18
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3
I came for Miles and Apo, but I stayed for Son and Euro.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
Even though I read the synopsis, I thought politics will be the backdrop of romance. In actuality, it’s the opposite. Politics is heavy and if you are not a fan, you might want to rethink unless you love the 1960s style and the actors.
My favorite: Krailer + Naran
The romance between Krailert (Colonel) and Naran (Reporter) is just WOW. Who would have thought I lived for their romance. It was fast and explosive in a good and bad way. It may not have been love-at-first-sight, but definitely some love-at-first-attraction before they officially met. Who knew flirting in a newspaper column would be so sexy. How about secret love letters through literature? A personal piano room in the library and a charming little rendezvous hideout? Add to that are some more tangible touching, kissing, hugging and getting the sexy on. I’m not just loving the lovey-dovey romance, but the clash in morals and their professionalism. The choice between standing up for what’s right and just, and following commands from your superiors. This forbidden romance has me in a chokehold (and I don’t use this term easily). Krailert and Nara gave me everything I want in a romance.
Miss the Mark: Tanwa + Trin
I thought Miles’ Tanwa and Apo’s Trin would be THE pair that sucks me in. But unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark. I was interested in how the two very different individuals are attracted to each other. We have an idealistic and upright Professor and a hippie, pot-smoking Singer. Their characters are much deeper than what meets the eye. But when it comes to romance, they pale in comparison to Krailert and Naran. I feel that the politics and student uprising do not integrate well into their storytelling. Yes, the kisses are great, but the chemistry was not as good as in “KinnPorsche”. All the other side plots seem to keep them away from each other. In contrast, the politics is what made Krailer and Naran’s love story more interesting.
Not My Favorite: Politics + Side plots
I don’t hate political stories. I think “Shine” tries to send a message about a very important time in Thailand. But I do think the drama did not make all this interesting enough for me to be invested, at least not until the last 2 episodes. Victor and his friends brought a little excitement in the early episodes but then they started to annoy me. Victor’s little crush is nice especially the way he looks at Trin and I appreciate him knowing when to stop. But then, you have Veera’s crush, Victor’s dad, Ms Moira, corruption, Tanwa and his family drama…. Just too many side stories for such a short drama.
Having said all that, the acting is amazing. Everyone delivers and each main character has to deliver quite a range of different emotions. Cinematography is great and I love the 1960’s feel in costume, sets and music. A lot of care is given to make this drama look good. I just wish there’s more to keep me excited throughout the drama.
But because I was so moved by Krailert and Naran, they make it hard for me to give this drama lower than an 8.0-8.25. “Shine” just doesn’t speak to me as much as I would have liked. But I am sure many viewers enjoy it tremendously.
Completed: 9/21/2025 Review #627
Even though I read the synopsis, I thought politics will be the backdrop of romance. In actuality, it’s the opposite. Politics is heavy and if you are not a fan, you might want to rethink unless you love the 1960s style and the actors.
My favorite: Krailer + Naran
The romance between Krailert (Colonel) and Naran (Reporter) is just WOW. Who would have thought I lived for their romance. It was fast and explosive in a good and bad way. It may not have been love-at-first-sight, but definitely some love-at-first-attraction before they officially met. Who knew flirting in a newspaper column would be so sexy. How about secret love letters through literature? A personal piano room in the library and a charming little rendezvous hideout? Add to that are some more tangible touching, kissing, hugging and getting the sexy on. I’m not just loving the lovey-dovey romance, but the clash in morals and their professionalism. The choice between standing up for what’s right and just, and following commands from your superiors. This forbidden romance has me in a chokehold (and I don’t use this term easily). Krailert and Nara gave me everything I want in a romance.
Miss the Mark: Tanwa + Trin
I thought Miles’ Tanwa and Apo’s Trin would be THE pair that sucks me in. But unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark. I was interested in how the two very different individuals are attracted to each other. We have an idealistic and upright Professor and a hippie, pot-smoking Singer. Their characters are much deeper than what meets the eye. But when it comes to romance, they pale in comparison to Krailert and Naran. I feel that the politics and student uprising do not integrate well into their storytelling. Yes, the kisses are great, but the chemistry was not as good as in “KinnPorsche”. All the other side plots seem to keep them away from each other. In contrast, the politics is what made Krailer and Naran’s love story more interesting.
Not My Favorite: Politics + Side plots
I don’t hate political stories. I think “Shine” tries to send a message about a very important time in Thailand. But I do think the drama did not make all this interesting enough for me to be invested, at least not until the last 2 episodes. Victor and his friends brought a little excitement in the early episodes but then they started to annoy me. Victor’s little crush is nice especially the way he looks at Trin and I appreciate him knowing when to stop. But then, you have Veera’s crush, Victor’s dad, Ms Moira, corruption, Tanwa and his family drama…. Just too many side stories for such a short drama.
Having said all that, the acting is amazing. Everyone delivers and each main character has to deliver quite a range of different emotions. Cinematography is great and I love the 1960’s feel in costume, sets and music. A lot of care is given to make this drama look good. I just wish there’s more to keep me excited throughout the drama.
But because I was so moved by Krailert and Naran, they make it hard for me to give this drama lower than an 8.0-8.25. “Shine” just doesn’t speak to me as much as I would have liked. But I am sure many viewers enjoy it tremendously.
Completed: 9/21/2025 Review #627
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