I Told Sunset About You (2020)

A masterpiece

This is my first review, but I felt compelled to write one after watching this series. It's hard to find the words to describe this work, but I'll try my best.

I'll start with the TLDR because this review will be me rambling about how good this series is: this is a true love letter to the lgbt+ community, with such insight and nuance, masterful cinematography, acting, soundtrack, storytelling and a true must see. Not only if you're a BL fan, but also if you're a cinema fan in general as the execution is at the level of "international cinema" and I could see this winning awards at festivals. Nadao wasn't playing and nothing was left to chance. This goes beyond the genre. An unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after watching.


Story and writing:

The story by itself is one we've seen before and simple at first sight: two boys who are childhood friends reunite and discover and navigate through their newfound feelings for each other. The reason I give the story 10 stars is that this series stands out is the masterful way in which is this simple and everyday coming of age story is written.The characters are written with such depth and nuance. The dialogues are so natural. This series is full of symbolisms. Actually if you go to the comment section of this series, you'll see us writing and writing about all these details. Everything intertwines perfectly. Something that is refreshing too is how the supporting characters are written in a good balance that adds more to the series and balances perfectly with the main characters.

The story is focused on the two boys who at some point have a girl and a boy romantically interested in each one of them. However this story has no antagonists in which these secondary love interests are written in such a real way that we end up sympathizing with them. For once we have a girl in a BL properly written and not a villain or used as plot device. The only antagonists here are the inner battles of the protagonists which are depicted in such real and raw way.

Another aspect of the story that I found interesting is how they included Chinese in this series. The protagonists are studying Chinese and the words and symbols are a constant in the series, adding another layer to it.

The series has only 5 episodes (it will have a part 2 though) and in these 5 episodes you get deep knowledge of these characters, a well paced story where no scene goes to waste. This is a masterclass in script writing.

Get your tissues ready but also get ready to smile, to relate, to fall in love with the characters, to really get attached to them. I for one can't let go of them. This was written by people who have empathy and knowledge of the struggles of the lgbt+ community and want to show them to the world and make the people in the community feel seen and understood and people outside of it to understand and empathize.

Cinematography and other technical aspects:

This is one of the aspects that this series shines. Every shot is intentional. and well balanced. The photography is out of this world and each scene so beautiful it hurts. Almost every scene deserves a screenshot for how well is composed. The color pallet in yellows and warm tones gives a nostalgic feel to it making it seem that the series takes place decades ago while taking place in the modern era. Phuket, the place where it takes place is shown beautiful. I also want to praise the styling, make up and air department for making the characters truly look their age and so natural. I can't point any technical flaws.

This is a "show don't tell" type of series and the way it's executed... chief kiss. There are symbols, color being used to depict how the characters feel and how they stand it that moment and details that blend so well in the story while still requiring an attentive eye to catch them all.

Please watch the behind the scenes documentaries once you're done as the director P'Boss will guide you through the technical aspects of it and how it was done.

Acting:

This is the highlight of this show. If I could give a 100 stars I would. This series was written for Billkin and PP and it shows. Their acting is so powerful, nuanced, poingnant, mature but still retaining the natural immaturity of these teenagers. We get to feel all their emotions even in the scenes where there are no words. Billkin and PP at such young age and with the masterful directing of P'Boss went where most actors in this genre don't go, offering us a performance worthy of all the awards. At some points it felt so real and raw I had to take a pause to compose myself. I had never seen something like this in Thai BL. I would say this was probably some of the best acting I've seen in any series of any kind in the past few years or more, that's how good it was. Billkin and PP's chemistry is out of this world too! Keep an eye on these boys, they will go places!

The supporting cast also does an incredible job: the group of friends though shown as a background is so natural and fits perfectly. And the 2 secondary love interests I mentioned before, interpreted by Khunpol and Smile give a stellar performance in the few scenes they're in. They might not have many scenes but you'll also feel everything they feel.

Music and Soundrack:

Another masterpiece that added so much to this series! The OST of this series is fabulous and it adds so much with it. The lyrics portray what the characters are going through and I always cry when I listen to the Skyline song. This song has a version interpreted by Billkin and another one in Chinese interpreted by PP. All the versions of this song are true works of art. We also have 2 other songs sang by Billkin. Not only are they phenomenal actors but singers too! The soundtrack in this series is never overbearing or out of place, instead gets us more involved in the story and works as an aid to portray what these characters are going through.

Rewatch value:

As I mentioned before this series is full of details that you might not catch on a first watch, so I'll be rewatching for sure. The comment section of this series is full of commentators dissecting every aspect of it as nothing is left to chance in this series. Also there were some scenes that were so breathtakingly beautiful that I'll be rewatching for sure.


