A Tale of Thousand Stars (Thai) Review: A Love Story that Transcends the Physical

What if you are given a second chance to live your life and redeem yourself? The protagonist of A Tale of Thousand Stars is led by this new reality in his life. He is driven by a strong desire which is passed on to him even without his knowledge. This keeps him going beyond his original nature, almost as if he became a new person. Everything that he feels and experiences in life, including love happens for a reason. It is a love story that transcends the physical. Here is my review of the Thai series, A Tale of Thousand Stars (ATOTS).

This is one of those love stories you have never seen before. Definitely not in the BL genre. Tian (played by Mix) is our protagonist whose life changes drastically after something unexpected happens. The connection that he feels with Phupha (played by Earth) is related to this incident. Tian sets out on this adventure where he learns and unlearns many things. A Tale of Thousand Stars is about love; but it is also about growth, relationships, bonds and kindness. Tian and Phupha’s love story is something that transcends the physical.

It is a love story of two people which is beyond the physical. The connection that they have, is because of the abovementioned strong desire for a person who becomes the reason for the union of the two. A Tale of Thousand Stars is also a bildungsroman. This is the story of the development of Tian as he transforms from a rich spoiled brat to a kind individual driven by love.

The Creators of Thousand Stars

The screenplay by Aof Noppharnach Chaiwimol and Bee Pongsate Lucksameepong is exceptional. Aof is also the director of the series. His treatment of the content is praiseworthy as he keeps the story at the focal point even though this is a BL series (I say this, because oftentimes BL contents are driven by commercial agenda rather than artistic purpose). He has created a universe within Phupha and Tian’s love story and has brought the best out of the actors (as evident from the BTS footage of the series). Aof is also the director of another successful series, Bad Buddy.

Read more on the cast and crew here,https://mydramalist.com/49745-a-tale-of-a-thousand-stars/cast

The Setting

The series is set in a provincial Northern Thai village. The visuals are simply breathtaking (kudos to the cinematographer Rath Roongrueangtantisook). The Phu Pan Dao cliff, the forest, and the waterfalls are spectacular (I won’t be surprised if the location becomes a tourist spot). It is simply beautiful. The production design is commendable; the village, the dwellings of Phupha and Tian, the school; everything is just phenomenal. The costume design is on point.

The Music

It is very rare to see the music done right in a BL series. But A Tale of Thousand Stars has one of the best Original Sound Tracks. The background score is soulful. The theme song produced and composed by Am (I searched for her official name everywhere but it is all written in Thai) and sung by Gun Napat perfectly captures the essence of Tian and Phupha’s love story. The song is also very culturally rooted; it is in line with traditional Thai music and is accompanied by Klui (a traditional Thai wind instrument which Phupha plays in the series). Another featured song which is equally soothing is “Lom”(Wind) by Num Kala.

The Cast of Thousand Stars

A Tale of Thousand Stars has a brilliant main and supporting cast. The little kids, the village chief, Phupha’s subordinates, and the doctor friend are all played by some exceptional actors. Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan who plays Longtae is charming. Aye Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol makes Torfun’s character memorable. The character stays with you as much as the main characters. Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri puts forth a convincing performance as Captain Phupha. This is probably Earth’s career-best performance.

The star of the show is undoubtedly Mix Sahaphap Wongratch who brings Tian to life. He is surprisingly good for a debutant. He plays the role of Tian with determination and vulnerability which no one can match. It won’t be wrong to say that he singlehandedly owns the show. The actor has a lot of potential and is undeniably promising. He has a beautiful smile and expressive eyes which speaks a lot. He is simply brilliant.

A Tale of Thousand Stars is one of the best shows of GMMTV and undoubtedly the best BL series of them. This is not just a love story. It teaches you a lot. The only problem I had was the lack of clarity in Torfun and Phupha’s relationship. It wasn’t convincing enough. But this is something that can be overlooked because the series is absolutely fantastic. It is a love story that truly transcends the physical.

Is A Tale of 1000 Stars living up to your expectations?
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