Star and Sky: Star in My Mind (2022)

One could say it’s your typical Thai BL, but that would be insulting to all the mediocre Thai BLs. Technically it’s the same old story - two cute guys pinning for each other because they suck at communicating their feelings. It should be all cute fluff, pure entertainment, feel-good watch. So how come it was either boring or infuriating? The good aspects were toned down, while they exaggerated the awful miscommunication trope to some ridiculous levels.

Daonuea? Cute, chill, awkward. Somehow have like 3 guys after him, go figure. At the same time, I hated him. He claimed to care for people and their feelings while also acting like a coward leading people for whom he obviously has no feelings. It’s not like he was truly an awful character, he had his moments and overall I enjoy his interaction, sadly only with people that had no romantic links to him.

Then we have Khabkhluen… I don’t even know where to start. His whole story? Ain’t buying it. This level of lack of communication, but also ONLY when it involves Daonuea? Ain’t buying it. The “progression” of his feelings? Ain’t buying it. He was just poorly written, that’s that. While it was fun to watch his silent moody demeanor at first, as the drama progressed I simply got tired with it, since the guy had like -10000 initiation levels. He just did not do anything.

I don’t care enough about the side characters to write about them. Some had some random not well executed last minute stories presented, but who cares? Not me.

I think my biggest issue was how they built the conflict, or rather dropped it out of nowhere. What it felt like - they obviously did not have enough plot for 8 episodes, so they had to invent some random issues that had no place to exist and be part of the show, that’s how ridiculous they were.

The acting was… mediocre? I was fine with most scenes, but the cast failed me with anything involving deeper emotions.

Overall, damn this was disappointing. It had a decent start with the first two or three episodes, and went DOWNHILL from there.

Leia Mais

The story of Dao, the not so bright star

The biggest problem with Star in My Mind is the fact that it only has two real characters, and the entire plot is driven by one of them. Unlike almost every single BL in existence, this show is exclusively about Dao and Kluen, and every aspect revolves around Dao. There are no side characters, nobody has a story or plot outside of things that directly affect Dao. No character has motivations, a plot, interactions or even scenes if Dao is not a part, or is the topic. So, if you don’t like Dao, like me by the end, there’s nothing left to like. And that’s such a shame, because the friends showed enough charisma to help Star in My Mind.

Dao is the worst type of protagonist, the type that’s dumb, really dumb. And he’s paired with a love interest that’s not good with expressing his feelings. That’s a great combination for disaster. Dao was unable to get any of the signs from Kluen, when they were so obvious that everyone else knew. And that’s even worse if we consider that, the biggest moments were just between them, so other people didn’t even know about. Like the birthday dinner with the mom, the talk by the poll, the “have a safe fight” line, the backstage talk during the contest… I’m not even going to mention the “fake boyfriends for 24h” ideia. It’s probably the worst plot device ever created to separate a couple in a BL, even worse than the famous “someone is traveling to another country in the last episode”, which, in this case, was how the story started.

It also really rubbed me the wrong way how Dao handled the moment when Kluen had to go off to help Gia. That was the moment when he crossed into unlikable territory for me. Kluen was clearly shaken when talking to her on the phone. So, I have zero sympathy for Dao at that moment, specially when he tried to make Kluen choose between him and Gia. By looking at his reaction, you’d think Kluen was running away with his ex and leaving Dao at the alter. They weren’t even boyfriends at that point!

Dao reminds me a bit of Kao, from Dark Blue Kiss, who also suffered from a complete inability to tell people he was not interested, and chaos followed. But Kao had a major advantage, he was part of a pair that had several sweet and romantic scenes. Dao on the other hand, spent the entire series being in love with Kluen, but suddenly decides to play it cool when he finally got Kluen to admit he’s been in love him him for years.

These two have been in love for 2/3 years. They’ve given each other all the signs that the feelings are mutual. But even after the kisses and confessions, I got zero romantic chemistry between them even in their most romantic scenes, like at the end of episode 7. Honestly, I would’ve expected Dao to love hearing Kluen call him his boyfriend, kiss him or call him Dao.

