This review may contain spoilers
I honestly didn’t expect the last two episodes to make me cry, but they did. This series was a real rollercoaster of emotions. Pheem & Than: After watching his mother get murdered, Pheem grew up hating the rest of his family and obsessing over revenge. His cold, calculating attitude is just armor to hide how vulnerable he really is. He’s manipulative and driven by vengeance, and while his choices are questionable, I couldn’t help but sympathize with his pain and even understand him at times. Meeting Than again reminds him that kindness, gentleness, and real love still exist. Than’s patience and moral integrity slowly help Pheem realize what truly matters in life. If Pheem is cold and calculating, Than is emotionally vulnerable and that’s what makes him so captivating. He trusts too easily, almost naively, but behind that soft smile is a man desperate for redemption, trying to rebuild the reputation he lost as a police officer, his lifelong dream. Both were betrayed by the same family, which makes their bond even stronger. Their relationship evolves from bodyguard and heir into something much deeper that changes both of their lives. And let’s be real, Daou and Offroad’s chemistry is undeniable, amazing, and easily the biggest pillar of the series.
Risa: She’s the character I loved to hate. I get her struggle to be seen and respected in a patriarchal world that values power above all else, but I couldn’t feel sympathy for her. She’s cruel, and behind that deceptively sweet facade, she’s hands down the most manipulative and ruthless of the siblings, pulling all the strings and playing them against each other. I can’t say I was sad about her ending. Huge kudos to Mo Monchanok though, she nailed it.
Chet & Park: If Risa was the one I loved to hate, Chet was the one I loved to love. I didn’t expect to sympathize with him so much. He’s definitely not a good person, but he’s not cruel either. He’s insecure, and behind his desperate obsession with becoming the heir, he’s really just a scared little boy craving love from his domineering mother and cold, indifferent father. Because of that insecurity, he’s the easiest to manipulate of the three siblings. Maybe he’s the only one who truly wanted a real family. And in a way, he found that with Park. Park’s selfless, generous love is the small beacon of clarity and comfort in Chet’s chaotic life. Despite all their flaws, they deserved a better ending.
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And this is a show you need to watch with an open mind, especially if you're not familiar with the cultural context, it helps you understand the choices Qing Yu’s parents made.
I really admire how Qing Yu’s character was written. She’s strong, resilient, and faces the toughest situations head-on. Her relationship with her mother, Fang Hao, is complicated, but as she uncovers what really happened to Bei Yu, she begins to understand the pain, the burden, and the responsibilities her parents carried. You can see her slowly shifting from a child’s perspective to a more mature, adult view as she processes everything.
There’s also a subtle romantic thread between Qing Yu and Ming Sheng. From the moment they met, he’s been her rock, offering unconditional love and support when no one else could.
Major kudos to the entire cast. This is a truly unique series with rich, well-developed characters. Definitely worth watching.
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I was obsessed with the chemistry between Kim Kang Min and Kevin (I have a soft spot for height difference couples!). They nailed their roles. Siyeol starts off cold, distant, and laser-focused on revenge, but slowly gets swept up by Na Aejoon’s awkward, adorable charm and watching that shift was just delightful.
Major props to Kim Kang Min for his portrayal of Siyeol. At first, he’s stiff and almost expressionless, hiding all his emotions and desires. But once he confesses his love for Aejoon, his whole demeanor changes, his face, his posture, everything softens. For someone who claimed he’d never be clingy in a relationship, Siyeol turns into the most lovesick puppy ever.
And Na Aejoon? He steals every scene with his radiant presence, genuine smiles, and heartfelt admiration for Siyeol. His fanboying is sweet, a little naive, but always respectful. His inner flirty thoughts were so cute. I loved that he stayed true to himself, both in love and at work, showing real maturity and self-respect.
Aejoon and Jooha becoming besties because they understand the whole give and take? That was the cherry on top.
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The writing is tight, the cinematography is stunning, and the production is flawless. It steers clear of the usual school-BL clichés and gives us a heartfelt, well-crafted story. What starts as a nostalgic trip turns into a touching reflection on love, regret, friendship, and family.
