The Simple Beauty of To My Star

[@Frickitzbatz]

I know i tend to come back to this video a lot, as it is one of my favs;) but i just wanted to say thank you. As you may remember, this video made me realize that writing video essays is something i would also like to pursue and i cant thank you enough for that. Because of your channel i was able to finally upload my own video on To My star, and i really ended up with something I’m proud of. I only uploaded it today, but I’m still so great-full for all the advice you have given me in starting this project, thanks again

[@Pastellyn]

Aaaa I just watched your video essay (I left a comment on your channel, as well) and I absolutely loved it!! I’m unbelievably flattered that I inspired you to make a YT channel, it really means the world :’) keep up the great work!

[@sprinkles4375]

I loved To My Star! So good!

[@sandrazinovchenko2838]

I cannot get enough of your narrating style. It feels like you're taking the words out of my mouth and letting them free. I'm enjoying it so much that it's the 4th essay I'm watching/ listening to and I have a feeling that I found my thoughts finally expressed the way I wished I could have. Thank you)))

[@kasia2750]

I'm so happy there will be season 2, this series deserve it. Creators used their time wisely and they didn't just copy hetero couples or typical BL storylines, instead they included plots specific for LGBTQ people, especially the ones living in convervative countries, where being openly gay comes with consequences. It always bothers me, when BLs set in modern or historical times are totally ignoring the reality of being outside of norm in societies like that. As a member of LGBTQ community I cannot really connect with stories that do that. As a writer myself, I can't help, but think about lost (or rather thrown away) potential plot Points, conflicts and characters development.

[@Gayasf450]

I just found your channel and I’m in love new sub from Nigeria review to season 2.

[@meghwati8373]

I think you'd like Blueming too

[@jlprizm]

You exactly described why I love this drama so much. It’s also about so much more than romance. This is a drama that I love even more each time I rewatch it because I still pick up on the details and the actor’s expressions. I really hope Season 2 doesn’t disappoint but I trust the director and actors.

[@jka1165]

This is a good show to be honest and was able to maximize the limited time length to deliver the whole story

[@johannab7544]

I had only watched where your eyes linger (which i wasn't too big of a fan of, maybe bc it was once again a school setting, sigh) before i watched To My Star. Honestly, I was hooked from the get-go bc of my love for food and eating together in series (one of my favourites is kinou nani tabeta), but i stayed for the characters. They really pulled at my heartstrings, as you said, this drama thrives because of its characters and their messiness, their humanness. They felt like real people. I also really loved the side characters (especially the exasperated CEO). Thank you for making this video!! It puts into words what i have been feeling since last january (i think i have rewatched this drama more than any other).

[@Pastellyn]

I’m right there with you, I think I’ve rewatched TMS more than any other show in 2021! Thank you for watching ❤️

[@uroomacullen5198]

It is THE BEST BL FROM SK, I agree with all your points the story is simple, the chemistry between the main lead is off the charts. You can feel their emotions through the screen.

[@pawcabrera3996]

Glad you watched my To My Star video analysis series and made your own take on the story, I watched your video analysis and then I surprisingly found your comment on my own videos. I am happy that finally this series is receiving the love it deserves and that you enjoyed it. In deed the beauty of this story relies in its simplicity.

[@GG_ab]

I am so happy you finally watched it. To me, so far, To my star is the superior Korean BL and none came as near as good (maybe besides light on me but its not really comparable). But yeah, I think your timing is hilarious, as I was thinking earlier today about how no other korean bl can be seem to be as good as to my star. The writing of the characters and the story, the pacing of it… to my star probably didn’t have the biggest budget out here, but in my opinion, they did really good use of it. Now, I am excited for season 2, but I also fear it. I always feel like nothing good comes from second seasons of shows (ex. Ipytm rip). I don’t like unnecessary conflicts thrown for plot device. But I do have hope! I think they can do something great. Happy 2022!

