A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021)

REMARKABLE AND REALISTIC : TRULY, A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF LOVE, ACCEPTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

Everything about this series will give you a lot of realizations as well things to love and lessons to be learned for the following reasons:

1. This series strays away from the university tropes because of the setting (rural village) that the characters are in. In addition to that, the series focuses on one couple (Tian and Phupha) and it does not rely on other side couples just to sustain the interest or attention of the viewers. Personally, I prefer a series with just one couple so that we could focus on it like Manner of Death instead of scattered side plots or side characters.

2. This series is REALISTIC AND WHOLESOME because of the situations that the main characters are facing like the considerations that they have to ponder in their relationship (their age gap, how society will see them and also the fact that Tian comes from a different family background etc.).

3. This series is not the typical fast paced plot with hot steamy scenes or kissing scenes because the relationship of the couple here is slow burn and I'm glad they put it that way. We need more dramas that portray relationships in a manner that there is progress and development. If you're into slow burn relationships, you will surely love this because of the wholesomeness of Tian and Phupha. I'm also glad that the director made this drama in a manner that it flows naturally in which the sweet or subtle moments of the characters are enough.

4. The series itself is giving a MESSAGE to the audience because of the life lessons that it's giving and it will surely touch you.
"Happiness can be found in the simplest things that we have."
"We all make mistakes. What is important is what we can learn from those mistakes."
"Where we feel our happiness is where we feel at home."
"Do your best and don't be discouraged by the obstacles that you have to face."
"Things might have been damaged or broken but nothing can bring us down so long as we have Love and Unity."

5. The ACTING, PRODUCTION AND OST USED IS BEAUTIFUL.
-I love the way Mix had portayed his characted in the story (Tian). I'm amazed by his facial expressions especially his eye expressions. Mix definitely stole the show from me. The way he expressed his character is amazing (Tian's happiness and sadness etc.)
Let's also not forget about Earth. How he expressed his character Phupha is remarkable. Their subtle flirting as well as their stares are ❤️👌... I'm also amazed by their chemistry. Kudos to them as well as to the other supporting characters most especially Tul (Tian's bestfriend) and Longtae!!
For the OST, I can say that it is definitely one of the best soundtracks of dramas I've heard because of the emotions the OST is giving. Also, the PRODUCTION AND VISUAL for the drama is well thought. You can really see the effort everyone had put through into making this series. Lastly, the CINEMATOGRAPHY IS STUNNING. You get to see places that are beautiful as well as everyone who was involved in the series who made it aesthetically pleasing that it will also touch your heart. This series is definitely a MASTERPIECE.

In conclusion, I thank the people for creating this series and be looking forward to more series like this in the future... :)

Edit : I just finished watching the last episode and this is definitely what we (viewers / audience ) need. A good ending. No cliff hangers, No open ending but A Wholesome ending for a Captivating Story..

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One word: Beautiful

I've been waiting for this series to air since the first trailer drops, and when it does air, it does not disappoint at all. I didn't really get my hopes up but it exceeded my expectation, really.

I love how the relationship between Tian and Phupha develops ever so naturally. Like it just happens. They spend time together and gradually grow fond of each other's presence. They don't need skinship to show their feelings towards another because the way they look at each other already holds much affection.

Not to mention Tian's character development, he went from selfish to selfless :)

The series ended perfectly, couldn't say anything more
Definitely one of my favorite BL shows to ever air

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One of the best BLs that isn't really a BL

This just has the greatest story.
I loved the setting and that it was not a typical High School or University drama.
The chemistry of the actors is fantastic.
I had this at 10 out of 10 until the very last episode but downgraded it to 9.5 because they sort of botched the ending a bit.
It could have been perfect but they added one more thing and that sort of made it feel a bit rushed. It's still very good though.
I really liked that there was nothing bad or dramatic about being gay, there were no actual role sterotypes like who is top and who is bottom and they made it clear that this a story about two men being in love and their love is respected and even encouraged by everyone around them. This doesn't have any of the typical BL tropes except maybe that bit of rich vs. poor but the main story succeeds without any artificial drama.
This is presented as a BL but this is really more of a modern love story which is much more positive than other BLs. If this is a new direction that BLs are taking then I want more more and more.

oh - one more thing... if you binge this make sure you have lot's of tissues around because this breaks your heart and puts it back together many times.

