The Gifted starts as an episodic show where the first 8 episodes focuses on a different character. Each character is intriguing and the episodes do a brilliant job introducing backstory, side characters, and character development within a span of 40 minutes. Each episode was like a different genre: Drama, Mystery, Rom-Com, Supernatural, Psychological, Horror, Suspense, Thriller, and even Action. The number of Harry Potter references in the comments sections is hilarious. I can see Pang as Harry, Namtarn as Hermione, and Ohm as Ron. I bet Wave would be Draco and Ladda is Snape.
Let's talk about the characters:
Pang/Nanon: My feelings for the main lead waver through out the show (especially because all of the characters are so well written and acted), but he's likable enough to keep you watching. The first and last episode are probably his greatest in terms of acting.
Ohm/Sing: I think this is Sing's first lead role and he totally killed it. This boy is so talented and he deserves more than just support roles. Ohm wavers between cheerful and anxious so brilliantly.
Namtarn/Lilly: Okay...I'm not really a fan of this character. I don't like her and I don't care for her romance with Pang.
Punn/Gun: The episode that featured Gun's character Punn is hands-down the BEST. This episode alone could be an entire series. Gun's talent is unreal and he brings it all in this show. I would happily watch Gun play such complex roles forever. Cute Gun is to die for, but complex, acting God Gun is to live for! I spent this whole episode just holding my breath because every damn scene with Gun in it was just that intense. This episode alone I will rewatch over and over. I totally get why he won an award for this role and he deserves it.
Claire/Jane: Girl killed it! Normally, I hate Jane's character type but for the first time, the Queen Bee characters was my favorite Female character. Her development from Queen Bee to loving/sassy/genuine is awesome. Jane played a big part of why Punn's episode (#5) is so great. While I'm a big fan of OFFGUN, PunnxClaire is my favorite couple in this show and the only romance I want to see in Season 2 is theirs!
Wave/Chimmon: By the end, I liked Wave a lot better than Pang. Wave had his head straight the whole time and never wavered from his goals and objectives- qualities I like in protagonists. Part of the reason I don't like Pang is because towards the end, he gets so side-tracked and distracted in a way that (makes sense but also) strays from who we saw in the first episode. Wave's back story was one of the creepiest so it was a surprise when he came back as one of the most likable characters.
Mon/Puimek: This girl can kick butt! She was a fight scene with Punn that is just too awesome for words. I did not know Gun or the girl from Sotus S (Khao Fang) could fight so well! I really wanted to see her and Art get into a relationship.
Korn/Fiat: As much as I like Fiat, I think you could have taken him out of the show and it wouldn't have made much of a difference to the story. I hope he plays a bigger role in Season 2.
Jo & Jack/ AJ & JJ: These boys deserved an episode! I want to see the twins acting together so bad! Aside from short guest appearances here and there, we have yet to see these brother act in an extended scene.
If you read this far, I hope I've convinced you to give this show a try. It totally deserves it's high rating.
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After watching the first episode of The Gifted, there is this feeling that you will want more of it. As you progress thru the series, you are addicted to it.
STORY:
The story is very interesting. It gave me something unique that I never experienced on watching other series. All episodes are well written and executed. The series has its own flavor of 'darkness' in it but not so evil. It also has a light comedy approach, right amount of suspense, and lessons.
Sometimes while watching those parts that are really intense I forgot to breathe. Hahaha. The later episodes were really suspense. The strategies and that were shown by the characters was so great and it will leave you in awe. That's how great the story is!
ACTING/CAST:
The Gifted has a good set of actors and actresses. All of the them gave a superb performance. All of them are remarkable.
MUSIC:
I always love it when they play that suspense sound during the opening of the series. It adds to the 'darkness' of the series.
RE-WATCH VALUE:
I will definitely watch this series again. But I hope that the management will give us THE GIFTED SEASON 2. This series is really good. No, it's GREAT!
I HOPE THAT THIS REVIEW IS VERY HELPFUL FOR YOU GUYS WHO ARE PLANNING TO WATCH THIS SERIES. THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW THIS SERIES! I HOPE THAT THEY WILL GIVE US SEASON 2.
