J-atty

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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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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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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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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I wanted to but couldn't

What started as a very interesting plot eventually turned into a tolerated old uncle at a family gathering who overstayed his welcome reciting uninteresting dribble.

The premise and first omegaverse pregnancies were new. The manipulation by HY was unparalleled in any universe. You may hate his acts of deception but it is to be admired the skill and duplicity levels he delved to, to pull it off. Sheng stood no chance. Truthfully, after being manipulated from the get, who forgives that easily. Especially after the HY sexually abusing him, pretends that he's sacrificing himself with the infamous goodbye letter. Nope, sorry, not on board. They reconcile, lives happily with the most disrespectful 3yr old ever. One would think, Shen was the donor of that seed.

GT, suppressing his true self, doing all that to be with his crush. His life long love. Literally taking drugs that with every dose could kill him. Shen with all his connections couldn't connect the dots when it came to GT. Talk about a blind fool. How obtuse could one person be? Sorry, S Alpha. Like his braincells vanished every time he was in his presence. I blame GT for all of their drama. I did love how easily he kicked him out of the apt but like come clean. Either he loves you or not. Move on.

So what irked me:
About 10 ep of manipulation and a few kisses and a heat and all is forgiven.
15 ep or 10 yrs of GT lying about his true self just to be in the presence of his love. Mental.
Why didn't Shen not smell GT Omega scent when he stopped using the drugs to protect his baby?
Why did the script allow for a child to be like that to a parent? Repeatedly.
Sheng literally was like a king with no power. HY was the hand turning his neck before and after the reconciliation. Does he know the decisions he makes are the ones he's allowed to make.
Does HY's warmth only extend to Sheng? None felt for the child. The same child he begged to have. Visually, it felt like Shen had a better connection to Peanut than HY did.
HY seeking Shen to advise on what to do should Sheng die. Like is he for real. He would go where ever Sheng goes. He would leave Peanut behind. Again, the child he wanted.
3 yrs apart from GT and Shen and all they got is a hug and an honorable mention.
The fighting scenes? Nuff said.
Acting became monotonous. 16 ep was not warranted. 10 would have surficed and with a tighter script might have captured the real essence better.
The last ep felt like a drive tru. Collect an order and go. No place to sit and savor the meal.


I liked:
GT telling Shen to shut up.
GT evicting Shen from his apt. King in his own castle.
HY forcing Shen to face up to his feelings.
HY telling Shen he doesn't entertain conversations with stupid people.
Shen going psycho in his rut for GT. Cathartic.
HY ability to eliminate the evil people at will.
HY level of devotion, in his cold detached demeanor, to the people that mattered to him. Why else would he keep Shen around. He just doesn't say it.
HY revelation to Sheng's father when it only mattered.

So yeah, it was okay. Watchable and entertaining at various points. I do like D4 outside of the script. Will I watch again, no. Do I regret watching, no. Just hoped that it would have been better.

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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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Mark and his Golden Blood donor

I wasn't feeling it. There was so much wrong with episodes 1-5 that had me searching every person who was involved. From the director, production team, actors, and the two kids. What in the bl black hole was this? Nope. We waited too long for this. I did not sign up for this. Joss and Garwin were to bring Mark and Tong to life. Who doesn't like a series led by a good-looking vampire. I apologize. A gorgeously handsome vampire. Let's begin.

Three things were missing. A little gloom, suspense, and copious amounts of blood. You know, the things vampires are known for. Speed, mind reading, and biting a few necks. Well, the director probably wasn't having it. Gloom, non-existent. For people who were supposed to be protecting the golden blood, Tong sure was out and about a lot. Like he wasn't hard to track. Find Mark, and you will find him. Suspense, when the little girl was creepy crawling with the knife to kill Tong, I said finally. Less than 2 minutes, and that's it. Mark to the rescue. The most amount of blood seen was when Kla died and the junior vampire in episode 1. Jnr vamp nailed it. I was getting hopeful when he appeared because nobody was going to convince me that there wasn't room in the budget for better cgi. Joss writhing in electrical pain from a taste of the sacred golden blood had me chuckling. They probably used the same company that did Daou's midnight tremors in Century of Love. Those electrical shocks looked familiar. Then, if that wasn't bad enough, Mark had to save him by going through the glass on the upper floor while holding Tong as they descended to his car. It was so visually depressing. It would have been so much better had they been shown fleeing and then appearing in the car. I get it, budget. The pacing was erratic. The beginning didn't set the tone, whether it were a drama or a rom com. Neo's acting was oddly off. Like he couldn't find the rhythm of his character. He was just there. Voicing his part and going through the motions. When he died, he was probably relieved at that point. Gawin's screwed up face made him look more childish than a 20 year old man. The camera panned away to a far-off look with good reason. Two of them just there looking at an impaled Kla was not good. Also, does Gawin know that self care is important as an actor? An overgrown armpit in one scene and a very rough leg in the first nc scene. Razors are cheap.

