A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021)

Amazing but SLOW ASF

This show is amazing, the storyline and emotions are so deep. EarthMix's acting is phenomenal, you can really see the conflicts on their faces and their chemistry is insane. Of course its GMMTV so it isn't without a few cheesy tropes like the close proximity stares etc but the drama and beautiful production makes you ignore it. At first I was a bit confused - this was my first show that involved soul swapping/reincarnation (I hadn't seen Vice Versa, Cupid's Last Wish etc yet) but this was simpler to ease me into that idea.
I cried through half of the end episodes, I felt so bad for Tian but also completely understand Phupha and the rest of the villagers having loved Torfun so much. I loved all the side characters as well that this was an easy watch, the doctor and other soldiers are so funny and a good comedic relief from the grief.
Like I said this show is so good and definitely underrated - however it is SLOW BURN. If you liked Only Friends bc they sh*gged in the first few eps this show isn't for you, they don't kiss until like the last 10 minutes or something, even my mum who had watched half of it over my shoulder was sat there going 'JUST KISS HIM ALREADY' - girl was getting impatient with Phupa.
Anyway, WATCH THIS SHOW RIGHT NOW.

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Beautiful BL with a few issues

I binged this entire series in about 13 hours and it was well worth it. I really enjoyed the story, I liked all the characters (which doesn't happen often for me) and I liked the intrigue.

Was it super innovative? Not really, the plot was pretty easy to see through but it was well executed and I was holding my breath the entire time, waiting for the other show to drop. And when it did, it was truly heartbreaking.

Now, what I do want to mention however is a few things I found very tiring. The pacing is SLOW. SLOW SLOW SLOW. I enjoyed it in the love story because it had me screaming "JUST KISS" at the screen multiple times (during the airport scene, I was both crying and laughing because lol the parents) but the overall story dragged a lot. Which is strange given that the show had only ten episodes.

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A nice change of scenery with great chemistry but not a show I would re-watch

While Earth has been in several BLs, he hasn’t had a breakthrough in his acting until ATOTS, which I think really proved to be his best performance to date.

Although actual kiss scenes are rare in this series, there are many solid moments with exceptional chemistry. Phupha and Tian are something else when they’re playful or engaged in banter. The relationship is slow to take off but there is always palpable tension in the background.

However, I found it completely unnecessary to have Torfun/Torfun’s organ donation as a plot device. It also didn’t make sense to have Torfun’s death (and by extension, organ donation) as one of the potential ‘tensions’ between the villagers and Tian. Once again, totally unnecessary as 1) this is illogical and 2) there were other better points of conflict in the show anyway.

Read my full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2021/12/08/a-tale-of-thousand-stars-2021/

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A Tale of Thousand Stars: A Heartfelt Journey of Redemption, Love, and Destiny

"A Tale of Thousand Stars" is a masterpiece that transcends the usual boundaries of the Boys’ Love (BL) genre, offering a profound story of love, redemption, and self-discovery. Released in 2021, this Thai series, based on Bacteria’s novel of the same name, combines breathtaking landscapes, an emotionally rich plot, and remarkable performances to create an unforgettable viewing experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of A Tale of Thousand Stars is how it sets a new standard for the BL genre—proving that a compelling story doesn’t need numerous kissing scenes, sexual tension, or explicit moments to leave a lasting impact. Instead, the series relies on a heavy plotline, emotional depth, and well-crafted character development to tell a beautiful love story. The slow-burn romance between Tian and Phupha feels genuine, building through shared silences, subtle glances, and acts of kindness that are far more powerful than any overt display of affection.

The performances of Earth and Mix are truly captivating, bringing out the vulnerability and strength of their characters. Earth’s portrayal of Phupha’s inner conflict—torn between his duty and growing feelings—is both subtle and powerful. Meanwhile, Mix, in his debut role, shines as Tian, capturing the character’s transformation from a naive city boy to someone who finds purpose and courage in the most unexpected place.

