Shine (Acoustic Ver.) (2025)

Magnum Opus & A Masterpiece!

I believe this is a series that might be flying under the radar which is unfortunate. Rarely do I ‘binge-watch’ dramas, but this is one that I simply could not break away from. Without sounding flippant or disingenuous, this is THE best Thai series that has graced us this year and perhaps for a very long time indeed. Simply put, it is a preeminent and impassioned diary of human drama and emotions. It is original. One cannot watch this series passively. It will not allow you to do so. In toto, it is an experience. One could write volumes about this series and still not be able to adequately describe its effect or impression on you. It is that powerful. Maybe the best way to define this saga is to tell you what it is not. With great effort and prudence, it keeps clear from being your typical, tropey, cliché-driven BL. Yet there is a love story. Several romances, actually. Fervent. Intense. Erotic. Freeing. Fleeting. All deeply moving. Done in the moment – only for and in the here and now. Yet, will remain with each paramour for the remainder of their days. You will understand their extent once the full depth of this series is felt by you.
The real, unfeigned story - the whole story - is about the era known as the 60’s. A point of history where the attitudes and way of life clashed and conflicted proactively with the customary social norms. This story is reflective of the kinds of individuals who were present during that counter-culture revolution. Take the story at its face value and watch it from the perspective of the individuals who were participating in the human experiment of wanting to change ‘the system’. All the characters are deeply rooted in the times.
You must watch this series at all costs. It is unmistakenly on my Apotheosis List and is a very serious contender for Top Series for this year. This is a Magnum Opus. A masterpiece! You can read the full review of this fantastic series at BLBliss.com.

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This Show Ruined Me (In a Good Way)

Easily one of my favorites of the year. It actually encouraged me to look deeper into the historical events that inspired the series, and I loved that even though the story focuses more on the romance, the historical context was treated with the respect it deserved.

Apo and Mile delivered beautiful performances; I genuinely connected with both of their characters.
The second couple completely stole my attention—and my heart. Their ending broke something in me. Even though I expected it, since it was the most realistic outcome, a part of me was still hoping for a happy ending.

The casting and production were excellent, but that’s something we’ve come to expect from BOC. I’m truly pleased that this story did not disappoint.

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Shine – unusual love in a closed world that slowly rebels

A beautiful story about forbidden, unrequited or incomplete love. Different couples, one big main story, and somehow all the strands are woven together.
As expected, Apo/Mile's performance is magnificent, but the other actors are also really good. The scenery, music, camera work and script are equally well done. I can hardly see any weaknesses worth mentioning. The series addresses the problems of the time, violence in education/family, the treatment of homosexuality at the time and the time of the hippies, political unrest, the rebellion of the population. Much of this is more relevant than ever, as the world is unfortunately regressing more and more (see, sadly, my home country of Germany, where conservatives form the government and right-wing extremists are being elected). In these uncertain times, this series hits the nail on the head in many ways, yet each episode leaves me with a positive feeling. I don't know how they do it, but they do.
The series also beautifully describes the loneliness that women felt back then, without any work in their lives. The emptiness they feel inside and their attempts to fill it with love is really palpable. Insanely well played by the Colonel's wife.
My only criticism: in the cut version, some of the actions are not entirely clear, especially in the last episode. For example, why Trin goes back to Paris is not explained. That's why I give it an overall rating of 9.5 instead of 10.
I can only recommend this series to everyone, and it definitely has rewatch potential.

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If You Get it You Get It

Don't listen to anyone who tells you this isn't good, watching this feels like sitting down and watching a highly-acclaimed HBO series and not a 'typical' Thai BL.

I see people online saying they don't enjoy it but it's not because it isn't good, it's because it's so good at storytelling and character development in a mature way that they are feeling whiplash from watching something so intricate and heart-wrenching that their yearning for the simplicities of regular BLs.

I knew within the first 4 episodes that it would be near the top of my all-time BL rankings and as soon as episode 8 ended I placed it right up top. Go watch, omg it's so good, I'll be rewatching for years to come.

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It is very realistic

You may not like it but this is the reality of real gay love, alot of the time.

SECOND COUPLE:
I loved how they told the story of the uncle and reporter, it may have had a 'sad' ending but it was the one that made the most sense, they didn't sugar coat it or made a turn that was fictional but instead stuck to the theme of realism and truth.

MAIN COUPLE:
At first I thought they became close too fast and it felt rushed but as it went on it did get better and more natural. I loved the slow growth of their feeling and how much they learned. Especially tawan, he had a major emotional growth.

OTHERS:
I think the protests and other parts also did amazing. I know not all the problems were solved but I don't think any country can be perfect in just this short time, and them continuing with it even after the story ends was a detailed I loved, as it did add to the realistic theme of the story.

The one thing I didn't enjoy was the number of episodes. I think even though the story was good in just 8 but we could have probably gone into more details and just have a bit more for the ending of the main couple. I loved their reunion but I needed more

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Best BL of the year

Three years of wait didn't disappoint. I always loved BOC for their quality like its more lile cinema quality really different from typical bl dramas. The costumes the atmosphere. The characters they designed it very well. Every character has their own story. The acting on point actors really does match their character. The story it self was really good. It was so realistic. I think NC seens not nessecary . But the story it self so good. I really loved the drama. Cant wait for the last ep. Victor and veera death really broke me. The fact that i stil cant forget it so tramuatizing i feel really bad for character. I highly recomnend this drama. Special mention The soundtracks so good give 90's vibes

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In conclusion, I can give EP1 a score of 9. But I can't fully trust BOC.

