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This review may contain spoilers
Everything in life has its own rhythm
Everything in life has its own rhythm: the beat of a song, the steps on the way home, the roar of an engine, a blink of an eye, the thump of a heart. All these "speeds" come together to create a unique flow, what we call the tempo of life.
A SOLID 9.
Gentle, warm, sweet, and deeply touching. This truly feels like it was written by a woman. That's all I could think of while watching "Thamepo" and even after it ended. The film is like a fresh, green meadow, a safe haven in a storm, able to mend a heart after broke it open. It doesn't try to hurt or torment you, but rather encourages you to look deep inside, facing those tough, nagging questions: "What am I living for?" and "What good do my actions bring to this world?"
Of course, these are universal questions of our time, for every individual; those big life questions are always there, and people never stop asking them, then coming up with different answers. Some believe that living means making an impact, and to show that impact, you have to be really successful, reach a high place, so your name is remembered in history, or at least leave something behind from the life you've lived.
I once read in a novel that each life on Earth is basically a temporary stay; eventually, the guest leaves, moving to another place, unburdened, leaving nothing behind. Is it true that life only has meaning if we leave our name in this world? Isn't it true that by the end of our lives, everyone's name will be carved onto a tombstone anyway? So, perhaps, everyone will have their name etched somewhere, precisely at the moment they return their temporary room and leave this world? Honestly, what the world expects of us is exactly what we expect of ourselves. People long to be recognized, respected, and loved; no one wants to live a pointless life, a life that's just existing. But how do you live a life that matters?
"Thamepo" tackles that question head-on, using a mix of comparisons, trial, and error to give answers that are direct but not shallow. I've noticed that GMM series always try to slip in some kind of social message, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and this time, GMM really hit the mark.
The storytelling is clever and subtle, keeping the plot from being predictable or boring, even though it's just about two lovers, an idol's complicated romance, or the dark side of showbiz – themes that have been seen hundreds of times. While dealing with these familiar topics, "Thamepo" this time brings in a different story, a different message, told in a fresh way. It explores the bond between idols and their true fans (also mark a gentle reminder), friendship, family love, love as a safe place to return to, and most importantly, the very tempo of life itself. Live at your own tempo, listen to your heart's beat, just live without worrying – that's the answer to everything.
The segment that truly gave me goosebumps was the one about the tailor's dream. He had lived over 60 years, doing the same job, so happy and positive that people assumed it was his dream. But then he chuckled, admitting it wasn't a dream at all; he had never had one, yet he was still living. I believe that many others, not just me, saw themselves in that statement. No dreams, no goals, no destination – do these alone predict that we cannot succeed because we have no way to reach our aspirations? Does it mean our lives are meaningless, and we ourselves are worthless?
Actually, for a long time, I haven't thought that way. And this time, I was amazed, because the truth is that many others share my feelings. Our mere existence in this life, the way we interact with the world, is enough to leave our mark. What defines me is not an IELTS certificate, a gold medal, or millions in my bank account, but the tears I've shed, the half-eaten cake in my fridge, the glass of water I've drunk, the paths I've walked. I exist in this world through the image I leave in others' eyes, my smile, my foolishness, and through the image I leave in my own eyes – my helplessness, doubts, and even my worries and anxieties.
Every second, every minute, every step we take, every breath we draw, adds to the flow of the life we live, and that of those around us too.
What are expectations, what is peer pressure? One is a set tempo forcing us to follow it, the other is the tempo of others – people who are also struggling, taking steps just like us. It's still the same truth: "fuck it" – just ignore it. Being selfish for yourself isn't truly selfish; instead, it's respecting your own tempo, as long as you also respect the tempo of others.