Visually, the series is a treat with its stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of Northern Thailand’s mountains and forests, enhancing the story's emotional impact. The soundtrack, particularly the theme song “Thousand Stars,” perfectly complements the series’ bittersweet and hopeful tone.

Beyond its romance, A Tale of Thousand Stars also highlights social issues, such as the challenges faced by rural communities and the sacrifices of volunteers and rangers. It raises questions about privilege, second chances, and what it truly means to live a life of purpose.

(-) My drawback with this series is Earth’s acting. I think the character of Phupha is portrayed as someone who secretly cares for and loves Tian—despite his indifferent and composed demeanor, he is actually very kind, emotional, and afraid of losing Tian. However, Earth falls a bit short in delivering strong facial expressions and emotional outbursts as Phupha. At times, he still seems a bit stiff, and his expressions appear flat in certain moments. Even so, I try to accept that it might just be how Phupha's character is truly meant to be.

In conclusion, A Tale of Thousand Stars is more than just a love story—it's a soulful journey that redefines the BL genre with its emphasis on emotional storytelling and meaningful themes. With its heartfelt narrative, powerful performances, and thought-provoking messages, this series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a BL story with depth and heart.

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I rate this series, which ended with the tenth episode just today, very highly for its absolute ORIGINALITY. Gone are the school desks, walking in the corridors and chatter about nothing.
The north of Thailand has started, a remote village on the border and the whole story can be read by anyone who hasn't seen it.

Story 7: already mentioned originality, I deducted three points from perfection for some illogicalities such as a heart transplant, mistaking it for a soul, stretching to the edge in some scenes, a completely unnecessary departure for two years to the USA at the end - when two beings love each other, that's how they should prove it to themselves and not that they go apart or that one of them, long grown up, has to obey mom and dad. It's just that two grown men couldn't grasp their love firmly by the scruff of the neck and face it, and behaved like sleeping flowers without mutual physical contact, which is inherent to love, infatuation and mutual attraction.

Acting 8: the way the characters were written, they didn't require any super-professional performances to the bone. I liked Tian the most (I won't mention their real names) then there was the 3-man line-up from Waterboyy The Series - Phupha, yes, he's nice, but that role was just as thankless as his previous roles in other series - INDECISION, Dr. Nam he was excellent and the role suited him very well and a friend from Bangkok Tul OK.

Sound 10: nothing to complain about, beautiful opening song
Processing 10: originality, professionalism
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Tento seriál, který skončil desátým dílem právě dnes, hodnotím velice vysoko pro jeho naprostou ORIGINALITU. Pryč jsou školní lavice, chození po chodbách a žvásty o ničem.
Nastoupil sever Thajska, odlehlá vesnička na hranicích a celý příběh si může každý, kdo neviděl, přečíst.

Příběh 7: již zmiňovaná originalita, tři body jsem z dokonalosti ubral za některé nelogičnosti typu trasplantace srdce, jeho záměny za duši, v některých scénách protahování až za hranu, ke konci naprosto zbytečný odjezd na dva roky do USA - když se dvě bytosti milují, tak by si to měly dokázat a ne že jdou od sebe a nebo, že musí jeden z nich, dávno dospělý, poslechnout tatínka a maminku. Prostě že dva dospělí muži nedovedli svou lásku uchopit pevně za pačesy a postavit se jí čelem a chovali se jako náměsíčné květinky bez vzájemného fyzického kontaktu, který neodmyslitelně k lásce, zamilovanosti a vzájemné přitažlivosti patří.

Herecké výkony 8: jak byly postavy napsány, nevyžadovaly nějakých superprofesionálních výkonů do morku kostí. Nejvíce se mi líbil Tian (nebudu uvádět jejich pravá krkolomná jména), pak zde byla tříčlenná sestava z Waterboyy The Series - Phupha, ano, je fajn, ale ta role byla stejně nevděčná, jako jeho předchozí role v jiných seriálech - NEROZHODNOST, doktor Nam byl výborný a role mu hodně sedla a kamarád z Bangkoku Tul OK.

