The Eclipse (2022)

This was a masterfully beautiful series.
I must admit I didn't start watching this immediately because at first it didn't really catch my attention but once I started I binged what was already released and then eagerly anticipated the rest.
While some might question the motives of some of the protests in this series (since I did at first as well) The Eclipse very skillfully puts a lot of metaphors to good use. Unfair treatment, oppression, having your opinions silenced, homophobia, depression, suicide....they didn't shy away from hard topics and it was shown in a very sensitive way.
I liked how in the beginning Akk was so shut off, so negatively influenced by his surroundings and when Ayan challenged those views, instead of his whole world changing it rather expanded to accept another's point of view. Nothing was ever forced.
The chemistry in this series is off the charts. Khao and First should definitely be in more series together, romantic or not because the ease with which they are around each other is beautiful and you can see the deep friendship they have.
First is such a versatile actor and it was interesting to see how much this role contrasted with his role in Not Me, from a character who fought and bled for his beliefs to one that tried to prevent others freedom of speech was quite a sight and he did so well.
Khao was perfection. I haven't watched a lot of his stuff and I didn't care for him in Tonhon/Conlatee because it was a dumb series and this here just proves that a good director and script is key in bringing out the best qualities in an actor and he sure delivered. I loved the seriousness interspersed with his wittiness.
The other characters were great too. Neo should definitely take on more serious roles because damn that boy can act, I hope after this he isn't pigeon-holed into comic relief roles too much because he can do so much more.
(Also really loved Wat's chemistry with teacher Sani, at times it felt kind of romantic but also more like a beloved mentor, I feel like it's a relationship that has the possibility of changing when he's older and experienced more in life)
Loved Khao's OST as well, he has such a soothing, pleasant voice.
All in all, this a great series and I wish it had gotten more buzz (most of that was taken by Vice Versa which I liked, it was fun, but the product placement killed me after a while and detracted from the story way too much)
Don't be afraid to give this a shot, no regrets will be had.
(As for rewatch value, I don't usually rewatch things because once I've enjoyed something once it isn't as fun the second time around so it's viewers choice but it'd definitely be enjoyable no matter how many times you watch it.)

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Good thoughtful slightly political bl

Start was a bit average, went in not sure I'd like it.
Seen so many school related bls so I want any I watch to be good or I'll drop them.
Casting was great and the chemistry was amazing, main couple started a bit cliche but they get so good together I smile watching them.
Story had it's moments I thought could've been done better or I disagreed with but the overall message was one I found interesting and empathised with.
To sum up this show, it definitely gets better as it goes and never really fails, if you like the message and charecters I think you'll enjoy it.
Pacing was ok too, just the right length for this story, not much drag or filler.
Taking into account the bl scene this is one of the good ones and definitely an ok school themed drama.

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Total Eclipse off the Heart

I found this drama surpassed my expectations. I will say that the whole premise of the eclipse, even making the title of the drama “the eclipse”, was a bit misleading. It really had nothing to do with the drama or the story line whatsoever. Frankly I think it was a gimmick for marketing. But that aside, the story of a school demanding perfection and rules that many considered to be outdated in a modern society, coupled with a exploration of sexuality and the taboo of how it has been viewed in the past vs now, was really the heart of the story. The acting of the two main leads has really improved, and I liked how they played against their typical typecasts. I thought that they really had a lot to learn from each other. The whole story is really be more of a coming of age genre than it is anything supernatural. It’s about the expectations that pressure us as we go from high school into “adulthood “. And then you add in things like the death of a loved one, first love, conflict, and trying to figure out your place in society. At times they simplified these issues a bit. But overall I think that some of the criticism has been quite harsh against the drama. I will agree that the title and set up is a bit misleading. But I was riveted to find out the answer to the “mystery “of the uncles death. It wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, which was a nice surprise. It was very emotional and I actually cried. It may not be the best example of the genre; for that check out “He’s Coming to Me”, which did the mystery and supernatural storyline a lot better. However, this is still definitely a BL worth watching.

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Interesting but confusing

This BL has had some attention on social media and I was hesitant to start it myself because I felt like something would be off about the series. Ultimately I decided to watch it and honestly, every episode was confusing to me. Why is the school so strict on rules? Why is Ayan treated by Akk like the culprit? Why does Ayan even fall for Akk? The relationship makes no sense for me because it is based on Ayan teasing Akk and gradually getting him interested. This premise for a relationship does not make sense at all in real life. Maybe if they knew each other for longer but Ayan just transferred to the school and is flirting with a guy that treats him like shit.