I've written too much about my thoughts and ideas in a review again, but a film that can spark such reflections in me proves it's still a good film, capable of making me connect deeply enough to feel its hidden message, instead of just watching for surface entertainment. "Thamepo" isn't outstanding in terms of keeping you glued to the screen, nor is there explosive chemistry, but everything unfolds gently, naturally, telling a story of pure and incredibly "green" love. Talking about love (a pretty main theme) in the film, this is a healing love, a comfort zone for both characters; one finds peace for emotional wounds, the other finds themselves through that love. Their love is very pure, like a first love. I have a piece of music to send to Thame and Po:
"The rain falls, gently watering the soul
And the rain is regenerating us (regenerating us)
The rain brings you gently into my life
And after the rain, the heart also blossoms
The sky is so blue, sunlight bathes the young leaves
Morning embraces the soul since you came (since you came)
And love begins when we look into each other's eyes
I see my heart reborn after many pains"
That's it. Watching the film, even though Thamepo's love story doesn't involve complex misunderstandings or overly intense drama, perhaps only situational issues, it still makes you want to love and be loved. I like the scenes where Po cries; his crying makes you feel heartbroken too, both fragile and strong, mature and cute (kudos to Est). I like listening to Thame's voice, gentle, clear, easy to listen to, very soothing (kudos to William). Although their relationship is naturally soft, so their conversations felt a bit cheesy to me, that's just their style of romance, and I find it quite charming. Another kudos for the pretty intimate kissing scene.
The story of friendship, love, dreams, and life is told very completely, with an ending that closes one chapter and opens a bright future for youth and love, continuously moving forward with one's own tempo – and that of their lover – I'll wait for you, you'll wait for me, everyone living the most meaningful life, in this temporary stay.
But of course, there were still some moments that threw off the film's tempo for me. Some details felt forced and unnecessary (like Jun and Po parts), some parts were a bit too slow; I prefer the problem-solving parts to be a bit more fast-paced. The metaphors and imagery were really good (the steps, Jun and Thame playing at the amusement park, their gazes...) but it felt like they were worried the audience wouldn't get it, so some explanations made the film feel a bit less deep. The film is a bit too idealized, everything's a bit "unrealistic," and there are some plot holes (like Thame being famous but walking around holding hands like a normal person), but hey, that's also a way to get the message across, so it's fine.
The film still gave me a full experience – the emotions I look for when watching a movie: joy, excitement, sweetness, depth, touching moments, warmth (truly super heartwarming, especially the parts about the boyband, it just melts your heart). The film surprised me quite a bit when it needed to, and throughout the whole thing, because I had watched the first few episodes and found the tempo too slow, not engaging enough, a bit boring, but watching it again, I realized how lucky I was to give the film another chance.
A SOLID 9.
Gentle, warm, sweet, and deeply touching. This truly feels like it was written by a woman. That's all I could think of while watching "Thamepo" and even after it ended. The film is like a fresh, green meadow, a safe haven in a storm, able to mend a heart after broke it open. It doesn't try to hurt or torment you, but rather encourages you to look deep inside, facing those tough, nagging questions: "What am I living for?" and "What good do my actions bring to this world?"
Of course, these are universal questions of our time, for every individual; those big life questions are always there, and people never stop asking them, then coming up with different answers. Some believe that living means making an impact, and to show that impact, you have to be really successful, reach a high place, so your name is remembered in history, or at least leave something behind from the life you've lived.
I once read in a novel that each life on Earth is basically a temporary stay; eventually, the guest leaves, moving to another place, unburdened, leaving nothing behind. Is it true that life only has meaning if we leave our name in this world? Isn't it true that by the end of our lives, everyone's name will be carved onto a tombstone anyway? So, perhaps, everyone will have their name etched somewhere, precisely at the moment they return their temporary room and leave this world? Honestly, what the world expects of us is exactly what we expect of ourselves. People long to be recognized, respected, and loved; no one wants to live a pointless life, a life that's just existing. But how do you live a life that matters?
"Thamepo" tackles that question head-on, using a mix of comparisons, trial, and error to give answers that are direct but not shallow. I've noticed that GMM series always try to slip in some kind of social message, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and this time, GMM really hit the mark.
The storytelling is clever and subtle, keeping the plot from being predictable or boring, even though it's just about two lovers, an idol's complicated romance, or the dark side of showbiz – themes that have been seen hundreds of times. While dealing with these familiar topics, "Thamepo" this time brings in a different story, a different message, told in a fresh way. It explores the bond between idols and their true fans (also mark a gentle reminder), friendship, family love, love as a safe place to return to, and most importantly, the very tempo of life itself. Live at your own tempo, listen to your heart's beat, just live without worrying – that's the answer to everything.