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Missing it already

I had high expectations for this and I’ve been waiting for forever it felt like since the first trailer was released. I’m glad that it exceeded my expectations, I laughed, cried, boy did I cry and smiled so much with this series. Mix and Earth portrayed their characters amazingly well; So well that they had me feeling super single at times. Their chemistry was phenomenal to the point that I didn't need super intimate scenes to feel their love. From episode 1 I was hooked onto Tian's life story in the city to his life in the Village with not just Phupha but with the kids and all of the villagers. To see how far it went within the 10 episodes, it's a journey that I would love to experience all over again for the first time.

The cinematography was beautifully done, every shot left me in awe...especially with the mountain scenes. Nothing more to say there except great job to the crew for their hard work just as much to all the actors.

The Ost remains my head for days until the next episode so that should tell you something.

Overall I give this masterpiece a 10/10, definitely recommend and would rewatch again. Missing it already as I type this.

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1000 Stars: A shinning star and crown jewel all time masterpiece in BL World

1000 stars is a truly the most beautiful BL ever made. It is an old fashioned love story. A lot of stars in the series:
Soundtrack: the opening song is truly the most BL beautiful song I have heard out of others. The second one would be from Until We Meet Again
Director: the best one I have ever known. I am glad that he would direct “Bad Buddies” He knows how to make the storyline reaches audience emotion and brings the best
Storyline: so beautifully crafted and old fashion. So lovely and full of positive messages
Actors: the best of the best choice I have ever seen. All fit with the characters they played
Chemistry: shooting out through the roof seen through all actors actions and taking out audience emotion
Production: outstanding hard works, worldwide work qualities
Cinematography: well done
International viewer service: shining worldwide super star, extremely helpful by having an official channel in YouTube, timely English subs(tardiness is resolved within a few hours in 24 hours) and no geo blocking/restriction.
Overall: The best of the best BL stories ever made.

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Best GMMTV Series To Date

A Tale of (a) Thousand Stars was the best BL that GMMTV has ever produced. Period. From the quality of production, acting, setting, and story, TOTS will forever remain a stellar series that has pushed the agenda for BLs to come.

Let's Dive In.

I'll keep my review pretty precise since there are plenty others to read from, but this series really brought me to tears, which isn't easy. Tian's character development was some of the best I have ever seen, and it was done with such subtleness and delicateness that was shown through his trials and tribulations with wanting to belong amongst the villagers and his students. For this to be Mix's (Tian) first-ever acting gig, he did a phenomenal job, and I hope to see him in many more series to come. Earth was finally given a decent role! the last I had seen of Earth was when he played a rude swimmer, but in this series, he served as the stern officer, who became gentle when around Tian. Phupa was a delight and I really enjoyed all that he brought. The chemistry between the two was off the charts. When you can present a connection that is so strong to the audience without the need for physical affection or intimacy, then you know it's good. A huge pat on the back for Mix and Earth.

The plot was phenomenal, nothing more is needed to be said. Everything connected in one way or another, and I NEED to see more well-thought-out and detailed plots like this with GMMTV. No toxic ex-girlfriend, no homophobic characters, and no plot holes. Perfection is the only word needed to exclaim this plot.

When looking at the behind-the-scenes, it was obvious how much effort and hard work was put into producing this series, and that right there deserves a ten for itself. I've seen Backoaf's (director) other work, but this one was the best one he has done yet. Seeing at how difficult it was to make this series, I doubt that we'll get a season two, but where we left off was perfect and a really good ending.

Yod was by far my favorite character. He was the comedic relief to this series (as well as Rang), and it was some of the best I had seen. I hope to see Champ in future projects because he was pure bliss to see on screen. Khaotung did a fantabulous job here, and I liked him way more than his other character in Tonhon Chonalatee. I liked how he served as kind of this discreet hint of jealously that Phu had because it just spiced up the plot even more. We don't see too much of Torfun in this, but her actress was fantastic and had such a bubbly and happy personality with the kids. Speaking of the kids, I am so impressed with all of their acting. While it was not the best ever, it was still a lot better than some other child actors I've seen on these series. My favorite would have to be between Ayi and Khao. Tul was the friend that everyone deserved. He was accepting and kind right off the bat, cheering on Tian the whole way. Now that's a best friend.

