This review may contain spoilers
Majorly triggering elements used as tropes
Just a little note before you start reading this lengthy rant:This review is written for the purpose of explaining why I seem to rate it so low when other people have rated it so high. There are major spoilers as I explain plot points into detail and why exactly I hated them so much.
Do not read this if you haven't watched the drama yet, you should still make your own opinion of it beforehand. Then, if you want, you can read this.
Whether or not you agree with me, I will be happy to politely discuss and debate the series with you.
Thank you.
Trigger warning: cens*red mentions of g*ng/male r*pe.
I have debated writing this review for a while now but decided to just go for it in the end because it's just on my mind all the time and I just want to move on for good.
So, where do I even start with it? I'll explain my rating in a few points below. Some little bits addressed in those points can deduct 0.5pt while the major ones deducted up to 2pts.
1. Way too many characters.
If the drama was going to address the relationship of so many different characters, why make it only 14 episodes? Even better: if the show was only going to be 14 episodes long, then why telling the story of so many characters? Plus the final episode, though very lengthy compared to the previous 13, hardly gives any closure to any pairings at all.
Sure, Tin and Can have their own season (which, I've heard, is terrible), and TharnType have their own series (which I was enjoying until about episode 3 for the same reason as my third point), but the others just felt rushed to me. Even Pete and Ae who just... live happily ever after? I was honestly hoping to see more drama happening between those two, especially since they're presented as the 'main pairing' from the trailer and plot summary.
Also I kinda wanted to see more of Pond and Cha-Am. Just because it's BL doesn't mean straights don't exist anymore.
Which can bring me to my next point. The next two points, actually, as they are slightly linked together.
2. The triggers.
3. Using those as tropes.
— Incest. Saying they're half-brothers right at the end of the show doesn't suddenly make it okay. To all people without siblings, it's time to put it in the bin-cest please!
— G*ng r*pe. And using male r*pe as a trop in many, many BL drama (I see you, fanfics, in any fandom). Here's a quick disclaimer for you: it's NOT okay. Yes, it's a very traumatic experience, and it shapes the character and gives reason for his behaviour towards his older brother and his fear of falling in love, but the reason it was explained in the drama just made it feel like a trope, which I don't find okay. And again, with all the other characters to focus on, it didn't really make me empathise with him at all.
Sure, I cried when he finally confessed it to his brother, because, as I said, it is an extremely traumatic experience and no one ever should have to go through that. But the comforting period was just way too short in my opinion. They could have made it so much better. If you want to make your characters suffer to make the viewers cry in horror and shock, at least develop the aftermath a little more.
Instead he just went back to France after a little hug and that's it. What was even the point of making him come back to Thailand? It was okay just seeing the two brothers chat online.
Earth's performance was top notch though, as usual. (No, I am not biased...)
— Taking advantage of a drunk guy and then playing the victim card. Ah, yes, maybe my favourite of the lot. Raise your hand if you can't stand Kangkla! From the minute he was introduced to the show, he was just forgettable. I never bothered to remember his name (I had to look at the cast list to get it in my review) and his character in general is just... nope. I hated him just that much more whenever he was on-screen.
And Technic is just as bad, helping his friend make a move on his brother without seeming bothered. Then there's Techno. Sweet, uuhh, stupid? Yes, he's an airhead (so much better in TharnType) who agrees to be the boyfriend of the guy who practically assaulted him! Kangkla had the nerve to blame No afterwards to get what he wanted. That, everyone, is the definition of a toxic relationship.
4. The shippers. Also, Shampoo (sorry not sorry about that).
Why. Are. They. So. Hardcore! In nearly all Thai BL Drama I've watched, there will be fangirls who love shipping two good-looking guys together. And, coincidentally, those guys either end up together or are at least interested in other guys. I am generally uncomfortable when real people are shipped together (isn't enjoying the bromance enough?) so when Lay asked her brother for pictures of Tin and Pete together because they were her OTP, I got fed up with her. Pity, because I really enjoyed her character until then. And Can said nothing about that!
Chompoo refers to herself in 3rd person, and others might have found that cute. So did I the first few times. And then she was just there. Saying she loved Ae because he helped her get her bag. Kept being clueless about how little she meant to him. And then she just disappeared. We never heard of her again. Poof, gone as soon as Pete and Ae officially get together. Bye-bye, good riddance, you won't be missed. Wait, who were you again? Forgettable.
