Dangerous Romance

There's something genuine about Dangerous Romance and its main pair

The main hook of the story was definitely the main couple, whose chemistry was off the charts. The emotional connection they form is believable and well set up, but most of all I appreciate the chemistry they emanate during physical scenes. They very beautifully portray teenagers in love, from Kang's teasing, to Sailom's cute and dorky squeels of excitement and desperate movements to get away, because their relationship is a struggle for power taken to a romantic peak.

Halfway though watching the series I've been informed that Chimon received harsh criticism for this show specifically, and I truly do not understand why.

Many people refer to the stiff and uncomfortable stance he takes when he has to be intimate with Perth, but I see that as a purposeful choice for Sailom, the character, who WAS uncomfortable around Kang at first, and seemed overall new to romance. As episodes went on he became more open and Chimon portrayed that change pretty nicely.

To me, it is baffling to see people say that any other couple/duo stole the show or overshined Kang and Sailom in any way.

Nava and Guy were pretty cute, and towards the end I found myself cheering for their relationship to be developed further, but the set up for them was clumsy. The concept of an idiotic, comedic take on enemies to lovers is a winning combo in my book, SoundWin are to this day WinnySatang's most memorable ship for me, but they were not given enough time, which dragged down their potential significantly.

Saifah and Name were in an even more desperate need of screentime. The show tries to sell the viewer the idea that these two had a close bond ever since they were young, but how is the viewer meant to buy that when they only see one brief mention of their past in the first episode, after which Name dissapears entirely for many episodes in a row? When he finally returns to relevancy, all of a sudden he becomes Saifah's ride or die ally, even though we have not seen them share a truly positive interaction until that point, nor a flashback to their time in highschool.

The music was fitting, and accompanied beautifully every scene it was meant to, though the opening song particularly was a tad overused alongside cheesy montages of their most romantic moments together. Not the first time GMMTV had an issue with these, and not the last time, either.

The story does, admitedly, stumble a couple of times.

I believe DR suffers from what I like to call the GMMTV curse, that is, being unable to stay on course and become a tightly-written narrative. GMMTV trailers promise one thing, and then the plot becomes derailed very quickly. When watching GMMTV BLs, one must keep in mind that they are always love stories first and narrative pieces second. Something like The Heartkillers will promise you a badass assasin story, but it will mostly use that as a mere backdrop for FirstKhao's love story without dwelving deeper into the premise of what it means to be an assasin and live a complicated life.

The same goes for DR. The titular danger comes in bits and pieces, and is executed kind of poorly, which overall erases the tension the show could have. To add on top of that, the story could also be described as all over the place. The tutoring doesn't last that long before we are thrust into Sailom's desperate acts for money, Kang's risky snooker match, Name's murder attempt, Guy's career ending injury etc. The main messege of social class disparity gets diluted by all the added drama.

However, I've kept my score high because, unlike many other BL's, the events that take place within this chaotic universe were interesting and kept my interest throughout the entire thing. Perhaps a more focused version of the show wouldn't quite grab me the same way and keep me glued to the screen like this one did. I was constantly wondering where will the show go next, and I was always surprised to see how wrong I was in my predictions.

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Weak resolution & ending but the rest of the show works

The initial worry was that this would turn out to be another F4 Thailand-esque bully-redemption-arc type of story, but in the BL universe. If you’re reluctant to watch this because you think Kanghan’s character is going to be horribly problematic, well, I’d have to tell you that you’re kinda right. But it gets better real quick.

The first episodes are a hard(er) watch precisely because Kanghan’s character is downright insufferable and cringey. It’s nothing to do with Perth’s acting, mind you, but rather, demonstrating how Kanghan is in an awkward phase of his teenage life where he’s still processing his identity and self-worth.

Some commenters are quick to point out that Chimon doesn’t look like he’s too whipped for Perth, but I wouldn’t worry about this. The romance develops organically and has its sweet moments – more importantly, the actors are decent enough to carry the narrative.

It also has some pretty awesome side couples featuring Marc and Pawin. I’ve been following them since My Gear And Your Gown and I think they make a pretty good second couple.

