It can be all of that (''political and social history'') and still be a BL :)
My intent wasn't to shade BLs even though I can see why it came across that way. BLs are a subgenre of romance. Shine isn't primarily a romance even though there's romance in it. If you count up the number of minutes devoted to politics vs. the two romances it's probably 80% vs. 20%. That's why I thought it was a shame that the comments here were mostly focused on how hot the lovemaking scene is while the rest of the drama is getting overlooked.
I really love this series but I’m starting to worry not all the characters will be alive at the end. I’m not…
That's why I couldn't enjoy Krailert's and Naran's encounter because either or both of them could die as a result. It seems like Naran is the one in bigger danger because he's also a reporter critical of the regime and Krailert's last lover was disappeared.
It's not a BL. It's political and social history with an embedded critique of the political and social events of today. The love stories between the men raise the stakes because they can literally die because of their love (and someone likely will before the end 💔). It's kind of a shame that people are mostly talking about the scene between Krailert and Naran because for example, all of the books that Trin was reading were about curing homosexuality.
In Shine episode 2 there’s a brief mention that Narun’s editor had to go to Japan. This is a fascinating thread of real life journalists who had to go into exile because of political reporting:
romance not being at the forefront of the story doesn't mean there's no plot. the plot is all of these characters…
One aim of the plot is Apo coming out to himself and accepting his sexuality. The romance with Tawan is secondary to that the way the romance in Marry My Husband Japan was secondary to the FL learning to value herself.
Another aim of the plot is Apo joining the student protests. Right now he's intellectualizing his beliefs, he needs to get into the streets alongside Victor and the other students to literally have skin in the game.
Another aim of the plot is to see whether the relationship between Krailert and Naran leads Krailert to do things to help the reformists or if he'll remain firmly in his very cushy closet and betray his lover.
the term for this kind of plot structure is parallel narratives. it's sort of a slice of life about that era except with a lot more urgency and sky high stakes.
I'm surprised that Krailert wasn't killed when the General found out he was gay. Is it because his family is too powerful? Also, does anyone know the significance of the rings that Krailert and Tanwa are wearing?
🎵 Cliched screenplay : "Amadeus of Rock" **eye roll** 🎵 Amazing music: the OST is on repeat in my car 🎵 Stunning cinematography: you can tell Netflix invested a lot in this because the money is on the screen 🎵 Fantastic acting: even with the cheesy script the actors are killing it. Special mention to Miyazaki Yu who is so much fun to watch in her drumming scenes and Suda Masaki who ate in the episode focused on his character. 🎵 Eye candy: the entire cast is gorgeous, I can't take my eyes off of them, both men and women. Special mention to Machida Keita who looks freakin' amazing with long hair.
this version is so much more faster bc its 10 episodes and that's just a Little disconcerting when we move from…
I think Wateru held back because he knew that he was fated to die and had no idea how much time he had left with Misa so he was struggling with his feelings for her. He didn't want to make her life more difficult than it already was. That's why the signals are confusing, it's on purpose to communicate his conflict.
Someone spoiled the ending below in the comments without using a spoiler tag, it’s a huge spoiler so watch out…
If it makes you feel better, I knew the plot because I watched the Korean version first and it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the Japanese version at all.
Is it the same story? I don't wanna see the same thing again, but if it's different I'll give it a try
Plot is very similar (not identical) but the big change is in the tone. This is much more grounded, the focus is less on the revenge and more on the FL's emotional journey and learning to value herself. Also the ML is much sexier and has fantastic chemistry with the FL.
https://x.com/leafykaravika/status/1955576048479068658
Another aim of the plot is Apo joining the student protests. Right now he's intellectualizing his beliefs, he needs to get into the streets alongside Victor and the other students to literally have skin in the game.
Another aim of the plot is to see whether the relationship between Krailert and Naran leads Krailert to do things to help the reformists or if he'll remain firmly in his very cushy closet and betray his lover.
the term for this kind of plot structure is parallel narratives. it's sort of a slice of life about that era except with a lot more urgency and sky high stakes.
🎵 Amazing music: the OST is on repeat in my car
🎵 Stunning cinematography: you can tell Netflix invested a lot in this because the money is on the screen
🎵 Fantastic acting: even with the cheesy script the actors are killing it. Special mention to Miyazaki Yu who is so much fun to watch in her drumming scenes and Suda Masaki who ate in the episode focused on his character.
🎵 Eye candy: the entire cast is gorgeous, I can't take my eyes off of them, both men and women. Special mention to Machida Keita who looks freakin' amazing with long hair.