The key is subtlety
This story feels very much that of a thriller/suspense story. How? It gives you very subtle hints that gives off messages on otherwise non-sensical things. What does a sniff on a coconut symbolize? Nothing. Not unless you're in the context of I Told Sunset About You. How about the colors of the hibiscus? Well, same answer.The writers' ability to create subtle things and make them points of exposition is amazing. Truly a work of art.
The color grading is that of a sunset. Yes. It creates a feeling of beauty, peace, and end. The shots are amazing (especially the underwater shots). Each action made and each dialogue said feels like its there on purpose.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the OST. The OST is probably one of the best ones out there. One is focused on fate, one is focused on confusion, and one is focused on confession, all reflecting this series' story.
Do I recommend it? Hell yeah.
Will it make you cry? I did not cry for this one (I rarely do cry on tv shows) but yes. I've heard people crying over this drama.
P.S. Watch the documentary too. You will fall in love with the crew.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reasons why I Told Sunset About You is such a masterpiece.
If only I could give this series more than five stars and more than a score of 10.0, I surely would have.This series, as a whole, is a masterpiece; and each episode is an individual masterpiece of its own. The plot, the cinematography and production, the music scores and the OSTs, the casting, the symbolism and everything about it just you in awe of how well thought out and well put this series is.
THE PLOT. I Told Sunset About You is a breath of fresh air from all the BL series ever to have graced our screens. (Nadao Bangkok insists on not calling it BL but rather a “coming-of-age” series.) It really captures all the aspects of what is it truly to undergo a “coming-of-age” phase. It talks about a phase of one’s life that other BL series are afraid or is not ready to take on just yet. The plot itself is so well written. The phasing is fast but not too fast that one will get lost. The scenes are seamlessly interwoven with each other, there’s not a scene that looks like a mere filler. Each scene is really of importance to the whole story.
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY AND PRODUCTION. The series feels like five individual yet connected movies. The production of this series is no joke. The plot is accompanied with aesthetically pleasing scenes. From the color tones of the series, to the way the camera pans in and out on scenes, to the way how the shooting locations complement the plot, the series is giving us movie-quality production. What makes this series more immaculate is the fact that it was shot in Phuket as it gives the whole series a more magical feeling to it as if the characters are living in their own small world – far from the usual setting we see from other Thai series which is Bangkok.
THE MUSIC SCORES AND OSTs. The music scores and sound effects were really perfectly placed. It’s not that distracting and not overdone, it really piques up the feeling that the scene wants to convey. Some series have their music scores overdone that it becomes distracting but here in this series, it’s perfectly blended that you won’t even notice that there’s a background music. (I highly recommend that you watch this series on earphone to really appreciate all the music.) The OSTs really add another level of flavor this series. Billkin’s voice in singing two of the four OSTs just sends you to another dimension, it’s that immaculate. PP’s voice is equally immaculate as well when he sang a Chinese mellow version of Billkin’s Skyline. The way the OSTs were written were filled with so many messages and intriguing details. What this series really offered with its OSTs is a variety. Although two of the four OSTs are covers in different languages, it still sounded different and evokes a different range of emotions.
THE CASTING. Billkin (Teh) and PP (Oh-Aew) really delivered in this series; their chemistry will be a tough act to match. When they say that the leads’ chemistry is essential to the whole story, this series really showed that and it delivered beyond expectation. One wouldn’t really appreciate this series if it wasn’t for how Billkin and PP delivered their scenes. Best believe that these two really gave it their all. From the crying, to their subtle expressions, their eye and body language, their mannerisms, their lines and their emotions – everything was just perfect and well-executed. (Billkin and PP really proved that at a young age they really have the talent to really make it big in this industry.) As for Nobel and Pupa (young Teh and Oh-Aew respectively), these kids really didn’t just come to play, they delivered their brief yet very important scenes to a tee. The kids’ acting wasn’t mediocre but was at par with Billkin’s and PP’s, perfect enough to deliver an important backgrounder scene in the first episode. As for Khunpol (Bas), Rolex (Kai), Dream (Phillip), Christian (Mod), Smile (Tarn), and the other cast, not a single character wasted. Their roles had an important part to play in the series. All of them also delivered what they were suppose to deliver.
THE SYMBOLISM. This series really hints so much symbols in it. The “coming-of-age” aspect of the series really depicted what most, if not some, of LGBTQ+ people have gone through and are going through. The series somehow validates that these experiences and struggles are real. Even if one is not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, the struggles of the characters are still relatable. The struggles are realistic and not exaggerated. The way the scenes are shot symbolizes and manifest a deeper understanding and realization of what a particular scene really is. Even the small details in the series means something – the red color pencil, the red hibiscus flowers, the flashcards, the coconut scent, the hammock, the underwater scene, Promthep Cape, the beach, Oh-aew’s mannerisms, the bra scene. Every little detail was well put out that it really helps tie the whole story together.