MARK | 25 | PHILIPPINES
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Every episode was well-paced, and you can tell they didn't just rush their screen-writing and storytelling because everything made sense. Elements from one episode really tied up with other episodes, so it was all one continuous and smooth story. Moreover, each episode changed perspectives from one character to the other, so you'd really get a full picture of the story.
The story wasn't a smooth or boring ride though, mind you. I was always on edge and never got bored of any of the 13 episodes in this series. Like all other series from gmmtv that I've watched so far, watching this was probably detrimental to my health since I'd stay up until 4 or 5am just to finish an episode, haha!
I do wish for a second season though. It's an amazing series and there's alot I'd like to know more about the other characters, specifically the ones that didn't get their own episode (i won't spoil) and what they'll all do next.
Nevertheless, watching this series was the best decision I've ever made. Cheers to gmmtv!
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If there will be Season 2. I suggest that there will be another batch for gifted students which will join the first batch. And i hope that there will be a scene where they will all unite and use their potentials to defeat the enemy.
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This review may contain spoilers
Story- I liked how the story goes by, especially when they emphasized each of every character's potential in the "Gifted Program" (except for the twins). I commend the plot, how their distinctiveness represent their hidden potential which really aligns with them. I can't let a second to be skipped (only for commercials and summation of previous episodes). Though I still have some unanswered questions on my head, but I think it will be answered sooner (shhhhh. . .)Acting/Cast- Nothing more to say but, BRAVO! Effective acting specially Wave (Chimon). I never expect him to be this effective even in an antagonist role for some episodes in the series. Phom Rak Khun Na! 55555 Also, I like Pang (Nanon) for his remarkable acting. He made me uplift my standards. Kudos to all the casts!
Music- Good musicality, suites to the genre of the story. It's like I'm having goosebumps while every episode.
Rewatch Value- WORTH! TO! REWATCH! I swear!
Overall: I DEMAND FOR SEASON 2! I want to see the Director be defeated by the "Gifted Program" 55555
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STORY - this plot misses nothing. the last episodes tie into everything perfectly and you can tell the writers spent a lot of time figuring out small details. There are nice light-hearted moments, tear-jerking moments, and lots of intense scenes. This is by far my favourite drama I have watched to date, and I feel a lot of that is due to the amazing job the writers did on the story.
ACTING - The acting is amazing! it may be obvious by now to commend Gun, but his episode really does stick out. However, the other leads also performed amazingly (Nanon and Chimon acting together really helps the immersion of the drama) and were perfectly cast for their roles .
MUSIC - this was the first drama i refused to skip the intro for. The soundtrack is intense and catchy (somehow), i always really appreciated the use of music
REWATCH VALUE - as i said, i have now seen this 3 times. for a while after my first watch i refused to go near it again to preserve the emotions i received after seeing it unravel for the first time. Then, when I did decide to come back to it, i had forgotten just how detailed the plot was and found myself getting surprised all over again. Maybe you wouldn't like to rewatch it, but for me it is always a fun experience.
anyway, i strongly recommend this drama to anyone, no matter what your usual preferences are.
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A certain educational system exists in one of the top school in the country. The highest level or section that a student can attain is the section which they call "The Gifted". But not all students can be on that level or section for some extraordinary reasons. The story begins after the students who has extraordinary "potentials" passed the exam to become one of "The Gifted" students. And after a student from the lowest section made it to "The Gifted" class.
Personal Reaction:
I was hoping actually that this series contains stories of extraordinary powers like the most common one which is telekinesis because the series's trailer did not give away any hint of some supernatural powers or something on it. What I thought is that, maybe, the students were just insanely intelligent for them to be called gifted. And when I watched it, I realized that, hoping is a good thing, especially when you get what you hoped for because the series is a story of students who have supernatural powers which they called "potentials". And I found myself enjoying while watching it. :-)
I knew most of the casts, that is why I am more accustomed watching them act. I even call them on names which they used on some of their other TV series or movies because I was used to it. Watching a film where you knew the actors and actresses is really much comfortable than watching films and series with alien artists. :-)
Anyways, what made this series wonderful, for me, are the following:
1. The storyline is great. Woooo! It reminds me of "Spirits" (a Philippine series where the leads are teens who has supernatural powers). But I found this idea refreshing though it was not my first time watching a series or a film with persons who has supernatural powers.