Overall, this series did a phenomenal job at basically everything. Some of the low rating reviews I've read complained about nit-picky stuff, or the fact that Tian and Phu didn't have enough physical affection. While I agree that Phu did come off as a bit too stern at times (especially towards the end), he did what he thought was the right thing to do, and even though pushing away Tian wasn't the right decision at all, he believed so out of the depth of his heart. With the whole intimacy thing, yes it was nothing big or flamboyant, but it matched perfectly with this couple, and quite frankly if them kissing and shangidy-shang-bang-banging is all that you're worried about and not the actual falling in love part, then the few of you need to do some soul-searching.

This series is definitely going on my top 10, and I highly recommend it, especially to people starting out in BL (this was supposed to be a short review, but I love this series so much, so oh well).

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A turning point for GMM BL series, but not a masterpiece

Most people loved this series, but I don't like it so much. One of the main reasons is the acting. Many people might hate me for saying that, but Earth's performance is far inferior to Mix's. I really cannot feel much sympathy for Phupha. I don't hate him, but I don't like him either. He causes me indifference, which is a problem in a series that depends on its main characters so much.

Although people say 1000 Stars is a mature series, it looks like more a fairy tale. When I think about a mature movie or series, fairy tales don't come to my mind. A mature series explore real issues faced by adults. This series is not like that. The main purpose here is to make the audience emotional to Tian's redemption story. It is true that we are presented to the struggle of the poor villagers, but this is more to develop Tian's character other than denouncing or reflecting on North Thailand's social issues. If they had explored the social problem more seriously, maybe we could consider it a mature series. Poverty here is portrayed in a very romanticized way. It doesn't seem real. The plight of the villagers are not developed and the difficulties faced by Tian in the village are there to emphasize his redemption arc, not to give life to any hidden social dilemma. All the community's suffering is more a background to the development of Tian & Phupha's romance. Even the conflict with the weapon/drug dealers is easily solved. If the solution was only calling the police and leading an armed attack on the bad guys' settlement, why have they never done this before?

But it is ok, a TV show doesn't need to be mature to be good. I just expected more from 1000 Stars. The production is better than other GMM series, but it is still inferior to Nadao, for example. Some scenes are embarrassingly unrealistic, such as the drowning of the school kid in episode 2. Other scenes are simply cringe, such as the episode where the villagers and Tian observe a sexual performance inside a wooden house. This kind of comedic moments were a turn off. I would have preferred if they explored more the psychology of the characters. Phupha, for instance, is an unidimensional character. It is difficult to develop a realistic romance when one of the characters is so plain and shallow.

Finally, I disliked a lot the way they treated Tian's crimes. He organized a street race and gave his car to the killer. According to Thai law, he should be prosecuted. I have the feeling that the plot justifies a very bad underlying moral in Thai society: the rich ones only need to make a "social work/charity" to get away with their crimes, no matter what they did. No one ends up behind bars. If you are curious about what I am saying here, search for Orachorn “Praewa” Thephasadin's case. It happened in 2010 and it is a very good example of how rich young Thai people can do whatever they want and get away with it .

If you pay attention, the main ideia here is: a rich boy causes someone else's death. Through a series of criminal tricks, his family gets the heart of the girl who was indirectly killed by their son and gives the boy the heart of the same girl the boy helped to kill. Then, the boy gets away with all his crimes, devotes part of his life to help the poor villagers, pays for his karma and gets a price: a hot boyfriend.

No justice for Torfun at all.

In sum, it is an interesting GMM series. Much better than the average for a series from this TV channel, but not the masterpiece it could have been.

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This Took A Turn

I could tell this series was going to be an emotional one right away. Let's start off with the good. The series emotionally already started to get to me during the scene where our main character Tian reads Torfun's diary and sees everything she did with her shortened life. His expressions shows how he wants to change and not waste her heart inside of him now. Because he was wasting his life before and wants to do something greater, and fulfill Janes dreams. The musical accompaniment to the show is a much needed added emotional impact. It swells perfectly to the scenes. I also appreciate that they kept a big scar on Tian's chest, because a heart transplant is a big surgery. Maybe it wouldn't necessarily look that (for a lack of a better term) gnarly and painful, but some shows opt to go for "beautiful looking scars or minimal scar tissue" and that's not realistic at all.

