Top Form

It didn’t live up to the hype

I might get a lot of hate for this but, I belong to the minority of people who don’t like the series/adaptation. (I did rewatch the anime and the movie right before watching the series).

I think the main factor is the actors themselves. I didn’t find their acting great. Hence, I couldn’t feel the chemistry between them. There are also some weird production issues like the random placement of vending machines, their makeups (there are times they look cakey), their hairstyles, etc.

The pacing is also off for me especially the episodes leading to the honey scene. It was too sudden for them to engage in a sexual act just because they hung out for 21 days. At least in the anime, they were like friends with benefits that’s why the MC was frustrated and hurt when the ML suddenly stopped (because he was sick). But in this adaptation, they were just hanging out.

The OST was basically nonexistent for me.

I would still rewatch this if I’m bored but definitely not anytime soon.

Read More

Mixed But Ultimately Disappointing Bag

A very mixed and disappointing bag. Let me start with the good.

1. I LOVED the acting. The main actors are absolutely lovely, both in their roles and out. Picked from relative obscurity, this show could not have found two more perfect people to play these roles. And I find myself enjoying watching their promo videos and fan videos of them far more than the actual drama.

2. The intimacy between the main characters. And no, I don’t just mean the sex. In fact, although I know everybody loves the honey scene, sploshing is just not my kink. And neither is wet clothing. Sensory nightmares for me. What I mean is the interactions between the main characters as they navigate and build their relationship, especially when it’s just them alone.

3. The music. There was one Korean song in particular that I actually added to my playlist, it was so pretty. I also liked the use of classical-style instrumental music. Much better than some of the computerized synth music they use in other dramas.

Now let’s talk about the in between.

1. The cinematography. I loved the way they used lighting in this, and some of the close ups and the creative shots are gorgeous. But there was also some weird shaky cam work that I didn’t enjoy, and also some weird framing that tipped over my line into unnecessarily abstract/artsy. But that’s likely just a personal preference.

2. Like I said, the NC scenes. Excellent intimacy and acting in them, but a couple sensory nightmares.

And the bad.

1. I don’t watch dramas to be devastated or melancholy. I have never understood why people enjoy this. Life is hard and sad and stressful enough without making myself sadder with the media I consume. This show, while there were some truly lovely, bright moments, was overall so saccharinely melancholy that it made me feel just generally icky. The biggest example of this is the episode near-ish the end where Akin spends nearly 30 whole minutes of it crying over the death of his grandmother. Yes, it’s very sad to lose someone so close to you. A real person would likely spend far more time crying and grieving. But this is a show. He reads the last letter he wrote to her and cries the whole time, then he reads her last letter to him and cries, then dreams about her and cries, and cries and cries… It’s so drawn out, I couldn’t even feel anything after a while. I just ended up skimming it. I shouldn’t feel like I need to skim through such pivotal moments for the characters.

2. Jin was honestly a bit of a creep. Like, I understand watching through the body of someone’s work in order to better learn your craft from them, but while that’s what he claimed to be doing, it came across more like he was digitally stalking Akin while also kind of forcing his presence on him irl and trying to better his craft so that he could be more “on his level” and thus be with him. His only character trait seemed to be being obsessed with Akin, which didn’t sit well with me. I don’t even know if he actually likes acting since it seemed like he’d probably be fine with giving it up if it meant he could be with Akin.

3. This is a little random and nitpicky, but I really despised Jin’s hair. It was in his eyes more than 90% of the time, which not only bothers me in a “isn’t that poking him in the eyes???” way, but it also means that Smart’s acting was impeded by his hair. Emotion is partly in the eyes, so if we can’t see his eyes, we lose access to some of his emotions. So this did not help the issue I had with feeling like his character did not have much personality other than being obsessed with Akin.

4. Why the heck would anybody with as much good sense and acting chops as Akin try to dramatically throw himself off a building just because he lost a “sexiest man of the year” award? I understood what they were going for. They were trying to show that Akin is getting older and getting passed over for the next big, upcoming, young star, and he’s feeling old and thrown away by the industry he loves and has staked his career, his life, and his self-worth on. But really, “sexiest man of the year”? I can see a major acting award doing this, but like, I didn’t see Akin as being that shallow before this…

