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  • Location: Davao City, Davao Sel Sur, Philippines
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  • Join Date: August 9, 2018

Erique Mendoza

Davao City, Davao Sel Sur, Philippines
Completed
LoveSick 2024
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 24, 2024
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

A Remarkable Remake That Captures the Heart of the Original While Adding a Fresh Twist

First of all, I want to acknowledge the producers, director, actors, and the entire staff of LoveSick 2024 for doing an exceptional job with this remake. LoveSick 2014 is one of the pioneering BL series that helped establish the entire industry. As someone who became a fan after watching both Seasons 1 and 2 of the original, I approached this remake with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. This review will include a comparison between the original and the remake, highlighting their strengths and differences.

When I first learned about this remake, I was thrilled and found myself constantly checking for updates. Once it aired, I was glued to the screen. Even if you haven’t watched the original series or read the novel, you’ll likely find yourself falling in love with this remake. Similar to the original, the 2024 version features young and fresh talents, giving the series a vibrant and contemporary feel.

Differences Between the Original and the Remake

One of the most noticeable differences lies in the structure. The original LoveSick spans two seasons: Season 1 has 12 episodes, focusing on how the main characters, Phun and Noh, begin to develop feelings for each other, culminating in an open-ended finale. Season 2 extends to 36 episodes, delving into multiple story arcs for almost every character in the story. The remake, on the other hand, compresses both seasons into a single 15-episode series.

This was an ambitious task, and I was initially skeptical about how they would manage to incorporate the iconic moments of a 48-episode story into just 15 episodes. To my surprise, they succeeded. The remake skillfully retains the core elements of the original while streamlining the plot for a modern audience.

Although both versions follow the general storyline of the novel, the remake introduces adjustments to better align with the sensibilities of a new generation. Certain character arcs have been altered, which I will touch upon later in the review.

Strengths of the Remake

The comedic antics of the side characters continue to provide the same entertaining vibes as the original. Notably, the remake includes an uncut version, which I highly recommend for fans of the novel and the original series. This version includes scenes that flesh out the arcs of the side couples, adding depth to their stories. In contrast, the YouTube version feels fast-paced, often omitting critical moments involving characters like Per, Win, Earn, and Pete.

Character Comparisons

- Noh: Across the novel, original series, and remake, Noh has always been a lovable character. In the remake, Progress captures Captain's (the original Noh) charm, wacky expressions, and overall adorableness. Watching him felt like Noh hadn’t changed a bit, even after a decade.

- Phun: Almond brings his own flair to Phun, delivering a softer, flirtier interpretation compared to White’s (the original Phun) more masculine portrayal. Both interpretations are excellent, but Almond’s relatable charm stands out.

- Ohm and Mick: Ohm, portrayed by 2 different actors in the original (the 2nd season of the original was way cuter then the 1st season), but NJ in the remake, exudes charisma and sex appeal, making this version even more captivating than the original. Meanwhile, Mick transitions from reserved and adorable in the original to a bolder, K-pop-inspired character in the remake, enhancing the Ohm-Mick dynamic.

- Yuri: Both versions depict Yuri as clingy and sweet, but I found the original portrayal more compelling. The remake’s Yuri feels slightly clueless at times, though her role remains crucial to Noh’s journey to self discovery.

- Aim: A significant change was made to Aim’s character. While she was romantically involved with another guy in the original, the remake reimagines her as a girl fallin in love with a fellow girl student named Li, making her arc with Phun more cohesive and offering a satisfying resolution to her mistakes.

- Per and Win: Shane’s Per in the remake is undeniably handsome but lacks some of the goofy charm that made the original Per so entertaining. I just really hope that Shane can improve his acting on his next projects. Sky’s Win, on the other hand, is absolutely adorable, delivering a refreshing chemistry with Per. Just by Looking at Sky's face will make every viewers heart melt. Their revamped arc is relatable and emotionally engaging much to my liking.

- Earn and Pete: Earn remains a pivotal character, with Krit’s portrayal in the remake brimming with charm and charisma. I also think that Krit was the best actor to play the role of Earn for the remake. He has 3 times the charm and sex appeal of Ngern(The original Earn). I also love the way he makes his facial expression every time he makes a move on Noh and make Phun extreemly jealous. Pete was originally played by August in the original and now Played by Phop. Pete's character is full of inocense and pure unrequited love for Earn, however, the lack of character development for Earn and Pete is disappointing. Their storyline deserved more screen time to highlight the complexity of unrequited love.

- Jeed: In the remake, Jeed is more of a straightforward antagonist, a departure from her anti-hero arc in the original. While this simplifies her role, it does make her easier for viewers to dislike.

Improvements in the Remake

The remake wisely eliminates unnecessary drama, focusing instead on the novel’s central storyline. The bond between Noh and Ohm is given more emphasis, showcasing their deep friendship and brotherly love. Additionally, Fi’s role is expanded, making him more integral to the story as Phun’s best friend and a part of the Ohm-Mick-Fi love triangle.

One delightful addition is the Phong-Ngor ship, which wasn’t in the original but provides a charming subplot. While some comedic scenes felt slightly forced, they didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, LoveSick 2024 is a remarkable remake that balances respect for the original with thoughtful updates for a new generation. From the excellent casting to the polished production and engaging storytelling, the series offers a fantastic viewing experience. Fans of both the original and the remake will undoubtedly find themselves wondering what new stories the Friday High students could tell in a potential second season.

