The Eclipse (2022)

10/10

The Eclipse is one of those dramas I wish I could blindly watch again. This BL is #1 for me and I honestly believe nothing else will ever be able to top it. First and Khao are wonderful together in this series. For a while I put off watching this BL because of how the cover looked, I thought it’d turn out to be boring but I was completely wrong.

My favorite scenes in this series is when Akk and Ayan are comforting each other. The communication and trust between the two were so fulfilling. The side characters were great as well. The plot twist was shocking, I didn’t see it coming at all. (When it turned out Tua was actually the one behind most of the bad events occurring).

First in this series was amazing, his characters development was outstanding. Once Akk realized he could trust Ayan, he opened up to him and actually turned out to be very emotional. (Vice versa with Ayan actually).

Also, the kiss scenes… they had me running laps around my room. I’ll never forget this BL and I’d recommend it more than any other. There is going to be an Our Skyy 2 episode for this series, which I’ll for sure watch once it airs.

In total, please watch this. You will not be disappointed.

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Would re-watch earlier episodes but would never sit through the whole series twice.

Before “The Eclipse” I wasn’t a fan of First Kanaphan Puitrakul. Saw him in “Not Me” and “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers”, and although I recognized his acting skills, there was something about the actor I just couldn’t bring myself to like. So when I saw that he was the lead of a series, I was skeptical if I should even check it out. However, after seeing positive reviews and high ratings, I decided to give it a shot, and man, was I in for a pleasant surprise! His head student prefect role was soooooo perfect for him! He really did an amazing job! And Khaotung! Their chemistry was so good I immediately shipped them! Khaotung’s opening ost too, is fire! The only song/music I liked from the whole series.

The Eclipse, like many BLs, had a strong opening and many good episodes. I particularly like the authenticity and dynamic of Akk’s friend group and the Jam gang. I love that Khan, Akk’s friend, brings a different perspective and challenges him when necessary, and does it in a respectful-prefect manner. I love that the Jam gang was passionate about their beliefs and protested in a civil manner; they were mindful of only protesting when students were on break, etc.

Ayan started as a very woke and rational character in the earlier episodes and his arc to find the truth behind his uncle’s death was extremely interesting. Though of course that’s swept under the rug when his uncle’s notebook gets stolen.

The plot, character chemistry, and script were brilliant, for the most part, but as we head toward the end, that's when things took a turn for the worst.

“The Eclipse” biggest pitfall is that it tried too hard with its plot twists and dropped too many hints that you could see the tropes they were going for coming episodes away. Thua’s PREDICTABLE arc in episode 11 needs to go. I know it was done for shock value but it was so out of character, out of place, and downright ridiculous. That scene alone is a 0/10. We’re only reviving it to 7.5/10 because of FirstKhaotung. And I’m sorry, Wat’s idea to save them from that madness stunk and made 0 sense! So people aren’t okay with two classmates dating in real life but are cool with said classmates putting on an act that they’re dating for a short film?? What??! And why did it matter if they filmed the short film when it was a made-up lie in the first place? The other students and teachers weren't going to see it anyway since it wasn't an in-school contest?? Besides, I doubt their homophobic school would want to see the film's end results anyway???

That teacher Chadok and teacher Dika's relationship was so obvious I was deadpanned the whole time it was revealed. My biggest question is what is Thua and his stepfather’s relationship truly like? What bad things happened when teacher Chadok was head student prefect? All we saw was that as a high schooler, Thua’s stepfather was locked inside a room. What kind of curse is that?? And if Thua and his stepfather didn't get along because he’s gay, then does that mean Thua’s stepfather hated Chadok too because he’s gay? Or was that not known back then?

Whoever edited Wat’s “The Eclipse” short film…why is it more of a trailer and why did they include clips from the series and thought we’d appreciate it? We know the characters themselves didn’t film some (all) of the shots when we’ve seen the positions of their camera. The whole scene was cringe.

