MizMystixism

An heartwarming teacher-student drama that’s full of positive messages.

'Khru Ma' is a hidden gem, an underrated drama. The premise of a new, fun, eccentric teacher from the city is not new, but this drama delivers the idea in a way that goes beyond the new teacher storyline. It has several themes, such as education, teacher-student relationships, friendships, and local community life. All these themes are conveyed in well-written plots and characters.

Wichai is a strong believer that knowledge is not fixed in textbooks and that education should benefit the students, not the teacher. As quoted by Wichai; “Students scoring higher marks in every subject is more of the teachers’ success measurement than the students.” Although the drama focused on his unconventional teaching style, it also objectively touched on the pros and cons of the common teaching methodology.

The time setting that takes place during the dispute between the Khmer and Vietnamese communist parties makes the conflict in this drama not only focused on the school but also revolves around the town, which is located at the Thai-Cambodian border, where the people are of diverse ethnicities and different backgrounds. It also touched on how the conflict has led to prejudice against other races within the community. However, the issue is skillfully conveyed without displaying bias.

One major thing that I like about this drama is the characters. Each character has its own significance - the teachers, the students, the headmaster, the parents, and even the small roles of the café owner and the librarian. If Wichai is the head of this drama, the students are the limbs. They carry out the plots effortlessly, making every episode enjoyable to watch. Although the issues created by the opposing characters seem repetitive, they’re just enough to create tension.

This drama does come with a few flaws, especially the repetitive displeasure among teachers about Wichai's teaching style, but overall, it does a good job at creating a balance between drama, comedy, romance, tension, family, and friendship without losing its main focus.

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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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An underrated, nostalgic movie.

This movie is so underrated that almost no one talks about it. But I'm glad I found this gem. A movie about a movie is something that has been done before, but ‘Once Upon a Star’ still manages to stand out in its own unique way. While this kind of movie (like Singin’ in the Rain or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) mostly focuses on the actor, actress, or director, this movie centers on the little people, which are traveling cinema troupes that roamed rural Thailand, bringing outdoor cinema and dubbed movies in the 1960s and 1970s.

This movie successfully takes the audience back to the 1960s-70s era with detailed settings and props. I like the fact that they took something from history that isn’t given as much attention in most movies, which is 16mm film live-dubbing. It’s something the younger generation might not have any clue about but is worth knowing and learn about. And it also highlighted Thailand’s most famous movie star at the time, Mitr Chaibancha. (Feel free to Google him)

The plots are well-stitched and developed neatly. The movie moves at quite a slow pace by showing them struggle to make a profit, taking any job possible even as far as outskirt area. But despite its slow pace, it doesn't feel too draggy. Thanks to the beauty shots. It also included a triangle love involving Manit, Kao, and Kae, which takes up just a nice portion of this movie in order to create an emotional conflict between the characters. Every character has a distinct personality and a story to tell, all of which blend together in one big narrative, but their characters are somewhat underexplored.

Although the main focus of the movie is the journey of the cinema troupes, it actually gives a glimpse at how Mitr Chaibancha’s popularity played a huge role in Thai culture, as well as Thai cinema and movie growth. His life adds more depth to this movie and makes the whole context of this movie reasonable. When he passed away during the peak of his career, it seemed like the cinema business died with him. His death pretty much brought an end to the 16mm era.

Overall, despite a few flaws, it’s a good movie that recounts a historical tale and have good messages within the storylines. It deserves as much attention as other period movies. In my personal opinion, it is a good and entertaining underrated movie.

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This movie is many things, but it failed in whatever it intended to be.

I don’t know where to begin with this movie. The premise of a woman trying to break free from the life under her husband's oppression while dealing with issues like migration, domestic violence, and traumas of the past is interesting enough, but it doesn’t really offer anything new beyond what’s expected. At first, it seems like a neo-noir film with a touch of lesbian romanticism, which looks promising to me, but it slowly becomes bland. As the story unfolds, the plots start to get weak and weaker, to the point that it makes me lose interest in whatever is going to happen next. The plot twist is so ambiguous, leaving the ending/resolution so unsatisfying. I couldn’t pinpoint any compelling things about this movie, and I don’t even know where this movie even stands.