I want to thank the actors, cast and crew for all the thought and effort they put into this and for the powerful message this series has. One of my favorite series (BL or not BL), I'm still blown away.

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An ode to Hoon!

After circling ep 5 for the past 3 days I've found the courage to press play. Tea and tissues were ready. And of course I used the whole pack of tissues. :))))
I have been preparing a review for this amazing piece of work since ep 2, ready to praise the two main characters, ready to build a statue for Bas who was such an incredible friend and support even when it meant it might not be in his favor. Of course I was ready to praise the director. After watching the documentaries, I realized it took a village to make this touching story, not just the writer and the director and the actors. So I wanted to build a statue for them too. :))
But after watching ep 5, my hero became Hoon. He patiently waited for Teh to open up and then finally gave him that little nudge Teh needed. And his words were just so powerful. I wish every kid that faces that fear and struggle ( and why not even adult that take longer to find themselves), had a Hoon. Without Hoon, I think Teh would have gone on to be a sad story.
Trying to live life to fit other people's expectations, or to fit into a mold, is exhausting, consuming and just a road to self-inflicting unhappiness. Nothing is worse than when you pushing your own self into the box of small mindedness in exchange for acceptance.
Well, I'll stop here before I write more cliches. I am aware it's not that easy. I'm one of those adults that took longer. :))
If you are a Teh, just know that you don't owe the world, and you definitely don't owe your parents anything. You didn't volunteer for this world, but here you are. Make the best of it with the little it offers lately. :) Being yourself outweighs the idiots out there. ;))

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A childhood story with a different feeling

Tbh, I watched many BL series and a lot of them were high quality (like Until we meet again) but I think this series has a very different feeling from all the BL series, that I have watched so far. It is intense in a way that is breathtaking. The intimate scenes in this series are special and beautifully shooted. During some parts you hold on your breath and don't want to make a single noise as you forget where you are. I totally understand the high rating of this series and I want to add another one!
This series did something to me, that no other BL did. I don't really know how to describe these with words, but just watch it and you may understand what I mean.
There is no staged drama or something like that, this feels so real and normal like someone would tell me his story from his childhood.
Just wow - for me it is a masterpiece.

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PHENOMENAL

I don't even know where to start... I'd like to thank the producers, the actors and everyone who worked on this show. To me, everything was perfect from the beggining until the end, I can't even find a negative point.
The acting, the ost, the production, the plot, decorations... every single detail was meaningful and well thaugt. That's the best series that I have ever seen. It made me feel so many emotion, a real rollercoaster.
I think that every person that likes BL shows (it's even above BL's)MUST watched this one. I don't see a series that can outclass this one, it will be a very hard work...
I don't even know what to say because I could write an essay about it... So just thank you for this amazing journey...
And WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR !

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Overall perfect

The title says it all - I love everything about this series: acting, music, cinematography, chemistry, feelings (oh, so many feelings! My poor heart). I cried during every single episode.
It's not your classic BL - there's no BL cliches in the series (I mean cliché stuff like "oh no, we fell onto each other and accidentally kissed" etc). It all feels very natural. There are no awkward situations that feel forced.
The actors even have ugly crying scenes, which is nice because people just don't look beautiful when crying.
You're definitely missing out if you don't watch this series.

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The best series of 2020!

I've been thinking about what to write for this review for a few days and didn't really know where to start...

Although my biggest passion is watching tv series and even had a blog for 4 years writing about shows, I haven't really recommended a series since I stopped blog writing 5 years ago.

I've watched over 1,000 tv series in my life and 60-100 Asian tv series in a wide range of genres every year so I have my own standards of what I think is a good show. I've started watching Thai dramas in 2014 but only started watching BLs in 2019. Since I've started watching BLs, I've watched the majority of popular Thai BLs, many Taiwanese BLs and a few Korean ones. I thought I've seen it all and rarely come across a show that I find impressive and really want to recommend everyone. Finding a good series is like finding gems, it's difficult.

ITSAY has always been on my to-watch list but I honestly didn't have any specific expectations going into it, didn't even watch the trailer and forgot that the show has premiered until days later. Even the first episode didn't get me but I was so blown away by the second episode. I have never looked forward to upcoming episodes so much but feel so anxious about where the story will lead to at the same time. I am so happy that I've watched this show. It's such a good feeling to find a series that exceeded my expectations in every single way possible since shows are more often disappointing than not for me.

