Cherry Magic (2023)

Just as good in its own way!

I think it is possible to like, or love (in my case), both the Japanese and Thai adaptation of the manga. I know this is not a remake of the original series, but it is hard not to compare it with the Japanese adaptation. I loved that series, but I’m the first to admit that the script had some weak elements.

This part is about the series as a standalone without any comparison to the Japanese adaptation of the manga. This was a very good and cute series. They did a great job with the story pacing and introduction of the characters. It was also refreshing to have a more mature BL series with characters that talked to each other about their problems. Overall, the script was good with the exception of episode 8, which was ridiculous. I understand the overall idea behind it, but the execution was not good. Although Rock and Pia’s storyline was cute, this felt out of place and was added as a time filler. However, this was only a minor problem for me because their storyline didn’t take up too much screen time. As for the ending, it was perfect. All of the actors were incredible portraying their character. Great cinematography and music.

This part is comparing the Japanese adaptation. Again, I know the Thai version is not a remake but I would be lying if I didn’t compare both. Originally, my main concern was how they were going to fill 12, 45 minutes long episodes. Thankfully, my fears were relieved as I watched it. The only exceptions are the ones I noted above. The main thing I really liked was the Thai version didn’t completely mirror the Japanese version. For me, this series was able to keep the same charm while creating a way to fit into Thai culture. I really liked the added scenes with Jinta and Min that created more depth to their story and relationship. I thought it was smart, and funny, that Jinta was also able to read the cat’s mind too.

Random Note:

I like the silent nods to the manga.

The Thai adaptation incorporated story content that was used for the Japanese series and movie adaptation of the manga which I think was a very smart move.

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Thai Cherry is Magic

I’ve never watch the Japanese version nor do I plan to since Japanese BLs isn’t my thing. Something about them just doesn’t gel with me despite my many half dozen attempts to get into it. I am not going to watch the anime either.

I only gave this s a hot because I kind of like TayNew from Dark Blue Kiss. I am not a fan of their ship since I have never seen any of it. I have seen New in The Warp Effect which left me feeling meh about New. Just to give you a frame of reference to how I came into this series.

For Archi, I really want to like him and in some episodes I did and in others I was annoyed with New’s performance. Maybe it’s because New always play with this deer caught in headlights look that always take me out of his character. It’s becomes really clear he doesn’t give believable performances when he’s with Tay who is a much stronger actor. I can total believe Tay as Karan with absolute believability. The story is sweet and adorable with Archi and Karan being a couple. I just wish New won’t take me out of the show so often as he did.

I enjoyed Jinta and Min being the side couple. Is it clownish how Jinta acts, yes. But I think because he’s dating a much younger Min, he has to be this much of a clownish guy to Min’s baby face. Otherwise, the age gap would seem predatory. I like the fact that Jinta also has the 30 year old virgin gift. Jinta is such a sweet supportive green flag with Min without being all creepy about getting Min. It’s also funny how Min had to be a bit more mature with his side jobs while pursuing his dream of an idol. But still breaks down and rely on Jinta for emotional support when he didn’t get signed as an idol. I liked that they didn’t consummate their relationship because Min is still young aand pursing his dreams. This is a sweet as cotton candy couple.

Then we have a straight couple with Rock and Pai. I guess it’s a lot more common for younger guys to pursue older girls in Asian dramas than in the US because this isn’t the first time I’ve seen it in Thai series. Chinese and Korean straight dramas have this too. They has a long flirting period before they started to date. I guess this is the thing to do in straight couples in BL.

The boss and co-worker were all supportive of gay couples dating without the unnecessary drama. While Archi’s parents were supportive. Karan’s parents were less so. Especially the mom with her “what will people think” attitude. I guess this is to show that rural “hick” folks are a lot more open minded than “educated” city folks. This seems like a running theme in BLs

All in all it wasn’t a bad series. It isn’t anything special either. It was just an enjoyable series to watch if you have nothing else going on. All in all, I would say this might be my last series with TayNew. I’m personally sick of permanent ships in BL series. Whatever chemistry shippers love about TayNew is what I don’t like. Even when these actors are given different types of BLs. They give the same kind of performances. It becomes stale. Like how many times csn I watch Tay giving strong performances while New gives hit and miss performances. In comparison to Mark who is paired with Junior. Jinta and Min gave a more engaging couple performance than Archi and Karan. I want this ship to break up already so I can see a different dynamic of the stale TayNew ship.

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I like it soooo much!

TayNew chemistry is off the roof! I didn't get to watch them as I didn't really like the previous series they were on, but I'm glad I've a chance to appreciate their amazing chemistry and acting here! I want to see more of them!