Anyways besides the main couple, the side couple is really cute and their growth is nice to watch. This couple actually makes sense as to why they fall for each other, and they care for each other. Akk and Ayan do not care for each other so their jump to being together falls flat for me. Every episode was very similar, the rebels organize something, theyre stopped by the school and the prefects and Ayan flirts with Akk. There was some movement and the twist at the end was interesting. The ending was decent with the couples staying together and the school becoming less strict.

The acting and the cast is what saves this drama as much as it can be saved. The acting near the end with the more serious stuff and the confrontation was shaky but I stopped caring as I just fastforwared the last few episodes. The problem with this BL is really only the story and the pacing. I would not recommend this BL, just watching some of the BL cuts would be enough. The main couple feels like a couple that would be switched around another time. They do not have the chemistry needed to carry this drama.

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Having the right support matters

I was intrigued by the trailer, and I really enjoyed the series. I expected more in the terms of the mystery and suspense. I do think the pacing of the series was a bit off – it started very intense and then kind of simmered down. I am not really sure what bothered me with that kind of pace, maybe just that it was so different from what we usually get.

I wasn’t expecting such serious topics to be addressed through the series. I was honestly expecting another silly high school drama with a bit of mystery. However, topics of mental health (depression, suicide, pressure), the structure of society (following the rules) and LGBTQ+ issues are heavily present throughout the series.

I know that when it comes to mental health, the suicide of teacher Dika and his depression were supposed to be in the center. But I think that what we really need to talk about it Akk. Why? Because the thing that weighted so heavily on him was the pressure that him and others put on him. It’s something we see so often in today’s world, yet we very rarely realize when that pressure becomes to much someone. Often, the realization comes after it is already too late. I really like the way his struggles with trying to do his best were portrayed.

The structure of society is extremely present through both what is going on at school – the protest, the prefect club, the way they treat those who think differently – and in the books we see Aye read. Another thing that I found interesting was the philosophy class where all the thinkers believed in very different things from what the school expected from their students. I also really liked Wat’s “you are what you consume” speech.

As for LGBTQ+ struggles, the series focuses mainly on the teens (but not exclusively). I think the struggle of coming out and / or being openly gay in an only-boys school was shown really nicely. The doubts and the hesitations from Kan and Akk were really on point. Akk also struggled with the fact that being gay might ruin his image of a perfect son, a perfect student.

As for actors, I think they all did an amazing job portraying their character emotions and leading us through their stories. I love the friendship between Akk, Kan and Wat. The three are a mess together, but in a good way. I love how supportive they are of each other as well.

Akk & Ayan: There is no doubt that First and Khao have an amazing on-screen chemistry and that played their roles amazingly. Their romance is enemies to lovers kind of love, but it is done really well. I really like the fact that neither of them was abusive to the other or was bullying the other just because they “hate” each other. The way they supported each other long before they were official really warmed my heart.

Kan & Thua: I think Neo and Louis are a great pairing, they always deliver. Kan is a character that seems very unserious at first glance, but paying more attention, we can see how caring he is and how many details he notices. He also becomes more confident, more self-assured through the series. Thua was someone I felt a lot of empathy for at first – not only is he the target for many jokes for being openly gay, but also has his crush occasionally avoiding him to not start any rumors. However, none of that excuses what he did in the end. To be honest, he is maybe the only character in this whole series who I didn’t wish a happy ending for. But Kan deserved one, even if it was with Thua.

Ending was maybe a bit of a letdown. I really expected something bigger behind the whole Suppalo curse story. But at the same time, it felt kind of realistic to end the way it did. Kind of realistic being a very broad definition, of course.

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Efficient and throws a meaningful punch at quite a few topics

There was not a single thing unnecessary in this drama.

No dragging. No ridiculous subplots. Zero useless characters. Each one was developed.

Superb chemistry. Real emotion. Believable progression.

You can see where I am going with this. One word is efficient in all of its goals which were hefty for this drama.

The topics treated in this drama went beyond relationship and sexuality. They touched upon power structures (they even inserted Orwell in there), revenge, love across ages, depression... what touched me the most: the unconditional friendship. The prefect trio were really perfect friends to each other, admirable in the consistency of their support.

Soundtrack gives me Troye Sivan vibes and it is memorable. Not many hot scenes. More on the character development typa bl. I was not emotionally moved by cinematography or story but I cannot see any minuses really.

If it was not obvious..An absolute recommend.

