J-atty

The Prince, The Princess and The Dreamer

I loved it! Melodramatic to its core and that's exactly its charm. Every episode either ended climatic or had drawn a strong emotion whether good or bad. One could never call LITM boring. The story was well thought out and acted. To say that the ml were the stars alone would be a bit far from the truth. The majority of the cast were engaging to the point that some were very entertaining. Inthra and his wife brought the humor which gave the series the right balance for it to be enjoyable.

The build up to the finale was so well executed that I did not miss more of Saenkaew and Sasin's cute moments. Every character was given ample time to develop and push the story along in the right direction. Pin, through all she endured, proved that ultimately love would win in the end. There were a few moments that one would wonder if she was a distant relative of Dhevi's. Those she cherished did her dirty. She was allowed. By refusing to continue being a pawn in everyone's game, she found her voice and finally understood what true love was. I believe her character was the most evolved.

I refuse to believe that Prince Kamfa was Saenkaew's father. He was throwing hands and feet whenever and whomever he felt needed it. Khamsu, proved to be a very strong and agile right hand man. Oh, a chuckle or two did escape me. Kamfa definitely acted like he was from the streets. His intentions were understandable though most times not warranted. How does a parent give their child over to the world to ravage. I will not say that this was his only motivation but from a position of royalty, as I said, understandable.

Grandma, I loved her, but she could have kept those lips shut at times. Again, here we could see how her character was used to escalate the rising anxiety. She did what every grandmother would do. Love their grandchild unconditionally. Homthip deserves her place in their family. A worthy confidante for the lovebirds.

Sasin and Saenkaew love story evolved. It took its time to grow, be recognized and embraced. This was so good that it bordered on great. The revelation in Sasin's eyes, beautiful. He himself didn't know until it was too late. He was drawn to be in his presence for the smallest of reasons and Saenkaew half way through became his willing partner. The director deserves an award for creating one of the most beautiful scenes. Sasin smilingly eats out of Saenkaew's palm and the look of dawning wonder on Saenkaew's face. There was only one way for their story to end. The drama between their meeting and forever after, brought enough excitement to make the 12 episodes worth it. Sasin forgiving being shot for the sake of love, is one for the books.

I readily admit, the last episode was rewarding but too sweet. Then again most melodramas are. I would have preferred that karma return to all, but hey, Sasin and Saenkaew's hands weren't clean either. So, the ending was acceptable. The scenery, wardrobe and direction: no complaints. In true melodrama style, copious amounts of tears flowed; Saenkaew's, Pin's and mine. This is worth the watch.

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Life is too short.....

Life is really too short to watch this teen drama (this was not college behaviour) more than once. Honestly, it was in my line up and I forgot about it. Got stuck at epi 2 and decided to give it a rest for a while. Kla's brutal honesty and protecting his space had me a little interested. Should have left it forgotten but at 2am with a little insomnia, why not. Why, indeed.

Irritant:
Every single actor in this show besides Kla, Itim, Gam and Poon.
Poon acting like Gam owed him something
The females with no braincells or pride. The boy don't want you.
The purpose of this was what: How to stay safe during covid? How to date via FT 101? How to be a stalker?
AF acting like a FA. The boy don't want you.
5 episodes was too long for this nonsense.
Cake acting like he don't know if he's ready. First night in Kla's room. He's ready.
Boss/Tong: Your role in Unforgotten Night should have been the base line. Then For Him, which speaks for itself. Now this. The direction you should be going is up. Not lateral or downward. Up.
After being stalked, targeted and your personal space invaded let's all forgive and forget with an apology.

Pro:
Kla always being blunt. He's not giving false hope.
Poon realising he was an idiot and fixed the situation asap.
Cake's brother Itim
Cake's brother with the condom.
Cake's brother hitting on AF.

I think it's a poor message to send out to the audience that criminal offenses could be forgiven with just an apology and a chat. Also, dating in the digital age is very scary. This did not appear to be an issue.

Watch at your own risk.

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Funny cute, but.....

