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This is a true drama
This show had me from the very first. It i true drama in that you dont know what the outcome will be of Wang's search to understand who his father was. I think what nade this story so interesting and captivating for me was that it is based around 4 people. Wang , his mother Mol, his father Siam (who never makes an appearance due to his death several years earlier) and In a close friend of Mol and Siam. It is truly a drama based on how all 4 of these people decision affected each other deeply. It is slower paced and dialogue driven.If you are looking for a romantic story this one is not it. But if you up for something more and a little heavy this is worth your time.
I gave this an 8.5 for rewatch only because I shed more than a few tears and it will be a bit before I can rewatch this.
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My review
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT!!!If oyu are looking for a fluffy, cute BL with kiss and make out scenes and a happy ending- continue looking because this is not it. This has an awesome and developed storyline, outstanding acting and great chemistry between the actors.
I also must start off by saying while I did enjoy this series, in the beginning- I just wasn't all the way in. But as it progressed, I feel for it as it felt real and raw to me.
Story -9.5/10
From how this story started, I felt the three main characters were portrayed in a different light than how they came out in the end. Some for the better and some for the worse.
When seeing Wang around In the first time, I just naturally thought of him as a big flirt. But as the story progressed, Wang showed to be more mature than In and his mom. We saw him start off flirty, then someone in love and finally someone heartbroken because he was willing to fight for his and In's love, but In wasn't.
Am I sad that they didn't end up together? No. Because Wang deserves better. He deserved someone who loves him. Someone who would fight for what they could have. In was clearly not that person.
On first seeing In, I had high hopes. I may not know ehat the story entailed but I just had high hopes. And those hopes came crashing down. Now, while I may get angry at him due to him not being brave enough to say 'I love you ', not once but twice, I can't get as mad as I want with him.
I see him as someone who is afraid of taking that chance for love, because of how he was seeing it as people would get hurt. But when he denies this chance, people still do get hurt. Maybe that's why he moved far away, because he just doesn't want to choose a side as he believes someone will get hurt. He still sucks, but I can't be totally mad at him.
Sasiwimol (Wang's mom). I hated her from the time I saw her. I still do after finishing this series. However, I kind of see where she is coming from. I mean, if you look at it, she was hurt too as her husband loved someone else. And while I may not like her, I am remembering her saying to Wang (not a direct quote) 'Did he say I love you?' Because I feel she knows the kind of individual In is and she knew that he would not be brave enough to say such words to Wang. And who knows? Maybe she is the way that she is because of what life has dealt to her.
Acting-10/10
From the first scene, you can see the difference in thier acting. They were all phenomenal. Even the first meetig between Wang and In was much more intense than any BL's/ K dramas that I have watched. It was just...wow. And what really impressed me is that how this story was told so well with just three actors. They all did a wonderful job.
Music-8/10
The music fit the mood of this series so well.
Rewatch Valu-10/10
Although this ending is not a happily ever after, I will most definitely watch it again. Because that's just how good the storyline is, the actors, the cinematography- just everything.
Overall-9.5/10
Overall I give this series a 9.5/10. It was indeen one hell of a ride as I when I first started this series, the outcome was not what I was expecting- it was way better. Would I recommend this series to others? Most definitely. I would like to end my review with the last words of the final episodes that really broke my heart but made me realize the beauty of this series.
To you who call yourself a parent...
You can only give birth to them but you don't own them.
To you are still young...
You have to bleed first before you learn.
To you who call themselves wise...
Don't let your cowardice get the better of you.
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Intense Drama with Powerful Performances
Overall Review:It is a very intense slow burning series, almost like a thriller, but make no mistake, it is a drama through and through. Each scene and character builds up the world, with very powerful performances leaving no room for non-sensical actions or motivations with the camera-work being a cherry on top. If you're looking for a light series, this aint it. It would not be surprising if it gets nominated for and/or wins awards.
Plot:
- The plot has layers on layers and it unfolds in a very slow-burn manner.