2. The special effects were spotless. I can somehow say that Thailand's film industry is now getting more advance.
3. Of course, the acting skills. Though I still can't get over of their roles in some of their series and films, I still enjoyed their performance.
4. The music! Especially the introduction music. It reminds me of carnivals where magic shows are being performed. :-)
5. And that ending gave me chills! I was not expecting for that kind of ending. I kept on picturing a different kind of ending where the lead won instead of losing but it did not happen, instead, they gave me a jaw dropping ending. Wooooow! Just wow.!
What made me don't like this series is that, it made me like it more but actually I don't really like it (what?????). ☺ I ♥ it.
So if you are going to ask me what would be my rating after watching it, uhmmm, and since I'm generous I think I'll give it a 6 if it's over 5. ???????? Hehehehe and 11 if it's over 10. :-) Sorry, but I just like series and films with this kind of storyline. :-)
A must watch TV Series. It's available in YouTube by the way. :-)
Enjoy watching.
We Don't Need / Superpowers / To Change The World
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Surprisingly Well Crafted, Better Than Jessica Jones
I know GMMTV usually does romance/BL dramas, but they can also amazingly adapt thriller novels, especially this one.The story is for sure a must-see, but what really makes this series shine is its production quality, which ACTUALLY SHOWS the gripping and believable story.
Every single detail from the actors’ chemistry with each other to the flow of each scene makes the whole experience seamless. There were no spare moments like you usually see in other Thai dramas where you’re just waiting for the character to finish reacting. I’m always like “I get it, he’s thinking really hard about the problem”. But with The Gifted, everyone’s reaction is there for a reason, and the scene never felt longer than it should. This, coupled with the extraordinary turn of events, pulls you into its world and the characters within it.
These characters are very well written with personally identifiable struggles. You may not see each of them develop far in the series (since it’s only 12 episodes and there are multiple mains), but you will definitely see the layers in their personality.
To be honest, this series is definitely better than the last season of Jessica Jones lol. Netflix should really get into this. They already have SOTUS on there; this would be such an amazing addition.
I’m a harsh critic but I was extremely impressed with The Gifted. I’m so glad they’re doing another season in 2020. Can’t wait.
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The strongest points of this show are definitely the characters, filming sequences and the lack of CGI and the payoff we get in the last episode. I was amazed with how smart this drama was filmed. Instead of using mediocre special effects, they focused on conveying the special powers and how they work/manifest with creative angles, camera movements and lighting. They worked their magic and it truly enriched the viewing experience . This drama shows that sometimes “less is more” as long as you are smart and creative in your work.
I also appreciated the sci-fi vibe this drama had, from the design of specific scenes, grounding the special powers in the scientific biological changes and even the background music. It all made a coherent picture surrounded by a fitting atmosphere.
The pacing and the structure of the episode made it easy to get to know, relate and understand the characters themselves, but also slowly realize the bigger picture gradually presented. A good portion of the episodes was dedicated to exploring the stories of each specific member of The Gifted program, which made me think of a procedural crime show: one case (character) per episode with an overlying bigger plotline being entwined between them. This format definitely worked for the plot, sub-plots and characters' background, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
The last episode was amazing. It had more plot twists than all the dramas I have ever watched combined. It made me cry from frustration and I did feel exhausted by the end of it, but it was all worth it.
Overall, it was an awesomely done drama with interesting characters and logical storyline. I did not have high expectations when I started watching it, but even if I did, I feel like this would exceed them anyway.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm a huge fan of supernatural fantasy.. I've read many many books like The Summoning, Vampire Academy, Echoes and many others plus tv shows like Tower Prep, No Ordinary Family and more. so I kinda have high expectations, and frankly I was not impressed by this.also, the shallow side of me preferred more effort on their uniforms, most high school dramas (korean and american) use it to distinguish the identity of each student, or use better quality fabrics. and they needed better hairstyles. kun and claire were the only kids with nice hair. taking care of your hair doesn't mean your rebellious or into fashion ;p
now to the spoiler part;
for one thing the lack of cgi or any type of effort was disappointing, sure most of their talents didn't need anything special, but the best thing they did was shine colorful light at people and called it "super powers".. maybe pun's identity crisis was their maximum level of cg..
on the other hand and the biggest disappointment was their plot of course... for one thing the villain was too 1d, and his only crime was that he mistreated the kids, which brings me to pung only wanting to "expose" the ranked system and the way the principle/ceo divided the kids.