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Completed
Make It Right
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 9, 2018
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

“Make It Right: The Rookie BL That Made It So Right”

For my very first BL review, I wanted to go back to where it all started for me—and what better way than to shine the spotlight on Make It Right, a Thai BL series that may not have the most polished cast, but more than makes up for it with charm, heart, and raw potential.

First off, the fact that most of the lead cast are young and relatively new to acting piqued my interest. It made the entire series feel organic, unfiltered, and relatable—especially for viewers like me who appreciate a coming-of-age narrative that doesn’t try too hard to be perfect.

Story/Plot:
The emotional tug-of-war between Fuse and Tee is both frustrating and deeply relatable. Fuse's inner conflict—torn between two people who hold special places in his heart—echoes the kind of confusion many of us have faced in young love. While I do find Fuse a bit naïve (his constant consideration for Jean despite everything was head-scratching), the Fuse-Tee moments are undeniably sweet and memorable. Boom (as Tee) completely owns the role, and his smile alone could launch a thousand fan pages. Together, Boom and Peak gave us a BL pairing that feels tender, awkward, and unforgettable.

And then comes the surprise duo: Frame and Book. I had no idea what to expect from them, and that made every episode more exciting. Watching Frame transform from a flirty bad boy to a naughty but sweet boyfriend was such a delight—it was like watching a fanfic come to life in the best way possible. These two brought energy, charm, and an addictive tension that made me eager to hit “Next Episode.”

I also appreciate the subtle inclusion of a GL element through Fing’s character. It would have been great to see her storyline explored more deeply, but her presence did add another layer of emotional diversity to the show.

Acting:
As expected with rookie actors, there were moments that felt a bit stiff or lacking in emotional depth—particularly in the earlier episodes. I would’ve loved to see stronger facial expressions from Boom, Peak, and Toey to make some scenes hit harder. But to their credit, they grew into their roles over time. Ohm, in particular, stood out with a surprisingly nuanced performance for a first-timer. Overall, while not perfect, the entire cast was charming and easy to root for.

Music:
The soundtrack? Instant mood booster. I’ve already added most of the OSTs to my playlist—and they never fail to put me in a good mood. Whether it’s a tearjerker scene or a cute moment, the music always complements the emotions perfectly.

Rewatch Value:
Three full rounds of binge-watching and counting… so yes, this is absolutely a rewatch-worthy series for me!

OVERALL:
Make It Right is a light, feel-good BL series with a lot of heart. It may start a bit rough around the edges, but it grows on you fast. The story is emotionally rich, the music elevates the mood, and the characters—though young and imperfect—will leave a lasting impression. If you’re a BL lover looking for something sweet, nostalgic, and heartwarmingly real, this one’s a must-watch.

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Completed
Gelboys
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 29, 2025
7 of 7 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

Gelboys: A Raw, Unfiltered Masterpiece That Hits Where It Hurts (and Heals)

It took me a while to finally press play on Gelboys, but when I did—boy, was I blown away.

This Thai BL series isn’t your typical glossy, rom-com escapade. Gelboys is bold, gritty, and heartbreakingly authentic. It’s a mirror held up to the raw realities of growing up queer in Thailand, and for many, it will feel like a mirror held up to their own lives. Watching it reminded me vividly of my own coming-of-age—those first confusing, electrifying realizations of being attracted to the same sex. That kind of emotional echo? Rare, and incredibly powerful.

New Chayapak’s portrayal of Fou4Mod and Pj Mahidol’s take on Baabin are painfully real—stripped of artifice and delivered with striking vulnerability. Their dynamic is a true-to-life depiction of teenage queerness: messy, complicated, brave. And then there’s Leon Zech, whose internal monologue and expressive reaction shots as Bua pack a punch that lingers. His subtle delivery transforms even silence into a scream of emotion.

On the opposite end, Pide Monthapoom’s character, Chian, got under my skin in the best and worst ways—exactly what the role demanded. Even the supporting cast is on point, each character adding layers of realism and emotional weight that make Gelboys stand out in a sea of overproduced love stories.

From the cluttered rooms and streets to the beautifully unpolished look of the cinematography, everything feels... lived in. The production chose realism over perfection, and it pays off in full. The cinematography and color grading deviate from the bright, dreamy palettes typical of BLs, but here, that choice enhances the rawness of the storytelling and makes the entire viewing experience feel visceral.

The plot itself is deceptively simple—but the way it’s told? Absolutely nerve-wracking. Every twist, every silent glance, every emotional confrontation entangles you deeper. More than once, I found myself emotionally wrecked, aching for these characters. And let’s not forget the soundtrack—it’s perfectly curated to heighten every emotional beat, adding depth without overshadowing the performances.

The script is cleverly crafted, layered with subtext and sincerity. It’s rare to find a BL series that dares to be this emotionally honest, this unfiltered—and that’s exactly why Gelboys deserves the spotlight.

I’m already counting the days until season two drops. If this is the direction Thai BL is taking, we’re in for a renaissance.

Verdict: Gelboys is not just a series—it’s a feeling. One that stays with you, long after the credits roll.

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