Loved it!
I was hesitant at first before watching this. For some reason, I didn't think I'd enjoy it. Well, man was I wrong. This drama was one of my favorites. Definitely in my top 5. The actors, the acting, the visuals; everything was amazing. I gave it a 9.5 because I was frustrated a little bit as we got towards the ending, but all in all, it was a great drama. I totally recommend watching it. If you think it may not be a drama for you, that's how I felt at first but ended up loving it. Just give it a chance. It should hook you on the very first episode, just like it did for me. :)Was this review helpful to you?
BEST OF THE BEST BL DRAMA
This series is really really great, one of P'Aof's masterpiece, the actors, their acting, storyline, fanservice, etc. is so *chef kiss*.You don't need some explicit scene to make a better BL series, all you need is a good execution of a story. And if some of you haven't watch this series, I recommend you to watch it because it's not only has a love story between the main character but it's also give us an incredible lesson about life. Also, if you're tired with some university things, then this series will be worth to watch, because the setting is more like nature thingy, and you'll be presented by beautiful scenery.
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Not your average BL drama
What can I say, but I'd have to agree with the many previous reviewers of this drama! ATOTS has a gorgeous and impeccable storyline and photography. And the acting! Earth & Mix were spectacular as the leads - I am in awe of how well Mix's acting is in ATOTS, especially that he is a newcomer. The only thing I would say is that his character sometimes cries too much in the show, but I think that is not his fault. I am very impressed of how Earth's acting has improved tremendously since Water Boyy! Again, I cannot stress enough how natural these 2 actors are in this drama, and how "real" their relationship seems. Another actor I'd like to give props to is Nammon. I thought he did exceptionally well in this one, especially since the last drama I saw him in - which was SOTUS S.I also enjoy that this drama goes beyond the usual high school/college (engineering) setting as well, and it brings a complex flavor/depth to the series. I also appreciate how the series is very empowering of LGBTQ+ community - where everyone act normal/unsurprised when the characters announced that they may be gay or that they like a guy. It is so refreshing to not hear a character stating "I am a man, and I only happen to like XXX" like quasi-admitting that they like guys but denying that they are gay.
Overall, I LOVE ATOTS. I am sad that I discovered it a bit later, but I am glad that such a great series is available! If you have not watched it, I highly recommend this series!!
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Simply beautiful and well executed
This show is now amongst the top three of my all-time favourite Bl series and trust me, I watched plenty. The chemistry was great!! The characters, even side ones, are very attaching and you end up wishing the best for all of them no matter how important they were. Making side characters leave a mark on the show is often not something you see in bl. Usually, there's a side couple and that's it while in this one you end up caring for the children of the village, adults and almost everyone else. It was beautifully written and produced.The only BL I ever cried while watching and this both happy and sad tears.
I personally think that it's the only 10/10 bl I watched in a while.
The main characters, especially the guy who played Tian made me feel whatever emotion he was portraying.
It's truly a masterpiece in my eyes
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I have to admit that the idea of this series was extraordinary, plus the story about the northern thailand culture that are presented are even more appetizing to follow this series till the end.
However... I felt like in the middle of the journey, this series seems like lost its way then tried display several scenes that were predictable and seem exaggerated.
Fortunately, the hum of the soundtrack was really distinctive and shows that this series is not forgettable. Yet, if someone asked me to watch it again I might think twice and said thank you ?. Because for me the duration of this series were way too long for each episode.
In Indonesian:
Pertama-tama saya minta maaf buat para fansnya Earth, karena saya sejak dulu tidak terlalu suka dengan aktingnya beliau lol.
Harus kuakui ide cerita serial ini luar biasa, ditambah bumbu-bumbu tentang budaya yang disuguhkan semakin menggugah selera untuk mengikutinya.
Hanya saja, ditengah perjalanan serial ini seperti kehilangan arah hingga menampilkan beberapa adegan yang mudah sekali terbaca dan terkesan berlebihan.
Namun, dengungan alunan soundtrack yang begitu khas membuat serial ini tidak mudah dilupakan begitu saja. Akan tetapi, kalo diminta untuk menontonnya kembali saya rasa harus bilang terima kasih. Karena buat saya durasi serial ini terlalu panjang tiap episodenya.
