Insane
This was absolutely wonderfulI loved how they represented queerness and internalised homophobia. And coming out and really this was so well done.
My only critic is how they handled a specific character towards the end, I think it made absolutely no sense at all.
But the rest? SO GOOD
We need more shows like these!! Touching on serious subjects, I found it did something like Not Me, it criticised the social classes and capitalist society in a very good way. It condemned the use of social power against weaker people. And I always love a social activist series.
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Who okay-ed this storyline?
The drama had so much potential with the vibe they were going for and the skills of the main leads but the plot was a very big question mark.Writing
The main conflict and the writing of the show was so underwhelming, that I honestly questioned "who the hell said this was good enough?". It was honestly one of the most stupid and lack-lustre conflicts to ever be made. With how they were directing the mood of the show, I was expecting them to make this more mysterious and darker instead they made it... rainbow? While forcing the dark, that really was not dark at all. Even the writing for the more simpler scenes that concentrate more on the relationship of the main characters, Akk and Ayan, was very bland and felt extremely forced (luckily their chemistry was able to save majority of the scenes). In the first few episodes, Akk and Ayan kept meeting the same exact way, they kept reusing so much of the writing, that their conversations were just going in circles the whole entire first 3 episodes. I really do not know what the writers wanted to say through this drama.
Acting/Cast
First and Khaotung had great chemistry in this drama, I think these two are fairly good actors and could've had a lot to show with the type of genre this drama was promoting. But I feel like the writing of this drama was so bad, that all the actors could do was just show a different kind of personality rather than a whole character. Like seeing Khaotung act so straightforward and brave compared to his other characters in other dramas, is fairly amusing.
Music
The music was forgettable. I don't remember any particular music piece or song in the drama.
Re-watch value
Would I re-watch this drama? Maybe, but only the main couple scenes before they officially got together. Everything else is not really worth watching and I do not want to see the character I want to punch in the face.
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A successful metaphorical ode to freedom
Let there be no mistake: reducing the scenario to the curse of an eclipse and teenage love stories would be a mistake. What is dealt with here is the right to freedom, whatever it may be, especially individual freedom. Why follow rules if they do not bring anything good? Why accept things that are bad for you? The different protest movements are all shown in a non-violent light, which makes them even more relevant. These topics were already covered in NOT ME, and it is nice to see that people are engaging with these issues in places where it is not necessarily easy to express one's personal opinion. Bravo to them!Another interesting point to raise is the way homosexuality is dealt with. For once, we have an ordinary man who comes out, whereas usually, men who have a relationship with a man define themselves by "I'm not gay but". It's not pansexual, it's just that they refuse to admit that a manly man can be homosexual, which is somehow homophobic. Here, nothing of the sort, and the subject is assumed. And on top of that, we are portrayed with parents who can handle the situation.
The acting, finally, is very good. Khao had managed to give consistency to his character in TONHON CHONLATEE, which was a real feat given the complete failure of this series. Neo and Louis had almost saved FISH UPON THE SKY from the slump in which this series was. And AJ is still doing very well in his supporting roles - we are waiting for his main role, he deserves it. So, no surprise that the acting is great.
In summary, this series is a successful and necessary ode to freedom in these times when it is regressing all over the world.
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i love their relationship, they're my favourite couple ever. background story could be SO MUCH better but it didn't bothered me that much. it's my comfort show and also all-time favourite bl drama beside i told sunset abou you.
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This review may contain spoilers
The BL part was great but not the story related to the title
The title refers to a supposed curse in a school that misfortune would befall students who break the school's strict rules. The effects of the curse are rumored to be especially powerful during a solar eclipse. Is there a supernatural element here or is there a sinister human hand behind the scenes? This premise is so intriguing, but it ends up being the weakest part of the story. I would have appreciated a nice story about some sinister person controlling the mysterious events behind the scenes, perhaps in the fashion of The Gifted. In fact, the series did give me The Gifted vibes at the start--imagine how nice it would be to have something like The Gifted with a BL plot.Unfortunately, the story about the curse fizzles out. First, you sense something amiss when there is barely any real development with regard to the curse for many episodes despite the frequent allusions to it. It quickly becomes clear that this isn't a supernatural drama (which is fine) and that there are human forces behind the misfortunes that befall misbehaving students (which is also fine). Unfortunately, the writers seem hesitant about developing the plot with regard to the curse.
Ultimately, the rumors about the curse are merely an excuse for the BL story. Yet, do we need an excuse for the BL story? The story of the main couple, the head prefect of the school and a seemingly rebellious student who defies the rules of the school, is fine. The part about the curse makes the story seem original at first, but it fails to deliver. The writers have done a pretty good job developing the main characters, and the effort spent on the virtually meaningless part about the curse could have been spent on the characters' backgrounds and personal struggles instead. For instance, Thuaphu (one half of the second BL couple) is an interesting character who is unfortunately underdeveloped. His relationship with his stepfather seems interesting and could have been given more attention. Really, we don't need a premise like a curse. The students' struggles with the school authorities could simply be there without some reference to a curse.
