The Eclipse (2022)

Overall so mild it's almost flavorless

I debated with myself for a long time about whether I enjoyed this series or not. It was definitely entertaining enough for me to finish it, which is a start, and I liked the actors and the effort they put in their roles. The plot, however? It was just so confusing, with excellent ideas scattered in a sea of bad and boring writing, that I still can't decide whether it's just horrible or there's still something good inside.

The school is depicted as this horrible and tyrannical place to be in, but I found it hard to identify with the "rebels" as there was no actual element that made me believe it was a horrible place. The only rules I saw being applied were the dress code (everyone must wear school uniforms) and the students not being allowed to use their phones. It just felt like seeing any other school, except that Suppalo brags about being traditional for no real reason other than the plot saying so.
Because of this, the behavior of the students doesn't make much sense. They made some good points in the plot, but the overall context lacks the power to make them feel strong enough. I don't want to spoil anything, but some of the most extreme actions taken by the characters lack the right motivation; on top of it, many of these extreme actions aren't met with the proper reactions or consequences. It felt like the writers just wanted to make me feel agitated no matter what.
The couples are cute and the actors did a good job, but unfortunately I can't say anything more than this.

In conclusion, now that I've watched all the episodes I felt like I watched something, but I can't pinpoint what I watched exactly. I feel disappointed because the trailer felt mysterious and I was curious to see what would this series be about, but apparently the writers don't know either. I don't recommend watching unless you like the actors in it.

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NOW WAIT A DAMN MINUTE

FIRST OF ALL! Yes it is a fact of LIFE that the story for the Eclipse did not give. at all. But can you really lie and say that there was no ROMANCE...? All i hear are crickets. First and Khao managed to take that script, read the most cheasy lines in human history and still deliver one of the best performances of all time. Why? Because they simply could. Because their chemistry is non-debatable. Its a slap in the face, in the sense of " no one will ever look at me like Akk looks at Ayy " . But it makes you happy, because you can just FEEL how much they love each other. 10-10 if you are single and never fell in love. The Eclipse will make you understand how it feels like.

On a more serious note, yes, the story was lacking at some points. The curse, Suppalo,the protesters . But its not bad in the sense of " oh no i couldnt even get past the first 5 minutes!!" . As i, and many other people stated, what saved this show was First and Khao. Therefore, if you feel curious, please give it a try! You will not waste your time, this i promise ( and i know i sound biased).

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I loved the characters, the chemistry between First and Khaotung is off the charts. The story among the group of friends was great, I loved the development of the characters and how they all grew together and accepted one an other. I also loved the supportive parents. I just wish the story and plot with dealing with the school was more. Most of the time it felt like it wasn't moving along and the resolution in the last episode felt like it was just shoved in there with no real explanation. Also the eclipse had no real bearing on the story. Luckily I loved the rest of the story enough and would watch it again.

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The Eclipse outshines a lot of other BL series out there

There was a big hullabaloo when this series first released and finally, I got time to binge watch it and this was entertaining to say the least. From a good storyline to outstanding performances, this show certainly deserves a lot of praise.

On the onset the show is about a school shrouded in mystery where the students are taught to follow the strict rules and have prefects who are tasked to ensure that there are no issues. But like in every authoritarian system, there are some students who are ready to throw a wrench in to the works. The disturbances are greatly multiplied with the admission of a new student who enters the school to find the reason for his uncle’s suicide. This brings him on a direct conflict with the head prefect. The series is all about discovering the true nature of the school’s rigid policies and the reason for the suicide.

Although the series deals broadly with the issues of authoritarianism that would go to lengths to keep the status quo even to the extent to silencing dissent through harsh punishments, it also tries to tackle the issue of homophobia, discrimination that members of the LGBTQ+ community face in society, stress of school life and self-acceptance. The 2 main leads are put in to situations where these issues come to the forefront and they are forced to face them head-on. That being said, the show does shy away from raising awareness of the true challenges faced by the members of the LGBTQ+ community instead remains stereotypical or overly simplistic. For e.g., we see the initial protest by 3 gay students on the right to not wear uniform to school when clearly the bigger issue is about rampant homophobia supported by the school. Also many episodes just drag on without much happening whereas the same time could have been used in developing some supporting characters.

First and Khaotung were great at their respective roles and they really brought the characters to life. The story of Neo and Luis needed more time to develop as their love story just feels rushed turning them in to one dimensional characters.

In conclusion, the series boasts of a great star-cast and a thought-provoking storyline with a message about diversity and acceptance with a simple mystery to push the story ahead. It’s a must watch for anyone who enjoys BL series and does not mind few short-comings regarding the portrayal of gay characters.

