Great chemistry with a story that tried to do too much
Am I rating this a bit higher than it probably deserves purely because YinWar's chemistry is just so dang good? Why yes, yes I am. But to be honest the two of them are the only reason I tuned in to watch this show in the first place and their performance did not disappoint. Alone they each carried their characters with strong masculinity and incredible depth of emotions that brought the two men to life and made you as the viewer root for each individually. But man together, those two delivered so much magnetism where even scenes where they were fighting felt like flirting. The show is tailor made for them and their acting ability shines in these two roles that portray them in more mature characters than they have done in the past. The emotion they carry in their eyes and their ability to really make you feel what they are feeling. I am in love with these two actors and this show will be popular purely because of them.That is not to say that these characters are not without flaws though. While acted well with the script they were given these characters also were not exactly what was expected. Joke was not a master thief, he was more a troubled kid that was rebelling against his father and is good at disguises. He loses all mischievousness after the first episode and becomes very soft and emotional throughout the rest of the series. Jack was also not the hardass the trailer made him out to be. He is cowardly and sheepish throughout the series.
Now for the plot and other characters. The show begins really strong with the presentation of their respective backgrounds and initial meeting. The first episode is one of my absolute favorite among any shows I have seen. At the end of the first episode you see what led the two characters in the directions they went and are greeted 5 years later in the second episode where the remainder of the show takes place. Joke, who accidentally incriminated Jack after making a bank heist immediately sought to rectify his mistake by turning himself in. After five years in prison he comes out determined to make it up to Jack by apologizing in any way he can. Those five years have not been kind to Jack however and he is now a debt collector for the shady Boss of his home town where he must do things and behave in ways that goes against his character.
The explosive first meeting between these two after five years begins to crack at Jack's facade and cement Joke's determination to help bring back the gentle Jack he met many years before. This determination will lead Joke to another heist to try and free Jack from Boss. And this is where that saying "the best laid plans' comes in to play. Where no matter the effort there is bound to be problems.
The show makes an effort to highlight different aspects that you don't see in other dramas right now. The portrayal of extreme poverty and the toll it takes on people and community. How it snuffs out dreams and will undoubtedly lead to behaving in ways they may not have chosen if given any other option. Like Tattoo who despicably cheats his friends in order to get himself out of debt not once but twice. His desperation to leave his situation is seen in most the characters of their community. And then on the complete opposite side you have the Four Horsemen or the wealthiest families that lord over the common folk and treat them as pawns in games they invent. Their over the top behaviors showcase their complete lack of humanity because of their wealth and privilege. And then there is Boss who is the main antagonist in this story. Greed being his driving force that makes him lose touch with reality and continuously become more and more unhinged.
As an overview and understanding of what the writers wanted to portray I do get it but I also think that the show was not completely successful in actually doing that. Most the characters have no real character growth (with the exception being Rose who began to see her privilege through her interest in Jack and started to change as she was exposed to their world). Many of even the supporting characters also felt cartoonish and over the top making the heavy subject matter not hit as well as it could have such as Hoy and Lompran. These two characters were practically the same just on different sides. Hoy is the uneducated and dopey for the commoner side while Lompran is ridiculously overconfident and silly for the elites.
Slight spoilers below:
The plot holes also become very apparent the further you get into the drama and by episode 11 you are rolling your eyes a bit. While the show touches on serious subject matter it tries to do it lightheartedly with silly humor which felt forced and cheapened the story a bit. I think by removing some of the more ridiculous storylines towards the end then this would have been an absolutely brilliant drama. The harm of a child and the sidekick friend groups plans A through E were used as plot devices to create tension and then give comedic relief but both scenarios could have completed the goal if done differently. Exposure of Joke's betrayal by stealing again could have already created the division the plot wanted between the two main characters without Toi Ting and the sidekick scene could have been removed all together in lou of an actual well thought out plan from Jack or Joke with them instead that would have felt more realistic and flowed the story better. Boss's power play also felt very immature for a supposedly lucrative crime boss that had been at it for many years.
All those things aside I still enjoyed watching this show and applaud Yin and War on their performances and will probably rewatch many of their scenes throughout the drama. While there are plot holes and over the top storylines this is still a better drama than many others I have seen both from BL and from Thailand even with its low budget. Kudos to the whole production for that.
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Jack and Joker says it alll!!
