This review may contain spoilers
Promising Plot, Laid-Back Vibe – But This BL Never Really Hooks You
I appreciate that we're starting to see some different kinds of BL series—not just the typical school settings and cliché enemy-to-lovers themes—so I had some hopes for this one. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite hold up all the way.Lost in the Woods tells the story of Fifa, a spoiled city boy who is forced to move to the countryside and live a completely different life. There, he meets Hem, a mature and quiet man who has chosen a life close to nature, and their lives slowly begin to intertwine. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the plot – the idea of personal growth and maturing as a person when placed in an unfamiliar environment with new responsibilities is a classic and potentially compelling theme. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t deliver on that promise. The pacing is painfully slow, and very little actually happens throughout the entire series. It feels like each episode could have been half as long and still told the same story.
The romantic relationship between Fifa and Hem is particularly difficult to grasp. Why would a calm, emotionally mature man fall in love with a boy who behaves like an immature teenager? There’s no real development in their bond, no clear reason why they would be attracted to each other beyond perhaps Fifa's admiration for Hem’s composed nature.
The series maintains a soft, feel-good atmosphere throughout, which might appeal to some viewers but ends up feeling unrealistic. Everyone seems to be leisurely enjoying life on the farm, despite supposedly doing hard physical labor – it’s a romanticized, almost sanitized version of rural life. This portrayal can feel oddly disconnected from the personal struggles the characters are supposed to be going through.
Visually, Lost in the Woods is stunning at times. The scenic views of what appears to be northern Thailand are truly beautiful. However, the cinematography often feels like it belongs in a tourism advertisement rather than a drama series. These scenes, though aesthetically pleasing, don’t match the tone or pacing of the rest of the show and come across as somewhat misplaced.
One aspect I did genuinely appreciate was the ending. It’s not a traditional happy ending, but it’s fitting and surprisingly grounded. The characters go their separate ways, and that choice felt more believable than forcing a romantic conclusion that wouldn’t have made sense based on the rest of the narrative.
Overall, Lost in the Woods tries to offer something different in the BL genre, and while the intentions are good, the execution lacks depth and drive. It’s a quiet story with some charm, but not enough to keep it engaging over multiple episodes.
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Four short, cute Korean feel-good love stories at a slow pace - but haven't we seen it before?
"Close to You" is a collection of short stories in series form, each offering a tender exploration of love between two young men. The series consists of four distinct stories, each of two episodes.The series shines with its simple yet deeply emotional narrative. The stories are all rooted in love. A shy confession, an unexpected bond and a slow-burning romance. The show has a delightful feel-good atmosphere that captures the heart, largely due to its slow pacing and focus on emotional connection.
It’s easy to see how some of the stories could have been expanded into their own full-length series. The characters are well-written and have enough depth that viewers are left wanting more of their stories.
The performances are generally heartfelt, with the cast capturing the innocence and vulnerability of young love with authenticity. Visually, the series is charming and understated, complementing its focus on character over spectacle. While "Close to You" doesn’t venture into highly dramatic territory, it is a satisfying and comforting watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt and slow-burn LGBTQ romance.
That said, one downside of the show is that it doesn't offer much new in terms of concept or execution. It's very similar to several other recent Korean series on the same theme, which makes it feel less innovative. I almost felt like I had already seen the series. While it’s a charming and enjoyable watch, it lacks the fresh approach that could have made it stand out more in the crowded genre. It's not a series that I will remember much of afterwards but it's a perfect series for those who enjoy sweet and relatable love stories with a feel-good finish.
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Too Much Fluff, Too Little Story
Unfortunately, a disappointment filled with unnecessary caracters and fluff. The show presents itself as a sports-themed, enemies-to-lovers romance—but barely delivers on either front.While the chemistry between the two leads was quite good and their "enemy to lover" arc was one of the more coherent elements, the overall execution of the series was weak. For a drama that marketed itself as being set in a football world, there was barely any actual football theme. Looking back, I honestly don’t know what the series was really about more than the enemy to lover part of the plot.
Several characters served little to no purpose and felt like filler added just to stretch out the episodes. Many scenes dragged or were clearly there to pad runtime rather than drive the story. And while LGBTQ+ representation is always welcome, having nearly every single character in both teams be gay—and all magically pair off by the end—felt more like fan-service than meaningful storytelling. It just wasn’t believable or grounded in any kind of reality.
Some of the side couples had cute moments, and the soundtrack was light and pleasant, which added a bit of charm. But those few positives weren’t enough to save a story that lacked focus, depth, or direction. I really wanted to like FC Soldout, but in the end, it just didn’t deliver.
