Tom Jones
This review may contain spoilers
Best Thai BL 2020
Just to start things off, I began watching "I Told Sunset About You" with the impression that it was going to be similar to many of the other Thai BLs that have aired, but I was wrong (in a good way). This series drove me to write my first ever review on MyDramaList because I think it deserves more recognition since the character development and acting are top quality. Even if this series turns out to have a sad ending, it is 100% worth watching if not for the BL and plot, then the real and raw emotions that are evoked as you live their experience.
Plot: Although the plot centralizes on Teh and Oh-aew's school life, it goes beyond the typical BL trope of protagonists butting heads but somehow managing to foster romantic feelings for each other within the scope of one or two unrealistic interactions. It is refreshing how "I Told Sunset About You" does not fall for the easy pickings of high school drama but rather strives to exemplify the coming-of-age genre of finding validation and purpose in life. I really enjoyed how the series did not glaze over their childhood dynamics which influence the progression of how they interact with each other and the world around them later on. The child actors were excellent in portraying distinctive characteristics of Teh and Oh-aew, with child Teh being supportive of Oh-aew acting even though he wanted the role himself while Oh-aew was frank and upfront with how he felt throughout. These aspects directly translate to their personalities during adulthood and set the stage for complex character development and growth.
Although I know many BL fans (including myself) like to see the fervency and fluff between the characters, personally I feel from watching many Thai BLs or BLs in general that they prioritize the romantic connection above all else and then subsequently throw many saccharine scenes (which I do not mind lol) at us to wrap up the series. While I am not saying that a romantic revelation cannot be the crux and climax of the story, a well-rounded character with multiple areas in which they can grow is often more interesting to watch. Without featuring family, work-life dynamics, and friendships, the protagonist’s story becomes two dimensional and does not reach the potential it could have in enrapturing the audience and making its mark in the drama industry. I feel that this drama is different from the others because the sequence of events from their reunion, reestablishment of their friendship, and then forming feelings for each other was so natural, and you can tell at which point their friendship evolved into something more. Even though we do not get their first kiss until later on in the series, I was even more touched by the attentiveness that Teh had for Oh-aew early on, remembering how a certain person sniffling indicated a back itch and helping him relieve it. This minute perceptiveness and subconscious small gestures are so sweet and make me want to comb through the episodes once more to see if I missed any. Additionally, I love how the script writers emphasized communication and reporting how one truly feels. I am often frustrated with how minor misunderstandings that could be resolved with talking to the person is blown up into a whole debacle (i.e. trope about seeing partner with ex/perceived lover). Rather, this series bypasses this convention through the characters checking in on each other and better allocates screen time on the struggle of establishing who Teh and Oh-aew define themselves to be and who others are to them. They lead us to appreciate how fragile trust and relationships are and emphasize the necessity to listen and address the underlying concerns the other person has.
Acting: For the first time acting as main characters, BKPP have done an amazing job in conveying what the characters feel through words or expressions. Although some sobbing scenes could have been more refined, in the vast majority of their performance, their emotions down to their microexpressions were on point. At times of subtle rejection, BK’s tendency to form teary eyes while pretending to be fine was the icing on top of the cake. There are so many well executed, emotionally charged scenes that you cannot help but to experience those emotions alongside the characters. I especially like how BK at the end of ep. 4 conveyed his grief under the stress of his circumstance in such an unfiltered and unfettered manner. Crying is not always as beautiful as they usually portray in films and BK’s appearance reflects the devastation he is encountering perfectly. Knowing the sacrifices and experiences he had gone through made that scene all the more impactful.
Cinematography: The filming was on point throughout episodes 1-4, but there were a few scenes that took my breath away. The cinematography of BKPP wandering under the staircase in resort in a choreographic I move, you follow sequence and the underwater kiss were elegantly shot. Even the more intimate scenes were well adapted for them. The spontaneity and coarseness of their physical interaction highlight the impulsiveness of youth but also indecisiveness on Teh’s part from the quick withdrawal from further activity. This series utilized silence very well by allowing the characters and the audience to bask in the atmosphere uninterrupted which further fostered the appeal and fondness I felt. The chemistry between the protagonists is really out of this world, perhaps due to the characters being semi-inspired by the actors, BKPP being close in real life, the well-written script, the superb directing by P’ Boss or all of the above.
Sorry about this long post, but as you can probably tell, BKPP the series really has struck a place in my heart that goes beyond being a BL lover but one that craves for a portrayal of a genuine relationship that incorporates a well thought out plot, identity searching, and heart-wrenching emotions/acting (but realistic!) all in one. I really cannot believe how top-notch of a production this is and how other Thai BL dramas pale in comparison when analyzing at a deeper level. Both songs from BK “Skyline” and “Lost in Translation” are also great songs that I encourage everyone to listen to. Hopefully BKPP will continue to produce films together and that Nadao can keep up this good work (and produce more BL dramas)!