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Lots of wasted potential

The Eclipse starts interesting enough, it really does help that the plot isn't your typical HS BL stuff. But then it falls flat. Like, that writing was Not Good towards the end. So many things that were not properly built up/resolved so it feels a bit like a whiplash. Some things are never discussed anymore (like why does Thua not like his step father??)
Truly a pity, it could have been much better.

The actors were great, no wonder FirstKhao is popular, they have amazing chemistry and it's just fun to watch them. NeoLouis had great chemistry too. Also the trio's friendship is adorable.

It's a drama I would recommend if someone were to ask me about a BL without the typical plot, but in general it wouldn't neccessarily be on my Top 10 list.

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PURE GOLD

Before starting the lakorn u wasn't really sure about it: the story, the chemistry between the actors... but I completely changed my mind. When you start one episode you'll feel like you can't stop and need to go on. Everything is so well done. The producer even paid the right attention to the secondary couple. They are just Soo cute! Love Kan! I also would have loved seeing teacher Sani and Wat together. The ending is perfect fo the drama, that started with a very particular relationship between the main characters and ended the right way. This will surely go in my top 5!!

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I’m speechless fr

One of the best bl series I’ve watched for sure .
The story , the plot , the acting , the actors , the characters , the main couple . Everything was so GOOD .
Every episode got me smiling like an idiot, kicking my feets in the air and crying for hours . It’s been awhile since a bl series made me feel that way the eclipse did .
I miss them already , I’ll miss The feeling of waiting for Friday’s to come to see them again . Literally my favs

+ ALREADY MISSING MY AKK AND AYAN I SWEAR IM TOO ATTACHED TO SAY GOODBYE

YOU BETTER GO WATCH THIS BL RIGHT NOW FR
IM SO JEALOUS I WANT TO FORGET EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT AGAIN
FUCK IT OKAY IM GONNA WATCH THE LAST EPISODE AGAIN BYEEEEE

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If you like the enemy's to lovers trope, it's definitely for you.

This series is forever in my heart and my favorite series. The acting that First and Khaotung gave us was truly fantastic, as was their chemisty. After just the first episode, the series had me hooked and I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen.
The story was build each episode and got me excited, until the very end and because you wanted to know who was behind everything.
The Eclipse took up serious topics and conveyed them well, which I really liked. I could feel each emotion, as if it was my own. The lead actors were truly amazing, everything felt normal and I sometimes forgot, that they were acting. I simply fell in love with their acting and chemistry, because it was off charts!
All in all a masterpiece, which the two of them conveyed brilliantly, I couldn't have imagined anyone better for the roles!!!!!

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best drama I’ve ever watched

this is the best drama I’ve ever seen not even just BL. Of course it has its flaws but I have never enjoyed watching something so much. Eclipse has an interesting plot, amazing actors, and chemistry between the two leads that is so thick it couldn’t even be cut with a machete. I watched only friends first so I knew these actors had such talent and chemistry but I was blown away by this drama.

I did notice a few plot holes or maybe I was too stupid to understand some things but I can overlook them because of how enjoyable the show was.

9.5/10 I will definitely be rewatching soon!

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1984 in a school setting how do you mess that up?

I can see that the show, or at least the writers were influenced by 1984 by George Orwell. And it has many themes and many readings but the one im getting here is the a power structure trying to control and infringe on the rights of people. in this case the power structure is the school and those controlled the students. And one who is within that power structure task with enforcing it's rules and one who is seen as a rebel with his own agenda in coming to the school. You see how good of a premise it is, but boy do they mess it up real bad by not delivering on anything.
And the problem always starts with the writing.
This story is from a novel since I haven't read it I'm just going to review the adaptation as its own work. I don't know just how faithful or different it is from the book but as an adaptation to visual media there are things one can change to make it more compelling.
so let's begin,

1. The rules. what are they? how are they so bad that students are demonstrating? How are they in forced and what are the consequences of breaking them?
And the answer to these questions very underwhelming. With the first introductory scene of the school we see students pledging allegiance to the school rules of this hundred year old prestigious school seaming to imply that the rules must be archaic, but we were not shown what they are other than school uniforms and not using phones while in school but they get to use them right after? Just no, they can be minor inconveniences but not enough to have students "protesting". It would have been more believable if it was about heavy disciplinary actions, crippling student schedule not allowing them time for them selves. heightened serveilance with no sense of privacy teachers looming over the students every time. student forced to compete for grades, not being able to share thoughts even ask questions. doing what ever the teachers say no questions ask. All in all a toxic educational environment that is meant to be for the "good" of the students enforced by the school rules. With 1984 as inspiration how do you miss that? And I don't think it would have been that hard of a portrayal. These things are happening and could have been a commentary on the state of education.
In the version that we were given what was the consequences of breaking the rules. You get sent to the welfare department? what's the punishment? we don't know we are never told. And how are the students protesting, disrupting the school and student and tainting the school image, how are they delt with? Nothing they are just told to repeat the allegiance Infront of students ? As an institution of power they fail to show any off it.