In my opinion, though, the show also wasted a perfectly good opportunity to showcase more of Saifah and Name’s relationship, which had a completely different dynamic from Sailom and Kanghan.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/11/16/dangerous-romance-2023-bl-review/

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ENEMY TO LOVER

I have always love Enemy to Lover trope and this series portrays a beautiful concept of enemy to lover concept. CAN WE ALSO TALK ABOUT HOW PERFECT PERTH IS??? LIKE UM HELLO??? I dont know why but he looks absolutely stunning when he is angry. I HAVE ISSUES OKAY IDK THIS IS JUST ME. BUT anyway, I love that the conflict in this series is based on real life issues like social status, lack of parent's attention and bullying. The 1st episode is already really tense and I LOVE IT. I love that Sailom went for a kiss with Kang instead and I LOVE HOW CUNNING SAILOM'S CHARACTER IS. I know that some of the people could not move on from PerthSaint but they moved on and we have to. Anyway, maybe its just me but Perth and Chimon both a good actor, they have such good chemistry with each other BUT, I couldn't feel it. I mean the spark seems to be missing a little bit. Im sorry but I just couldn't feel it between them. Though, I really love the scenes in this series and there are no unnecessary scenes, I still feel like they can give just a little bit more.

Can we also talk about MarcWin? THEY ARE SO ADORABLE. OH GOD. I mean the fact that they ask each other's out by arguing, "You be my boyfriend!" / "No, you be my boyfriend!", I FEEL LIKE IT IS SO ADORABLE. THEY BEEN FIGHTING ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT deep down, they care for each other and I LOVE THE PAIRING FOR THIS. <3

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Not likely to be remembered

Typical GMMTV fare that isn't their worst but not a classic either.
I do like both Chimon for his charm and Perth for his visuals but unfortunately neither really have the charisma needed for good leads.
Whether it's true or not about them not really getting on I did see an interview they had and there was certainly no chemistry between them unlike with most other BL couples, and their kissing/NC scenes just looked awkward and unbelievable.
It was probably stronger nearer the start and I found the finale the weakest episode being very drawn out at times.

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IT WAS A SAFE ROMANCE

I like the fact that the series started with a very good hook; it gave you a very clear overview of what's going to happen and to whom. The first 3 - 4 episodes were great, very captivating, funny and pronounced, sadly all of which started to deteriorate after that, the story became predictable and incredibly dramatic.
Kanghan made sense in all of his actions and intentions...up to the series' first half (or perhaps just a bit more than that), and then he became nonsensical. Also, i wished the series didn't force so much drama into itself, yet, it did. I was choking with unworldly conflicts and unworthy infighting. In short, they didn't exact a good plot after the first few episodes.
The thing that might be the saving grace for this series was the ost and the acting. About the actors, we had familiar and good faces to counted on, they surely delivered, only that Chimon's acting in couple scenes did not persuade me. The character of his relationship with Kanghan was playful, supportive and unconditionally loving, he showed me some of that but not the loving part, i didn't feel like he love Kanghan, more like a special friend...and that did not give me butterflies. Perth however, actually played all out, we felt love oozing out of him for Sailom, we felt his fear, his anger, his joy and that's powerful. For a BL series, we need all that to make it work, to make it persuasive and empatheticable. All the side couples weren't give enough ground to play their parts, yet they did their jobs and deserve praises for that. I would like to say that Euro played his role beautifully, he was actually so natural and convincing. I love his acting.
To conclude, this series did not pass as a great series, but it's a good series, at least give it a whirl to experience the plot and the love.

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This one's for the people who prefer couple > plot but isnt that most of GMMTV BL?

No show is perfect, and GMMTV got me used to not having particularly high standards, but I was genuinely surprised when I looked this show up and saw what a low rating it has. I suppose 7.6 isnt THAT low, but most GMMTV BLs I've watched dont tend to go under an 8.

Certainly, it doesnt deserve 10 stars either. The plot is a bit all over the place, Kang and his buddies' sins get forgiven way too quickly, the side characters have to wrestle over screentime, none of them getting as much as they should be, and they REALLY need to stop overusing those damn song montages.

