This review may contain spoilers
A true period drama of intriguing character studies, not "just" a BL romance
Honestly it's rare in the BL space to find a drama with such an immense focus on presenting in depth character studies and backgrounds for all the main characters. I guess it's because this is in no way in line with your standard BL. It's a real true and proper piece of cinema that transcends the same sex relationships theme and touches on a variety of topics. There is a strong foundational plot outside of just the romantic relationships that is fresh and interesting, especially set against the backdrop of Thailand with 70s era styling (set in 69-71). This is one of those series that hurts you, but is worth the pain. It's not afraid to "go" there with its characters.
My most loved aspect of this is truly the acting though. Trin and Victor's micro-expressions and acting throughout was on another level to all the other characters in my opinion. I know Victor's character rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but he was my favourite. And although his ending (and Veera's) very much hurt my soul, I could see how important it was to the plot. He was the true catalyst of change and led all storylines to their crescendo.
The storyline between Krailert & Naran was absolute brimstone and fire the whole way through and honestly had me gripped far more than the main couple. Although I tend to like a happy ending far more than a gritty, realistic one. I felt that the ending Krailert got was fitting considering his choices that were shown from the very beginning of his path (where his first partner was murdered and he remained compliant). He was right with his lines about how his choices led him here and he has to face up to that. (Although his wife was chaotically evil all of sudden which was a little jarring).
I would say the only aspect that was lacking for me was the romantic relationship between Trin and Tanwa. For being the main couple, I honestly felt like they lacked some screentime and development. They showed their development as separate people very well, but when it came to their romance building- I wish their had been more scenes of them building their relationship and emotional intimacy. Especially compared to how explosive the other main couple's interactions were- it was almost too slow-burn and mild by comparison. I'm not complaining about them not having more sex scenes, but in general they just skipped between vague scenes of them just hanging out casually for a significant portion of the series. For example, I personally didn't like Tanwa at all- couldn't stand him in fact. He's just not my kind of character and I can't relate too him. But maybe if there was more development shown between them, I would have enjoyed his character more in the end.
This reminded me of The Paradise of Thorns in the way that it's true cinema in every regard. The story line and characters are fleshed out, the cinematography, lighting, acting, fashion, everything is incredible. I've been thinking about this story ever since I finished watching it. It's rare media can leave me hanging and coming back to think about it and that is a true mark of something impactful. I love this series so much and desperately hope to see more like this, especially with the hopes of the actor for Victor having a starring role. He is honestly incredible!
My most loved aspect of this is truly the acting though. Trin and Victor's micro-expressions and acting throughout was on another level to all the other characters in my opinion. I know Victor's character rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but he was my favourite. And although his ending (and Veera's) very much hurt my soul, I could see how important it was to the plot. He was the true catalyst of change and led all storylines to their crescendo.
The storyline between Krailert & Naran was absolute brimstone and fire the whole way through and honestly had me gripped far more than the main couple. Although I tend to like a happy ending far more than a gritty, realistic one. I felt that the ending Krailert got was fitting considering his choices that were shown from the very beginning of his path (where his first partner was murdered and he remained compliant). He was right with his lines about how his choices led him here and he has to face up to that. (Although his wife was chaotically evil all of sudden which was a little jarring).
I would say the only aspect that was lacking for me was the romantic relationship between Trin and Tanwa. For being the main couple, I honestly felt like they lacked some screentime and development. They showed their development as separate people very well, but when it came to their romance building- I wish their had been more scenes of them building their relationship and emotional intimacy. Especially compared to how explosive the other main couple's interactions were- it was almost too slow-burn and mild by comparison. I'm not complaining about them not having more sex scenes, but in general they just skipped between vague scenes of them just hanging out casually for a significant portion of the series. For example, I personally didn't like Tanwa at all- couldn't stand him in fact. He's just not my kind of character and I can't relate too him. But maybe if there was more development shown between them, I would have enjoyed his character more in the end.
This reminded me of The Paradise of Thorns in the way that it's true cinema in every regard. The story line and characters are fleshed out, the cinematography, lighting, acting, fashion, everything is incredible. I've been thinking about this story ever since I finished watching it. It's rare media can leave me hanging and coming back to think about it and that is a true mark of something impactful. I love this series so much and desperately hope to see more like this, especially with the hopes of the actor for Victor having a starring role. He is honestly incredible!
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