Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
Shine is a period drama set back in 1969 that brings back the stars from KinnPorsche, placing them right in the middle of all the political chaos happening in Thailand at the time. To be totally honest, there is a lot going on in this series—way more than I was actually ready for when I started it. I feel like if I’d known exactly what I was getting into and really focused on every little detail, this could have been an incredible experience. I think I’ve just become so used to the usual, simple Thai BL tropes that this one caught me off guard in a bit of a negative way. The plot is pretty dense, and even though there are only eight episodes, they are massive—most run over 70 minutes, and the finale is basically a 90-minute movie.
The story centers on Trin, an idealistic young professor who just got back from studying abroad. His world gets complicated fast as he gets sucked into community work and the gritty student protest movements of the era. He’s trying his best to help the working class without getting violent, but it’s tough when the country is so split between the old rich families and a new generation begging for change. He ends up meeting Tanwa, whose dad is a wealthy and abusive politician, and their shaky romance becomes the real heart of the show. Things get even heavier because of Victor, Trin’s super close friend, whose one-sided love for him and tragic end adds a whole other level of sadness to the story. On top of that, we get a secret subplot between Krailert, a military spokesman, and Naran, a young reporter who loves digging up dirt. Even though they’re on opposite sides of the political fence—and one’s married while the other is engaged—they can’t stay away from each other. It’s this messy, realistic complexity that makes their bond feel so heavy and grounded. The show does a great job of tangling up these personal love stories with big themes like corruption and sacrifice.
This definitely isn't a "light" watch or a conventional romance. It’s a really unique look at love during a time when the military was basically crushing the common people, and it shows how brave those students were to fight for change. It takes a while to get used to the vibe, but the romance is what keeps you watching because these relationships are so defiant and rebellious. The show is painfully realistic and doesn't sugarcoat anything. The cinematography is brilliant and the performances are really nuanced, making the whole thing feel like a high-end period piece. I loved how layered the characters were; everyone is carrying around some kind of baggage, whether it’s political or personal. Both of the main couples have insane chemistry that leaves you wanting so much more. Trin and Tanwa’s story feels like a warm blanket until things go south, while Krailert and Naran’s secret meetings and coded newspaper messages are just gut-wrenching, especially when you see what happens to Victor. The production team clearly went all out on the 1960s details, from the vintage cars to the clothes, making the whole world feel totally real.
That said, it wasn't perfect. The political subplots felt pretty heavy-handed at times, and I’ll admit they got a bit draggy and boring for me. That might just be a "me" thing since I’m not usually a fan of political tropes, but I also felt like the show sometimes spent way too much time on side stories when I wanted more of the main couple. Honestly, I think I messed up by not giving this show the full attention it deserved, and that's on me. I might actually have to watch it again down the road to really soak it in. Even though my score might seem a bit low, this is still a show that deserves to be seen. It pushes boundaries, the acting and directing are top-notch, and it blends history with gay romance and heartbreaking angst in a way that’s really valuable. It’s a deep story about how the world around us ends up shaping the people we love.
It's a heavy, beautifully made historical drama that's a bit of a slow burn, but it offers a really meaningful and intense look at love during a revolution. (7/10)
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