femslashedtires
usa
a surprisingly satisfying title
It's not a secret that I am not a big fan of GMMTV or Aof. Unlike many fans, I tend to find their writing a clumsy sort of saccharine, with a real tendency to explore serious/complex themes in ways that come off quite offensive and simplistic. I had mostly expected, like A Boss and a Babe, to have this show be a pretty mediocre show I pushed through for the enjoyment of watching actors I enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised to have been sucked into this world almost immediately and treated to one of the strongest, neatest scripts I've seen in a while. A Tale of a Thousand Stars manages to be a rare gem that pulls off everything it was hoping to accomplish in spades.
-The Full Review-
STORY:
I didn't really have any expectation of liking this show, so I didn't know much more than "organ transplant romance" and "Mix Sahaphap" going in. When I realized this was an organ-transplant-*voluntourism* plot, I was immediately nervous that the show would fall into a lot of irritating tropes like glorifying the traveling volunteer, insulting the local communities, or ignoring the harm these patchwork solutions do to the communities they serve. Thankfully, this show (for the most part) managed a very nuanced look at the industry.
Between the way that Tian doesn't really have any expectation of the career beyond finishing what Torfun started, the careful focus on the members of the community as complete people, and the quick and complete way that Tian's clumsier efforts to "help" are refuted, 1000 Stars largely manages to avoid the major pitfalls of this type of story. While some points may continue to be a little overly idealistic, I find it to be a nuanced and interesting exploration.
Aside from the community aspects, which do (to my joy) take a large portion of the screen time, I loved this romance dearly. Nothing is quite as good as a slowburn that is powered by character psychology and genuine conflict (over misunderstandings from plot-mandated lack of communication). Watching these two characters learn to understand each other and trust their forming relationship is truly beautiful. I especially appreciate these characters awareness of the others feelings, even long before they begin discussing it. It's a very mature relationship.
ACTING:
I absolutely adore both Earth Pirapat and Mix Sahaphap--I only started this show because I was so impressed with their work in Moonlight Chicken. Both of these actors bring an absolutely natural and beautiful vulnerability to their characters with a compelling chemistry. The way the two of them create connection in silence, communicating only with their eyes, is really quite remarkable. I am definitely going to be working my way through everything they've ever done.
Aside from the leads, I absolutely have to commend the child actors. It's a heavy script and there is a lot of focus on the children and their emotions. These kids carried out their parts beautifully, becoming a truly individual personalities and recognizable group of kids rather than a monolith of "the class." I really believed in their school community and the bonds they shared with each other and Tian. It is not an easy task, and the whole production should be proud.
PRODUCTION:
A necessary simplicity, given the setting, but the quality of the production was truly top notch. I have to especially commend the costumes team for the visual journey of Tian becoming part of this community. Some stand out selections include: Tian's traditional shirt when he goes into Chiang Mai, Phupha's button up date shirt, Torfun's scarves, and Everyone's wedding outfits. Just really excellent choices.
I also appreciated lighting design of this series. A lot of the night scenes got very dark, but for once I think it enhanced the series rather than inspired comparisons to Lord of the Rings and "when you could actually see what's happening on screen." The dark and stillness of this community became a very present aspect of the series. I loved the scenes when you could only catch glimpses of the actors expressions (and they always ensured you could see the action when necessary).
In all, this title has shot right to the top of my list. It's a perfect choice when you are looking for something slow, romantic, and healing. It's a really beautiful story.
-The Full Review-
STORY:
I didn't really have any expectation of liking this show, so I didn't know much more than "organ transplant romance" and "Mix Sahaphap" going in. When I realized this was an organ-transplant-*voluntourism* plot, I was immediately nervous that the show would fall into a lot of irritating tropes like glorifying the traveling volunteer, insulting the local communities, or ignoring the harm these patchwork solutions do to the communities they serve. Thankfully, this show (for the most part) managed a very nuanced look at the industry.
Between the way that Tian doesn't really have any expectation of the career beyond finishing what Torfun started, the careful focus on the members of the community as complete people, and the quick and complete way that Tian's clumsier efforts to "help" are refuted, 1000 Stars largely manages to avoid the major pitfalls of this type of story. While some points may continue to be a little overly idealistic, I find it to be a nuanced and interesting exploration.
Aside from the community aspects, which do (to my joy) take a large portion of the screen time, I loved this romance dearly. Nothing is quite as good as a slowburn that is powered by character psychology and genuine conflict (over misunderstandings from plot-mandated lack of communication). Watching these two characters learn to understand each other and trust their forming relationship is truly beautiful. I especially appreciate these characters awareness of the others feelings, even long before they begin discussing it. It's a very mature relationship.
ACTING:
I absolutely adore both Earth Pirapat and Mix Sahaphap--I only started this show because I was so impressed with their work in Moonlight Chicken. Both of these actors bring an absolutely natural and beautiful vulnerability to their characters with a compelling chemistry. The way the two of them create connection in silence, communicating only with their eyes, is really quite remarkable. I am definitely going to be working my way through everything they've ever done.
Aside from the leads, I absolutely have to commend the child actors. It's a heavy script and there is a lot of focus on the children and their emotions. These kids carried out their parts beautifully, becoming a truly individual personalities and recognizable group of kids rather than a monolith of "the class." I really believed in their school community and the bonds they shared with each other and Tian. It is not an easy task, and the whole production should be proud.
PRODUCTION:
A necessary simplicity, given the setting, but the quality of the production was truly top notch. I have to especially commend the costumes team for the visual journey of Tian becoming part of this community. Some stand out selections include: Tian's traditional shirt when he goes into Chiang Mai, Phupha's button up date shirt, Torfun's scarves, and Everyone's wedding outfits. Just really excellent choices.
I also appreciated lighting design of this series. A lot of the night scenes got very dark, but for once I think it enhanced the series rather than inspired comparisons to Lord of the Rings and "when you could actually see what's happening on screen." The dark and stillness of this community became a very present aspect of the series. I loved the scenes when you could only catch glimpses of the actors expressions (and they always ensured you could see the action when necessary).
In all, this title has shot right to the top of my list. It's a perfect choice when you are looking for something slow, romantic, and healing. It's a really beautiful story.
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