[@Pastellyn]

Totally agree! They really made the most out of what they had. Hopefully season two won’t disappoint (I love how IPYTM gave us all trust issues lol)! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@thatonecanto]

OMG BL VIDEO ESSAYS never have ive needed something more before i knew it existed

[@Notbythemoon574]

What a lovely reflection of the drama! Now I have to rewatch it, and see it through your eyes. I was jaded while watching it and might have dismissed it too early because of the various flaws Korean BLs tend to have (hopefully the tides are turning with productions like Light On Me)

[@Pastellyn]

Thank you!! Lol yeah, I was also super skeptical going into this show but the cinematography + the actor’s chemistry is what really sold me. I’m glad I could offer a different perspective!

[@Notbythemoon574]

@@Pastellyn Please keep making your videos! You provide such an interesting perspective and great analysis, so thank you for that! For sure the chemistry and the dynamics with side characters made the series quite wholesome

[@anamaisuradze2173]

To my star really is one of the most beautiful queer asian drama I've seen and I am really happy we got second season for the development we always lack in korean bls. You did really good job articulating what's so special about tms and now I am gonna rewatch it 🥰

[@Pastellyn]

Thank you so much! Fingers crossed that s2 will live up to our expectations 🤞

[@mangoenjoyer]

you articulated exactly why i love this show 🥺

[@cloudyKim.]

I thought it was only me but To My Star was an exception to me and I was never able to really put my fingers on the reason but now I feel I'm not alone. I'm not the kind who bear to watch a thing twice but thanks to them I have finally could experience what a comfort show and a comfort characters are likes , I lost count how many times I've watched the show. Although it's simple, maybe a little bit way too simple regarding the plot but when you finish it, it feels incredibly complete. It fills you with warmth and good feelings without the exaggerated drama and pull and push and that stress, maybe that's why I have Heard from many people how they always find themselves watch it again and again seeking comfort. Seojoon character is probably the healthiest I've ever seen in drama and in real life, he was so patient and loving. Even when you expect him to leave, to stop trying and prepare yourself for some drama, her always was so wise and calm. He truly is perfect, he has such a healthy mindset and warm mature character. Thank you for making this video and let's wait for season 2 and support them endlessly cause We know they deserve ❤️

[@Pastellyn]

I feel the same way about TMS, I love Seojoon to pieces! Thank you for watching

[@rheam1224]

EXACTLY! Omg lowkey I almost started to cry again cuz like...I love this show so much and someone describing it the way I've been feeling it is just the icing on the cake! Excuse me ima go rewatch it for the 148393729372th time 😅☺

[@bonjoon]

You described it so well! I really fell in love with it's simplicity, so different from other Korean BLs that always rush their stories and push some time jumps at the end. Even some Thai BLs, I mean, my favorite ones are ITSAY and Bad Buddy, which plot can be simpler than a coming of age story and a enemies to lovers (romeo x juliet) storylines? Still, they made those 2 paying attention to details and correcting what other BLs did wrong in the simple things, showing how amazing a simple show can be if done right! Loved your analysis as always, happy new year!!

[@barbie5783]

This is the best bl I have seen from Korea actors and semantic error too

[@shantel9392]

It was a really good show I rarely rewatch shows but I rewatched this multiple times cause it was that good everything about it was great can't wait for season 2.

[@dadagecha1311]

Two dollars and a spork took me out😂😂😂

[@zainnee]