This was a funny cute series but.... Yes, the but is there and glaringly so. I don't think this was delivered with the right formula. Placing Cheoyong throughout the series would have given it a little more balance and might have made the hap hazard scenarios funnier. Gil Dal's dramatic seriousness would have weighed heavier and not felt as tho, he alone was bringing the drama. Geum Bok and Bi Hyeong felt like a continuous joke, enjoyable yes, but their plight seemed trivial.

Overall, their moments were humorous. The love between the both couples were unique to themselves and didn't feel generic. I liked the way Ji Gwi's presence was introduced within the main's love story. I didn't like the interjection of the ex who wanted more. Gil Dal and Ji Gwi's story didn't need this. Please, stop with the random pathetic exes. The playful banter between Geum Bok and Bi Hyeong was really funny. Bi Hyeong's ego was on a bigger scale but easily put aside for Geum Bok. Their moment of anguish appropriately done.

The ending implies their trials are not over which suited their 1000 + year old relationship. Gil Dal's and Ji Gwi's final meeting showed how easily all could be forgiven in the name of love. Tho the implication is there, I'm hoping this is the end. The cast and storyline didn't grab me as much as it could. Still, it was a nice watch.

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A Love That Wouldn't Die

I can not let go of the hold this series has on me. In 12 ep, they managed to break me over and over again. Perfectly paired they have delivered the best yet. The desire, the angst, harsh decisions, resolute convictions and in the end, a love that didn't die.

Caught between two kingdoms, political plots and selfish ambitions, Zi Ang and Shu He, fought to be but in the end, on opposing sides, they fought each other. Finally, left with no other option, Shu He takes revenge but ultimately creates the only world they can live happily in. Free to be as they were meant to be, they greet each other with a smile. I will not go indepth with every detail as this entire series is worth viewing with fresh minds.

I easily bypass how small the production was Zhang Zhe Xu and Min Jin performances blotted out what was lacking. Central to the plot that delivered, was their meeting and the intense love borne of it. One raging and rash and the other sure and serene. Yet, both were bonded forever

The supporting cast is worthy of a mention. All of their parts were handled believably. This is a series I can fully recommend as its execution was effectively painful as it was beautiful. A period piece that will never age. It's worth watching time and time again.

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A Tale of the Unbelievable

This had the potential to be a decent series but in true Thai fashion dived into the unbelievable and absurd. Put drama and romance aside, it should also fall into the realm of fantasy. How on this side of sanity can this entire series be anything else but a long fanciful dream?

A young adult Keen, who recently lost his father, steps into the world of thai boxing to conquer all boxing crimes, brings down the biggest criminal behind it, solves mostly all situations leading to the criminals downfall, and ultimately his actions bring fortune to his circle. By the end, it would not have been a shock if he was elected as the minister's replacement as only he seems to be the best problem solver. Well, he and his female friend, a reporter. She alone could find the clues concerning the untimely deaths as the entire police police force was corrupted, or so we are to believe. Save one officer was shown to be of assistance. A corrupt minister, forced to eat poison at the end with no blow back. A convicted ex boxing promoter, an aide to the disgraced minister for more than a decade, is given less than a year in prison for assisting the police. A convicted ex boxer who was part of the minister's regime is given lifetime in jail. Can anyone spot the disparity here? Keen asking his new roommate Thun to bathe him as his wound stings if it gets wet (must be a Thai thing) to him buying back his childhood home at the end, was too much. The great escape deserves a worthy mention. Really? There is more that can be said but I won't.

Let's put the script down for a second and delve into the acting. Tears in abundance and either bland or shocked expressions. The interractions of the two couples felt natural for the most part and whatever that was bordering on bad or unrealistic, I will attribute to the script. Gunner and Nice worked well together but some more acting lessons are needed. Itt's tone though it fit his role became a bit irritating. Side characters were fair to okay but no wow moments worth mentioning. Tuck and Gap above the rest in delivery.

As stated before, this is not the worst but it could have been so much better. Script and direction. Script re-writing or remove the nc and market it for 13+. The director used was the same for Jack & Joker. So he's familiar with the unbelievable. He also did I Feel You Linger In The Air, Lovely Writer and others that were popular. I'll cut him some slack. If you are in need of a long fanciful tale of a young boy's fearlessness, give it a watch.