The segment that truly gave me goosebumps was the one about the tailor's dream. He had lived over 60 years, doing the same job, so happy and positive that people assumed it was his dream. But then he chuckled, admitting it wasn't a dream at all; he had never had one, yet he was still living. I believe that many others, not just me, saw themselves in that statement. No dreams, no goals, no destination – do these alone predict that we cannot succeed because we have no way to reach our aspirations? Does it mean our lives are meaningless, and we ourselves are worthless?
Actually, for a long time, I haven't thought that way. And this time, I was amazed, because the truth is that many others share my feelings. Our mere existence in this life, the way we interact with the world, is enough to leave our mark. What defines me is not an IELTS certificate, a gold medal, or millions in my bank account, but the tears I've shed, the half-eaten cake in my fridge, the glass of water I've drunk, the paths I've walked. I exist in this world through the image I leave in others' eyes, my smile, my foolishness, and through the image I leave in my own eyes – my helplessness, doubts, and even my worries and anxieties.
Every second, every minute, every step we take, every breath we draw, adds to the flow of the life we live, and that of those around us too.
What are expectations, what is peer pressure? One is a set tempo forcing us to follow it, the other is the tempo of others – people who are also struggling, taking steps just like us. It's still the same truth: "fuck it" – just ignore it. Being selfish for yourself isn't truly selfish; instead, it's respecting your own tempo, as long as you also respect the tempo of others.
I've written too much about my thoughts and ideas in a review again, but a film that can spark such reflections in me proves it's still a good film, capable of making me connect deeply enough to feel its hidden message, instead of just watching for surface entertainment. "Thamepo" isn't outstanding in terms of keeping you glued to the screen, nor is there explosive chemistry, but everything unfolds gently, naturally, telling a story of pure and incredibly "green" love. Talking about love (a pretty main theme) in the film, this is a healing love, a comfort zone for both characters; one finds peace for emotional wounds, the other finds themselves through that love. Their love is very pure, like a first love. I have a piece of music to send to Thame and Po:
"The rain falls, gently watering the soul
And the rain is regenerating us (regenerating us)
The rain brings you gently into my life
And after the rain, the heart also blossoms
The sky is so blue, sunlight bathes the young leaves
Morning embraces the soul since you came (since you came)
And love begins when we look into each other's eyes
I see my heart reborn after many pains"
That's it. Watching the film, even though Thamepo's love story doesn't involve complex misunderstandings or overly intense drama, perhaps only situational issues, it still makes you want to love and be loved. I like the scenes where Po cries; his crying makes you feel heartbroken too, both fragile and strong, mature and cute (kudos to Est). I like listening to Thame's voice, gentle, clear, easy to listen to, very soothing (kudos to William). Although their relationship is naturally soft, so their conversations felt a bit cheesy to me, that's just their style of romance, and I find it quite charming. Another kudos for the pretty intimate kissing scene.
The story of friendship, love, dreams, and life is told very completely, with an ending that closes one chapter and opens a bright future for youth and love, continuously moving forward with one's own tempo – and that of their lover – I'll wait for you, you'll wait for me, everyone living the most meaningful life, in this temporary stay.
But of course, there were still some moments that threw off the film's tempo for me. Some details felt forced and unnecessary (like Jun and Po parts), some parts were a bit too slow; I prefer the problem-solving parts to be a bit more fast-paced. The metaphors and imagery were really good (the steps, Jun and Thame playing at the amusement park, their gazes...) but it felt like they were worried the audience wouldn't get it, so some explanations made the film feel a bit less deep. The film is a bit too idealized, everything's a bit "unrealistic," and there are some plot holes (like Thame being famous but walking around holding hands like a normal person), but hey, that's also a way to get the message across, so it's fine.
The film still gave me a full experience – the emotions I look for when watching a movie: joy, excitement, sweetness, depth, touching moments, warmth (truly super heartwarming, especially the parts about the boyband, it just melts your heart). The film surprised me quite a bit when it needed to, and throughout the whole thing, because I had watched the first few episodes and found the tempo too slow, not engaging enough, a bit boring, but watching it again, I realized how lucky I was to give the film another chance.
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