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Disappointing Drama
Unfortunately, a major disappointment despite its well-known cast. While the premise seemed cute and quirky, the execution was a letdown on almost every level. One of the biggest issues was the total lack of chemistry between the two leads, they never felt believable as a couple. It was made worse by the strange decision to have them speak different languages throughout the show, which created an emotional disconnect and made the dialogue feel disjointed and awkward.The storyline itself lacked depth and direction, often relying on clichéd plot devices and unresolved conflicts. Pacing was uneven, and the emotional beats never quite landed. Even the romantic development felt forced and rushed. I had high hopes for this series, especially since I really enjoyed Mew Suppasit in TharnType. Unfortunately, Love is Like a Cat turned out to be a disappointment and didn’t live up to its potential.
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Fun and Charming, better than the Japanese original
Ossan's Love Thailand is a Thai adaptation of the Japanese series, centered around a middle-aged boss who falls in love with a younger employee at his office. However, he faces competition from the employee’s colleague, who also confesses his love for the same person. The show mixes comedy, romance, and a touch of silliness, delivering a light-hearted experience with some unexpected moments.Overall, Ossan's Love Thailand is an entertaining and fun series. While it can be a bit cheesy at times, it’s hard not to enjoy the charm of the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Having watched the original Japanese version, I can confidently say the Thai adaptation is much more enjoyable and engaging. The lead actors bring a lot of energy and chemistry to their roles. Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri's portrayal of a more awkward, silly and clumsy character is a interesting contrast to his usual serious roles,.
The show has its share of silly moments, but they don’t detract from the overall appeal. One of the standout aspects is the music, especially the theme song, which fits the tone perfectly and adds to the fun vibe. The musical elements, though unexpected, were surprisingly well-integrated into the storyline.
That said, the show isn’t without its flaws. Some parts can feel a bit predictable, and the humor might not be for everyone. However, it remains a charming and enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a light comedy.
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A sweet story about young love, not particularly memorable but entertaining on a rainy day
Heart Stain is a Korean drama that revolves around the budding romance between two young people, set against a backdrop of light-hearted moments and emotional growth. he storyline doesn’t delve into any deep emotional or psychological territory and the plot is predictable, and the series lacks the lasting impact. However, maybe it's perfect for those in the mood for a light, easy watch—ideal for a rainy day or when you're sick and need something comforting. It’s not a series you'll remember long after, but it's quite enjoyable in the moment.Was this review helpful to you?
Confusing Drama with a Weak Script – Not Worth Watching
The Last Time is a Thai series that attempts to blend romance, drama, and mystery but falls short in almost every aspect. The story revolves around a complex relationship, but it's difficult to follow, with a script that lacks depth and coherence. The plot feels disjointed, leaving viewers confused about its true direction. The performances by the cast are mixed, with some actors delivering weak portrayals, which only adds to the series' lack of impact.The characters, particularly the leads, are underdeveloped and often come across as unrealistic. At times, the series lingers on pointless, drawn-out scenes that seem to have no purpose, while other times, it abruptly skips forward in time without explaining what has happened in between. This inconsistency makes it hard to engage with the narrative. The tone of the series is also inconsistent, often wavering between what feels like a serious drama and a farcical comedy, leaving viewers unsure of what to expect.
The lack of a solid storyline and the confusing character dynamics ultimately made it difficult to stay invested. By the end of it, I found myself fast-forwarding through the last few episodes, which says a lot about how little it managed to hold my attention. Unfortunately, this is the worst Thai series I’ve watched this year.
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Promising Young Talents in Thai BL Drama About Love and Friendship
Gel Boys is a refreshing and engaging Thai BL series that beautifully explores themes of friendship, identity, young love, and self-discovery. Set in Bangkok, the story follows a group of boys as they navigate their personal growth, musical interests, and a passion for nail art. The show’s portrayal of young, hesitant love and the evolving dynamics of friendship feels authentic and grounded in reality, making it stand out from other BL dramas.The cast delivers strong performances, and while I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised by their natural chemistry and emotional depth. The series stands out for its unique storyline, tackling issues like self-acceptance, societal expectations, and finding one’s true identity in a way that feels both heartfelt and relatable. It’s a rare treat in the BL genre, offering more than just romantic moments by diving into the characters' personal journeys. The plot moves at a good pace, keeping you invested in each boy’s story and their individual struggles. By the end, I found myself really looking forward to a potential sequel and excited to see where the careers of some of these talented actors go next.
