Be My Favorite

the best bl drama in 2023.

I’m from a country where discrimination against the LGBT community is rife, and even though queer people aren’t exposed to lifelong imprisonment or banishment, they face lots of troubles here and are forced to get psychiatric treatment. They don’t have a chance to demonstrate, celebrate Pride Month, in brief, they don’t have a right to exist here at all.
This is not the first time I see Pride Parade or any manifestation of Pride Month celebration in Thai dramas, Nevertheless,some queer people in Thailand are still afraid to come out, because society can be judgemental, people won’t accept it. This causes self-escapism. Some people are scared of who they are and reluctant to admit their sexuality. But I’m so glad they can go public and at least holds each others hands. At times I ask myself “What If it happened in my country, where some people are ready to kill for being gay? It’s outrageous, especially when I realise that those murderers claim that they’re righteous in word and in deed, and they just were punishing the wicked?” Punishing. For love. That’s the most heinous act I can ever think of.
That’s what Piseang’s storyline was about, and it is magnificent! He married Pear according to their parents will. On top of that he couldn’t accept his sexuality, and that marriage was a hopless attempt to steer clear of who he really was. The way his emotions, feelings and thoughts were depicted in his eyes when he was standing in front of the Gay Bar and couldn’t go inside is just captivating! Absolutely loved it! Our surroundings will never accepts us, if we don’t accepts ourselves first. Sometimes after self-acceptance we stop giving a fuck of what other people may think. Nonetheless, parental support is essential and I liked the scene when Piseang was crying when he felt like his mother wasn’t okay with his choice.
Some things would never change and indeed, doesn’t matter how powerful we are to control the time, some things will always stay beyond our authority. I liked the notion, really! This drama was also about taking risks. Nothing ventured, noting gained. It was impossible for Kawi to save his father’s life, but at least they bit the bullet and did the surgery. Leaving this life with no regrets, especially for the things we left undone, right?
It was about living in the now. I liked it when Kawi stopped using the ball when he got together with Piseang and forgot about travelling to the future. He decided to go with the flow, because finally he was happy with the person he loved.
In truth, I thought I had a lot to say, but I stuck here. This journey was amazing. Color patterns and overall cinematography were breathtaking, GMMTV’s plots have improved recently!
I haven’t watched SOTUS yet I don’t know how it feels like to see Krist with Gawin, when people used to pair him up with Singto, but I liked them!
I really liked Pear. Her storyline was compelling. Her character was unusally reasonable and unique compared to some other girl characters we had in Thai bl dramas. I liked it when she stayed level-headed and accepted the fact that Piseang didn’t have feelings for her. She was mature enough to set boundaries with people who surrounded her and never actually offend them (She didn’t accept Kawis feelings, made it clear for him that she couldn’t be more than a friend. She did the same with Not). Furthermore, she was never full of herself, although she knew that so many boys had an eye on her.
I was afraid that Piseang’s and Pear’s parents would try to marry them because of the close-knit relationships their families had, but, fortunately, we didn’t have to go through this unnecessary drama, which is a cliche actually.
Its significant that the crystal ball’s power ran off when they were reassured once again that the only right decision was staying together, just like Kawi said “Being his and belonging one another is the only true decision”.
Also I liked it when Piseang didn’t have any other answer for “Why do you love someone like me?” besides “You’re cute”. NARAAK MAAAAK.
its such a bummer that I lack words to describe something I really like, so I will just say khawp khun maak maak for BMF!

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Be My Fairytale

I am so happy I started watching this series, twelve weeks ago! What seemed like a fun drama with an interesting time-travel related plot, became a show full of heart and love and search of identity.

The plot mostly revolves around Kawi, Pisaeng, and Pear, and the story is mostly told using their points of view, but the side characters are also perfect at capturing the affection of the audience.

I loved how they used time-travel as a storytelling device and as plot development, other than character development. I personally love stories about time travel, but they need to be perfectly told to be appreciated to the max, and this one was just right. I used the term "fairytale" in the title, just because the way it's told plus the feeling of joy that watching it gave me over the past twelve weeks, made me think of that kind of story. The sound from the songs has the perfect fairytale vibe that carries this series, and the main theme music is very catchy.