Overall, as I said, the series is masterpiece in itself. Although the series is five episodes long only, it doesn’t feel too short once because of how the story is told. Nadao Bangkok has really proved to us all that it is a master storyteller. Nadao Bangkok is really pushing on so many boundaries and breaking so many glass ceilings with this series. Nadao Bangkok just raised the bar for future series so high.
For sure, I Told Sunset About You will become one of Nadao Bangkok’s crowning jewels, and I’m pretty sure that (even if Nadao Bangkok insists on calling it BL) I Told Sunset About You will eventually become a ‘BL classic’ or a ‘BL legend’ when time comes.
Was this review helpful to you?
Splendidly done.
This series is top-notch. I won't like to adress it as Thai BL since it definitely has all the qualities to compete with the general Thai series. It feels like a movie divided into parts. The director,crew,cast,music,background,cinematography,the actors ,even their makeup is so minimal that it looks so real,everything is perfect. They haven’t overdone it either. It’s a perfect blend of emotions portrayed in the most beautiful,silent movement and stares. It brings back your childhood ,innocence,first love,dreams,anger,sadness,craziness,laughter,everything in every episode. It’s a part of our own story written to fit into a beautiful cinematography view. Definitely worth the hype and fever among fans.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This ain't BL- this is a masterpiece!!!
There are only three BL series that I was diehard eagerly wanted to see in he year 2020. The first one is A Tale of Thousand Stars- which got pushed back to 2021. The second one was Manner of Death- which is coming out on November 30th. And the third one, without even knowing the storyline was I Told Sunset About You. Where everyone was hyping up well known BL series that were coming out, I was hyping this one up. And it did not disappoint.Story- 10/10
It's a simple story that was beautifully told betwee these two great actors (who I first saw in My Ambulance). They were friends when they were younger, ended up enemies. They met each other some years later and it's from here we end up on an emotional rollercoaster. Everything that they did had me glued to my seat, watching hem when they got close, when they fought, when they cried, when they passed for university and even when they (finally) became boyfriends. It was so tastefully done and I can honestly say, I saw no flaws in this story.
Acting/Cast- 10/10
This is the second series that I have watched with both Billkin and PP Krit and both times thier acting blew me away. I was rooting for thwm in My Ambulance, but was devastated with the outcome. Due to that, I was a bit cautious in watching this series, although I wanted to support it. I am glad that I did, cause these men can act! Some of these BL actors may need to take some points from them, cause these guys are in a total different field.
Even the supporting characters were awesome. From Teh's mom and brother, to Bas and even to Tan- I felt thier pain and support in this series.
Music-10/10
The songs are mesmerising and addictive. The OST is so beautiful that I don't mind hearing it again and again.
Rewatch Valu- 10/10
Eventhough this series made me ugly cry so much on just five episodes, I would most definitely watch it again. It has everything that I have been looking for- amazing actors, a simple yet beautiful story and amazing songs.
Overall- 10/10
I would most definitely recommend this show to people. It is truly one of a kind as I see it as a masterpiece!
Was this review helpful to you?
Over dramatic more than anything
*outline*Unfortunately one of the lead actors sort of over dramatized their role. They kept crying, which I understand because their emotional state must've been affected by what happened, but did they really need to cry that hard? The transitions in the drama just didn't let me feel empathetic with the story. It felt like a reality check until maybe the last 2 episodes.
*analysis*
STORY : The context seemed really interesting to me (basically, what the description says) but the rest of the story sort of disappointed me when it became all climactic and Teh just couldn't hold back his tears. His situation actually made me feel really sorry for him and I totally empathized with the whole story until it just got too much. It felt like the focus was more on Teh crying than continuing on with the story. The pace also felt off a little, because of it. However, the confessions actually made me feel a lot more lighter, followed with the rejections which disappointed me but motivated me to keep on with the story. During the first 3 episodes I really wondered where exactly the story was going, because it didn't at all seem like anything was happening between Teh and Oh, so I read a spoiler to also motivate me to keep going.
ACTING/CAST : Teh's role just disappointed me. I've already mentioned this but I just think this role wasn't right for Billkin. Or, it was, but his acting just seemed a little amateur. I feel so bad saying this but that's really how I felt. Almost like he didn't understand his own character's feelings so he assumed how he should act for his role. He seemed to follow the script and the story - basically the whole moral - perfectly well, but the emotions he relayed just weren't it. It didn't make me cry in turn, like Krit did. Every time he cried it actually broke my heart. And I knew myself that Teh was going through a lot worse until Oh got confused of his own self. Quite heartbreaking, actually. Maybe if Billkin could get more into character or someone who's been through a similar situation could take on the role, that would've made me agree with the hundreds of others who rated this 10 stars. I think most of the background actors also did quite well in relaying emotions. Except for Teh's mom. Just like Teh, his mom was too over dramatic. I understood her emotions well but her acting seemed off too. It even made me think 'like mother, like son'. Hoon was probably my favourite character, after Oh.
