Never Let Me Go

I loved it, full stop

I really don't understand all the low ratings. I loved this show. I'm still having an emotional reaction 2 weeks after finishing it. I thought the acting was amazing. The soundtrack was masterfully used. There is one song from ep. 9 that I can't even listen to all the way through because I get too overwhelmed. The story/plot wobbled a bit in ep. 10-11, but it was significantly less riddled with holes than KinnPorsche which I also loved. I obviously wish that Jojo had tightened up the plot but we so often have to overlook plot points in BL's and this wasn't the most difficult to ignore. It really didn't matter to me because the actual story, the one between Palm and Neugdiao was so, so good. Contrary to many reviewers, I understood their motivations throughout and their decisions made total sense to me. If you view it through the lens of people who have experienced trauma you start to see why they do what they do. Pond and Phuwin really nailed these characters, especially Pond. His portrayal of Palm was filled with subtleties and he just opened the character bit by bit. It was just great acting.
This is a 10 for me. After Bad Buddy, it might be may favorite series yet and Pond is absolutely reigning as my king.

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There is nothing here that I will remember in 2 months time

First of all, I want to apologise for Chopper, sorry king for ever doubting you, you were the highlight of this show. I love that his character was not made to be jealous or competetive towards Nueng, he was just a really good egg and Perth did a great job with him.

I stopped watching this show in the 8th episode when things were supposed to be tense and exciting but it really didn't carry. I found the writing quite boring and annoying in places, there were some highlights and scenes I really enjoyed, which made me finish the show eventually.

Things I enjoyed:
+ boys looked handsome
+ I think their chemistry was ok and when they were being physical it didn't look like they had to force themselves to touch each other, it was all quite nice!
+ overall good production quality, there were pretty shots, the sound quality was fine
+ the moms, they were both cool! I liked Palm's mother especially

Thing that were meh:
The characters were all pretty thin and one note.
Palm never really got away from the role of servant/bodyguard even when he spent time with Nueng and they were officially together. His dad was throwing away his life at first, then in span of one conversation he was okay leaving two teenagers go against a crime boss on their own and peaced out never to be seen again. I liked Nueng better. He was almost fighting against Palm to be let do normal things and chill and relax, he didn't want to be put on pedestal and that was great to see, this wasn't taken far enough though in my opinion - he just often kind of gave up when Palm continued to insist that he should just rest while he works.

Plot was nonsense, like it did hold together but you shouldn't really pay too much attention to it. Most annoying thing was at the end.. first Nueng leaves at night, leaving a note behind saying "Love yourself, live your life without me" and Palm doesn't listen and follows and they have a teary reunion. Then couple episodes later Palm leaves in the middle of the night, leaves p much the exact same letter to Nueng and he still believes it? Sigh, it just wasn't very interesting.

Also, the 'Never Let Me Go' cap they made Palm wear looked like it was too small for him and that always made me laugh lol

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Delivered what's expected

I started watching without minding what the rating says. i usually skip series with low ratings but I made an exception for this one since I want to watch more series that has chimon on the cast. Watching this was fun, I was never bored in any of the episodes. But it's quite predictable like most series, and it doesn't make the series any less. Gave this one a high rating cause it's hard to find bl series that satisfies me. The acting can still be improved but I must say, they did good but still far from perfect. The color grading and cinematic feels so calm while watching. I like the ost as well.

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Better than I thought from reading the comments and reviews here

Just finished it after being put off by the negative comments surrounding it - I only really watched it because my friend (who knows nothing about Thai shows) just randomly picked this one out of a list of things to watch (I'd randomly put this on the list with no intention of actually watching) ; and having finished it, I'm glad they did.



TL;DR: Don't let negative comments stop you from watching this: It may not be for everyone but it could be for you. The chemistry is great, the story is like that of a classic lakorn containing business and family rivalry chock filled with romance and messy interpersonal dynamics stuffed with the occasional 1/4 episode of modern GMMTV romantic cheese, the cinematography is worth the watch even if you don't like the story, and the soundtrack is great [even if there are some moments where they play Christmas music at really weird timings (like 3 at most)] . It's worth the watch, and I can guarantee it will subvert at least one, if not many of your expectations for a show like this. Whatever plot you think they're pulling, I can guarantee you won't guess them all. It's a solid 8-8.5/10. You won't even realise the show is over until it is, it's that addictive.



