I'm reviewing this after having re-watched it now for the 3rd time after a year of first time watching it !! Trying to fill the void left by the completion of Bad Buddy, I didn't know what to watch so decided to give my favourite BL another try and having done that I realized why this series was my favorite until Bad Buddy took the top spot recently ...Nevertheless this is still a very close 2nd and will always remain one of my favorite series ever...
The story itself is mesmerizing and a respite from the usual BL tropes that have become common to the point of being predictable and boring!! The writing is meticulous and every scene has a purpose and nothing feels like a filler. There are no loose ends and everything is tied up beautifully by the time the credits roll on the last episode.
The direction by P'Aof is assured as always and he brings out the best from all the cast and crew. Special mention must be given to the production design of the show which is immaculate. Every detail looks authentic and nothing looks like it's added for the sake of creating an atmosphere...I don't know whether it was an actual village they shot at or it was all sets but it actually feels like a genuine village...
The OST is beautiful and the title song is used at perfect occasions causing goosebumps and butterflies at the required moments between the couple!!
Lastly coming to the best part of the show...The acting and chemistry of its 2 main leads ...Earth and Mixx exude a rare level of comfort together which is visible in every scene of them ..there is no cringe, no awkwardness and most importantly they look like 2 people in love ..their chemistry at times sweet and at times fiery lifts the show to a whole new level...Earth has given a nuanced performance which just strikes the correct balance his character requires...But the real star of the series and the MVP is Mixx in his debut role, who brings a level of intensity in his performance that even seasoned actors fail to bring at times...not only is he extremely good looking, but his face radiates every expression that Tian is feeling effortlessly ...he gets most of the heavy and emotional parts of the show and not once he fails to deliver in any of those scenes !! Watching him perform is just so satisfying !!
Another aspect of the show which I really liked is that though predominantly it's a love story, the focus of the writing is not just on the couple but the characters as individuals. The leads have a personality of their own and face problems and issues that have nothing to do with the romance aspect. Apart from being a love story, ATOTS is also a story of self-discovery and forgiveness a story of community and found family..