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Drama on Top ^^
Where do I even start?
Yet again another drama that I have looked forward to has released. I have been a fan of the source material for years now, I've rewatched it about 4 or 5 times. I understand what it would look like for something to not need to be remade or adapted, and coming from the source material- I was worried what would come out of the adaption. What I'm happy to say now is that it looks like my worries have been nullified by the end result of this drama, as it is not only a great adaptation- it is a great drama. Let me explain.
Dakaichi is a beloved BL series, that I don't feel the need to explain the plot or go in detail of what I like and dislike there. The adaptation 'Top Form' peaked my interest, and it's kept my interests in the end for several reasons. I have watched other Thai adaptations of my beloved BL series from Japan, and am able to recognize when the IP is used for money. The source material is used as a way for a 'sure fire' success, where what the production misses is that remaking something without adding or taking away is actually quite boring and frustrating to watch. If I love the source material, why not just go and rewatch that? Why would I want something tainting the legacy. With Dakaichi it has several issues, the anime adaptation already tamed down the manga, and coming now to the Thai adaptation I can say the series is able to stand as its own, as well as being a love letter to the original source.
Top Form clearly was made by fans of the original, but also from people that are self-aware and recognize the faults of the source material. There are flaws in all versions, but I am putting credit where credit is due. The team behind this drama is very competent, and I can tell from the consistency of this drama. The writing of the characters, the editing, the pacing, nothing it jittery and it is all just consistent.
Consistency could mean boring, and the runtime being much longer than the original could mean adding unnecessary filler also. What you get with this drama is a top notch production, a quality script, and instead of filler you get character arcs/development. I'm glad that the direction took it in the way of developing characters rather than adding drama or action.
So let me explain that...
Takato is Akin in this drama, played by Boom. I have watched a little bit of Chains of Hearts, so I recognize him. I didn't finish it so I'm not the most familiar with him, but wow. Boom is an amazing actor, and he is one that uses his expressions to the fullest. Just like Akin, he doesn't need a lot of lines to steal a scene, he understands his character to a degree that I had to rewatch several scenes to pick up on Akin's little antics. Just like a real person, this character is fleshed out to the point where he has nervous ticks/habits. I thinks it's interesting to see it all come from the source material, and realistically fit into this setting. What I also want to add is that the setting has some depth. As I said before, the team is competent, and what I can tell from that is how famous Akin and Jin really are.
There are billboards, magazines, merchandise, other people reacting.. all of these add to show that Jin and Akin are A-List actors, and are famous. It's details like that, that may seem small, but seriously add to the drama.
The chemistry is also realistic, and with the length you are now able to feel the yearning all the more. I can feel the absence of the other, in the main characters lives. I see them together and know they will get together, but notice a natural connection, that is growing naturally as well. The characterization of Akin and Jin is one of the best things of the drama. Boom plays Akin so well, and when you think about it- it can't be easy.
Akin is a very serious actor, a senior in the industry. He is also just a guy with his own worries, and weird obsessions. He is able to act arrogant to himself, and be polite and humble infront of others. I could write a whole character essay on why I love Akin, and how Top Form took Takato and made Akin so very perfect. It's not over the top, it's subtle with the nods to the original as well as taking the best parts. I am happy to see the age difference here, and it makes a lot of sense... I could get into why the casting is perfect also..
Smart plays Jin, Junta.. Junta is Jin. Smart is really capturing the energy of this lead, like Boom, so so well. I can't decide which characterization I like better. Both take the best of the original, while being unafraid to change the faults. For now, Jin still has a lot of backstory I could see them adding in, but I like what is here so far.
Overall I really like what is here so far. This drama is an example of a great adaptation. While I could list others that are horrible, I will just recommend this drama! You will be missing out if you don't watch.
Yet again another drama that I have looked forward to has released. I have been a fan of the source material for years now, I've rewatched it about 4 or 5 times. I understand what it would look like for something to not need to be remade or adapted, and coming from the source material- I was worried what would come out of the adaption. What I'm happy to say now is that it looks like my worries have been nullified by the end result of this drama, as it is not only a great adaptation- it is a great drama. Let me explain.
Dakaichi is a beloved BL series, that I don't feel the need to explain the plot or go in detail of what I like and dislike there. The adaptation 'Top Form' peaked my interest, and it's kept my interests in the end for several reasons. I have watched other Thai adaptations of my beloved BL series from Japan, and am able to recognize when the IP is used for money. The source material is used as a way for a 'sure fire' success, where what the production misses is that remaking something without adding or taking away is actually quite boring and frustrating to watch. If I love the source material, why not just go and rewatch that? Why would I want something tainting the legacy. With Dakaichi it has several issues, the anime adaptation already tamed down the manga, and coming now to the Thai adaptation I can say the series is able to stand as its own, as well as being a love letter to the original source.
Top Form clearly was made by fans of the original, but also from people that are self-aware and recognize the faults of the source material. There are flaws in all versions, but I am putting credit where credit is due. The team behind this drama is very competent, and I can tell from the consistency of this drama. The writing of the characters, the editing, the pacing, nothing it jittery and it is all just consistent.
Consistency could mean boring, and the runtime being much longer than the original could mean adding unnecessary filler also. What you get with this drama is a top notch production, a quality script, and instead of filler you get character arcs/development. I'm glad that the direction took it in the way of developing characters rather than adding drama or action.
So let me explain that...
Takato is Akin in this drama, played by Boom. I have watched a little bit of Chains of Hearts, so I recognize him. I didn't finish it so I'm not the most familiar with him, but wow. Boom is an amazing actor, and he is one that uses his expressions to the fullest. Just like Akin, he doesn't need a lot of lines to steal a scene, he understands his character to a degree that I had to rewatch several scenes to pick up on Akin's little antics. Just like a real person, this character is fleshed out to the point where he has nervous ticks/habits. I thinks it's interesting to see it all come from the source material, and realistically fit into this setting. What I also want to add is that the setting has some depth. As I said before, the team is competent, and what I can tell from that is how famous Akin and Jin really are.
There are billboards, magazines, merchandise, other people reacting.. all of these add to show that Jin and Akin are A-List actors, and are famous. It's details like that, that may seem small, but seriously add to the drama.
The chemistry is also realistic, and with the length you are now able to feel the yearning all the more. I can feel the absence of the other, in the main characters lives. I see them together and know they will get together, but notice a natural connection, that is growing naturally as well. The characterization of Akin and Jin is one of the best things of the drama. Boom plays Akin so well, and when you think about it- it can't be easy.
Akin is a very serious actor, a senior in the industry. He is also just a guy with his own worries, and weird obsessions. He is able to act arrogant to himself, and be polite and humble infront of others. I could write a whole character essay on why I love Akin, and how Top Form took Takato and made Akin so very perfect. It's not over the top, it's subtle with the nods to the original as well as taking the best parts. I am happy to see the age difference here, and it makes a lot of sense... I could get into why the casting is perfect also..
Smart plays Jin, Junta.. Junta is Jin. Smart is really capturing the energy of this lead, like Boom, so so well. I can't decide which characterization I like better. Both take the best of the original, while being unafraid to change the faults. For now, Jin still has a lot of backstory I could see them adding in, but I like what is here so far.
Overall I really like what is here so far. This drama is an example of a great adaptation. While I could list others that are horrible, I will just recommend this drama! You will be missing out if you don't watch.
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