Story:
Honestly, I was gripped. Yes, it was a bunch of teenagers acting like adults, but it honestly didn't matter too much to me. It felt like they were just kids forced into shitty situations by their heritage and their parents, and I didn't mind the cheesy typical modern GMMTV vibes it had interspersed with the intense lakorn-style drama. It was a breath of fresh air in what was otherwise a dramatic romp. The action was pretty well scripted, and the show was tense when it needed to be. A bit cliché at times, and it was a little predictable at moments, but it was made up for by the execution of it all. And hey, who ever said a bit of cliché was a bad thing? They're clichés because they work. Additionally, there were some scripted moments that weren't perfect, but if you don't think too much it's not enough to ruin the watching experience. The story was engaging enough for me to lose track of time completely and binge it all the way to the end in 2 sittings, with a break for lunch. Once you're into it, the story is an absorbing watch, even if it isn't the best in the world.




Acting and characterisation:
Holy cow has the chemistry between the leads improved since FUTS: that show wasn't anything special to me and I didn't really connect with the chemistry there, but here, that chemistry was as thiccc as a trifle with a set custard and mud cake, I felt like it was actually able to be cut with a knife - that was great. And the side characters were so good. It made the show feel more real, their motivations were complex, and there were some characters where I just couldn't tell what their deal was from the beginning. I enjoyed the portrayal of pretty much everyone. Phuwin's character felt like a kid who got thrown into the deep end of a shady goings-on, because that's what he was. Pond's character felt like a pining kid who got thrown into the same situation but from the opposite perspective, because that's what he was. Perth's character -- well I'm not giving any more spoilers beyond the basic premise of the show, but let's just say the acting was great. (except for some of the crying here and there but what can you do -- anyways that's only enough to knock off a single point from my acting rating.)



Romance:
IDK what people say, I think it felt pretty nice and natural to watch - flawed characters making stupid decisions, an imbalanced power dynamic that slowly becomes more and more blurry, and dissolving when the romance really starts to kick off. It's also refreshing in some senses that will make more sense if you watch the show, but I really like how they handled Ben's arc with romance.



Music and soundtrack:
Just. Listen to it. It's perfect.

Mostly.

Just ignore the Christmas music. It only happens like 3 times I promise. (it's kind of subtle too so don't worry about it becoming an annoying thing)



Cinematography and editing:
I have multiple message exchanges with my friends gushing over how pretty the lighting is. That should explain enough.

But seriously, so many of the camera choices made were really great, and props to the editor - the music and the scene really did match well (even during the overly dramatic bits). I only wish THAT beach scene was a bit longer to allow for the emotional damage to sink in, and there was like one or two scenes where I noticed the audio act funny, but honestly those are my only complaints.



Rewatch Value:

Honestly I won't be rewatching it soon on my own, but if I make friend watch it (like a 6/10 chance) I probably will.



Overall:
Watch it and judge for yourself. This show isn't perfect by any means, and the quality isn't on par with Bad Buddy or Not Me, but it isn't that far behind. It's dramatic, there are wholesome moments, and the characters feel like actual 3-dimensional people with real motivations. If you enjoy the drama, if you enjoy cinematography, or if you like the actors, just watch it.



Peace.

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I'm Ride or Die for PalmNueng

The pre-existing bad reviews delayed my watching of this series, and given my rating, I'm so sad I didn't watch NLMG earlier. Anyway, I digress. I hope my review can convince someone to watch this gem of a series.

Right in the first episode, it sets the tone for the latter half of the show, and I don't understand those who feel that the gradual shift into more serious, deadly situations was sudden and random and didn't match the first half of the series. That sentiment is absolutely bonkers to me. The vibe and atmosphere from the start hinted at the future to come. The first few episodes show the calm before the storm, so to say, before the plot throws more drastic obstacles in the way of Nueng and Palm.

Saying NLMG is a "gangster" show is mischaracterizing and grossly misunderstanding the subgenre. Are there guns, shootings, and corrupt people playing dangerous games with the lives of the characters we care about? Yes.
Is NLMG in any way comparable to KinnPorsche except for the presence of those elements? NO.

Let's talk about Nueng and Palm. This series was my first encounter with both Pond and Phuwin, and they quickly took a spot high on my list of favorite BL actors. Their chemistry is amazing, and their romance is not just cute, but it has its hot moments as well. The build-up of their relationship over time is believable, and interesting, with both characters flawed and with their own prejudices, yet it becomes very clear how much they adore each other in the end.

I will acknowledge that some plot things that I clearly didn't mind might still bother some. There's some suspension of disbelief needed regarding the justice system and some things the characters don't do which you might have in their shoes. I was a little frustrated when a specific way of miscommunication between Nueng and Palm was used twice but with a different coat of paint, and yet, I still understood why it happened again. These things are worth the -0.5 off my rating.

I also want to quickly mention Ben and Chopper (Chimon and Perth) -- also my first encounter with these actors. While they are side characters, they are integral to both the plot and the main leads, and I absolutely adored their roles in the story. They are also flawed and make mistakes, just like Nueng and Palm, but they're understandable in every way and just made me love them more.