Fan Bingbing and Lee Joo Young both perform well, but their performances seem to be underutilized by the weak screenplay. Binbing’s character has very little development and lacks the depth to make her memorable. While Joo Young’s character has its own backstory, it’s not enough to further enhance her significance either.

While this movie delves into romance, incorporating the same-sex love scene, it's not about exploring or experimenting with sexuality in any way. And the scene doesn't significantly alter the plot and is unable to make an impact in any way other than simply establishing the sexual tension between the two women. So, is this an LGBT romance movie? No, it's not. It's more like a rough estimate that doesn't really capture the authentic queer experience.

This movie has an intriguing story and conflicts, but it failed to live up to its potential. The lack of finesse in storytelling and character growth and the failure to effectively communicate its intentions make it fall into the bad movie section.

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Bea Alonzo and JLC are indeed one true pair.

This short film tells the story of an on-screen love team that reunites for a project after a long break due to the pandemic. During their time together, they engage in heartfelt conversations about life, love, and their shared past. The plot is straightforward yet well-crafted, fitting neatly into a 36-minute runtime, and it beautifully captures the dynamics of their relationship. If we talk about love teams, fans often hope that these pairs will become real-life couples, enchanted by their chemistry both on and off the screen. But it doesn’t always happen in real life. By centering the narrative around the love team while not making their romantic relationship the focal point, the film offers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of their friendship both in and out of the spotlight.

The story is so engaging from the beginning to the end, making me want for more. Bea Alonzo and JLC undoubtedly have an amazing chemistry. Their dialogue feels so genuine and effortless, as if they’re simply being themselves rather than acting. I was smiling the whole time, my face hurt. The way they tackle the themes of life and love, through the lens of one of the most iconic Filipino love teams offers a profound insight: as humans, we often find our emotions beyond our control, especially when it comes to those we deeply care about. You know, feelings will grow, the line between professional and personal will get blurred, and it can sometimes have a positive or negative impact on our real-life relationship. But at the end of the day, people grow and move on, and the best of love remains.

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Not the best, but not that bad for Ch7's first GL series.

First of all, I personally think it's fantastic that Ch7 has finally introduced a GL series. Even though it’s not produced by their in-house team, still, it’s groundbreaking. For anyone who isn't familiar with Ch7 lakorn, it's easy to draw comparisons with GLs from other channels. But as both Thai lakorn and GL fan, being Ch7's first GL series, I personally think Dangerous Queen is not all that bad.

When it comes to the story, Dangerous Queen may not be a total masterpiece, but the plot development is still quite faithful to the book. There are parts in later episodes where there's the shift in focus, but the core is still about Queen and Babe's evolving relationship. The slow burn still worked even with the gradual loss of momentum.

While the overall production quality of Dangerous Queen is good, there are some noticeable issues. The pace started off nicely during the first half of the series but lost its momentum toward the end. The story development and the direction, especially in the last four episodes feel choppy too. It seemed like they shifted focus from QueenBabe’s evolving relationship to the villains’ wild antics. And, I have a personal issue with the certain framing and angles, especially with how the director seems to gatekeeping the kiss scenes. It’s understandable if it’s the standard broadcast cut, but the uncut version? That’s nonsense. It's clear that this restriction is due to the channel's guidelines and I believe it’s also the director's choice, but it does detract from the authenticity and emotional depth of the romantic moments in the series. Seriously, wtf with that shot of the kiss scene from the back of Queen's head? From a visual storytelling POV, it doesn't make sense or even look good.

In the acting department, both Nur and Tangkwa deliver decent performances with some line deliverance look a bit rigid. But of course there's room for improvement in the future given that they are newcomers. But Tangkwa's portrayal of Queen is quite impressive, bringing the character from the book to life in a way that is both captivating and convincing.

All in all, Dangerous Queen showcases the potential of the actresses and the company, with some flaws in production and acting that could be improved upon. As someone who enjoy Khun Phuying's books, I consider this adaptation good and still worth a watch for its visual appeal and overall execution.

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EngLot’s chemistry is overflowing.

