I will be reviewing this story without comparing it to the novel.

Story:
I think the story is definitely a majority of what gives sotus its charm. although it isnt a very complex story, it is a very realistic and emotional story revolving around the struggles of same
sex relationships and discovering yourself. I think that it is really well told with enough high points and low points to draw you in and feel the emotions of the characters. It is very innocent. Although the mechanic trope is very overused, this bl was the first of its kind. When watching sotus, I keep in mind that it was made in 2016 and paved the way for a lot of bl’s. For its time, this drama was unlike any other, leading to the BL’s that we get to see today! I also like the fact that there is no unnecessary making out or intimate scenes. As far as bl’s go, (with exceptions of course, there are a lot of great bls out there) i feel as though the story is just used for a bit of flavour, and all that the drama really revolves around is kissing and making out for viewers pleasure. Sotus, however, is pretty soft and innocent and I love it! I have always loved slow burn. If you love to see a relationship slowli unfold, with the satisfaction of sweetness at the end, this drama is definitely for you. It approaches the storyline very well and very sensibly.

Acting/Cast:
This is something that I know there are a lot of opinions on. I personally think that Krist and Singto did an amazing job. This was early in both of their careers. For me, good acting is when you can feel what the character is feeling, and you can differentiate the character from the person playing it. I think that they both did a very good job. I will ahree that some of the scenes are kind of cringe, but they are sampled from the novel and relevant to the story haha. Also, I find a drama a lot more loveable when there are loveable side characters. I love the energy of Artith’s friends. Especiallu Bright, of course, a fan favourite. Smaller details like that make a drama more enjoyable for me. There are a few characters that I feel lacked energy, but this didn’t effect any important dramatic performance so I can look past it. You know that a cast is loveable when you can’t help but get uspet after watching the last espisode. For me, my heart was set on Artith and Kongpop. Of course they are the main characters, and the cast is iconic, but not iconic to the point where i watch compliations on youtube and stuff because i miss them. Overall, Kongpop and Artith are the perfect match! And the actors are good friends in real life, which always helps to make their performance more authentic.

Music:
Soooo many bops the music definitely leaves its mark and makes sotus iconic. There are too particular songs for me. The opening track (of course) and the song that plays during the bed scene (not what you think, you will see haha) and some other scenes. It is always nice to have a song associated with characters to make you more emotionally attatched to them. The opening track also gives u nostalgia after u don’t hear it for a while.

Rewatch value：
Considering I first watched this drama 2 years ago and i am still writing a review for it now, that speaks for itself. The only reason I watch is for the authenticity and slow burn of Kong and Arthits relationship. Atfter a while, you sometimes miss it.

Overall:
It is definitely worth the watch! Don’t expect anything sexual, go into the drama knowing that you will experience a sweet story. Its iconic.
Especially if you have only recently joined the world of BL, this drama paved the way.