Top Form

Screenplay analysis point of view

Top Form isn’t just another BL series flirting with romance and the usual showbiz drama tropes — it’s a piece that dares to lean into subtext, plays with layered symbolism (even when not everything is fully explored), and delivers a story that, while centered around love, boldly exposes the cracks in the entertainment industry. The show offers aesthetic brilliance, emotional depth, and committed performances — even if it stumbles slightly in development and pacing.

Right from the opening scenes, we meet Akin — the ideal celebrity package: actor, model, desired by all, and recently voted the "sexiest man alive." In contrast, we’re introduced to Jin, the emotional protagonist of the story — a timid aspiring actor with a “hollow heart,” striving to change that by holding on to whatever he can once he finds it. This early contrast sets the tone of the narrative: a collision between fame and something much more fragile — genuine affection.

Jin begins as a passive character, but his arc grows subtly and meaningfully. His intense admiration for Akin borders on obsession — watching all his films, recording him asleep, kissing him without consent. It’s undeniably invasive, yet the narrative reframes this as love expressed through care rather than psychosis. Uncomfortable? A bit. But at least Top Form doesn’t look away from the mess.

Akin, in turn, comes off as proud and untouchable — but underneath that façade is a man overworked, emotionally guarded, and unwilling to let anyone in. Only Jin (and later Sine) manage to pierce that wall. Their connection builds in silences, in the spaces between lines — their first emotional exchange, the crying technique scene, the moment Jin "saves" Akin — all paint a picture of love that seeps in rather than explodes.

Subtext is the show’s sharpest tool. When Akin memorizes lines from roles that aren’t even his, we’re nudged to ask: is he hiding behind characters because he can’t face his own feelings?

Technically, the show is stunning. The cinematography is breathtaking, with rich lighting, striking visuals, and an aesthetic that practically begs to be screenshotted. The sound design, too, is deeply immersive, blending perfectly with the actors’ emotional performances. The use of classical music in intimate scenes is a highlight — raw, elegant, and haunting — though it could have been used more for even greater impact.

The behind-the-scenes portrayal of the industry is another strength. Top Form lays bare the power plays, the silencing of LGBTQIA+ identities for the sake of marketability, and the expendability of talent. The chess motif in the opening credits is brilliant — the industry as a game of strategy, where Sigma, with its queen logo, controls the board while actors are pawns, often sacrificed for a bigger win.

Still, the pacing falters. The stalker subplot, rich with thematic potential, is resolved far too quickly. It had the substance to span three full episodes, but instead feels rushed and undercooked. Additionally, there’s a narrative imbalance — Akin has 13 canonical story beats, while Jin has only 8, making their character arcs feel uneven at times.

The attempted rape scene — while narratively pivotal as a test for the protagonists’ bond — feels out of sync with the rest of the show. Up to that point, the antagonist had been the system, the industry. Bringing in a sudden external threat feels jarring, even if the scene serves its dramatic purpose.

Sex scenes in Top Form are refreshingly non-cliché. They carry weight, discomfort, vulnerability — especially in episode 9. That particular scene might have hit even harder without a soundtrack, allowing the silence to amplify the emotional rupture.

By the end, both leads undergo meaningful transformation. Jin, once hesitant and soft-spoken, stands up against his agency and takes control of his life. Akin, who once gave everything to his craft — including his health — finally chooses love, and trust, and something real.

The proposal scene is sweet, understated, and filled with inside jokes — maybe not grand, but deeply personal. And that’s Top Form in essence: not perfect, but real, emotionally raw, and visually magnetic.

Despite some narrative shortcuts, Top Form is a BL series that knows what it's saying. It tackles serious issues with a rare blend of grace and intensity. A drama drenched in feeling, polished with cinematic care, and built on characters who are memorable, flawed, and utterly human.

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Where is the plot?