I also have a major problem with how this show decided to use Georgia being in a violent relationship as a cheap trick to cause conflict. This series doesn’t have the capacity of tackling such a delicate and serious issue.

This was Dunk’s first role, and starting as a protagonist is not easy. But, it was very clear that the emotional scenes were very weak, specially if he needed to cry. I feel like Dao should’ve been way more emotional in several moments, like the conversation at the bridge or the confession in the parking lot. There were a few tears, but I didn’t really feel it from him in those moments. In happy scenes I think the acting was better. Outside of the show, be on social media or videos, Joong and Dunk really seem to have a good chemistry, but that didn’t translate into the screen, specially in the romantic department.

Episode 8 really didn’t need to exist, since nothing really happens, and the bracelet scene could’ve been the ending of episode 7. The connection between Star and Sky could have been a short bonus video after the credits.

Leia Mais

IDK why GMMTV are pushing out these mediocre BLs..

I don't have much to say about this series because I felt like I watched 8 episodes of nothing. Everyone was just running around and laughing and crying and kissing and then eventually it ended. This was just a cash-grab for GMMTV, not that their other BLs aren't, but this had no plot, no real conflict, or anything essential to the story that made it an ounce interesting. Star in My Mind is basically GMMTV's version of 2 moons 2, but only with one couple. That's the best way to put it.

Let's Dive In.

Star In My Mind is about our main lead, Nuea, who's had the biggest crush on Kluen ever since high school. They then find themselves in college together going for the Moon title. They ignite a friendship that turns romantic and, plot twist! Kuen's always had feelings for him too! and then the end. No literally, that's the story. Other than some irrelevant conflicts to get in between our main couple, nothing else happens. It's a cat and mouse chase, with aggravating miscommunication and misunderstandings. If anyone was coming for an interesting plot, then don't bother wasting your time here. They could've wrapped up Kluen and Nuea's story if you take out the majority of their problems. There are only a few incidents in which the show has caught my interest until it throws me out of its doors and into traffic.

For one, I did at one point, fall for the love triangle. I was mostly on Phoon's side since he was way more open with his feelings than Kluen was, but then he goes and disrespects Nuea's space by kissing him to prove a point to Kluen, and I was over it. I also liked the way they handled Gia and Kluen's relationship. Instead of her being a jealous ex, she helps Nuea (even if it is very unnecessary) and it's nice to see two people care deeply for one another without it having to be romantic. Fah was also a delight to watch. I loved his and Nuea's dynamic, and he was pretty much the caring older brother who gave great advice. He played his part right in making me more interested in watching his love story in Sky In My Heart.

I have no bad blood with any of the characters. I actually think it's this show's stronger suit since they all were charismatic and brought along some needed elements. I truly love Maitee with all of me, and I want to see him have his one series. Everyone played their part by being there for both Kluen and Nuea. Again, JJ was used as a side role, and it's part of my hatred for this series. get him his own Series!!!! Now!!!!!!

My theory is that Joong and Dunk didn't really know each other that well when they first started filming this, cause I absolutely hated the first and second episodes. They were awkward, stiff, and had zero connection. It gets a bit better by episode three, and then from there, their relationship is a least a little bit more convincing. As I explained earlier, they had no real conflict keeping them from being together. It was literally the writers making these two the most non-communicative human beings in the world. Half of everything could've been solved with conversations. And then they throw in an extremely unnecessary forced kiss between the two of them, and I've never wanted to punch my screen so bad as I did at that moment. Their story would've been much more entertaining if the writers would've done at least two more minutes of brainstorming. The last episode was the only one I didn't watch in 2x speed, and that was only cause they give a little more focus to Fah, whose two extra minutes of screentime was more interesting than this entire series.

Ratings:

Story: 5 - Enchante at least had a plot worthy of interest. Nothing ever caught my attention enough for me to just really enjoy this. Some chunks here and there, but this is probably the blandest story of 2022. I'll only give it five stars for the way they set up Fah's story for Sky In My Heart.