Basically, ‘Love Bully’ is just another chaotic Club Friday installment. However, unlike most Club Friday series, the premise of this drama doesn’t involve affairs or cheating, which deserves a good point there. The storyline is not that bad, but it’s not the best either. Certainly, it focuses on the one who cares too much would be more hurt, while the one who cares less would be more frustrated at having to put up with all the crap all the time.

It's a Club Friday drama, so the conflicts are expected to be a little overdramatized. But despite that, good directions help convey the story well. In terms of acting, Charlotte deserves praise for her performance this time. She nailed it. The only thing about this drama that I personally like is the great chemistry between Engfa and Charlotte. The EngLot tandem makes the scenes they share look natural. Given that they are one of the most famous GL pairings in Thailand and also well-known internationally, it's not surprising that this series has become the most anticipated, most talked about, and most watched compared to other Club Friday series.

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Love alone is not enough

When it comes to romance films, people would usually expect something sweet and fluffy, idealized love stories filled with charm and beauty. However, "The Loved One" flips that idea on its head by presenting a more grounded and honest portrayal of relationships. This film strips away the typical romantic glamor to reveal a core truth: love alone does not guarantee a successful relationship.

At its heart, the story of Eric and Ellie is a familiar one, but its power lies in the way it is told. The story unfolds in a non-linear way, shifting between past memories and present realities. This approach allows viewers to see the complexity, depth and growth of their relationship over time, rather than a straightforward romantic arc. I’ve watched quite a few films by Irene Villamor, and generally, her movies really embrace the complexities and imperfections that define human relationships. This film carries on this theme, as Villamor captures the intimate moments that reveal both vulnerability and strength within the couples, portraying love as something that is both beautiful and challenging.

In my opinion, the film’s visual storytelling is particularly superb. Through subtle, quiet performances by Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis, emotions are conveyed with remarkable depth without relying heavily on dialogue. Many scenes depend solely on visuals to portray the characters' inner struggles and emotions, creating an immersive and genuine experience.

Overall, "The Loved One" stands out not only because it is beautifully written, thoughtfully acted, and visually compelling, but also because it confronts the realities of love and relationships with honesty and sensitivity. It’s not your typical Valentine’s Day flick that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. It's the film that offers a poignant and relatable experience that resonates long after the film ends.

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Strong ideas and messages, weak execution.

"Like a Palette" is one of the books by Zezeho that I really enjoy, so I was looking forward to the series. But as much as the series is faithful to the book, the way it was brought to life is rather weak. At first glance, it seems like your typical student romance series with the senior-junior romance trope. But it delves into some ideas that set it apart - the self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the impact of societal prejudices, particularly transphobia. The series handles these sensitive topics with care, depicting the struggles in a respectful and impactful manner. Unlike many other GL series that shy away from explicitly naming the characters' sexual orientations, this series boldly embraces and celebrates lesbian identity. By doing so, the show normalizes and validates same-sex relationships, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals.

One of the refreshing aspects of this series is the portrayal of a supportive and loving family environment. The main character, Jane is surrounded by a circle of family members who offer unwavering support and encouragement. And the mom is definitely a positive character which is different from the typical moms we see in most GL series. And I like the jazzy OST.

While the series is commendable for tackling these important issues and the underlying positive messages, the execution falls short in some areas. The acting needed a lot more polish. Jane, portrayed by Thongfah Alicha, should be the star of the show, but Thongfah’s somewhat unnatural performance diminishes the impact of the character, hindering the emotional connection. Her dialogue delivery sounds weird too. Even Prigkhing’s good acting can't help much. But the rest of the cast deserve praise for making this series more bearable. And Prigkhing-Fah's on-screen chemistry is somewhat lacking, making Dai-Jane's dynamic less convincing.

On top of that, the pacing feels a bit choppy, with certain scenes and plot developments lacking coherence and smooth transitions. And while the cinematography is okay, the visual storytelling fails to give the key plot points the impact they deserve. There were quite a few times I wasn't only cringed at Jane's acting, but also the awkward camera angles.