MUSIC : I didn't like the music. I actually muted the drama every time the music came on because I felt distracted each time. Usually I'm quite a detailed person, and that means my concentration levels are decent too, but that wasn't the case this time. I just really couldn't empathise at all from around episode 3 or 4 onwards.
REWATCH VALUE : Despite my disappointment in some features of the drama, I have to say this was definitely worth the watch if I ignored some things. I'd probably watch this again just for the very ending. The ending didn't disappoint me at all. I actually liked that everything was finally over; all the climaxes, all the closeting, etc. The tiring part was all over. Most others seem to like this drama so that's probably the only reason why I'm even putting it at 7. It would be worth the rewatch for others, just not me.
*recommendations*
Visit my Asian BLs Custom List to see some more of my watches and ratings !! ^.^ Including: Korean, Taiwanese, and Thai !
Also, please vote to show your view on other dramas :)
Was this review helpful to you?
"We haven't talked for so long. If I could choose, I wouldn't want it to be this way."
-story wise, it’s a strong concept that i personally really love. childhood friends who got into a fight, fell apart, but reunite years later, discovering and navigating through new feelings. i’m a sucker for coming of age media as well as the childhood friends trope so i was all in for this. and for the first three episodes i was absolutely invested but then it started going downhill. the problem is quite clear, they simply went overboard with the angst. it was just sobbing after sobbing (mainly Teh, mans was crying like there was no tomorrow i swear) like i understand its coming of age so obviously there’s gonna be heartbreak, obviously there’s gonna be tears, but it was just so excessive that it started turning way too dramatic to me. and for the cherry on top...it didn’t help that the main lead’s acting for the crying scenes was flat out bad.-so PP’s crying was okay but Billkin’s? yikes. there was one scene especially that i honestly couldn’t tell if he was crying or laughing. his facial expressions were just awkward and the fact that his character was ALWAYS crying...not a great combo. however! besides the crying scenes, the acting was honestly good! PP, in my opinion, was def a much stronger actor than Billkin, he really brought Oh-aew to life. the whole cast as well did their characters justice.
-another positive note is that PP and Billkin’s chemistry was for sure there. and that was what made me so invested the first three episodes. it’s what brought the coming of age feel to this show. the yearning, the touches, the glances between them, it was all so intimate and present. they really felt like childhood friends who always had a special place in their heart for each other.
-you may be asking why i gave it a good rating even tho i just went off about the bad crying and angst excessive plot...well...one word. cinematography. it’s absolutely stunning. there were so many scenes that honestly gave me chills. shots that were crafted with such a delicacy and care that every feeling and emotion the director wanted to convey through these shots were felt. every scene’s directional purpose felt intentional. the colors, where the light was coming from, where the actors stood, the angle of the camera, it’s this cinematography that made it worth it.
so...yes the angst was excessive. yes Billkin’s crying scenes were really rough. but Oh-aew and Teh’s connection and yearning struck me. the cinematography left me in absolute awe. this show wasn’t perfect at all but it managed to make me feel all the emotions that come with a coming of age genre. so i’ll still recommend this show because maybe you’ll be struck with those feelings too. just be aware that you’ll end up saying to yourself, “is this guy really crying AGAIN?”
Was this review helpful to you?
Rollercoaster
This is a huge rollercoaster that I won't mind riding innumerable time..Lets Talk about the chemistry: I didn't actually understand the concept till i watched this. This going to be my "reference" chemistry marker.
Lets talk acting: Bloody pros.. No ounce of hesitation, just pure beauty, every scene, every expression, every teardrop, perfection. Even the side leads and Teh's fam did a very good job .
Story: This is the kind of story, if you decided to skip it for some reason, you would be on the loosing side.
Altho I would have liked if the ending could have been a bit stronger.. it's like the writers loosed the end in last 10mins.
But maybe it's just the calm before the onset of storm which will be part 2
Can't wait.
Was this review helpful to you?
A masterpiece
This show exceeded my expectations!! “I told sunset about you” is a must watch it has earned a spot in my heart and is now one of my favourite series!I can’t express how amazing this show really is!! The storyline is everything from the cinematography, plot and ost it is just stunning it’s an absolute masterpiece that hits you right in the feelz!