Side note; Another semi-important side character is Maggie. I heavily dislike her because I am an introvert, and she's undoubtedly very extroverted. She as a character with the personality she has might not bother you as much as she bothered me. I do think she handled dealing with Palm and Nueng pretty well, and she's a nice person too. Just not for me, hahaha.

Regardless, this show is very rewatchable to me and earned a spot among my favorite BLs without a doubt. Hope you'll give it a chance <3

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Started incredibly, but slowly declined.(still good though)

When i first started watching, i was very excited because i relay love the bodyguard x young master trope and first couple of episodes were AMAZING. but i feel that after Nueungdiao left the island to go back it just kinda crumbled and the ending felt rushed and not very satistfing to me. Most touching drama I've ever seen guranteed.

Cons:
What i am most pissed about is, this could've easily been a 10, the story was very intresting and it started SO WELL, but the writting... the lines were good but even I, AS A STUPID PERSON noticed the obvious plot holes and things that just didn't make sense, and they affected the story alot in here. Biggest one was episode 12.

I was CONVINCED that Nueungdiao, got himself kiddnaped intentionaly and they had a plan amd something, because i COULDN'T imagine that they would be so stupid after litteraly being on the run and having several loved ones die, and not to mention Nuengdiao is THE ONLY HEIR. so he must have SO MANY bodyguards, but for some reason they never did anything? None of it makes sense.

Minor thing also, the scene when Diao comes to the island to see Palm the girls who ordered the coconuts just kinda disaapeared. Not that big of a deal but kinda funny😭

Pros: ~The story was incredibly intresting, and they could've done so much more.
~VISUAL: very beautifuly shot, and i loved how the characters actualy looked real and raw, not always a perfect lightining we could see the texture on their skin. It added alot
~ACTING: Phuwin (Nuengdiao) realy surprised me, his breakdown scene and more intense sad scenes were done amazingly well. Very realistic. Other actors were good too but overall he was the best.

~CHEMISTRY: Main couple Nuengdiao(Phuwin) and Palm(Pond) had good chemistry i loved their intenser scenes the most.

Ben & Chopper : I mean i liked them, but they didnt blow me away but had decent chemistry.

Don't know what else to add but I do actualy reccomend watching it just the ending kinda eh...

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Your happiness is being with you. You are my life.

Honestly, I was hesitant to watch Never Let Me Go because of the numerous negative reviews but I am glad I chose to ignore them.

My person opinion, maybe we should just enjoy watching series/dramas/ movies and take them with an open mind instead of dwelling with why did they do this and not that, how is that not explained, where did that person gone to, why does the plot makes not sense... etc, etc. My question is, why do you want to tear your hairs out trying to make sense of things that do not make sense to you? My answer is very simple... you cannot change anything. So why not just sit back, relax and enjoy the show as it is?

If we look at the positive side of the series, Never Let Me Go is a meaningful and endearing story between a boy from a fishing village and an heir to a hotel empire. It showed the process of both young men going through adversity towards adulthood and finding love for each other along the way.

It is indeed heartwarming and you will enjoy the chemistry between Pond and Phuwin. Take for instance the gentle, tender and loving gaze Palm (Pond) had while looking at Nueng (Phuwin) playing the piano at the Dance Club. You can practically feel the love oozing out from Palm (Pond). They are so comfortable with each other that you would think they are a couple in real life. Their acting have matured tremendously since their Fish Upon the Sky days.

You wouldn't want to miss the 2 theme songs sang by Pond and Phuwin especially Only One by Pond. They are awesome! Pond has an incredible voice.

The cinematography was great. They were able to capture those beautiful moments which made your heart skip a few beats. You can only sigh and smile while rooting for the 2 boys.

I would definitely recommend you to watch it if you have not done so. Don't wait...watch it now.

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<3

This series shows a beautiful, powerful story between two men and is one of my most favorite BL's and will probably always stay this way.

for example, you can tell that the actors were passionate to make this story one that you would always remember. Pond and Phuwin's acting was spectacular, and it felt as if they were happy to be in this series.

another example was the story, which had a great plot and overall created suspense for what was going to happen whenever the scene changed.

Overall, this Series is one of my favorites, and the story of Neungdiao and Palm will forever stay in my heart.

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Never Let Me Go - A Captivating Tale with Stellar Performances

"Never Let Me Go" is a series that truly captures the essence of compelling storytelling and showcases some remarkable acting talent. As a viewer, I was thoroughly impressed by the overall execution and the emotional depth it brought to the screen.

First and foremost, Pond's performance was nothing short of excellent. His portrayal of his character was nuanced and believable, effortlessly drawing the audience into the narrative. Pond's ability to convey a range of emotions with authenticity added significant weight to the story, making his scenes truly stand out.