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Good for a laugh

If you have nothing else to do and I really do mean, nothing else.

This showed every single thing that could go wrong in making a series. The script - bad. The actors - bad. The club - bad. The arch nemesis - bad. The mother's fainting spell and approval - hilarious. If you want to get a partner - go watch a scary movie. Proven to work, at least here.

Here's the thing: Taiwan. Not China but Taiwan put that out for everyone to see. There is low budget, no budget and what the hell were they thinking? The last category is where this fits. The premise was good. The execution was not. I actually kept watching to see the aftermath from the big reveal. Disappointing.

There was one moment that I did like: Cheng Shiao reveals his love for Shiran and the way it was handled. That about it.

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I will wait for you

When I thought nothing could touch Unknown, along comes The On1y One, which effortlessly outshines any other for 2024. It's that great. Lead by the director Lui Kuang Hi who gave us Your Name Engraved Herein, nothing but an intense slow burn insightful unique piece of perfection should be expected. He definitely knows his art. With each episode he teases and plays with our emotions, giving the viewer the belief that with every other episode, we will be satisfied. We are not, we want more. He knows how to tell a story and tells it well. The script was mastefully brought to life by a truly gifted cast.

Wang and Tian's story unfolds in a way that shows with clarity the angsty teenage years. The urgency of emotions are hidden behind stoic facades that fool everyone but themselves. Their bond is unbreakable. One would think that the pouty Wang needs to be constantly taken care of, but we see that he is the one who creates a 'home' for Tian to feel safe. To rest the burdens he carries. Little by little their worlds fuse and being without each other becomes painful for them and us. The beauty of their relationship is the innocence and sincerity in which they hold onto each other. At 17, with past hurts, their emotional insightfullness is more mature than their peers.

Xi and Benny's relationship shows that at any age, love is hesitant, confusing and frustratingly emotional. They're both the other's anchor. With 15yrs of friendship behind them, they too struggle to shape what is truly between them. Xi sneaks moments to embrace Benny's acts of love without anyone knowing. Benny, hinting at his true feelings, is the one to actually bring to the fore what cannot be ignored any longer. His round hesitant eyes look directly at Xi, "I like you." I'm left to wonder, why Xi previously pretended not to know. Is he unwilling to lose an irreplaceable friend if something goes wrong? Has a past hurt made him cautious? Benny, I'm rooting for you.

Rather than putting every nugget that made this series gold, I will not. This is a series that everyone should experience with fresh unknowing eyes. I will say, the whole gamut of emotions will be felt. With the hint of a proposed season 2, I will be waiting.

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When will they get it right .....

This is my main peeve about this show and by extension Gmmtv. Truthfully, BounPrem gets automatic grace just because they are BounPrem. Their differences are clear but the pairing is warm, loving, protective and true. In their pairing, I've never felt one being stifled or controlled by the other. So I've patiently waited to see them shine again. I'll be frank. I loved them until I needed the ff button. It's not them. It's the script, bad acting by some and poor production. The premise of a human unlocking a vampire trapped in a painting who comes back to gather his clan, to live peacefully among humans, who on the other hand, are hungry to eliminate them due to revenge. Finding love along the way is the bonus. I'm not saying the whole was bad, but the bad was evident.

The script was terrible. Lines being repeated as fillers to elongate a series. The conversations were banal and very unimaginative. No clear purpose other than Ramil has to spend eternity with Pun. Ramil's responsibility as the leader is lost to him as he dives head first into his relationship with Pun. How does that even happen? In all species self preservation is supreme. Here, he is forced to do what should have been an innate response. Jett commands a band to attack them. So where is Ramil's mind reading abilities? Why are humans allowed to have such a devastating effect on vampires? Why did Ramil have strength to shut Pun out for the night when he was at his weakest but the next morning, go on a mini marathon to catch Pun, who was right outside the opened door? The fact that a human had the speed on two occasions to run away from a vampire threatens all that was previously known. Ciar had the ability to see through a crow and project multiple crows but still got beat.

