Star and Sky: Star in My Mind (2022)

I almost didn’t watch it after reading bad reviews but I’m really glad I did

There are too many bad reviews for this series…
Look, if you’re expecting a BL unlike anyone you’ve seen before then you’ll be disappointed. Although this is yet another story set at a university where the main character competes for the campus moon title - it’s still a super sweet drama with a more romantic and adorable love story than can be found in most BL’s.
A lot of the bad reviews I’ve read say they dislike the acting, I for one didn’t have an issue with it though but to each their own.
I enjoy watching BL’s that are like this one cause they’re quite simple and make me feel good.
If you’re looking for something simple but sweet to pass the time with then this is the perfect drama for you.

Leia Mais

Started out 'above average' but dipped to only 'average'

The acting and chemistry were good enough in the beginning that I was invested, but the turn of the story in the second half just felt like way too much drama and was quite convoluted. They also didn’t really execute the stoic character type that Kluen is very well. I thought there would be some insight into why he is the way he is, but the story just decided to say he’s dumb when it comes to love. And that felt cheap? Like, nothing more complex?

Because there were meaningful moments, scenes and interactions in the first half I thought we would get some kind of pay-off in the second half. But it felt like they changed writing teams halfway through.
Or it’s possible some people are good at romance buildup, but they aren’t good at sustaining conflict after the confessions. This show probably would’ve been better if it ended in romance instead of inserting extra drama to keep them separated until the end.

The series suffers the most from relying on only words instead of using visuals to tell us what people are feeling. There are even chunks of exposition given by side characters to advance the story. If there were no side characters, then nothing would’ve happened between the main couple, which is an issue because romance should grow out of two characters actions, not out of the actions of the people around them.

Promising in the beginning but then it just turned out stale in the end

Leia Mais

2gether vibes

SSIMM was the one of the middest and fluffiest BL I ever watched. Nothing about it stood out. Yet at the same time, it was engaging enough for me to remain invested. The conflict was also minimal, which allowed me to binge it without stressing. Overall, it reminds me a lot of 2gether the series, because the main characters, Daonuea and Tine, both have like 3 people who liked them, and the other male leads, Khabkluen and Sarawant, are super cold to other people who are not their partners, and it was also just mid. After seeing some reviews and comments for this BL, my expectations were at rock bottom, so it was a nice surprise to see that it was not that bad. I watched this because I wanted to get to know JoongDunk better, and I don't regret it at all. This BL nicely set up their chemistry, and I'm very excited to see more of them in Hidden Agenda!

Honorable mention to Satang in this because he looks so good in this series!

Leia Mais

Watch and judge for yourself!!

I actually thought about not watching this series due to the bad reviews but I got curious as there are so many JoongDunk contents passing my social media, so I did! And honestly? The bad reviews are just too harsh, and here is why.

1. People should stop expecting BLs to have super mega complicated plots, some of them are just classic fluff, and that is okay too.
I think Star in My Mind is that easy to eat cookie BL that you can snack lightly. It didn't have a plot that is too intense, a bit patchy but still enjoyable. Totally recommended if you're searching for BLs with simple stories. Also, for a cutesy feel-good classic fluff BL, this is good. Better than few that I know (Fish in the Sky, for example, cough). The characters are pretty basic, but Kluen is just a dumbass, not an asshole (except for that one time when he kiss Nuea in his sleep), and Nuea is not as self-centered as people mentioned. They are freshmen, for god's sake, their love story started when they are just high schoolers. It was a puppy love, it IS still on its puppy love stage tbh. Hence why they need to work on their communications. Freshmen men that they're only 18-19 y.o, and what do you even know about love at that age? Not to mention that Kluen is so bad at expressing his feelings to the point that his mom knows, which means that it's not something you can just work on overnight. And (SPOILERS) they've been in love for years, secretly, never had the chance to sit and talk it out, now that they meet each other again it's understandable that misunderstandings happen. Nuea did been trying to forget about Kluen for a year, so it is highly understandable that the unnecessary push and pull puts him to stress. Not to mention that all he did all this time was just admire Kluen from afar without making any move so imagine the hope and regret and longing that he went through. Just imagine your long-time crush is finally within your reach, one day it seems like you had a chance but the other day he wants you to move on? Ugh, imagine the stress. I think that is why his reaction towards Gia's sudden call is really bad it makes him look like an asshole. But hey, Nuea didn't know the real situation of Gia and Kluen's relationship, and here he is vulnerable. His over-reaction is just him breaking down, desperate, we are talking about years of longing here, so yeah, he had the right to be heartbroken. Though I think it could be better if the story could highlight more about Nuea's character's good qualities. Like why did so many people like him? Because he's smart and kind and hot right? Only mentioning the fact that he studied in German didn't do him justice tbh, there should be scenes that emphasize that for him. If he had three people seriously chasing after him, the story should've elaborated more on the reason why he is so likable.

