LOVE
High school dramas can be either really good or really bad. This is one of the really good ones.Both characters are easy to identify with and you sympathize with both of them for different reasons. Akk is the prefect president, who carries the weight of the school on his shoulders. While it may not seem like it, he struggles to keep up the "perfect child" persona he's always played. Ayan, the recent transfer, seems to be a rebellious troublemaker that Akk is tasked with keeping in line. However, Ayan's true intentions were never to cause trouble for Akk.
Not sure if you could really call this enemies to lovers, but they do start off as rivals of some sort. Akk and Ayan seem to be polar opposites, but slowly realize they find comfort in each other. This series also deals with issues of internalized homophobia, as well as outward homophobia from peers in school. The "Suppalo curse" storyline is a little unbelievable at times, but the way it is executed and the twists involved make up for anything it lacks.
My one complaint is the dream sequence. Why did they do that to us. Regardless, the tension between Akk and Ayan is perfect, the actors have great chemistry, and the pacing of the relationship is well done. One of my favorite BLs to date.
Was this review helpful to you?
Slowburn but great development!
While I do think the relationship developed a bit slow, it was very cute to watch. Tian, who recently got a heart transplant, follows in the footsteps of the heart's former owner and become a volunteer teacher in a small village. There, he meets Phupha, the chief of the forest protection service. Tian learns that his heart donor was in love with Phupha, and realizes that he may be falling for him too.I loved seeing Tian's growth as a character. From a rich kid with no cares in the world, ready to gamble away all his parents money, to an independent adult who decides that he should use his time to be around people that he cares about and help others. Seeing his relationship with Phupha develop was very satisfying and enjoyable to watch. Though there are moments of heartbreak and conflict, the dynamic between these characters is wonderful to watch unfold.
It did feel like a lot of the show was spent waiting for Tian and Phupha to finally be together. If you don't like a slow burn romance, this one is not for you. Personally, I enjoyed watching each character grow and change after meeting the other, and seeing how this change finally led them to be together was very satisfying.
Was this review helpful to you?
No matter how many BLs I watch, I always come back to this one.
One of the best BLs I've seen, if not the very best. Gun's acting as both Black and White was phenomenal. The slight differences that he manages to portray between identical twins is so convincing, it feels like there are two actors playing them.The relationship is paced perfectly. Definitely a slower relationship development than a lot of shows, but that's exactly what makes it so convincing. The actors have amazing chemistry and really sell the development of the characters' relationship. No conflict is overly drawn out either, which saves the viewer from unnecessary frustration.
The plot outside of the romance is fantastic. You've got this gang of college students attempting to fight for justice in a way that they see fit, except each individual has their own idea of what exactly this means and how to go about it. Naturally, this causes conflicts between them. I thought this helped to make the relationships between all the characters that much more convincing. You really sympathize with the cause behind why they're fighting, and root for them even when they might not be in the right. Following them through this justice-seeking journey is a thrilling watch when paired with the development of Sean and White's relationship.
Was this review helpful to you?
A college friend group growing up
We Are showcases how a friend group will change, expand, and grow up together as they experience love and complications. I was honestly worried that the show was going to get annoying with how many characters/couples they have, but it was done so well and was so fun to watch. I looked forward to it every week!Peem (Phuwin) is an art student who is about to submit his painting for the school gallery, until Phum (Pond) ruins it. Peem gets so mad he kicks Phum, and Phum gives Peem a choice: either pay for the most ridiculous doctors visit ever, or be my servant. Naturally, Peem has to choose the latter, with the stipulation the agreement ends once Peem finishes remaking the painting. Naturally, as the two start spending more time together, their relationship develops as feelings emerge. Alongside Peem are his good friends, including Tan (Aou) who has had a crush on Phum's brother Fang (Boom) for awhile, and Q (Winny) who starts becoming closer with his peer mentee Toey (Satang). All of these relationships have their own struggles, which helps to round out the show. While it is definitely mostly focused on Phum and Peem, the other couples are really fun to watch as well.
This is one of the genres that GMM will always excel in: a school-setting with friends that fall in love. It's light and fun and could easily become a comfort show. The conflicts tend not to be trivial misunderstandings, but rather deal more with the characters trying to figure out their feelings and how to pursue their crush. I didn't think that anything was overly drawn out, or that the pacing was off. There were a few moments between Phum and Peem where you're ready for them to just be together already, but the slow building of the relationship was worth it in the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes! A good Thai GL!
