A solid story with outstanding performance by the A-listers
When it comes to female-centered drama series, Thailand might not have as many choices compared to other MDL countries. However, within this limited selection, "Hangout" stands out as a remarkable and refreshing example. This high-quality social drama delves into the lives of five high-society women, peeling back the layers of their seemingly flawless existences to reveal complex personal issues.The story unfolds concisely through the perspective of Dujdao, the oldest among five women, guiding viewers through a world of privilege, secrets, and emotional intensity. The series features Thailand's top-tier actresses such as Pock Piyathida, Kwan Usamanee, Pancake Khemanit, Donut Manatsanun, and Chippy Sirin. Their impactful performances amplify the show's intense atmosphere, drawing the audience into the characters’ intertwined lives. Honestly, it's so satisfying to soak in their incredible acting. I’m not going to comment on the production quality because, to me, it's nearly flawless. There's a reason why Director 'Off' Pongpat Wachirabunjong is considered one of Thailand's legendary directors.
At first glance, "Hangout" might appear to follow the familiar formula of female-centric dramas like the well-known Korean series Sky Castle or The Penthouse, which often focus on rivalry, betrayal, and personal strife among women. However, what sets this series apart is its nuanced portrayal of female friendship and love, presenting these relationships in a more hopeful and positive light. While betrayal remains a pivotal theme, the core message emphasizes how friendship plays a big influence on characters’ reactions to hardship. My only issue is that 4 out of 5 women are dealing with similar marriage problems, just stemming from different underlying issues. If only the storylines dived a bit into their friendship during college, it would make the whole series more impactful.
Overall, "Hangout" offers an engaging and sophisticated exploration of female relationships within an elite social context, broadening the limited field of Thai female-centered dramas. Its balance of intense drama with a more uplifting view of women's friendship makes it a compelling watch and a noteworthy addition to the genre. It might seem like a series for the "aunties," but if you are one who appreciates a solid story with outstanding performance, this series is highly recommended.
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More than just drinking.
At first glance, you might think the movie is just about drinking and the joviality that goes along with it. However, as the story unfolds, it reveals a much deeper exploration into human emotion and pain. "Sometimes it's easier to open up to a stranger because there is no judgment nor any relationship ruined." - This sentence is pretty much summing up the whole film. What transpires next is an emotional ride - laughter mixes with tears, joy intertwines with sorrow, and the line between happiness and pain blurs. It's like a subtle reminder of the power of shared experiences and how we, as society, often take empathy for granted.One of the highlights of this film is its ensemble cast, which includes seasoned veterans and promising young talents. This diverse mix of actors brings a multitude of perspectives on life to the forefront, allowing viewers to see the world through different lenses. They really hold the film together, not just with their steady performances but also by adding spontaneity to their characters that look like they're not even acting. But with five main characters, each with their own storyline, the imbalance in the story arcs is pretty noticeable. Yet, it comes together nicely in the end. It's like a plain layer cake with different flavors, but the blend is surprisingly tasty.
While the film may not be perfect, it's those very flaws that make it so relatable. There’s no complex or highly choreographed cinematography, but it sets the mood and tone effectively and adds to the realism. By focusing on human narrative rather than visual storytelling, it effectively delivers a good punch and brings a profound realization in life. Those who are not religious might find this film a bit cringy or dull, but somehow the subtle injection of faith is simply mirrored Filipino society. My favorite moment is when Tere, the oldest of the bunch, shares her story. It struck a chord with me, and I ended up crying. And I cried hard. It's one of those rare moments in a fictional story where you see your own life reflected back at you, told in a way that makes you feel seen and understood.
Overall, "The Last BeerGin" is a film that knows how to create a "safe space" to experience the mix of feelings as the truths uncover. It's not just about the unexpected connection but also about being vulnerable and remembering one's own humanity and value.
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Raw. Complex. Full of emotions.
