Great Character Dynamics, Messy Plot, Fadel and My Mixed Feelings
After Episode 11, I read a comment saying, "This show reaches new levels of stupidity every week, but at least it's still entertaining as hell. Also, it has Fadel." That pretty much sums up why I like this show. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk—but stay with me for a second. Should you watch this? Refer to the final thoughts for a short answer.(⚠️ Point 4 contains ending spoilers.)
This isn’t exactly a review—more of a discussion and is being written for future viewers to understand that by watching this show, they’ll attach themselves to characters they won't ever forget. The love you’ll have for them will overpower the moments when logic takes a backseat.
When the trailer dropped, expectations were sky-high, which led to massive disappointment for some. Not for me, though, because I didn’t even know this show existed until Episode 2 aired.
So, I think I can explain how *NOT* to get disappointed and just enjoy it for what it is because, trust me, you WILL enjoy it.
1. Don’t expect BDSM.
There’s barely any. The few scenes that touch on it might not even be enjoyable depending on the context. (Or maybe they will be for some?)
2. Is this just pay gorn?
No. It might feel that way in the beginning, but it isn’t just that. Though, I did wish they would just yk HUG sometimes instead of going all the way. Lots of hugs after EP8 tho and most NC scenes were vague ‘going all the way’.
3. Crime and logic? Forget it.
You’d think a story about Hitmen brothers would be action-filled and kinda thrilling with Romance making it all the better? but… nope. This is a ROMANTIC COMEDY, guys. There is some police involvement, but don’t expect anything close to a real crime thriller or something of that sort. Also, if you killed people like Fadel and Bison do, you’d go straight from the crime scene to jail.
That being said, everything is unrealistic af if you really think about it. And I get that not every show needs to be realistic, but when your plot revolves around crime/ this sort of premise, some logic would help make the show better plot-wise. The show lacks that. It has moments that make you go, Really? That’s how GMM is handling this? But despite those moments, the story keeps you entertained throughout. And the characters? They make it all worth it!! Just don’t think about logic and watch it to not miss out on the fun ig.
4. The Ending (Spoilers Ahead!)
GMM tried to give Fadel & Bison a vague redemption arc in Episodes 11 & 12, but honestly? We would’ve been better off without it. And, this pains me to say, but the show might have been more impactful with a bittersweet or even sad ending but a realistic/ logical one. But, of course, it’s GMM. They treat sad endings like the plague.
Now, Let’s Talk Characters.
Fadel:
I thought I had a lot to say, but now that it’s time… I have no words. My love for Fadel is overwhelming. He’s easily one of my all-time favorite characters. Joong Archen Aydin is SO RIDICULOUSLY HOT that I wanted to punch my laptop multiple times. Fadel needs to shoot me ten times and then kiss the pain away—okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, GAWD, the things sweet-talker Fadel could get out of me, I’d be for the streets frfr.
"There must be something seriously wrong with you if you like the smell of gasoline."
"Really? I'm an addict then."
His smile, his hair, his grief, his sharp words, everything about him is beautiful. And Joong’s expressive eyes? They drive me batshit insane! Bonus: The Episode 5 garage scene. "Excuse me, my car broke down." The way he delivered that line made it my all-time favorite NC scene and EP11: “Can we just hug for 10 minutes straight?”
Style:
Alexa, play Diva by Beyoncé.
If I had to describe Style in one word? DIVA. In one sentence? A forever-empathetic, sensitive lover boy whom social anxiety is terrified of.
Style quickly became the most enjoyable character, giving us so many iconic lines:
- "I’m already thinking of opening an OF, and you (Fadel) can be my first bang."
- "SHIT, KANT, YOU MADE ME HIT ON A GUNMAN! I could've made the headlines: Handsome Man Killed in the Woods."
- "Gorgeous man with clear skin found dead in a crop top. My dad will recognize me right away."
- And the most iconic: "Good morning, Khub."
He’s flirty, wears his heart on his sleeve, and puts on a front of happiness—until Episode 11, when he ugly cries and breaks my heart. He’s the definition of a 'girl bestie' who will bring joy into your life.
Bison:
An actual puppy.
Bison is type of person who doesn’t have some grand ambition in life—he just wants a little bit of love and a home. The pain Khaotung expresses in moments of pure rage is phenomenal. His acting in this role was next-level, and his chemistry with First? Out-wordly!
Kant:
People want complex characters, but they can’t even understand Kant. Everything he did was for his brother. No, he couldn’t just leave Babe with Style’s family and let the kid wonder why everyone abandoned him. Kant was trapped in an impossible situation and did his best to deal with it. He’s smart and loving, and while you may not like him at first, you will eventually.
