Shine (Orchestric Ver.) (2025)

All the flavour in one dish

It's too rare for bl industry to give such a rare series. Although I don't like the old period setting and politics, this series gave me so much more to appreciate everything. I started it for Apo mile but the 2nd couple successfully caught my attention.
As always I love everything done by Apo, he is such a great actor that it gets hard to not admire him.
Back to series, it is fun to watch, sad, romance, mystery, depressing. There are many scenes, when we know some love stories are doomed from starting but we still root for them. And I love this iconic series for its execution, all the elements whether it's style, it's setting, everything.
I will suggest to watch it atleast once, don't miss the gem🫶🏻.

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A Shining Political Tragedy

Shine was so much more than I expected it to be. I think the best way to describe this show is a tragic political drama - not because there wasn't romance, but because the romance feels secondary to the building political tensions throughout this show. I think my only complaint was that Mile and Apo's roles and romance as Tanwa and Trin felt almost unnecessary to the larger plot, but it was still an incredible watch. Plus, the directing and music were outstanding.

Economist Trin (Apo) travels back to Thailand from France after the loss of his love in French protests. There, he begins to get involved in politics, as well as work as a professor. He meets Tanwa (Mile) first as a laid-back musician, son of a politician, and then as a 10th year college student. The two opposites slowly attract while working together. Meanwhile, Trin's uncle Krailert (Son) is a colonel, and in charge of some major political deals. Political reporter Naran (Euro) has been digging up dirt on him in an attempt to reveal the corruption in the military and their politics. Unknowingly, the two start communicating via newspaper column music reviews, and when they finally meet in person, the chemistry is undeniable. The political opponents fall in love as a rebellion is brewing, and being on opposite sides of a country nearing war is never the right place for love to thrive.

Truly, Son and Euro STOLE THE SHOW! The TENSION and the heartache was incredible - what's more heartbreaking than a love that seems impossible? In my opinion, some of their scenes were....unnecessarily long and explicit, but the directing was so wonderful I can't even really complain. The politics involved in their relationship was absolutely incredible to watch, and their backstories only added to the complexity of their relationship. The biggest downside of this show in my opinion was that they weren't the main characters. While I love Mile and Apo, their relationship didn't seem all that important; particularly, Mile's character seemed to play very little role in the plot besides being Apo's love interest. Their relationship was still great to watch, though I think the fun in it lied much more with Trin's slow realization that he was into Tanwa than with the relationship itself. Still, this show is absolutely worth watching, and props to beoncloud for making a show that is so unique!

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NO MATTER HOW DARK THE NIGHT IS WE WOULD SEE EACH OTHER.

İ cried until my heart ached when the series ended. the characters and everything that happened to them devastated me.

trin and tanwa's story had a beginning and an end, but no development. those feelings of love vanished in the last episode. it was terrible that trin left without saying a word. tanwa put more effort into that relationship than trin, and in the end, he was the one who was abandoned. but it was still promising that he didn't give up. their relationship was a bit dull, and i think that was trin's fault.

kailert and naran's story had development, but no conclusion. okay, they didn't end up together, but at what cost? i would have loved to finally see naran. i personally would have loved to find out what happened to him after time passed. everything that happened to kailert was horrific. i don't know if it was necessary. but it's true that i started sobbing when i saw that evil woman was pregnant. i'm sure the part where kailert told trin, "live for me." killed us all.

victor was one of the saddest characters, but i knew someone was going to die anyway, and he was the one.

the series was very good, but i watched it for the supporting couple. their story was more interesting, and i knew it would end badly. naran opening up to his girlfriend was something i expected. i expected the same from kailert, and he did. he was both right and did it out of love. but he gave up his own life to protect naran. old time gays are extra heartbreaking. i haven't cried this much in a long time.

the music was perfect. absolutely perfect. the production, the way it was shot, and the colors were beautiful. it was a very well-crafted series. but the rushed storytelling at the end made it less than perfect. the last episode was quite lacking. but everyone's acting was excellent.

and i want to say one last thing; "don't worry. we will live for you and keep your story alive. "

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A Category of Its Own

I highly do not recommend this series to anyone expecting a cute and happy romance set in the 60s. This show falls under the category of queer media and not BL. It's politically heavy, with the romance being a naturally integrated part of the story rather than its main focus. It preserves a serious and realistic tone for the most part, but also mixes in lighthearted moments and elements of idealism that sometimes fit and others feel a bit out of place.