A film centered on scamming is not new and the plot can be pretty similar. However, "The Red Line" brings more to the table than just the premise. This film takes a deep dive into the struggle of those who have fallen victim to scams, but it doesn't stop there. It’s layered with raw emotions - desperation, anger, frustration, stress, shame, hope and friendship - that will make you resonate with the three main characters and also ponder about life.While the film focuses on the scheming to take down the scammers, it candidly explores the flaws within the system and the law - instead of putting extra effort to solve the issue, the victims are blamed for their mistakes and left to accept their fate, which compel these victims to fend for themselves and take matters into their own hands. “It’s not about the money – I want my life back.” - this critique adds a layer of complexity to the storyline, prompting viewers to reflect on the harsh realities of the world we live in. This makes this film not just about revenge or survival but also a social commentary on the systemic injustices that plague society. And everything is put together in a well-written script and delivered by a great performance by the entire cast. It's a smart move to have three characters from three social classes. Despite the contrasting personalities, the interactions between the characters are pretty solid and you can easily grasp their shared struggles and goal. In my opinion, this is Esther Supreeleela's most impressive performance to date, breaking her common 'lakorn nang'ek' persona. And Ning Chutima, being the youngest cast member, really stands out with her acting, fitting right in with the senior co-stars.
However, some subplots and characters (like Yui, the police officer and the driver uncle) are not well fleshed out, leaving the second half of the movie feeling a bit flat emotionally but ramping up with more action. But the steady pace as the plot unfolds helps conceal those flaws, keeping the focus on building tension and suspense throughout the film.
In addition to its good plot and strong acting, the film's production quality is impressive. The set and production design are meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the story. And I love how the wardrobe and makeup teams designed each character's look to mirror their personality and background, which adds to the film's realism and relatability.
In conclusion, "The Red Line" is a film not to be missed and definitely worth watching for the performance. It exceeds expectations by exploring the raw emotions and complexities of its characters while also delivering a thought-provoking critique on society's failings.
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Love, escapism and addiction.
A romance film with a dark and artsy indie film tone might not be everyone's cup of tea, but this film is a win for me. This film centers around the character of Jane — a struggling actress, a strong woman on the outside, but beneath her facade lies a hidden pain and a reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Despite the dull mood and tone rather than the typical sunny and cheerful romance formula, in my opinion, this film really delivers the emotions it intended quite effectively. Director Irene Villamor puts flaws, imperfections, problems, and struggles at the forefront—the real issues people are facing in real life and in a relationship. And the film does not glamorize or romanticize Jane's struggles, but instead presents them in a stark and unfiltered light.The script is not super neat. There are a few loopholes and somewhat draggy plots, but despite that, I like that this film doesn't offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. The idea of "love is not always the answer" is on point. I love how Jane and Francis' relationship is not portrayed as a quick fix to Jane's issues. It shows the harsh reality of using alcohol as a crutch and the destructive impact it can have on a person's life and relationships. But despite the issues and heavy subject matter, the film also has moments of tenderness between Jane and Francis. Their dynamic is complex and layered, mirroring the struggles of real-life individuals grappling with similar issues. The visual storytelling aspect is also on point and I found myself drawn into its dark, but somehow hopeful world.
In my opinion, the strength of this film is definitely the performance. Bela Padilla really shines in her role. Her multi-dimensional portrayal of Jane, a character walking a tightrope between strength and vulnerability, is rather complex, but she delivers it perfectly. From moments of quiet introspection to explosive outbursts of emotion, Padilla infuses her performance with a raw authenticity that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. JC Santos's performance might not be as outstanding, but his presence still manages to bring layers to the story. Their undeniable chemistry never fails to make me swoon.
Overall, it may not be the most outstanding film of the JC-Bela tandem, but I consider it a poignant and thought-provoking film that delves into the dark and gritty realities of alcoholism and entertainment. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes, love is not enough to heal our wounds and that true healing begins with facing our demons and taking control of our own destiny.
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Well-crafted, heavy with emotion and meaning.