I have been waiting for GMM to release a GL and 23.5 did not disappoint! Whether or not you like the school-type romance, it is a genre that GMM has managed to perfect. I loved MilkLove in Bad Buddy, so when they announced they'd be starring in a GL, I knew I'd be watching it.Ongsa recently transferred from the countryside to a school in Bangkok, where she happens to run into Sun, a girl she's been following on social media for awhile. While Sun and Ongsa become friends in real life, they also start chatting on social media - except Sun doesn't know she's texting Ongsa, and thinks it's a boy named Earth. Scared to reveal her true identity, Ongsa plays the part of Earth as long as she can, but knows Sun will eventually find out. She can't help but wonder: what would Sun do if she knew she was texting a girl? Even if Sun likes Ongsa, what would other people say behind their back about them?
This show is very cute - again, it's your typical high school romance but between two girls in the same class. The main conflicts bring up points that a queer high schooler would likely relate to - issues of internalized homophobia, the fear of other people's opinions, and the possibility of rejection. It's a great show that isn't too intense and is just a light and fun watch. I think that if you enjoyed GMM's BLs like My School President or Bad Buddy, you'd really enjoy this one. There are conflicts I wish they would have fleshed out a bit more, but overall I had a great time watching this weekly.
Was this review helpful to you?
STUNNING
I went into this with an open mind, as I've never watched Thai historical dramas before but tend to enjoy them from other countries, so figured I should give it a shot. This is one of if not the most beautifully shot show I have ever seen. It is simply stunning to watch. The characters and storyline are written perfectly, and the backdrop of 1920s Chiang Mai is beautiful.After a horrible ending to his long-term relationship, Jom (Nonkul) goes out drinking and ends up crashing his car into a lake. Luckily, he manages to get out and survive - but wakes up 100 years in the past. He washed up on the land of a wealthy lord, and is taken in to be a servant for the son of the lord, Yai (Bright). Both Jom and Yai seem to recognize each other from their dreams, and the two quickly become closer. Naturally, this creates rumors and problems for Yai, as there are certain expectations of him. Jom, who is still trying to return to his time, seems to slowly become content with staying where he's at, as long as it means he can stay with Yai. However, between the societal pressure they face as a couple and the complications with Jom's time traveling, they both fear that all these good things must eventually come to an end.
This show blew me away. I can't believe I loved it as much as I did, and would urge anyone that likes historical dramas to give it a try. It was perfectly executed. My biggest qualms with many Thai dramas tend to be drawn out and unnecessary conflicts, but those were never present here. Truly a wonderful drama that I couldn't recommend more.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Stunning, Emotional, and Nearly Perfect
As is typical with shows directed by Aof, this is a masterpiece. The visuals are beautiful, the acting wonderful, and the storyline nearly perfect. I watched this as it aired and I looked forward to it every single week.Day (Sea) has recently gone blind and is suffering mentally because of this. He has fallen into a depressive episode, refusing to leave his room or even open his blinds. His mom has had to hire caretaker after caretaker because no one can seem to put up with Day and his attitude - until Mhok (Jimmy). Mhok is trying to get any job he can to earn money, which isn't too easy when you have a criminal record. Day knows his mom will hate Mhok, which is precisely why he chose him, hoping that this will stop his mom from hiring someone else. Unexpectedly, Mhok seems more committed to this job than anyone ever has, and it seems that the key to winning Day over was simply to treat him like a normal person. Slowly, feelings start to develop between the two as Mhok shows Day that life can be just as wonderful even though he's gone blind.
*Spoilers Start Here*
Up until the finale, this show was actually perfect. Not a plot point was out of place, the pacing was wonderful, and the development of the characters and their relationship was absolutely beautiful. Watching Mhok and Day learn about themselves through each other and fight to be together was absolutely wonderful. However, the only reason I couldn't give this a 10/10 was the finale. I was concerned the first time Day received the cornea transplant, and was surprisingly relieved when it didn't work. I kept thinking - this entire show is about overcoming the challenges of being blind and Day learning to accept himself and his new reality, so why would they make it so he could see again? So in the finale when Day gets a SECOND cornea transplant that works, I was a little disappointed. It felt a bit like saying "your life will get better because your disability can be healed!" which is not typically how that works. I understand the narrative they made of "giving things a second chance" and how the second cornea transplant worked into that, but it still felt a bit off to suddenly throw in Day regaining his sight in a show that otherwise focused on how he could make the most of his life and be happy and in love despite his disability. So, I can only say this show was nearly perfect. It is still a beautiful show that is 100% worth watching, though it is an emotional one. Luckily, these emotional aspects aren't the typical relationship troubles, but rather Mhok and Day as a couple working through the hardships that come their way.