And yet. I enjoyed all 12 episodes thoroughly. I wont mind messy or unfocused plots in romances as long as two requirements are met:
1. The main couple is endearing and I'm invested in their relationship
2. Im entertained
And Dangerous Romance manages to check both of those boxes. Sure, maybe Kang didnt need to run away from home just so highlight his daddy issues, but I still enjoyed his mini adventure with Sailom. Even when the plot felt convoluted and mildly annoying, like when Kang ping-ponged between liking Pimfah and being possessive over Sailom, those bits didnt overstay their welcome. The plot was always moving, for better or for worse.

Besides rating, the other thing I've become aware of that surprised me was the reception of PerthChimon as a couple. I personally found these two very endearing as KangSailom. Their romantic interactions felt natural and when there was some awkwardness, specifically from Sailom, I interpreted it as him being reticent about this relationship cause 1 this guy DID use to bully him and 2 he doesnt seem like a particularly romantic individual. I think the actors play off eachother nicely, and I'm genuinely disappointed that I wont see them in anything else in the future.

That being said, I reccomend this show to people who can ignore a bad plot as long as they get a good couple. I would've said characters, but honestly, if you're a fan of any side character in this show you'll probably be left dissapointed. Nava and Guy get the most decent amount of screentime, but even that is not enough for them to reach their full potential. I'm biased towards couples that bicker and fight a lot (I mean, cmon, I'm called SoundWinFan), and while I thought they were cute, they were very much an afterthought for the writers of this show. Still, they're wayyy better off than Name and Saifah (I still cannot believe they suddenly became besties and Name had a heel face turn after missing for half of the show) or god forbid Pimfah and the teacher (what purpose did she even serve besides giving Pimfah some support in like, 2 fairly small scenes?).

Atp I was waiting for Auto and Max to become a couple or something. I would’ve bought it more than... whatever that was with Name and Saifah. Glad they at least became friends offscreen and business partners (?). Hope they become the Dan and Phil of Thai youtube.








I miss PerthChimon

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show sucks; loved it /I let the wind take me. It took me somewhere fucking crazy ?️?

Hi friends. It gets an 8.5 out of 10 from me based on my episode averages. My friends and I watched this together so i will post 3 different reviews but thats fine. This is mine. This show started off so good and then just went down hill at the end and the two of them have no chemistry, now its time for spoilers.

The trailer really got me hooked and got me so excited for this show because i loved all of the tags and just the couple (not anymore because looking at this they had zero chemistry but thats fine) and i was pumped. I dont know what i was yapping about but immediate power dynamic from the start that stayed till the end basically. Kang was some rich kid and Lom was poor and that was their whole personality, like that fine but that was geinuely the only thing that was moving the plot. An interesting but pretty good start to an interesting show.

I was so obsessed with this and it was so mch fun. Um kanghan had so really good development which i think was the only thing that was good for this. Lom was traumatized it was insane and i felt very bad for him so much bro. Lom trusted Kang and Kang betrayed him and that hurt so much. This was such a good episode and a scene overall it was truly really good and i did enjoy it a lot.

Then i started watching it with my freinds. I really liked their development a lot and it was so much. Kang was being such a good guy and he got so protective over lom, and it was so cute. We got more backstory over him and his dad. I think this was so good in terms of talking about deeper meaning of stuff with status and just overall stuff like that, it was just really good. It was just overall good and had so mch meaning with status and loving stuff for them and not someone they pretend to be.

The loan sharks came in and more about the status and i liked that a lot. There was o much happening and i was just like what the fuck. They were lowkey running circles around each other the entire time but thats fine. My friend feel asleep halfway through this episode lmao. The loan shark was such a good plot and then it just went down hill and i have no idea why but they should have done more with that.

There was this weird love triangle that really didnt need to happen. I bought the photcards for this show. And i dont know why they started living together that was so fucking weird but its fine. Its fine, but this is where the show started to loose and its charm and just go down hill. They tried to do wa too much and it came to bite them in the ass.

They finally kissed and it was so fucking awkward because they have no chemistry. The flashback scenes got so overwhelming and the show just slowly became a lazy clip show. I really wanted actually content and not just flash backs.

This episode was pretty good because of the coming to terms with their feeling and all of that good stuff. "Oh shit, i messed up and i am not going to fumble the bag again with this absolute baddie." Kang was willing to change and that is what matters. There was a lot of cute moments and it really brought the whole show together.

