An overstretched Nothingness
When I watched the trailer I didn't expect much, but it actually started really well. I ate my words for the first five episodes and I was so pleasantly surprised, but then it flopped. No depth was given to neither the characters nor the couple dynamics. Everyone in this story remained two dimensional from start to finish and it's a shame because all of them had so much potential to be fleshed out in 16 episodes. Instead of that we got a pointless back and forth between the two main couples for multiple episodes and almost zero screen time for the side couples, when there was so much room for development. Don't get me wrong, it does have it's fun and cute moments, but that's just it. Nothing really substantial. If they went for a 10 episode series it would work, but 16 episodes is just a waste of budget.The acting overall was fine. The actors did their job. For me, Aou and Boom really carried the show, even with their limited screen time. They are very experienced actors and elevated their roles.
If you're interested in watching something feel good with zero drama just to pass your time and relax that's a fine show to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Incredible from every aspect!
By far the best series GMMTV produced for 2024! Words aren't enough to describe how good it was. For starters, we are not talking about a bl, but a show that mainly revolves around the themes of family bonds and friendship. Each episode was unique and a rollercoaster of emotions, that you'd find yourself from laughing to crying in a matter of seconds. By investing on a cleverly written plot and well developed characters, this show never flops or gets boring.What's more fascinating to watch is that aside from the main cast, who's acting is excellent and their characters so lovable with great chemistry and interactions, you also get to see cameos of many actors that manage to shine just in that small amount of time they are given, portraying very well thought and deep characters with their own past and motives and that's something that many other series struggle to give even to their main characters.
I highly recommend it to everyone! I feel it can touch anyone's heart one way or another, given the variety of stories it offers. Just check it out for yourself and you won't regret it!
Was this review helpful to you?
Lived up to my expectations
A very well written and consistent story, that successfully captures the essence of a fairytale with its great performances and ethereal music choices. It's not a series that left me speechless plot wise, but it has a very mesmerising atmosphere that just draws you in. Namtan and Film really acted their a**es out without one outshining the other. If anything, they compliment each other so well. The side couple, I didn't mind but I didn't care about either. The acting was good, but the series could survive just fine without that storyline for me.Overall, it's a show worth checking out if you want to see a good gl or just enjoy romance in general..
Was this review helpful to you?
Beyond fulfilling and worth watching!
A series rich in locations, colours and flavours, framed by a retro aesthetic and tasteful music choices. The romantic aspect is the primary focus of the story --with some action and clever comedy elements combined-- yet no character lives in the shadow of their relationship. We got four very distinctive, fleshed out and independent personalities with their own goals and motives, that could stand alone and still keep the show entertaining.Acting-wise, the characters are uniquely portrayed and all the actors deserve praise for rising to the challenges and demands their roles present. I will commend First a little more for his performance, only because his character's portrayal heavily depended on micro-expressions and affective flexibility; something I consider really difficult and he does exceptionally.
The show is not flawless and it might have a few loose ends here and there, but it is a very enjoyable and fun ride and I do recommend it to anyone who will watch it for what it is. If you expect a deep mafia drama plot, I suggest you look elsewhere. If you're also looking for a cute, fluffy series of green and red flags, you won't enjoy this series guaranteed. This show embraces the grey. It doesn't follow a moral code and no character falls under the category of the good or the bad guy. The duality of the series, is what makes it stand out from the stack of bls.
Was this review helpful to you?
Wasted Potential
An interesting premise with strong and likable characters, but with unfortunately poor execution. Before anything else let me say that Ohm and Leng delivered as a couple. Their chemistry was present and you could see their effort, but the writing failed from all aspects. The build up was missing. Many things were rushed, resulting to half-assed character development, plot missteps and after a point not story left to tell. They tried to merge romance with action, but there was imbalance. The romance was too much and the action was too little, with none of them ending up good. If they have taken their time to properly explore the characters and not stray from the original plot this would turn into a totally different show that could still maintain its romantic and fluffy side. Alternatively, if they wanted to maintain a fast pace, turning it into a mini series would also work.As for the acting, it was fine for for the most part and I appreciated the cinematography and some interesting musical choices.
Overall, it's an okay series to spend your time with, but nothing really memorable for me. I would give it a chance just to get a taste of Ohm and Leng as a pairing if you're curious, but also for Ohm Thipakorn. I think he did very well.
Was this review helpful to you?