The acting was solid from a few but blatantly bad at times. Boun clueless moments were cute but only for a time. Prem drew heavily on his introverted nature. Mark and Aun delivered. Kay gave me flashbacks of Ken of HSF. One dimensional. Barcode was ok but didn't shine. Stamp had moments of really good and then not. Dunk, no comment. The twins were as they always are, just fillers.

Reflecting on the overall vibe of the series, it was ok. Better would have been a more cohesive script, consistent tone and more workshops to enhance the acting and the fighting scenes. My disappointment stems from them using this as their come back vehicle. The genre was good, the production was not so good. My disappointment comes from Gmmtv greenlighting scripts that are generic with some to the point of torturous. It is because we, the viewers, have love for the actors, that we keep coming back. Maybe, it's time to change. BounPrem, I still love you.

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Il Jo and his love

You know a story is entertaining when you bypass all the flaws and still switch on, anticipating the enjoyment of what is to come. Yes, there were major flaws. Repetitive dialogue. A clueless, possessive dictator when all the clues were right before his eyes. How could he not know that Jeong In was threatening Il Jo? Why did he take so long to take action? Why did Il Jo allow himself to be a punching bag, when he could have come clean from the moment he knew Jeong Han loved him? Yes, the flaws were in the script and a bit of over the top petulant acting. Hey, that's Korea but they deliver.

Il Jo stepped into Jeong Han's life and his heart. He held up the mirror, causing him to see his true self and showed him how to love. From the moment this started, I was curious to see how they would meander the course to be together. There were moments of rage, disdain, pity, passion and love. The spots of humor enlivened the mostly dark and sombre plot. Jeong Han, in his delirium, begging Il Jo to stay, when in fact it was Jae snapping him back to reality was good. At the end, through all the muddle, they found their way back to each other. For his miniature stature, Il Jo weilded most of the power in their relationship by his actions. The cafe owner proved to be a true friend. Although, he had other wishes for Il Jo, he backed his decision to return to Jeong Han. His happiness meant more.

Jeong and Yoon acted well together. Their break up scene in the bedroom was raw and phenomenal. Their happy moments - cute. Their physical interractions - intense. Admittedly, Lee Dong Joo shone in the role of the drug addicted psycho half brother and helped make the series that much better. Perfectly cast for he delivered with his depravity. The series length was perfect and also the last few scenes at the airport. Jeong Han needed to trust what he had with Il Jo and allow him to make his own choices. It ended on the right note.

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Dirty Handshakes and Fake Smiles

Politics is a dirty game and Mandate brought everything and served it well. Corruption at its core with back door deals, murders, payoffs and power hungry derelicts who refuse to die quietly and continue to rage against time. Their personal lives used as chest pieces for gain and strategy. Yes, Mandate was the one to watch and truly enjoy.

This is not an ordinary bl as many would have began viewing to enjoy seeing love spark and blaze bright to the end. This was a political drama that happend to have a bl secondary story. It was sobering in every way. Their meeting, the disagreements, Dr Nong's learning curve, their both failings and ultimately the inevitable fall out from their actions. Dr Nong and Wi lacked one critical part in their relationship - trusting that communication between them would always be truthful and open. Desparate to hold on, Dr Nong's unwise decision would almost be his most fatal act. Thankfully, Wi proving in the end, his experience and the ability to see the end game, would be his saving grace. They will have their moments.

Of all the deals made the most disheartening was Jump. Allowing himself to be used as a distraction from Dr Nong. Loyal to the core but at what price.

Boy's acting, especially his last scene, was supreme. Ben proved how much he has grown as an actor and was beautiful to see. The rest of the supporting cast rounded out what could be the most solid acting after Shine. Nong, Pitta and Akk were believable and committed to their roles.

The pacing, cinematography, direction and script tied perfectly together to create the intrigue, emotional pangs and revengeful schemes. The suits and ties of deception. The few moments of bl between Dr Nong and Wi were as it should. Tender, savoring and deep. Their moments together would be just as captivating as the primary plot. I loved it all.

