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Splashed with homophobia, social class differences, and the need for social change
'Loy Kaew First Love' tells the story of the romance between Loy and Kaew, two best friends who suddenly discover they have feelings for each other.
Set in a small, remote provincial town in decades past, when love between boys was not accepted by society, the relationship between Loy, a poor young man who must work hard to help his mother, Mae Iet (Ray Issariya Maraisi), cope with poverty, and Kaew, the wealthy son of the village chief, will be threatened by other people and social conventions that will prevent them from being happy together.
With a filmography closer to period lakorns than the usual BL series, 'Loy Kaew First Love' stars Leng Nattaphon (known for his supporting role in the 2023 film 'Siam Curse') as Loy, and newcomer Stamp Pornwasin as Kaew, the handsome young man popular with the girls.
Despite their different social backgrounds, Loy and Kaew have always been best friends since childhood, and neither realizes the depth of their love for each other until one day, when Kaew's younger sister Nuam (Chichakorn Chantasut) tells Loy that she loves him, it leaves Kaew secretly heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Phat (Kimjui Aueaoangkun Penchanwattanakit), who secretly loves Nuan, considers Loy his rival in love. To add further complexity, Phat's younger sister, Bua (Biw Lalichat Warawirojpol, best known for his role in "Falling in Love" (2024), also harbors feelings for Loy.
As Phat watches Loy and Kaew begin a secret romance, he sees Loy as a threat to he heart and plots to expose them and ruin Loy's life, with the help of the jealous Phaka (Aunaun Sujintra Rungraung), who also likes Loy but agrees to join Phat's plan to destroy the young people.
The story seeks to answer the following questions: Can Kaew save Loy? Can her love withstand the vengeful plots against her?
Written and directed by Walongkorn Jubjai, the theme song, "Magic of Love," featuring Leng and Stamp, pays tribute to its creator, Thai country singer View Chatchawan, who passed away in late 2024.
In addition to the rural setting, far removed from the offices and universities we're accustomed to in Thai BLs, as well as the approach to the history, culture, and traditions of this Southeast Asian country,
I'd like to highlight the fiery and passionate kiss scene between the two protagonists. A kiss that made me go through several different emotions in a single minute, until it finally reflected a kind of gay panic that announces the existence of a love that must fight the conventions of a heteronormative society.
Splashed with homophobia, social class differences, and a need for change, 'Loy Kaew First Love' continues to pose questions that need answers, pointing a finger at them to eliminate all stigmas and prejudices.
Also noteworthy is the spectacular chemistry between the two lead actors, and the introduction of well-known and new actors, such as Japan Thawin Sripoom as Tode; Xhonnam Kitjanarat Nantanarungruang ('Love with Khemarat', 2024) as Kim; Snook Sirasit Chumjit as Saeng; Latte Krisada Thanakon as Lert; Bee Sittikorn Chantana as Ming; God Supamongkol Kittiwarakulrote as Man; Pon-Nuanla-ong Donsue as Duang; Ninnew Anuthida Saratana as Puan; Printer Natthanaree as Chom; Noey Natthamacha as Kong; and James Sivakorn as Plan, among others.
It's worth noting the efforts to recreate an era, its culture, and traditions, especially the music, dances, food, clothing, set design, and atmosphere.
While I would have liked a better budget, a better-structured script, and more developed characters, what I've seen so far provides enough to satisfy my appetite for the unusual.
I hope to return to the review later.
Set in a small, remote provincial town in decades past, when love between boys was not accepted by society, the relationship between Loy, a poor young man who must work hard to help his mother, Mae Iet (Ray Issariya Maraisi), cope with poverty, and Kaew, the wealthy son of the village chief, will be threatened by other people and social conventions that will prevent them from being happy together.
With a filmography closer to period lakorns than the usual BL series, 'Loy Kaew First Love' stars Leng Nattaphon (known for his supporting role in the 2023 film 'Siam Curse') as Loy, and newcomer Stamp Pornwasin as Kaew, the handsome young man popular with the girls.
Despite their different social backgrounds, Loy and Kaew have always been best friends since childhood, and neither realizes the depth of their love for each other until one day, when Kaew's younger sister Nuam (Chichakorn Chantasut) tells Loy that she loves him, it leaves Kaew secretly heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Phat (Kimjui Aueaoangkun Penchanwattanakit), who secretly loves Nuan, considers Loy his rival in love. To add further complexity, Phat's younger sister, Bua (Biw Lalichat Warawirojpol, best known for his role in "Falling in Love" (2024), also harbors feelings for Loy.
As Phat watches Loy and Kaew begin a secret romance, he sees Loy as a threat to he heart and plots to expose them and ruin Loy's life, with the help of the jealous Phaka (Aunaun Sujintra Rungraung), who also likes Loy but agrees to join Phat's plan to destroy the young people.
The story seeks to answer the following questions: Can Kaew save Loy? Can her love withstand the vengeful plots against her?
Written and directed by Walongkorn Jubjai, the theme song, "Magic of Love," featuring Leng and Stamp, pays tribute to its creator, Thai country singer View Chatchawan, who passed away in late 2024.
In addition to the rural setting, far removed from the offices and universities we're accustomed to in Thai BLs, as well as the approach to the history, culture, and traditions of this Southeast Asian country,
I'd like to highlight the fiery and passionate kiss scene between the two protagonists. A kiss that made me go through several different emotions in a single minute, until it finally reflected a kind of gay panic that announces the existence of a love that must fight the conventions of a heteronormative society.
Splashed with homophobia, social class differences, and a need for change, 'Loy Kaew First Love' continues to pose questions that need answers, pointing a finger at them to eliminate all stigmas and prejudices.
Also noteworthy is the spectacular chemistry between the two lead actors, and the introduction of well-known and new actors, such as Japan Thawin Sripoom as Tode; Xhonnam Kitjanarat Nantanarungruang ('Love with Khemarat', 2024) as Kim; Snook Sirasit Chumjit as Saeng; Latte Krisada Thanakon as Lert; Bee Sittikorn Chantana as Ming; God Supamongkol Kittiwarakulrote as Man; Pon-Nuanla-ong Donsue as Duang; Ninnew Anuthida Saratana as Puan; Printer Natthanaree as Chom; Noey Natthamacha as Kong; and James Sivakorn as Plan, among others.
It's worth noting the efforts to recreate an era, its culture, and traditions, especially the music, dances, food, clothing, set design, and atmosphere.
While I would have liked a better budget, a better-structured script, and more developed characters, what I've seen so far provides enough to satisfy my appetite for the unusual.
I hope to return to the review later.
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