2
4
This review may contain spoilers
be there for the people you care about =)
So I've seen School 2017, but I've never seen School 2013. After watching High School Frenemy, I need to go watch the original Korean version, School 2013, now. As far as bromances and friendship go, Sky and Nani are now one of my favorite pair. I haven't seen a lot of series from either of them. I think the only series I've seen before this was in the Project S: Side by Side series with Tor. Absolutely loved that for the brotherly love. As for Nani, I've also recall watching one series with him and that was F4 Thailand, also a remake like this series. F4 Thailand also featured some great friendship/bromance and great lessons in violence/bullying and being there for the people who care about like this series. All of these series have been amongst some of my favorite Thai series so I'm thinking I need to watch more from these two, specifically.
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● SHORT REVIEW
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LIKES:
--The chemistry of Saint and Shin was phenomenal. Sky and Nani are both great actors. Their pain, hesitation, and care for one another can be seen and felt.
--The series incorporated some great lessons about understanding and empathy for one another, the consequences of our actions, and practicing kindness.
--Great development of supporting characters
--There was always something happening so it never felt boring
DISLIKES:
--It took over half the series for Saint and Shin to resolve their conflict. Even so, I didn't feel like it dragged out, I just wish we got to see more of them being cute together and less of Shin being angry with Saint. Very angsty.
--We got some great backstory and developments for some of the supporting classmates, so I wish there was more. Specifically, I thinking of First, Tew, and some of the other girls. I think we mostly got Peeta, Eve, Airy, Chadjen, Ken, and the one twin who became studious.
-------------------------------------------
● IN-DEPT REVIEW
-------------------------------------------
[ --STORY/PLOT-- ]
I love the friendships in this series. Every character is flawed and whether I agreed with their actions or not, I at least understood why act a certain way. At first, I thought there was a misunderstanding between Saint and Shin and that there was more to the reason Saint beat up his friend and broke Shin's leg. I can't imagine being so strict about a gang rule where I could hurt my friend that bad. But as we learned, he was angry at Shin for wanting to leave and he felt he was being abandoned. Sometimes, our emotions take over in the heat of the moment. It doesn't excuse his action, but it is understandable and relatable. Ironically, he then ended up abandoning Shin alone to deal with the consequences alone. But they were teens, so I can understand being scared. I also understand thinking the friend you beat up is better off without you, especially when their mother told you so. At the time, in the moment, these decision can make sense, but we ultimately regret it later. And Saint did end up regretting his choice. As angsty as it might be, it was somewhat heartwarming to hear that Shin wasn't angry about Saint breaking his legs, but rather that Saint avoided him. It shows that he just needed his friend to be there for him.
Just being there and being empathetic is a recurring them amongst the classmates in this series. We see this with Chatjen being there to help his friends in various instances. We see this with Peeta and Eve's story. I think my favorite showcasing on the power of friendship though is in Ken's redemption arc. Ken was a product of his environment and some bad choices, but we learned, beneath it, there is someone who trying to be a good guy. The scene where the friends and teachers were trying to reach out to him, where they all hugged him, was one of scenes that stood out the most to me in this series.
I also loved that the characters that were antagonistic at first went through their own character development arcs and came out better people. Except Jeng. I still don't like Jeng.
[ --ACTING/CAST-- ]
Whether it sadness/hurt, anger/frustration, or silly cuteness, I think the acting was great. This series really tugged at my heartstrings in many places, which is a reason I enjoy series without much romance. Typically, these kind of series have a lot of great teaching moments and are (at least to me), a lot more relatable. Actors get to showcase a lot more than romantic chemistry. There are a lot of different types of relationships out there and this series a good example of that. The ones between parents and children. The one between rivals. The one between ex-friends. The one between friends who are going through a rough patch. The ones with new friendships vs old ones. The relationships between teacher and students. Regardless of the dynamic, the casts did a great job showing the relationship and the communication struggles that come with each of them. Of course, it goes without saying the chemistry between our two main lead Sky and Nani stood out the most.
[ --MUSIC/OST-- ]
Not much to say here other than I love a lot of the songs. I think one of the ones that stood out the most to me was "Honest" from Adam Turley and Ethan Dufault. I think that one stood out cause it played during a very cute scene in episode 12 between Shin and Saint where Saint was taking pictures as they haven't taken any in years. It was a cute moment and one of my favorite scenes after they reconciled. And of course, I also love the main soundtrack "Promise" from Sky and Nani.
[ --REWATCH VALUE-- ]
I need to watch School 2013 first, but for sure, I will be re-watching this version.
[ --FINAL THOUGHTS-- ]
I've been watching a lot of series about gangs, violence/fighting, and bromances and so far, this one has stood out a lot to me. I'm very glad I picked this from my infinite list of things to watch, and I definitely recommend this if you don't mind a lot of angst and the lack of romance. However, a lot of the dialogue between Saint and Shin are actually pretty romantic, so that and their chemistry more than makes up for it. Overall, this series was a very fun watch. Lots of great heartfelt moments and lessons.
