forest song

Sometimes I just have a lot of free time...

When I started this series, I saw a lot of dissatisfied reviews. And it was the first time in a long time that I read a description of a story before I started watching it. I won't do that anymore. I mean, reading the description.
I feel a little bit betrayed because I was expecting a ZhouDu-type interaction between the characters from Mo Du Priest, where the characters were really rivals because they were in love with the same person. And I really didn't expect it to be unrequited love from the first episode. It's something I wasn't prepared for. That's what made a crack in my heart and carved out a place in my heart for this story.
I know it's not perfect, Mork did some stupid things, it's the shipper thing that caused a lot of problems and... this situation with the girl in love who is willing to do anything for her crush's affection even when she sees that he's not interested in her (or "damn, ruined boy-girl friendship again") and many other problems.
But I actually enjoyed watching it.
Even with the fact that I.. "feel". Pi. How real it is shown... Even though I have not faced so many obstacles and traumatic things on my way, I still understand him well. It doesn't matter how much and who loves you, if due to certain circumstances you are insecure, it all goes to the same place. And the way he clung to any manifestation of kindness to himself. Hell... I'm in my 20s (gradually approaching 30) and I'm avoiding relationships because I can confuse just a good attitude towards myself with sympathy, my own gratitude for kindness with more romantic feelings. And unlike Pi, I'm not in a series where I'm head over heels in love with a character who doesn't care what I look like or how strange I am at times.
So this series still touched certain "soul strings", which is why I can close my eyes to strange, sometimes unpleasant, things.
You know, I think about a lot of things, and the scene from the last episode, the confession with the balloons... it's one of the sweetest things I've ever seen in a series.
Yes, it's strange to watch this series now in 2024. But if you are ready and open to everything, you can still enjoy it.

I'm sorry, I came here because I can't stop thinking about the kiss in the tattoo on the Palm's spine. I love noticing any cute interactions, but I'm still mentally in the moment of that kiss. It means a lot to me. And this is probably the only moment when I regretted my tattoos: why do I need them if there is no person who will kiss them?

I'm going to go off topic here... I actually really like to compare what I've watched/read with each other. I think I've already written about this somewhere here (but under another series). I like to get to know myself through this. I may like certain tropes, I may like certain tropes with certain conditions, what I like in one story may not be in another. It's interesting. It tells me something about myself. And in fact, I like to compare PondPhuwin series, that's why I watched them in anticipation of the new episode. I like to notice the similarities while the characters are different from each other, given that they are played by the same actors. Even when these are not very pleasant moments for me. And when I would like everything to be limited to only pleasant similar moments.
And while watching Thai bls, all this "freedom" of comparison is strange to me, because my bl path began with Chinese bromance (I forgot what are danmei adaptations called in English and in translation it gives out something unclear) and danmei novels. Because I understand why comparisons are inappropriate there, because in most cases it all comes down to one or two writers and it's really boring.
But I really like to note for myself any even slightly similar moments. And I'm sad that I can't discuss it in my native language (my friends don't watch this stuff in general), and in English... I don't know the language that well, and translators don't make things better because they can't convey some things.
I apologize to people who might read this. I really have no one to share this with.

Honestly, it's so strange for me to be on the one hand "omg, Fang and Phum are really brothers: their future boyfriends did some damage to them when they first met, ahaha", "gosh, they're all so cute when they're fooling around and acting like kids, their friendship >" and on the other hand "damn, why are we here again? Why do PondPhuwin's characters not only make me want to cry, they make my heart hurt once again?". I can't even be surprised at why they behave this way, nor can I be angry at it. I can call them stupid (in my language I use a form of affectionate language and I really don't know how to express it in English), but at the same time understand (in my own way) why they do this. And I really feel for Phum, if at the beginning of the series I could think he was a "bad guy", a few phrases were enough for me to realize how lonely he is and maybe not adapted to society. (But on the other hand, I'm happy for Phuwin's character because he's not such a traumatized child as in their other series together). Because I think about the second one more, because the second one really hurts me. When I say that I cry or feel physically ill because of the characters, I mean it and I'm not exaggerating.

I don't know who wanted a jealous Phum, I certainly didn't (can it be like in mod, the eclipse or msp or is it that I want too much?). I also didn't want to see Pond's character so insecure again (nlmg, please let go [it's ironic that I'm asking a series called "Never Let Me Go" to "let me go"]). But because of this, their interaction at the end of the episode makes me more emotional, because Peem, though he may not understand what's wrong, tries to find out what's wrong and comfort him. Yes, he didn't let himself be kissed, but damn, a hug when anyone can see it is what? General, his behavior may not be too obvious, but he really cares and really wants to clear things up.
In fact, I was so happy that this is the series with pondphuwin that I'm comfortable with (it remains so, but...), because here their relationship didn't bring me to tears like in their other projects together, where I couldn't stop crying from the first episode. But this episode is so... traumatic and at the same time incredibly soft because of the interaction between their characters... so much so that even the friendly interaction between the characters (very important to me), the interaction between other couples faded into the background.