Acting: 8 - It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst either. Joong's acting felt a bit weird, and Dunk was a bit stiff at times. For Pawin to have such a small role, he really stood out the most. Mek also did a good job. Everyone else was decent.

Music: 6 - Fine. Didn't really pay attention to it.

Rewatch Value: 1 - not likely.

I originally watched this only for Joong cause I missed him dearly, but this wasn't the series I would've put him in for his comeback into the BL community. If anything, I wish they would've spent more time on finding him the perfect role instead of pushing him into the first one available. Dunk was fine, but I probably wouldn't have hired him to play in this series, let alone a BL. He just kind of fits awkwardly, and it makes for an odd watch. I don't recommend this unless you want to see Joong or to get some context for the Sky In My Heart, otherwise, don't bother.

Leia Mais

I didn’t think I’d like this, but I really did

I’ve watched so many college BLs. And just when I thought I couldn’t possibly be satisfied by yet another 2 young and dumb boys … I SOMEHOW LOVE THIS!

The story of Kluen and Daonuea is a classic tale of meeting your high school crush after entering college and falling in love with them (all over again). Variations of this plot have been done to death – recall 2moons, 2gether and Bad Buddy? OK, so the plot isn’t terribly original, but so what?

I think Joong and Dunk have created a pretty solid product together with their chemistry. It’s always the chemistry that makes or breaks a typical plot or trope.

The entire show is a string of misunderstandings that could have been averted if they were brave enough to speak plainly from the start. But as the web gradually untangles and their feelings for each other are uncovered, this frustrating rollercoaster ride turns out to be quite lovely and rewarding after all.

Yes, this is yet another college BL. And one day, maybe this high school sweetheart plot will well and truly go extinct. But not this time. And until then, please take it from me: Go watch Star In My Mind.

My full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/05/27/star-in-my-mind-bl-review/

Leia Mais

One of a number of mediocre Thai BLs this year

2022 looks to be the Year of Mediocre Thai BLs. That said, Star and Sky: Star In My Mind fits right in. Here are my pros and cons:

PROS

CUTE BOYS. That's all.

SHORT. Thank goodness, they got everything done in 8 episodes. Although it could have been done within a 90-minute movie.

MAITEE. I liked him. And I would date him.

CONS

DUNK. What was the casting director thinking? They give Dunk a character who cries in just about every episode, and he can't act. (It's been awhile since I've seen an actor that stiff.) He never shed any real tears, he just got a silly, pained expression on his face that looked more like he was having problems passing a bowel movement.

BOOOOORING. Even watching this at 2x speed, it managed to drag on incessantly, and there wasn't much of a cohesive story.

LACK OF CHEMISTRY. There was no chemistry between the main leads, and that kiss in the last episode was about as dead fish as a kiss can be.

But not the worst thing I've seen. 4.5 from me.

Leia Mais

Basic and easily forgetful series, wasted potential and gave NOTHING

Finally a series where the story is not dragged for 10+ episodes but it's nicely done for the amount of episodes it had.( total of 8 episodes)
The story itself is not something new, we've seen this concept over and over again, and these companies and writers really need to come up with something new because this is boring and repetitive.
However, I enjoyed the actors, they really made this show shine with their visuals, but the acting was weird and cringey sometimes. Everything felt so stiff
and awkward for me, but the chemistry between the leads was fine. There is a room for improvement as always, but the acting and the story, the plot development was the weakest part of this series. And it's predictable which shows that it's an easy type of a story to follow but a really, really weak writing. The music was decent, nothing special to be honest
It's not the best, nor the worst drama out there. It's in the middle for me.
Pretty much is a basic series with predictable storyline, weak writing, awkward acting and meeh music and you will easily forget about it. Would I recommend this? Decent time killer, but don't expect miracles.

Leia Mais

I tried to find points to like, but sorry this series sucks

- The story: I had high hopes for some first episodes, it was pretty good, but then from episode 5, everything seemed to fall down. What a messy story! Even the drama/series from 10 years ago still does better job.
- The actors: They did their work really well, the visuals, the acting is good, but with a bad scripts, I couldn't feel it.
- The music: The music is so good, I love both of the two theme songs, they're on my spotify now, I give 10/10 for the music.
Overall, the only thing I love about this series is the music and the actors, the story is so bad. I won't rewatch it.