They had some cute sexual tension and it was good. Nothing bad, nothing good. This episode also felt very long. "If they kill grandma, im dropping the show." Thank god they didnt kill her. The dad was getting on my nerves and i wished he stayed a villain to the very end but thats fine. And we just through the fact that kangs dad beats him under the rug but that fine.

They had their first nc scene and they started to mature. There was so much happening still. "The brother and the loan shark are def fucking on the up high." They very much were. The random ass sugar daddy conversation. They had another bathtub scene. I love Lom so much bro, they could never make me hate him. They apparently had a good sexy scene lmao.

Yeah and then it started to get really good and i am gonna make an effort not to spoil all of it but it was doing so good and then it gave us this shity ass ending and thats it. Yeah i dont think i would recommend this, if you are really really bored and with friends this show got you, if not, stay away. 8.5/10. okay bye!

My average review for eps 5-12 was 8.8 so i guess thats the rating im giving it. I was here for the DRAMA and the ZHUZH and the CRINGE because with a show like this it simply must be embraced. Objectively, this show was bad. I said it in my first review: “My head says that this is kinda bad acting and kinda bad writing and kinda bad everything but my heart doesnt care!” I stand by this take. If it were up to me, id ditch three stars bc pimfah and the teacher didnt end up together, and they were the best ship in the whole show. Im glad everyone was happy in the end. I do, though, think that i wouldnt have enjoyed this show at ALL if it wasnt for friday night thai drama night because there was too much space in between all of the drama if that makes sense. Like edging, yknow? Hearing friend 2 reading his review, i am now remembering the violence and shooting which wtf this show was insane. I didnt care for that plotline, or the soccer plotline tbh, except i was invested in sideburns guy and whats his face. Ironically, i stopped liking them after they actually got together bc that scene had me writhing in cringe. Lowkey in the last ep (which is the only one i really remember oops) both kanghan and sailom annoyed me but… oh well! Rapid fire takes: i didnt like name. Auto needs to bathe. The grandma needs to be put in a sensory deprivation egg to keep her safe forever. Sailom needs a better hairstylist. How did i miss sailom being a sex worker also? The epilogue made me want to go blind. Ok. Im grateful for the mems this fuck ass show granted me so im allowed to be biased and give this show a good rating. I guess that’s that. See you on not me!! Friend one out.

8/10. So guys. It’s been a while. And you know, I think after all this time, and finally seeing the finale, for me this is just a crazy, sentimental way to end off this show. Let’s first address the obvious hot take: was this really an 8/10 ep??? absolutely not. but right now, i’m crazy biased for it both being the last episode and the day where i actually am getting back into this world. i think for the first time we’ve understood simultaneously how cringy and bad this show can be, but also the really fucking crazy moments that made it so addicting and exciting to watch. that being said, i had hella whiplash remembering all the crazy moments from past eps we’ve talked about and then also the weird ass choices that came out of nowhere. like WTF SAIFAH YOURE GONNA TRAVEL WITH THE GUY WHO WAS GONNA ROB YOUR HOUSE⁉️yeah sure he shot a guy but like don’t be a dumbass smhhh 🤦‍♂️🔫. also WHY DIDNT THE TEACHER AND PIMFAH KISS????????? unironically the best couple coming back to this show missed opportunity im torn and horribly betrayed ☔️😭. but otherwise yknow besides the awkward wrap up scenes 😩💋😘 (KISS NORMALLY PLEASE), the goofy ah soccer penalty kick ⚽️🥅👨👊, the graduation speech 🧍‍♂️👏🧍‍♂️👏🧍‍♂️👏, and the bathtub epilogue (im scarred please sent therapeutic help 🛁🤵‍♂️), it was really fun and chaotic fun watching the last ep together and screaming at everything again, i really have missed this. i’m gonna finish this in the same way the show did: this is not the end. it’s the beginning (bc we’re actually gonna start watching shows with higher praise so yay!!) we’ll see where the wind takes us 💨🛝🏍️🌅🫶. friend 2 signing off 👌❤️🦅

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Another dumbed-down Thai drama. I agree with the other low ratings, so i'll try to only mention (in no particular order) the things that weren't already covered in other reviews.