There is such a thin plotline in this series that I struggled to get through it, and I'm being generous when I say that it had a plot whatsoever. I don't know how this show is rated significantly higher than (for instance) Love in the Air, which was a hundred times more entertaining in all ways. Every event that does happen in the show is predictable.

Strangely, we are given hints at things going on with side characters, but nothing more (Jade's off-screen love interest that he occasionally texts while smoking, Johnny/Naru obvious chemistry that never becomes anything, the sasaeng whose meeting with Akin seemed to have had a profound effect on him but then we never see nor hear of her again, Mildy's comedic role that we get for like two scenes even though he was supposed to be very close to Jin who is a main character...) They threw in many threads, and left them all untied. Were they afraid to let things happen? As far as I'm concerned, the more than is going on, the better. I had to multitask hard to alleviate boredom while watching Top Form.

The lead actors were not believable to me in any way until their characters started dating, from which point they did have some believable chemistry and emotional moments, especially Boom. One of the only things I liked about the show was how much Akin changed when he decided to open up to Jin, and he suddenly seemed vulnerable and eager for love rather than cold. The extent to which he opened up was unexpected and probably the only interesting thing about this show. As a character, Jin was basically flat, just pleasant and nice the whole time.

I admit that I'm one of those people who can enjoy a show with no plot if it's full of spicy scenes (e.g. My Stubborn). However, in my view (because this is a highly subjective aspect), the NC scenes of Top Form are not that special either. Yes, they are tastefully done, but they're mostly just artistic close-ups that let you imagine what is going on rather than showing all that much, so it's nothing that makes me stop in my tracks. Still, I liked the sudden passion that turned into the honey scene, and I would say the scene is well worth watching if you like NC scenes. I also couldn't stop thinking that that honey is NEVER going to come out of that carpet.

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Better than Expected

First, some BLs are a bit cringy (intimate scenes) for me. But TF shows the intimate scenes with more passion and romance if you ask me. The acting is top-notch, from the main cast to the supporting cast. The music is fantastic, and the angles of the (camera) film were great as well. Sometimes, the camera shakes (in other films) a little, and I hate that. The costume scenes were filled with conviction, and overall, I've seen some of the trailers for future episodes, and it should continue along these lines. All intimate scenes should be done with this level of attention and filming how two people falling in love begins. I believe the audience can recall what they felt like when they began falling for someone. Wow, so far impressed. Tons of chemistry.

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Drama on Top ^^

Where do I even start?

Yet again another drama that I have looked forward to has released. I have been a fan of the source material for years now, I've rewatched it about 4 or 5 times. I understand what it would look like for something to not need to be remade or adapted, and coming from the source material- I was worried what would come out of the adaption. What I'm happy to say now is that it looks like my worries have been nullified by the end result of this drama, as it is not only a great adaptation- it is a great drama. Let me explain.

Dakaichi is a beloved BL series, that I don't feel the need to explain the plot or go in detail of what I like and dislike there. The adaptation 'Top Form' peaked my interest, and it's kept my interests in the end for several reasons. I have watched other Thai adaptations of my beloved BL series from Japan, and am able to recognize when the IP is used for money. The source material is used as a way for a 'sure fire' success, where what the production misses is that remaking something without adding or taking away is actually quite boring and frustrating to watch. If I love the source material, why not just go and rewatch that? Why would I want something tainting the legacy. With Dakaichi it has several issues, the anime adaptation already tamed down the manga, and coming now to the Thai adaptation I can say the series is able to stand as its own, as well as being a love letter to the original source.

Top Form clearly was made by fans of the original, but also from people that are self-aware and recognize the faults of the source material. There are flaws in all versions, but I am putting credit where credit is due. The team behind this drama is very competent, and I can tell from the consistency of this drama. The writing of the characters, the editing, the pacing, nothing it jittery and it is all just consistent.

Consistency could mean boring, and the runtime being much longer than the original could mean adding unnecessary filler also. What you get with this drama is a top notch production, a quality script, and instead of filler you get character arcs/development. I'm glad that the direction took it in the way of developing characters rather than adding drama or action.