But the real highlight? The cast. Flute and Marc have such sweet chemistry. They brought their characters to life with so much emotion and depth. Their connection felt so natural and genuine that the romance was completely believable. What truly mattered to Win was being able to express his real feelings for Nut, the boy he’s always loved.
Bom and Austin gave me full-on second couple syndrome. Their performances were convincing, and some of their scenes were just ridiculously sweet. They totally won me over. Chai and Ek deserve their own spin-off. They’re the most surprising characters in the series. Chai might look like a bad boy, but he’s a good son, loyal friend, and someone willing to grow into a better person for Ek. Ek, on the other hand, is quiet and introspective, but beneath his calm exterior is a strength and determination you wouldn’t expect. And just like Chai, he’s got his own “gang” too.
Then there’s Biu and Lin. GL couples are often underdeveloped, but not here. Opal and Mint did a fantastic job, and their chemistry really showed. Even after being rejected, Biu kept showing her love for Lin without pushing, just quietly accepting their friendship. And slowly, Lin started to understand what love really means.
The families: I loved how the show portrayed families from different social backgrounds. Withun is hands-down the best dad ever, it’s impossible not to fall for him. At first, I thought Ek’s parents were overprotective, but they actually embody the “sabai sabai” spirit of Thai culture. They’re loving, intuitive, and genuinely care about Ek’s well-being. Despite being wealthy, they’re kind and never looked down on Chai for his humble background. I really liked how Ek and his parents talked through everything.
Even though I usually have low tolerance for alcoholic characters, I appreciated the dynamic between Chai and his mom. I like that he recognizes the sacrifices she makes for him.
And finally, Nut’s family. If Withun is the best dad ever, Nut’s father might be the worst, right up there with Uea’s mom from Bed Friend. He’s cruel, controlling, and takes out all his frustration over not becoming a successful singer on Nut. He really got under my skin. But I loved how Nut stood up to him in the end, respectful, but firm.
The cherry on top? The actors are musicians too and that made all the difference. I absolutely recommend this series and will definitely rewatch it.
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The final episode gave me chills from beginning to end. It touched on so many personal beliefs in such a powerful way. Ramphueng was consumed by her thirst for revenge and lost sight of what truly mattered. And Khemjira, by hiding the truth about Ramphueng’s son, ended up cursed, a burden that echoed through his reincarnations. Karma isn’t punishment; it’s a cycle to be understood, faced, and, if needed, transformed.
The cast was phenomenal. Namping brought such depth to his character, a mix of vulnerability and strength. His journey was full of inner conflict, torn between wanting to live freely and fearing death. Keng’s performance as the spiritual guide Peem was beautifully restrained, relying on subtle expressions and meaningful pauses that made his presence magnetic. Green Ausadaporn was flawless as Ramphueng.
And the two child actors? Absolutely adorable. Jet and Chan totally won me over, their storyline was so engaging. Tle and FirstOne had amazing chemistry. Their interactions felt so natural and effortless.
The soundtrack is gorgeous. This is one of those rare shows that made me watch the opening credits every single time, especially after I looked up the lyrics.
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Prince/Woradet is the heart of the show. I loved how, with his charm, wit, and authenticity, he didn’t just adapt to his surroundings — he transformed them. Nut Supanut was absolutely brilliant. With roles like Way, Chris, and now Prince/Woradej, he keeps proving how versatile he is as an actor.
Kosol totally fooled me at first with his tough-guy vibe, but deep down he’s incredibly caring, even if he tries to hide it. But the one who truly stole my heart was Chaiyachet. He lit up every scene with his sweet smile, unconditional love for his brother, and his pure, genuine friendship with Jet.
The production nailed the period sets and costumes, everything looked amazing.
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The real charm of this series is the cast, especially Huang Xing. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such a mix of love and impatience toward a character like I did with Hua Yong. He’s not just good-looking, he’s calculated, seductive, and dangerous. Outwardly delicate, but inwardly lethal. A rare and powerful enigma who went all in to make the proud Alpha Sheng Shao You submit. And Sheng Shao You? He fell hard for his obsessive little psycho and gave in willingly.