Overall, Like A Palette has the potential to be an engaging series, but the execution and acting just don't meet the mark. While it may not be a flawless series, its bold approach to storytelling and commitment to addressing vital societal issues make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

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Hypnotic? Psychotic is more like it.

Out of many revenge series I watched in 2025, this one is the better one. It’s a series that delivers on all fronts with a great script, solid character development, and outstanding acting.

The script is great, providing viewers with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish. While some storylines may be a bit predictable, the cat-and-mouse game plot and tension buildup are expertly crafted, making each episode a thrilling watch. Beyond the revenge aspect, this series does not shy away from including important social issues into the plotlines. From mental health issue to school bullying, cyberbullying, abuse of power, bad parenting and sexual assault, the series sheds light on how these issues can impact one's upbringing and overall well-being.

One of the highlights of this series is the exceptional acting by the cast, particularly Nychaa Nuttanicha and Will Wannarot, who truly shine in their respective roles. But hands down to Vill for her portrayal of Kunnaree. She’s just pure psychotic. And the child actors are amazing too. Plus, the chemistry between the actors simply adds depth to the characters, making you either root for them or just hate their guts.

Under the skillful direction of Koo Ekkasit, this series boasts impressive production quality that shines on its own among other revenge dramas. The only downside for me is the lackluster male lead and how every guy in this series seems weak. The male lead is just a passive character. I can't even cheer for him. He's just a nice, pretty-faced guy that might seem like what the FL needs amidst the chaos, but he's pretty useless. Sure, he makes an effort to be helpful towards the end, but it seems too late. Plus, the action and fight scenes could definitely use some work to help heighten the suspense.

I would’ve rated it a 10 if the last two episodes hadn’t felt so rushed and if the ending had been more satisfying. Overall, Hypnotic is a well-made and well-acted revenge drama. Whether you're a fan of revenge dramas or simply enjoy a fantastic performance, this series is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

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An okay movie to kill some free time

It's a sport-themed high school GL. Although the film doesn't focus heavily on sports, the developing relationship between two players serves as an important subplot. As they navigate the challenges of sports, school, and personal struggles, their feelings for each other deepen, leading to tender moments and heartfelt confessions. The romance between the two players adds a layer of sweetness and vulnerability to the story.

This film addresses the critical issue of sexual harassment within women's sports, a topic that deserves significant attention. While this film manages to highlights the concern, it doesn't quite provide a tidy resolution to the issue. The absence of proper action against it might be a deliberate choice by the director, but it somehow leaves me with a sense of unease, as the characters' struggles with harassment are not fully resolved.

While this movie has good story, the character development is underwhelming. Although the main characters are likable and relatable, their growth throughout the film feels limited. Despite the intriguing premise and the potential for emotional depth, the movie's ending is predictable. Overall, it is a pleasant movie.

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A journey of a matriarch.

Thai drama world might not be abundant with slice-of-life series that chronicle the life of a sole protagonist, so this series intrigued me and it turned out to be pretty impressive. The series follows the life of Chomnad, a resilient woman who faces life's storms, family dynamics, love, and loss. As the story unfolds, it delves deeply into the nuanced realities of human nature and personal struggle with unflinching honesty.

The strength of this series lies in its female lead. Pancake Khemanit delivers a powerful performance as Chomnad, portraying her with grace and nuance. She pulls off an incredible balance of showing resilience, flaws and vulnerability that had me invested in her journey—I was cheering her on while also wanting to give her a reality check at times. Other supporting cast did amazingly too.

Another strong aspect of the series is its realistic portrayal of human characters. There are no purely good or evil characters in this series, including Chomnad. Each character is multidimensional, with shades of gray, selfishness, and weakness, reflecting the complexity of real-life relationships. Plus, the series offers a poignant reflection of real family dynamics and societal norms, focusing on internal family conflicts, confrontations, and the fierce determination to protect loved ones. It's not just about the hardships Chomnad endures but also a journey of a family matriarch, which I can personally resonate with.