So let me explain that...

Takato is Akin in this drama, played by Boom. I have watched a little bit of Chains of Hearts, so I recognize him. I didn't finish it so I'm not the most familiar with him, but wow. Boom is an amazing actor, and he is one that uses his expressions to the fullest. Just like Akin, he doesn't need a lot of lines to steal a scene, he understands his character to a degree that I had to rewatch several scenes to pick up on Akin's little antics. Just like a real person, this character is fleshed out to the point where he has nervous ticks/habits. I thinks it's interesting to see it all come from the source material, and realistically fit into this setting. What I also want to add is that the setting has some depth. As I said before, the team is competent, and what I can tell from that is how famous Akin and Jin really are.

There are billboards, magazines, merchandise, other people reacting.. all of these add to show that Jin and Akin are A-List actors, and are famous. It's details like that, that may seem small, but seriously add to the drama.

The chemistry is also realistic, and with the length you are now able to feel the yearning all the more. I can feel the absence of the other, in the main characters lives. I see them together and know they will get together, but notice a natural connection, that is growing naturally as well. The characterization of Akin and Jin is one of the best things of the drama. Boom plays Akin so well, and when you think about it- it can't be easy.

Akin is a very serious actor, a senior in the industry. He is also just a guy with his own worries, and weird obsessions. He is able to act arrogant to himself, and be polite and humble infront of others. I could write a whole character essay on why I love Akin, and how Top Form took Takato and made Akin so very perfect. It's not over the top, it's subtle with the nods to the original as well as taking the best parts. I am happy to see the age difference here, and it makes a lot of sense... I could get into why the casting is perfect also..

Smart plays Jin, Junta.. Junta is Jin. Smart is really capturing the energy of this lead, like Boom, so so well. I can't decide which characterization I like better. Both take the best of the original, while being unafraid to change the faults. For now, Jin still has a lot of backstory I could see them adding in, but I like what is here so far.

Overall I really like what is here so far. This drama is an example of a great adaptation. While I could list others that are horrible, I will just recommend this drama! You will be missing out if you don't watch.

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Not to be greedy but… season 2?

Alright, so, I’ve never written a review before, and I don’t plan on doing it often, but this show was worth writing one for. Everything about it was just PERFECT.

At first I just planned on watching one episode and maybe dropping it if I didn’t like it. (Really, the reviews and ratings I saw convinced me to watch this.) honestly the cover and description of a drama are what make me want to watch a show or not, and this didn’t really speak to me, BUT OH WAS I PROVEN WRONG. Jesus Christ. In the middle of my exams (!!) I binged the entire series. I just couldn’t stop (and ofc that’s a good thing).

I obviously heard about the honey scene before (and that might also be one of the reasons why I started this drama) and I can say I was NOT disappointed. You’re weird if you watch it just for that, but go ahead girl, I get it lol. Now, you should know I’ve seen stuff, alright. I’ve seen crazy dramas, I’ve seen GOOD dramas, but nothing could’ve prepared me for this. And I’m not just talking about the honey scene. I’ve seen a lot of good and bad dramas but this was definitely one of the better ones, if not just one of the best. And I’m including everything with that: cinematography, music, acting, plot, side characters, NC scenes, …

The description of the series doesn’t do it any justice, in my opinion. Yes, it is a story of two actors falling in love, that’s basically it. But everything about the story just hits in a way that makes it feel different from other series. The tempo of the events, the music at the right time (and a banger song at that), the wings edited on Jin in some scenes, it all just makes this whole thing a masterpiece.

This was also the first time I’ve seen Smart and Boom act. And now I want more dramas with them. OMG I LOVE THEM!!!! Boom cried in every. Single. Episode. Every single one. And he ate that tf up. And so did Smart whenever he cried. The both of them were able to portray their emotions so beautifully! One of the best pair of actors I’ve come across.