Wooow..What a nice story..I just finished watching the drama. First of all this drama has a different and unique story compared to many Bls released during this year. I would say that this is one of the best Bls so far in 2024!Apart from the storyline, actors did a good job in acting including all main and sub characters of the story. Omggg the romance was sooo good and especially the main cp chemistry was gooddd..The story had some comedy touch in to it and was also romantic and emotional at times..
Music was nice and the type that makes your heart flutter..All in all the whole drama was goodd and I don’t think there’s much negativity to the drama..Unless you just find some parts cringey..That’s all..Enjoy!!
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This review may contain spoilers
A door into a world where danger and desire collide
They say the city changes people, but sometimes it exposes them. Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart! opens like a door into a world where danger and desire collide, where every choice is a gamble and every glance carries weight. Here, romance isn’t a soft escape; it’s a pulse beating amid chaos, a promise that even in darkness some sparks refuse to die. From the very first scene, the series sets a rhythm of tension and unpredictability, pulling viewers into a game where loyalty, love, and power are always at stake.The show plunges the audience into a tangled world of underworld romance, high-stakes power plays, blackmail, and carefully plotted schemes, all underpinned by a social critique sharper than it seems at first glance. Every confrontation and plot twist feels deliberate, as if the series is daring the viewer to anticipate the next move. Risk runs through every scene, chaos lurks around every corner, and despite occasional rough edges, the story pulses with energy, tension, and life.
The drama’s atmosphere blends suspense, tension, and humor with a stubborn kind of courage, whispering to the audience that they can trust the journey. At times, the series itself isn’t entirely sure where it will go next, and paradoxically, that uncertainty works in its favor. There’s a genuine freshness in the way the story moves, shifting locations, escalating conflicts, and showing with a touch of irony how absurd and ruthless power games can be. The Four Horsemen, the elite group controlling more of Thailand than they probably should, are the clearest example of this elegant cruelty.
It is in this world of disproportionate forces that Jack and Joke find room to flourish. Yin and War form an emotional axis so solid it carries the entire series. Their connection is more than chemistry; it is understanding, commitment, and a shared sense of where their characters come from and where they are trying to go. Together, they make the screen ignite, while apart, the story feels suspended, waiting for their return. Few duos hold the backbone of a story so firmly.
The romance is handled with great care. There is no melodramatic excess, no overnight passion. Love grows amid danger, blossoms in vulnerability, and asserts itself through quiet, unspoken loyalty. The scene in which they declare this love in the face of death, ready to confront the end together, is one of the most powerful images in a BL drama last year. Courage, love, and stubbornness are compressed into a gesture that feels undeniably true.
When the series expands its universe beyond the central duo, Jack & Joker demonstrates bold ambition, though it does not always follow through on execution. Tattoo, Aran, Hope, Save, Hoy, and Rosé appear as sparks of potential, each carrying layers of tension, hints of backstory, and the promise of complex relationships. Some suggest unspoken alliances, others flirt with romance or rivalries that could have enriched the narrative, yet the series rarely grants them the space to develop fully. Their moments on screen feel fleeting, flickering like embers that could ignite into something substantial but instead vanish before taking root.
This leaves a lingering sense of untapped possibilities, particularly in the realm of romance, where glimpses of connection, subtle chemistry, and emotional stakes hint at stories that remain just out of reach. The secondary romances are suggested with care, offering tantalizing intimations of passion and heartbreak, but are never allowed to breathe long enough to leave the impact they promise, reinforcing the bittersweet feeling that Jack & Joker’s world is much larger and richer than what we are ultimately shown.
Missteps are most visible in the finale, perhaps the series’ most uneven episode. Long, audacious, packed with twists, and marked by narrative disorder, it juggles the ring saga, the Boss’s maneuvers, and the actions of the Four Horsemen. All elements are entertaining but not always coherent. The ideas are strong, yet the consistency falls short. Even so, the care poured into the project softens the impact of these flaws.
The conclusion restores the sensitivity that has accompanied the series from the start. The school finally opens its doors, Joke’s family offers the embrace he needed, Jack finds his rightful place, and the future hints at possibilities for both characters. Everything is delivered with care, like a farewell that refuses to be bitter. The ending may not resolve every plot detail, yet it secures what matters most: the emotional core.
And that is what lingers. The empty days without new episodes, the lump in the throat during the credits, and the warmth toward a nearly independent project daring to step beyond comfort zones. This is more than a technically competent series; it is a work made with soul, with tangible emotional investment. It is easy to see why so many ended up hugging a pillow while War sings “One Hundred Ways.”