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Weak plot, cheap production

I like the two main actor's performance here, but everything else is a mess. The gay gang who were protesting for more freedom was annoyingly stereotyped and their protest seemed unrealistic. I couldn't buy the oppressive environment of the school because the cheap production gave a fake scent to the entire show. Although the series intends to be political and discusses about freedom in a authoritarian system, the result is a childish-like and silly series. The production and acting (apart from the main actors) seem to be so amateur and (unintentionally) humourous that the viewers have the feeling they are watching a Grade 9 school play. Since the series is not more than an amateur school play, all the political situation and possible discussions are wasted. The viewers cannot even remember that this is (supposedly) a political series because we are embarrassed by the various ludicrous and amateurish scenes.

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this series is so underrated(little spoilers!)

The way Khao and first and even others played their characters are amazing. I really liked the story Idea because I would never think of something like that. This is the best enemies to lovers story/series I have ever read/watched. I was very confused in the end that akk,ayan,wat and kan just forgot what thus did. Like he outed akkayan relationship......whattt. anyway the big shock for me was that that akk actually didn't also jump of the cliff like it was shown in the official trailer. Personally I think it would be really interesting. like, what would Ayan do? would akk luckily survive? would they be together forever? but also im happy that all the characters have happy ending expect teacher chatko and Dika. I really recommend these series and I wish I could watch it again for the first time TT

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"Alexa play 'My oasis' by Sam Smith"

Everytime I hear this song I will think about all couples of this series.
Gonna be honest, before watching it I already knew this was going to be a slay but this is way better than I thought.
Ayan is the love of my life, he deserves the whole world, I didn't even liked Khaotung and then *PHUM* he appears out of nowhere with this amazing acting and character. Although he was all this Thua is my baby, yhea what he did to Aye and Akk by exposing them was awfull but he didn't mean wrong, he did all that not only for him but also for his friends and colleagues, yhea he was wrong but I forgive him; Thua is the literal meaning of a 'full character' he served EVERYTHING, the good one, the shy one, the one who got bullied, the mean one, but also the monst important THE HONEST ONE, he was always so honest about himself and about everything and everyone who sorround him; I know people are hating on him but fellaz let's be honest he was smart as f*ck, he had us on the palm of his hand; When I realised what he was doing I just could think "How the h*ll is he conspiring about his school he's just like a puppie" and "I just hope he doesn't his feelings for Kan stop him" and I think that was what I liked the most about him, he was so in love with Kan since the begin but he never let his feelings interfere with any of his plans or his thoughts and I really loved that.
Kan and Akk pissed me off, Kan at the beginning and Akk the whole show ahahaha Kan was trying to deny and at the same time figured out what were his feelings for Thua, but for god's sake that boy really annoyed me; he was contantly denying his feelings for Ayan even after they kissed more than a few times 'like bestie I know how it feels to fall in love with someone of the same gender for the first time but he doesn't need to act like a dumb ass and constantly give mixed feelings to Ayan'. But I liked Akk too ahahah but he really pissed me off sometimes.
Khaotung acting has improved out of nowhere, watching him crying got me every single time, episode 7 was the end of me for sure; The way he was holding on and finally he could allow himself to feel all his emotions was devastating to me.
I'm not gonna talk about AJ's character because he was a SUNSHINE inside of a school full of MIDNIGHT RAINS. <3<3<3
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Some notes I took while watching the drama:
Akk and Aye were so overwhelmed with each others feelings that I could feel it trough my computer screen.
The way Aye didn't think once before saying yes when Khan asked him to sit on Akk's lap ahahah
Akk's parents and Ayan's mom win the prize "Parents of the century", Pete's (Dark blue kiss) dad is giving his crown to them ahahhaa
Thua really thought he had figured all out then Aye just arrives with news about his uncle and we can see Thua's mind blowing ahahha
Out of nowhere everyone is crying a river INCLUNDING ME this really went down as fast as my mental health ahah
"Being a BL film actor is a thailand soft power"... S̄āṭhu AHAHH
Akk really got me when he came out to his parents
Usually I fall for the secondary couple but Khaotung and First are too good for mee to even compare the main couple with the secondary one, even though I love Thua and Kan
Call me crazy but I really wanted AJ's character to end up with Teacher San
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Songs I relate to the characters:
The Eclipse the series: 'My Oasis' by Sam Smith
Ayan: 'How do I say goodbye' by Dean Lewis
Akk: 'Runaway' by AURORA & 'Panic Room' by Au/Ra & '8 Letters' by Why Don't We
Thua: 'Modern Life' by Woosung
Kan: 'Kill My Time' by 5SOS
Wat: 'Golden Hour' by JVKE & 'Golden' by Harry Styles
Teacher Sani: 'Don't Forget Where You Belong' by One Direction
Teacher Sadok: 'Atlantis' by Seafret
Teacher Dika/ Ayan's uncle: 'R.I.P To My Youth' by The Neighbourhood
Akk+Ayan: 'Life Is Worth Living' by Justin Bieber & 'Sweet Creature' by Harry Styles
Thua+Kan: 'If Walls Could Talk' by 5SOS & 'Kiss The Boy' by Keiynan Lonsdale
Dika+Chadok: 'Arcade' by Duncan Laurence

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The series is chef's kiss just because of the CAST!!!!!!