Ok, so this was mentioned in other reviews but i really loved that Sailom turned the tables on his bully...also loved that Grandma knows her grandchild and didn't allow Kang to lie about or downplay his horrible behavior.

Dad/Grandma. Didn't punish Kang for anything, ever. Unless i slept through those parts?

Name. Thought it was a good idea to pull a gun on the crime boss with his two goons not only in the room but also right behind Name. These guys are killers, but didn't kill Name...why? Suddenly the big bad baddie doesn't seem so dangerous. Or maybe he felt like Name was family, a son or little brother? Then show us that!

Boss. Wants to keep the noise down in the hospital (hence the attempt to smother the dad with the pillow) but then you go and fire a loud-ass gun. And miss. You accidentally shot the dad square in the chest in a dark house, but you can't do the same thing when you're actually aiming at a target standing right in front of you in a well-lit room?!

Kang. You got mad at your bf for something his brother did. They should have had him suspect that Sailom knew something and didn't warn them. Could be true or not. If Sailom said he didn't know, then we could've watched Kang struggle with wanting to trust Sailom while knowing how dedicated he is to his brother. Do we believe him or not? If Sailom said he did know, then maybe Sailom thought he'd talked his brother and/or Name out of doing anything criminal and didn't feel the need to warn the family. Kang would feel that he should've been informed and wonder if Sailom kept it from him so he and his brother could keep their jobs and pay his debts. Does Sailom want to be with Kang because he's rich? Now we'd get a real reason for Kang to ask Sailom that question. Kang asks that multiple times in the show but it never makes sense because Sailom has done nothing to make him wonder. But if Sailom had kept this criminal plan a secret, then Kang could realistically wonder. Either scenario would have been better, instead of Kang immediately turning his back on Sailom. I do like that Kang apologized to all his classmates at graduation for his bullying, but it would've been much more powerful and meaningful if he'd also apologized to each person individually.

Sailom. He should never have moved into Kang's home unless it was made clear that only the adults could fire him or ask him to leave. You can't place your employment and housing in the hands of a temperamental teen. And i was upset that he agreed so easily and just left his brother. Yes, his brother is an adult, but they are all each other has, so it just felt out of character for him to move away unless it was for college.

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the plot did not plot hard enough

The series started off so well. It seemed dark, it seemed serious (I love these types of series/dramas/movies, etc, so I was EXCITED). The little intro in the beginning made me think this series would have a more moody and bittersweet tone, that it would delve deeper into socio-economic problems (the track was brilliant and one I wish they had used more often). It made me believe that the main lead's relationship would be a difficult one to repair. I also expected the "dangerous" in the title to have a bigger effect on the characters. Buuut no. After episode 2, all my hopes went out the window. So, some concrete things I did not like:

1)The bullying scenes? Intense, loved them. That's what I expect from dark and more mature series like this one tried to be. How quickly everyone got over them, ESPECIALLY the main victim, bugged me. How can you forgive and suddenly become friends with the person who TRAUMATISED you that way by destroying your goods and putting your life in danger!!

2)The dangerous aspect of this series? Cool, but it didn't go far enough. It barely scratched the surface and way too late into the series, and I'm a bit pissed because it had potential. It also could have ended differently, which I feel like would have fit better. (Not talking about Saifah and Name's ending. THAT I loved. That was beautiful. That was the bittersweetness I hoped to see!)

3) How the series started and ended? Nice. Whatever went on in the middle? Hated it. I thought I finally escaped the forced cuteness we're used to in BLs (because apparently, adorable date scenes MUST be included) and that the main leads would only stop hating each other in like episode 6, not literally after 2 episodes. I wanted a slow burn! I wanted Sailom to hold a grudge against his bully for longer, not tutor him once and suddenly become his friend and joke around with him. I wanted more character development, but at a slower pace for Kanghan before Sailom even considered hanging out with him willingly. I wanted the two of them to SLOWLY open up to each other. I wanted them to confess in the last few episodes. The fact the second couple (which I ADORE) had a more natural development, even though they barely interacted in the first half of the series, says a lot. THAT was a way better enemies-to-lovers story than whatever happened with the main couple.