2. Contrary to other negative reviews, the side characters actually have some presence.
I have watched BLs that have side characters that didn't have any presence as if they're made to just fill in the dialogues so it's not just between the MCs. But Star in My Mind actually put some screen time to the side characters. I especially like the female characters! Often times the 'girl friend' characters in BL are often portrayed as the ones who ruined the MCs relationship and just overall a pick me girl. But here Paphang and Gia are actually decent. Gia, especially, is way more chill than I thought she would be. I also love how there is a scene where Gia and Nuea had a proper talk. Same with Phoon! Although it annoys me that this boy is pushing too hard to make Nuea notice him, I still salute him for being mature and accepting his defeat. Sean is like Fong from 2gether the series, he is that one sane friend that slaps some sense to his friends. There are BLs who had 'close friends' group as the support role for the MC but never did anything to actually 'support' the MC, here Sean steps in when needed, intervenes when needed, and I think it's great! Everyone need a friend like Sean. While at first I sees Fah as that cheesy very kind brother, he is actually a good brother figure for Nuea and he did give Nuea solid advice. They have great chemistry too! And I like how they meet and talk often, it really puts how close and dependent Nuea to Fah is into perspective.

3. The chemistry between the MCs?
I actually expect Joong's acting to be plainer than Dunk, because most BLs usually made the 'seme' didn't do much action, just staring with that lovestruck expression and sitting calm being all handsome. Here Joong actually served more than Dunk, his skinship is natural and his kisses! Didn't seems awkward at all. He is also better at expressing tiny details in his expression. Kluen suits him so much, so big kudos to Joong Archen for delivering Kluen so well. While for Dunk, although he did okay in most of his scenes, there are times when his expression is awkward. The only thing I'm agreeing with the negative reviews is that, yes, Dunk's crying scene is pretty awkward to watch. But hey! This is only his first series! Now that Joong and Dunk had built their chemistry off-camera, I think GMM should totally give them another series in the future that could showcase their talents and chemistry, and of course, with a better-written story too!

Leia Mais

Better than I thought

I wasn't interested in this series at all but I really wanted to watch "Sky in your heart" so I forced myself to watch this even though I can't stand Joong Archen... it wasn't that bad honestly, I saw some bad reviews so I was preparing myself to die of boredom but this was pretty to tolerable.
I think I liked every character of this series, and that's something really unusual to happen, Dao was really funny, he made me laugh a lot.
As always, my favourite character was the Jj's one (Pokpong) he slays in every single thing he appears on, he's amazing and his characters are always so funny that they grow on you.
Joong's characters are sort of haunted with his boyfriend's big brothers isn't he? On this series it was Fah but he also had some problems with Kit's big brother in 2moons2 so thats kinda relatable, and me...as a fan of 2moons can't help but notice it.
After all this wasm't the worst thing that GMM produced but I really hope that "Sky in your heart" is way better than this.

Leia Mais

This a Good BL

This not a great BL it's a good BL. It could have been great because the casting was very strong. Especially the secondary characters. I almost wish...well any of the secondary characters would have been a better Dao. Maybe it was the premise of the series, someone who had a crush on someone so they secretly did school assignments for them??? At first I was like ok (?) maybe there's more to it, but no that didn't happen. I did think there was chemistry between the main couple but it wasn't hot and passionate, but it did seem like they liked and cared for each other. Funny thing was it seemed to me that Khab liked Dao more, or it was more obvious. Anyway there are a lot of good aspects to this BL. Best award goes to Joong a Khab and best support goes to Pepper as Phoon. Dunk was ok as Dao I just didn't really take to him or the character. Yes it could be scripting and direction issue for sure. Again I must say that the support cast was all very strong and likeable. Over all a good watch. Note I didn't say great, but it could have been.