This series started off mysterious and intriguing just bcuz of the curse, the system of ruling in school and something behind Dika's self- death. First of all, the cast is just superb especially the two leads. Honestly idk what to expect from FirstKhao but, damn, their chemistry is just oozing with sweetness and obviously better than PoddKhao. The cast is really the only one that stands out when it comes to this series.

When it comes to the plot, it progressively became weak and somewhat pointless. I was really hoping a strong plot execution knowing this is a mystery drama series so I really expected something stronger but I don't really have that much problem, it just fell short. The plot twist of Dika and Chadok's hidden relationship shocked me but other than that, it could have been better. It's also good that the series also linger around homosexuality and mental health awareness which are both stigmatized til now.

The curse did not really add up to anything bcuz it's not an accident or something supernatural it's obviously made to make protesters afraid. I love how First portrayed his character. Firm yet insecure prefect leader who suffers from the pressure of doing something shady just to keep up with his position and Ayan a vengeful, mysterious and seemingly rebellious person who wants to investigate whose behind his uncle's death. It also revealed Ayan as soft and transparent as well. I thought their characters were fleshed out more than the actual plot of the series.

I also felt strange of student and teacher love, not bcuz it's straight no offense. I mean, it's just weird that idk what to say about that. I'm not hating it it's just weird.
I also found that there is a perhaps weak enemy here, the principal. She's the driving force of it all but she's that, nothing more.

I can safely say that they tone down some tension at some point. For example, Thuapu's stepdad came off first as arrogant then became open about Thaphu's sexuality and put much into the ruling system of the school. In the end, I could say "all's well it ends well". It's just rainbows and unicorns everywhere in the end. Unproblematic (at least the last minutes of the finale. I think it's not outstanding but still good and kinda unique.

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Frenemies to lovers

From the caption I expected something supernatural so I was really confused when we appeared in school but the story was still very entertaining. The main plot wasn't as interesting as it seemed, just some curses caused by real people but chemistry between the main characters was amazing and kept me entertained till the end. I also loved how serious themes like depressive disorder, suicidal, daddy issues, coming out, good child syndrome etc. were mentioned here because mental illnesses tend to be overlooked as they are not seen at first sight but they showed how dangerous it is leave it untreated as the last option but only option for the ill person is to commit a suicide. Just because it's tabu doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it because anyone can appear in this situation.

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Enemies-to-lovers mystery school BL - what an interesting combination carried by a great pairing !

The story is pretty original for a school BL drama with some mystery vibes coupled with an enemies-to-lovers and opposites-attract tropes. It was quite predictable on some aspects and for some revelations, but I appreciated the drama taking the time to discuss important topics such as freedom of speech as well as critical mind regarding the authority's decisions. It could have taken things a bit deeper though it was still a valiant effort.

Despite the interesting scenario, there were some weaknesses in the plot in terms of logic as well as regarding the consequences of some actions being only partially addressed (or even totally brushed off...) with some too easy redemption narrative arc. That's why the resolution felt a bit lacking to me...But I still enjoyed the ending.

There was some brilliant chemistry between First and Khaotung. Their pairing is working very well and they share some memorable instants full of fragility together. They demonstrate great acting skills and really shine all along the series. Thanks to them, the intensity is very present, especially during their beautifully gut-wrenching crying scenes. Unfortunately, next to them, the secondary casting (for both adults and students parts) seem a bit weak. As invested as I was in our main couple, I could not bring myself to care that much for the secondary couple, and it is likely due to a mix of plot but also actors performances.

Production-wise, sometimes I felt the low budget, some of the scenes could have been better filmed to have more impact and I would have loved for the show to have a more scary / dark atmosphere, they could have pushed the concept of the curse further. The soundtrack was alright, I more specifically really enjoyed the opening track sang by Khaotung: un-skippable.

I would recommend this to people looking for a different kind of BL story set up in a school and coupled with a mystery. The writing is not without flaws and sometimes it can feel a bit cheap in terms of production, but the sizzling chemistry between the main actors and their great acting make it very easy to forgive those little defaults.

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