Was this review helpful to you?
Messy!!! (in the best way)
Imagine the messiest person you know - someone that always has drama, makes too big of a deal about things, etc. Now imagine six people like that who are all (loosely) in the same friend group. That's the plot of Only Friends.The show was NEVER boring. I was screaming at the TV and pausing to take deep breaths every single episode. You've got Mew (Book), Ray (Khaotung), and Boston (Neo) who are all pretty close friends (plus their lesbian friend Cheum (Lookjun)). In an attempt to help Mew get laid, Boston sets him up with his friend Top (Force). Mew and Top hit it off, but instead of a one night stand, start going on dates. Things start getting messy when Boston and Ray seem to be jealous of this relationship for different reasons; things get messier when bar singer Sand (First) meets Ray, and Boston starts seeing Nick (Mark). These six "friends" seem to be anything but - and they are much too willing to hurt each other in order to get what they want.
This show was super fun. It was the boldest show I've seen from GMM, and it was done well. With this many characters, it's hard to keep them all interesting and dynamic, but they did an excellent job with it. It was juicy all the way through without a moment to rest. And while I sometimes do wish there were more happy moments throughout, or more instances of positive character growth, it was extremely entertaining to watch and had me yelling at each character for different reasons. Definitely worth a watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Underwhelming
As a big fan of crime dramas, I was super looking forward to this. I love Taecyeon in Vincenzo and was excited to see him in something else. This show has great casting and acting; however, I was disappointed with the plot of this one.The show itself is a fairly mediocre crime drama. It felt like they were throwing darts to figure out the twists, leaving plot holes that they had to try to quickly clean up towards the end of the show. The show starts by splitting the storyline between children locked in some kind of hellish prison, and our main characters in present day. Figuring out how these storylines connect is super interesting....until it's not. It seems as though the writers tried so hard to throw the audience off and to make sure they wouldn't expect the twists that they weren't even worked into the story well. However, towards the end of the show I did start to enjoy it a bit more. Considering my love of crime dramas, to rate this one so low hurt a bit, but I think there are a lot better, more cohesive crime dramas out there.
Was this review helpful to you?
I don't get the hate
I genuinely don't understand why people are saying this drama is confusing. They leave things in the dark on purpose to build suspense, but otherwise it's pretty straightforward. That doesn't mean that it's a great show, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.There were some really....odd choices made here. The first half of the show was super awesome to watch and the cinematography is surprisingly good, with really interesting lighting/color choices throughout. The plot falls off a little bit with some unrealistic twists (but honestly, how many BLs are realistic?). It honestly reminded me a bit of manner of death, with hidden identities and secrets, while the leads also attempt to take down some corrupt individuals. An enjoyable watch with some lackluster fight scenes and oddly timed music, but overall a good time. Plus, with only 10 episodes, this one was a shorter watch that kept my attention the whole time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointing
I think the issue here was the writing of the characters. I love watching crime dramas, and I thought I would be really into this based on the synopsis, but it unfortunately missed the mark. I've seen Jang Kiyong in other shows and really enjoyed his performance, but his character in this one totally fell flat. You're waiting for something to happen between him and the female lead, waiting for his cold exterior to crack, and you never really get that. His character isn't very likeable, and even though you're rooting for him, you're not really sure why.I think they also tried to do a bit too much weird worldbuilding and almost sci-fi kinda stuff. It felt like it should have been introduced earlier or simplified in order for it to make sense. I feel like there was a lot of potential wasted on this one.
Was this review helpful to you?
I thought this was supposed to be good???
