If you think the sunset is the only thing secretive and mystical about this world, think again. Enter 'I Told Sunset About You,'—a refreshing Thai drama series that debuted in October 2020 and shattered not just stereotypes, but possibly the carefully crafted liberal twilight zone that current media has settled into. This five-episode spectacle is like a well-aimed torpedo at the over-inflated balloon of progressive narratives that dominate most streaming platforms available today.
Created by Nadao Bangkok and directed by Boss Naruebet Kuno, the series transports us to the breathtaking island of Phuket, Thailand. Against this stunning backdrop, we meet Teh and Oh-aew, former childhood friends navigating the pitfalls of first love and the burdens of societal expectations, all while preparing for the university entrance exam. The series isn't just a tale of love; it's a deep dive into cultural identity, friendship, and the constant battle against familial and societal pressures.
First, let’s talk representation because this show does it right without the clumsy tokenism rampant in award-winning Netflix drivel. It's an unfiltered portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, done with authenticity and nuance that betrays the usual far-left playbook of reducing characters to mere slogans. 'I Told Sunset About You' doesn't tiptoe around delicate issues for fear of triggering the oblivious woke crowd, but confronts them head-on. The complexity of the characters adds a richness to the narration that outshines the pedantic messages often pushed by Western media.
Political conservativism shouldn't be equated with close-mindedness, especially when a show like this openly engages themes of familial duty and cultural expectations often revered by traditional ideologies. Our protagonist Teh grapples with not only his budding attraction to Oh-aew but also the conflicting demands of filial piety. As Teh races toward his own self-discovery, we see a refreshing take that challenges mainstream assumptions about traditional family values being less capable of encompassing genuine love and acceptance. Embrace the irony!
The setting, Bangkok and its beautiful coastal counterpart Phuket, offers breathtaking visuals so vivid you can almost see the Southeast Asian sun setting beyond the horizon. It isn't just about pretty landscapes, though. The dichotomy of city life versus serene island living draws an interesting parallel to the internal conflict of the characters. The series roots itself in a culture so often misunderstood by the world—and does an impeccable job of showcasing the real Thailand, not just the tourist trap manufactured by Instagram.
In 'I Told Sunset About You,' education becomes a critical pivot, but not in the superficial sense. It's not about ticking boxes on a progressive agenda, but rather highlighting the societal pressures faced by families when it comes down to the academic success of the next generation. It addresses issues like parental expectations and the inherent value placed on securing a 'respectable' education—a theme that resonates with conservatives who have long championed education as an essential pillar of stability and individual growth.
This is not Hollywood; there are no forced narratives, no pandering to the latest identity fad. The sincerity with which Nadao Bangkok portrays teen angst and the cultural elements rooted in the narrative is nothing short of riveting. Witnessing Teh and Oh-aew stride through their emotional labyrinths will make you question why Hollywood insists on formulaic storytelling in the first place.
The series' cinematography deserves a standing ovation. Every frame meticulously encapsulates the verdant beauty of Thailand while amplifying the emotion wrought by Teh and Oh-aew's turbulent journey. It's raw, gripping, and an intimate portrayal of insecurity and passion that doesn't rely on ham-fisted political propaganda to keep its viewers hooked. The production trusts its audience to grasp the nuance without spoon-feeding them social theory.
Most dramas end up picking sides, leaning heavily into themes that might alienate a segment of society one way or another. But not here. It threads the needle by inviting viewers into a narrative where contradictions exist, not to polarize but to offer a more complex picture of relatable human emotions. Perhaps, that is where its power lies in showing that not every personal journey can be neatly categorized.
'I Told Sunset About You' shows what happens when traditionalism meets modern dilemmas in a conditional love letter that leans old-school. Does it spit out answers? No. But it does ask questions—difficult ones—aimed at blurring the lines we so love to draw in black and white. It’s a gritty, yet beautiful showdown, not of warring ideologies but of genuine human connection, and therein lies its authentic allure. Let this be a wake-up call for those asleep at the wheel of storytelling, proving once more that sometimes, it's not just the story, but how it’s told that counts.