BLISS RATING: ★★★★
“Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE. The word itself says I’M POSSIBLE.” – Audrey Hepburn
This soft well-meaning and very short BL drama is obviously a labor of love coming from Myanmar. And it should be applauded for its courage, message, and commitment to equality and gay rights. No less important is its passion towards seeing love as all encompassing. But be forewarned. This is not a series for all. If you want the fancy, drawn-out, splashy, big production, then move on. This is not it. The technical production is simple and basic; the acting a bit inconsistent. But I believe it is an early attempt to introduce BL into a culture not known for its openness to such a concept.
A young student named Zwe Khant (Erix) is a hapless individual who is always accused of stealing other students’ possessions. Although they find them on him, he is not the one who is stealing them or at least not aware that he is. It seems that he is being supernaturally trolled by his Guardian Angel (Olivia Winn) because every time something is missing, Zwe Khant sees this angel in the background, smirking and then disappearing. The students blame this behavior on the fact he is a ‘faggot’. While the teacher reprimands the students for name calling, the damage is done, and he is ‘labeled’. He is a loner, misfit, and bullied with no one to turn to for understanding.
At a chance encounter, he meets Plann (S Plann), a student also, who is compassionate, supportive, patient, and kind to Zwe Khant. They eventually become close friends and are always together. While they sleep together, both are not quite cognizant of the budding romance that might be building.
Zwe Khant is a lost soul and continues to be haunted by his Guardian Angel. When the Guardian Angel visits on his ‘18th birthday’, she gives Zwe Khant an option to steal something of Plann’s which is of greatest value to him. It is his prized possession of the ring his father gave him which he wants to give someday to the person he loves deeply. If Zwe Khant steals this on his own, the curse will be broken forever; otherwise, he will continue to be accused of stealing. But Zwe Khant has also been given the Power of the Blindfold Moon. His right hand holds such power that should he choose to touch Plann’s heart with that hand, he will be in love with him forever, irrelevant of how Plann might feel towards him. He must choose what to do. Unhesitatingly, he touches the heart of Plann, knowing full well he cannot, nor will not, steal the one thing that is of greatest importance to Plann. He values his love for Plann more. In that instant, there is the realization of the magnitude of his decision to choose Plann over his own comfort. It is also a revelation for both of the profundity to what brought them together. Perhaps it is a life-long commitment to love.
At the end, there is a touching scene where Plann gives the ring to Zwe Khant to be his partner and be together in life. Is this not the quintessential definition of love?
Who really S.T.O.L.E. this series? Both these actors, S Plann and Erix, are good in this brief film. It is obvious that these roles were of importance to them, and their commitment is apparent. Erix’s portrayal as someone being bullied for being different is spot-on and impactful. Having been a product of that thinking as a teenager myself, I know the ‘look’ on his face, and it hit home. And S Plann’s portrayal of unquestionable loyalty to Zwe Khan was obvious from the moment they met. He was ever supportive and always wanting to be there for him, defining a sense of love that was deeply intrinsic. It showed. We knew they were destined to be together. Both did amazing jobs of getting deep into their characters, feeling their humanity, and showing us real people. Plann, no matter what, was always going to be by his side. And Zwe Khant was also always going to be next to Plann as well. It was their destiny to be so.
The Guardian Angel’s work is now done.
Despite the production limitations, it is a good solid fantasy story with a message of hope. The sincerity and passion of this series outshines the production’s imperfections and acting unevenness. It is not flashy nor spectacular but represents what we all want from the recent explosion of BLs as of late. A sense of value, worth, and to be seen. And to bring to light the story of what it is like to be gay. These are ordinary guys living ordinary lives, trying to love one another and be happy. Under difficult situations, I am sure. For that, we need to applaud these efforts to show this before we ourselves forget how difficult it was for us to get to this point.
Watch this short gem so we can encourage and support its message, its theme, and its effort. This is a good start. These are our roots.
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