A Tale of 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

Lees verder