This series and the sequel are vastly superior to 2gether and the sequel. It isn’t tropey with bad acting like 2gether. While Still together is better than 2gether. A lot of people excused the tropes and bad acting because both Bright and Win are visually beautiful to look at during quarantine where you need fluff so you can overlook the bad screenwriting, vlog cinematography typical of school BLs and bad acting. With full time episodes there could have been better writing to show character development and better timed advancement of Tine and Sarawat’s relationship. It’s why people were more vested in Man and Type’s relationships. At this point, Bright and Win are just being brand models with their sponsorships deal. I wish they would spend time to take acting classes because literally this year we have real actors who are putting their all as rookie actors that are equally good looking. Bible and Boss are really coming for BL fans throats. Then there are not newbie actors like Apo and Pond from 180 degree longitude passes through us, that’s brilliant. Proving BLs do not need sex or school, mafia or such to be a gem. Semantic Error is another Korean BL that’s great, Blueming is very good. Korean BLs are next level wonderful when it is done right otherwise it’s just eye candy train wrecks. The series that have me in a death grip right now is Love in The Air after KinnPorsche because the acting is good even if the storyline isn’t perfect. By far the biggest dumpster firsts this year which is so cringey with bad acting are Unforgotten Night and Check Out (which they should have left at episode 0) gratuitous sex doesn’t cut it. The worst dumpster first airing now is Fahlanruk because literally the gratuitous sex is what has a lot of people watching this show. For the 50+ shows out this year which are mostly dumpster fires or train wrecks, only about a handful were great with top tier storylines, cinematography, editing and acting. I don’t know if Thai editors didn’t get properly trained in editing or what because there were some good cinematography series that the editing gave me whiplash with the multi angles or multi same shots in a kiss or intimate scene. It’s just as bad when they do overhead spinning shots. I would like to see a review in Semantic Error and 180 degree longitude passes through us. As for the western BL, there is a movie from 1998 called Get Real that is vastly superior to any Thai school BL if that’s your genre of BL. Just to show you that western BLs can be great with the same vibe of Thai BL but hits different. Also, you can definitely do Magnus and Alex from Shadow Hunters. Just in case your looking for material for videos.

[@user-luciddream]

what were your thoughts on to my star 2? personally, i loved s2 more than s1. it was beautiful and the drama felt realistic and made sense based on the events of s1. self-sabotage is real lol. their characters were way more fleshed out and surprisingly, so was jiwoos ex girlfriend which is something bls usually fail at.

[@Pastellyn]

Oooh I absolutely LOVED Season 2 (even though I still can't get through it without crying lmao). Jiwoo is such a layered character, and I honestly think no one besides Hwang Da Seul could have pulled his arc off. There's so much more to talk about with this show - and I hope I can discuss it more soon if time allows - but suffice to say that HDS has my whole heart!

[@Frickitzbatz]

verry well said! U took everything i wanted to say and illustrated it into a beautiful, short but sweet, picture. Your ability to tell this story with such passion in a little over six mins. or so and not skipping over anything i had On my mind is incredible! Keep up the great work!

[@leyliak]

You did such a great job with this video, I completely agree with your points and loved the way you summarised everything!

[@Pastellyn]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@franzkafka6208]

bestie you need to make a video essay on s2 because it was SO good but def very divisive. would love to hear your thoughts

[@Pastellyn]

I really enjoyed it!! It might be a while before I get around to reviewing it, but I hope I can someday.

[@chasingclouds9176]

I'm so happy you made this! You managed to perfectly articulate what I and many others loved about To My Star. I can never seem to explain why I love it without spoiling it, "If it's hard, I'll come to you" always comes to mind. I'm so excited but also nervous for season 2.

[@Pastellyn]

Thank you so much!! I think we’re all a bit nervous about season two, but hopefully the writer(s) will deliver. Fingers crossed!

[@chasingclouds9176]

@@Pastellyn Fingers crossed!

[@gosiame1]

First of all, WELCOME BACK @Pastellyn! We miss you in these streets man. Ah, Secondly, yes to Season 2 of this beautiful story. I am excited but mostly worried because sequels don't have a great track record except maybe Present Still Perfect and I Promised you the Moon. So, I guess we will have to wait and see. South Korea is slowly opening up, certainly doing much better than China, but they are definitely trailing behind in this space with Japan leaps ahead and let's not talk about Thailand and Taiwan. Lastly, this review was masterfully done, from your summary, your choice of supporting materials and the tones in the voice over recording. You are talented. Keep going!

[@Pastellyn]

Aw thank you!! Unfortunately college has been keeping me away from this channel way too much 🥲 And I’m also happy/nervous about season 2, but since it has the same writer/director hopefully it will deliver! Thanks for watching

[@olakruk1615]

The 2$ and a spork budget got me laughing so hard but it's sooooo true 😭👆

[@Pastellyn]

Korean BL's really run on a $10 budget and a dream 😭

[@olakruk1615]

@@Pastellyn I would've love for them to release short movies or smt like that instead of very rapid paced and confusing 10-12 min episodes 😐 I know that they make a movie of all episodes at the end but if entire thing was shoot with intention of being >1hour long movie that would've made so much more sense. But I get that they're trying to gain views by putting a few short clips rather one long.

