A Tale of a Thousand Stars (2021)

Best BL of 2021

Things that I like about the series:
- Storyline wise, I loved it. This was another original concept that I felt was executed well.
- Let's dive into the characters. Tian has the best character development that I've ever seen, period. Not just in BL, but in general. Normally when we have the trope of spoiled rich kid who spends their time in a less fortunate environment, it's usually because they're forced into it. But for Tian, he VOLUNTEERS to go to Pha Pun Dao of his own free will. Even better, he knows it's a challenge for him. He's never cooked or cleaned for himself, and was practically born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he willingly leaves it all behind, even when it's technically not a good idea for him given his poor health.
- Speaking of Tian, him and Phupha's chemistry was electrifying. I think what makes their connection so strong was the fact that Earth and Mix, who plays the lead roles, have known each other for 7+ years prior to this series. It shows in how easily they interact with each other. Both actors were amazing in their roles. They are one of my favorite ships to date, right beside OhmFluke.
- Speaking of acting, I once again have to go back to Mix, and his role as Tian. 1000stars is Mix's first ever acting role, and yet, you could never tell that by watching this show. Mix did such an amazing job this series! From the BTS, I know he struggled along the way, but all his hard work truly paid off. Mix will be a force to be reckoned with in the BL industry. I know he'll also be in Fish Upon the Sky, so I look forward to seeing his acting skills once again.
- Let's talk about the scenery for a minute. Pha Pun Dao village and the surrounding forest was so breathtakingly beautiful! I haven't seen a lot of BL series yet, but from the few that I have seen, almost none of them have expanded their surroundings as much as this show. There's just something about nature that brings the whole show to life.
- The OST is one of my favorites, especially the opening theme. It's one of the few songs I actually want to try learning the lyrics to, even though it's in another language.
- Next, let's talk about the romance. This is a very slow-burning romance where Tian and Phupha don't even get together until the literal end of the series. Nevertheless, I love the affection and intimacy that is shown between them. There's no sex scenes or hot kissing, but this show didn't need it. We were able to perfectly see how much Tian and Phupha liked each other through their gestures, both big and small.
- I also like the lack of toxicity there was in the "relationship." No abuse, or crazy ex girlfriends, misunderstandings, etc. While I know there will be a few who disagrees with me, I believe this is one of the more mature pairings in BL.
- Lastly, I want to talk about the messages that this show produces. 1000stars tackles a lot of life lessons such as never taking life for granted, how happiness isn't always defined by riches, forgiveness, how we should always try to better ourselves, and how we should always work to help others. All of which are valuable lessons that we should all take to heart. We should all live our days as if it's our last because you never know when it will.

Things that I didn't like about the series:
- Honestly, there wasn't a whole lot I disliked about the series. There were a few minor things that bugged me, but nothing that hindered my enjoyment, thankfully.
- Let's talk about realism for a moment. I'll be completely honestly, it wasn't that realistic. Things like how Torfun's death was handled, to the villagers constantly changing their minds about Tian whether liking or disliking him, the whole ordeal with Mr. Sakda, etc. Like I said, not very realistic. That said, I actually didn't mind it that much. This was the ideal fairytale romance, and that's what I loved about it. We even got true love's kiss at the very end, which adds more to that fairytale element. Disney should take a few notes.
- The one thing that really bothered me, and we never really got a reason as to why this happened, but I hate that Phupha deliberately kept the news of Torfun's death a secret from the village, which in turn, became Tian's shoulder to burden. It's honestly not fair that he had to be the one who break the news, and I seriously can't figure out why it had to be him. It only added more fuel to the fire for him, and honestly, my heart broke for Tian during his admission about Torfun.
- Okay, I'm probably going to get a lot of hate for this one, but please hear me out! I love Earth as Chief Phupha, but I felt the character was very one-dimensional. He has almost little-to-no character development. He finally speaks up about what he really wants and feels at the end, but even then we still had Tian practically pulling it out of him. It was really annoying. I wish we had more time to develop his character more. The most we know about him is both parents are dead, and he doesn't want a partner because of how his mother felt when his father passed. That's pretty much it. I want more.