Of course, this is still a BL. And most of the time BL’s are not really about the plot of the series, or the quality of the acting, we just have to admit that. I’ve seen a lot of those, and that is maybe also why this one stands out. Also… I cringed at times, which, again, is typical for BL’s (you know damn well what I mean). But I can’t deny that Top Form is totally worth watching. It is Netflix-worthy even. Before I watched it I thought it might be one of those mainstream series, if you know what I mean. (I might strike a nerve with this, but) I thought it would be like We Are or Only Friends. And I don’t mean that the plot would be like those, but just the fact that those series are wildly overrated (yes, I said it. Cry about it). Top Form really is different. BETTER. YYEEAAAAHHHH.

When I saw the end of the last episode I could smell a season 2. Am I delusional?

Anyways guys, that concludes my review. I hope you agreed with my opinions (or not, that’s good too. We love a little disagreement! The world would be boring if everyone thought the same things). I very much hope I convinced you. Bye bye x.

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''LIFE IS THE FLOWER,,

“Life is the flower for which love is the honey,” quoted by Victor Hugo, uses a metaphor to express the enriching power of love. In this comparison, life is depicted as a flower : something beautiful, full of potential, and in need of care, while love is likened to honey, the sweet essence that makes the flower even more delightful and meaningful. Honey symbolizes the joy, sweetness, and depth that love brings to life. The message behind the quote is that although life on its own has value and beauty, it is love that truly enhances it, making life more joyful, fulfilling, and deeply connected.

Why exactly did I decide to begin my review like this? Well, if you've seen episode 4, you'd know why. But, thats not the only reason. I feel as if the show represents a sweet love, sweet like honey. In this, the flower is Jin. Loved and cared for by Akin. You could argue and say it's the other way around, considering Akin was the one taken care of more, but, either way it gets to the point.

Story:
The series follows Jin, a young actor on the rise, and Akin, a famous star who has been named the “Sexiest Man Alive” five times. As Jin becomes more popular, he catches Akin’s attention, and a playful rivalry begins. They tease each other often, but underneath the jokes is a growing attraction. Over time, their relationship becomes deeper and more passionate. The story explores how they deal with their feelings while working in the tough and competitive entertainment industry. Along the way, they face challenges with fame, ambition, and love, learning how to balance their careers and their hearts.

Smart and Boom have strong on-screen chemistry that draws in viewers with a mix of contrast and connection. Smart is playful and full of energy, while Boom is calm and steady, and their differences create a fun back-and-forth that matches their roles in Top Form. Their acting styles also balance each other well. Smart is more spontaneous, and Boom is more careful and controlled, making their scenes feel fresh and exciting. Off-screen, they seem comfortable and close, which helps their emotional and romantic scenes feel natural. Together, they make a powerful team, and fans, like myself, won't stop talking about them anytime soon.

Top form, the thing that made my Thursdays better, I will miss you. I really hope the ending hints at a second season, but who knows? What I DO know is that I hope there will be many more SmartBoon projects in the future. But until then, Ill just have to sit and rewatch Top Form, along with clips of these two cutie together!!

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Deserves A Class Unto Itself! A Masterpiece!

This series is so near perfection that it almost belongs in a separate category. Wow! (However, I do think it is infelicitously titled). I had almost given up on Thai BLs until by happenstance, I came across this discovery. I was so enthralled from its beginning that I binged watch it from start to finish with just a small break in between. An exceptional rarity for me. It captured me on every level and seized every fiber of my being. I cried. I laughed. I felt joy. I encountered pain. I understood. Most of all, I regarded each and yet both. I perceived two individuals destined to be together. They made their journey so credible, real, genuine, and most of all sincere. They gave us passion, devotion, and an unwavering sense that the only thing that mattered was each other. And they did it without sacrificing their own sense of who they were or diminishing their own connection to humanity.

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