First of all, it’s important to understand that abortion is illegal and considered a crime in the Philippines, even if the pregnancy resulted from r*pe. And in many communities, teenage pregnancy is seen as a taboo subject, and young women who find themselves in this situation often face judgment and stigma, which forces many of them to seek out dangerous and unregulated methods to terminate unwanted pregnancies. "Sunshine" does an excellent job of delving into the difficult and emotional topic of teenage pregnancy and abortion, highlighting the risks and consequences faced by those who are forced to resort to such extreme measures and handling those issues with care yet in a powerful way. The film also touches on the financial and healthcare issues of the lower class, pointing out how crucial it is to improve medical services and provide support for those experiencing unplanned pregnancies.Putting 'chasing a dream vs living reality' as a big question, this film is packed with raw emotion and the inner struggle of an aspiring young athlete who found out she was pregnant just months away from a major national level competition. And Maris Racal delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the pain and struggles with genuine authenticity. In my opinion, this is her best performance to date. She even trained gymnastic for a year to prepare for this role. Impressive! 👏
While everything is just so well done—from the script to the production and the performances—this film is not one without a flaw. The only shortcoming is probably that certain characters are not neatly fleshed out, leaving you kind of wondering what their story is. But as the plot unfolds, it starts to come together. Hence, this film is nearly perfect, but not yet. So 9 is the best rate I can give this film.
Overall, the film is truly heartbreaking and eye-opening at the same time. It’s also a testament to the courage and creativity of Filipino filmmakers, who continue to push boundaries and spark important conversations through their work. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in something thought-provoking.
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An extra point for production quality.
With all the buzz surrounding the GL series and the waves it's making, My Safe Zone might not be the most impressive or even a masterpiece that leaves fans and non-fans alike in awe. But as the debut series of LenaMiu, this series is pretty decent, with good visuals while also having some evident flaws in the scripts and story development.Let’s start with the problem. The big issue with this series lies in its weak script and poor plot development. While the chemistry and acting are commendable, they can't really compensate for the shortcomings. The story structure is rather loose, with some of the conflicts not even having a satisfying resolution. Other than Alin, the absence of a solid backstory for Jane and the other characters makes them feel one-dimensional and kind of dull right from the start, which definitely doesn't help in fully engaging with the story. Another noticeable issue is the wardrobe department. The styling choices for the characters are sometimes questionable, with unflattering outfits that do not fit the situation. When it comes to their GL series, Ch3 seems to prefer the ‘unrealistic ideals’ over creating a comfortable and realistic look.
Now, the good stuff. LenaMiu clearly share great chemistry off-screen, which translates beautifully on-screen. Their romance, the friends-turned-lovers trope, is portrayed quite smoothly and convincingly, making their interactions feel natural and authentic. In terms of acting, Lena simply gives her best, bringing the emotion to her characters. Although it’s probably not her best performance to date, it’s still impressive to see her stepping up her acting game with this genre. Miu did a pretty good job too.
I can deal weak storylines, but I can't tolerate bad or lousy production values. And gladly, MSZ doesn't lack in this area. Khun Ou Patchanee's visual direction is good, with beautiful shots that capture the emotions of the characters. I don't have any issues with her visual compositions. I personally like the color grading, as it manages to add to the overall atmosphere of the series. As someone who's been watching Ch3 for ages, the visual storytelling of this series is somewhat better compared to other lakorn, in my opinion. So extra point for production quality.
And one of my pet peeves when watching a series is the use of the same transition shots (the day-to-night/night-to-day timelapse or night/day establishing shot). Ch3, you’re a broadcast channel for crying out loud and there’s no freakin' way you don't have stock footage. So I just assumed MSZ's editing team was just too lazy to find different shots.
In conclusion, My Safe Zone is a pretty decent GL series with its fair share of ups and downs. It has potential, but the weak script holds it back from being a standout series. While this LenaMiu's debut series may not be perfect, it shows promise for their future projects together. With some improvements in the script, along with better plotlines and editing, LenaMiu could really shine in their upcoming project.
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An entertaining mystery-comedy, but could've been better
The Thai title “ฆาตกรรมจำไม่ได้” pretty much tell the whole idea of the series. The series follows the story of a group of friends and a woman who finds themselves in a peculiar situation to solve a murder mystery with the help of the spirit of her deceased best friend. It might not be an entirely new concept, but the series manages to seamlessly combine elements of comedy and investigation, creating an entertaining viewing experience.One of the main highlights of this series is the balance between humor, mystery, a bit of drama and romance. The story unfolds at a nice pace without dragging on. I like its addition of supernatural elements. The presence of the spirit of the deceased best friend adds an intriguing layer to the plot. Plus, I love that alongside the laughs and suspense, the series emphasizes the value of friendship. However, the story slowly gets quite predictable toward the end and losing its suspense.