And while we're on the subject, let me share my thoughts about Chief Phupha's actions in episodes 8-10:
-I know a lot of people were very frustrated with Phupha since Tian broke the news to the village about Torfun. I myself was kindof pissed by how he was acting, but at the same time, I somewhat understand why he was acting the way he was. Him being mad at Tian when Tian said he was the reason Torfun is dead should've been obvious to everyone. Phupha even said he'd never forgive the person who killed Torfun, and here's Tian who basically said "I killed her!" It's a tough pill to swallow, and yes, anyone in his shoes would act out of anger in the beginning.
- As for Phupha pushing Tian out of the village to go back home, I can also understand where he's coming from. Let's be real here for a minute. Yes, Tian would want to stay because he grew to live it in the village, but he still had unfinished business to take care of at home. He's young and currently working on finishing his degree. His health is also not the best at the time. Let's not forget he nearly died TWICE during his time in the village. Not to mention Tian wasn't doing the best job at looking after his health. Also, the main reason why he was in the village was because of Torfun, not really for him. It was him wanting to get rid of the guilt he felt. Now that got Phupha and the villagers forgiveness, HE NEEDED TIME to forgive himself and figure out what he wanted to do with his life next. Phupha is in his thirties, which gives him seniority. He's essentially doing what he felt was best for Tian because he didn't want Tian to continue living his life because of Torfun.
- That said, was Phupha harsh about it? Absolutely. I'm not denying that he took it too far with trying to push Tian out, but I do understand his reasonings, and his fear that Tian may one day regret staying and not finishing his degree or doing something more with his life.

Overall Thoughts:
This story is so amazing, and definitely a top tier BL series in my book. Everything from the characters, to the storyline, the atmosphere, and music, was top notch. This show filled me with so much emotions, and also made me want to try living in a village like Pha Pun Dao. Like I said earlier, Tian had one of the best character developments I've ever seen, and for a rookie actor, Mix was incredible in the role. Other than the question of realism and how much Chief Phupha frustrated me towards the last 3 episodes, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. This is one BL I will never forget, one I will always recommend, and one I'll definitely watch more than once.

Rank: 9/10

Lire davantage

I love this drama

What i like about this drama is not as other BL dramas no school boy no erotic scenes no cheating, whole story is perfect and leave to you deep feeling, after i finish watching this drama left me special feeling i can’t describe with a word, i want s2 ggmtv pls and highly recommend you guys to watch.
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After a volunteer teacher dies in a tragic accident, her heart is transplanted into Tian. He learns about his donor’s life through a series of diary entries that reveal her secrets and interests. Included is her promise to count a thousand stars with Chief Forest Officer Phupha.
Tian then decides to follow in her footsteps and fulfill her promise. Now a new volunteer teacher himself, Tian attempts to befriend Phupha, who initially gives him the cold shoulder.
As the two slowly grow closer, Tian noticed his new heart beats quickly whenever near the officer. Much like the heart’s previous owner, Tian cannot help but fall for Phupha. Treading on dangerous ground, can he still go through with the thousand-star promise?

Lire davantage

Beautiful and leaves you wanting more.

I can't explain the overall feeling this show gave me the whole time watching this. It was SUPERB!!!

It left me happy, satisfied and overwhelmed with emotions, that rarely happens when i watch a show. I was really attached to the characters. The actors really gave justice to their respective characters. The story is freshly executed and I agree with most of the reviews here, the cinematography is beautiful and the lighting was really good and how it highlights the mood and the faces of the characters.

The main soundtracks are also really good, they really emphasize the scene especially the melancholy scenes. Can't get enough of the songs i have been listening to it non-stop and it really brings you back to the show.