Leia Mais

"Have a safe [emotional] flight"

Impression engraved in my mind of a series with a rather calm plot but in return, the script and acting concede the points to make the series a bit more exciting.

Production / Music >> 8.5 >> 6.5
The light concept of this series is not only introduced to the viewer with solid storytelling, superb colouring and smooth cinematography but also with the uplifting background music, thus the series is enabling the audience to be more laid-back while watching. However, it´s not memorable.

Plot / Story >> 8.0 >> 6.0
Even though a story that has "skipped" the first encounter seems to be more of a challenge, the writer(s) introduced a rather light love story to the viewers, also not that memorable, but cute.

Acting / Cast >> 8.5 >> 7.5
Joong and Dunk convince us of Nuea´s and Khluen´s story with good acting, which is displayed through a lot of eye-work and expressions rather than through words. The supporting cast is solid but not outstanding.

There is still room for improvement but my overall impression of this series is that it is watchable.

Leia Mais

The North Star never moves, and neither does this story.

This story was BL Plot #3, "Boys kept apart by implausible miscommunication". If both of a pair are in love with each other, mutual friends know that, and one of them doesn't talk about anything else (and yet everyone wants him), and on top of that, one of them actually told the other that he likes him, how is it possible that nothing happened? That puts Khluen into the "you are a total idiot and deserve to die alone" category.

In today's world, how is it possible NOT to know that two people broke up several years ago? Dao is obsessed with Khluen and never looked at his social media, or Gia's? Have you ever had a crush on an actor, saw him in an instagram photo with a girl, hated it, hurriedly copy/pasted what he wrote into google translate and was relieved it's his sister? Yeah, I have too. And Khluen was clearly very upset by whatever Gia said on the phone before he rushed off, so a non malignant narcissist would have said "OMG, is everything OK?" instead of making it all about him.

Everything about the plot is contrived, the characterization is inconsistent and implausible, and nobody has agency except Dao, who uses all of it to be a self-absorbed prat. And the series really boring. Try to decribe the plot. For example, Not Me would be "A guy replaces his evil twin in a marxist motorcycle gang to fight for justice and falls in love with his brother's enemy." That sounds ridiculous (and it is), but there is no world in which I would not watch that. This is "Two guys who have been in love with each other for several years continue to not communicate for seven episodes while nothing else happens."

Dunk is cute, and Joong is attractive enough, but there was just zero heat. I kept shipping Dao with Fah because there was so much more chemistry between them. Sure, they're brothers and it's wrong, but that would have been a lot more intesting than this. If not for Mek, I would have dropped this lifeless series. Honestly, the brotherly love scenes with Dao and Fah are the only thing about this that worked for me. Fah's reaction when he walks in on Dao and Khluen was actually funny, unlike all the fart and poop jokes.

The technical aspects were weak, with inconsistent lighting in scenes. The very last one where they're on a dock at night looked like someone was flashing a spot light on them on and off. And the soft-focus filter was again abused to the point that everyone looked botoxed to within an inch of their lives and their facial expressions were smoothed away.

I would skip this. If you're more interested in the follow-on series about Fah and Prince, there is absolutely nothing in this series that you need to see to understand Star In My Heart, which is clearly to a painful extent "inspired" (to be generous) by another series you may have watched that takes place in the mountains.

Leia Mais

A show where NOTHING HAPPENED

This show is over and I feel like nothing happened and my life is still the same.... BL's are feeling empty now that there are a lot more substantial shows with better plots.. fluff BL's are no longer working and this is proof of that.
I feel like Bad Buddy has delivered so amazingly well any shows that are following it on GMMTV are just paling in comparison. I just don't feel the chemistry between these two. I love Mek so I am looking forward to Sky in your Heart. Save yourself the cringe and don't watch this.. I regretted it and GMMTV keeps focusing on quantity rather than quality.

Leia Mais