To make matters worse, it is rather laughable that the school, despite being supposedly an institution with archaic, oppressive rules that are strictly enforced, frequently has a few students protesting about its rules. And the protestors do not get into serious trouble with the school authorities. So much for being an oppressive environment that emphasizes discipline in a way that is out of sync with the contemporary world.
As a mystery, the story does come with at least one red herring and a couple of twists. But it is a little too late and too ineffectively delivered. In fact, I wish that the red herring had not been a red herring. It involves a student who aspires to be a prefect--the story could have been more interesting if he had been the one behind the apparent fulfillment of the curse.
Despite the disappointing plot about the curse, the BL parts are nicely done. They may not be really original, but they are better than the average set-in-a-high-school BL. The personalities of five of the main characters (the two couples and one of their friends who is interested in film) are nicely developed and distinguished. If only there had been a stronger story holding everything together.
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Easy binge, suspension of disbelief required
I felt like it had a bit of a slow start, but once I got into it I was really invested.The plot is pretty solid, especially if you know a bit of background on the political climate in Thailand around protests and authoritarian rule.
The twists and turns are also well executed.
I do think some of the characters motivations are a little bit unrealistic. Some of the writing decisions really had me scratching my head a bit. Probably my biggest question was around Akk and why he needed so desperately to succeed? It felt like he needed some stakes or external pressure outside of the teachers to influence his actions.
The acting is good and the chemistry is there between the mains. The side couple could use a little work, they felt a little uncomfortable with each other despite starring together in other dramas. The leads did a really great job expressing their emotions, especially in high emotion scenes—which is a testament to their acting. I was especially fascinated by Akk, I’ve seen him in other dramas but he really shined in this role. He has a charm about him that is lowkey mesmerizing? Especially when he smiles lol
Anyway, production budget was definitely low but I think they made the best with what they had. Audio is a little wonky at times but I’ve definitely heard worse loool. They probably could have cut a couple episodes, and made the show a little more tight.
I would recommend, a must watch BL
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This review may contain spoilers
It's REALLY REALLY beautiful, but something was missing...?
I only do light and brand spoilers, ok?!The Eclipse it's A THING. I really need to tell yall about point by point bcs is a really complicated series.
It's one of the best actings that I watched in thai BLs. I already was familiar with Khaotung and his sweet eyes but seeing him in a cool and confident character was so different, in a very good way, bcs it's exactly what Ayan was: a cool and "confident" character but he was also sweet, his words and actions made me fall in love with him. He is a teenager that suffered a lot and that explains his actions, he was also STILL in mourning and that is really important when we analyze him. About First (Akk), I totally understand why he was chosen for this character. First has such sweet eyes and a smile that you NEVER will tell that he made bad choices, you always are driven to trust in him. That's exactly why he was chosen to do Yok (Not Me) too, in my opinion.
But, I really have to agree with other reviews, the story it's a little... It's definitely not bad or badly written but something it's cleary missing?? Idk what exactly was lost but something definitely was. In the end, makes sense, they are teenagers, and they ARE lost.
Anyways: I love them. I love the way that was made, but when I finished I was like... uhmm? That's it? What?
BUTTT we have an Our Skyy of The Eclipse and maybe that was planned so maybe my answers will be at the special?
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I understand why other people love this and I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it...
My big issue with this series was that the macro political issues being put in the micro environment of the school just didn't fit for me - on paper I love the idea, but personally I felt it didn't work in this series. Some of the eclipse "stunts" seemed almost comedic to me when they were supposed to be metaphors for extremely serious real world issues. So that is such a large part of the plot that I didn't connect with emotionally.That being said I did really like so many things in this series:
it was visually stunning - the locations- BEAUTIFUL! (Also I think the first gmmtv bl where in every single beach scene the audio was perfect!)
This cast was amazing! Khaotung has been one of my gmmtv faves since 2018 and First has also become one in the last 2 years. My favourite moments in this series were Akk and Aye just being goofy and flirty - I'd love to see First and Khao do something with more comedy, because First is so talented comedically and I'd like to see them being cute and coupley again, but older - maybe in university or an office. Neo has also been an actor that has grown so much since I first saw him in 'Cause Youre My Boy' in 2018 - every drama he gets better and better - give him his leading role already GMMTV! Louis fit very well in this role - but I did have a HUGE problem with him outing a fellow member of the lgbt community to the entire school before he was ready - that makes me immediately dislike a character - so I left the series a Thua hater (oops)
Overall I enjoyed this, its not one of my top 10 BLs of the year, or my favourite gmmtv BL of the year, but that's because its been a year of incredible BLs and because the metaphor of the plot didn't work for me personally - I am very excited to see how this cast fits into gmmtvs 2023 plan - I have so many 2023 predictions!!!
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Easily became a favorite!
After the first couple episodes this quickly became one of my new favorites!What helped it was the star cast!
First, Khaotung. Louis, Neo, AJ, and Pawin
All I have seen many times before so this made it even sweeter.
All couples had sincere and adorable chemistry. You could feel it between Fist and Khaotung throughout!
