Nothing Groundbreaking but it's Still Watchable
Ai Long Nhai follows a pretty standard BL university theme formula—lots of scenes where the characters just hang out, eat, and drink—but honestly, I still found it enjoyable. I really liked Nhai's character at first; he was extroverted, funny, charming, and just plain adorable. But as the story went on, his character started to get a little frustrating. He became immature, insecure, overly jealous, and honestly, a bit clueless at times. Good thing Ai balances him out. He’s calm, patient, and understanding—total green flag energy.In the beginning, their relationship felt more like a situationship. Nhai was clearly confused about his sexuality, which makes sense considering he had always seen himself as straight. And that’s okay—his feelings were valid. What I didn’t enjoy though was how the show kept pushing this idea of gender roles in a same-sex relationship. Nhai kept asking who should be the "husband" or the "wife" and it got a bit annoying. For me, that kind of mindset just doesn’t fit. In a same-sex relationship, it should be about partnership—equal give and take, mutual support—not who plays which traditional role. But maybe Nhai was just being honest about how naive he is when it comes to these things, so I can give him that.
The chemistry between the leads was definitely one of the show’s strengths. Their cute and sweet moments had me giggling—it’s honestly the main reason I kept watching. But of course, the show had its downsides too.
The storyline is light and simple, with only a few conflicts coming from Ai’s parents. Some parts dragged, especially toward the later episodes. And it lacks depth and character growth from Nhai. While the series tried to include side plots with their friends and love interests, those didn’t really go anywhere. It felt like missed potential that could’ve added more spice to the story.
Overall, Ai Long Nhai is watchable and fun in the moment, but it’s not one of those BLs that’ll stick with you. It’s entertaining enough, but not something I’d call a must-watch. It’s the kind of series you enjoy while it lasts, but probably won’t remember much of afterward.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ai is in love with Nhai. That's the story.
First of all, I'd like to repeat other criticisms by saying that if you're expecting a dramatic drama, you'd better look elsewhere. Although it has its moments, they are generally low risk or predictable from miles away. If you're looking for a series that focuses mainly on being in love, congradulations, you've found it!That said, the series still suffers from a few major problems that can be off-putting:
> Plot holes - Nothing in this series, apart from the protagonists' relationship, seems to go all the way. I was left with questions like “Huh?”, “Who are we talking about?” or “When?” far too often.
> Character development (or lack) - I was hoping for more character development. Considering that the story only focuses on the protagonists, I'm left with a feeling of lack. I feel like we don't really get to know either of them.
> Inconsistencies - The script has a few inconsistencies. I think these are largely caused by the lack of development of the characters.
The series got off to a very strong start. When the first few minutes show Aiyuret, one of the protagonists, getting involved with a man whose name we don't know (and probably neither does he) before being forced to return to Thailand by his father after being expelled from university for physically assaulting another student, I was quite positively surprised. Unfortunately, this version is quickly erased and replaced the moment he meets the other protagonist, Nhai. Although, at first glance, it seems that Ai is only interested in Nhai for his “long legs and gorgeous face”, a short conversation is all it takes for Aiyuret to suddenly transform into a complete lover and pure heart who only has eyes for Nhai. The script later tries to explain his initial behavior, saying that he acted impulsively due to family problems. However, it doesn't clarify why two minutes is enough for all that impulsiveness to fade away, for a boy whose name he doesn't even know yet.
The protagonists' relationship initially presents us with a confused Nhai, afraid of how to deal with his growing feelings for Ai. As such, I was expecting to see moments of legitimate introspection and self-exploration from the character, which would build the security and trust he has in his boyfriend and their relationship by the end of the plot. However, it seems that the script skips this moment and Nhai accepts that he is Aiyuret's “wife” even before the middle of the series. An unnecessary speed for the screen time and number of episodes. This aspect makes me more disappointed because I liked the fact that it was Nhai who took the first step, and I thought that his journey would be highlighted for this very reason - which would also have made for a good story.