Rescued by YothaGun - Saved by FaifaWine
If you're looking for a refreshing uni story, this show isn't any different from the countless others that have been released over the years, minus the length and the big cast of so many loved actors, which was a nice surprise. What's really strange about it is that it doesn't feel like a series that belongs to 2025. It carries many outdated aspects from way older bls as well as recycling certain stereotypes. After so many years, I'd expect the writting to be more careful when it comes to some sensitive topics like consent (expressed or implied) and boundaries, that can send the wrong message when written poorly, especially since the target group is young audiences. The series failed on that part a few times.Stories:
ArcArm [Episodes 1-8]: The struggle was real. I grew tired after episode 2. There was literally no plot to stretch for 8 episodes. 4 episodes --maximum 5-- would be enough. I don't know what Force and Book did to deserve this backpedaling to their career. The only redeeming quality of this story, was a few funny moments and their good acting. They worked much better as side characters for the story in the later episodes. As for the side couple, it was just there. Their characters weren't distinctive at all. Very flat interactions, that didn't really offer anything to the story.
YothaGun [Episodes 9-16]: Prevented me from dropping the series. It basically follows the same logic in the way the romance is developed in the first story, but it's much more improved. The characters are more fleshed out and the plot is more solid, tackling some serious issues along the way, but it still has its ups and downs on the writing department. I didn't enjoy the romance that much and I wish this story focused a bit more on the important parts of the characters that shaped their personality. My favourite part was the acting. I knew Perth was good, but I watched Santa for the first time and he really impressed me. Aou and Boom were the side couple, and as always they were that good you wished you'd see a spin off of their characters.
FaifaWine[Episodes 17-24]: Actually the most interestingly written romance out of the three from the meeting to the development to the interactions between the characters. It's the healthiest and the most relatable story I'd say. Great acting from Junior specifically. The character of Faifa is by far the best written in the entire series and he nails it. It was a story worth waiting for and I enjoyed it the most.
Music:
I can safely say that it was the worst part of this series by far, hence my super low score. I know it's cheaper to use songs from the gmmtv records, but gosh I got a headache listening to same song at any form. Some scenes demanded the silence, because they were serious and others needed different type of songs to amplify the vibe of each scene. A lot of times it ruined the mood the actors set and it didn't fit. I really don't know whose idea it was to add to the classic staring contests non stop music after each sentence was spoken. The countless sound effects were just the cherry on top. At least, for the last part everything was reduced, which was a relief for me as a viewer.
Overall, if you just want to pass your time or relieve your stress sure it's a fun series to watch, but nothing to lose your mind over.
Was this review helpful to you?
Chaotic!!!
A very surreal series consisting of ridiculous situations, exaggerated characters and a unique sense of humour, that you'll either love or hate. For me, it had its charm and a very distinct identity. It felt refreshing watching such a different type of bl, even if the plot wasn't something you'd lose your mind over.I'd say the stronger part of the show is the acting. Shahkrit, who plays the boss, portrayed his role exceptionally, with his wealth of experience definitely elevating the comedy element. Earth and Mix shone through their performances as well, proving that they are just as capable in comedy as they are in drama. Ironically, their best and most genuine dramatic scene for me came from this series.
Overall, it's a good show and I do recommend it to anyone who just looks for a light - hearted series to pass the time. It does have heart and some very cute moments under all these layers of absurdity..
Was this review helpful to you?
I crave for more..
A refreshing premise that goes beyond the usual bl recipe and dares to experiment with other genres, by blending comedy with action and drama. Each episode --while lengthy-- is so enjoyable that you don't find yourself getting bored or tired.However, it suffered on the writing department. After a point the plot expanded so much it took so many directions that the focus got disturbed with some aspects of the series getting neglected; like the romance, the development of the side characters, even the main leads I feel didn't get the attention they deserved. Either the show should have had more episodes, so that all the plotlines could have gotten properly developed or the focus should have remained in a smaller scale of things and leave room for the characters to gradually grow both emotionally and mentally, because now it left me with the sense that I didn't get my closure. The show itself had set the bar so high in the first episodes, that I expected to see some things happen that I didn't get to after all..
Acting wise it was beautiful. It was my first time watching these actors and I loved their performances. Yin and War as a tv couple have that unique chemistry that gave me butterflies even when they only exchanged looks and that's something you rarely see.
Overall, the series is good and I really loved it! Definitely a fun journey for the viewer and I recommend it to anyone who isn't looking for a standard romance.
Was this review helpful to you?
A super progressive series
For starters it's not a bl, but has a lot of queer elements.We are talking about a very progressive series. It may start as a simple and fun story, but it really addresses a wide variety of issues, without being stilted about it. Nothing is thrown at your face to force you feel some type of way. Everything is incorporated into the plot, from the characters' point of view and has an impact on the story. Whether you agree or not about it, it's still in your discretion. The point is that some things you usually don't see in other shows here are getting presented, which is very interesting. All the characters are also super unique and very well written, representing all sorts of people out there and are very cleverly put into the story. Still, it's not a very emotionally heavy story. It will touch you in the feels many times, but it keeps its light heartedness in general.