5. Apart from all my personal feelings about the characters, the tone, and etc., the biggest nail in the coffin for me with this show is the sexual assault that was treated like a character cheated, except don’t worry because he didn’t… There is a situation where Akin gets stumblingly, passing out drunk around another actor he’s in a play with, and this actor takes him back to his place and tries to have sex with him. Akin is IN NO WAY ABLE TO CONSENT TO ANY OF THIS. Eventually, Akin starts mumbling Jin’s name and the other guy decides not to have sex with him and instead leaves hickies all over his body just to mess with him. Akin wakes up the next morning, thinks he cheated on Jin, and breaks up with him over it. Eventually, Jin gets a recording of the actor saying he didn’t ACTUALLY have sex with him, and all is well again. BUT EVEN IF AKIN DID HAVE SEX WITH THAT ACTOR, IT WOULD NOT BE CHEATING. IT WOULD BE RAPE. Because, like I said, HE VERY MUCH COULD NOT CONSENT. As it is, leaving hickies all over a passed out person’s body is definitely some flavor of sexual assault. But the show NEVER treats this like a rape situation, instead treating it like a cheating situation, and that’s just messed up.

So. While there were some bright, lovely moments in this show, there were also so many things that I just really did not enjoy and one major stain on the quality of this show that means I can’t get behind it. But I truly do wish these actors well and will follow their works in the future.

Read More

There is no plot

The script writer(s) wronged the casts. The whole show was carried by the main leads chemistry and superb acting alone. There’s no character development, and no consequences whatsoever for very serious crimes depicted like attempted grape, drugging and filming someone while unconscious, extreme obsessive behavior by fans, etc. The worst part is how a “seasoned” actor reacts to situations like that. What happened to the confident and successful actor introduced in the first episode? The romance line development before the two main leads were together was so meaningless. The actions of Akin was inconsistent . It was a bit better when they get together but still makes no sense to let your lover quit what thy love so much. Unless the production team intends to make a season two and tidy up all the loose ends, this serie doesn’t have any rewatch value.

Read More

fire chemistry

Overall: excellent chemistry/acting from Smart & Boom and I hope to see them in more series. This series is based on the Japanese manga "Dakaichi: I'm Being Harassed by the Sexiest Man of the Year" which was later an anime. I haven't read/watched them and I reviewed the series on its own merits. 11 episodes about 40 minutes each. Note there is an additional scene after the initial end of the episodes. Aired on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/play/d1z6o64bu16ncf3

Content Warnings: sexual assault, non con kiss, non con touching, non con video recording, vomiting, gaslighting, non con picture taking/sharing, stalking, cyber bullying, blackmail, coercion, death, grief

Watch Suggestions (to remove angst and focus on their sweet/steamy parts)
- watch episodes 1-5
- episode 6 stop at 12 minutes
- start episode 7 at 21 minutes
- episode 8 watch 6:45-17:45 and 40:20-end (but not the additional end scene after the initial end)
- episode 9 watch beginning to 5:45, can watch 19:35-24:30 and then 51:30-end
- episode 10 watch beginning to 4:40, 45:10-46:15, 48:15-end
- episode 11 watch 20:10-end

What I Liked
- acting/chemistry
- clear premise
- styling*
- laughed a few times
- ongoing intimacy
- role playing in episode 8
- that family in episode 9 and the advice
- supportive manager (except the pinning thing)

Room For Improvement
- started with a flash forward montage
- the non con kiss
- *the hair was covering Jin's eyes too much in some scenes
- comedy sound effects did not enhance the comedy
- camera was too shaky at some points
- deducted half a point after episode 6, they never addressed the victim blaming and I wasn't sure that if it had actually happened a character would have been okay with that/been supportive, also the villain did not have any real consequences as if they wanted the viewer to forgive him because he's attractive (which likely some viewers did but I'm not one of them), I also couldn't ship him with his hinted romantic partner
- bad how he just forgave his stalker and she had zero consequences
- they had too many angsty parts and were not able to fully explore them
- noble idiot trope/lack of communication where they caused more pain to each other than if they had been honest and worked together through their challenges
- the nonsense CEO villain
- (neutral) confused by the wings, apparently that is something from the manga

Read More

Past the very entertaining honeygate, my interest drastically slowed down...

This BL features the evolution of the relationship between Jin, a rookie actor, and Akin, a very experienced popular one. I truly enjoyed the beginning, however, midway through I got more and more frustrated at the traumatic events being dumped on one of the character and the too easy handling of the many aftermaths. It felt very much "1 episode = 1 trauma = 1 resolution (often within the same episode, consequences be damned !). The quickness with which issue are resolved and their huge number totally prevented me to feel any angst for the characters. Some of the antagonists also had some easy way- out that I found absolutely undeserved and underwritten.