I mean if you come across kids with special powers, why just make a shallow clique system? you need to build a whole school just for them and spread the "exam" that identify the kids to the whole country~ think big or go home ;p
also, they needed to teach the kids how to control their powers and improve. with this and a teacher like pom it was like releasing the power and letting the kids figure it out on their own while the other students became collateral damage.
I also really disliked their repetitive episodic pattern, they'd show 1 kid realizing their potential, just to get in trouble with the side effects and throw in some angst and it's over, then on to the next one...
what was the point of the class? it only gave them benefits over superficial luxury.
fast forward towards the end, and boom we have a villain that can't get to the point, tbh I find it weak writing when I get the point 3 mins before the character actually says the punchline... I figured out pom was just a puppet, and his story ruined the character for me, his friend could've just talked it out..
on the other hand I also figured out ceo guy had the same powers the moment he stopped the pawns, but it took them +5 mins for him to say it as if it was a twist.
on the other hand Teacher Ladda seemed suspicious, like the time she told the reporter girl "you'll forget everything" I thought she had powers too or she was an anti gifted club so she wanted to take their powers away or something but no she was just a tool too..
overall they tried to be clever but the plot was simple..
now, I did like the powers and their side effects, though I didn't like the background story around each student beside Mon. they had 2 guys that fell for the wrong girl so they became angry, and one girl that wanted everyone to love her and a few others, but Mon had a strong attachment to her sports club and friends and her side effect was the saddest one tbh...
I don't have much to say about the acting, and the ost was just mediocre, plus I never rewatch stuff. I might also not bother with a 2nd season unless it has a better production quality~
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Some Exciting twists from a pretty common theme of Superpowers
Completed - 9/1/2022I found my way to “The Gifted” after checking out the filmography of Nanon (Bad Buddy) and Gun (Not Me). With such a high MDL rating of 8.6 at the time of this review and with these two young actors in it, I am easily persuaded to check it out.
Stories about people with special powers aren't anything ground-breaking. The gifts aka potentials of these high school students are OK and we’ve seen them before. However, I am actually more interested in the side effects of some of these superpowers. I find Punn and Mon’s side effects especially creative. “The Gifted” took time in introducing each student’s potential and story. Some stories are more interesting than others and a couple side plots are predictable. I like the episodes on Punn, Mon, Wave, and Mr. Pom the best. And because of this approach in introducing each student, oftentimes, characters disappear for a few episodes. I definitely forgot who Mon was when it was time for her story and had to wonder who the heck she is. And I hope you don’t get too hung up on the twins as they barely got any screen time. I do not think “The Gifted” did a good job in integrating everyone’s storylines in an exciting manner.
The acting of the main male cast is better than the female cast. I was very impressed with Gun in “Not Me” and I should not be surprised to see that he was very good in “The Gifted”. Without giving out spoilers, let’s just say the way his superpower’s side effects manifested made a very deep impression on me due to his acting. I actually wanted to see more. However, the female cast wasn’t as impressive (at least to me). Claire was not a very likable character in the beginning. Jane’s portrayal of Claire was over-the-top (she did tone down in later episodes). On the other hand, Lilly (Namtarn) and Puimetk (Mon) were a little too bland. Additionally, I am not impressed with the acting of the supporting cast or those with minor roles.
My favorite character is probably Wave, especially after we get to know his backstory. He’s quite adorable when he smiles, but we don’t see that often enough. Despite Gun’s acting, his character Punn, was only interesting during his episode. Other times, he’s not that interesting.
Despite some of the drama’s weaknesses, I had a very enjoyable time. The pacing is good and there are some pretty exciting and intense moments. The mid-term exam and the school shut down incident were both highlights for me. I actually wish the drama is longer to flush out some of the stories, since it’s such a big main cast. If I just rate this on the quality of the drama, I’ll probably give this an 8.0. But adding the somewhat surprising enjoyment factor, I am bumping this to a solid 8.5. I look forward to season 2.
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