The cast is great. All the actors are top notch and do justice to their roles.
Like in every other series of P'Jojo, the music choices are very cool.
Overall, it's a great series to give a chance to. It includes some controversial topics, but if you appreciate a well written and well paced story without looking for too much drama or too much comedy, this one balances it well I feel.
Was this review helpful to you?
Time well Invested
A brilliant series from the very well written story to the amazing cinematography to the exceptional acting. It perfectly combines mystery with romance and action all very cleverly put, evoking all kinds of emotions. It keeps you interested from the start till the end, making you speculate and theorise over the possibilities. The plot is so strong you really need to pay attention to all the details. It's also the reason the rewatch value in my rating is so high. I feel the second time it's gonna look like a new show.I recommend this series only to those who enjoy a complex story with dark undertones.
Was this review helpful to you?
A disaster..
Being already a fan of the manga, it was my most anticipated series of the year only to be left really disappointed. For the most part, the show stays loyal to the original material with all the necessary changes for cultural reasons, but the execution failed miserably. The story was buried under product placements and mass merch endorsement, one that I've never seen in any other bl going that hard. Some scene additions were totally unnecessary as well, offering nothing other than dragging the pace, when there was so much material to adapt already. All that combined with very childish music choices on the background. In all honesty, after a point I watched the episodes fast forward just to get on with it, with the only exception being the intro and the outro song, which I loved very much.As for the cast, it couldn't have been more perfect. These four actors were excellent for the roles and did their best, but even with their skills I didn't manage to connect with the characters at all. And when the writing suffers there's so much an actor can do.
Despite all that, I do recommend this series to anyone who just wants to see a very fluffy and non dramatic story. It has its cute and fun moments here and there and if that's the type of series you enjoy you could give it a try.
Was this review helpful to you?
Toxicity at its finest
A controversial show you either love or hate.Toxic and emotionally draining, but that's the quality that makes it special. It doesn't feel like a fairytale, where everything is sprinkled with stardust. It's mature and focuses on the ugly and less attractive side of people, when they are at their worst and succumb to their lowest instincts. I enjoyed watching these six characters being humans. Petty and flawed. They will definitely frustrate you, you will love them, you'll hate them, you'll sympathise with them, but they are all multi dimensional they feel real.
Aside from the story itself the acting must be praised. Every actor gave it their best and the result was amazing. I will commend Khaotung a bit more for delivering --in a terrifyingly realistic way-- one of the best scenes I've ever ever watched on a bl so far.
As for the music, every song selected fitted each scene perfectly and amplified the emotions the characters conveyed.
Overall, it's a show I definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in a less perfect story.
Was this review helpful to you?
I Feel You Linger in the Air: Uncut Version
0 people found this review helpful
Almost but not Quite
Definitely an interesting premise with beautiful cinematography and good acting, but bland writing and execution. It attempted to give focus to many characters and escape the common BL standard, but with lukewarm results. The story that was building up for the majority of the episodes --even though interesting-- wasn't properly developed and got written off very quickly to give space to the romance, which wasn't properly developed either.The main characters didn't feel as main characters at all. The actors were good, but their characters were not strongly written, making me unable to get emotionally attached to them or their story. And that goes for the rest of the cast as well. The writting only scratched the surface for their roles with the only exceptions being a few side characters that actually managed to show depth, despite their very limited screen time, making you want for their stories to be explored more.
Another thing that fell short, for me, is that for a period drama, it didn't give you the illusion that it was set in a different period of time. It lacked the cultural references that would create a strong world built and the characters felt modern both in the way they spoke and the way they approached some matters, which seemed unrealistic for a past context.
Overall, it's a nice story to watch and a genre you won't easily find in bls, so I do recommend it to those who want to watch something different and also love slow burns.
Was this review helpful to you?
Good overall
It took me a while to warm up to this series. Plot wise, it's not something super unique to lose your mind over, but it does have its comedic moments and at the end I came to love each and every one of these eccentric characters and all the chaos that was happening around. But I have to point out that Pond as Judo won me over the most. His role is really hilarious and he does justice to his part.Overall, it's a fine mini series if you want to pass your time and if comedy is among the genres you enjoy, I recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
P.S. I loved it
A series that perfectly combines unpredictability and predictability at the same time. Its enticing plot sucks you in early in the series and doesn't let you go till the end. It does have its dark elements, but it's still very enjoyable to watch. By no means it's perfect and there are some exaggerated even unrealistic moments that don't align that much with the show's identity, but they don't overshadow the overall experience. I gave it such a high rewatch value, because in the second time I feel one will be able to piece better some of the info scattered into the episodes and also pay more attention to the characters and their mannerisms.I do recommend the series to anyone who loves messiness and a bit more heavy drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
