Shine sets itself apart immediately with its first scene—an eclectic mix of rich people celebrating Apollo 11’s moon landing, while student protesters agitate outside their doors. It sets the tone for a smart, searing exploration of living and loving through major social upheavals.
Trin (Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat), a straight-laced economist, returns to Thailand after experiencing tragedy in Paris. He meets free-wheeling Tanwa (Mile Phakphum Romsaithong), a musician who prefers escapism to reality. Trin and Tanwa, along with Colonel Krailert (Son Yuke Songpaisan) and journalist Naran (Yotsawat Tawapee), navigate the political turmoil of Thailand in 1969.
A story that prioritizes realism over escapism.
A story about men, not boys.
There’s nothing adolescent about this show. Between the complex emotional themes, the gravity of the political turmoil, and the age of the characters, this show is mature. Shine actors Mile and Apo, made famous by their debut in Kinnporsche, agree. In an interview on the Be Cloud channel, they call the show a ‘man’s love’ series instead.
Here’s an excerpt from their conversation:
We’re grown men now, it’s man’s love…looking at us and everyone in the story, we’re not boys anymore. And besides, ‘boy’ stories have been told plenty of time already. Today, we’re talking it from the perspective of men.
Listen to the full interview: Mile-Apo: The Off-Screen Bond and Behind ‘Shine’, a Series Beyond Thai BL Boundaries
It’s also mature in the sense that it contains explicit scenes, like many BeOnCloud productions. Notably, it diverges from the industry’s fixation on assigning a “top” and “bottom” within each romantic pair. This is a more honest portrayal that brings the story closer to reality.
Discovering the dark side of the moon.
This show resists a clear-cut “good” or “bad” side, placing each character somewhere on the spectrum of the social movement. For example, Victor represents the passionate heart of the students demanding change. Colonel Krailert, on the other hand, is the voice of the system carrying out oppression. Trin’s idealism prompts his measured ideas for reform, Naran believes the truth must be told at any cost, and Tanwa wants to escape it all.
Each character is complex and, as a result, so are their relationships with each other. In many ways, this show is a character study—an invitation to see the individuals at the heart of movements.
This includes the women in the show. Many BLs include female characters as props where they could be removed without impacting the story at all (called the ‘Sexy Lamp’ test by Kelly Sue DeConnick).
Searing romantic tension.
Actors Mile and Apo, collectively known as MileApo, are well-established in the BL industry. Naturally, their chemistry drew many fans to watch Shine. Viewers eager for a repeat of their dynamic in Kinnporsche, will find something slower and sweeter here. It’s well-paced for their characters, but it left some fans disappointed.
That said, the pair that truly dazzles is Colonel Krailert and Naran, played by Son Yuke Songpaisan and Yotsawat Tawapee. Seemingly on opposite sides of the conflict, their love affair risks everything. If you like people being romanced through the written word, this is a must-watch show for you.
Atmospheric, psychedelic, and raw.
Shine is evocative and artistic. The title sequence alone draws you into the textures, sounds, and soul of the show. The style of each character feels true to their personality and struggles, giving the audience a range of looks that span from reserved academic to hippie rocker. The show has a retro vibe with saturated colors and warm lighting.
Shine’s music is a standout element of the production. Whether it’s reflective jazz stylings, emotional piano soliloquies, or the psychedelic rock performed by Tanwa’s band. Each song captures the mystery and metaphor of the show. The soundtrack features the rock stylings of Slot Machine and The Young Wolf, retro group The Keylookz, the voices of Aey Kuljira, FrenchW, and Mile Phakphum Romsaithong (Tanwa).
Where Shine misses the mark.
There are places where the pacing is slow. I watched the uncut version, however, (the “Orchestric” ver.), so take that analysis with a grain of salt. Shine is more focused on character development than the machinations of political intrigue, you do see the consequences of that intrigue.
Should you watch it?
If you’re looking to escape reality, skip this show. But if you want to fall in love with characters discovering their own hearts, I recommend Shine. You’ll laugh and cry. You may even be inspired to examine your own choices in times of trouble.
✅ Watch if you like:
- emotional character studies
- tumultuous politics
- intellectual romance
❌ Avoid if you prefer:
- light-hearted shows
- low-conflict stories
- escapism
Ratings: 9.5/10 – a genre-changing entry that ups the game for story and production
Ruth’s Rec Room Rating:
⭐ 5 / 5 Stars
🍕 5 / 5 Pizzas*
*Pizzas rate my enjoyment, not the quality. Schindler’s List, for example, would be 5 stars but 1 pizza.
Here’s what others are saying about Shine:
- Shine (Thai BL) Season 1 Review – A beautifully executed political romance by Lopa K at Review Geek
- Review Geek’s article by Lopa K
- Shine Review: Forbidden Love and Emotional Intensity Tale That You Can’t Get Out of Your Head by Shabnam Jahan at K-Waves & Beyond
Written by Ruth aka ruthsrecroom on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSky.
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