I accept, when I watched the first episode- I didn’t understand a word of what was going on in this show!

And then it slowly crept into my senses nevertheless, like a living, breathing melancholy of loss, deception and betrayal. In many ways, “Shine” is a difficult subject to preach; mainly because we international audiences have no idea about the historical significance attached to the storyline. We become mere spectators in a revolution that supposedly changed & redefined Thailand’s culture & economy in different ways. The show doesn’t shy away from delivering a love story that is painfully realistic yet resilient. It’s like watching a period drama but through a multicolored lens that delivers brilliant cinematography, nuanced performances by each actor, flawless editing and beautiful music. The experience is cathartic; it cannot be anything else when the backdrop portrays the political turmoil in an era where homosexuality amounted to conviction and idealism was crushed under military role. We are talking about a period that was surcharged with tension, albeit militaristic. “Shine” is anything but conventional, it isn’t an easy watch. It takes a lot of time to acclimatize to the storyline; but what keeps you hooked is the romance, because at heart, most love stories are defiant & rebellious!

Mile & Apo- The Cinematic Reconnaissance

After delivering a power packed performance in “KinnPorsche” & “Man Suang”, MileApo have a tactile role reversal here. The dominant Kinn from “KinnPorsche” transforms into a carefree hipster, Tanwa (Mile Phakphum). It is rather amusing watching Mile sashay around in a hippie attire, without a care about the world. Everything from his body language to dialogue delivery screams altruistic pleasure. His rather peaceful world is turned upside down when he has a chance meeting with Trin (Apo Nattawin), a young professor who has recently returned to Thailand after studying abroad. He is idealistic, reserved and inching to do something about the political scenario in his motherland. They are polar opposites and Trin pretty much perceives himself as straight, but the pull & tension between them is quite viable. They clash, ebb & flow, rather bend and then explode in passion. Chemistry was never the problem between MileApo; they serve a romance that is raw, sensual, undulating and yet heartwrenching. Trin & Tanwa have their own share of misunderstandings, but that doesn’t undermine their longing & yearning for each other. Because at heart, this story isn’t just about them, but about striving to revolutionize the crippling political situation in Thailand.

Son Yuke & Euro Yotsawat- A Heartbeat Away

The pilot episodes pretty much present a softer version of Colonel Krailert (Son Yuke Songpaisan). As the military spokesperson, he is hated by the students who perceive that he plays into the underhanded ways practiced by the military. At times, he does and is unapologetic because being married to a military man’s daughter isn’t a favorable situation. He was forced into the marriage after his father-in-law killed his gay lover. Krailert’s only sense of joy is arguing with Naran (Euro Yotsawat Tawapee) an outspoken journalist, who believes that the military ways are outdated and they need to be reformed. Their relationship starts from terse arguments in the newspaper columns to clandestine meetings in a library. It’s been a long time since I saw a couple with a tactile understanding; they meet in the middle, enjoy each other’s company and return to their dull lives. But they thrive in each other’s presence. Unfortunately, they meet a sad ending when Krailert is forced by his wife to choose her over Naran. Son Yuke & Euro Yotsawat have an explosive chemistry, I simply can’t find words to describe their romance.

Victor- The Unsung Hero

Peter Deriy gives an enigmatic performance as Victor, the portrayal itself is subdued yet powerful. Victor is a rebel, born to a Thai mother & Russian father who escaped from his motherland. Victor is bold, brave & outspoken. He stands for liberal values and is the leader of the student group who are protesting against military rule. His first meeting with Trin is rather charged with political intrigue; Trin is Krailert’s nephew and Victor automatically assumes that he is just like his Uncle. As Trin begins teaching at the university, Victor watches him like a hawk and unassumably falls in love. Peter & Apo have a natural chemistry; even though they aren’t paired together, the potential exists. Victor’s sudden death causes a shift in Trin & Tanwa’s dynamics but also propels Krailert to accept the truth behind the military exploitation.

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

There are unsung heroes in every country, rebellion and revolution!

“Shine” is an unconventional exploration of love in an era where military rule was exploiting the common masses. It exhibits the boldness of the students who strived to bring upon a political change in their motherland. Rather than just focusing on the military rule, “Shine” also explores two love stories which run parallel in equal strides. While Trin & Tanwa’s love story is inspiring, Krailert & Naran represent the marginalized community who still have to strive for their love in several countries even today. The show has everything for everyone; the breathtaking cinematography coupled with a fantastic casting elevate the entire experience!

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- WeTV Thailand