Labelling ITSAY as a BL is simply just categorising. It's an extremely well produced romantic and coming of age series. It's a masterpiece that everyone should watch. Every scene is well framed and meaningful, every character interaction has a purpose, the acting and chemistry is phenomenal, the cinematography is absolutely stunning, the directing and script is so detailed and full of heart...I can go on forever but I think it's best for viewers to watch the series and experience the feelings of watching an amazing show first hand. I also strongly recommend viewers to watch the documentary as well. Seeing how much effort and dedication the entire staff and crew team put into this production made me appreciate the series even more.

This is my first time writing a review on MyDramaList (I've always love using this site but created an account just because I want to rate and review this series). I want to do everything I can to promote the show because I think it deserves all the love and recognition and don't want anyone to miss out. If you like watching tv series and appreciate high quality productions like I do, you won't regret watching it!

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Acting Skills are So...So...Natural(This is a totally Different Story Guys)

This is the Best BL Series or any Series I ever saw in my Life. I wanna give a special Tribute to each actors for their Acting Skills. Acting in this Series is on a whole other level I ever saw in my Life. This series is that kind which will always be in my Heart till death. I don't have more words even to express how much I liked this series. I wish we could get Part 2 this year(2020) only. I mean I loved this series very very much but it is still a cliff hanger. Please give part 2 in 2020 only??. and Give Oscars to Both Actors..they deserve it! The Direction as well as Storywriter as well as Screenplotter deserves a huge Applauds!
I made a whole new freaking account to Rate this series which I never do. I did it for the first time.
I still have many things but OK...Fantaastic.

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Masterpiece

When the trailer of this series was released, I knew something big is coming up for us. I expected highly, and what I've seen and experienced when watching the series is far better than my own high expectations.

The series especially the 1st episode was fast-paced and even then there was already a roller-coaster of emotions and it could be an entire film in itself. That very critical first episode was beautifully done - from the acting to the cinematography to the script. That critical first episode made viewers want to continue watching it.

The series made use of the beauty of Chinese characters. For learners and speakers of the language, it gave us a new perspective in looking at those characters now. Relating those Chinese words that they are learning in the plot makes the script even more creative.

The actors were superb. They don't even have to say anything. You can already feel so much emotions just by looking into their eyes. You can feel the confusion, the pain, and the love as they look at each other. Their acting were even more poetic than the script. And the way the director created the tension that builds up from one scene to the next, it was incredibly real. I felt my heartbeat raced while watching those scenes.

Being a coming-of-age series, it talked about the many different struggles of a teenager that all of us actually can relate to. All our wrong decisions, all the people we unintentionally hurt, our fear of unconformity and how unable we are to control our feelings are all painfully real.

That's why we don't blame Teh anf Oh-aew for all the mistakes they made. It's a part of their growing up.
(Now I'm talking like those two characters really existed)

Thanks to all those people who created this masterpiece, I Told Sunset About You. Thank you for telling us Teh and Oh-aew's story. They are those characters who will have a place in our hearts for a very long time.

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I Told Sunset About You as the Caliber of BL Genre

https://medium.com/@fritzamido/i-told-sunset-about-you-as-the-caliber-of-bl-genre-7792927b701d

I Told Sunset About You — a 2020 Thai romantic drama coming-of-age directed by Boss Naruebet Kuno for Nadao Bangkok. The story revolves around two highschool boys who are figuring out what will be the life ahead of them with their complicated and raw feelings from each other.
I’ve been a huge fan of BL series ever since- from the cliche ones that gives your heart a little nudge to make it flutter to the tragic ones that caused you to shed tears. As different variety of BL series started to make its way in all streaming platforms, I am not going to lie if I will say they all have repetitive plots.
Meanwhile, I Told Sunset About You creates its own flavour that makes it totally different from the rest of the BL series that are existing at date- it hits differently. At first, you’re going to assume it’s just a mere story of two teenagers, from childhood bestfriends, turns into rivals, and became potential lovers but as you get deeper watching the whole episodes, it’s not- it is more than that. It exemplify itself from the rest of indistinguishable narratives of BL genre produced.
It’s a real life story.

Its distinct cinematography and production design gives the viewers a total melancholic conjecture. Its visual details and aesthetics has the same par with Call Me By Your Name; very warm and subtle, also alluring- the way they play with the right color schemes and saturations to equally portray the mood of every scene. It has this… Oscar’s movie quality production set in Phuket. The feeling that the cinematography and camera works gives are immaculate and bewitching.
These factor alone makes the series rise above the mediocre cinematography of all BL series.