Speaking of disappearances, that brings me to my fifth and final point.
5. Trump. No, not the former president.
I thought he would be the bad guy throughout the series. Like, he wouldn't just go away after being punched a few times and then getting a little bit of money from his victim. Instead he was just there to create a little drama in the first two episodes before noping away. I get why he had to, as explained in the show, but he could have been showed more, especially in the last episode. What happened to him? Did he get caught and is in jail? Or did the people he owed money to get him first and beat him up or worse? He was just a bad character written very badly. Also he made it a point to bother only Pete while there are so many other rich kids in that school, as stated several times by Tin.
I guess I could mention a few minor points while I'm at it.
a) Stopping in front of the camera to show your sad or conflicted little face, only to say nothing and going away anyway. I get that it's done for cinematic and drama effect, but it's just unrealistic and annoying when done so many times for so long.
b) Saying all your thoughts out loud. Voice-overs are okay and used in other dramas. Why not do it there, too?
c) I've already mentioned the straights but let me do it again here: they are okay. We promise no one is going to hate them, we are a more open-minded society, heterophobes won't be too much of a problem.
I have mentioned TharnType a few times as well, but I don't think I actually like it, either. Not after episode 3, as said earlier. Let me briefly explain here. If you don't want to read about them you can just skip this section, since the review is not originally for this drama.
(Also note that this doesn't count towards the rating of LBC. This is just pure ranting about something I thought I would enjoy given how much people talk about it and how well they rate it.)
Triggers. Again. And done badly, too.
It is explained in the first episode that Type hates gays. It is also said in the first episode that Tharn is gay. Later on, you learn the reason for Type's way of thinking (he suffered abuse from a man when he was a child) and it makes sense. Then, of course, since the series is called TharnType, you kinda know they get together eventually.
But not this early, and not this way.
Wanting to overcome a trauma is one thing. Facing it by just going for it is another. Wanting to repay a debt is something else entirely. Look at Tar: he still has philophobia at the end of LBC, he doesn't suddenly overcome his trauma by hugging his brother twice.
Type, on the other hand, seems to completely forget that when he initiates the relationship (because yes, he's the one who said he wanted to have s*x with Tharn out of the blue). The first time, I let it slide, because he was still nervous, and the situation was obviously different than when he was a kid. But then they did it again? Like, Type said they'd only do it once and then he asks for it again? It doesn't make any sense at all.
The slow-burn was going well in the beginning, when Tharn got too close to Type and he freaked out when he was touched. That is an expected reaction from someone who suffered from a traumatic experience. I was expecting them to take things super slowly, and for Tharn to teach Type that it was okay to touch, that not all gays were the same and that he was supposed to be at ease and feel good from it.
Nope. Not at all. Not only do they go at it as early as episode 3, but they go at it again in the next episode and it's just completely unrealistic. Healing from a trauma takes years, and even though it must have been at least 10 years, Type was obviously not over it judging from his reaction towards Tharn's touch and his hatred towards gay men.
I might give it a second chance later, hoping it improves, but I have very little expectations for that. And I want to focus on other series I started a little while ago, as I'm really enjoying them so far.
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Acting/Cast : Their acting is good even though it's a bit stiff
Music : Their music is like Make it Right the series! Are their teams the same? Looks similar
Rewatch Value : Nope
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You will love it!
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Overall the story is realistic and genuine, providing us with various situations and events of those in amidst of a relationship. There is no "fantasy" as such, it doesn't skip over all the nitty gritty topics that those new to a relationship discuss, or situations they may encounter early on. For that I have a very deep respect for the script writers, producers and director. LBC goes beyond what is considered just a BL drama. They show us not only the dynamic of those in the relationship, but also the dynamic between their friends, and family, whilst attempting to endeavour on their journey of love.
To those who watch BL series on the regular, you cannot go past this one. For those who just want a good drama, add it on to your "Plan To Watch" list right now.