All in all, I would definitely rewatch some of the earlier episodes but you couldn't pay me enough to sit through the whole thing again.

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i mean.... eh

well alright then, lol. the first... what, 8 episodes were very repetitive and very slow. most of the time it was on and off tension both romantically and negatively between ayan and akk. akk kept going back and forth from hating ayan to blankly staring at him in awe, switching to negative for tiny reasoning. yes, its character development, but, they could have done all that shit in an episode or two rather than taking up 8 with active and drawn out repetitiveness. with akk slowly knowing who he is and who he likes mixed with his hell of a school life kinda makes sense why he acts/acted like that.

akk and ayan were the main couple and khan + thua were the side. i actually feel like they waited a loonnng ass time to bring khanthua's relationship together. they put some scenes with them in the show and then shoved the rest of their relationship into a few scenes throughout a couple episodes, adding some little moments to keep people liking them at the end.

the only things that kept me going through those eps 1-8 were the actors cause i love first and khaotung, along with the occasional romantic tension between ayan and akk. episode 9+, was great. nice plot twists + news flashes, cute moments, character realization, etc. the one thing i do have to say about ep 9-12, is that so much is packed into those episodes that its genuinely a lot to take in at once. twist, on twist, on twist happened so fast with a sprinkle of immensely active/mildly overwhelming scenes. all of those things slowly scattered through the show with better planning and some adjustments, i feel like would make it a lot better and not as plain for the first 2/3 of the show. its almost like a staff member switched a lever in the script world and was like "hey...this is kinda boring, shall we bombard with greatness?". i bet every person at that long conference table raised hands and it was a done deal. other than that, its okay. i will be getting ayans jacket on etsy though... thats a must.

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Worth a watch!

I honestly don't understand just why everyone seem to be so upset about the story, as I at least found it to be one of my favourite things about the show. One’s experience might depend on how you watch them, if you do a marathon or episode by episode, but I really enjoyed how they shifted between the different moods and scenes. I did feel a bit weird about the very last episode, since the very last part felt very rushed and sudden. But this was an exception in a series which managed to convey some real issues and problems in school, as well as providing some seriously great characters.

Naturally, it is hard to be unenjoyable when you have some very talented and sincere actors taking up the main roles. Khao and First both did an exceptional job with Ayan and Akk, who felt so so real. They conveyed two characters, who each had so many good and bad sides, and how they both helped the other to change and improve as a person. They had so many tiny and insubstantial moments, which became genuinely amazing by their subtle eye work and body language. And just to add, the way Ayan handles Akk's reactions and feelings is the most mature I have EVER seen in a Thai drama. Not that there aren't great examples out there, but this just blew me out of the park. I have never been sooo close to crying at someone holding another's face, but HUUUUH!

Most of the side characters also felt relevant and fleshed out in the story. They weren't just there for show, but also grew and had motivations, and I was very surprised at how some of them evolved. Kan and Thua weren't truly side characters, since they had so prominent roles in the series, but damn did they surprise me with all the small, almost unnoticeable moments.

The plot twists were, in my opinion at least, quite good, and at the very least, very surprising. I think they mostly felt very in tune with the rest of the plot, and god the motivations of every character! Everyone has something to win or lose, not that it is life or death, but no one is truly neutral in the conflict, and THAT is something I think the directors should get some kudos for.

I really want to be more eloquent about this, but I just felt a bit surprised by how many people were disappointed by the plot, and wanted to give my opinion for potential viewers to see. There were certainly points to be improved, and yeah, some awkward moments, but overall, The Eclipse was a series I will remember, and probably rewatch, for quite some time.

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One of my fav bls

First of all, I'll start off strong my saying how much I LOVED the intro. The music, the editing, everything was good about it. I think it really fit the atmosphere of the show and enjoyed watching before each episode started.