What kept me watching? Joss. Joss in his whities. Joss in his blueies. Joss stripped down bare chested. Joss's superior look and constant frowning. I kept vacilitating between ogling and cringing. The director knew that they needed help big time, so him being half naked the most was expected. When Mark said, "If it looks good, why hide it?" Assignment understood.

Then, between 7 and 12, magic happened. The story started coming together, and the real action began. The true enemies revealed themselves, and the plot was finally realized. Special mention of their conversation and Mark fulfilling Tong's request was one of the most beautiful deliveries and emotionally charged scenes in all of Thai history. By the time Tong said, "I do." I was crying buckets. Their connection had ripened to that poignant moment. What a moment! What Joss and Gawin share can not be classed as chemistry. It goes beyond that, and in that moment, it was felt.

I'm not going to gloss over all that wasn't right with the production. The graphics, at times the weak script, Joss's bland acting, Neo's unnaturally bad acting, and the worst fighting scenes in all of vampiredom. When Joss entered through the window, shirtless and bruised, I couldn't contain my laughter. Like he was strong enough to fly, obviously shirtless for impact, but on landing was so drained he had to be held. When Thara descended from the upper floor with one leg bent, yes, another cringe moment. What were the entire team thinking. I'd probably do the same thing because at that point, there was no other way to mess it up. It was what it was.

The writing had flaws, but I will agree with the ending. The culmination of everyone's forever was apt. I was happy to see the fate of Nakhan. Yes, Tonkla died, but Nakhan also had been living in a shell that he too sought release to be with the one he loved. The all seeing Thara not seeing her own demise was perfect. The acting, for the most part, was good enough to keep me watching. Gawin's facial expressions changed over time, and in the end, he was the one who brought the show together.

I recommend seeing it but don't compare it to foreign productions if you are to enjoy it.

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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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Expected End.

I started watching half expecting to have the entertainment a little higher as it started with energy. After ep 4 it started bordering on boredom and finally crossed over and ending there. It didn’t have the electrical charge to be fully engaging.

I like PearlPeak. Visually and response wise, they complement each other. It was the story itself. It didn’t have much to build on even with the duplicity. It slowed down a lot in the last three eps and it didn’t help that Gaysorn's personality was so soft. Thai directors need to up their game at storytelling. Seeing the officers just waltz in at the end to arrest Wittaya was depressing. Mata speaking on 'shout' was distressing. Plotwise seeing Gaysorn forgive Scent to the point to going back to him after his family was destroyed and he being schemed and manipulated by him was sad. Expected but sad.

I was grateful for it ending at 8 eps. It was okay but not wow. It could have been better. Gave them a 7 for original idea, knowing when to end, general acting and PearlPeak chemistry.

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Hoping for more...

Where does this leave us? If no one fights for the defenseless, who will?

This was done in a way to put a face to the evil, the reasons behind it and the advocate for justice for all. The never ending cycle of crime for the sole purpose of making money. The lawyer who fought the system regardless of the client.

I liked it for the steady portrayal of strength in the face of danger, from which ever side it came. I liked that there was a personal line he drew and never crossed it. The full circle from the first to last was a nice catch as well as how interconnected they all were.

There was a lag between ep 3 to 5, but it picks up as the characters are no longer isolated but linked through various means.

The main leads gave me what I wanted: evolving questions. It wasn’t straightforward, not always legal and differing views that didn't feel shallow. It was nice to see Keita as a gangster but personally didn't overshadow Yuya and Hokuto. They held their own.

If there is going to be S2, I'll be watching.

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Finally, success.

Checkered Shirt succeeded better where most in this area faltered, they delivered believable performances. Building on the open ending from S1, Han Gyeol and Jeong U, after making plans, lost touch with each other and it took five years to reconnect. Dong Ho and Yu Bin are great together. Visually they compliment each other and felt natural in all stages of their relationship.

The script at times was a little repetitive. The scenery in accordance with the budget and I will add, it was a bonus to see them outside enclosed spaces. This added a bit of reality to it.

Yu Bin has been building a catalogue with his performances, the last two I'm not a fan but he did show variety. With this I will say, he's back on top as finally we saw the depth of raw emotion he can tap into. Great.

Dong Ho, having only seen him in Blossom Campus, upgraded. Throughout this series, I was very intrigued by his reserved performance. What hid behind those silent eyes? He did better here. Would love to see more of him.

Sukfilm has returned to what they previously did well and that is hiring the best actors, building on their rapport and sticking to a formula that works. The scripts still needs some work to get there without unnecessary clutter and repetitions. They did well with S1 and S2 with this one.

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