Ultimately, Jack & Joker does more than tell a story. It immerses the viewer in a world where danger, love, and chaos collide, leaving them both shaken and exhilarated. It is a drama that invites audiences to replay scenes, dissect choices with friends, or simply sit in silence and let its weight settle. Imperfect? Absolutely. Bold beyond measure? Without question. But alive, daring, and unforgettable, that is what it is. It is a rare spark in a genre often satisfied with repetition, and it is exactly the kind of story that makes Thai BL feel vibrant, unpredictable, and alive.
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INCREDIBLE TANDEM JACK & JOKE(R)
What an amazing Drama is this !? Phenomenal ! from the poster , you can really tell that this drama is not a petty one, and along my journey watching this I became even more amazed !The Cinematography is incredible , it's like a long action movie , the place setting simple but it's like I am also at that place ! the angle of the camera , two thumbs up, I liked it because the actors seems to have no so much make up , they were not so dolled up to look fair at the screen , but instead just what it is , they look simple but so convincing only the good acting led the way to goodness of this drama !
The story was extra ordinary , I mean yeah everything here is an extra ordinary but , the story was not common; a guy that was a thief to the point that he was known by everyone, and a dreamer but no have enough money to fulfill them , Thailand has becoming even more extra and is coming out of the box nowadays of creating a BL , shows like that was not for straight leads genre anymore but also now for LGBT.
I loved the squad ! they were all foolish but as long as Joke leads them , the work becomes smart and clean ! and I wanna mention that They are now putting twinks or what do you call them tootsies as a characters nowadays and they are now even more accepted and these shows paves the way for them to be seen also , everything about the squad was a combination and a good outcome !
I have seen a few shows with a good fighting scenes and this is one of them ! the guards looks scary and the fighting scene was great and convincing , I even shivered watching them fight and wanting that out squad will be able to get away !
There was no so much romance in this show but what was shown about it was enough already , we can see that in gay relationships, it is not always kissing and having sex .. its about being a partner in all part of their lives. not disappointed though even of the little moments of my YINWAR !! I am a fan of them since Love mechanics and so so happy to see them again ! like this drama itself , and Them as the Lead was such a blessing !
WAR's Acting was phenomenal ! well he was so great since day 1 but here , he has proven again his versatility ! with all of his disguise, the facial expressions ! it was every thing ! specially when Toi Ting the kid girl I cried every time he cried.
The Plot twist was crazy ! I really thought that the boss was the one who was toying with the lives of our squad here but he was also a victim of the rich people. I felt like maybe this drama has been meaning to tell everyone that it was the rich people who runs the world , people in positions are one of them just like the boss but they are all barely a design .. that was a sad reality. And I thought that this drama was about forgiveness .. if you love the person, no matter how much they have sinned against you , love overlaps everything even hatred . even the flaws of the people you love. I skipped the part where JAck have to play as dog to get the favor of the rich young guy who likes Khun ROse' .. I cannot handle seeing people who is being humiliated like that ! anyways
All in all such a great drama , unforgettable one ! tricky , funny , exciting .. Phenomenal ! I really hope to see YIN and WAR again in a romcom drama a fluffy one if the heavens permits .. saddhuu !
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HIGHLY RECCOMENDED**
I JUST CAN'T EXPRESS MY LOVE FOR THIS SERIES..😭💗✨ I STARTED WATCHING THIS SERIES WHEN 3 EPISODES WERE RELEASED..AND YOU DON'T KNOW I LITERALLY GOT HOOKED I WATCHED ALL 3 EPISODES IN ONE NIGHT..IT WAS THAT DAMN GOOD..I KNOW IT'S A SLOWBURN DRAMA..BUT ATLEAST YOU GUYS WILL NOT SUFFER LIKE WE ONGOING VIEWERS WERE DOING..THERE WERE MANY TRAUMAS AND SAD MOMENT..I SCREAMED IN LIKE EVERY EPISODES AND THEY FIANNLY DID IN EP 9😭💪..AND MY REACTION AT THAT MOMENT,YOU CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE...I WAS LITERALLY GOING INSANE AND SCREAMING SO MUCHHH😭😭OH GOD MY TRAUMA DIDN'T END THERE ALSO IN EP 11 THEY HAD TO BREAK UP..MY HEART WAS BROKEN AGAIN..BUT THE SERIES DID NOT DISSAPOINT ME..ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME UNNECESSARY DRAMA AT THE LAST FEW EPISODES..BUT DON'T GIVE UP...I PROMISE IT'S WORTH THE PATIENCE..💪💗BECAUSE THIS SERIES IS PURE LOVE AND WARMTH..THOSE HEART FLUTTERING MOMENTS ARE GONNA MAKE YOU BLUSH HARDD😭 MY FAV CHARACTER APART FROM JACK AND JOKER WAS GRANDMA..SHE WAS SUPPORTIVE ND CARING THROUGHOUT THE SERIES..I LOVED HER SO MUCHH💗✨ANYWAYS *AT THE LAST I WANNA SAY THIS SERIES IS DAMN GOOD AND WORTH YOUR GREAT PATIENENCE*ANYWAYS THANK YOU 💗Was this review helpful to you?