Despite the impressive performances and the story depth, I found the pace a bit rushed. 16 episodes to retell Chomnad's life from her teenage years to old age, the story progresses in rapid time jumps, resulting in the relationships between certain characters or conflicts being resolved or transitioned too quickly. It leaves some storylines to have less to no impact as they should. And the series can be quite stressful too, as the plots are constantly about loss and family problems. My biggest issue with this series is the special effects makeup. The aging makeup is not quite convincing and comical. Even at the age of 70, Chomnad looks like a lady in her 40s in gray hair wig.

Overall, this series stands out as a good exploration of life’s complexities, family ties, and personal strength. Even with some noticeable flaws, this series is still something you can watch for its performance and story. If you're a fan of emotionally charged dramas that delve into the complexities of human relationships and society, it's worth giving a shot.

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Darker and intriguing, but lacking intensity.

When it comes to Thai thrillers, few are bold enough to push the envelope. However, "Still Water" makes a strong impression with its unflinching murder mystery that showcases plenty of gore and graphic content. This bold choice sets this series apart from other Thai thriller dramas, as it adds a layer of intensity to the story. While it has all the right ingredients for a thrilling murder mystery, it struggles to deliver the suspense and tension that would elevate it to the next level.

One of the standout features of this series is the setting. From the first episode, this series captivates with its eerie and atmospheric backdrop. The geographical isolation, the haunting jungle, and the quaint small town all contribute to the overall sense of unease and mystery. The cinematography and sound design enhance the tension, drawing viewers into the world of the series. Performance-wise, all cast did a great job, but I don't think anyone particularly shines. However, I think this is probably one of the most challenging roles Punpun Suttata has ever portrayed. She delivers Pin's struggles from PTSD so well.

Despite its promising premise and impressive setting, this series falls short in one crucial aspect: storytelling. While it excels in establishing complex characters and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ storyline is nicely done without overshadowing the main plot, the heavy focus on the characters' arcs and the deliberately ambiguous subplots leaves the core mystery feeling a bit lackluster. There are too many stories to highlight, it feels quite crammed. As a result, the pacing of the series suffers, and the 'whodunit' elements feel diluted and unsatisfying. The intensity is not intensifying. As much I like the ending, I think the identity of the killer and the motive could be revealed sooner rather than toward at the end of the last episode.

Overall, "Still Water" is an interesting thriller to watch for its dark vibe, the performance and the issues it highlights. However, the intense visuals and great performances cannot fully compensate for the lack of a tightly woven and suspenseful storyline. as it hinders the series potential to be a truly great and unforgettable thriller. For viewers looking for something with solid suspense buildup, this series might be a bit of a letdown.

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The kind of strong female character we rarely see in Thai drama

In many Thai dramas, female characters often fall into conventional roles such as the gentle heroine or the supportive figure. However, "The Evil Lawyer" breaks this mold by centering on a protagonist who is assertive and unafraid to wield power in a male-dominated environment. This drama challenges traditional stereotypes by presenting a woman who exudes strength, intelligence, and unapologetic self-assurance.

First of all, this series as a whole is pretty amazing. It’s an unpredictable legal thriller that explores moral complexities and doesn’t shy away from illustrating Thailand’s political landscape, while also addressing systemic corruption. The way each case is seamlessly woven into a larger storyline with a great pace really makes the series captivating. However, what really stands out for me is the portrayal of the female lead. I want to shine a light on Jittri, who brings a refreshing take on strong female characters in Thai dramas.

While Jittri's approaches and morale are more on the grey side, she's a woman with a bold attitude that can really get under your skin, yet somehow, you'll end up admiring her. Her confidence is not just a personality trait but a defining element of the story, influencing both her personal and professional interactions. It gives viewers a new take on female empowerment, featuring a woman who tackles obstacles with cleverness and grit. It mirrors changing societal views on gender roles in Thailand, emphasizing the need for more varied and authentic female characters in the media. Plus, Ying Rhatha Phongam's performance is nothing short of amazing. This series marks her return to a leading role since 2022, and she truly came back with a bang. She transformed a character that could have been unlikable into a stylish, and captivating anti-heroine worthy of admiration.

Overall, this drama is more than just a story; it is a cultural marker that signals change and the growing recognition of complex female characters in Thai television. It's something worth watching not only for the story, but for the performance and the underlying issues.

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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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