I still have hangover from this show.

Lire davantage

Symbolic and heartwarming, one of the best BL I've ever seen....

This one definitely takes the CROWN of all BL's I've seen, and it truly deserves the hype it's getting.

The plot is engaging in all episodes, and I love how they did the cinematography here, and the last bonus scenes of spare moments in the story was cute. And how "subtle" they were with their advertisement products shown throughout the drama.
It's different than most, unlike other BL's where there are silent moments, this one has one remarkable OST to get by.

This only shows that feelings and intimacy are in small gestures, in caring for one another, in the most sincere stares.
It shows us how to value the simple things in life, and that happiness can't always be bought.
Although that being a known fact by many, the way it's portraited here is what makes it worthy.
Because we never fail to see their chemistry through the course of the story and within their lines and scenes.

It's very symbolic and heartwarming, with a good dosage of drama and a bit of comedy in between.

Both Mix and Earth, the kids and the whole cast make us smile and get emotional by how good they were.

If you are prone to get emotional you might just hold on to your tissue box while seeing this, yet albeit being an emotional ride, it's most definitely worthy it, because it teaches us valuable lessons that we should know by heart.

Lire davantage

Worth it

My 2nd best drama bl of this year so far... good story.. good acting... good soundtrackk oh my godd the flute thingss iss soooo relaxingg.. i love it all... and then it doesn't have so much NC scene but i love it... its on a good portion.. just on the end and it makes the ending so satisfying and soo sweet i love itt too... the chemistry of them together.. oh my godd like tom and jerry... not really different from earthmix and puphatian... its worth for waiting more than a year... if you dont know they worked really hard to make this series.. they really go to mountain bringing all the camera lighting and everything.. obviously that was hard to bring ... and the result is nothing bad... my favorite scene was phupa and tian kissing on the peak of mountain.. the scene is beautiful.. the kiss is beautifull not lustfullll kiss... love it love it love itt.. you guys should watch it... and the genre thooo different from other

Lire davantage

A wonderful tale of two stars

This series is about these two wonderful stars who are bound by this intertwined fate and will take you through a beautiful journey. This gave me such a sweet beautiful feeling throughout my watch and the instant that flute music played, I was teleported to a different universe.

Story

- everyone must probably know its based off of a popular thai novel of the same name. Honestly this concept is very common so story wise I wondered if ill love it at first...but then again i was super excited to see something other than college stories. Nevertheless i was wrong, the story even though is so simple it just makes you get engrossed in it. Like you do not want it to end and its fine even just seeing Tian do his daily activities with the villagers or just spend some quality time with his phupha. Now what i really liked is....the romance between the characters felt so pure and true... And the transition/falling in love did not feel too sudden or unrealistic...

Direction/Production

- Honestly I love the Director. Each scene is so well shot and doesnt look cliche tbh. I seriously dint feel like iam watching a bl drama... Instead i felt like i was watching a well shot movie. Also it shows that they took a lot of effort filming this, the cuts werent too long or too short, emotions were well portrayed and the beauty of the mountain...what can I say!


Cinematography/Aesthetics

- Yes its beautiful. The village settings...the contrast difference from the city to village, the clothings, housing and those little village routes they could show was enough to make us feel as if we had gone back to the mountains with Tian.

Actors/Characters

-Next the actors, honestly I always wanted something good to land for earth ever since i first watched water boys.. i just felt he had so much potential and god i have been waiting for this series... And yes, he broke my expectations to be honest. I mean, his character is supposed to be this strict military guy(yup they had to make him a forest ranger due to certain country stuff), so its not easy just showcasing the rough and gentle side of him and those little jealous moments, anticipation, loving and caring feels.... And talking about Phupha, I did get a bit annoyed when he just batantly judged Tian but thats understandable as well, emotions are a wicked thing, sometimes you just cant think right all the time. But yes, he is difinately a husband material

Mixxxxxx he just stole my heart, how is he a new actor. Honestly i see a lot of good fortune for him, seriously i felt Tian in him. Talking about Tian, he is seriously a well written character.... A lot like the youth today, he is righteous but within his limits

Torfun/Aye- I might have a a little crush on her over here. Her character scares me though, being kind in such a cruel world is not easy but yes, having happiness in doing little things that you love is worth it. Her undying wish and love is something that i love..