Krist and Gawin are absolutely perfect in their roles, and I loved seeing them playing different characters from what I've seen them as before, with Krist as a mostly stoic character in SOTUS and Gawin as a mostly bad boy in the Kiss Me Again/Dark Blue Kiss series (his character in Not Me might seem a little more similar to Pisaeng, I think? but he's definitely way more sad there. I loved seeing him smile more here: he has a lovely face and happiness suits him).

Overall, as I said, it's a lovely, lovely series that will not disappoint you if you're looking for a heartwarming story and a beautiful romance.

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Turns out to be one of my faves

At first I thought this would be one of those cringe time travel series but turns out it was good!
Can't deny the acting - actors delivered~
the reason of the time travel is a bit too shallow at first though but the story was good **chef's kisses**
Pear (female lead) isn't toxic too~ such a breathe of fresh air on bl's~ ep10 could have also been an end but tge last 2 eps gives us a much more additional story and an additional ending on everything🥰
the Time travel concept isn't too scifi too~ Idk what is it but it just seems so natural on the series and I love it!

Krist as an Uke is such a cutieeee too😅

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Refreshing Thai BL series

The story depicted in Be my favorite is really fun and different from the usual BL stuff. The addition of fantasy elements - time travel - is not overpowering and it makes the story stand out.

The characters are mostly depicted in a realistic manner and I have to say that personally I really enjoyed the portrayal of Pisaeng. Gawin is a really mature and his skilled actor. I really love his subtle way of expressing emotions, never over the top, never exaggerated.

Kawi's character is a little more colorful, a little more tropey, but I think that Krist showed a good balance between being serious and funny. I wasn't a fan of Krist or his character at first, but as the show progressed, he definitely grew on me. Also he's actually really cute even though at first I only saw Gawin's charm.

The pacing of the story is fairly balanced, not too fast, not too slow.

I have to admit that as much as Ioved the way they handled things with Pear, from their admission that they love each other, and Kawi's realisation that he actually fell in love with Pisaeng, and he had no feelings for her anymore, I feel that they allocated way to much screentime to the resolution of Pear's story. I mean, let's be honest here, most of us want to see more of the guys story, and I just feel that they could've cut short all or most of her scenes after they came out to her as a couple.

Overall, I rate this BL at 8/10 especially for the realism and the solid acting of the guys and side characters. It's definitely worth a watch, a very cute, refreshing love story.

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A Heartwarming Blend of Relationships and Time Travel

This series easily secures its spot as one of my favorite BL series of 2023, thanks to its captivating plotline that delves into a range of relationships between characters. Going beyond the typical romantic focus, the series masterfully explores the dynamics between a father and son, parents and their daughter, a son and his mother, and the bonds of friendship. This heartwarming series stands out as a feel-good watch, void of any antagonistic elements, and instead, centers on the growth of multiple relationships that viewers can't help but root for.

Centered around the protagonist Kawi, a modest and self-deprecating student harboring a crush on Pear, a popular girl in school, the series takes an intriguing twist when Kawi discovers a crystal ball that grants him the ability to travel back in time. His attempts to alter events brings him closer to Pisaeng leading to a realization that destiny might have other plans.

The series' brilliance lies in its well-developed characters and the underlying message of cherishing our time with loved ones. Kawi's journey to secure a connection with Pear inadvertently leads him closer to Pisaeng, and their evolving bond is beautifully portrayed. Pisaeng's struggles with self-acceptance resonate powerfully, drawing strength from the support of friends and family. Kawi's motivations for time travel extend beyond romatic gain, as he attempts to save his father's life and mend relationship with his friend Max. Pear, portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic individual, navigates her own challenges, reconciling with her mother and forgiving those who have wronged her. Similarly, Kwan's journey towards healing from a toxic relationship with Knot adds depth to the series.