I loved the interactions with the kids, kind of like "Oxygen the Series" but better. The kids have distinct personalities and I loved the developments with them. Tian's character too is trying really hard and I appreciate it. We see him in the town too trying to get in with the locals, and help them when they are being taken advantage of financially. He brought back the scale to teach to the kids! So they won't get ripped off like their parents were, omg yes full circle.
After all like the show says; "Where we feel happy, we feel like home".

So initially when Phuapha is introduced I dug him so much. Dude saved a snail, like get outta my face lol. The drunk scene with Tian touching Phupha's face was so wholesome, they had such sweet chemistry. Their relationship was starting to gear up to be one of my faves. Unfortunately that didn't happen, because of some fatal character flaws written into the plot. Which were very uncharacteristic. These were my thoughts once Tian came clean about Torfun and basically everything: "Why are you ruining it show with the village putting literally all the blame on Tian? The rangers didn't want him to tell them about Torfun's death! This is total bs and its making characters unlikable, especially Phupha!" The random question thrown in there of did Tian kill Torfun with his car was stupid too. That would've taken away all likability from his character (luckily it didn't end up that way) and made all of his actions seem not as genuine as before because they are fueled by guilt. This was just all poorly done and it kinda ruined the final half of the storyline.

I also didn't like that they framed it like Phupha is just worried about Tian's future when he tries to convince him to leave. It's Tian's choice whether to stay at the village or not and Phupha basically was not allowing that choice at all! It's really controlling and I keep asking myself why is he leaving again? Like don't tell me what to do Phupha! Sure he ends up finishing teaching school anyway, but still how it was approached was wrong. This is another perfect example of a series that narratively starts off essentially perfect and then flops so bad towards the end with poor character writing that it ruins the relationship for me. Also Tian's mom I understood at the beginning. Her son almost died and she was being overly protective. But then she began to suck at the end. Trying to tell Tian not to become a teacher because its "difficult" which doesn't make sense because so was becoming an engineer? So it was just an excuse, she just thinks its not a reputable enough job. Then when she "agrees" which she shouldn't even have to, she forces the idea of going to a fancy school in America because her friends kids couldn't get in there. Seriously screw you!

Overall, this show is fantastic at the first half and then meh at the end. It's concept is so interesting, so it's a shame parts of it ruined it for me. The last episode was stretched out too long, but once we get the wrap up it's pretty nice. Albeit kind of cliche to end with a peck-kiss on the mountain, I felt some satisfaction from the ending. Though I was highly disappointed that we got no reunion between Tian and the kids or him and Longtae! That would've been great. The after credits ending scene too was a nice addition. Also final side-note, low-key it's mad disrespectful to have a literal ad for a car at the beginning of these episodes knowing full well the story surrounds a character getting struck and hit by a car! XD

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a literal masterpiece

i’m not really sure if i can even put into words of how beautiful this show is because i’m honestly still speechless lol.
i think this is the first time a show has had me hooked from the first episode. it has such a unique storyline and seeing the progression of tian and phu’s relationship was so heartwarming. this show is able to depict the purest forms of love which include patience and the fact that both of tian and phupha’s love languages are physical touch made me tear up. literally everything was perfect.

the chemistry was also fucking insane like the fact that they were able to show how much they care and love eachother without indirectly saying it is so beautiful :( the amount of symbolism too ugh theyre perfect

earthmix did an incredible job, i had no idea this was mix’s first acting role and he was seriously amazing. and earth was literally the perfect person to play phupha :’) i’m really glad he got to shine with a lead role he’s incredible!! i noticed that both earth and mix are always so hard on themselves, but i hope they know that all of their hard work payed off. their 7 years of friendship really reflected on how good they were in the show, and i love how they have such a strong bond in real life too. i’m getting to know both of them more through stuff on twitter and wow i adore them

the cinematography is something i could go on and on about but i loved it so much like there were so many pretty still shots of just the sky in the village and pretty shots of phupha and tian and i think the cinematography is the thing that makes this show even more emotional. i loved the ost’s too

also just seeing how much effort they put into making this show just makes me appreciate atots in a different way

all in all i recommend this show to everyone. we got to see a mature progression of their relationship that not many shows have. i don’t think i’ll get over this show LOL but yeah, i’m very happy :)

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The amount of emotions in this drama is just insane!! (Best bl drama for me ) Beautiful ending!!