Every actor delivers remarkable performances, bringing their respective characters to life with authenticity and humor. From the quirky group of friends, the drug lord, to the playful spirit of the best friend, each character adds charm to the series, making it a fun watch. But with so many characters to focus on, a few of them end up feeling less significant and turn into just funny bits (well, I found Jock to be quite an annoying character rather than funny). I’ve seen nearly all of Engfa’s work so far, and she has shown she can definitely dive into the comedy genre.
Thai comedy often leans into slapstick and silly humor. While some moments manages to bring a good laugh, some just feel a bit over-the-top. Some of the jokes landed quite well, while quite many have missed. While it's entertaining, nothing really stands out from other Thai comedy I've seen before. The production quality is okay, with some scenes appear lazily executed. it doesn't quite deserve a better rating from me. But overall, with its blend of humor, mystery, and supernatural, this series is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
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Mediocre revenge drama
The backbone of any revenge drama lies in its intricate and compelling plots that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, "Maya" falls short in this department. The revenge plots lack the gripping intensity that is essential to hook the audience. There are times I feel this drama is more like Gossip Girl, but with a less satisfying ending.A notable aspect of this series is the inclusion of cello playing as a recurring motif throughout the series. However, the execution of this musical element, especially when the use of a body double is too obvious, comes across as rather superficial and lacking in authenticity. And while the production values of this lakorn are good, there are some noticeable flaws in the props and set design too.
Despite its many shortcomings, one of the saving graces of this series is the commendable performances delivered by the cast members. Punpun Sutatta, in particular, shines in her portrayal of yet another seductress character. While some may argue that she is typecast in such roles, her acting prowess cannot be denied. But Maya as a character is pretty flat, even a good acting couldn't make her interesting. And while this is not the first time Punpun and Son Yuke have been paired together, and while both of them have acted very well, their chemistry is somewhat lacking.
Overall, "Maya" is a lakorn that falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum – not bad, but not particularly good either. It may not leave a lasting impression, but it offers something decent to pass the time.
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Visually good, but lacks emotional impact.
If you’re after eye-catching leads, cute moments, nice visual aesthetic and good OST, this series has got you covered. But if you're looking for a compelling emotional experience, a deeper storyline and outstanding performance, you might end up feeling let down. The show follows the journey of Ran and Dao from 2016 to 2024, showcasing the ups and downs of their lives and friendship over the years. While the series has its strengths, such as good story development and production values, it falls short in emotional impact and character portrayal.The series starts off promisingly, drawing the audience into the world of the two characters and their evolving relationship. However, as the series progresses, the momentum begins to slow down, but it manages to pick up the pace back toward the end. However, as the story progresses, the storytelling becomes predictable and lacks the emotional depth needed to truly engage me into what more to come. The emotional rollercoaster isn’t delivered well.
In my opinion, there are two shortcomings of this series. Firstly is the lack of significant change over the nine-year period. The time and era shifts from 2016 to 2024 are not effectively translated on-screen, especially in terms of props and setting. Some characters' appearance/looks remain pretty much the same as they were since their college days. The parents don’t even have a strand of grey hair even after 9 years. Hence, as much as I can follow the story, I don’t feel the passage of time or the impact of the changing years on the characters' lives much.
Secondly is the acting. Aim, as a debut actor, may come off as a bit rigid in his performance, but it’s not all that bad. His good-looking and hot-bod might seem to save him, but those aspects alone don’t do wonders to his acting, at least for me. And Cherprang’s acting may also fall short at times, needing to work on delivering a more natural performance. In some crying scenes, her expressions look a bit more forced than naturally sad. She did well in her previous series, but for this one, the way she portrayed Dao feels a bit bland, lacking the nuance and depth needed to make it memorable. While Cherprang and Aim share good chemistry, their emotions do not always translate well on-screen. They surely have some good cute moments, but there’s not much depth to their story to draw me into the emotional highs and lows of their relationship.