I loved how, at times, you couldn’t tell who was manipulating who. In the end, I found myself completely under Hua Yong’s toxic, manipulative, psychotic spell too.
Now, my biggest issues were with episode 9 and how they wrapped up Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang’s storyline. That whole episode felt far-fetched and unrealistic. If the goal was to keep their identities hidden, the execution really missed the mark. I don’t think I’ve ever rolled my eyes so much during a single episode. Like seriously, Hua Yong and Sheng Shao You are literally living together! How does Sheng Shao You not recognize him? And don’t even get me started on Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang. As for the ending, I got the feeling some scenes were censored, especially the ones involving Gao Tu and Shen Wen Lang. Tbh, I’d love a season 2 that focuses on their story. They deserve.
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This review may contain spoilers
This series is a rare gem: intense, symbolic, and emotionally raw. From the very first episode, the plot and characters felt deeply authentic and compelling. The cast delivered powerful performances, especially Takahashi Hiroto and Wada Masanari.The story explores the complex journey between hate and love, death and redemption. Odajima is sent to kill Kataoka, but their evolving relationship challenges the meaning of killing, both physically and emotionally. The car scene, repeated with contrasting energy, symbolizes their transformation. What was once a space of violence becomes one of vulnerability and choice. In the end, Odajima chooses chooses not to kill, and Kataoka chooses life breaking the cycle of repression and obedience.
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Ritsu puts work above everything else, and Fumiya ends up feeling like he’s always coming second. It’s not that they don’t love each other, they just don’t know how to communicate. The whole series revolves around the idea of starting over, wiping the slate clean, and trying again from zero.
At one point, Ritsu says it feels strange to pretend the relationship never happened, because then he wouldn’t be able to reflect on it and that hits the nail on the head. Their story is messy, but both Ritsu and Fumiya made mistakes. If they want a future together, they have to face those mistakes and grow from them.
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BOC’s production is flawless, with breathtaking cinematography and meticulous attention to detail. The cast delivers deeply nuanced performances, making the characters feel heartbreakingly real, especially Mile Phakphum, Peter Deriy, and Senam Rakphu. The romance between Krailert and Naran is raw and symbolic, brought to life with powerful chemistry by Son and Euro. Dhevi’s character adds complexity, brilliantly portrayed by Kob Pimolrat.
The soundtrack is more than music, it elevates every scene. It’s a voice for freedom, echoing the characters’ inner worlds and the series’ political undertones. Shine doesn’t shy away from confronting Thailand’s historical wounds, using its story to spark dialogue about justice, identity, and the power of art.
Beyond its emotional impact, Shine dares to revisit a dark chapter in Thai history, subtly critiquing systems of power while promoting dialogue on freedom, justice, and diversity. More than just a love story, Shine is a call to reflect, resist, and reimagine a freer, more compassionate future.
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1. P’Thee and K’Rati — a love that defies the world
“Our story is a testament that heaven could send someone to love another with an unwavering heart.”
This line perfectly sums up P’Thee. He’s quiet, reserved, and easily the most idealistic character in the series. He challenges the rigid norms of aristocracy for love, but he’s also weighed down by tradition and family expectations. His inner conflict is between who he’s supposed to be and who he truly is. But from the moment he met K’Rati, his love never wavered — not once — despite all the social and hierarchical barriers.
K’Rati, coming from a humble background, is constantly aware of the gap between himself and the elite. His past taught him to be cautious, which makes him guarded and sometimes even distrustful. He worries that his history makes him “unworthy” in the eyes of society and P’Thee’s family. That fear leads him to hold back emotionally, and at times, even push Thee away, which honestly frustrated me a bit.
But P’Thee’s affection and emotional stability help K’Rati realize that his worth isn’t defined by where he came from, but by who he is. Their romance is built on tenderness, mutual respect, and admiration.
Great and Inn always deliver heartfelt performances. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I’d love to see them together on screen more often.
2. Mek and Dech — a love that battles itself
They stole every scene they were in. Unlike the quiet, mature love between P’Thee and K’Rati, Mek and Dech’s relationship is impulsive, almost youthful. What started as rivalry turned into friendship, and eventually blossomed into a romance full of discovery and conflict.