Production had some clear high and low. Some scenes were memorable (even if kinda gross and logistically impossible, aka the honey scene). However, the camera work was very clunky and awkward at times. It might be because of the huge height difference between the two male leads...But there were obvious issues framing properly their faces when interacting with each other, especially at the beginning in some critical scenes. It got better overtime though.

Despite those flaws, it is not all negatives. The chemistry between the actors was very good. They seem very at ease with each others and they share some very believable sizzling moments. The first part of the series with its solid introduction and the way the relationship get concrete was very entertaining. I also enjoyed the ending soundtrack, even if the remainder of the OST did not leave a lasting impression on me.

I would not recommend this to people because of my issues with the writing. The good chemistry between the actors could save it for you, so if you enjoy crazy BLs show set up in entertainment industry with an heavy part of dramatic events, this might totally be up your alley. Unfortunately for me, I got too annoyed with the traumas dumping on one of the main characters and the easiness with which everything was resolved each time, preventing me to care about what was happening on screen.

Read More

Boom, Boom, Boom

10 stars for Boom, 7 stars for Smart & rest of the cast. Boom's the best Thai BL actor I've seen. Smart's character was very one dimensional and not in a good way. I guess he did okay given the script he had to work with. Its just "unfortunate" that he was paired up with Boom, who had a better script and shone every frame, every scene, every goddamn second of this show. Plot was boring, direction & cinematography choice was not my favorite. I didnt feel the connection between the main leads, they just went from rivals to lovers within 1 episode. I don't get Jin's obsession with Kin in ep 1 nor Kin's reciprocation in ep 3 just because Jin keeps giving him rides and chocolate milk. Jin kept private videos of Kin and its too weird that Kin still falls for him soon after. A top actor like Kin has definitely seen more handsome, non-wooden, newbie/young/experienced/obsessive actors given his tenure in this industry, but nah, he still falls for Jin, whose personality is just to follow him around like a puppy, whose eyes we cant even see in some of the scenes. I just don't like to watch intimacy without depth. Please give Boom a better script & more main lead roles and hopefully with a better costar.

Read More

cinematic, nothing to complain about

I'll go same as ratings starting off with story.
I didn't read manga nor watched anime, I found out about Top Form after honey scene went viral and barely knew what to expect. Was not expecting fireworks and was right with that because there wasn't really any fireworks/plot twists.
BUT
I was right only partly. It's obvious I wouldn't find here aliens having breakfast with Akin or dancing cows but the plot was here for sure. Looking back at it, something was happening all the time. I'd catch myself checking how much time of episode do I got left and being surprised only half of it passed since I felt like so much has already happened. I didn't feel like it was too fast or overwhelming but more like if time slowed every time I'd click play. Top Form knows how to get you invested.
Even if the scene wasn't packed with dynamic action and was focusing more on romance/relationship where we can easily predict some patterns or behaviours - it wasn't boring. Due to other aspects as well written script, acting and directing making it attractive and very enjoyable to watch.

SmartBoom understood the assignment serving top form acting and chemistry. I have nothing to complain about. The script and the way SmartBoom acted it out showed characters emotion really well, the tough ones, the depth but also balanced it with a bit of unconcerned cuteness and playfulness which I feel is overloaded in many series not leaving space for what we've got here - real drama.
Side casts did good job too.
Directing ATE. I didn't put cinematic in the headline for no reason. Every frame was beautiful and satisfied me as an aesthete but also I just simply like the way director moved the story onto to the screen.

Now what I always enjoy the most - music. Aside of when music they chose, it's when they chose to play it. It wasn't just only copyrighted free bg music in cheesy moments - music played a role, it was a cherry on top of every ep and I'd like to single out the honey scene here because piano completed the mood so per.fect.ly. it deserves its own applause. Non skippable intro makes or all even better from the first minutes.