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The Best Interest of Everyone

What's right may not be legal and what's legal may not be right. The opposing views on euthanasia was discussed in great detail and according to the end, legality won. I want to say unfortunately but the other side of that coin would send a message of acceptable wanton killings.

It is legal to execute a prisoner by lethal injection but illegal to give someone peace who suffers daily from excruciating pain.

The plot was very interesting, thought provoking and with a few unexpected surprises. The acting was wonderfully done by everyone. A Thai production of this caliber done in 8 episodes is a miracle in itself. The pacing, flash backs and character development produced a drama worth watching and watching again.

The divide between Thiu and Kan was bridged for only a moment and what a beautiful moment it was. Their moment of intimacy was tastfully done as expected from mature individuals. Thiu, tho a bit hesitant due to Kan's wound, encouraged by Kan, gave in. I must admit I was not expecting this as the previous meetings would show desire alone. Truthfully, I would have preferred for it to have not happened due to the ending.

The only question that should have been asked of Thiu but it wasn't...

If his mother, in extreme pain, had begged him to end it, would he have stepped back and refused, leaving her to suffer. The morality of these situations are ambiguous from the both positions taken.

Boss, the pharmacist, gave a stellar performance. From lover, to psycho, to unrepentant murderer. The difference between him and Kan would be the matter of choice. The patients chose Kan. Boss forced his choice on them. His death was his choice and I was happy that he was not a hypocrite at the end. Rin, a surprise, kept her self righteousness to herself on hearing the truth but with conditions. Every story was not rushed and given enough time to be completed adequately.

The ending was as society would want but it did not hurt any less.

"Would you confess?"
"Only if it's you."
Painfully, they hug. Placing a petal in Kan's handcuffed hands, Thiu says, "I love you."

Both Kan and Thiu proved how much they loved each other.

Beautifull writing. It tugs at the emotions that are kept in check. Sammon, the author, and Sirilux Srisukon, the screenwriter, thank you. The dialogue was enhanced by every actor's performance and well worth the praise. I will look forward to seeing these actors in the future. I hope a S2 is made.

Go watch!

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A little to calm for its own good

This was a likable series depicting childhood trauma being healed through patience and love. While there were nice moments, in the beginning, I couldn't connect with Minato. He's close with his brother due to family issues of abandonment, so he keeps pretty closed off to any romantic emotional ties to anyone. He sleeps with drunk Shizuma but gets angry as he doesn't remember which is understandable. Then he proceeds to teach him a 'lesson'. He admits Shizuma is kind and loving, and after spending time with him, yet still he continues the plan.

It just felt hollow. Shizuma and those around treated him like he was like fine china. He's not shallow, but his actions seem lacking credibility. When it switches to him finally accepting Shizuma's honesty and love, the journey still ripples along. In the end, he admits that he has always loved him from the moment they met. The warmth he feels while being held by Shizuma is something he can't let go of. So why continue the pretense when Shizuma clearly shows the conviction of his love and commitment to him? It feels too light to be impactful. Go to therapy and learn to trust what you both share. It's not that his fears aren't valid, but I kept asking myself, "Does he love himself?"

Everything was done right, from production to acting, so that leaves the script. It lingers on with no real info or insightful moments. The background characters at the bar were a compliment to the story. I understood Shizuma's mindset from his position from straight to gay. His expression of well wishes for his ex even though she hurt him would make his love for Minato true. Most films have a gay awakening moment, his transitioned naturally as he showed he genuinely cared about people.

As I said, I liked the series, but the issues dealt with seemed surface value and could have been a little more meatier.

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A little humor, a little drama and a whole lot of love.

I've always felt that Big was an actor who could do more than the roles he was given. In Monster Next Door, a window of promise was opened, and here he fully owns it. Suriya was his own man making his own decisions and stood on business. He was not about to play with Phop. Phop, after being in an accident, winds up in the body of Apo, who had the reputation of being a royal pain. Early on, his behavioral change was handled by him having amnesia. Sweet, endearing Phop was allowed to live and finally have someone good in his life.