-------------------------------------------
● NOTE
-------------------------------------------
I'll always conclude my review by saying that ratings and reviews is not really a indicator of whether you may enjoy something. We all have different criteria and standards. Don't let a bad rating, review, or comment discourage you from watching something. My advice will always be to give something a chance if the premise interests you, and only use the ratings/reviews to determine priority if you have a list, or if you're deciding if you want to continue it due to time limitations.
♥ Thanks for reading my review! Feel free to comment or hit me up if you want to discuss anything ♥
-------------------------------------------
● SHORT REVIEW
-------------------------------------------
LIKES:
--The chemistry of Saint and Shin was phenomenal. Sky and Nani are both great actors. Their pain, hesitation, and care for one another can be seen and felt.
--The series incorporated some great lessons about understanding and empathy for one another, the consequences of our actions, and practicing kindness.
--Great development of supporting characters
--There was always something happening so it never felt boring
DISLIKES:
--It took over half the series for Saint and Shin to resolve their conflict. Even so, I didn't feel like it dragged out, I just wish we got to see more of them being cute together and less of Shin being angry with Saint. Very angsty.
--We got some great backstory and developments for some of the supporting classmates, so I wish there was more. Specifically, I thinking of First, Tew, and some of the other girls. I think we mostly got Peeta, Eve, Airy, Chadjen, Ken, and the one twin who became studious.
-------------------------------------------
● IN-DEPT REVIEW
-------------------------------------------
[ --STORY/PLOT-- ]
I love the friendships in this series. Every character is flawed and whether I agreed with their actions or not, I at least understood why act a certain way. At first, I thought there was a misunderstanding between Saint and Shin and that there was more to the reason Saint beat up his friend and broke Shin's leg. I can't imagine being so strict about a gang rule where I could hurt my friend that bad. But as we learned, he was angry at Shin for wanting to leave and he felt he was being abandoned. Sometimes, our emotions take over in the heat of the moment. It doesn't excuse his action, but it is understandable and relatable. Ironically, he then ended up abandoning Shin alone to deal with the consequences alone. But they were teens, so I can understand being scared. I also understand thinking the friend you beat up is better off without you, especially when their mother told you so. At the time, in the moment, these decision can make sense, but we ultimately regret it later. And Saint did end up regretting his choice. As angsty as it might be, it was somewhat heartwarming to hear that Shin wasn't angry about Saint breaking his legs, but rather that Saint avoided him. It shows that he just needed his friend to be there for him.
Just being there and being empathetic is a recurring them amongst the classmates in this series. We see this with Chatjen being there to help his friends in various instances. We see this with Peeta and Eve's story. I think my favorite showcasing on the power of friendship though is in Ken's redemption arc. Ken was a product of his environment and some bad choices, but we learned, beneath it, there is someone who trying to be a good guy. The scene where the friends and teachers were trying to reach out to him, where they all hugged him, was one of scenes that stood out the most to me in this series.
I also loved that the characters that were antagonistic at first went through their own character development arcs and came out better people. Except Jeng. I still don't like Jeng.
[ --ACTING/CAST-- ]
Whether it sadness/hurt, anger/frustration, or silly cuteness, I think the acting was great. This series really tugged at my heartstrings in many places, which is a reason I enjoy series without much romance. Typically, these kind of series have a lot of great teaching moments and are (at least to me), a lot more relatable. Actors get to showcase a lot more than romantic chemistry. There are a lot of different types of relationships out there and this series a good example of that. The ones between parents and children. The one between rivals. The one between ex-friends. The one between friends who are going through a rough patch. The ones with new friendships vs old ones. The relationships between teacher and students. Regardless of the dynamic, the casts did a great job showing the relationship and the communication struggles that come with each of them. Of course, it goes without saying the chemistry between our two main lead Sky and Nani stood out the most.
[ --MUSIC/OST-- ]
Not much to say here other than I love a lot of the songs. I think one of the ones that stood out the most to me was "Honest" from Adam Turley and Ethan Dufault. I think that one stood out cause it played during a very cute scene in episode 12 between Shin and Saint where Saint was taking pictures as they haven't taken any in years. It was a cute moment and one of my favorite scenes after they reconciled. And of course, I also love the main soundtrack "Promise" from Sky and Nani.
[ --REWATCH VALUE-- ]
I need to watch School 2013 first, but for sure, I will be re-watching this version.
[ --FINAL THOUGHTS-- ]
I've been watching a lot of series about gangs, violence/fighting, and bromances and so far, this one has stood out a lot to me. I'm very glad I picked this from my infinite list of things to watch, and I definitely recommend this if you don't mind a lot of angst and the lack of romance. However, a lot of the dialogue between Saint and Shin are actually pretty romantic, so that and their chemistry more than makes up for it. Overall, this series was a very fun watch. Lots of great heartfelt moments and lessons.
-------------------------------------------
● NOTE
-------------------------------------------
I'll always conclude my review by saying that ratings and reviews is not really a indicator of whether you may enjoy something. We all have different criteria and standards. Don't let a bad rating, review, or comment discourage you from watching something. My advice will always be to give something a chance if the premise interests you, and only use the ratings/reviews to determine priority if you have a list, or if you're deciding if you want to continue it due to time limitations.
♥ Thanks for reading my review! Feel free to comment or hit me up if you want to discuss anything ♥
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