Karan's inner voice is so funny, especially when he sings off-key, The 1st half of the show are so funny that I laughed out loud almost at every episodes, the 2nd half is funny too but it starts to get more romantic

Best part? Wedding!!!! After TharnType, I don't remember seeing any wedding I like, and I'm so happy to get this wedding . I also love how they proposed to each other, that's super cool, why didn't I ever think of that?

I also love other characters in the show, they are what makes the entire series came alive. Really well-balanced and well-made show. I actually wish to see Mark as a main lead next time

My heart is so full after watching this, it's really worth every episode spent!!

Also, I am now a new TayNew fan, anyone else?!

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A show to be cherished, though it could have used more tension

When I heard there was going to be a Thai adaptation of Cherry Magic, I was wary. The Japanese drama is very dear to my heart.

I have to say I loved the first half of the show up to, and including, the airport episode. There was clearly an importance in contextualizing the overall themes of the show into Thai culture. The visuals were gorgeous, the pacing was excellent. The airport episode is, to me, an act of genius.

I was somewhat disappointed in the second half. To me, personally, it lacked tension. Everything was resolved too neatly, I think. There's a difference between overwrought drama and the lack of it.

The meeting with the parents lacked, to me, some tension, some friction. I know I'm comparing it in my mind to the Japanese version, and to me the movie is excellent at portraying the trials of accepting someone with their truth. That's the epitome of love, and I think the Japanese version did it better.

I do commend the series for going where the Japanese version didn't (or couldn't?): the overt signs of affection, the kisses, the love scene. Cherry Magic seems to be a type of series that doesn't rely on that - but it also doesn't avoid it. So good work on that.

Jinta and Min seemed to have been somewhat sidelined in these later episodes - but I loved their moment at the hotel in the finale. Very special and touching. I could see a special or a short spinoff with these two.

I loved Pai particularly. Rock was lovely, as well as Dujdao. They really nailed it on the casting.

All in all, this was a delight to watch. Kudos to everyone involved. Despite what seemed to me a disappointing second half, this was clearly done with heart and attention, and deserves much praise and needs to be cherished.

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loved this much better than the original

I was super excited to see that there was going to be a remake of Cherry Magic, because unfortunately the original didn't really live up to the hype for me. I hoped that this remake would fix at least some of my issues with the original, and thankfully, it did!

I absolutely love the additions and changes made to the story. The last few episodes especially were so, so sweet--and truly indicate how much this show, and this couple of Karan and Achi, care about communication. The main couple are so tender and kind with each other; their many hugs and moments of hand-holding were genuinely nice to see. Of course I'm glad they kissed as well (one way they deviated from the Japanese LA), but the way they clung to each other was one of my favorite aspects of their relationship. My only complaint I suppose is that sometimes Achi felt a bit too stiff; I couldn't always feel the same level of care and emotion in him that I felt in Karan.

For the second ship, well. I hated Tsuge lmao so I was very pleasantly surprised that Jinta was one of my favorite characters! While I did like Jinta and Min together a lot, I feel like Jinta really shone. He had a lot of character growth and was consistently really funny, really crazy, and a pretty good friend and boyfriend. I was really happy for Min by the end, they seem like a great couple who actually have something to bond over and it was fun to see!

And finally, for Rock and Pai. While their relationship was really cute, I honestly wish it would have stayed just a friendship. However, what we did get with them was adorable so I'm not too mad. I really enjoyed how it seemed like they truly got along well and made each other happy.

Fuck Tanaka though, terrible boss.

Anyway, this show was super fun and sweet, I would definitely suggest giving it a try!

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Without any expectation I liked it, I really do. I wished they released this series Globally

I've watched the Japan adaptation first so when I find out GMM going to make a remake honestly, I'm kinda worried. I'm I actually loved the japan adaptation even there was no much skinship or even kissing. So I tried to watch this and its turn out that... I LIKED THAI VERSION much than the japan version. Sorry I had to say this because I usually never put Thai BL into my top list. I guess this may kinda biased or reference. So here's why

- The Story : The Story is still enjoyable, I'm mean I'm glad they didn't change much storyline between two male leads. But I have to say the last 2 episodes was like fast paced(?) I know theres not much drama going on around that ep but it feels so rushed. But I still liked it tho and also theres no actuall villain in this story and just about Karan & Achi fighting for their love together makes it even more better IMO.

- Cast : Everyone did great but Hands down to Tawan/Karan he definetly carried the whole series, IDK his acting is just geunine especially when he is crying his heart out it was so real It makes me fall into him deeper.

- Music/Scoring : I personally think they use very good scoring in the very important scene, it just click and gosh it make the scene even more better than I expect, it was really beautiful scoring. Who ever incharge for that he deserve a raise.

I feel like this should be released globally this has huge potential much people should watch this, I really wish gmm would released this globally in the short time. If they did I'm definetly going to rewatch it all over again, I love to ride this series more than once 😊😊😍😍

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