The storyline of "Never Let Me Go" is another highlight. It is well-crafted, engaging, and keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The plot is filled with intriguing twists and heartfelt moments that resonate deeply. The narrative flow is smooth, making it easy to follow and invest in the characters' journeys.

The chemistry between Pond and Phuwin is off the charts. Their on-screen relationship is palpable, and their interactions are natural and heartfelt. The dynamic between them adds an extra layer of depth to the series, making their scenes together incredibly compelling and enjoyable to watch.

However, despite these strengths, there is one aspect that fell a bit short for me: Phuwin's acting. While his cute face and charming presence are undeniable, his performance sometimes lacked the depth and consistency needed to match Pond's. There were moments where it felt like Pond had to carry the emotional weight of their scenes. Phuwin's acting, though endearing, could benefit from further improvement to fully realize his character's potential and match the series' overall high standard.

In conclusion, "Never Let Me Go" is a captivating series that excels in many areas. Pond's outstanding acting, the well-developed story, and the incredible chemistry between Pond and Phuwin make it a must-watch. Despite the need for some improvement in Phuwin's acting, the series remains a highly enjoyable and emotionally engaging experience.

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Great ideas with some weird script choices

I placed spoiler alert at the end of this review.

This series had a very interesting story concept. Unfortunately, the execution was not the greatest. There are some major issues with the script. The main problem for me is the middle of the series, episode 6 to the middle of episode 9, seems very out of place with the rest of the series. There are also some parts of the script that don’t make sense. See the spoiler alert at the end of this review if you want more information. The pacing is also very off. It started off very strong, then lost steam in the middle. I started to pick-up again towards the end, but didn’t gain the same momentum. This had a great cast which did a wonderful job with their characters considering the script they were given. The cinematograph was good with a few exceptions and there were some problems with the sound quality in some sections. The songs used throughout the series was outstanding. However, there were some poor background music choices that did not match the mood of the scene.

Random Note: Despite the major flaws with the script, the series is not that bad. I think it just has a weird mix of crime, drama, and comedy. Just don’t set your expectation too high.

******Spoiler Alerts******

The writing for the middle of the series, the island episodes, had a weird mood to it. The underline tone came across as Nuengdiao and Palm only ran away to just be alone with each other to find themselves instead of our parents just got shot and we were almost killed. There was no real sense of danger or urgency.

Some examples of problems with the script include Palm’s father healed way to quickly from getting shot in the shoulder, the weird backstory involving Palm and his mother, and the random same-sex wedding during the island episodes. It was nice to see the wedding but I thought same-sex marriages were not legal in Thailand. If this is the case (please correct me if I’m wrong), this seems very out of place considering both men were not from Thailand and were just on vacation.

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Don't ever let him go - no, really, don't

And attempt to make the title humorous was done but it failed. Anyways, there is not much to review. What I will ramble about is the almost flawless acting of Pond.

Palm comes from a fishing village, lives alone, if not in poverty then at least quite modestly. He works alongside his studies, honestly his dad looks like gets paid well, does he not send the boy enough money? Although that man is not very dutiful to his son but at least pay him good? Or maybe Palm just likes to earn his own money. Regardless, he has the practice of menial jobs and he's good at it.

A bit of backstory would have been good on when Palm got to have some combat training or sorts because his dad just brought him with go and be bodyguard of a boy of your age and protect him with your life. I mean... he mentioned that he can handle guns but still. I digress I am not here to nitpick about the plotholes because they don't have holes but there are craters.

We are talking about Pond's acting. His awkward, and a fist out of the water look is perfect when he laid his eyes on nueng for the first time. he is very understanding about the class difference as well. And his eyes that keep looking at Nueng is also the indication that there was attraction at the first sight. While Nueng doesn't trust people easily , he's not blind either.

Palm is so careful about the power imbalance that even though he's in love he almost acts like Nueng is made of glass and cherishes him with utmost softness. NGL with all the shitty plot going on, Palm is the thing that kept me going.

And one more thing. The music. each and every background music used has been extremely well chosen and well fit. I found at least two music used in the Not Me the Series in this one as well. I wonder if the same person/team was responsible for NLMG too.

The editing too was beautifully done. The beach scenes, the slow-mo bike rides, Palm and Nueng glancing at each other so openly (especially Palm) and smiling to each other has been a treat to watch.
Phuwin nailed his part being a spoiled brat but soft inside who yearns for a good friendship. But for me Pond's open display of emotions on his face and all his gestures were magnificent. But then again, Phuwin is not supposed to show his emotions because of fear and mistrust and it is understandable.


Usually I'm a complete "plot comes first" type of person but probably for the first time I focused on the characters more than the plot. If I rewatch I will probably skip through mostly and watch my favourite parts only.
A 7 is a good number for this.

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