Leia Mais

stayed in my mind

I really liked this very formulaic drama - Thai college students go through love angst due to inability to express honestly.
Dunk Natachai Boonprasert/Dao Nuea is in his first starring role and does an excellent job of being appealingly cute and naive.
Joong Archen Aydin/Khab Khluen has a more nuanced role. He has been apparently dating Gai since high school and this effectively means no one else has pursued him except for Nuea's ongoing unrequited feelings. As the plot unfolds we get to realise he has zero experience of love and his 'girlfriend' relationship was really as a close family friend.

When our two main leads meet up again Nuea is embarrassed by his past confession so cuts off any attempt by Khluen to start anything. He remains in the 'safer' unrequited mode pining for his love and any attempts by Khluen are seen as not genuine.
We all realise that had Khluen cleared up the non girlfriend issue there would have been more chance to show us how sweet they are together, unfortunately the writers persisted with the misunderstandings for way too long thus dragging down the momentum.

Lots of negative comments about the non C kiss when Khluen is drunk but I think it is in character with this shy person who is hopeless at words and just has everything going on internally. He admits he is dumb at love and this is true in both senses of not knowing and unable to speak.

His mother plays a lovely role and we can tell that she has twigged his feelings for Nuea and tries to encourage him to not keep everything inside himself. He also has supportive friends as does Nuea. Nuea's brother, Mek Jirakit Thawornwong/Khua Fah is the more obviously experienced actor and has a strong screen presence.

Overall I enjoyed this drama and am looking forward to the sequel with Fah as the ML.

Leia Mais

Typical BL. Very Typical One.

Positive :
When we look at the starcast, not only we get great new actors but the Star Cameo Queue of the veteran actors is long and surprising. That's the strongest point of the series. You spot Mek, Ciize, JJ, Sammy, Yatch and even Bright along with our lead actor Joong. One can say, starcast was very strong and good at everything till first two or three episodes!
That's when this series goes downhill later in storyline BUT cinematography, production, lightings and settings, make up and locations were simply breathtaking. Good to see Hua Hin beach.
The First 2 episodes were awesome.


Neutral Picks :
As in the heading, I have said it's a typical BL due to following reasons :
1. All college setup with rich dorms and families where students go in their car. They haven't even graduated yet smh.
2. Shying around their crush like every BL with fluffy moments in a typical manner like typically BL people do!
3. This series reminds of 2 Moons and 2gether in many manners.
4. No Negative character. Makes you smile (if you liked main couple) until end.
5. OST is mediocre.

Negatives :
Easily 2 or 3 episodes could be reduced from this series because they were straightly unnecessary.

•Daoneua becomes Casanova among many people. Imagine a character who is newbie, nervous and little dumb has many many followers. Let's say it is digestable.
•There were sooo many moments between Khabkluen and Daoneua where they knew they loved each other but they chose to stay dumb.
Eh : When Kleun was sketching his mother's portrait holding Neua's hand where they almost kissed.
•Typhoon kissing Daoneua just to prove his point was dumbest scene in the entire drama. Just to increase plot where there ain't plot, how can one come with this ridiculous move?
•When Kluen leaves Neua in his room alone because Gia called her, wasn't it obvious that there was some emergency and he ain't going for candle light dinner? Why being that much dumbneua? To make it worse he accepts 24 hours BF offer. Like this was dumbest thing ever to do.
•Doing homework of senior? I don't know who told him to do that. I have to rewatch to understand that one.

Overall : There is only one storyline Daokluen. If you aren't interested them to get together I don't know what else you should watch in it? Cameos and Locations perhaps.
To construct side plot, they made ridiculous story towards last 4 episodes.
If you just like fluffy lovestory with no negative character this is for you but if you are for story this one lacks behind many.

Leia Mais

Not a very likeable MC

This has happened before where I liked every other character except the main characters. In my case, that would be Dao. The little bantering moments between him and Kleun, when they met again, were funny and nice to watch. Their friends/roommates added to the overall enjoyment of watching the series. I didn't like Typhoon that much because he reminds me of those 'try-hard and can't take the obvious no' for an answer. While Dao never rejected him, he knew and kept ignoring the signs and was all up in Dao's space.

