“I Told Sunset About You” is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of two adolescent boys as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, longing, identity, and ambition. It is directed by
Boss Naruebet Kuno. He is also one of the screenwriters along with Goy Arachaporn Pokinpakorn, Kate Karakade Norasethaporn and Junior Naron Cherdsoongnern. The lead characters Teh and Oh-aew are played by Billkin Putthipong Assaratanakul and PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn respectively.
SPOILER ALERT! The following may contain SPOILERS from the BL series I Told Sunset About You.
Teh and Oh-aew were once childhood best friends, but after a fight between them, they lost touch with each other for many years. However, fate brought them back together in a Chinese tutoring class where they rekindled their friendship. Both shared a common aspiration to become actors, and as they spent more time together, their bond grew stronger, reigniting the feeling of longing in their hearts. Although Oh-aew was already sure of his sexuality, and comfortable being attracted to Teh, Teh found it difficult to accept that he had feelings for someone of the same gender. The series delves deep into Teh’s inner turmoil, confusion, and pain as he grapples with his attraction towards Oh-aew.
The genuineness of the writing is so palpable that it draws the audience into the emotional turmoil that the characters are experiencing. The writers adeptly convey Teh’s and Oh-aew’s desire for each other without relying on contrived romantic scenes. Instead, every incident between them unfolds naturally, and the writers skillfully establish a deep connection between them. The beauty of the storytelling lies in its purposeful pacing, where every scene serves a purpose and nothing feels forced.
The attention to detail in the writing blew my mind as an audience. For example, Teh who used to hate the smell of coconut comes to love it after he unknowingly started liking Oh-aew (Oh -aew’s hair smells like coconut). The writers have also used a minor character trait of Oh-aew to develop an iconic scene in the series. One scene that I loved is when Oh-aew sings a Chinese song and Teh translates it into Thai. The song is almost like a prediction of how their relationship is going to evolve in the future. The characters are not unidimensional and that’s the beauty of it. The writers tear apart the inside-out of their characters. The use of Chinese handwriting to express what the characters feel at the moment was nothing but genius writing.
The exceptional directorial brilliance has elevated the series to new heights. Every scene has been meticulously planned and executed to perfection. The beautifully choreographed romantic scenes leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Different frames and metaphors, such as the red hibiscus, represent the raw and intense emotions of adolescence. The visual storytelling is a testament to the director’s ability to create a deeply immersive and captivating world that pulls the audience into the characters’ experiences.
The top-notch production, beautiful locations, and talented cast blend so well to make this series one of the best ever made in Thailand. The background score and OST immerse us even more into the lives of Teh and Oh. Cinematographer has done an amazing job with mind-blowing visuals and heartwarming imagery. Phuket, where the characters live, is captured so beautifully throughout.
I cannot conclude the review without talking about the breathtaking performance of the lead actors. Billkin has become Teh in every aspect. Teh is a very complicated character with a million things going on in his mind at a time. Billkin effortlessly convinces the audience of Teh’s emotions and we feel connected to him instantly. I cannot imagine anybody else playing this role. One of the standout scenes of Teh is the one in which he wanders alone on the beach, grappling with his confusion about his sexuality and his feelings for Oh-aew. As he looks up and catches Oh-aew staring at him from a distance, Teh is instantly drawn towards him, almost as if by a magnetic force. Billkin’s performance in this scene, and many others, is truly awe-inspiring, particularly in the more emotional moments where he truly shines.
PP Krit portrays Oh-aew with remarkable conviction. Unlike Teh, Oh-aew is true to his sexuality and not confused about what he likes. A scene in which Oh-aew wears a red brasier and stares at himself in the mirror is one of the brilliant moments in the series. PP Krit’s performance in this scene is nothing short of exceptional. His portrayal of Oh-aew’s pain and longing is so powerful that the audience can feel it too. The raw emotion he brings to the scene is so real, and he captures the character’s inner turmoil with such nuance and sensitivity that it’s impossible not to be moved. He can convey so much through subtle gestures and expressions, making the scene all the more impactful.
The supporting actors have also delivered magnificent performances.
Smile Parada Thitawachira who played Tan (Teh’s crush) was phenomenal. Khunpol Pongpol Panyamit (Oh-aew’s friend cum crush Bas),Nat Kitcharit (Teh’s brother Hoon), Na Kanchana Pakviwat (Teh’s mother) have given admirable performances. The child actors have also done an amazing job.
I would say “I told Sunset about you” is a must-watch for anyone who loves romance. From the deep connection between Teh and Oh-aew to the poignant exploration of self-discovery and coming-of-age themes, the series has something for everyone. Overall, it is a captivating and heartfelt story that is definitely worth watching.