Second of all, let's talk about the story. I really liked how what the plot was at first, since it was very different from bls I usually watch. I thought there was a good balance between the "dark" side of the story and the "light" side of it. The characters were really relatable, they felt real, human. There was a lot of depth to, in particular, Akk. I also liked that the characters vulnerable moments were shown like they were. It was very emotional and normalized. Boys can cry, and I liked how it was shown into this show. I also liked the part of confusion, discovery and acceptance that came with Akk trying to figure out his sexuality. The chemistry between Akk and Ayan was on point. BUT, (**kinda spoilers ahead) now let's get into what a disliked a bit about the story. First of all, the whole plot regarding Dika's death was overhyped in the story with what it was. Don't get me wrong, I was gladly surprised with how it turned out. But the whole "vibe" and promotion of the show was making me think it would be more of a crime thing. I do have to add that I liked that the darker side of the story was oriented towards the whole curse thing and the protests. I just wished it would have been centered a bit more on Dika's death.
Moreover, I was really mad at how things turned out with Thuea. I started the show loving, but ended up hating him. But not because of what you might be thinking. I don't hate him for wanting the truth to come out and doing the whole curse thing. I hate him because he OUTED Akk and Ayan when Akk was still trying to figure things out. In my opinion, he had no right to do that. He had the right to be mad at Akk and expose him regarding the curse, but not regarding his personnal relationships. He attacked Akk and Ayan by doing so, and I think that is terrible and not okay. Exposing the truth about Akk being behind the curse is what's important, why out him like that? And ESPECIALLY because Thuea is attracted to men himself and has been bullied for it his whole life, why would he out Akk and Ayan like that??

Third of all, I have to give a 10 for the cast. The actors were AMAZING! I was able to be completely immerged in some scenes and it was so enjoyabe! Akk and Ayan's actors have such great chemistry, it was really fun to watch. The actors also portrayed their characters in such a relatable and realistic way, I really enjoyed it.

Fourth of all, I did enjoy the music, especially the one for the intro. The rest was quite alright, but nothing spectacular.

Finally, I can't put the rewatch value higher then 7. Indeed, there were some great scenes between Akk and Ayan that I could easily rewatch end enjoy, but the plot surrounding it just isn't really interesting to rewatch in my opinion. After finding out what the curse was about and the truth about Dika's death, I feel like rewatching it wouldn't bring me any satisfaction.

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This was a masterfully beautiful series.
I must admit I didn't start watching this immediately because at first it didn't really catch my attention but once I started I binged what was already released and then eagerly anticipated the rest.
While some might question the motives of some of the protests in this series (since I did at first as well) The Eclipse very skillfully puts a lot of metaphors to good use. Unfair treatment, oppression, having your opinions silenced, homophobia, depression, suicide....they didn't shy away from hard topics and it was shown in a very sensitive way.
I liked how in the beginning Akk was so shut off, so negatively influenced by his surroundings and when Ayan challenged those views, instead of his whole world changing it rather expanded to accept another's point of view. Nothing was ever forced.
The chemistry in this series is off the charts. Khao and First should definitely be in more series together, romantic or not because the ease with which they are around each other is beautiful and you can see the deep friendship they have.
First is such a versatile actor and it was interesting to see how much this role contrasted with his role in Not Me, from a character who fought and bled for his beliefs to one that tried to prevent others freedom of speech was quite a sight and he did so well.
Khao was perfection. I haven't watched a lot of his stuff and I didn't care for him in Tonhon/Conlatee because it was a dumb series and this here just proves that a good director and script is key in bringing out the best qualities in an actor and he sure delivered. I loved the seriousness interspersed with his wittiness.
The other characters were great too. Neo should definitely take on more serious roles because damn that boy can act, I hope after this he isn't pigeon-holed into comic relief roles too much because he can do so much more.
(Also really loved Wat's chemistry with teacher Sani, at times it felt kind of romantic but also more like a beloved mentor, I feel like it's a relationship that has the possibility of changing when he's older and experienced more in life)
Loved Khao's OST as well, he has such a soothing, pleasant voice.
All in all, this a great series and I wish it had gotten more buzz (most of that was taken by Vice Versa which I liked, it was fun, but the product placement killed me after a while and detracted from the story way too much)
Don't be afraid to give this a shot, no regrets will be had.
(As for rewatch value, I don't usually rewatch things because once I've enjoyed something once it isn't as fun the second time around so it's viewers choice but it'd definitely be enjoyable no matter how many times you watch it.)