Watching this show requires attentiveness. It took me a while to warm up to it, because I felt a bit lost at the early episodes. Having at least a general idea of the political landscape of that period, might get you immersed to the plot much faster, without that of course being a necessity, since a lot of the themes addressed more or less transcend borders to other countries as well.

Regarding the acting, the series has a great collection of very capable people who portrayed the complexity of their characters in the best way possible. I have to point out how much I enjoyed Mile in the role of Tanwa, especially due to the striking contrast to his most known role of Kinn. He pulled off his part magnificently, showcasing his range as an actor.

Overall, it was a good show—deep, well made with beautiful cinematography. I do recognise its thematic significance and value, but at the same time it didn't leave me with a long lasting impression as a viewer. I found the premise interesting, but at times it felt like too many things were happening within just eight episodes, or that some dialogue was a bit stilted, just to create a dramatic or poetic impression. I liked the characters as well, but I didn't connect with them that much. Even so, they were properly fleshed out and the show still managed to resonate emotionally through some impactful scenes.

It has its own unique character as a story, and I do recommend it to anyone who looks for something different to watch.

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Sometimes, the audacity to risk brings us the most unexpected happiness..and such is life.

Shine- it is not one of the usual Bl storyline so don’t expect it to be very smooth-going drama. Also it is not even a BL series..it is Thailand's first gay series. Portraying the lives of people during 1969 with such excellence. There was a time i felt that i was actually living in it. The cast, SONGS, storyline, direction..everything was out of the world. It truly showed how the people back then suffered due to high-ranking officials, really glad that officer got jailed and he died.
Now comes my TrinTawna..i have never ever doubted Mile and Apo on their acting skills. Hence, again they didn’t let me or any one of us down. Seeing Mile as Tanwa was so hilarious and by the last episode..my heart cried with him. I’m genuinely so glad they got the ending they deserved.
Now my dearest Klailert and Naran, the most devastating love story. They were so happy together. Their smiles felt genuine whenever they were together. All those moments..secretly meeting..writing each other through codes..their debates..their love..everything felt so magical. Purest form of love, indeed. Son and Euro..you guys have no idea how your acting impacted on me. Your skills are unimaginable and brilliant. They didn’t deserved that. They deserved to be happy. I’ll always be sorry for Klailert..the only two people he ever loved were taken away for him. What was even his fault? Was him being a man loving a man..was that his fault? Like his first lover was killed and the second one was sent to away from him. And guess what..who did all this DHEVI. Yes..trust me i had huge sympathy for her till episode 7 but in episode 8 when she showed her true side that she is none other than those rich spoiled brat elite families children who will get whatever they like. Istg i hate her so much. Klailert and Naran, you guys will always be remembered as KlaiRung and Sarasawadee.
Lastly, my 2Vs’ Victor and Veera. Their deaths were not necessary at all. Like the things could have been the same. The Colonel would’ve gathered up the courage to tell the truth out loud. Like Victor had soooo many dreams. His dream life was about to began. What would you do that?? And Veera..the most honest police officer..and this is how honesty pays people?
Also will forever be grateful to Moira..that lady..i’m speechless. So glad for her character.

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Welcome to the Farside of the Moon

Ep 2 - I’m dying from the hair, makeup and fashion alone lol.

But seriously, I’m in love with Man Love! My BL heart is all a flutter over Krailert and Naran’s library literary lip liaison.

This has political unrest, classism, sexism, bigotry and econimicism (that ain’t a word 🤣).

Script is scripting for me, ‘I’ll shine your shoes again if I ever get the chance.’ And this is what you call an OST, I still have BL PTSD from The Last Prince OST but this is not an interference or it’s own character, it’s sound design and engineering. Slot Machine, what a vocal in such a different genre for them, I hope ‘Am I in Love’ charts well for them, it’s on fiya.

Ep 1 - The psychedelic opening credits were groovy! Apo (Dr Trin) is lookng like the next James Bond, the cinematography is giving.

Miles (Tanwa) first track in the Moonshine band was sexy. Background music is atmosphericly on point.

As Miles alluded too in interviews this is a Man Love series and a fascinating look back in time at Thailand in the late 60s. I would say it’s had more script rewrites than many other Thai BLs moving this more into T-drama rather than a straight out BL and I’m here for it, the more sophisticated the writing the further this can go worldwide.

WOW is all I can say to Be On Cloud and Pond.