- Scenes and events are very natural flowing.
- The lack of time jumps makes it super easy to follow.
- Careful consideration is given to beautiful execution of the plot.
- Some episodes are more intense than others and thus some scenes in other might seem like filler in comparison.
Characters:
- The series revolves around three main characters and they built very realistically and profoundly.
- While other background characters may appear, their screen-time is negligible, leaving more focus on the main characters.
- The motivations behind characters' actions feel very natural.
- The cast lending their skills to these characters are very talented, they keep a hold on you.
Conclusion:
A very powerful and serious drama, waiting to have a hold on you, setting a standard for all the other dramas existing in this genre.
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Disturbing Concept
I found the entire plot very weird and disturbing. I couldn't finish it cause I got creeped out by the age difference and also the relationship that existed between the two leads!! It was disturbing!!! But apart from that the casting and acting was really good. It felt like a reality show and not acting, the actors were also very visually pleasing and the house of the second male lead! Omg the architecture is amazing! I really enjoyed the scenes that showed more on the house and the architecture design of the house cause it was really pretty. But then again this plot is just really weird and creepy and I sincerely hope its not a true life story cause that would be soooo nahhh.. I hope not..Was this review helpful to you?
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It is good but slowly losing interest....
I never had any expectations for this show. I saw it and decided to watch it. BOY AM I GLAD I DID!!! EPISODE 1-3!!! THE TENSION IS SO THICK AND GOOD AND JUST UGH.Waeng is so hot and the actor is so good at acting. I love the complicated dynamic btween him and his mom.
In gives such hot dad bod vibes, loving it. The way he and Waeng interacts is so subtle and flirty. The tensionnn!!!!!
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! SUPER HIGH QUALTITY!!!!! SO AMAZING WAYY BETTER THAN OTHER BLS!!!!
SO MANY GREAT THINGS, so why am i losing interest after the 5th episode?
Super SLOWW!! LIKE THE SLOW BURN IS KILLING!
I've zoned out watching it as if i listening to a lecture 40 mins at school. All i know is at this point is "dad gone..sumn about lines...architect...dad's past.. sum more things about lines... and that they wear the same clothes."
Every week i am excited for sumn good and every week im disappointed. hence, why im losing interest. hell even the previews for next week's episode aren't interesting anymore. Episode's 6 preview was literally about Waeng asking In to tell him about his dad. LIKE DIDNT WE JUST HEAR THAT IN EP 4 AND 5!!
It's boring. Is this even BL? Honestly this show is onLy good for a binging and dont be like me and wait for weekly episodes. :( this is how i feel but if i hear one morenthing about Waeng's dad, ima explode. And my reaction is valid cuz imagine ur waiting every week for some good forbidden age gap relationship, just for the next epsidoe to be like the last. Waeng and In or Siam crying over Waeng's dad.
I can't do it anymore. I'm not dropping the show yet cuz im waiting for sumn good to happen. if by ep 7 nothing happens, im done with this show.
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An owchy to the heart
I’m not sure who I’m angry at the most, the coward or the overbearing mother?The story was a little predictable from the beginning I knew what would happen in terms of Wangs dad’s feelings. However, I was holding onto the minute possibility that In would somehow redeem himself this time and fight!
I suppose I’m just a hopeless romantic and I knew I’d be heartbroken but we have to hope do we not?
This story was so poignant, the fear that In felt and the fact that she used this against him made it all the more heartbreaking. I get she loves Wang and i understand what brought her to this point but it’s her son and In never asked for any of this to happen. I honestly felt so sad for him yet angry and I don’t know which to feel the strongest.
I leave it here. I just don’t know ?♀️
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Not for everyone, but close to a masterpiece if it's your style
Very slight spoilers if any...This is a show that requires patience, an open mind, and readiness to analyze what you're given.