After waiting for2years, we finally saw shine's release. After going through a series of issues such as shooting delays and rewriting the script, i finally got to see my favorite actor APO return to the screen. After watching EP1, I'd like to share some thoughts

1. Photography: I really like the overall shooting quality of this time. It can reach the level of film shooting. In terms of color tone, scene and transition design, it has all reached a very high level.

2. I'm quite satisfied with the plot, at least in terms of the entire narrative structure and pace of the ep1. It quickly unfolds the entire storyline centered around the character TRIN, who is connected to every character in the show, making people look forward to EP2 with great anticipation.

3. The casting of the actors: APO's portrayal of Trin is extremely accurate. Also, I really like the casting of Krailert this time. It's just perfect. I love his piano performance so much. Naran and victor's performance was also very natural. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their parts.

4. Acting skills, I must give APO and SON a score of 90 in ep1. APO performed both the French part and the interaction with senior executive at the end very well. In France, he was a melancholy and indignant young boy. In Thailand, he was a rigorous, patriotic and mature economist. You can watch his performance. Even his eyes expression are different.

5. Favorite cut:
-The part where Trin and his French girlfriend finally embrace each other in silence;
-Krailert the piano part;
-Trin took off his shoes and tried to blend in with the environment.

In conclusion, I can give EP1 a score of 9. But I can't fully trust BOC. I hope it can still maintain such a high level in the next eps. No more too many cliches and outdated plots that follow the trend.

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Pointless without any doubt that the story will be born, because 3 episodes are tapped in the emst.
For the director: the pool scenes are NOT filmed with that camera where the drops splash on the lens and are visible!
Terrible acting!

I don't see the reason for pairing the same people in the series, if KeenPorsche was a good series, who guarantees that with such a terrible director, this one will be good as well? And the main actors are very weak with their acting, rather bad.

The story does not seem to be bad, but it is badly paced, there is no dynamics...
I wish there was a book to read!

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Kuk

Wau, dlouho jsem odolávala se na tuhle doramu podívat za prvé kvůly zasazeni do starší doby a dlouhé vlasy hlavního hrdiny. I když oba dva jsou moji oblíbenci. A tak jednoho podzimního odpoledne mi pohled opět zklouzl na Shine a bylo jasné, že je čas vnořit se do světa kde se snoubi iluze s realitou....nedokázala jsem se odlepit od obrazovky ani na vteřinu a žasla nad vším co mi naservíroli v plném rozsahu od prostředi až po krasné drama mezi plukovníkem a novinářem což bylo neskutečné a tak úžasně uvěřitelné až mi slza ukápla a to nemluvím o Viktorovi, kvůly kterému se odvaha stala opravdu reálná. A samozřejmě Trin a Tanwa gentleman s image James Bond a volnomyšlenkářský hippies se spisovatelskou duší, která se spojí do jednoho úžasného díla k tomu Moira, která se mi hafo líbila jako průvodce. Žádná tahanice, ale plnohodnotný příběh s nádhernou hudbou kde nesmí chybět staří známí Slot Machine....

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10/10 Apo Nattawin illuminates Shine: A Stellar Debut as Dr. Trin

Set in 1969, against the backdrop of a politically delicate Thailand, this premiere invites us into a story that's as much about intellect as it is about ideology & at its center stands Dr. Trin Suwannaphas, brought to life with layered restraint by my favorite actor Apo Nattawin.
As Dr. Trin, APO is refined & luminous! A young man forged in intellect, privilege, and purpose. A prodigy who studied in France and came back with a vision. A purpose.
His voice is deeper, smoother, his diction is measured. Every gesture, every pause is intentional yet smooth.
Apo doesn't "act" rich. He embodies the saying "Great acting is invisible". From how he listens more than he speaks to how his eyes do the work of ten monologues. To how he folds his coat. Body language upright but never stiff, elegant without being performative.
My fav Trin Scenes: 1. That long, close-up shot of his beautifully chiseled face as he quietly marvels at the Moon landing with equal parts awe and subtle critique. Apo internalizes that wonder so deeply, then shifts into quiet condescension toward the elites who cheer "one giant leap for mankind" while so many still struggle to take even a single step here on Earth.
2. His face, caught between concern, panic, pain & detachment seeing the student protests as he thinks back to his traumatic memory reveals the scholar's dilemma: observe or intervene 3. The scene with his aunt where Trin's face blossoms like a flower, reveals a bond of true affection.
Apo plays it with such warmth. And in classic gentleman fashion, he offers to have dinner again, just to keep her heart full. A small moment, but deeply telling of who Trin is.
4. Oh, the Paris scenes -chef's kiss. Heartbreakingly beautiful. I'd watch an entire series of Claire & Trin. And Apo speaking French? Divine.
Many fans took issue with the dark lighting, but for me, it felt right, raw, atmospheric, and beautifully reflective of the era's mystique.
What didn't quite work for me was how quickly the scenes between Tanwa and Trin progressed, it felt a bit rushed for such layered characters.
Other characters worth mentioning -Thevi with her radiant smile, Victor's spitfire rebel energy, and Kreilert's quiet strength and mystery. Can't wait to see more of them.
As a fan who waited 2 years for Apo's return, I still can't believe TeeYai/ Born to be bad is dropping right after Shine!
Netflix in November? What a double blessing.

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