Final Thoughts:
This show? A fun, chaotic mess. The plot? not the worst—just illogical at times(Or maybe I’m just being biased here). The characters? Absolutely unforgettable. Would I recommend it? Yeah, IF you go in with the right expectations (the ones mentioned above) and don’t want to miss out on the fun and AMAZING characters, aka your new imaginary friends.
This is getting long, but I think you can tell that JoongDunk will stand out more to most because both Style and Fadel are simply iconic. This is my 3rd “review” so please bear with me if this is not good, helpful, and fun. Like Kant, I, too, tried my best:(
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Great Character Dynamics, Messy Plot, Fadel and My Mixed Feelings
After Episode 11, I read a comment saying, "This show reaches new levels of stupidity every week, but at least it's still entertaining as hell. Also, it has Fadel." That pretty much sums up why I like this show. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk—but stay with me for a second. Should you watch this? Refer to the final thoughts for a short answer.(⚠️ Point 4 contains ending spoilers.)
This isn’t exactly a review—more of a discussion and is being written for future viewers to understand that by watching this show, they’ll attach themselves to characters they won't ever forget. The love you’ll have for them will overpower the moments when logic takes a backseat.
When the trailer dropped, expectations were sky-high, which led to massive disappointment for some. Not for me, though, because I didn’t even know this show existed until Episode 2 aired.
So, I think I can explain how *NOT* to get disappointed and just enjoy it for what it is because, trust me, you WILL enjoy it.
1. Don’t expect BDSM.
There’s barely any. The few scenes that touch on it might not even be enjoyable depending on the context. (Or maybe they will be for some?)
2. Is this just pay gorn?
No. It might feel that way in the beginning, but it isn’t just that. Though, I did wish they would just yk HUG sometimes instead of going all the way. Lots of hugs after EP8 tho and most NC scenes were vague ‘going all the way’.
3. Crime and logic? Forget it.
You’d think a story about Hitmen brothers would be action-filled and kinda thrilling with Romance making it all the better? but… nope. This is a ROMANTIC COMEDY, guys. There is some police involvement, but don’t expect anything close to a real crime thriller or something of that sort. Also, if you killed people like Fadel and Bison do, you’d go straight from the crime scene to jail.
That being said, everything is unrealistic af if you really think about it. And I get that not every show needs to be realistic, but when your plot revolves around crime/ this sort of premise, some logic would help make the show better plot-wise. The show lacks that. It has moments that make you go, Really? That’s how GMM is handling this? But despite those moments, the story keeps you entertained throughout. And the characters? They make it all worth it!! Just don’t think about logic and watch it to not miss out on the fun ig.
4. The Ending (Spoilers Ahead!)
GMM tried to give Fadel & Bison a vague redemption arc in Episodes 11 & 12, but honestly? We would’ve been better off without it. And, this pains me to say, but the show might have been more impactful with a bittersweet or even sad ending but a realistic/ logical one. But, of course, it’s GMM. They treat sad endings like the plague.
Now, Let’s Talk Characters.
Fadel:
I thought I had a lot to say, but now that it’s time… I have no words. My love for Fadel is overwhelming. He’s easily one of my all-time favorite characters. Joong Archen Aydin is SO RIDICULOUSLY HOT that I wanted to punch my laptop multiple times. Fadel needs to shoot me ten times and then kiss the pain away—okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, GAWD, the things sweet-talker Fadel could get out of me, I’d be for the streets frfr.
"There must be something seriously wrong with you if you like the smell of gasoline."
"Really? I'm an addict then."
His smile, his hair, his grief, his sharp words, everything about him is beautiful. And Joong’s expressive eyes? They drive me batshit insane! Bonus: The Episode 5 garage scene. "Excuse me, my car broke down." The way he delivered that line made it my all-time favorite NC scene and EP11: “Can we just hug for 10 minutes straight?”
Style:
Alexa, play Diva by Beyoncé.
If I had to describe Style in one word? DIVA. In one sentence? A forever-empathetic, sensitive lover boy whom social anxiety is terrified of.
Style quickly became the most enjoyable character, giving us so many iconic lines:
- "I’m already thinking of opening an OF, and you (Fadel) can be my first bang."
- "SHIT, KANT, YOU MADE ME HIT ON A GUNMAN! I could've made the headlines: Handsome Man Killed in the Woods."
- "Gorgeous man with clear skin found dead in a crop top. My dad will recognize me right away."
- And the most iconic: "Good morning, Khub."
He’s flirty, wears his heart on his sleeve, and puts on a front of happiness—until Episode 11, when he ugly cries and breaks my heart. He’s the definition of a 'girl bestie' who will bring joy into your life.
Bison:
An actual puppy.
Bison is type of person who doesn’t have some grand ambition in life—he just wants a little bit of love and a home. The pain Khaotung expresses in moments of pure rage is phenomenal. His acting in this role was next-level, and his chemistry with First? Out-wordly!
