterflies. I thought I wouldn't, but man, the same feeling was there, this mix of 'they're cute, but soo complicated it gives me a headache'. Billkin and PP once again amazing, their chemistry off-charts; the cinematography was incredible. I like it, not as much as the first season, but enough to still be happy that we've got to see them again. Please make another project or season with oh aew and Q as main actor and that will be BL drama hits

Read More

Disappointed

Lost most of the magic that season 1 (ITSAY) had, and honestly I already knew that was going to happen. Season 1 was so special that it felt impossible to top or come close to. After about episode 3 I really had no desire to finish this but I stuck through thinking it might change, it did not. The acting and cinematography were good but the issue was with the writing. There was nothing there to captive me or entice me to continue watching. I agree with another reviewer that it would have made things a lot more interesting and realistic if Teh and Jai ended up together, while Teh and Oh-aew came to the realization that they've outgrown each other and simply decided to remain good friends. I know the fans would've collectively had a stroke with this alternate plot but it would have made for a much more interesting season.

Read More

Relationships aren't perfect

!!!!! This review was written 10 months ago!!!
I just realised I never posted it on the review page also this was my first review so it is kinda repetitive. also I don't remember what I wanted to put for the rating so don't trust that.


I watched ITSAY a while ago and have been holding this series off because of all the hate on it.
With the main factor being the cheating, I must say that this sequel was not perfect. However it was still portrayed well and was one of those series that ignored the typical fairytale stories and really showed the problems that real life couples face.

I have been preparing myself too much for the cheating factor and now I realise that it was very unnecessary as it was not as bad as I expected. I'm not saying it was ok NO NO it WAS NOT but I was happy to see the Jai was very understanding toward the whole situation and towards Teh who was already confused as hell.

Now I would mainly like to comment on the ending:
I understand why many people have different opinions toward the ending and would have rather preferred another ending where Teh and Oh went their separate ways. At first I was very focused on the cheating aspect when going into this but I quickly realised that it was just a tiny aspect of the whole meaning portrayed, especially toward the ending.
A lot of people were mad at Teh and Oh ending up together which I totally understand because I also felt like that throughout most of ep 3, 4 and 5...however there are a few things I would like to point out.
Let's face it Teh fucked up real bad and we all wanted to punch the hell out of him. I was fucking happy when they broke up but here is why I think that them getting back together wasn't specifically bad:

Ok so remember when Teh met up with Bas again and Bas gave out the words of absolute wisdom. Well those words conveyed the outcome actually. bas said that for some couples it's better to try to get back together and for some it would only toxify the relationship (words of wisdom my guy) and Oh answered "How will I know?", well here is the thing you don't. So Bas basically said that you will never know unless you try and that is exactly what Oh decided to do.

To be honest, the ending that we got is just one of many. In this story Oh decided to try again, knowing that it might hurt him, but he knew that nothing would ever clear the confusion up if he didn't try. Some may say that he shouldn't have done that and some may think that it was a good move,...that really comes down to the person since you really will never know unless you try.

A lot of us did not get the ending we wanted but really the ending can be considered an open ending if you think deeply. Oh and Teh chose to walk their path in the end and that path just happened to be the same one.

If they never met after the breakup, maybe they would be walking different roads. If Oh never went back to Teh they would probably also be walking different roads. If it comes down to it, if Teh didn't cheat on Oh....they might of still ended up going different paths. Again, the ending that we got is just one of many. If you never got the desired ending, just pretend that Oh made a different choice. We also don't know if they even lasted after getting back together since their relationship was already very shaky.

Thanks for reading!

Read More

I'm sobbing, pulling my hair out, and peeing on the ground

Wow. I just binged watched I Told Sunset About You, Last Twilight in Phuket, and finally I Promised You the Moon. Literally (no joke) I skipped all of my assignments on a Sunday night and finished the last episode 5 minutes ago. I have class at 8am in a few hours.

I'm at a loss for words. Oh my gosh.

I've been putting off watching this because it's not the usually fluffy/cutesy/hot BL I normally watch. I knew ahead of time that this would be heart-wrenching and jaw-dropping. My soul is floating, my wig is on the floor, my ice cream is empty, and my heart is full.

Real. It's so real. I felt everything they felt. I hurt every time they hurt.

This tackled pain, tension, angst, happiness, and all of the ups and downs of life. The way the actors looked at each other had the strongest CHOKEHOLD on my emotions and I still cannot break free. I reacted AUDIBLY every single time something amazing or sad happened and my roommate was very concerned about my mental state.

Overall, if you've been on the fence about watching this, here is your sign. WATCH! IT! NOW!

Read More