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This review may contain spoilers
Very good but not plot indepth
I cant stress enough first off how much i DO really really like this story. Its very unique and done really well and everything about it was so beautiful. It has so much emotion packed in and you watch these characters grow. Like, everything was 10/10 til around episode 8? maybe 7? out of the 10 total.What DID start happening was some plot points created just.... went no where or didnt make much sense or just didnt feel meaningful. Mind you i came from just watching HiStory: Trapped and it was absolutely and truly amazing with its in depth plot. Finishing branching points from every character and everything tied up and made sense.
One of the plot points that feels really big is introduced pretty early on, and gets rly rly rly close to a "resolution" that works out really well for the village. And then they just....never come back to it. I wouldnt even be surprised if i just happen to straight up miss if they said anything cus im legit so confused how they could NOT mention what happened. We can assume but nothing hints to us what came of any of it. I cant stress how this was the only real problem for the villagers and never then addressed or even mentioned at all if the villagers even got to a better place now or not.
[POSSIBLE SPOILER ON PARENTS:
Here, the parents were just so annoying, never questioned or rebelled against (i understand culturally why they would just be like this). Basically willing to ruin his only happiness ever cus they want bragging rights to their rich friends. And they just.... do it. And ppl just tell him to follow his parent.... cus they said so... cus it "would be best." The father comes so close to actually caring about his son then goes back to "well your mom wants bragging rights and she said so, so youre are doing the opposite of what youve ever wanted" like ok nvm.
/]
[POSSIBLE SPOILERS OF LAST EP: it ends well and happy fyi! :)
The last episode feels like a cop out, cus they had episode 8-10 going basically downhill and i wasnt sure if this would be a series i would end with a poor taste in my mouth. Everything was going SO SO well it was getting BETTER and the characters were getting CLOSER and HAPPIER and then, everything ends cus parents said so. And right before they have to distance, the other guy is like well actually maybe you SHOULD come back. I get that now that hes actually left, he would regret it and be true to what he wants, but THEN they have an INSTANT time skip and now just... back. All resolved. Like, ok sure. He got an education and bragging rights like his parents wanted, and now can properly do his passion hes found, but thats it? His parents just let him NOW do w/e he wants? He was already 20 something, is finishing school ALL his parents wanted and now he can just leave? Just jumping right back in as if the down hill problems never started, tho they obvi are closer now than before.
Dont get me wrong, i think they COULD have followed this line of events, just had it feel more necessary than just "cus we said so" and make us feel like this HAS to happen, unavoidable. But, it really didnt. He didnt have to leave other than not questioning his parents motives and doing w/e they want. I wanted to feel sad that this had to happen, not anger at his parents and him for just letting it happen. But its not as if this is unrealistic either way, so other than wishing it was more meaningful, its not bad, just not my preference.
/]
All in all, it was really amazing other than those small things i had issues with. It works out and ends beautifully and regardless of everything, is still one of the most beautiful stories ive ever seen. Its so wholesome and makes me so happy. Its so different (from what ive seen) and is def worth rewatching if i can get over my small gripes with it. This is prob gunna be my top recommended shows in general cus its just... so... *chefs kiss* IF my grips were taken care of, just a little bit more ends tied and less annoying parents, honestly would be top fav 10/10. Its 8 cus of the taste it left before the ending resolved, but it resolved well enough that its still amazing.
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Truly a meaningful story.
Story / Plot and Cast: The series is refreshing! To me, the series explored many issues in life. I am going to explain these below. As an apathetic person, I cannot count how many times my eyes were wet − there truly is a special power.Life and Death: As I probably do not need to elaborate, the story starts with the heart transplant of Tian and the heart is from Torfun. Torfun used to be a teacher in the village of Pha Ban Dao (literally, the cliff of Ban Dao [บันดาว]). Tian is well-off and used to be reckless because he knew he has a heart problem. What induced the change in Tian is the moment when he knew the donor of his heart is a well-loved teacher in a distant village. Tian felt a strong sense of guilt all along, and this was only alleviated near the end. He used to show off his wealth. After he knew the whole thing, he thinks nothing can compensate for the life of a well-loved teacher, be it money or a relationship. He has no choice (bear in mind, it was his parents who decided on the heart transplant), but he still decided to go to Pha Ban Dao as a teacher. We can say his acts were generated by his guilt towards the loss of a loving teacher to the village.
