Critics worldwide showered ITSAY with an outpouring of praise, particularly pointing at the chemistry between the two leads and the charming scenery that envelops a “sensual but also heartbreaking” narration, as stated by the Bangkok Post. Extending beyond visuals, the series earned an honorable reputation for shedding light on often unexplored facets of sexual diversity. Fearlessly delving into the complexities experienced by queer lovers in the real world, this masterpiece artfully sparked conversations about acceptance, self-esteem, and the pursuit of happiness.

Boy’s Love (BL) dramas constitute a long-established legacy of usually East and Southeast Asian storylines depicting a same-sex relationship between two main leads; they derive from Japanese “Yaoi,” which first appeared in the 1980s as a new stylistic term coined by female manga artists Yasuka Sukata and Akiko Hatsu. Benefitting from the relative openness of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community, Thailand’s BL content has been able to flourish as a profitable genre in the local market – namely through the media conglomerate GMMTV – while it has also proven lucrative in other areas, including tourism. According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai government announced in 2021 that the industry was worth over one billion Baht (THB), with key export markets in China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Latin America. 

I Told Sunset About You

Currently at the top of the most watched BL television (TV) series is the Thai sensation ITSAY, a two-season saga produced by Nadao Bangkok. The storyline explores the lives of Teh and Oh-aew, former best friends separated by a boyhood disagreement. Teh hails from a Chinese Thai family and shares a home with his caring mother and elder brother. Oh-aew, on the other hand, leads a much more comfortable life at his parents’ island resort nestled amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Phuket’s seaside. Fast-forward to their approaching college admissions, an unexpected reunion stirs a whirlwind of complicated emotions. While some may simplistically judge it as an “enemies to lovers” plot, the heart of the narrative leads the audience to experience an introspective journey of coping with a storm of socially reprimanded feelings in an uncharted sea of nescience. 

The series truly shines within its genre due to its acute use of symbolism, adding depth and layers of meaning to the narrative. Set in the picturesque southern city of Phuket, the filmmakers expertly leveraged the contrasting elements of this location to convey numerous secondary messages. Phuket’s Old Town serves as a captivating backdrop with its vibrant colors and eclectic architecture, becoming a metaphorical representation of the dynamism of euphoric adolescents. In stark contrast, the tranquil beauty of the tropical sunsets on the beach provides an intimate atmosphere of dialog and reconciliation, which eventually inspired the title of the series.

Throughout both seasons, the color red symbolizes passion and ardor, frequently embodied by the striking presence of red hibiscus flowers. A particularly celebrated scene skillfully combines the tranquil beach ambiance at dawn with the captivating allure of these crimson blooms, crafting an enchanting portrayal of a pivotal moment in the unfolding romantic tension. With the sun’s gentle glow ascending, Oh-aew delicately tucks a solitary hibiscus flower behind Teh’s ear — a wordless gesture that unveils a newly sparked flame of love before either can articulate it.

The red symbolism extends further, assuming the role of depicting the tumultuous emotions experienced by the character of Oh-aew. When he tries on a red piece of lingerie, the audience can sympathize with his profound insecurities surrounding femininity and his sexuality. As the series progresses into season two, the lead is then found dying his hair red. This time, his appearance serves as a canvas for new inner passions to emerge; however, such a striking visual choice also represents an evolution from the character that is met at the beginning of the series.

Reception and Social Relevance 

ITSAY solidified its position as the most viewed Line TV series by the end of 2020, achieving resounding success beyond national borders. In 2021, lead actor PP Kritt, portraying the enigmatic Oh-aew, also earned recognition in South Korea by winning the Asian Star Prize at the Seoul International Drama Awards. However, the real triumph of this saga lies in its commendable portrayal of queer youth. The Korean Association of Thai Studies (KATS) praised the series for its innovative shift in focus, inspiring producers to rethink the genre of BL and whom it could appeal to. No longer catering solely to the preferences of heterosexual female viewers, the narrative displays characters that openly question traditional gender norms and demonstrate how sexuality can be a fluid dimension. 

Furthermore, ITSAY eschews the temptation of romanticizing reality and instead consciously accentuates the ordinariness of its characters’ lives. Set within a school environment, Teh and Oh-aew pursue their ambitions and confront failures like any other student, presenting a relatable depiction of adolescents filled with doubts and aspirations. In doing so, the series astutely underscores the importance of recognizing that one’s sexuality ultimately represents a fraction of someone’s overall identity. As a result, the ITSAY saga becomes not only an aesthetically palatable experience but also a powerful catalyst for advancing queer representation in mainstream media.

Hence, ITSAY should stand as a transformative milestone for its genre, paving the way for storylines that refuse to sugarcoat a reality that earnestly yearns for genuine recognition. By giving life to authentic and well-rounded characters, it heralds a new era where stories can be truly reflective of the world in which people aim to live.

Television Series Information 

Genre: Boy’s Love (BL) Director: Naruebet Kuno and Tossaphon Riantong 

Starring: Krit Amnuaydechkorn (PP Kritt), Putthipong Assaratanakul (Billkin) 

Running Time: 69 to 84 minutes per episode 

Streaming Platform: Netflix