Zvuk 10: nemám co bych vytknul, krásná úvodní píseň
Zpracování 10: originalita, profesionálnost

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Beautiful!!!! EarthMix ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I watched it the second time and just did I bed it today. I liked it the first time I watched it. EarthMix’s chemistry was beautiful and they did a great job portraying Tian and Phupha. The plot is original and flow very well. I like that their love is so genuine and natural. This was one of my new bl and I really enjoyed it. The director Aof did a fantastic job directing the casts, and EarthMix. I also liked the village people and the children. This plot tells the story of a rich boy named Tian. One day, Tian got a new start on life and fulfill the wish of the passing Torfun. The osts is also beautiful and it’s now one of my favorite song.

The story is beautiful and I highly recommend it.

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I don’t get the rave reviews

Saying that watching this series was such a massive waste of time is such an understatement. If you are considering watching the series and you read this comment I seriously implore you to NOT WATCH this. This is officially the worst bl series I have ever watched. And I have watched a lot. If you are looking for a romantic series that the relationship progresses this is definitely not it. But if you are looking for a series that they stare at each other stupidly like that’s supposed to be hot. It was cute and all the first few episodes but it just became stupid and silly with no progression. Then also one of the main lead tian cries every episode sometimes for silly reasons, if you still want to proceed and watch then by all means go ahead, have at it.
The character Tian had one resting crying face throughout the series and the other one Phu had one smirk/smug resting face too. You are mad at your parents for saving your life and telling you what to do but you are so in love with Phu who also tells you what to do.
Yeah right.
To say I’m so mad that I watched this series in its entirety is once again an understatement.
I fast forwarded 75% of the time from episode 7. That’s how I managed to get through this.
I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND

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Just Once and Never Again

The ONLY thing I loved about this whole drama was the OST. Other than that, it did the truly exceptional job of boring me to tears. All that hype I fell for is something I regret.

The acting was average. I would even say Mix's acting was lacking. He had such a limited range of facial expressions that I couldn't even buy into whatever mood Tian was supposed to be expressing because it just didn't come through. And the pacing could give a snail a run for its money.

Anything I may have found interesting was utterly erased by the sheer boredom it put me in. I've had a lot of hype about EarthMix, but thanks to this, I can't bring myself to watch anything they're in anymore. For this, once is way more than enough.

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I loved it BUT

(Additional Spoiler review at the end but you can read this part without worries!)

I know my rating seems rather "bad" compared to the other reviews but I have to explain...

First, the story was good. It's a trope most us knows about but I think they executed it perfect. Now what bothered me? Well everything started to really ANNOY me with episode 9&10. Suddenly, there was a gigantic shift with another Dramatic change of a story line to spice things up which I genuinely did not understand???

I will talk about this part later.

The casting. I liked the casting but what I did not like was how monotone our main Tian was. Most of the time when he talks it felt really emotionless. I LOVE Tian though. His character growth was even more interesting than the romance part.

Music. I honestly don't understand how people could give this 10 stars. It's not bad or something but not 10 stars.

I think like modt of these cases people tend to rate everything 10 stars after watching the last episode.

Btw, I find the ending great, because who doesn't like happy endings? It was just executed very poorly imo. But as you can see many people loved it so maybe thats just me.


If you want to watch a Drama about a boy trying to define what his purpose is in life and additionally a "teacher" x Bodyguard Trope - then this is for you.



Spoiler part:


I didn't understand the logic of Phupha in the end. He told Tian to go away because he needs to live his life, to find himself- but at the same damn time Tian says his place is there wtf??? Phupha low-key sounded like Tian's mother and I really hated his mother I swear to god.

For a character who's Goal was to find himself, to be free, they ended this Drama really weird with him not even having to decide about his life.

Also, the last scene, I still don't get what he's doing there. Did he just leave USA without telling his parents - and now thats okay or what???

Oh, and his Mother saying studying education in the USA is better- this woman has no idea why does she keep deciding for him and the Father doesn't care.

Sorry, I love this Drama but seeing people only raring overall 10 stars when there were obviously some conflicts confused the hell out of me.

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