Love and Life: Why does Phupha want Tian to leave Pha Ban Dao so desperately? Phupha thinks Tian is young, and it is not worth it for Tian to stay in Pha Ban Dao just for him. (Honestly, if it is only for Phupha, Tian could have other ways to make it − thereby proving Phupha is obviously not the only factor for Tian to return to / stay in Pha Ban Dao.) Some think Phupha is selfless because he thinks it is better for Tian to develop his own life outside, despite leaving him. For me, I think Tian has the ability to decide. (Of course, if that turns out wrong, Tian himself has to bear the consequence too.) Instead of only asking Tian to leave, Tian should have the right to decide for himself.
Education and the Underprivileged: Education is not easy. Education is not only giving someone a fish, it is teaching someone how to get a fish. Tian has no idea what to teach at first, even though this is not his fault. The kids have learnt the Thai alphabet, and they show little interest in the English alphabet. Later, Tian understands that what the kids need is useful knowledge, not knowledge of the metropolitan area. The line that hit me most is when Phupha told Tian that he has to treat the kids as his family. It is only by immersing himself in the lives of the villagers does he fully understand what they need, and simultaneously this also let the villagers understand his passion for teaching. I do not think Tian is a bad person − and guilt cannot lead a person to stay in such an environment for three months. At the end of the day, I think Tian gradually developed his love of teaching, especially to the adorable kids! This can be seen from the finale.
Justice: You can say Tian is reckless or righteous. Sometimes, the two words do not differ that much. When the villagers were scammed by the rich guy nearby, Tian voiced out immediately. I agree that Tian could have done better, for example with planning and careful investigation. But, his intentions were good, and I think this is undoubted. Khama said later that Tian reminded him that oppression should not be accepted. Sure, careful planning is good. But did our spirit of justice dissolve throughout the time?
Stay or Leave: Pha Ban Dao is a dangerous place, as said by Phupha. Why do the villagers stay? Why do the team stay? Why one stay in a certain place has countless answers. For Phupha, it is his goal to protect the forests. The forests are so important to him that he can risk his life just to protect the forest. Pha Ban Dao is near the boundary, and there had been countless conflicts. If a heart (or a brain, you decide) wants to stay, nothing really can alter the decision, no matter how reckless and risky it is. So is the world. There is no utopia in this world. Conflicts are everywhere. Evil parties are everywhere. Violence is everywhere. But home is the place where you find your place. Will you leave your home notwithstanding all these?
The cast is excellent! I am not a big fan of EarthMix, but I have to say they have interesting interactions. Earth (Phupha) was manly (OK, I struggled to put the word or not) and really gets the role of Phupha. Mix (Tian) obviously has an innocent face and cause a heart attack whenever he was weeping. Khaotung (Longtae) is understanding, and Nammon (Dr. Nam) is the strongest shipper between EarthMix! Also, Aye (Torfun) really resembles a loving teacher. Not to mention the really adorable kids, which was a bit uninterested at first but turns out to be the source of happiness and satisfaction for Khruu [Th., Sir] Tian.
Music: The soundtrack of the series, นิทานพันดาว (Tale of Thousand Stars) by Gun Napat Injaiuea is really touching. The sound of woodwind indeed strengthened the theme and made it a soft song. I will not deny that whenever the song was played (except, of course, in every outro) it made my eyes wet. My favourite line is
หากดาวได้ยินคำอธิษฐาน ของหัวใจ
กี่พันครั้งก็ยังจะขอ ให้ดวงใจฉันอยู่ใกล้เธอ
which translates to
if a star can hear the prayer of my heart
even for thousand times, I will still wish for my heart to be close to yours
(A phonemic approximation can be obtained from Google Translate. If not, comment down below and let me know, I might produce a rough transcription there.)
That’s it! I love the series not only for the cast; but also for the meaning it conveyed.