Kant:
People want complex characters, but they can’t even understand Kant. Everything he did was for his brother. No, he couldn’t just leave Babe with Style’s family and let the kid wonder why everyone abandoned him. Kant was trapped in an impossible situation and did his best to deal with it. He’s smart and loving, and while you may not like him at first, you will eventually.
Final Thoughts:
This show? A fun, chaotic mess. The plot? not the worst—just illogical at times(Or maybe I’m just being biased here). The characters? Absolutely unforgettable. Would I recommend it? Yeah, IF you go in with the right expectations (the ones mentioned above) and don’t want to miss out on the fun and AMAZING characters, aka your new imaginary friends.
This is getting long, but I think you can tell that JoongDunk will stand out more to most because both Style and Fadel are simply iconic. This is my 3rd “review” so please bear with me if this is not good, helpful, and fun. Like Kant, I, too, tried my best:(
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Beautiful and Impactfull Emphsis on Human Emotions, Art and Their Co-relation.
"Creating things is the desire to embody the feelings of the moment and maintain it forever. Everything will disappear one day. But the desire to hold onto them forever will never subside as long as you are alive. You still have that desire right?"I feel as if people may not like this version because they loved the fiery attraction between the main leads in the Korean version and attraction is not the main focus here.
It is specifically the emphasis on art, characters' emotions, and the impact of emotions on art that makes this version much more likable for me.
We actually get to see Ren's growth along with the other characters as people and as artists and therefore Mui's and Ren's relationship makes so much sense here. This version isn't just about an f boy and a naive girl and their relationship. This is about presenting characters as real people and artists with real struggles and how they try their best to overcome them. All of this, along with the phenomenal cinematography makes this a solid 9/10 for me. This may not have stayed true to the OG but that is why re-makes are important. To present possibilities within an existing storyline.
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Nothing impressive just ALOT of CUTENESS and FLUFF with obvious shortcomings
First of all, Don't go into this series expecting something out of the box cuz you will find nothing like that.Did I watch this show for watching's sake only?
No, I enjoyed it but cannot ignore the obvious shortcomings.
Do I recommend watching this?
YES! If you want something really cute and soft and will make you giggle if you can tolerate the clear lack of acting skills(they're new actors, and it's not the worst, so I was able to ignore this mostly)
No, if you want something serious, and extraordinary, that hasn't been done before, exceptional acting and mature characters.
**Good**
Thomas' face card (Por's too!).....do I even need to say anything about this?
ThomasKong's chemistry is undeniable and impressive especially for this first series together!
This show has everything you’d expect from a Domundi series: a rich, cold guy, a cute and immature one, plenty of fluff and cuteness, adorable side couples, and the almost necessary NC scenes. It’s undeniably cute but let's just say it. It tip-toes between being really cute and a liiiitle cringy.
The side couples are definitely a highlight tho! Babe and Dom, RealHia, and even Teerak’s parents were adorable. Dom is a complete green forest, and Real acting all cute and silly to win his man was my favorite thing about RealHia. Their journey from friends to lovers was fun, sweet, and exciting.
EP11 was the best episode of the show in terms of acting and what it added to the story. I would like to mention the complete 360 on Fah and Rak's relationship after a couple of days is not how homophobia works. While the series isn’t particularly impressive in terms of acting or story, it’s an easy watch and a good stress reliever.
The last NC scene, which kind of felt a little unneeded at first because I wanted more of RealHia, made me realize how much I would love to see Kong in a confident, flirty, and sarcastic role, all smirks and mischief, with that cute, innocent face of his. That "I'm all yours" from Muenfah and the "Does that mean I can do anything I want to you?" from Teerak and those confident/ seductive eyes after being oh so innocent made me think maybe this scene was needed, lol. It actually made me go: Teerak???? Is this really you, Teerak???
**The Not-So-Good**
One thing that stood out (not in the best way) is how Domundi really likes using "innocence" as more than just a personality trait. The infantilism in this show isn’t something I’m a big fan of. Teerak’s exaggerated "innocence" and Muenfah’s lack of emotions became really frustrating in the middle of the series. Teerak is a university student, probably in his late teens or early 20s, but at times, he acts like he’s 13. That, along with Babe’s overprotectiveness, felt a little too much, but at least it toned down as the show went on. After EP6-7, Teerak’s "innocence" became bearable. Muenfah also showed more emotions after they started fake dating (the dude obviously had a big crush on Rak and got nervous, and it showed at times, which was really nice to see)
The plot started off with a direction but seemed to disappear halfway through. What kept me watching was the relationships and the overall cuteness. For example, the whole "following Fah around and taking his pics like a paparazzi" by that IG page just stopped, and I kind of wanted to see more of that.
Overall, while the show doesn’t offer anything particularly deep or groundbreaking, it delivers a fun and lighthearted experience, especially for fans of fluff and unlimited cuteness
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