Basically, I wanted a more natural relationship development, more consequences for everything and more danger.
I apologise if what I wrote above doesn't make that much sense; I tried my best not to give huge spoilers. By the way, I still think I gave this series a better rating than it deserved, but that's how I normally am. The other couples' scenes stole my heart, so the leniency is for them.

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WHEN LOVE SOFTENS A BULLY

Dangerous Romance had me hooked from the start, enemies to lovers is hands down my favorite trope, and this series delivers it so well. The tension between Kanghan and Sailom at the beginning is intense, but the way their relationship evolves into friendship and eventually love? Chef’s kiss.

The show doesn’t shy away from heavy stuff either. There’s bullying, violence, and some tough moments, but they’re balanced with emotional growth and character development. Sailom is such a lovable lead, he’s poor, works multiple jobs just to survive, but is incredibly smart and resilient. And then there’s Kanghan… your classic rich, spoiled brat who slowly gets humbled and grows up, thanks to Sailom’s influence.

Watching Kanghan change from an arrogant jerk to someone who genuinely cares was so satisfying. His character arc was one of my favorite parts of the show. Plus, Sailom’s friendship with his two besties adds so much warmth to the story, it gives the series some heart outside of the main romance.

Overall, Dangerous Romance is a solid BL with emotional depth, strong character growth, and one of the best slow-burn love stories I’ve seen. If you love drama, redemption, and a good "hate you... wait no I love you" story, this one’s for you.

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I am crushing on Kang, but in all honesty everything was average at best

My impressions:

1) BANTER SCENES ARE HIGHLIGHT, THE ONLY HIGHLIGHT
Dangerous Romance execution had a slice of life drama appeal to it rather than some dangerous vibes like KinnPorche or Not me...which I personally like as well because there is always something raw and honest about the formet. Even the better performances such as those of Kang, Max and Nava felt average for a bl. Highlights are mostly from Kang and Sailom banter, then Nava and Guy banter. The plot was not believable, had little consistency (Pimfah lady, wtf you fell in love with whom? how did we get there please enlighten me!!!) and that graduation scene - I am still laughing at the speech. I feel slightly offended when I think that GMMTV made Eclipse and Only Friends and then have this as what? a drama for second tier citizens? But eh I will just forget about it and...

2) ....ALLOW THE FANGIRL TO OVERTAKE:
because the way Kang was written vibes with me 100%. Writers seemed to put all of their creative jumble into him. Aside the bully phase, he was a great man and a boyfriend imo. I low key think he is boyfie goals. He stood up at all the right times, manly and attractive but vulnerable and sweet when necessary. Open with his emotions towards Sailom. Quite sincere and childlike in his honesty. Direct and deliberate in what he wants. Attractive character overall. Also his metaphor about Sailom moving Kanghan (wind and windmill) was chef's kiss. Kang was indeed my only impetus to continue watching. He was just good at this role even though sometimes he slipped from the scene he was in. Immense potential.

3) THE PLOT WAS NOT MATCHED TO APPROPRIATELY TO THE CAST
Truth be told, to answer the question of one of the other reviewers -- it was not dangerous really, in fact, the opposite imo. It seems as if someone took the title of another drama and pasted it by accident. The plot seems more mature than the actors themselves. It had potential to be dangerous. It did not get there. 'Not me' had fairly young cast but still did well so idk. Do not hate me but I thought casting for Sailom was not appropriate. The actor did not feel matched to the character and his expressions could be numbered on fingers of one hand, like three at most. Chemistry was also, well not bad per say but not vibrant if you know what I mean. I could feel more chemistry from Nava and Guy, and I did not vibe with Guy's performance so that says it all. Kang and Nava ate and lead their scenes.

THE VERDICT:
Surprisingly I could see this being of a fair rewatch value for me, despite it having all of the ingredients that would predict otherwise. I really liked the build up episodes, loving and teasing banter, deliberate expressions of cuteness. If you do not watch this drama you will not miss much, really. If you watch it, you will have a nice time, some of your brain cells may die but scrolling through insta kills more. Here at least your eyes will be blessed by cute actors.

Thanks for reading.

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