Their relationship was shaped by honesty, which was initially helped with Suriya's ability to read minds. This gift helped him to have the conversations needed for them to both open up to each other. His brother, Jan and Tai, would also share a similar fate as the gift passed through the men in the family. Throughout the series, there were fun, chaotic moments that were enjoyable. Francois, the butler, did not disappoint. The peacock's cameos were interesting. We needed to know.

Big and Park really owned their roles. The quiet beauty of Suriya and Phop's love was even more intimate with every look and touch when they came together. The swift transition from Apo's theatrics to Phop's shyness was smoothly done and appreciated. The writing and production were good, though I could have done with fewer sounds added to enhance the comical moments. The ending packed too much and would have been better pace between 9 and 10. Park's wardrobe as Phop could have been better, but being on the petite side probably posed a challenge for both personalities. Underwhelming, at times. Suriya's mom's hairpiece did not say wealth.

Each episode was enjoyable and entertaining. I hope to see Big and Park together again. Professionally, they were paired well. Esthetics and personality, they checked every box. I don't like pairing, but sometimes it's delicious enough to want more. Me and Who - a little humor, a little drama covered with a whole lot of love. You will not be disappointed.

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Shirasaki's Pity Party

I truly loved the character of Asami. He was private, introspective and warm. His face radiated a quiet love for Shirasaki and it was felt. S1 ended with both of them declaring their love and here with each episode, it felt that it kept growing and maturing. S2 started beautifully with open communication, keeping both of them on the same wavelength and in sync. They both decided to audition for the same role and then it happened.

For nine episodes I couldn't wrap my head around Shirasaki and his mindset. Why was everything always on his terms? They separate for the audition until he gets the role, then all is well again. While Asami's kept everything he was going through to himself, he was never petulant with him. There was a necessity in the harshness of Shirasaki's words, I believe Asami needed to hear them. Reason being, everything Asami did was to please everyone but himself. What I didn't like was the selfish breakdown Shirasaki was having and during such, lashed out. Asami had always seen him through love and it was a shame that Shirasaki's pity party was the moment he chose to reset Asami's compass. I'm a bit disappointed in this version of Shirasaki. S2 made it about a self created competition to be worthy to stand by his partner when his partner already thought he was worthy as is. Shirasaki came off as clingy, selfish and childish. Last ep of S1 showed us differently. Disheartening. Tho Asami who knows him best says, "Thank you Shirasaki, for letting me meet you". He knows what was said, needed to be said. It is only in the final episode with the success of the play, Shirasaki and Asami repair their relationship. Both happy to have met each other.

I still prefer S1 to S2. The actors delivered believable performances and it was interesting to a certain degree. I may watch it again.

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Seven years to forever.....

People change and people in love are those who feel it the most. They grow comfortable with the pattern of living and most often it is the one who is more sensitive that struggles. Conversations are pushed aside for the drive to succeed at a job. Especially when one party is experiencing life at a slower pace and in a totally different environment and with a different set of friends. Over time, they drift apart, and the unspoken conversations become the wall between them. The midnight discourses wrapped in each others arms are replaced with turned backs and cold pillows. Anniversaries are forgot and the feeling of being abandoned is felt by the one noticing but still too hurt to speak. Seven years is all it took.

Hyeon and Jin were not the exception. They fell into the pattern as they sought different goals and didn't remember to hold each other. Jin, the sensitive one, felt it when his feelings were pushed aside and ignored as Hyeon buried himself in the corporate world. A subordinate brings a drunken Hyeon on their forgotten anniversary. The following day, a generic gift suggested by Hyeon's subordinate was the last straw. The break happens. Roles reversed, he collects a drunken Jin, and the words he receives finally sinks in. He understands.

The actors filled these short episodes with decent acting that the message lands squarely at our feet. Treasuring the person who is your person is what will make forever worth it. I loved when Hyeon realistically said, "Nothing lasts forever. The day will come when we see the end. That day... let's make it the day we start over." Life will happen. Obstacles will come. Let's take that end and make a new beginning.

The message that it delivers with the limited resources makes it worth the effort to watch. Jin's pain was effectively displayed and so too was Hyeon's remorse and pleas for forgiveness. A mature resolution to a situation that would see some couples choose differently. Worth a thought.

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