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This review may contain spoilers
ok my english sucks so sorry XDi really liked this serie, it was so adorable!! haha
sometimes i just couldnt keep watching bc of the awkwardness and i had to stop myself from screaming omg
i just love can x tin pairing! it's so cute and good, too bad they dont have this much screentime but thats ok! pete x ae is also very good! ae and tin are so handsome, and all the boys are so cuuute!! i love how can is getting mad haha
about other pairings... they were ok. i feel so bad for tar!
the music was really cool, accurate for the situation
i hope there will be a second season!
actors played brilliant, especially these kisses... i got goosebumps;;
i would highly recommend love by chance to anyone who likes adorable series and hot actors lmao
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There are obvious problems, as there is with every story, but all can be easily ignored and forgotten about.
My main problem was with the acting. (This is constructive criticism! I like all of the actors!) I’ve seen Saint, Pete’s actor, in other things and I just feel like he wasn’t able to capture this character. It felt awkward most of the time and they had him change his voice. Before I watched the show, I Shaw a few people complain because one of the main actors was underage and they were uncomfortable with him having sex scenes. While watching I immediately assumed they were referring to Saint simply because he seemed to be the weaker of the two in the Pete/Ae couple. They were actually referring to Perth, Ae’s actor. I am a really big fan of Perth’s acting. I think Perth has a special talent that all the best actors have as he brings emotion to his roles and makes me feel connected to his characters in a way that other actors can’t manage.
Mean and Plan were also amazing. I love seeing them act together! Mean is a very diverse actor and I always enjoy the way he can bring such different characters to life. Plan is just fun to watch.
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Returning to an Old Fave
Writing this review after a rewatch in preparation for Love by Chance 2.This was hands down my favorite BL for a hot minute and, while it no longer is, it still holds a special place in my heart.
Ae and Pete are still a rockstar coupling two years later. It’s honestly kind of devastating that we will likely never see them together again after the drama between Saint and Perth’s manager. External drama aside, their relationships is healthy and supportive and there is little time spent on miscommunication. They talk through their problems which is more than I can say for a lot of dramas.
I was also a massive fan of TinCan. What can I say? I’m a sucker for the cold, rich boy that falls for the spunky cinnamon roll trope. Bonus points for enemies to lovers. Double bonus points for Tin being totally Whipped for Can. I’ll be excited to see where they go in season 2.
Now, this drama is not without issues. My rewatch definitely had me reflecting on some of the more prominent flaws and plot holes. There are actually 4 couples in this but the two less prominent couples aren’t often talked about (for a good reason). Definitely my biggest concern surrounds Techno and K*ngkla’s relationship, which is toxic at best and an outright crime at its worst. The pseudo incest plotline isn’t great either and it’s literally been done twice.
That being said, I can ignore these flaws for the sweetness that the main story provides. While it’s not the most unique or interesting concept, Love by Chance thrives on AePete and TinCan’s great chemistry.
The OST is also pretty solid, and I believe there’s continuity between season 1 and season 2’s music, which is pretty nice.
There was a great balance of humor to drama, which makes this a fun watch. After all, I considered this my favorite for a long while (we’ve just been spoiled with so many good BL’s, it’s difficult to keep up). Highly recommend to anyone that wants to see great chemistry amount to a satisfying ending.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'll start by listing the pros of this drama: some of the characters were nice especially Ae and Pete and this was probably the only couple I was really rooting for. I liked how supportive Pete's mother was and that coming out scene was probably my favourite. Now for the cons: a sister of Tin (or Can I don't remember who was who xD) was the absolute worse fujoshi, shipping real people and taking photos of them. Absolute bad behaviour which made me want to throw up. I also didn't like the other three couples of the show since there was toxicity in them. One of them were even step brothers! And the other one was just weird, like one slept with the other because he was drunk and then the other was demanding them to date and that he has to take care of him. Toxic awful relationships.
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Only One Reason to Watch .....Perth
Romantic, angst, but misses the mark. This series is a bit better than 'Love by Chance 2' but again, there just is too much of a good thing. Way too many characters and way too many very serious issues that are dealt with so cavalierly. This series tried to do too much with too many people with too many overlapping situations. Sometimes, simple stories work best but this was overly busy and filled with a lot of very unnecessary individuals. Had this story focused on one or even 2 relationships, it would have been tighter, leaning, and a more watchable series. Digressing for a moment, this series does have the one thing in it that would want me to rewatch it. Actually, the only reason. And that is Perth as Ae. He is simply outstanding. He is by far my most favorite actor in any series. He is just a joy to watch. You can read my full review of this series at ppbongi.medium.com. Leave comments if you like.Was this review helpful to you?