The character I felt was the most wronged in this series was Kleun. He never rejected Dao but rather was unable to explain himself. That's something he struggles with, expressing his feelings, which is actually related since I am very much like Kleun. Their roommates and friends could see the obvious feelings the two have for each other except Dao and this kept making him see Kleun as the bad guy whenever he couldn't put into words what Dao wanted to hear. I felt like Kleun was the one trying the most while Dao kept messing things up.

The way he reacted when Kleun got a call from a distressed Gia and making him choose at that moment was too much. Feelings and ex-girlfriend status aside, that was still Kleun's friend who obviously needed help at that moment. There was no time to feel hurt but rather to feel like a human and try to understand. Instead, he accepted to be Phoon's boyfriend for the day. Which obviously didn't end well. And this is another reason why I do not like Phoon. There were so many ways to show Kleun what they talked to him about but instead chose an option that made everything even more messy.

In all honesty, I kept watching because of Kleun as I wanted him to have a happy ending as well as Fah.

Leia Mais

"Star and Sky: Star in My Mind" – A Heartfelt Journey of Young Love and Self-Discovery

Plot Summary:
"Star and Sky: Star in My Mind" is a Thai BL drama that explores the intricate relationship between two young men, Daonuea and Khabkluen. The story begins with Daonuea, who has been harboring a secret crush on Khabkluen since high school. When they reunite in university, Daonuea decides to confess his feelings, setting off a series of events that challenge both characters to confront their emotions and navigate the complexities of their relationship.

Main Characters and Actors:

Daonuea (played by [Actor's Name]): Daonuea is a sensitive and artistic student whose courage to confess his feelings drives the plot. His character's emotional depth and vulnerability are key elements of the story.

Khabkluen (played by [Actor's Name]): Khabkluen is charismatic and confident, yet his interactions with Daonuea reveal a more introspective side. His journey of understanding his own feelings forms a crucial part of the narrative.
Overall Impression:

"Star and Sky: Star in My Mind" is a heartwarming and engaging drama that beautifully captures the essence of young love and self-discovery. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their evolving relationship both believable and compelling. The series successfully blends romance with moments of humor and drama, creating a well-rounded viewing experience.

What I Liked:

Acting: The performances by the lead actors are commendable. They bring authenticity and nuance to their roles, making the characters' journey emotionally resonant.

Storyline: The plot is thoughtfully crafted, with a good balance of romance and personal growth. It keeps viewers invested in the characters' journeys and their evolving relationship.

Cinematography: The visual presentation is beautiful, with carefully composed scenes that enhance the storytelling. The use of color and lighting adds a layer of emotional depth to the drama.

Music: The soundtrack is well-chosen, enhancing key moments and adding to the overall emotional impact of the series.

Areas for Improvement:
Pacing: Some episodes might feel slow-paced, particularly in the middle of the series. A more consistent pacing could help maintain viewer engagement throughout.

Supporting Characters: While the main characters are well-developed, a deeper exploration of the supporting characters could add more depth to the story.

Recommendation:
"Star and Sky: Star in My Mind" is a must-watch for fans of the BL genre and anyone who enjoys a heartfelt romance. The drama excels in its portrayal of the characters' emotional journeys and the complexities of their relationship. Its strengths lie in strong performances, a compelling storyline, and beautiful cinematography, making it a highly recommended series for those looking for a touching and well-crafted love story.

Leia Mais

Mediocre but could be worse

Overall I think that this series is incredibly mediocre, there's nothing unique to this that I can't find in another Thai BL series. I had watched Hidden Agenda as it came out and honestly enjoyed it, though that series wasn't that much different than this one but I think it just had more too it overall. Neither main character was compelling at all I think they're both pretty generic BL characters.
Favorite episode was 8 for sure. Khabkluen wore a shirt that said "Farmer Snake" which is absolutely amazing and had to make it the best. Other than that.... I still think its my favorite its a very sweet and romantic episode that I think could just be the series in one short episode. Bring in some flash backs and some of the argument and bam it would be the whole plot in an hours time.

Leia Mais