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Good thoughtful slightly political bl

Start was a bit average, went in not sure I'd like it.
Seen so many school related bls so I want any I watch to be good or I'll drop them.
Casting was great and the chemistry was amazing, main couple started a bit cliche but they get so good together I smile watching them.
Story had it's moments I thought could've been done better or I disagreed with but the overall message was one I found interesting and empathised with.
To sum up this show, it definitely gets better as it goes and never really fails, if you like the message and charecters I think you'll enjoy it.
Pacing was ok too, just the right length for this story, not much drag or filler.
Taking into account the bl scene this is one of the good ones and definitely an ok school themed drama.

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Total Eclipse off the Heart

I found this drama surpassed my expectations. I will say that the whole premise of the eclipse, even making the title of the drama “the eclipse”, was a bit misleading. It really had nothing to do with the drama or the story line whatsoever. Frankly I think it was a gimmick for marketing. But that aside, the story of a school demanding perfection and rules that many considered to be outdated in a modern society, coupled with a exploration of sexuality and the taboo of how it has been viewed in the past vs now, was really the heart of the story. The acting of the two main leads has really improved, and I liked how they played against their typical typecasts. I thought that they really had a lot to learn from each other. The whole story is really be more of a coming of age genre than it is anything supernatural. It’s about the expectations that pressure us as we go from high school into “adulthood “. And then you add in things like the death of a loved one, first love, conflict, and trying to figure out your place in society. At times they simplified these issues a bit. But overall I think that some of the criticism has been quite harsh against the drama. I will agree that the title and set up is a bit misleading. But I was riveted to find out the answer to the “mystery “of the uncles death. It wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, which was a nice surprise. It was very emotional and I actually cried. It may not be the best example of the genre; for that check out “He’s Coming to Me”, which did the mystery and supernatural storyline a lot better. However, this is still definitely a BL worth watching.

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Interesting but confusing

This BL has had some attention on social media and I was hesitant to start it myself because I felt like something would be off about the series. Ultimately I decided to watch it and honestly, every episode was confusing to me. Why is the school so strict on rules? Why is Ayan treated by Akk like the culprit? Why does Ayan even fall for Akk? The relationship makes no sense for me because it is based on Ayan teasing Akk and gradually getting him interested. This premise for a relationship does not make sense at all in real life. Maybe if they knew each other for longer but Ayan just transferred to the school and is flirting with a guy that treats him like shit.

Anyways besides the main couple, the side couple is really cute and their growth is nice to watch. This couple actually makes sense as to why they fall for each other, and they care for each other. Akk and Ayan do not care for each other so their jump to being together falls flat for me. Every episode was very similar, the rebels organize something, theyre stopped by the school and the prefects and Ayan flirts with Akk. There was some movement and the twist at the end was interesting. The ending was decent with the couples staying together and the school becoming less strict.

The acting and the cast is what saves this drama as much as it can be saved. The acting near the end with the more serious stuff and the confrontation was shaky but I stopped caring as I just fastforwared the last few episodes. The problem with this BL is really only the story and the pacing. I would not recommend this BL, just watching some of the BL cuts would be enough. The main couple feels like a couple that would be switched around another time. They do not have the chemistry needed to carry this drama.

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Having the right support matters

I was intrigued by the trailer, and I really enjoyed the series. I expected more in the terms of the mystery and suspense. I do think the pacing of the series was a bit off – it started very intense and then kind of simmered down. I am not really sure what bothered me with that kind of pace, maybe just that it was so different from what we usually get.

