So I'm extremely glad I watched these series before learning how divisive IPYTM is. And honestly I get it. From ITSAY and LTIP, our protagonists are heading to their future hand in hand and the first episode has some amazing high points. The underwater kiss redux is even more beautiful and Sui's ep 1 goodbye to Teh is so beautiful and a wonderful conclusion to Teh's family plots from ITSAY.
Then comes IPYTM and the university/divergent paths of Teh and Oh. It is tough, watching Teh drift from Oh and also not accept them both changing. But it's honestly very realistic and gorgeously done. The same problems Teh and Oh had as 7th graders and 12th graders, they have similar problems in their 20s. And Oh does really try to hold them together and it's heartbreaking to watch it fall around him but life be like that sometimes.
It's not the story I wanted but it's story that was told to me and as much as it hurt watching, it was beautiful watching it.
It didn't "have to happen like that" but it did and we watched both Teh and Oh pick up the pieces and choose how they move forward with them and me as an audience member, I choose to do the same.
I Promised You The Moon is every bit as intentional and elevated as I Told Sunset About You and while the story might not be as well loved in the latter half, I very much argue that it's still as poignant and beautiful as the former.