Overall: Worth watching, would recommend

Read More

Top Form to Mid Form

This could've and should've been one of the best BL series from this year! I just have zero clue what even happened in the plot. I loved seeing Jin and Akin's relationship from the mentorship beginnings to actual lovers. I thought that the production aspects were really cool, though I also work in production so I may be biased haha. What started to lose me was the issues with the sasaeng aka stalker and Akin, as well as just us AGAIN in a BL needing some element of SA in the plot. We really don't and it just made me feel icky and also had me angry at Jin's character for a hot minute. Dude was way to quick to not reading the trauma on Akin's face and body after the fact, like be a better partner! He did redeem himself after awhile, but also I will forever say Johnny deserves JAIL and nothing less. The sasaeng stuff though was wild. Letting her go with a very lackluster warning and allowing the VICTIM to be in a room with her alone. Absolutely not. Overall, Smart and Boom are amazing and their chemistry is strong as hell (even with the unfortunate stuff going on right now with management). I am also now a total Boom simp, that man is just beautiful omg.

Read More

TOP FORMAT: A distant Black Cat finds shelter in a Puppy´s Warmth

WeTv hasn´t let us down with TOP FORM, especially in unwrapping the layers of emotions connected to such a heart-wrenching love story. Moreover, the on-screen chemistry between the actors is nothing short of electric. Portraying well-crafted, consistent characters, P´Boom and P´Smarts bring to life a vulnerable yet vibrant romance that stands as one of the most captivating I've ever seen. Their performances are a true gift, making "TOP FORM" a must-watch.

Initially, I harbored doubts about the series. Given the numerous shows already exploring the movie industry and the trials of showbiz, I wondered how "TOP FORM" could distinguish itself. However, the vision realized by the writers and directors is simply breathtaking, both visually and emotionally. I can't recall the last time a character, like Akin, especially in Episode 10, tugged at my heartstrings so forcefully: capturing such raw, intense emotions repeatedly is proof of TOP FORMs excellence.
P´Boom has brought his character, with all of his complexities and flaws, to life and made him a star to the audience. He left by far the biggest impact on me, as the character's struggles and fears were expressed in such a remarkable performance. The portrayal of Jin by P´Smarts was also top-notch; his movements never felt exaggerated or misplaced.
I also enjoyed the performance of the supporting cast, such as the mysterious character Jade and the cunning Johnny, who fell victim to the showbiz. I could go on and on, it´s that good ...

Minor Shortcomings: That being said, there are a few minor aspects of the story, perhaps related to the original manga, that left me wanting more. Some plot points could have benefited from further explanation or emphasis.

The Editors were in TOP FORM when editing TOP FORM:
Let´s also talk about the cinematography and editing of "TOP FORM", which I haven´t done in other reviews for a long time, because there seemed to be a consistent level of cinematography, to my eye at least. BUT, if we take out the scenes in costume, this series has TOPped the level that other series have reached, by a lot. Especially the creativity in editing and coloring has satisfied my aesthetic eye on a level I can´t comprehend. This isn't just about the NC scenes; it's about the entire palette of emotions conveyed through color, the vividness of each frame, and the meticulous selection of filming locations. I feel fortunate to have witnessed such a masterpiece in 2025. GIVE THE EDITORS an award or raise or something, please!

The choice of music and original soundtracks in the series is also worth special mention. The music seamlessly complements every scene, enhancing the emotional resonance without ever feeling out of place. In the context of Thai series, where this wasn´t always the case - sometimes you had the most goofy background music for emotional scenes, this achievement is truly remarkable. So that´s TOP notch again.

Overall, I count myself lucky to have been part of the audience of "TOP FORM". It's an experience I don´t take for granted, and I wholeheartedly recommend this series, hoping that others will be as enchanted by it as I have been.

Read More

Tenderly...He is devoured.

This is a story about accepting the darkest and sad, angriest parts of yourself and allowing another person to love you in your entirety.
or
Being a actor means adventure, action, worry and protecting of love.
maybe
This passionate and stormy story is about making space for your true self, finding the man that feels right for you, and building trust in yourself and you love.
It could be more.Or it could be more complicated. It may not mean anything.

1 sentence summary: Jin admires Akin greatly and is in love with him, but after a some errors, will Akin be able to find their way again?

My thoughts: This was so charmingly. I did not expect that. Honestly. It has everything - romance, sex trust, mistrust, apprehension, and fear. It's so spicy and cute. At the same time it was fun to watch...and sad. I don't remember crying so much while watching the anime.
Overall, this really was the great rivals to lovers story. I loved the rep, I loved the plot, I loved the music, I love the banter, and I truly love both of these main characters so very much.
And if I haven’t already sold you ... this is also just sexy story about two young artists learning who they want to be, both separately and together.

Also, I’m totally buying mints candy on the way home tomorrow, because I has such a craving.

Read More