This series made me write a review for the first time ever on this platform. But like wow just wow!!
This drama literally is the best example of a nontoxic, mature relationship. This is the type of series that just needs one season to be enough and tell everything it has to say because it just fit and it's so goddamn good made. It had me giggling and smiling like a fool from the beginning to the ending. For the whole series, we never heard Tian and Chief Phupa said the word “I love you”. However, you could feel it in every scene: the way they made us laugh, cry and feel the pain. This made ATOTS not just one of the best BL dramas, but also one of the best Asian Dramas of our generation.
I cried and I laughed and now I'm going to rewatch the whole series cause the way I got attached to every single character in this drama is unbelievable!!!!
it's just been 15 min and I miss them like a crazy TT TT

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ONE OF THE BEST SERIES IN 2021 [MAYBE SO FAR!]

I just completed watching ATOTS yesterday and i was like crying like a baby 😭😭🥺 like it does have a happy ending but still the fact that this series ended made me cry more 🥺 .This was such a beautiful series out there with the reality facing. Cuz love is not all about lust and sex but far more a real love is all about acceptance of each other and being together as far as you can.
This series is all about facing the reality not just about lovr but also other problems out there and realising their true self.
Cuz everyone just think that gay/lesbians always look on to making out and not about the reality in front of them. But here they just faced it together and we can see that phu[earth] is a realistic person who tries to wake tian if he is just in a fantasy world.
And coming to the cast EVERYONE each and everyone did a great job like everything was so perfect.Mix as a new actor made such a great acting that actually no one can believe that it is his first acting on the screen. If you guys just go through the official page of GMMTV in YouTube you can see the bts of ATOTS and how much risk did the mix had taken to become the TIAN we see in the screen. He just risked a lot.
And about EARTH as we all knw he is not a starter but to me this series will be the most recognizable role for him as an actor that may just changed his all profile just before.A leading role that got more attention than the water boy role. His character as PHUPHA is not a flirty but such a mature guy [ but changed in front of love in the end😂😍]was a reasonable and perfect guy that anyone could fall for. He did this role so perfect.
And all other cast like khatong,drake,kids, white and all others who lived in pha phan dhao mountain made this story more realistic that even we can feel like we are among them.
And about the OST! It will really give you that cold feel of pha phan dhao mountain whenever you hear it 😍😍. Such a worthy drama and let's wish one day they can make a Season 2😍.

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Don't even think about it just go an watch it

It is the next day after watching the finale episode of this series and I am still not over it. I'm just so happy.

Story
The plot of this series is extraordinary imo. It didn't feel like a BL more like a story of two soulmates. And I can't complain about the ending at all, I can't even ask for another season because it was perfect just like this. (Still a second season or a special episode would be amazing ngl)

Acting/Cast
I haven't seen these two actors before but I fell in love with them real quick. Mix did an excellent job as a rookie actor and if I didn't read about that I would've never thought he is one. Every emotion he showed felt so real to me. And after seeing those BTS scenes of him fainting because he was giving his all gave me so much respect for him. Earth also is an amazing actor. He portrays the cold forest soldier who gets all soft for Tian so well. Also Earth and Mix are seriously two beautiful and handsome fellas. Kudos to the crew and rest of the cast as well.

Music
I always find myself humming the title song and it was sung by Earth in the last episode which was a nice bonus. But all of the OST's are amazing and made the series even more beautiful.

Rewatch Value
It's Easter holiday so I know what I'm gonna do. Rewatch this masterpiece. Rewatch Value is 100%.

So overall this series is amazing and a masterpiece and if you're looking for a nice BL series without cringy sound effects or sexual harassment - this is the one. And even if you're not looking for any series to watch - you should still watch this. You're not going to regret it.

That's it. Peace out brb crying over this masterpiece.

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