Overall, I feel that the author had some good ideas, but avoided going ahead with all those that could make the series more interesting. One wonders if he thought it would be too daring or if he wanted to make a slice-of-life. But even if that was the intention, it lacks consistency and plot. It's like a first story. The author loves (!) his (!) characters, so he doesn't want to hurt them. Unfortunately, for a product that is supposed to appeal to an audience that will remember the story over time, that's not enough! In view of all this, and despite the fact that Ai and Nhai are a cute couple with a likable group, 12 episodes is a complete hallucination. Perhaps if there were fewer, things would be better (or at least more excusable).
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Yes, gay parents can raise a happy gay child
Occasionally charming, frequently irritating, almost always excruciating in its inept performances and writing, “AiLongNhai” is a potentially good idea that needed more care and thought to pull off.Can a pair of gay parents successfully raise a child, and can they model a happy relationship to that child, and especially if the child is gay? The point of “AiLongNhai” is to answer ‘yes’ to both questions. It also introduces us to two very different characters, one raised in comparative wealth and who has an assured manner about him in the world, and the other, a young man reluctant to grow up to adulthood (nicely metaphored as the yellow plastic duck found in bathtubs). There is potential here for something interesting, but it fails to do so and became for me one of the hardest series to finish watching.
Ai, played by Meen Nichakoon Khajornborirak as if trying his hardest to remember his lines, has been raised by his gay father and his partner; he falls for the perpetually childish Nhai, played with appropriate surface shallowness by Ping Krittanum Anunchananum. Run Kantheephop Sirorattanaphanit’s debut outing as a screenwriter shows a newbie’s poor scene structure and preference for episodic incident over character development. Even the more experienced Director, Nob Sathanapong Kim Wongthong, can’t save this series from being a continuing experience of under-delivery.
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I would definitely not watch again
Not gonna lie I wasn’t a big fan of this drama. It was a cute and sweet one, but I felt like it was messy instead of clean because each episode would be the same it would be Nhai getting mad at Ai for something and Ai would have to make Nhai like him again or not be mad at him anymore. I also didn’t really like the ending because by the 11th episode the show was basically completed in my opinion and the last episode was just Ai buying Nhai new shoes and them saying why they love each other on top of the roof. The only thing that I actually liked about this show was Tonhon and Chonlatee because at least in this show they weren’t toxic and they didnt do them dirty. Also I really love the guy who plays Chonlatee which is Save because he’s absolutely adorable and I also loved him in Why you Why me. Also can someone tell me when Fluke was in this show because they made it seem like he was in the show the whole time, but I never saw him. Also AI’s parents are so cute that I’m so glad they’re a couple in real life because they compliment each other so much. I didn’t really enjoy it too much, so I wouldn’t really recommend this, but if you want to then you should watch this.Was this review helpful to you?
This was incredibly bad
The only reason I didn’t drop this after the first episode was cause I just needed something Thai to be playing while I study.This whole series pretty much didn’t have a story. Nothing happened. And the acting was absolutely horrendous for the most part. Really the only positive was Ai‘s actors face (he was also sort of ok acting).
I don’t recommend watching this. Although I don’t think most people would even last through the first few episodes anyways.
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Adorable Angst free High School Love Story
- Genre –School/Romance/Students/BL
- Brief Synopsis –
Protagonist A is expelled from his old school and transfers to a new school and becomes B’s schoolmate. From the first episode, he falls for B and is determined to date him even when B says he likes girls. In order to do so, he starts spending more time with B, who doesn’t seem at all repulsed by his flirting. Slowly they grow closer and start dating in secret. The story ends with them admitting to their friends that they are dating and B brings A to meet his parents.
- Plot and Storyline –
Very simple and predictable storyline with no plot twists or especially notable moments. Despite all that, the plot is very sweet and heartwarming as it focuses on the daily life of the main couple and the development of their relationship. Although it is slow paced and lacks angst, it is very enjoyable to watch. The intimate scenes are enjoyable to watch even if they are somewhat tame. I love how A takes care of B and B learns to rely more and more on A.
- Character Development –
N/A
- Acting -
The acting is really nice and the leads do a great job at displaying the love between the main characters. But outside of that, sometimes the acting feels a little awkward but not bad enough to make it unwatchable. The chemistry between the leads makes up for it.
- Production Quality -
Decent production quality with somewhat realistic sets and props.