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Stellar performance with a plot that scatters your emotions
• Jack & Joker: U steal my Heart has a plot that is all over the place and can create a surge of emotions in viewers. The hype around the show was given justice through the acting skills of each and every actor and the chemistry showcased by the main leads.•First, lets talk about the plot, shall we. I did not see the pilot teaser of this show and went straight ahead with the episodes, thinking that synopsis gave me a good idea of what I'm going to watch. From what I understood through the synopsis is that Jack and Joker, though with clashing personalities and challenging jobs (as a debt collector and thief respectively), end up joining forces for some sort of grand heist, developing a love-hate relationship. Never in a billion dreams did I think I would face a shared past with this "Strangers to Friends to Enemies to Lovers" troupe. It's not bad, but it's not what I expected. Nevertheless, I didn't let that stop me from watching. But going on forward, the show gave me a heavy sense of deja vu with it's romance side of story. JackJoker's relationship felt similar to that of VeeMark in Love Mechanics (which also starred YinWar). That did not sit right, especially given how sneaky and playful Joker should be (Mark was an emotional and heartbroken mess because of Vee). Joker's character fizzled out from being a fearless and feisty thief to a lovesick fool in search of redemption. Jack was no better. At first, his anger towards Joker felt reasonable, but then in the second half his anger and hatred towards Joker got me conflicted. Joker saved him from being lifelong indebted to that boss by stealing the ring, but Jack never saw that, and instead felt it as betrayal cause Joker had promised to never steal. But then again, the theft had resulted in Toi Ting (a young girl for whom they both cared) getting into critical condition as she was physically abused by the boss's henchmen, which only justifies his anger towards Joker to an extent. There was also this confusion I had gotten regarding as to how a normal ring had so much power, but the last episode did give me a bit of explanation. Then there was a robbery at the bank by Joker, which was executed pretty unrealistically. And the whole game thing in last episode felt petty to me. But the whole "Plan A, B, C" situation in episode 11 definitely lightened my mood, and I was surprised to find Hope tagging along. The entire story has given me mixed feelings though.
•If the plot gave me reasons to criticize the show, the acting gave me a reason to love it. War has always been a phenomenal actor. His emotional range and versatility have always left me speechless. Jack & Joker is definitely a step up for him. The quirky disguises which Joker took on, especially that of the make up lady, proved just how fantastic he is as an actor. The aggressive ways in which he flirted with Jack were equally amusing and entertaining to watch. Then in the second half of the story he devoured the angst scenes. His sorrowful cries showed how much he was in, pain, especially when Jack told him to never show his face. The pain he had after he got rejected by his father was also sad to watch. And of course, the sulky and devastated look he had in his face watching Jack entertain Rosé as if she were his lover. War as Joker is one of the best casting of this year. Yin is also significantly improving. He was able to convey the grudge Jack holds against Joker as well as the discomfort he had after being forced into a relationship with Rosé. His action scenes were also fantastic and well done. He is also a perfect casting for the role. The chemistry between the two is always a winner for me. Though their romance was slow burn and had lots of ups and downs, I enjoyed every minute of when they were together. Those kisses were chef's kiss and Jack's simple proposal in the end was adorable. I just wished that Joker would've had a proper apology from Jack for having brutally berated him. But the acting and chemistry of YinWar was the key highlight of the show.
•This shows side characters were also memorable. I never thought that there would be some sort of romantic tension between Aran and Tattoo. And though they weren't given the screentime and closure expected from them, I was actually somehow contented with what I had got from them. I was surprised that I actually like the HopeSave couple. Despite the fact that they both had done from bad things to Jack, I must say that I admired the fact that Hope stayed by Save's side and understood the latter's situation. Their redemption arc was what I needed and it kind of filled up the space of mind demanding for Aran and Tattoo. Holy was a great friend to Joker and Tattoo and I loved his funny ideas. Jack's Grandma was a whole different vibe. Her being considerate towards Joker, fangirling and shipping her grandson and Joker, and fighting with boss's henchmen were first class bl fangirl things. She was very relatable. Ting was very cute and I really felt my blood boil after seeing how ruthlessly she was attacked. Rosé gives me mixed feelings, but I mostly feel happy that she let Jack go in the end. Joker's family felt like completely jerks to me in the starting, but them wanting to rekindle with him and accepting him was good for me as long as it made Joker happy. And we don't talk about the boss and Carbon........just that they got what they deserved in the end....... humiliation.