I wasn’t expecting such serious topics to be addressed through the series. I was honestly expecting another silly high school drama with a bit of mystery. However, topics of mental health (depression, suicide, pressure), the structure of society (following the rules) and LGBTQ+ issues are heavily present throughout the series.

I know that when it comes to mental health, the suicide of teacher Dika and his depression were supposed to be in the center. But I think that what we really need to talk about it Akk. Why? Because the thing that weighted so heavily on him was the pressure that him and others put on him. It’s something we see so often in today’s world, yet we very rarely realize when that pressure becomes to much someone. Often, the realization comes after it is already too late. I really like the way his struggles with trying to do his best were portrayed.

The structure of society is extremely present through both what is going on at school – the protest, the prefect club, the way they treat those who think differently – and in the books we see Aye read. Another thing that I found interesting was the philosophy class where all the thinkers believed in very different things from what the school expected from their students. I also really liked Wat’s “you are what you consume” speech.

As for LGBTQ+ struggles, the series focuses mainly on the teens (but not exclusively). I think the struggle of coming out and / or being openly gay in an only-boys school was shown really nicely. The doubts and the hesitations from Kan and Akk were really on point. Akk also struggled with the fact that being gay might ruin his image of a perfect son, a perfect student.

As for actors, I think they all did an amazing job portraying their character emotions and leading us through their stories. I love the friendship between Akk, Kan and Wat. The three are a mess together, but in a good way. I love how supportive they are of each other as well.

Akk & Ayan: There is no doubt that First and Khao have an amazing on-screen chemistry and that played their roles amazingly. Their romance is enemies to lovers kind of love, but it is done really well. I really like the fact that neither of them was abusive to the other or was bullying the other just because they “hate” each other. The way they supported each other long before they were official really warmed my heart.

Kan & Thua: I think Neo and Louis are a great pairing, they always deliver. Kan is a character that seems very unserious at first glance, but paying more attention, we can see how caring he is and how many details he notices. He also becomes more confident, more self-assured through the series. Thua was someone I felt a lot of empathy for at first – not only is he the target for many jokes for being openly gay, but also has his crush occasionally avoiding him to not start any rumors. However, none of that excuses what he did in the end. To be honest, he is maybe the only character in this whole series who I didn’t wish a happy ending for. But Kan deserved one, even if it was with Thua.

Ending was maybe a bit of a letdown. I really expected something bigger behind the whole Suppalo curse story. But at the same time, it felt kind of realistic to end the way it did. Kind of realistic being a very broad definition, of course.

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Efficient and throws a meaningful punch at quite a few topics

There was not a single thing unnecessary in this drama.

No dragging. No ridiculous subplots. Zero useless characters. Each one was developed.

Superb chemistry. Real emotion. Believable progression.

You can see where I am going with this. One word is efficient in all of its goals which were hefty for this drama.

The topics treated in this drama went beyond relationship and sexuality. They touched upon power structures (they even inserted Orwell in there), revenge, love across ages, depression... what touched me the most: the unconditional friendship. The prefect trio were really perfect friends to each other, admirable in the consistency of their support.

Soundtrack gives me Troye Sivan vibes and it is memorable. Not many hot scenes. More on the character development typa bl. I was not emotionally moved by cinematography or story but I cannot see any minuses really.

If it was not obvious..An absolute recommend.

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Weak plot, cheap production

I like the two main actor's performance here, but everything else is a mess. The gay gang who were protesting for more freedom was annoyingly stereotyped and their protest seemed unrealistic. I couldn't buy the oppressive environment of the school because the cheap production gave a fake scent to the entire show. Although the series intends to be political and discusses about freedom in a authoritarian system, the result is a childish-like and silly series. The production and acting (apart from the main actors) seem to be so amateur and (unintentionally) humourous that the viewers have the feeling they are watching a Grade 9 school play. Since the series is not more than an amateur school play, all the political situation and possible discussions are wasted. The viewers cannot even remember that this is (supposedly) a political series because we are embarrassed by the various ludicrous and amateurish scenes.

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