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One of the best series in 2025

It's been a long time since I bowled my eyes out since history make our dayes count. Episodes 7 and 8 were a real roller coaster, Victor. My annoying poor baby and the sweet Veera, they didn't deserve to die like that. No one is. I was tense from the beginning of this episode, like I knew someone was going to die. Karan or Victor or the colonel. I just knew it. And it was going to break my heart anyway. The parents, the friends, Trin, Karan, and Tanwa. All of them had different type of greaving, and all of them were so great at it.
Okay, now to the real review.
First, I am hundred percent sure there weren't any plastic bags back in 1969 used in daily life, and of course, there was no cctv with audio, even in 5 stars hotels. They got so many historical errors like the customs, the makeup, and the decorations. I'm not really sure, but I have watched Bruce Lee movies, and they weren't this trendy and cheque,
Second, all the actors were great and, of course, handsome. The ladies were all pretty. The characters were something else, Trin is my new comfort character, mature and sensitive. Tanwa was fun and mad. He really gave action to the scenes. Victor was annoying, and when he removed his pants, I literally face palmed. Karan was really cute in his momentary denial, then he gave us the usual epic second couple story. The colonel. Oh my god, I didn't take my fill of his face. Amazing.
Third, I really can't decide If I should hate the wife or not. My stupid heart tells me she should have let him go, and my logical brain tells me she was right, I can feel her. Her husband cheated on her without even giving a second thought. She didn't deserve this treatment from a man who choosed to marry her, if he had no love for her, there is always respect and fidelity, it would have been fair if she cheated with Veera, but the writers already decided the sad ending of the couples.
The fiance were a strong bitch, the shoe slap was so amazing and satisfying, I would have done exactly that. She didn't have any idea about Karan's sexuallty unlike the wife.
Forth, I love Moira and how she affected every live around her.
Fifth, 8 episode weren't enough, I downloaded the last episode just to finish all the angst in one night and discovered it is the finale one.
Sixth, all relationships were complicated and finely excuted without bore.
Seventh, thank god that evil general were killed. The wife slayed at the last episode. And for those friends of Veera, they were a bunch of cowerds.
Eighth, the sex scenes were mmmmm, they cold be less revealing, anyway, hot and steamy, but better than kinnporsche, in the sensuality and the camera angles.
Ninth, the playlist was so good, and the music were a necessity to give us this high product.
Tenth, the amount of cigarette that was burned in all episode can last a dozen for a lifetime.
10/10 , waiting for the second couple series. And it 8:25 am and I can't sleep form them.

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A masterpiece I won't forget

I'm writing this review right after finishing the series. I'm moving slowly, as if sudden movements will somehow shatter the floodgates. This is the second time in my life where I have felt changed by a piece of media. The way romance, kinship, politics, self-discovery and emotion are all weaved into a mere 8 hours of runtime feels somehow magical. Although I'm not sure how to feel about a certain plot point towards the end, my doubts melt away in the face of the larger story. Being able to create anticipation and suspense without having to use cheap plot twists or forcing action upon characters is really, really difficult, and I feel this drama is a great example of how we can write characters consistently, without sacrificing that fear of what might happen next. Every event felt necessary. That's why I feel satisfied with the ending, despite the grief.

I am so impressed by the production and story that BoC have created that I hesitate to recommend it. If you're intrigued by the premise of the series, just watch it. Just make sure to clear your calendar, because it's a uniquely intense ride. I need to sit down and think about my life for a while.

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This raises the bar once again for all bl!

A growing chorus of praise; so I am just adding my voice. Every time Mile/Apo take on a project it is a cause for celebration. They and the team they work with are amazing. The production values are off the charts, their chemistry (and that of all the actors in this series) are a lesson in acting. Sumptuous on every level and some of the most erotic sex scenes that titillate but don't pander. Such a difficult balance to find. I love how Mile and Apo went against fan typing and expanded their range. As to the story? Being an American I was so ignorant about that time in Thai history. In some ways I was reminded of THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY. Read the other reviews, they say it better and in more detail. I am just floating on a cloud right now.

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A True Masterpiece

i am not great at writing detailed reviews so i am going to keep it short and simple.

i 10/10 recommend this series. it is a 10/10 all around. the story, the characters, the acting, the music (THE MUSIC!!!), the cinematography, just EVERYTHING.

keep in mind, it is an adult series that takes critical thinking so if you’re not capable of really understanding characters, don’t even bother watching. but if you like realistic love stories, please watch. not everything is sunshine and rainbows in life or love and this show truly depicts that.

Apo and Mile did an amazing job once again! if you’re a ApoMile fan, watch it. who knows if we’ll get another series from them.

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