Kawi's charismatic and endearing personality steals the spotlight, credit to Krist's commendable portrayal. Fluke brings a patient and understanding demeanor to Pisaeng, allowing their chemistry to shine through. Notably, the characters of Pear, Kwan, and Max are thoughtfully crafted and skillfully portrayed by the cast, enhancing the series' overall appeal.

In conclusion, "Be My Favourite" excels in its storytelling, largely due to its intricate character development and the inventive use of supernatural time travel. As relationships evolve and intertwine, the series captivates viewers with its heartwarming exploration of connection and second chances.

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Missed potential

Bless Gawin for being an incredible actor who tried really hard to have chemistry with Krist. Despite the commendable attempt from Gawin and a really good script, I found Krist's acting quite lackluster which ruined the series a little bit for me.

Here's the thing, for a series to be good, the viewers have to actually like and connect with the character. This premise is not new, this formula is the lovechild of "About Time" and "When We First Met". I absolutely adored Pisaeng's character in this - he was sensitive, in touch with his feelings, and has a chronic case of puppy eyes which makes you really feel for him. However, Kawi is a hugely different story due to the execution. Kawi is very flawed, which shouldn't be a problem if it was portrayed by a more skillful actor who could help balance out the negatives with some humanity. I usually love flawed characters, it gives their personality some dimensions. This is not the case with Kawi. The script wasn't the problem in this case - the problem actually lies in the delivery. The script gave Kawi so much chance of redemption: the internalized homophobia, low self esteem, and eventual self acceptance. The delivery was the main issue. Internalized homophobia & low self esteem appears as selfishness and disingenuity. The eventual self acceptance didn't actually feel like self acceptance - it just appeared to be "oh, I know what outcome is the best for me now, so I'll go with that". This could've been much better with a slight tonal change in the delivery. The relationship ended up feeling imbalanced, with Pisaeng's character giving in to everything Kawi wants.

I couldn't fault anything else, really. The theme was interesting, side characters were very well developed, and each scene was made with purpose. I just wished they casted a different actor to play alongside Gawin.

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Time-Travel BL Done Right

This is one of those series that does things right for better or for worse, but mostly better.

(Wait, what could possibly be worse about doing things right? Well, it just feels so safe and doesn't take risks that some other series might take. I am reminded of series like Bad Buddy here.)

The time travel premise is used well and fully exploited, and with the nature of the time travel being supernatural rather than scientific, it avoids having to be too logical. It's a wise move that Kawi manages to get his father to go for a heart surgery when he travels to the past but doesn't get to prevent his father from dying, As one of the scenes seems to suggest, there are some things that cannot be avoided or brought about (such as winning the lottery) but there are also many things that can be shaped by personal effort.

Kawi and Pisaeng are an adorable couple, but the cutesiness isn't overdone. There is a good balance of serious moments and light-hearted ones throughout. I don't know how deliberate it is, but I somehow don't get the sense that Krist and Fluke are going to be the sort of pairing that will stoke the fantasy of fans, the way many BL actors are meant to. (Perhaps this often does not end well, and it is just as well.) Krist and Fluke have played their roles well, and in my opinion, Krist's performance in Be My Favourite has exceeded that in SOTUS. His acting may seem to some a little exaggerated at times, but I feel that it is according to the demands of the role.

What this series excels in is the side characters, who are interesting without being distracting. I like the portrayal of Kawi's friendship with Max, for instance. Although they are really good friends, the portrayal doesn't get too idealistic because of the time travel premise. Max, who is gay, falls out with Kawi at one point due to a misunderstanding that Kawi doesn't like others to think that he is Max's boyfriend. In the original timeline, their friendship is not mended, but in other modified timelines, they become close friends again. Another interesting character is Pisaeng's mother. In many BL series, a parent who can accept that their child is gay is idealised, but not here. Despite her acceptance of Pisaeng's homosexuality, the mother and son still have issues to sort out. Then there is also Not (classmate of Kawi and Pisaeng), a talented writer who is also an asshole. Not does not turn out to be the villain of the series (there isn't any), and he also doesn't really suffer for his assholery. (Quite realistic, I guess.)

