In an ocean of queer or coming of age films ITSAY stood like a lighthouse waiting ashore

ITSAY was one glorious piece of work, the best coming of age series filled with gentleness and nuances but we get one hell of a roller coaster ride.

In an ocean of queer or coming of age films ITSAY stood like a lighthouse waiting ashore, a beacon of hope, steering away from typical story development of queer or BL love story. Teh and Oh’s sexual attraction was not less important than the need to be there for each other. It wasn't a sudden love confession, but a gradual subtle layered string of emotions from guilt, regret of words unsaid, the making up of lost time and the falling in love with each other that unfolds so beautifully in-front of our screens. This was beautifully captured in episode 3 with both of them chasing each other on the beach before running to the cape. That wanting and longing for each other was no lesser than Teh accompanying Oh to run to the cape by sunset to fulfil his promise, that heighten need for each other beyond the physical was such an important aspect of ITSAY was what captivated and moved me so much and will be why ITSAY will be on a league of its own.

From burgeoning friendship, threading the fine invisible line, the play on Chinese idioms that acts like secret (秘密) love letters between Teh and Oh, those lingering coconut scent. Societal judgement, one’s eternal quest of finding of oneself.

Familial love that never falters was what made ITSAY a clear stand out, Hoon was such a pillar of support, in episode 5 of Teh conversation with Hoon was so heart breaking calming and sweet, it was everything one could ask for, truthful non idealistic words of comfort for someone coming out and enduring a such a heartbreak.

The normalisation of same sex relationship in this series was a refreshing eye opener. there were many instances of openness and acceptance, of course the best one being Hoon’s conversation with teh mentioned above, teh hitting on oh seems like another day in the lives of their friends (no questioning of two boys hitting on each other) and teacher (Laoshi) being supportive after the confession. As an Asian watching this I feel hearten to see same sex relationships depicted with such ease, perhaps in context of Thai society which I’m not familiar with, but watching how normal it was reflected in the lives of everyone was just beautiful in a sea of suffering LGBTQ characters and films. In fact teh is his own only obstacle as we see nothing but support love acceptance from his brother and friends.

Stunning heart tugging performance - we get two utterly flawed loveable characters that are portrayed AMAZINGLY by Billkin and PP who shined so far through the small screen with their explosive chemistry adding that special something to ITSAY that one cant quite explain.

The director and writers of the team deserves a standing ovation for this coming of age story that was made to shake all our hearts and souls, their direction was crystal clear and ITSAY never lost its way throughout the episodes. My only qualm was that the sound design are slightly jarring and distracting at times which over powers the emotions one is already feeling. On a side note watching the ITSAY documentary on youtube will help you appreciate all the intricacies, details, hard work, time and effort all cast and crew have worked so hard to achieve for this piece of work.

Just like the love story before you know it, pangs of heartbreak hits you, followed by lot of angst, then sweetness and that lovely tension blossoming between them will keep your heart and your eyes glued to the screen. ITSAY ripped my heart apart and mended it back many times over its 5 episodes.

All I know now is that I root for them every step of the way, their love, their despair and their growth and most importantly i wish there will be no more heart breaks next season 可以吗？

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