Mek is a hardworking, disciplined man who takes pride in his strength and independence. He’s blunt, firm, and never hides his humble roots. He’s loyal and honest, and beneath his tough exterior, he’s surprisingly vulnerable, especially when he feels “less than” because of his background. He protects the people he loves with fierce intensity, and his relationship with Dech reveals a softer, even shy side that makes him one of the most compelling characters in the series. He represents the raw, honest, and resilient spirit of the working class in that era.
Dech, despite being from a noble family, is kind and curious. He shows genuine empathy toward everyone around him. Sometimes he’s a little too trusting, which makes him come off as naïve. But his love for Mek is sincere and free of arrogance. He doesn’t see Mek as beneath him but as someone he can grow with.
I’m really happy to see Aou and Boom getting the recognition they deserve. They’re incredibly talented actors.
3. Nareerat — the character that made my blood boil
She was hands down the most infuriating character in the series. Honestly, she’s tied with Thida (Uea’s mom from Bed Friend) for the top spot on my “most annoying characters of all time” list. While Dech’s father is just an ignorant, spoiled man who can’t handle being challenged, Nareerat is downright cruel. I get that she represents the conservative voice of the Thai elite and the resistance to social change that Thee faces, but that doesn’t make her someone I can sympathize with.
Even when faced with the possibility of never seeing her grandson again, she still chose family honor and reputation above all else. That made me want her to spend the rest of her days locked away in that cold, lonely room.
That said, Tarika Thidathit deserves all the praise. She brought Nareerat to life with such quiet authority, no dramatic gestures needed. Her subtle expressions and calm demeanor carried the full weight of family expectations and tradition.
I didn’t expect to write this much about the series, but it’s just so rich and layered. It really got under my skin in the best way.
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What I loved most about this series is how the characters are unapologetically imperfect and they own it. That’s exactly what made me fall for them. It’s not some sugar-coated story; quite the opposite. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply fascinating. Riku Hagiwara (Hira) and Yagi Yusei (Kiyoi) brought these layered, complex characters to life so beautifully. Their expressions say so much, especially Kiyoi. He communicates so much through just his eyes. A lot of the story is about what’s left unsaid. Definitely adding this one to my list of all-time favorites.
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And yet... I absolutely loved it. Everything. The storyline, the cast, the cinematography, the OST. It’s a little masterpiece. A love that transcends time, full of promises, memories, waiting, longing, heartbreak, and acceptance. I’m not saying the plot is flawless, but there’s something so genuine and real about it that completely drew me in.
The mix of languages was a huge bônus. It made everything feel even more authentic. I saw a few comments criticizing Tontae’s English, but honestly, it would’ve been weird if he spoke perfectly. His character was chosen to guide Victor precisely to practice his English, so it actually made sense.
The acting was solid across the board, especially from the three leads. Every emotion hit just right, especially in the heavy dramatic scenes. And the way the series promoted cultural tourism didn’t bother me at all as it was so naturally woven into the story. And Thai landscapes are always breathtaking.
The soundtrack is addictive and beautiful. No doubt, this one's going on my favorites list for the year, even with that soul-crushing ending. This indie series went way beyond what I was expecting and it delivered hard.
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The characters were thoughtfully written and richly developed, capturing adolescence and the often tumultuous transition into adulthood. From the thrill of first love to family and social pressures, and the uncertainty about the future, the show gracefully navigates these universal themes.
Although Kim and Mon were the most “immature” couple, they were undeniably my favorites, radiating sweetness at maximum intensity. The chemistry between Chokun and Aston was simply perfect. Shane and Kit stood out as the most mature couple, both in personality and in how they evolved throughout the story. Then there’s Per and Tar, whose antics had me laughing out Loud. They gave us the most lovable “bromance” ever. And of course, Nat and Tan, proving that opposites truly attract and that love knows no age.
As much as I adored the series, not everything was Sunshine. The only real sore spot for me was Mon’s mother, who consistently tested my patience and felt out of sync with the rest of the series.
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