BLISS RATING: ★★★★+
“Shipping is not just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.” – Quote from The Shipper
Wow! It is NOT what I expected. I expected this series to be light fluff with a comedic twist. But it has amazing twists and turns that will blow you mind. Yes, it is funny, although I did not find the Angel of Death (Jennie Panhan), amusing. I dislike over the top caricature figures, ever for comedic relief. She does get better in the later episodes, but I did not care for the role at all. I do not want to give the plot away but suffice to say it has very, very interesting twists to it. Special applause goes to Prigkhing Sureeyaret who plays Kim/Pan and First Kanaphan, who plays Pan/Kim. This was not easy because they had to behave one way but think like another. In essence, they play ‘dual’ roles and do so with delicacy and efficiently. There is also a side story, (which usually are distracting and annoying but this one is not), with Pan’s brother that is essential to the plot and ties into its integration. While I laughed out loud on occasion, at the end I was a basket case of emotions. (Yes, I did cry loudly). It is profoundly sad yet heartfelt but full of closure.
Who really S.T.O.L.E. the series? Prigkhing Sureeyaret who plays Kim/Pan and First Kanaphan who plays Pan/Kim did outstanding jobs in these roles. They not only had to know, sense, and feel what and how the other person is, but also relate to their new gender. Not only that, but they also had to show growth in who they were. Season. Mature. All without looking like caricatures. This was some remarkable acting and intensity on their parts. These were difficult roles because at time you had to be two people in the same body. Kudos.
It is NOT what you think it will be. It is in a very peripheral sense a BL series, yet it is not. It all depends on perspectives. I know this might seem obtuse; I simply do not want to give the plot away. There is no question, however, that it is ethereal. The screenplay is excellent and should be commended. Some of the dialogue is top notch and incredibly moving. The acting, without doubt, is first rate. With the story twists, this could have ended up more cartoonish, but it never goes there. That in no small part is due to the fine acting and directing. Kudos! This is a hidden quiet gem of a series that can only be appreciated through the eyes of its characters. If you immerse yourself in this story, you will get its message. It is both uplifting at the same time it is sad.
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