- Writing and Dialogue -
Writing for the other characters can sometimes be a little cringey.
- Pacing -
Pacing is okay for a lighthearted love story.
- Themes and Message –
Themes for first love, bigotry, jealousy, compassion, friendship are explored.
- Audience Appeal -
Anyone who wants to watch a simple angst-free fluffy BL will like this show.
- Standout Moments -
N/A
- Criticisms -
x Nothing seem to happen in the show as the focus is the couple's everyday life. If the couple hadn't been so cute, this show would be extremely boring.
x The plot is extremely simple and predictable.
- Conclusion -
I might rewatch this series for the fluff if I didn't have other things to watch.
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Sweet and fun
I really enjoyed this series. The characters were cute. I especially like Nhai’s character because he seems like a lovable airhead. I did feel it started to lose focus in the later episodes and things are left hanging a little bit. It seemed more like it was intending to have another season. However, I still liked it and have already watched a second time.I am wondering what other series are in this same universe now that I realize Tonhon Chonlatee is about Ton and his neighbor. They seem to indicate Nan and Sib had their own dramatic story and leave the plot with Nine and his interest open, so I am curious what other series have these same characters.
All-in-all, it’s a lighthearted series and I love the casual touching and hugging that the main characters do a great job of showing. One of the things that some BL series lack is the intimacy when NOT in a sexual situation. It kind of kills it if the actors seem standoffish unless in a bed scene and this one is not like that.
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Don't waste your time
I have a simple request from the screenwriter, Run... Could you please stop experiencing secreenwriting? I'm terribly sorry, but this is not what we expect from a BL drama. Seriously, I feel like I wasted my time. I've been watching BL dramas for more than two years, but I never felt I wasted my time. I like you as an actor, please get back to acting and making us smile. I don't want to be mean for anyone, and I do excuse if my comment would hurt anyone. However, there is no point in watching a wifey who has no idea what falling in love is. The wifey is so selfish that our poor hubby tries his best to please him. I won't even mention his dowdiness besides his uncleanliness. He never manages to love sincerely although his hubby is crazy about him. I am absolutely sure hubby would be happier if he met someone else. Last but not least, what we want to see in the dramas is the real love with all sorts of sacrificies available. Please do not waste all these handsome boys with amazing acting abilities with simple or absurd drama stories.Was this review helpful to you?
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Enjoyable
I enjoyed this drama, it wasn't great but good enoug to enjoy. It's a simple story about 2 boys falling in love while one of them has to get used to falling in love with someone of the same gender.The visuals were great, music was good too. The subtitels were a mess.
The acting was good enough, but you could see that these actors didn't have much experience. The dynamics between the leads were ok, but i didn't see much chemistry. That was mostly because of Ping, Meen did a good job trying to give chemistry.
There was a confrontation between Nhai and the mom of Ai and that was really badly done..
It's worth the watch, though it isn't one of the best drama's i've seen, it's still enjoyable.
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Really.......What was the point?
I've watched many BL series and up to now, sadly, this is the worst.....so disappointed as I was really looking forward to this but it was all just hype!Such a shame as I loved the characters as in Ai, Nhai, and their friends and family but the story or lack thereof was a serious issue.
Boy meets boy, fall in love, end of!
Nhai was too childish and spoiled by everyone so I could not take him seriously....Side love interests were far too short, virtually nonexistent and in fact, should not really have been included....
The bad guys needn't have been in it all for the impact they had, a couple of sentences, and they are gone.....
The NC scenes were laughable hardly a proper kiss among the many scenes.....
I can't believe I sat through 8 hours of this drivel that imo, could have been 1 x 2hr episode....
I could carry on venting but again "Really .....what's the point? "
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Why am i torturing myself?!
This series is one if the most painful I've seen since Dr. Cha on Netflix. I should have dropped this ages ago. The Viki subtitles- are they even Viki - are the worst.Production quality is dreadful. Script is non-existent. So much so, the struggling actor sut in awkward silence half the time.
I do like the actor who plays Ai and I would like to see more of him in the future. Nhai actor is still developing the craft and his character isn't doing him any favors. Support the cast - in another show.
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