2. why is this not set in a boarding school? why just are you having teachers and prefects patrolling a day school at night? It makes absolutely no sense but would have been right at home if it was boarding school.
Also boarding school would have been the perfect setting for control because of how isolated boarding school are. It's just the school and students for months on end usually with no contact between students and their parents as most boarding schools atleast in my country and I'm sure many others don't allow for students to have phone so I guess the phone rule would have made more sense here.
And if they wanted the students to be more obedient then an environment with no external influences would have been better suited to that cause.

3.The curse. How this was just so poorly done. I understand why it was invented. It was meant to scare the trouble makers, the rebels into submission. But damn even an idiot would have not believed those poor excuse for a prank as a curse sending panic throughout the school. It would have been better just to say it was ghost who punished students who misbehaved.
And it seemed that the protester didn't even believe in it and thought that someone was out to get them. when they didn't get help from the school why weren't we shown them trying to find the culprit them selves. It would have put pressure and agency to the person behind the incident.

4. Akk. What we could have had. He is an enforcer, who is very loyal to the school because of his position. he is from a less privileged position who got into this prestigious school with a scholarship and now he is in a position of power over his other students. And this is given to him by the school and mentor of sorts who didn't discriminate him. he sees this mentor as his idol hi leader and willing to do anything ordered of him. He sees the school as flawless can't even hear anyone say anything bad about it. He takes his job very seriously to the point of punishing those trouble makers.
But then he meets this rebel who slowly not only change his way of thinking which is at odds with his belief, he might be falling for the guy. His internal dilemma should have bigger, this is a person he should hate, the one his mentor shows absolute dislike for. He has to chose btn what he was taught, his mentor that he respects possibly a scholarship to a higher education and his heart towards a person who knows his secret. First tried to portray that as well as he could but there was so much missing. A lot of time was taken away from developing them as characters and his relationship with Aye. Just one longing gaze was enough to establish his feelings but we had to see it again and again and again getting repetitive and us going nowhere.

5.Aye. A seamingly charming carefree dare devil with a heavy secret. He goes to the school to investigate his uncle's death. An uncle who is very close to him almost like a father figure. But other than the first few episodes of him snooping and asking around that just stops when he sets his eyes on Akk? are you telling me we can't develop a relationship and the plot at the same time? even when the diary was stolen he flew at Akk then nothing? As we were led to believe his motivation was investigating there isn't a lot of it going on. And also why does he believe the school had something to do with it? the uncle didn't die at school nor while working there. Though I do believe it would have made a compelling narrative. A much beloved teacher dying at school and how it would affect the students grappling with loss. Another powerful theme if only it would have been written right. But I guess the writers didn't want to deal with that so it happened somewhere else. With the students not knowing about it.
It is just sad and frustrating because so much energy has been put onto this. The cinematography really is good. A nice color palette, the actors trying their best with what they have been given but for it to be bogged down by the writing is just angering.
I do believe I'm gonna finish those last 3 episodes when they are out.

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The Eclipse Of A Fantastic Show

This show was very interesting. Basically the school is super oppressive and now kids are getting hurt from this supposed curse. There's also hierarchies between the students, homophobia and love stories thrown into the mix. The story started off really strong. When its revealed, I honestly didn't expect Akk to be the one doing all the curse things. Good twist and the explanation makes sense and it's sad. Poor kid has the entire crap schools reputation on his shoulders, I thought the eclipse was going to be more than just a legend associated thing and a social media account. That was kinda dissapointing but again the twist of Khua running the account was cool. However, the twist I hated was that the one teacher was ENGAGED TO THE UNCLE. What? Why? That's so dumb. Thai BL's multiple times have tried to throw in the, this person seems like a bad guy but actually had some random tragic gay love story too many times for it to be even remotely shocking anymore. It's just kinda lazy writing tbh. Also the protests started getting really repetitive in this and I wanted it to end.

Our actors are good in this. I never ever thought I'd see Khaotung as this bad boy pursuer in a show lol. I've just seen him as side characters or in awful Tonhonchonlatee. So this was a breath of fresh air for him I'm sure! First is great in this, but I knew that from tiktok's obsession with him. Khan being "Bruce Wayne" lmao, sure why not. Overall I wanted much more from this series, but its aight.

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