The Eclipse outshines a lot of other BL series out there
There was a big hullabaloo when this series first released and finally, I got time to binge watch it and this was entertaining to say the least. From a good storyline to outstanding performances, this show certainly deserves a lot of praise.
On the onset the show is about a school shrouded in mystery where the students are taught to follow the strict rules and have prefects who are tasked to ensure that there are no issues. But like in every authoritarian system, there are some students who are ready to throw a wrench in to the works. The disturbances are greatly multiplied with the admission of a new student who enters the school to find the reason for his uncle’s suicide. This brings him on a direct conflict with the head prefect. The series is all about discovering the true nature of the school’s rigid policies and the reason for the suicide.
Although the series deals broadly with the issues of authoritarianism that would go to lengths to keep the status quo even to the extent to silencing dissent through harsh punishments, it also tries to tackle the issue of homophobia, discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face in society, stress of school life and self-acceptance. The 2 main leads are put in to situations where these issues come to the forefront and they are forced to face them head-on. That being said, the show does shy away from raising awareness of the true challenges faced by the members of the LGBTQ+ community instead remains stereotypical or overly simplistic. For e.g., we see the initial protest by 3 gay students on the right to not wear uniform to school when clearly the bigger issue is about rampant homophobia supported by the school. Also many episodes just drag on without much happening whereas the same time could have been used in developing some supporting characters.
First and Khaotung were great at their respective roles and they really brought the characters to life. The story of Neo and Luis needed more time to develop as their love story just feels rushed turning them in to one dimensional characters.
In conclusion, the series boasts of a great star-cast and a thought-provoking storyline with a message about diversity and acceptance with a simple mystery to push the story ahead. It’s a must watch for anyone who enjoys BL series and does not mind few short-comings regarding the portrayal of gay characters.
On the onset the show is about a school shrouded in mystery where the students are taught to follow the strict rules and have prefects who are tasked to ensure that there are no issues. But like in every authoritarian system, there are some students who are ready to throw a wrench in to the works. The disturbances are greatly multiplied with the admission of a new student who enters the school to find the reason for his uncle’s suicide. This brings him on a direct conflict with the head prefect. The series is all about discovering the true nature of the school’s rigid policies and the reason for the suicide.
Although the series deals broadly with the issues of authoritarianism that would go to lengths to keep the status quo even to the extent to silencing dissent through harsh punishments, it also tries to tackle the issue of homophobia, discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face in society, stress of school life and self-acceptance. The 2 main leads are put in to situations where these issues come to the forefront and they are forced to face them head-on. That being said, the show does shy away from raising awareness of the true challenges faced by the members of the LGBTQ+ community instead remains stereotypical or overly simplistic. For e.g., we see the initial protest by 3 gay students on the right to not wear uniform to school when clearly the bigger issue is about rampant homophobia supported by the school. Also many episodes just drag on without much happening whereas the same time could have been used in developing some supporting characters.
First and Khaotung were great at their respective roles and they really brought the characters to life. The story of Neo and Luis needed more time to develop as their love story just feels rushed turning them in to one dimensional characters.
In conclusion, the series boasts of a great star-cast and a thought-provoking storyline with a message about diversity and acceptance with a simple mystery to push the story ahead. It’s a must watch for anyone who enjoys BL series and does not mind few short-comings regarding the portrayal of gay characters.
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