I can't really explain what it is about the actors and their characters that makes me "feel".

Again, I meant something else.
It's more about my reaction to people's comments. It's a thing that's always with me and that I don't know how to work through. And I've never faced the fact that I need to explain it. Especially not in my native language.
When I see people's opinions that are completely opposite to mine, sometimes, when I'm particularly emotional, I whine to my friends that I wish those people would go away. As far away as possible. With foul language. When I wrote my first comment in this thread, I had something like this in mind as well. Well... that dissatisfied people want to go to one particular place... ahem.

But you unlocked my other "trauma" while reading the comments. People unhappy with the lack of nc in stories. Or the fact that they are shown late. When I read something, I have questions about certain scenes, I go to the comments, and there's "when are they going to fuck?". My usual reaction at such moments is "who said they will?". And it's so annoying.
And this... when it's not clear what people want. Like literally "when are they going to sleep and not just fantasize about it?", dudes have nc, "why so soon?" 🤡
These are some of the things why I swore off going into the comments on what I like, since I'm so sensitive, but here we are. Where did I even start an incomprehensible conversation.

I feel a certain healing while watching this series.
And this episode was particularly warm and comfortable. Attention is paid to several couples, more of their disclosure. Reflecting on their own feelings. I am weak to friendly interaction and I get plenty of it here. They make me warmly remember my student years, the time spent with my friend. They fill in the part of me that misses my "non-blood relatives" with whom I haven't seen for a long time due to certain circumstances. I like the fact that the characters do "stupid" things, their behavior is not always logical. For me, they are very realistic, which is very valuable.

It's okay, I just had an impulsive desire that I couldn't restrain, so here we are having this conversation.
By answer, I meant something different from what you said in the example. Something like they would like to go out or something else said in a rude way. It's also an impulsive desire, usually something I can say to friends who don't watch these series when I'm too emotional and it's not good, I realize that now. In fact, I myself would like to know what is constantly wrong with people with this series and why I feel a different range of emotions than they do, since we are watching the same series.

My answer would not be exactly an answer to your question, it would be an editorial to people's discontent. And it would be rude. It's hard to explain.

I would say what people want here. But I don't want to be rude at least somewhere..

By the way, it was your comment that partially inspired me to write my "whining"), but the main "merit" still goes to the people whose opinions about the series once again make me think that I'm watching completely different stories with them😭
I just meant that I don't even need to read the comments to understand the whole picture here).
The kisses.. in a way, I'm really worried about people's reactions to this.. and.. we were shown that they are important to both of them, but let the guys figure out their feelings😭

I'm not even going to read the comments here, it's enough for me what TT brings me sometimes.
Omg, is this a show that has several main characters and couples telling and showing the stories of more than one couple? How did that happen...
Actually, I'm tired of people whining about any couple in this show that they get too little attention. Because when the show pays attention to one, they start whining about the other.
And I'm even more tired of the whining about PhumPeem's relationship... you know... a kiss doesn't mean the beginning of a relationship, even a few. And even sex may not always mean the beginning of a relationship, if anything. Relationships are defined after a conversation. And if the characters haven't talked about it yet, it means they're not ready for it, omg, just like in real life. They spend time together, they get to know each other, they deal with their feelings. And it's good.
The only thing that confuses me is the possibility of a love triangle. I can't find words for how much I dislike it. It's a traumatic thing for me and I really wish there was less of it in the series I watch. But... not all my whims are fulfilled even in my super favorite things. So I can only accept it.

The series itself... is still very enjoyable for me. The last three episodes are very comfortable (if you forget about QToey's angst in episode 7).
It's very atmospheric. I like the randomness of it, I like how all the characters are different, as well as their love, friendship, friendship and friendship again. A show doesn't always have to be serious to be great. All this frivolity makes me look forward to every Wednesday more than other days. And this chaotic nature makes this particular story stand out for me among several that I am actively following.

I probably didn't write anything meaningful, sorry. I'll summarize it by saying that... I'm just going to keep enjoying the series, experiencing the joys and sorrows with the characters. Because it makes me feel more alive.
And I'm happy that in a few episodes the rating has risen from 7.9 to 8.1... it means that more people are starting to like what I like)

Episode 5 means everything to me, literally.
Not only because of its significance for me personally: the time it came out (purely personal realization that death is too close).
It's just that it's literally the most comfortable episode for me: friendship, falling in love. If I get angsty after that, I'll forgive everything, because I have something to come back to... not just because of my personal preference for the main couple...
In fact, I'm still hoping that it will be just a soft story about friendship and love. And I believe in the significant differences between the novel and the adaptation (not that I've read it, but I've seen spoilers)

I'm sorry if I spelled something wrong. Or if I have expressed it incorrectly. I use a translator. And I'm a little drunk (otherwise I would have kept my "feelings" about something to myself again out of shame)

PalmNueng are my children, I'm ready to fight for them, ready to give them the whole fucking world.