Plot: Although the plot centralizes on Teh and Oh-aew's school life, it goes beyond the typical BL trope of protagonists butting heads but somehow managing to foster romantic feelings for each other within the scope of one or two unrealistic interactions. It is refreshing how "I Told Sunset About You" does not fall for the easy pickings of high school drama but rather strives to exemplify the coming-of-age genre of finding validation and purpose in life. I really enjoyed how the series did not glaze over their childhood dynamics which influence the progression of how they interact with each other and the world around them later on. The child actors were excellent in portraying distinctive characteristics of Teh and Oh-aew, with child Teh being supportive of Oh-aew acting even though he wanted the role himself while Oh-aew was frank and upfront with how he felt throughout. These aspects directly translate to their personalities during adulthood and set the stage for complex character development and growth.
Although I know many BL fans (including myself) like to see the fervency and fluff between the characters, personally I feel from watching many Thai BLs or BLs in general that they prioritize the romantic connection above all else and then subsequently throw many saccharine scenes (which I do not mind lol) at us to wrap up the series. While I am not saying that a romantic revelation cannot be the crux and climax of the story, a well-rounded character with multiple areas in which they can grow is often more interesting to watch. Without featuring family, work-life dynamics, and friendships, the protagonist’s story becomes two dimensional and does not reach the potential it could have in enrapturing the audience and making its mark in the drama industry. I feel that this drama is different from the others because the sequence of events from their reunion, reestablishment of their friendship, and then forming feelings for each other was so natural, and you can tell at which point their friendship evolved into something more. Even though we do not get their first kiss until later on in the series, I was even more touched by the attentiveness that Teh had for Oh-aew early on, remembering how a certain person sniffling indicated a back itch and helping him relieve it. This minute perceptiveness and subconscious small gestures are so sweet and make me want to comb through the episodes once more to see if I missed any. Additionally, I love how the script writers emphasized communication and reporting how one truly feels. I am often frustrated with how minor misunderstandings that could be resolved with talking to the person is blown up into a whole debacle (i.e. trope about seeing partner with ex/perceived lover). Rather, this series bypasses this convention through the characters checking in on each other and better allocates screen time on the struggle of establishing who Teh and Oh-aew define themselves to be and who others are to them. They lead us to appreciate how fragile trust and relationships are and emphasize the necessity to listen and address the underlying concerns the other person has.
Acting: For the first time acting as main characters, BKPP have done an amazing job in conveying what the characters feel through words or expressions. Although some sobbing scenes could have been more refined, in the vast majority of their performance, their emotions down to their microexpressions were on point. At times of subtle rejection, BK’s tendency to form teary eyes while pretending to be fine was the icing on top of the cake. There are so many well executed, emotionally charged scenes that you cannot help but to experience those emotions alongside the characters. I especially like how BK at the end of ep. 4 conveyed his grief under the stress of his circumstance in such an unfiltered and unfettered manner. Crying is not always as beautiful as they usually portray in films and BK’s appearance reflects the devastation he is encountering perfectly. Knowing the sacrifices and experiences he had gone through made that scene all the more impactful.
Cinematography: The filming was on point throughout episodes 1-4, but there were a few scenes that took my breath away. The cinematography of BKPP wandering under the staircase in resort in a choreographic I move, you follow sequence and the underwater kiss were elegantly shot. Even the more intimate scenes were well adapted for them. The spontaneity and coarseness of their physical interaction highlight the impulsiveness of youth but also indecisiveness on Teh’s part from the quick withdrawal from further activity. This series utilized silence very well by allowing the characters and the audience to bask in the atmosphere uninterrupted which further fostered the appeal and fondness I felt. The chemistry between the protagonists is really out of this world, perhaps due to the characters being semi-inspired by the actors, BKPP being close in real life, the well-written script, the superb directing by P’ Boss or all of the above.
Sorry about this long post, but as you can probably tell, BKPP the series really has struck a place in my heart that goes beyond being a BL lover but one that craves for a portrayal of a genuine relationship that incorporates a well thought out plot, identity searching, and heart-wrenching emotions/acting (but realistic!) all in one. I really cannot believe how top-notch of a production this is and how other Thai BL dramas pale in comparison when analyzing at a deeper level. Both songs from BK “Skyline” and “Lost in Translation” are also great songs that I encourage everyone to listen to. Hopefully BKPP will continue to produce films together and that Nadao can keep up this good work (and produce more BL dramas)!
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