The acting of Billkin and PP Krit on the other hand remains phenomenal. They cemented their acting finesse in this series- tough match. Both has a very complex roles yet they managed to deliver every single line very well especially on how they embody their characters into themselves. It doesn’t look like forced nor too rehearsed, it is a perfect example of spontaneity that was well-executed. Most of all, they never had any cringe-acting moments that I always encounter in other BL series as if it’s a part of the acting formula. Theirs was very genuine and natural. They always show the right and raw projection from emotionally charged scenes.
The chemistry between them is undeniably exquisite, very nuanced- from those small gestures, the secret gaze and glances from each other, the restraint desire that was perfectly painted on their faces, the grieving from rejection… that makes both of them a top-notch actors with their effective acting and sensational portrayals.
To make it short, what they feel, you also feel. It transcends into you as if you belong to their world.
And also, commending the portrayals of supporting roles in this series. Their acting are excellent as well, not mediocre and stable enough to deliver what they should deliver on screen. Overall, no screentime was wasted from both main and supporting roles.

When it comes to the story writing and its depth, you can definitely say that it was very well written; brilliant and exceptionally profounding- the dialogues, incorporated by the actor’s excellent acting, will make you feel a lot of emotions in every episode, you name it- happiness, devastation, anguish, confusion… you will be emotionally involved and invested as if you are in a roller coaster ride. Viewers will not going to be spared as it will bequeath everyone with pure emotions firsthand.
The pacing of the story is quintessential- very realistic, not rushed and spot on. You should not miss every single detail on every episode because they are value-added as to how you are going to interpret the story on your own. The color arrangement of the scenes, the color symbol of the main characters- the color blue and red representation, the incorporation of Chinese language and how it was used significantly between Teh and Oh-aew’s relationship, and the seamless symbolism that you can distinguish on every episodes. They were all well-thought and speaks volume perfectly.

There are BL series that also tackles societal issues that is relevant to LGBTQ+ but looks like forced just to fit in the storyline but I Told Sunset About You managed to carry it out perfectly stitched within the entirety of the plot, establishing a mutual connection to certain viewers who can relate either on Teh’s and Oh-aew’s character. It never fails to depict and validates someone’s struggle and make it even more relatable- not exaggerated.
And here lies the spectacular talent of the screenwriter, Goy Arachaporn Pokinpakorn and the director, Boss Naruebet Kuno. They solidified the plot, cinematography, and script to make a pristine masterpiece.
Talking about the sountrack and music scoring- they are all perfectly placed to create the story more appealing, to make it more impactful. It doesn’t overtake the scenes, it is not distracting. It blended with the movements impeccably. There is beautiful thing when they incorporated the Chinese version of Skyline as one of the sountrack and you cannot also deny how the cover song of Billkin and PP Krit added flavor to the soundtrack, making it very personal from their roles.
As you listen to the whole OST, you will realize how pulchritudinous the lyrics of each songs are if you’re going to look for its English translations- totally poetic and written with so much ardor based on the meaninful messages of the songs that gives you a heartrending impression of the series.
Billkin is a great singer as well. He sang two of the sountracks and it tells how well-rounded he is as an artist.

Fan of this series or not, BL enthusiast or just a casual viewer, you can totally say that I Told Sunset About You really made an impression for being a prime and stellar BL at this date. An ensnarling yet beautiful portrayal of teenage love and the strong power of friendship, identity seeking, fragility of someone’s trust and worth, and the manifestation of someone’s dreams and inspiration in a very realistic approach.
Nadao Bangkok as a powerhouse production, outdid themselves and set a new quality standard for BL genre. The fact that I Told Sunset About You has one more finale episode but the first episodes already proven that it has potential to be considered as a brilliant masterpiece. It only has five episodes in total but considering how they successfully laid out the plot on every episodes- without a waste, was masterly polished.
On a personal note, I would definitely give it 10/10 for surpassing my expectations from the very beginning. It is not a perfect series but it is undeniably the best out there- a hard to beat, I must say. It also deserves recognition in any Thai Drama Award Shows and an international acclaim for that matter.
This is a cinematic masterpiece… a caliber for the BL genre and production houses to ameliorate their BL plots and narratives.

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A must-watch!

This series is one of the most absorbing and emotional coming-of-age series I’ve seen in my life. Both lead actors Billkin and PP brilliantly portrayed their characters, Teh and Oh-aew, as they took us in a roller coaster of emotions: love, hate, yearning, regret, and so much more. The story itself is relatable and sensitive at the same time for people who are part of the LGBTQ community, as it excellently tells the life and struggles of a queer kid coming out during his adolescent years. I really felt dehydrated and powerless after watching it. The cinematographic value of this production sets a new standard to the genre itself, as it surpasses the standards set in a context where BL fans are too familiar with.

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