Better then any other bl series out there, their is nothing quite like ITSAY, not to mention the CHEMISTRY which is off the charts! hopefully the show gets put on netflix and gets so much more recognition as it deserves!!
Was this review helpful to you?
We told sunset about us
"I told Sunset about you" is one of best Thai Bl I have ever seen in this life. I cried, I blushed and felt every single emotions one human can feel. This drama is a masterpiece. MUST WATCH! A coming of age story of two high school boys learning their deep relationship through messed up feelings. The Cinematography and set design is everything. the whole cast slayed with their acting. Bloody good! It was a stream of emotions, swinging over the horizon. Every single episode is a work of art! The dialogues and screenplay is so good, I have no words. This drama is to be cherish till the end of the world.Was this review helpful to you?
Best LGBTQ+ series this year!!
I’m not good at writing reviews, also this is my first time writing it. I decided to write this because this series is so amazingly impactful to me. I watched a lot of bl dramas and honestly I watch them just for the sake of watching, because we don’t get any other LGBTQ+ related dramas. But ITSAY completely blow me away! This series has the complete package! The quality of the production, the plot, the actors, the acting, the musics and the cinematography, all perfectly done!I personally could relate to Teh and Oh-Aew, when I was a teenager I admit I did a lot of stupid things and when I watch this, it just reminds me of my teenage self and I was embarrassed because Oh God so I was this reckless and stubborn! The portrayal of the teenage shenanigans and struggles are so realistic for me. Everything feel so raw and beautiful at the same time. I was so emotionally invested that I can’t stop thinking about this series. I have so many things I wanna say but I am not good at expressing it so, please just watch it. This is a must watch!! You won’t regret watching this masterpiece!
Was this review helpful to you?
Watched 200+ shows from diff countries and this is my top 10
I rarely watch Thai shows but I watched this cus couple drama analysis channels I watch are praising it, and it got 9.5 rating on rating platform (kinda like IMDB) in China which is suuuuuper high (Crash Landing on You got 8.2. It’s OK to Not be OK got 8.6. Some Day or One Day got 9.1). It won #1 international show for Weibo Award (Weibo’s huge influence is like all the social media you know + news stations).It’s more like a “coming of age” show that most people can resonate with. It’s less about realizing why you like someone of same sex but more about when encountering love, how to start loving and give what that person truly needs, while fighting for your dream/career.
The camera work and filming techniques make the show fill with subtle hints that showcase love. It’s also like BEAUTIFUL artistic MOVIE. Screenshot at any time can make a wallpaper.
People internationally are praising it as the CEILING of BL shows and IN FACT it’s UNLIKE typical BL shows which give artificial sweetness and interactions that don’t seem genuine.
Please don’t look at it using “colored lenses” and just think it’s a tacky Thai show without nutrition. IMO it’s the best international show this year. Not only kdrama, western shows, Japanese dramas, etc. all can’t compare with the quality and resonance it present to the audience.
In fact, you can pretty much put any kind of relationship (even like large age gap, dating someone of different ethnicity, etc.) or just normal heterosexual relationship into the show and learn lesson from it.
Not just romantic love, it also showcase friendship and family love well. And also showcase how growing up in a conservative family (such as with Chinese ancestry) impact one’s view about education, dream, and love.
If you were ever confused about love, like The Untamed, want to learn Chinese, or knows a bit Chinese culture, I think you will really enjoy “I Told Sunset About You” （以你的心诠释我的爱). They have interesting ways of learning Chinese.
The chemistry is off charts. In fact, the main leads were close friends since high school (similar to the drama) before they debuted. They were side characters in another drama (My Ambulance) which was really popular in Thailand but due to censorship in China, the cut version that was released in China was not as good. Regardless, fans internationally loved the chemistry of these side characters so much that they petitioned for another series where they (BK and PP) can be the main lead. Now, wish came true!
Part 2 will be out in March 2021. Part 2 is probably going to be similar to part 1 in that it’s less about the cliche topic of “why I started loving someone of same sex”, but rather more on a spiritual level, whether two people are complimentary soulmates, whether they understand each other, whether they can defeat obstacles and outside forces, and walk into the future together.
Loving someone is never about gender and sexuality. It’s just that this feeling is too special, making adolescent unable to handle it. So the panic, confusion, recklessness presented is a genuine heart.
Was this review helpful to you?
BEST BL OF ALL TIME!
Kudos to director, staffs, casts and the production who made I Told Sunset About You! I can't imagine they set this bar for a bl series. This is such a memorable and notable series, i love everything about this series, from casting, production, music scoring, editing and color grading, which makes me feel I'm in their timeline, and watching the characters grow and develop. I love every scene because they symbolizes everything in the series and connects into one story without plain airs. I Told Sunset About You is indeed a masterpiece.Was this review helpful to you?