In conclusion, "9 Years of You" is a nice romantic drama, but falls short in emotional impact and character execution. While the series has the potential to be a more compelling and emotionally resonant series, it struggles to fully resonate with viewers due to its lack of depth in character portrayal.
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Thought-provoking political satire.
Dirty politics is a harsh reality that exists everywhere, no matter the country. Unlike typical political dramas/films that often depict a clear divide between good politicians and their corrupt rivals, this film shows the darker aspects of electoral processes, where bribery and vote-buying are pivotal to one's success. It doesn’t shy away from revealing the extreme measures some individuals will take to eliminate any threats to their victory. While the whole dirty politics idea is nothing new, what truly makes this film shine, though, is its strong message about integrity and commitment to one’s role.Marian Rivera shines in her role as Emmy, demonstrating her impressive versatility as an actress. She embodies the character of a dedicated teacher who finds herself entangled in a ballot box theft during the election. Through Emmy, we see a powerful portrayal of someone who, despite the temptation of money, remains steadfast in her moral principles, dignity, and honesty, committed to ensuring the safe delivery of the ballot box. And wow, this is the first time I've seen Marian Rivera drop so many ‘putang ina’ in a single show. She's amazing!
Despite its satirical tone and the thought-provoking storylines, the execution is not neat enough to make it a great movie. It has a promising start, but slowly loses its grip. With an overload of plot points, the film lacked the room for any storyline to really stand out. The visual storytelling was compelling, but nothing felt groundbreaking. However, it manages to deliver its intended messages.
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Love goes beyond materialistic desires and possessions.
'Third World Romance' is not the typical romantic movie we’ve seen before. Everything about it is the complete opposite of the usual romance clichés. Through the lens of a romantic story, this film tackles important social issues that are prevalent in our society today. It doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of poverty and the class gap, shedding light on the struggles faced by many individuals in the lower socio-economic group. By weaving these themes into a love story, focusing on the simplicity of nurturing love through small acts of kindness, understanding, and compassion, it also effectively brings attention to these pressing issues in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.Apart from the love story between Bree and Alvin and the struggles they go through, this film also portrayed a healthy non-conformity to the traditional Filipino family. Alvin lives with his chosen family, consisting of his transwoman father and siblings who have diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. Credit to the director for showcasing queer family representation.
The outstanding portrayals by Charlie Dizon and Carlo Aquino maintain the authenticity of their characters' struggles while also conveying a sense of happiness in their love story. The only flaw about them is that, despite being a real-life couple, their chemistry on screen seems lacking. Their companionship feels more platonic than sweet. But Charlie Dizon did an excellent job here. She's remarkable at giving the character so much depth through her expressions. Her character is relatable and human, making the audience empathize with her journey throughout the film.
Overall, this movie is well-crafted and well-acted. It will make us take a moment to ponder and see beyond the love story and appreciate the deeper messages that it conveys. In a world where materialism reigns supreme, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that wealth is the key to happiness and fulfillment. But this film simply shows that love goes beyond materialistic desires and possessions.
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A mediocre gangster movie.
Pattaya Heat is a movie that revolves around Thailand’s criminal underworld with the concept of a cat-and-mouse game. It has all the elements a gangster movie should have - drug lord, corrupt police officer, illegal business, revenge plotting, sex, profanity, betrayal, violence and a lot of blood - but somehow it lacks better storylines to make it captivating. The plots seem to have no proper structure. One moment it seems like a heist movie, then it becomes a revenge movie.Although the theme is nothing new and the story/plot is somewhat messy, the action and acting save this movie from being an absolute disaster. Like Hollywood ensemble movies, those big shots on screen together managed to deliver good acting, but no character really shines out. Most of the characters lack depth to make them interesting or memorable. However, Christine Gulasatree is the one who impressed me the most. Even though this is her debut film, she did a good job of capturing the essence of a cunning seductress.
Overall, it's a crime-action movie with the recipe of Tarantino's or Guy Ritchie’s movies, but the result is not even on par. It's just another mediocre gangster-heist movie we’ve seen before. A bit ambitious, but not quite there yet. Well, it's not bad, but not good either.
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Separation doesn't have to be a bad thing.