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A NEW FAVORITE- WATCH THIS
Lately I had been putting off this drama since it aired but without a doubt, its become my favorite. The acting is great, one of the few dramas I didn't have to skip through any of the cringy parts. I will say there is not a lot of kissing real skin ship like most BL dramas right now but everything pulls you right in. Honestly I wish I didn't watch this in a day, but I was hooked through it. I would say if you don't like slow burn, watch it anyways. I hate slow burn, which is why I hesitated but I loved this series.The acting was great, and a lot of eye candy as well. I was torn on writing what I disliked but most of it, just has to do with the plot as I was crying through parts of the show. I would definitely recommend this drama to new BL watchers. The acting as a couple was so great, its very light hearted but very connective to the audience. I watched this in one sitting, with no breaks. I hope that others enjoyed it as much as I did.
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Most spectacular BL series to beat in 2021
This is by far the best Thai BL drama series I have ever watched. The story is well-made and is somewhat a departure from the usual plots of BL dramas. For once, it deals of a romance outside the university, with mature lead stars, dealing with problems of the real world. The drama tells about the realities of life without being preachy — the existence of inequality among classes, the plight of the uneducated, violence and arms conflict in some areas of the world, lack of development in the country side. For this, I really applaud the writers for bringing to the viewers a glimpse of the real situation.The calibre of the acting is likewise topnotch. The male leads Earth Pirapat and Mix Sahaphap really worked hard in making a good show. There were moments that I felt that a scene was underacted but most of the takes were superb.
The show’s theme song was a real winner. The music was serene and gave a distinct Thai stamp to it. At first listen, I was captivated by the melody and the intrumentalization. Perfect for the show.
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Best Thai BL
This was my first thai bl and i really enjoyed it. I don’t know how many times ive rewatched it but i’ve enjoyed it every time i did and cried. I found comfort in this drama i watch it whenever i felt down. Really wished i could watch this for the first time. I love all the cast they’re my favs ❤️❤️Honestly if you want to watch a bl that contains angst, nature, traditions or romance that isn’t so heavy then this is for you!!! Loved it because not a huge fan of dramas that contian a lot of romance or kissing etc and i also love angst in dramas!!
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One of THE BEST BL. This is the new standard for bl shows( A MUST WATCH)
This series surpasses all my expectations in almost every aspects of this show. The cinematography, acting, music literally everything was perfection. When I first heard about the series I was excited because Earth was finally going to have another one of his own series. I have liked him since Theory of love and has watched every series he has acted in. I must say I came for Earth and fell for Mix. Earth looked so hot and handsome in the uniform (*squeals*) and Mix was a mixture of cute, handsome and bad boy! (*squeals pt.2*) I loved the chemistry between the leads. There wasn't a lot of skinship but ohh boyy my heart- (*beating faster and faster*) their eye contacts, smiles, their pinkies touching each other and them just existing- EVERYTHING I JUST FREAKING LOVED IT! (My heart goes mmmh mmmh mmmh~). This series is exceptional when it comes to chemistry, acting, OST and especially the message they wanted to imply. Through this series I learned a lot of things and I just want salute the director, screenwriter and other staffs! You did a great job! Also I loved the sound of Flute in the starting it reminded me of the untamed.Was this review helpful to you?
A Fresh Theme for Emerging BL Series
This is one of the best BL series that I watched. No sugar coating. I have three reasons why I write this review.Firstly, this is very interesting and the story is not rehashed to make the audience feel the vibe of love between the main characters. Each episode will surely give you a new perspective and will let you ponder on things that we usually overlooked.
Secondly, the characters are well-portrayed especially the two main characters. Earth and Mix have this natural and charming chemistry in which adds to the overall branding of this series. Their acting is top-tier and they fit their role.
Thirdly, the production is superb. One of the most alluring parts of this series is its excellent cinematography. The angle of cameras is well-thought. The script is well-written. The location is very nostalgic, memorable, and refreshing.
Overall, this series created a new horizon of telling BL story and bridges a new understanding of what love is all about. That it depicts a fictional story in a very realistic way and leaves a great impact on us who already watched it. So, you will surely never regret watching this and probably you will crave more episodes.
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