This is such a story of contrasts that when you watch, it will no doubt make your head spin. It is not a BL yet has such a deep undertone of attraction between two male figures that you cannot miss its elucidation. It also is a story of ornamented family ties that at the same time their underlying behaviors upgrade the definition of dysfunctional family – they go from a ‘loving’ unit to sociopaths capable of committing unspeakable evil acts as well as treat each other with contempt. We see a ‘bad’ person accomplish acts of kindness yet be interpreted as evil actions. At the same time, ‘good’ people executing exploits of atrocities and interpreting them as justifiable acts. The whole series has example after example of oxymoronic tableaux. In the end, however, despite the conflicting messages, its arc is quite clear.

In a sense, this story is as old as time. A family member weds outside his perceived status class and married a woman of ill repute. Now the grandson, Nway Nyein Chen (Min Nyein Chan), comes begging to his grandmother for help. His father (her son) is ill and needs her help. The grandmother, wisely and judiciously, listens to her grandson, despite the protests from her daughter that he is ‘no good’. While she is only adopted, she and her children have slipped into a comfortable life and want nothing to disrupt their privileged lifestyle.

Prior to meeting his grandmother, Nway Nyein Chen has a run-in with some ruffians and is rescued by Moe Yate (Aung Khat Kyan). A dark, brooding figure who has a negative reputation but in fact is the epitome of what we might call the ‘Good Samaritan’. We know little about his background nor what motivates him except that he despises and loathes injustice of any kind, including abuse and bullying. Immediately upon meeting Nway Nyein Chen, Moe Yate is attracted to him; and a bond is formed. Honestly, it does not go further than a strong attraction in a physical and emotional sense. We can obviously see an intensity between them that is firmer than friendship but not quite at a sexual tension stage. For Moe Yate, the relationship might be considered a bromance; but for Nway Nyein Chen, it is still unclear.

With the grandmother embracing her son back into the family, tension between him and his adopted sister reaches a climax. She feels threatened and is convinced that the grandmother will now leave the inheritance to him rather than her and her family.

Thus, she and her daughter and son begin to plot revenge schemes to get rid of her brother, Nway Nyein Chen, and the grandmother before she changes her will. With their own mantra being “a thumb for a thumb and a head for a head”, they begin to go down a dark path of murderous intentions.

However, Grandma seems to have taken a keen interest in Nway Nyein Chen and when the tension between her son and the adopted daughter finally reaches a boiling point, Grandma becomes ill from all the stress. However, the only person she wants to take care of her is Nway Nyein Chen to the consternation of his aunt and her family. When Moe Yate comes to visit him clandestinely, Grandma becomes aware of who he is and the three begin to have significant and meaningful dialogues with one another. Grandma likes the two of them, obviously.

This is a perplexing series because the acting quickly shifts from bad to good to bad rapidly. The chemistry between Aung Khat Kyan as Moe Yate and Min Nyein Chan as Nway Nyein Chen is quite strong and the subtle ways that they look and touch each other are dead giveaways that they want to share more with each other than they can. These two did go deep into their personas and showed quite a range of emotions in each of their characters. Given that this is from Myanmar with its repressive and draconian repression for any type of gay connections, I am somewhat surprised that this story passed its censors. The two of them certainly gave us enough clues that had this been a different space and time, a stronger and more intense relationship would have developed. Surprisingly, even the English translations of the dialogue showed a deep association between the two that hinted that a feeling stronger than a friendship was happening and was on a path to being something esoteric.

However, the person who really shines here is Grandma (I am sorry, but I do not know the actress’s name). She is a woman of complete integrity and acceptance. Having forgiven her son and welcomed him back into the family is a real act of courage. In addition, she knew or at least sensed the budding relationship between her grandson and Moe Yate and in every sense of that concept, fostered it and reinforced its continued development. In other words, she accepted it. To the point that she left everything to Nway Nyein Chen. In my opinion, her message is clear. She, in her quiet way, became the ultimate challenger of the establishment rules. Whether by plan or happenstance, she carried herself as a light for change. I shall welcome back my son. I shall accept my grandson. I shall accept the person my grandson loves. And I shall leave my money to the person who will wisely and prudently use it.

On the other hand, the rest of the acting by the supporting roles was a bit stilled and painfully amateurish. There was a lack of credibility in the manner in which they presented their characters. They lacked a depth in their acting skills when it came to the more reflective and emotive parts as well as the intense scenes. They could not get out of being one-dimensional characters, unfortunately. They almost became caricatures rather than representing real people.

Since this series is from Myanmar and passed its censors, you must be prepared for its conclusion. Its ending is reflective of what its government thinks of gay people in general. The government criminalizes same-sex activities and BLs are unavailable and are banned. It is made crystal clear in this narrative that gayness is bad. This series is the epitome of that thinking. Plus, it reinforces the whole notion and concept that family is the major and only focus for one’s attention and value. Even if that family has treated you with disrespect and humiliation and emotionally abused you. Your loyalty is always family above all.

I shall let you judge how you want to regard this series, however. All I can see is an individual who will live with regret and remorse for the rest of his life because there was so much, he wanted to say but never got the chance to say it. He should have heeded his father’s advice more forcibly. “If someone values you, you should value them back.” For once, a title literally lived up to the assumption in its name – You don’t know. Because I never told you. How I wish I had. Now it’s too late.

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Milestone Entertainment YouTube Channel