•Overall, the saving grace for this story is clearly it's cast, it's production, the chemistry of YinWar and the comedic relief scenes. It had ambition, but failed in it's execution, but still managed to retain a few elements to keep the viewers entertained.
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This review may contain spoilers
There’s something undeniably magical about War Wanarat and Yin Anan when they share the screen. It’s more than just chemistry. Maybe it’s their friendship. Maybe it’s their uncanny ability to tap into nuanced emotions while weaving romance effortlessly into their performances. Whatever the reason, they consistently bring a depth to their characters—a depth that resonates even when the story itself falls a little short.The Thai BL Jack and Joker: U Steal My Heart is a perfect showcase of the magic Yin and War create together. But it’s also a reminder of how much more they could achieve with a series that truly challenges their abilities—one as well-written as the performances they deliver.
Read the complete article here-
https://theblxpress.wordpress.com/2024/12/03/jack-and-joker-u-steal-my-heart-series-review-ep-3-to-12/
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A Pleasant Surprise: Chemistry, Action, and Captivating Characters
This drama surprised me in the best way! I started watching with two positive expectations: the presence of YinWar, who won me over in En of Love: Love Mechanics, and an interesting premise. The pacing of the story is excellent, with something engaging happening in every episode, which keeps boredom at bay.Even with few romantic scenes, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable. The plot develops in a way that keeps you curious to see where it’s headed. The dynamic among the friends is also really fun and natural. I was especially impressed with the performances of Mark Siwat and Pee. They truly stood out! Pee, in particular, was a pleasant surprise since I didn’t even know he was in the series. I’ve been wanting to see him in a good BL since YYY because I find him super charismatic and a great actor.
If I had to point out a downside, it would be the underdevelopment of some characters and relationships that deserved more depth, like Boss and his sister (and their past), the 4 bosses, Rose, the guy who wanted to marry her, as well as Carbon and Toi Ting. There was so much potential to explore these stories further.
Another highlight is the fight choreography, which is really well-executed and filmed clearly, making it easy to follow every move. You can tell there was a lot of care and refinement put into these action sequences.
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hell yea.
This show is just amazing. Out of all the bl’s I’ve watched so far, this one will always be one of my top favorites. The acting is great, and the story doesn’t drag on. Not once was I bored while watching it—every moment was entertaining. Yes, there were some tough scenes to watch because of the misunderstandings between Jack and Joker, but that just made me want to keep watching even more. I just finished it, and I already want to rewatch it—so I’ll definitely be rewatching Jack & Joker in the future.Was this review helpful to you?
I do not know how to write a review...
1) If you like traditional thai bl you must watch it, you don't need to read more.2) "friends" to "enemies" to lovers
3) I will/recommend to not watch the special episode until there is a season 2.
4) I liked the idea, the story, but I was hoping to see more scenes with some characters (if u know u know ;3)
A lot of characters, some more usefull than others in the story...
4) A lot of cliché as in most of thai series, but a great chemistry. Lots of drama easily resolved x)
6) Zorry
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Over rated
Sadly I have to say this was way over rated, I was looking for something great with the idea of this storyline and what we got was horrible acting and low great storyline telling. The storyline did not flow and the actors were ok, especially since I normally love the two main actors but for me they did not play the role good. I had such high hopes for this idea on paper it looks good but it all came out looing over dramatic and horrible storytelling with no chemistry and bad character development. Very childlike characters which in turn mad me get bored fast. there are some real talented actors but sadly they did not shin, was all very unrealistic and over the top. The co stars were interesting but the direction of the actors playing the charters were not put together. Sadly a fail.Was this review helpful to you?
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The acting and the actors were really good, the dynamic and the chemistry between the male leads was just perfect, the way they delivered every scene deeply and sincerely, will make you feel every emotion, laugh, cry and longing.My only critic is that this series had potential to be a masterpiece, but the plot seemed silly some time (the action/crime part) but believe me the drama/romance was a 10/10 , still I really enjoyed watching this.
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