[@Pastellyn]

@@olakruk1615 oh absolutely! I love practically everything from strongberry, and I think Korean BLs would benefit from using the short film format like they do

[@olakruk1615]

@@Pastellyn omg! You opened a whole new world for me! I didn't knew that they made so much stuff because I only knew Long Time no see and Step for you. I'm going to watch all of their movies 😍

[@theshikakufox]

Goodness, I am enamored with your analysis of one of my favorite series. ♥ You took everything I thought about the series and gave it life. You've just earned a new subscriber. Hugs from Orlando, FL. ☀ 🌴 🏖

[@Pastellyn]

Thank you so much!!!

[@leisellvalerin26]

I recommend blueming. Its also a short Korean drama but it is very well done. Also it has a more artsy touch that keeps the plot simple but the scenes very beautiful.

[@Pastellyn]

I haven’t gotten around to watching Blueming just yet but I’ve heard it’s great! I trust anything Hwang Da Seul makes lol.

[@KG-nf4qe]

I'm so happy I discovered you. Your videos really resonates and i love them. I don't where to ask you this but can you also review - Bad buddy, not me, Love mix-up, cherry magic, captivated by you(not BL) Thanks

[@leighhennessy8212]

Thanks for the essay! I have felt that most Koreans BLs are trying to be fanservice rather than interesting stories and because of that I've always preferred strong Berry productions. This was an exception. One of the things I really appreciate in tv shows is when the audience isn't spoon fed everything. I really like that they didn't explain why certain things happened and we aren't told why Ji Woo struggles to trust in love and we don't need to be told. He is who he is. Not all issues require major discussions like a Kevin Williamson drama and instead focuses on the reality of how we try and protect ourselves in relationships.

[@sourcaramelo2233]

Hi.... ok so,I would raaaaally like to hear your ideas/review on Not Me!I just clicked on your channel and I love the way you analize each series and their characters.So,I would rejoice to listen to your reaction to Not Me (it's just an idea tho so you don't have to if you don't want to)

[@Pastellyn]

Hi!! Unfortunately my video schedule's pretty packed with other stuff right now so I'm not sure I'll get to review Not Me. But I can give you a basic summary of my thoughts here: The cinematography and editing blew me away-- it's the best-looking/sounding GMMTV show by a long shot. I loved how each member of the gang was likable in their own right-- especially Yok! First really did his character justice. The political allegory was also great though a bit on-the-nose. I think P'Nuchy's decision to focus less on romance and more on political strife was risky but ultimately paid off. She's fantastic, and I hope she returns to direct a season 2. I can easily see this story expanding to include more backstories + social commentary and I can't wait to see where it goes next. Hope that answers your question! Thank you for watching

[@sourcaramelo2233]

@@Pastellyn Hi again,dw this was still insightful and I'm just glad I got to hear your thoughts on the series(that low key sounds creepy tf).I can't wait to watch more of your videos!

[@kammykhoudeida103]

I need your opinion on Blueming....

[@Pastellyn]

I’m going to be talking about Blueming in an upcoming video- I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ll just say it’s definitely in my top 5 BLs :D

[@thatonecanto]

out of curiosity what are your thoughts on s2 so far

[@Pastellyn]

I haven't gotten around to watching it just yet-- I may make a video when the series finishes airing!

[@thatonecanto]

@@Pastellyn i really hope you do, the 2nd season of to my star adds so much dimension to the characters and almost feels like an inversion of s1 in the best way possible

[@cinemaipswich4636]

The old BL storylines, from Thailand and other SE Asian nations, are to please girls, young people and shareholders. Most are disappointing, with no great character development or long term story to tell. It is a disappointment to young LGBT people to see such exploitation, with no honest dialogue or scenes, that help them relate to someone they want to love. I never knew what to say or do, so that I could relate to another boy that I liked. No positive guides or encouragement ever appeared around me, to lead me to love another boy.