The story although in a school has a different concept. So this made it catchy instead of the same old tropes.
I will miss this now that it is over.
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This review may contain spoilers
A plot with a strong potential, sadly let down in the end
Nov. 8, 2022Eclipse definitely had its up and downs within the story and its progression. Like the romance with Akk and Aya is amazing, the side couples' subplots are good too. But I don't know why I feel like the latter half of the series, it felt like something was missing. The progression became rugged and hollow. I don't know how to even properly described it as I was a lost for words and not necessarily in a good or positive way. The first 2/3 was good and that is why I am giving this show a higher rating as that rating reflect those episodes. However, starting with the last third, I just felt like the writers tried to spice up the show with plot twists yet it felt out of place...?
I guess I'll end my review at that cause I am not sure what to event comment anymore. Nevertheless, I would still recommend the series as the romance is good and the progression of the romance... as for the plot, I will just leave it at that.
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not as good as it could've been
PRODUCTION:everything looked very nice - there are are a lot of school bls right now but i liked the aesthetic and overall look of this one. the music i didnt really take not of but at least it wasnt annoying. sound quality can be pretty bad based on where they are filming.
WRITING / STORY:
i never thought i would say that a thai bl would be too short but here we are. maybe they couldve done it in 12 episodes but the intrigue built up all really stops flat. i was hoping for this series to be more suspensful than it was. there are a lot of story beats that shouldve take more care and execution. i really wish the story would just slow down because it just brushes by so fast with no real time for development. i find myself more liking the concept and ideas the story present rather than how it actually played out. plus there's plots and characters who are focused on that just slow it down even more esp near the end.
CHARACTERS / ACTING:
akk has a story arc that i really like but i do feel like its rushed. some of the developments just sort of come out of nowhere. i feel like first (akk's actor) really does his best but because he does really well. i didnt really think i would like akk as a character but i found myself truly relating to his experiences. but some stuff just really doesnt get explained enough. i think we needed more context for his actions.
ayan wowed me in his first appearance but his character kinda took a turn for the worst. i really just didnt understand his motivations. he is a really smart character but sometimes just doesnt reveal anything he does know. i thought - unlike some reviews i saw - that his motivations were good. but the fact that the story spun the actual conclusion makes it seem like he did a lot of this for nothing.
i liked their chemistry together but the buildup isnt really there. like i truly dont know when it is that they actually started to like each other. its like one scene they hate each other but then the next they are already getting comfortable. i also just needed akk to be more hesitant but it more seems like his character flip flops on if he likes aye or not. like again their acting is great and they clearly have a connection but it happens way too fast and doesnt have enough development. i cant wait to watch them in their next serieses (Only Friends and Moonlight Chicken) and hopefully they will get better stories there.
thua... god. idk. his motivations are just so weak. his actions are just confusing. i was okay with him and thought his romance with kan was good until stuff gets revealed. which. just changes his whole character out of nowhere. i feel like the writers just were trying to blindside us without giving any real development so none of us would actually guess it. in the end i cant even feel happy for his character.
the other side characters are ok at best. but man. they needed to pick a bad guy and stick with it. too many people ended up getting their motivations explained and facing 0 consequences. it really just left it so everything that was suspensful just wasnt anymore.
OVERALL:
i know it seems like im dragging this show a lot i do wanna say i had a funtime with it. its something i could see myself casually rewatching but if i think too much about it the more frustrated i am with the story.
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This review may contain spoilers
How the treacherous trailer almost put me off watching my favorite BL drama of the year
First of all, I was surprised that the drama has nothing to do with the supernatural, as the title and trailer might suggest. At first I thought it was a misunderstanding. Now I think it was on purpose.Maybe we were meant to feel like everyone else who had been deceived into believing in the Suppalo curse. I thought it would be a production with Ayan's dorky behavior and weak effects with eclipse storyline (and maybe some werewolf transformations, who knows).
It turns out that the story of Suppalo is the background on which the main characters resonate beautifully. For Akk, these are the dilemmas of a young man on the verge of important life stage and love that stands in the way. For Ayan, it's dealing with the pain due to loss and his desire for revenge.
There are expressive individuals who do not live in the shadows, and their behavior affects the reputation of the entire university. This allows us to see the smallest changes and nuances that occur in their thinking and behavior.
I enjoy hate-to-love tropes and this story stands out on the podium. It seems well thought out from a psychological point of view. We see how the characters change and nothing happens too quickly, it's natural.
Sometimes it is their looks that give us the most information: from unspoken, inflamed feelings to pain that they have to work through.
Akk and Ayan seem to be made for each other. That is the subtle factor that makes you feel the atmosphere of growing tension through their eye contact or their being next to each other. Their chemistry is out of this world. I have to admit that I watched some scenes more than a dozen times! Something amazing. Chapeu bas for the director!
The OST "Over the Moon" by Khaotung adds flavor and it's one of my all-time favorite soundtracks. Along with the official music video, it strongly affects my emotions and I'm drifting away in soft thoughts.
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