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An Engaging Story of Love, Betrayal and Friendship
Only Friends is a captivating Thai series that offers a refreshing take on young love and friendship, making it stand out from other Thai dramas. The cast delivers impressive performances, with Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan (Ray) and Neo Trai Nimtawat (Boston) standing out as the emotional core of the show. Their portrayals bring depth to the complex relationship dynamics of friendship, love, and betrayal. The series moves at a fast pace, ensuring that it never becomes boring, as something always seems to happen. It’s a more realistic and raw depiction of love than what is often seen in typical Thai series, exploring how people navigate their feelings, face their insecurities, and stand up for themselves and others. The story keeps viewers hooked, and the characters’ struggles feel real and relatable. While the series has been widely marketed for its explicit scenes, it’s clear that these moments are only one part of a larger, much richer narrative. They are well-executed and serve a purpose in the plot, but Only Friends is about much more than just these scenes. Mark Pakin Kuna-anuwit, who plays Nick, also delivers a fantastic performance, adding to the overall strength of the cast. . This series is definitely worth watching for anyone who enjoys a mix of heartfelt drama, a unique and exciting take on Thai love stories, and authentic portrayals of friendship and romance.Was this review helpful to you?
A Beautiful Story of Young Love
Checkered Shirt is a charming Korean mini series that beautifully captures the innocence and complexities of young love. The episodes are short, making it easy to binge-watch, and the actors deliver excellent performances, bringing depth to their characters. The series progresses at a slow pace, allowing for a deeper emotional connection with the characters and their journey. It also tackles important themes, such as the challenges of not fitting in and the struggles that come with being different. The story is compelling, and its gentle approach to love and self-acceptance makes it stand out in the BL genre. The slow-burn nature of the relationship between the leads feels authentic, adding to the overall charm. The series ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly hoping for a continuation. Overall, Checkered Shirt is a beautifully told story that's definitely worth watching for those who appreciate heartfelt drama.Was this review helpful to you?
A Timeless Classic in BL Drama - worth watching and rewatching
This was one of the first Thai series I watched, and I’ve just rewatched it. Bad Buddy is a standout series in the BL genre, offering a great mix of romance, humor, and drama. The actors deliver strong performances, with great chemistry between the leads that makes the story even more engaging. The series has earned its place as a classic, with a story that remains fresh over time. It beautifully mixes forbidden love, personal growth, and overcoming challenges, while also exploring the complex relationship between children and their parents. What makes Bad Buddy special is its balance of light moments and emotional depth, making it enjoyable to watch again and again. The story flows well and keeps you hooked from start to finish. Fans continue to love it, and it’s easy to understand why. If you haven’t seen any Thai series yet: Bad Buddy is definitely worth watching and offers a timeless experience in the BL genre.Was this review helpful to you?
Romantic and cute series from China
A typical romantic comedy/drama series. Maybe a bit slow, they could have cut a number of episodes.A plus for the female characters who weren't as silly as they tend to be in many similar Chinese series. The lead has a clear character and role in the series that isn't just being a romantic object to the male lead.
Maybe didn't leave any deeper traces behind, but absolutely worth watching within the genre.
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Beautiful and intimate, really worth watching
Six-episode miniseries set before "Unintentional Love story (2023)" and about the two supporting characters from the main Korean series. It is a series about young love, about uncertainty and fear and feelings that cannot be resisted.I was really looking forward to seeing these two characters again and the series did not disappoint. Beautiful and intimate, great acting and the chemistry between the actors was amazing. Really hope to see them again, in a sequel or in their own series.
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Slow and predictable BL in a school setting, have seen better in this genre
Really liked both leads and their acting, two young guys we'll definitely be seeing more of.But the series is incredibly slow, had to fast forward through parts of it. It feels a bit like watching the same episode over and over again, not much happens, they could cut the episodes in half and it would have been much better. Also a bit tired of these school series from Thailand with multiple gay couples without any real plot.
Feels more like the production company has used the series to test and showcase a few different couples to see if the audience likes their chemistry, more than some of the the couples have any function in the story.
Can't really recommend this series but hope both leads get another chance in a series with better scripts and production.
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Sweet Japanese romance - worth watching!
The series takes place in a university setting in Japan. Very sweet and warm romantic comedy that also tackles serious topics such as hearing impaired and deaf. Depicts both friendship and first love in a realistic way. All the actors did a great job in this series. One of the better series in this genre that I have seen this year.Was this review helpful to you?
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