A Tale of a Thousand Stars: A BL Fairytale Sprinkled with Moonlight and Maybe a Mosquito Bite (or Two)

GMM dramas? Been there, seen that (looking at you, F4 remakes!). But A Tale of a Thousand Stars (ATOTOS), a 2021 BL gem, throws a wrench into the usual formula and delivers a heartwarming story that had me clutching a fistful of tissues (and maybe googling "rural Thailand mosquito repellent" because let's be real). This review combines the insights of a jaded BL veteran (me), a sucker for a good emotional rollercoaster (also me), and someone who appreciates a drama that goes beyond the typical tropes (still me!).

A Plot That's More Than Just Boys in Uniform (Thank Goodness)

Working as a volunteer teacher, Torfun Chareonpon lived a full and meaningful life. Happy with her romantic life as she was in her professional life, Torfun loved nothing more than the moments she spent with her best friend, Chief Forest Officer Phupha Viriyanon

Sure that their life together would be a long and happy one, Torfun promised to count a thousand stars with Phupha. Unfortunately, that was a promise she would never be able to keep.

The victim of a tragic accident, Torfun was taken long before her time. However, as an organ donor, Torfun’s passing meant someone else in the world had a chance to live. In desperate need of a heart, Tian Sopasitsakun was lucky enough to receive Torfun’s greatest gift: her heart. Curious about the person whose passing meant he had a chance to live, Tian takes it upon himself to learn as much as he can about his donor’s life. Coming across a series of diary entries that Torfun left behind, Tian decides that the best way to honor Torfun’s life is to fulfill as many of her unfulfilled wishes and promises as possible.

Becoming a volunteer teacher himself, Tian begins the arduous process of befriending the grieving Phupha. Despite Phupha’s consistently cold shoulder, Tian persists in his approach, driven in part by a heart that flutters madly anytime Phupha is near. With a heart that obviously still beats for Phupha, Tian finds a way to win him over and fulfill Torfun’s thousand-star promise.

Adapted from the novel “Tale of a Thousand Stars” by Bacteria, ATOTOS throws out the tired university setting and replaces it with something far more unique – a life-changing heart transplant. Buckle up, because Tian, our protagonist with a penchant for designer clothes and questionable life choices, receives a new lease on life thanks to Torfun, a volunteer teacher with a dream as vast as the night sky: counting a thousand stars with a kind-hearted forest officer named Phupha. Here's the kicker: Tian starts experiencing fragments of Torfun's memories, inexplicably drawn to the very forest and the very Phupha that Torfun held dear. Think Ghost meets BL with a healthy dose of self-discovery.

Get Ready to Fall for Tian and Phupha (and Maybe Even the Occasional Goat)

At first, Phupha is as closed off as a coconut – prickly on the outside, but with a surprisingly sweet center waiting to be discovered. As Tian adjusts to his new life as a village teacher (trading fancy cafes for open-air classrooms – culture shock much?), a beautiful bond blossoms between them. Earth, who portrays Tian, absolutely nails the character's growth – from a self-absorbed city boy to someone who finds his purpose in helping others. And Mix? Let's just say his portrayal of the stoic Phupha is enough to make you forget all about those annoyingly perfect rich boys in other dramas. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, and you can't help but root for them every step of the way.

Speaking of "Steps," Prepare to Be Blown Away by the Scenery (and Maybe Sweat a Little)

Forget the usual brightly lit campuses and trendy cafes. ATOTOS takes you on a visual journey through the breathtaking Thai countryside. The cinematography is pure magic, capturing the lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and star-studded night skies in all their glory. Just a heads up, though: the beauty might make you want to pack your bags immediately (but remember that internet connectivity in remote villages might be a struggle – this reviewer speaks from experience!).

More Than Just Butterflies and Stolen Glances (But We Got Those Too!)

ATOTOS is more than just a fluffy romance. It tackles some serious themes with sensitivity, like grief, loss, and the power of second chances. The concept of receiving a piece of someone else's life through a heart transplant is beautifully explored, and the series doesn't shy away from the emotional weight it carries. Plus, there's a positive and healthy LGBTQ+ portrayal that's refreshing to see.

A Few Minor Bumps on the Road (But Nothing Deal-Breaking)

Now, let's be honest, no series is perfect. Some viewers might find the middle episodes a tad slow, and a couple of plot points felt a bit like filler episodes (think unnecessary misunderstandings – a BL drama staple we could all do without). But trust me, these are minor blips in an otherwise stellar show.

The Final Verdict: A Must-Watch with a Side of Peace and Quiet (and Maybe Some Mosquito Repellent)

A Tale of a Thousand Stars is a breath of fresh air in the BL world. It's a beautifully crafted series with stunning visuals, exceptional acting, and a powerful emotional core that will stay with you long after the credits roll. So grab your tissues (and maybe a friend to squee with), pack some bug spray (seriously, those mosquitos are no joke!), and get ready to be enchanted by ATOTOS. It's a BL fairytale with a healthy dose of reality, a sprinkle of moonlight, and maybe a mosquito bite (or two).

Director: Aof Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon

Main Cast:

Mix Sahaphap (plays Tian Sopasitsakun)

Earth Pirapat (plays Phupha Viriyanon)

Support Cast:

Aye Sarunchana (plays Torfun Chareonpon)

Nammon Krittanai (plays Doctor Nam)

Khaotung Thanawat (plays Longtae)

White Nawat (plays Tul)

Country: Thailand

Episodes: 10

Aired: Jan 29, 2021 - Apr 2, 2021