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That Summer (I Met a Prince on the Beach)
When I started That Summer, I went in with moderate expectations, even though the trailer had been on my radar for a while. I was immediately impressed; the series does an excellent job of balancing a classic summer romance with an unexpected layer of political drama. The production value is notably high, particularly with the gorgeous seaside setting.
The core strength of the series is the character of Lava. His portrayal was excellent, showcasing a dynamic shift in personality. He starts out stubbornly rebellious, trying to maintain a cool exterior. However, the performance successfully conveys that underneath his initial defenses, he is the most genuinely empathetic and caring person among the group.
Wave (Prince Davin), dropped onto an unfamiliar island with amnesia, is the catalyst for the central conflict. The memory loss storyline, which could have been cliché, actually works brilliantly. It allowed the relationship between Lava and Wave to develop organically, building a strong, close foundation based on who they are, not their titles.
The drama smartly uses Davin's political situation to deliver a powerful message: the betrayal comes from the person he trusted most. The story highlights the necessity of checking your surroundings, making the complicated plot feel grounded in high-stakes reality. Their destiny coming together on that beach felt both sweet and compelling.
I have to highlight Uncle Pheng and Dr. Wut. Pheng, who perhaps looks too young to carry the "Uncle" title, provides a grounding presence. What I loved most was the maturity and stability of their relationship. There was no tedious back-and-forth drama; their connection was straightforward, supportive, and already established. Their subtle, secretly-dating dynamic added a charming and mature contrast to the main couple’s intense journey.
Overall, the story is fantastic. The characterizations are strong, the plot is layered, and the entire cast delivered phenomenal performances. That Summer is a highly recommended watch for anyone looking for a BL drama that delivers not just on chemistry, but also on a genuinely engaging, well-executed plot.
The core strength of the series is the character of Lava. His portrayal was excellent, showcasing a dynamic shift in personality. He starts out stubbornly rebellious, trying to maintain a cool exterior. However, the performance successfully conveys that underneath his initial defenses, he is the most genuinely empathetic and caring person among the group.
Wave (Prince Davin), dropped onto an unfamiliar island with amnesia, is the catalyst for the central conflict. The memory loss storyline, which could have been cliché, actually works brilliantly. It allowed the relationship between Lava and Wave to develop organically, building a strong, close foundation based on who they are, not their titles.
The drama smartly uses Davin's political situation to deliver a powerful message: the betrayal comes from the person he trusted most. The story highlights the necessity of checking your surroundings, making the complicated plot feel grounded in high-stakes reality. Their destiny coming together on that beach felt both sweet and compelling.
I have to highlight Uncle Pheng and Dr. Wut. Pheng, who perhaps looks too young to carry the "Uncle" title, provides a grounding presence. What I loved most was the maturity and stability of their relationship. There was no tedious back-and-forth drama; their connection was straightforward, supportive, and already established. Their subtle, secretly-dating dynamic added a charming and mature contrast to the main couple’s intense journey.
Overall, the story is fantastic. The characterizations are strong, the plot is layered, and the entire cast delivered phenomenal performances. That Summer is a highly recommended watch for anyone looking for a BL drama that delivers not just on chemistry, but also on a genuinely engaging, well-executed plot.
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