I watched this because I kept getting tiktoks about it since the second season dropped and I was thoroughly disappointed. The main characters are so annoying and unlikable that whatever plot they were going for just didn't work. Hira constantly gets bullied by his classmates but when it's Kiyoi he likes it? Then throw in a weird time skip, a much better potential boyfriend for Hira, and a whole lot of unnecessary conflict/miscommunication and that's about all that happens! Did they like each other the whole time? I guess so! Too bad they never actually told each other this or else the show would have been over in the first episode.Was this review helpful to you?
GREAT bones, lacked time
If this show was double or triple the length, it would be incredible. The story was so interesting and so engaging, and the characters were complex and truly grew throughout the show. But whoever thought that 15 min episodes were a good idea should be fired. If each episode was 30-45 minutes and they could truly showcase everything, even with the exact same plot, this would have been AMAZING! The male leads had fantastic chemistry, and I did not expect the twists in the story. Even though it's short, it's still worth watching.After Li Jianwei's entire family is murdered, he narrowly escapes and vows to avenge his father by killing the assassins. To do so, he infiltrates Ghost Valley pretending to be a lost young traveler, and they take him in. The young master, Chen Xiaoxi, and Jianwei end up becoming very close, all while Jianwei is secretly plotting revenge on him and the rest of Ghost Valley. Hiding his identity, Jianwei continues to learn about the members of Ghost Valley - but between the secrets that have been kept from him and his feelings towards Xiaoxi, it is unclear whether revenge is truly what Jianwei needs.
I LOVED the idea of Jianwei infiltrating Ghost Valley and pretending to be someone else, and I really enjoyed watching the struggle between him and Xiaoxi as you could tell the identity reveal was getting closer. I thought their relationship was really well done. There were a LOT of places in this show that would benefit from extra time - a lot of the plot points seem to end abruptly, or scene changes don't seem to make sense because it seems like they cut something out for time. That being said, the story is still wonderful to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Red Flag Offroad!!
As someone who loves action dramas AND DaouOffroad, I was excited for this. I thought Daou and Offroad did a great job as their characters, and anyone that's mad about Offroad's character being evil needs to remember that it's just a character (and a super fun character to watch!). Overall, I thought this drama was really well done - my only complaint was that the conflict got a little repetitive, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.Than (Daou) is a former cop that lost his job due to allegedly taking a bribe during his work on a major fentanyl case. He ends up working for Pheem (Offroad) as his bodyguard, and realizes that the fentanyl case he was investigating is directly linked to Pheem's brother. Pheem promises Than that he will clear his name and get him back on the police force by helping him finally convict his brother of stealing and selling fentanyl - however, Pheem is not at all motivated by Than, but instead wants to ensure that he is the heir to his father's hospital. Pheem will do whatever it takes to drag his brother down, and does not care who he drags with him - even if that means his bodyguard that he's falling in love with.
There were so many things about this show that I loved. A truly complex character from Offroad, acted INCREDIBLY. And look, I hated Pheem for a lot of the show, and that's what made it fun! The betrayal that Than went through throughout the show was so entertaining to watch, and I love how it's unclear to the viewer whether Pheem is telling the truth or lying for a lot of things. It really keeps the viewer on their toes. I do think that there was a little too much of the whole "I need to leave you to protect you" thing and that Than and Pheem probably should have worked out a plan together instead of constantly going behind the others back to "protect" each other, but that's to be expected for the drama of it all. Regardless, I really enjoyed this show!
Was this review helpful to you?
Incredibly....fine
Peach Trap was a show that I seemed to forget about every week. While I did enjoy watching the three potential love interests fight over the mc (and frankly, was surprised by who won him at the end), this show REALLY lacked any character development, ESPECIALLY for the mc! He had three men fighting each other trying to win him over, and he is the most BLAND character ever.Doha is wrongfully fired from his job. His supervisor feels bad about this and tries to help him get a new job, while also flirting with him. Meanwhile, Doha's childhood best friend has been secretly in love with him for years, and the barista at Doha' favorite coffee shop has been crushing on him too. The three men all try to win Doha's heart, while Doha tries to find a job.
I still cannot understand how three men are all SO in love with the mc. Doha truly had no personality besides a couple of tears shed here and there. The only character trait he really had was "unemployed"! That being said, I really enjoyed the three love interests, and was pleasantly surprised by how it ended. However, with not enough time to give any characters real development, and a main character that's boring as hell, this show didn't really do it for me. Not the worst watch, but not the best.
Was this review helpful to you?