Tul/White , Dr Nam/Nam- If you want to define good friendship, include these guys. Tian and Phupha must have done some good karma to get such understanding and helpful friends. Honestly loved the actors too who made them such an important part of the story..

Subordinates
Drake/Rang, Champ/Yod, Longtae/Khaotung- omg i just love these guys... Plus i love drake and seeing him so free here made me so happy. Also, they bring that comedic relief to the show which balances the entertainment.


Villagers/Kids/Family members- the villagers and kids acting actually is on point. Not too awkward or too excited. They actually feel like they are part of that place. The parents acting felt a bit off at the very beginning but they dint get much footage so its understandable. Nevertheless i loved that dinner scene with Tian and that surprised smile on their faces.

Villians- lolool they were weird ok but fit the goon bill peefectly..


Music:

umm yes i was quick to download it. Now i usually dislike when dramas play the same back music for every other show to avoid additional costs, but thats ok cant help it. Its not easy producing stuff. But gosh the ost here is mind blowing.... Its so soothing and well timed within scenes.

Cons

hmmm except for the ranger activities and some other minute stuff like everyone blaming tian for lying while everyone at phupha unit knew about torfuns death, or how tian being a heart transplant patient climbs a damn tropical mountain within just 6 months, inhales fire smoke, runs, gets beaten up, gets stressed etc...... You get my point right. But its called drama for a reason so i dont really mind seriously...its still worth the watch

Yup it will cleanse your soul, make you cry, make you feel like to live a happy life, and will give butterflies in your heart.

PS: Seriously though, dont go out alone to a mountain for counting 1000 stars. It will be super cold and not always cloud free

Hope you all like it too

Lire davantage

Best BL

Perfect drama to watch. Best part is portraying true love without any vulgarity. We can feel all emotions along with leads without any words. First romantic drama in which drama leads doesn't said their feelings for each other through words but prove themself. Worth it to binge watching. I will definitely re-watch it.. Such a great story and casting. The story remains very unique from other usual BL. Each character in the drama made justice to thier role. This is my first time to write review so I don't know how to express about but am sure you won't be disappointed by watching this.. Hope this review will help some.. 🙂

Lire davantage

Mature romance + beautiful scenery + rural village life

Completed - 3/10/2022 - 8.25 rating

As my journey to explore more Thai BL dramas continues, I came across this highly rated drama. I was in search of a drama that is not about high school or college students, but a more mature drama. I am glad I came across "A Tale of Thousand Stars". The majority of the drama was spent in a rural village. The beautiful opening theme already sets the mood for me.

Our male lead received a new heart and wanted to fulfill the wishes of his organ donor, and traveled to become a volunteer teacher in a rural village. I would say the story is quite predictable and there aren't any crazy plot twists. We know our male lead, Tian, had to adjust to life without luxuries or even city-life basic necessity such as water and electricity. We know he's going to encounter some challenges with the villagers and that he's going to fall in love, and had to leave the village eventually (or not?). None of this is surprisingly, but that doesn't deter me from enjoying it.

"A Tale of Thousand Stars" is the only BL drama I've watched to date that has the least amount of physical contact or public display of affection between our two leads. This does not mean their romance is not good. In fact, you feel their deeper connection through conversations and actions. The chemistry between Tian and Phupha is sizzling. You can feel the attraction and the hesitancy in crossing the friendzone boundary. For a stern character such as Chief Phupha, he's quite flirty and suggestive with Tian. Yet, he's also so shy when his friends question his feelings for Tian. Tian on the other hand, is supposedly the younger and more outgoing of the two, yet he's the passive one in the relationship in expressing his feelings. Looking back, I do not think they outright confess to each other, but it's without a doubt that they are very in love.

