MORE THAN JUST A LOVE STORY. ATOTS is GMMTV's nearly impeccable BL Series! --- 9.9/10

This series is a great way to start the year 2021. This series surpasses all my expectations in almost every aspects of this show. This series is exceptional when it comes to chemistry, acting, OST and especially the message they wanted to imply.

STORYLINE / MORALS

• ATOTS' storyline is so unique in the BL world. It's a game changer from the usual university-themed Y series we used to see in this genre. I am not actually a fan of slow paced series, but ATOTS is an exemption. The story is not so fast, and it results to more appreciation of every scenes. The last scene on episode 9 will be more perfect tho if they gave us a kiss (as per the novel's basis as well), but it was still okay due to their powerful scene execution.THE ENDING WAS SOOO GOOD. My eyes are sheding tears while smiling.
• What I love the most in this series is how they showed the contrast among social classes, and making the viewers learn how to value their lives. Showing the difference between people in the higher and lower class of the society results to realizations and understanding among its members. A rich boy realizing how happy living in a simple life in the village; however, if villagers have their choice will they choose to stay where they are? -- it's reality vs. practicality question. Khama's words of wisdoms tell us more about the message that this show wanted to imply.

ACTING / CASTING

• Their acting is so natural and effective, but I want to give a special commendation to Mix Sahaphap. He is a rookie actor, but the way he acts feels like he is doing acting for decades. The emotions was delivered properly, and it transcends from my computer screen. Meanwhile, I don't think anyone is more fit for the character of Phupha rather than Earth. Earth's expressive eyes and effective line delivery is what he made me impressed.
• This show proves that the chemistry among the actors is efficient enough rather than showing too much skinship. EarthMix's chemistry is overflowing, it's similar to fizz when you open a soda can.
• I would also love to commend the other casts in this series, they gave justice to the characters they are potraying. Tul and Longtae being the best friends of the year, the adorable kids in the village, the other forest rangers, Mr. Khama and of course Dr. Nam -- all of them are worthy to remember.

OSTs / Other Aspects

• Who wasn't attached to the sound of the flute? This show managed to put all the musics in the right timing without being too excessive. The OSTs are all pleasant to ears, and I love how they chooses Aye and Earth to sung some of its OSTs.
• The scenery and the village itself was so beautiful, and it becomes more attractive because of their amazing cinematography. It's obvious that they ensure to give their best for the benefits of the audience in this aspect.

Overall, I think this is my most favorite BL series from GMMTV along with He's Coming To Me & TOL. Kuddos to all the teams behind this show, and especially to the director. P Aof never disappointed me in the series he made.👏👏👏

PS. The 0.1 minus is for Phupha's beard...kidding😅

Read More

ITSAY NEEDS SOMETHING!

This is not a lengthy review, as other users already mentioned tons of great things about the series.
You can argue that other series' plots are way better than ITSAY's storyline. I mean, the story is somehow cliche - story of two man that are bestfriends who turn into enemies, back to bestfriends and being lovers at the end. So, what makes this series a topnotch for me? - IT'S THE OVERALL IMPACT. The plot is common, but the way they potray emotions, put hidden meanings, and execute the storyline make it stood out. This is a proof that a great storyline alone will not make sense if the execution isn't good.
I Told Sunset About You needs something, and that is an INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION. With this series who gave us splendid acting, outstanding cinematography, great OSTs and very relatable content, we can therefore say that THE WORLD NEEDS TO SEE THIS DRAMA.

Read More

Light On Me is a proof that a lighthearted BL drama can be GREAT!

Thank you for the 2 months of bringing such joys and excitements to every viewers. The great execution of story, the message and the chemistry between the actors are what makes it a great series despite the typical cliche storyline.

I wanted to praise that they chose to include and tackle about being "gay" in this show. Most Korean BL avoided that topic, and focuses only in love story. But, L.O.M included that which makes it more realistic than others. It's actually a big step knowing that (allegedly) there are lots of homophobics in Korea.

For me, this is one of the best BL drama produced this 2021, and probably the best Korean BL series so far. Light on Me is a living proof that a simple and lighthearted BL series can be this great! My Favorite BL dramas are mostly had angst like ITSAY, ATOTS, HE'S COMING TO ME etc., but Light On Me is now added to the list even if it is not super deep and complicated story.

Read More

The Gamble of Love. (with a little ITSAY vs. IPYTM)

Personal Review / Thoughts : I Promised You the Moon!

A Gamble of Love -- 9.5/10.0

[This review contains spoilers. Watch first the part 1: I Told Sunset About You, and part 2: I Promised You the Moon]

Production Design / OST

• When it comes to production design, Nadao's ITSAY/IPYTM are really the best that I've ever seen in a series. The cinematography, lighting, colors, and transition of music gave us a cinematic excellence. The background music is always pertinent to the scenes and it gave additional intensity. Sometimes, there are scenes where I am just staring at the beautiful shots they made. Meanwhile, the OSTs will surely soothe your ears. I am glad that all of the new set of OSTs become a hit. For personal preference, I think that ITSAY'S skyline will always be the best.

Acting/Cast

• Billkin and PP never disappoint us when it comes to showing their talents. They manifested right emotions. Whenever PP's character is crying and hurt, the emotions transcend from the screen to the viewers. Billkin on the other hand made the viewers feel that he really fell in love with another guy. By just looking at Billkin's expressions and gestures, it already shows what are Teh's feelings.
• All the new casts also added a good flavor for the show. Top being a good friend and Khim being a fighter for her dreams. I like how they gave us a little story about Khim, Goy is really an amazing actress. I am surprised that Khim and Top are also in a relationship. Oab effectively showed a manipulative character that will made the audience be confused and mad. Oh Aew's new friends are the comfort characters, the friendship seems so realistic. I love how they gave a little screentime to Moraoyulok, Tarn, Hoon and Teh's mom. Of course, Bas appearance is one of my favorite part of the show.

Storyline / Plot

• This is where ITSAY and IPYTM become seperated. IPYTM focuses in the love story between the characters, while ITSAY gave us more than just a love story. Several fans were disappointed because of several reasons. I think one thing behind the disappointment is the high expectations that ITSAY brought.
• Cheating plot. This is really unexpected because Nadao chooses a plot where it involves cheating. They chose a problematic plot and that made some fans disappointed because ITSAY's storyline is more valuable. I hope that they made a plot where there's no cheating involve. Yes, this kind of plot is realistic, but not all couples went thru this thing. However, I personally think that they delivered the story well because people went crazy after episode 3 and 4. I am one of those who said that I am fine if Teh and Oh Aew will not be together at the end because of the cheating he made, but after all, it's still up to Oh Aew. His heart already chosen a guy, and that is Teh. Even Teh did a lot of shits, Oh Aew still gave him a chance. He knew that he might got hurt again, but he chooses to gamble. We will have different perception about this matter, because if I am Oh Aew, I will already gave up.
• The thing about changes in attitudes and dreams are the realistic for me. People changes over time, but that's a human nature. We are getting old, and we tend to realize and discover more things. The most important is how we adapt with these changes.
• They show us that Q has feelings for Oh Aew, but he never had a chance to admit it. I also feel that there is something more when Bas said that his life doesn't become exciting when Teh asked about him. When Teh posted the picture in the last part, they show us the reactions of Moraoyulok and Oh Aew's new friends. But the camera focuses on Q and Bas's reactions. Are we getting some side story???

Read More