I found this drama by chance and decided to watch it, despite the fact that there were hardly any reviews about it online. I wonder if this series was either horrible or just didn't get much attention. If it was the former, I was ready to drop it any second. But surprisingly, it’s a damn good drama. I watched it through to the very end. I like how it’s different from the Filipino dramas I’ve watched.It’s a light drama-comedy that delves into how a married couple fell out of love and how they took a different approach to separation, which is to ‘uncouple’ (but not officially divorce yet). Although they decided to separate as a couple, they remained in the same house for their son. Even though they live under the same roof, they are basically living their own lives separately. The theme of moving on from a failed marriage or long relationship is well executed. It’s not a typical romance drama, as it focuses more on separation and moving on from a relationship without having to lose anything but rather gain something from it. Separation isn’t always a bad thing if there’s a mutual understanding about it and if it’s done for the right reasons.
Despite being only about 20–30 minutes long, this drama has a good pace. It also has a very good story structure where each episode manages to tell the story of the ‘before and after’ of the uncoupling. The comedy is well-placed and blended well with the romance and emotional part of it. This drama has a lot of positive messages and lessons to learn about family, marriage, and divorce.
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A heartfelt bucket list movie.
After finding out the cancer has relapsed, Shane is totally aware of what she has to go through again if she were to get treatment. So, not wanting to face the same trouble, she decided not to get treatment but instead to live her life to the fullest in her final months. Shane, her husband Byran, and their childhood friend Kristoff embark on a journey to Tasmania, Australia, to accomplish the 'Magic List'.The idea of a terminally sick patient crossing things off their bucket list is not new. But despite lacking novelty, there are a few things that make this movie something more than checking off a bucket list. The journey is filled with not only picturesque places, travelogue-ish moments, and activity; it also explores friendship and love in a simple way, focusing on reconnecting with lost relationships. While the main characters are childhood friends of two men and a woman, there’s no love triangle involved. It’s pure friendship. So the conflict isn't very complicated.
When it comes to movies about illnesses, the melancholic and tear-jerking parts are expected. This movie managed to deliver both the tonality of enjoyable trip and the bleak side of reality very well. Although this movie has a good story structure, the pacing seems pretty rushed. It seems like it wants the audience to feel the sentimentality, but there is not enough space to really feel it or drown in the emotions. It's like a knee-jerk reaction. However, the good storylines help in making the whole idea and emotions palpable. With an impactful plot twist and a positive message about life, genuine love, and undying friendship, this movie stands out on its own despite having the all bucket list movie tropes.
Overall, it’s a good movie. but it could've been done better. How sad this movie is may depend on the individual, but it’s a movie to watch if you need an emotional release. Get a box of tissues ready.
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Lacking in some areas, but not a bad remake.
'Flower of Evil’ is one of the best thriller K-dramas ever produced, so when I found out it was going to be adapted, I was a bit skeptical. But I was intrigued by how the adaptation was going to be, so I gave it a try.While the original is weighty with all sorts of emotions shared between each character and has more suspense elements, this Filipino adaptation, on the other hand, is not as heavy. It added more subplots with more interaction between the characters, which gives more space for drama and character growth. Although there are some scenes that, in my opinion, are unnecessary, it’s expected to be a bit draggy considering that the drama is 32 episodes, 45 to 50 minutes long.
FL (Lovi Poe) and ML (Piolo Pascual) play the roles of a married couple more convincingly. The two have more natural skinships, kisses, and tender gestures, making the romance, and conflict even better. I’d say that Iris and Daniel give off a more domestic vibe than Jiwon and Hyun Soo.
My biggest problem with this adaptation is the villains (Jacob, Jacob's father, and the thug leader). They are not evil enough to make me despise them. Jacob is probably the worst of all. Despite being a talented actor, Paulo Avelino failed to portray the psychopath character in a more believable way. He seemed like he was trying so hard to be a violent maniac, he came off as a Joker impostor. Wrong cast, I think.
Overall, this is an okay remake, but not up to par. The drama, the suspense, the pain, the betrayal, the romance, and the happy moments are there, but it didn’t have the same emotional rollercoaster. It’s still a good watch though.
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5
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