I really enjoy learning about the food, livelihood and traditions of this Thai rural village. I I actually also quite like the house that Tian was staying at. I might not survive without electricity and running water, but I like the wooden house and feel of it. We also see many beautiful scenery of nature - luscious mountains, view from top of the mountain, view from off the cliff, forests and grassland.

The acting of the leads is pretty good, but not amazing. I like Mix's acting more than Earth's, especially with the more emotional scenes. There are times I find Earth's acting a little emotionless, unless he's smiling shyly and then I melt. 😊 But overall, I think Mix did a better job. I can't deny what a handsome fellow Earth is. I criticized "Bad Buddy" for its fanservice of excessive shirtless scenes, and I was glad I didn't feel that way with Earth. On another note, I think Earth was using his real voice singing and I love it. Was he also playing the instrument for real? It seems like it. I really like all the young actors/actresses in this drama. I think the students acted better than many of the adult side characters/villagers. The 'villains' are quite underwhelming.

I do find the pacing of the drama a little inconsistent. I was very interested in the first 5 episodes, but then it seems to slow down a in the middle episodes. I also find the last episode to be a little slow - too many slow motion scenes and flashbacks. I am probably not the only one who wanted to see more cute scenes between the leads, and not just the last couple minutes. I know product placements are needed, but it is quite weird to see the snack mix popped up so often in a rural village.

Lire davantage

Outstanding - an unrivalled model for other series.

This is the best series I have ever seen. The most meaningful, harmonious and beautiful. The audience received a story of love in which nothing was created by force. The characters slowly developed their feelings for each other, no one rushed them, and at the same time the audience had the impression that it all happened naturally and truly.
However, the most important thing is that this series not only presented the fate of the two main characters, but also conveyed important content, values that should guide us in our everyday lives. The story was like learning to live, discovering yourself and finding your purpose in life. Watching each episode, I felt that I was beginning to understand myself. I myself wanted to become a better person and find my own home, a place where I would be truly happy.

This series is an unmatched model for other series. After watching this ATOTS, I have the feeling that others in this genre are just childish, exaggerated and over-sweetened stories for teenagers.

Outstanding series. That's all I can say.

Lire davantage

ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!

I could rattle on about this BL for hours - days - weeks even!!!

I won't bore you with lengthy descriptions of the beautiful scenery, the brilliant acting, the fabulous ORIGINAL storyline, how much I cried, that it had a fabulous ending and that I loved every damned minute of every damned episode.

It's NOT toxic, there's no bullying, it's thought provoking, and has a good message (or two).

It's not hot and steamy - but can you feel the love between them - just the way they look at each other is more than enough to know how they feel about each other.

JUST WATCH IT - YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!

Lire davantage

Beautiful story

First of all, the filming and especially the lighting are gorgeous, it adds so much beauty to all the scenes to see the light perfectly embrace the faces of the characters.
Then, the story is really original and cute, the evolution of the romance is natural and mature. Seing Phuppa who was so reserved slowly opening to Tian was the cutest thing. Plus, the storyline with the vilains is interesting and adds suspense.
I really loved the acting of EarthMix, I can't believe it's Mix's first role because he is delivering all those emotions so well! I'll definitely look more in what he is doing in the future. Also I'm usually not a fan of Earth because I always found he was too plain and didn't express well his character but omg it is totally not the case here: we can perfectly feel the emotions he is conveying.
All the characters were really interesting, their development was well brought and especially the search of Tians' for the meaning of his new life. The side characters were truly lovable and I had a soft spot for Torfun, she is amazing.
In bref, this drama is a must-see so go without hesitation.

Lire davantage