On the one hand, I hate myself for deciding to watch this series, I cried almost all night, which gave me a headache all day, and I took long breaks because of anxiety. On the other hand, I'm glad I did watch it.
I don't know how my brain (or whatever) chooses comfortable "pairs" of actors. I don't know why I keep putting off a series with one couple I like, with a student theme and enough angst, but I watched this one. Knowing full well what I was getting into. I don't know how to describe how I felt about the series: I literally cried at every episode and didn't even think about giving it up.

And it all started with the fact that out of all the randomly started series, We Are was the one that caught me the most and I didn't have enough PondPhuwin.

I didn't have high expectations from the series, I've seen enough not so much negative, but highly critical reviews. But as usual, I decided to try and evaluate it myself.
And I don't regret it for sure.


I like the story. I like the cultural elements, how neatly they are inscribed in the plot. I'm a girl with a lifelong fixation on China and its culture (which was later supplemented by Thailand), so I felt blessed while watching it. I love the way all the characters are shown. How different emotions they evoke, how human their behavior is. The way the children have grown up before our eyes. The problems of society that were raised, when such issues are raised in popular culture, it can also affect real life.
I am glad that the main characters had wonderful mothers. Yes, the topic of mothers in TV series is very sensitive for me (although I grew up without a father, there is a logic to it). And yes, I will call Palm's mother beautiful, even if she left him and his father because of her selfish impulses. She accepted it. She accepted her son. She supported him as much as she could at the time. And the fact that she sacrificed herself for him and his lover... I'm sorry, it's too much for me.
And I'm really ready to fight for all the kids in this series. I love the main four, but still Palm and Nuengdiao hit me different.
I understand in a way why they behaved the way they did, so I can't blame them. (Getting a tattoo with your lover's name is so... stupid. But I don't have a problem with it in this series. Realizing what they went through, what they mean to each other. And the fact that this is the only "material" memory Palm has of his mother... it hurts so much) The fact that they are all traumatized, they all need a good specialist (me too). The fact that they are children who had to grow up early. I live in a place where 18 years old are already mature people, with great expectations for them. But in fact, it is still that wonderful time between childhood and adulthood. That's why the characters for me are children who should have worried about their feelings or other problems that (some) "adults" consider nonsense, but they have to choose between things that are important to them, lose loved ones and literally fight for their lives. Plus, I have trouble separating fiction and reality. And I am sensitive to their age for certain reasons.

I started this series only because of the main actors, because I missed them in another series (which is not surprising, because it's an ongoing), but I got a great story for me. It took a special place in my heart. And in fact, I couldn't and won't be able to explain why.

Thank you for your answer!
I still missed the characters and the story a bit. I thought that maybe there would be something in the series that could hook me, but if you're talking about a lot of repetition... I'll take your word for it. 30 episodes seems too much for this story, because it's not a big story in itself. It's even a pity that it got so many episodes, when there are stories that deserve more time.
So I'll probably just watch the movie. It'll take less time and the main actors are nicer to me there (which is also very important). And even if they don't have a lot of chemistry, it will be easier to endure.

Okay, I read the novel and liked it (except for the extra chapters, I still want to forget them) and started watching it several times... (every time it was unsuccessful....)
I'm not a fan of the main actor, and the actress's face seemed too boring in general... so I didn't find any reason to continue watching.
But I really don't like to leave stories unwatched/unread (if I started), with some exceptions. So I'm wondering if this series is worth my "suffering" again, or should I just leave it "dropped"?
I ask because I know that a lot of things change in adaptation. Perhaps there are still things (changes) for which one can endure a boring face.....

I like the fact that a couple of women will be radically different from a couple of men, and even more so from a hetero couple, they will all give different things. And depending on my mood and my own desires, I can enjoy stories with any couple or without them at all. So it baffles me when people know what they don't like, but they persist in watching and complaining when they can find something they like.

It's like I lost a part of myself... *nervous laugh*

There is so much I want to say... about the series itself, about the story, about the characters, why I can overlook the flaws, why both endings are acceptable to me, and about the importance of The Sign to me.
But at the same time, it's hard for me to find the words for this. And yet, it's a little bit embarrassing that for a while this story became everything for me. And I really don't know what to do next.

I am grateful to all the people involved in the creation of this series. I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to watch The Sign, to "meet" the actors. Everyone did an incredible job. And I hope to see more genre-bending series with them.
And I really love this fandom. All these jokes, theories, reflections, even if I couldn't agree with them. It's nice to be at least a part of it. It's like finding a family, a "home," for a person who always feels like an outsider.

Maybe it wasn't perfect, but for me it's a masterpiece.