If I must have complaints about the series, perhaps it would be that a lot of the positive points that I have mentioned feel a little calculated. Yet, even then, the series must be given credited for being able to handle everything skillfully. There is a scene towards the end when Kawi is hospitalised and the doctor asks if Kawi has any relatives to be contacted despite being told that Kawi lives with Pisaeng, who is his lover. While other series with less skillful scripting may have the characters directly discuss the issue of marriage equality and remark on how unfair it is, the finesse with which the issue is handled here is commendable. We can feel a sense of the how the lack of marriage equality affects gay couples without the characters commenting on it directly, and this is the way to go even though the series as a whole does not really seem to be focused on such issues.

For me, Be My Favourite ranks up among the best Thai BL series from late 2022 to 2023, together with My School President. While My School President really excels in telling a compelling and lovable story about innocent high schoolers, Be My Favourite its its more mature counterpart. They are both signs that the Thai BL industry can really up its game if it bothers putting in the effort.

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Surprisingly Good

I will say I didn’t have much expectations when I first heard about this series. I was not familiar with Krist's previous works while I knew Gawin from Dark Blue Kiss and Not Me, where his acting was very good but I was underwhelmed by his chemistry with his partners.

But it ended up being one of my favorite BLs of the year. Kawi and Pisaeng’s chemistry was so delicious on the screen and kudos to the writers for managing to write such a light but well thought story about time traveling and life.

“Be My Favorite” does not reinvent the BL wheel, it uses many tropes we are all too used to, but it never feels boring. Even the moments that I could criticize I actually can’t because the device of time traveling gave the writers a chance to fix and develop better the character’s relationship, so those moments either don’t matter or have been thankfully corrected.

The series does not have a second couple, so the whole focus is on Kawi’s growth and his relationship with Pisaeng and his friends, this does not mean that the supporting characters do not have space in the story, because they do. Pear, for example, is an amazing surprise when it comes to a female character first presented as the object of desire of the male lead, she was not left to be just the plot device that pushes the main character into his journey to find his true love, Pear actually has a story of her own and her scenes with her parents were so well acted and written, I have to praise Aye for the delicate way in which she played the character and conveyed her feelings.

Max also had a very interesting place in the story, he is the confident gay that guides his friend and his crush through their journey of self discovery, while I think that the role of the wise gay does need to evolve in order to give the character more of an agenda, Max had a few memorable scenes serving as a bridge that connected the reality of our world to the fantasy of the series.

Knot is an asshole, it was nice of the series to present a character that seemed to not have any urge to redeem himself without being your cartoony villain, he was simply a bad person and those type of people exist in our lives and we have to choose whatever or not to keep them around. I do think that they half-assed at the end of his arc by still keeping him in touch with the main group, but since he was nothing more than an cameo at the end, I will not judge what exactly may be his relationship with Pear, maybe it was just a polite invitation, either way I am just glad she didn’t marry him.

The drama wasn’t overdone, even though they did hammer the message a little too much at the end in order to make sure the audience understood what they were saying, what I thought was unnecessary, but still I will put this as one of my favorites BLs of the year and a good watch at any time you want a good story with a good message and a soft romance.

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Krist & Gawin are good, but not great with each other

With most time-travel storylines, one can expect the usual live-life-to-the-fullest tropes and standard themes like the interplay of friendship, family and romance. I was hoping for more plot twists or surprises but overall, the show still hit the right notes in a nice balance of funny and heartwarming.

When it came to the main couple, unfortunately, I have to say it – I’m not fully convinced of the GawinKrist pairing.

There was nothing inherently wrong with their on-screen chemistry. Both of them were super professional, delivered the scenes perfectly, and brought out the necessary ~feels~ when the situation called for it. They were good but they just didn’t fly when paired with each other.

If anything, BMF shows the importance of having 2 people who look effortlessly good together. This was a perfectly decent story, with well-constructed and likeable characters, and a talented cast.

And yet, something still felt off between Kawi and Pisaeng. One day, Gawin will find his OTP, but it’s definitely not with Krist.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/08/13/be-my-favourite-2023-bl/

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