The director's main field is in theater, which shows in how the story is told and how it's filmed. It could easily be adapted into a stage play. Thus this is very different than a typical bl and going into it thinking that it is similar would be a mistake. Tbh, it'd be a mistake to think of this as a romance at all. This is neither a romance nor a plot driven show. Rather it's an emotional psychological show that stars a simple 3 member cast.
This is a show with an incredible amount of details in the dialogue, and in lines (as in structural lines in the building, it makes sense once you watch). There are no flashbacks (think of this as a play), so everything is told purely through dialogue. This may be a turn off to some cause it can be more difficult to follow than a typical flashback. However I actually really like it because I can use my imagination to see what happened all while being able to watch the actor's emotions as they tell it. I'm able to see their real present emotions.
I'm writing this after my second watch. I previously watched this months ago, but decided to rewatch so I can absorb all the information and hidden meanings properly and I'm glad I did. Now that I know everything, every line as a hidden meaning. Every line has power. Despite this being a slow show there is not one moment in this show that is not important. Repetitive? I guess maybe, but that's really a stylistic thing. I'm on the side of it working to hammer in the points while also adding new info. It's also a show that works on the past and present having a significant amount of parallels. So if you're like me and like shows where you can analyze the scenes and dig deep into whats happening, this here is a gold mine.
Plot wise it's about the divide between people who live different kinds of lives, those who live trapped by the past, and those who fight to create a present they are proud of. In is a man who hides in fear from the world hoping nobody finds him, but it secretly lonely. Mol, a woman who ignores truth by living in a fantasy and rejecting anything that doesn't fit her ideal. And Wang, a young man who fights to find his truth and be free. The story revolves around these three and the emotional conflicts between them.
The acting is phenomenal. Brilliant casting choices. The acting is on the theatrical side, but because the show it written like a stage play, I say it fits. It might not work in some other shows, but here it's totally fine and I loved all the actors. Some of the best acting you'll see in a bl (if we're calling this that).
The reason I didn't give this a 10/10 is because admittedly the age gap does throw me off. I originally hesitated for a long time to watch this because age gaps are an immediate turn off for me, I gave this show a chance because I kept hearing nothing but praise for it. Now, this is not a romance and they don't end up together, so I deal with it. I also think that this emotional rollercoaster of an age gap family conflict show wouldn't work as well had Wang not been Mol's son. The show heavily relies on the parallels between the past of Mol/In/Siam, and the present of Mol/In/Wang. It also heavily relies on Wang being the young rebellious kind who grew up in a slightly more accepting society. This show would not work the say it did had this age gap not existed.
I absolutely don't blame people who don't watch the show due to the age gap, but I still think that even with it, 180 degree is an incredibly well made show that, if you have the patience for it, will take your heart, swing it around and crush it for 8 episodes, and then hand it back to you as you stare off in disbelief at what you just watched. It's quite good at repeatedly throwing emotional scenes at you when you're not ready for them. Just when you think the emotional stuff is over, it hits you harder in a different way.
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One of those you remember forever
I knew getting into this it was going to be emotional. I had seen some spoilers and I thought I was prepared. I was not. This drama reels you in with the charm of Wang, gets you hooked on the sweetness of In, chews you up with the selfishness of Mol and spits you out with the heartbreak of all 3 of them. I really don't mind emotions, sadness or even bad endings, but I dread them since watching MODC. This one is not THAT bad, fortunately, and the ending is fitting the mood and feel of the drama, but I still hated it. I so much wanted In to get over his hesitation and fear and for Mol to get over her selfishness and think more about her son's happiness. Mol has very narcissistic tendencies and this triggered me a lot. In never gets angry with her, he never calls her out. Probably because he feels so guilty, but there's therapy for that, people!Suffice to say I was really invested in this drama and I binged it in a day. The acing, cinematography, music, it was all on point. The fact that we are actually only dealing with these 3 people without real side characters is a great choice, we really get into their motivations, conversations and emotions.
There were some inconsistencies and unclear parts, but maybe that's just that I missed it because I was crying too much. I don't know.
I dare not hope for a 2nd season where Wang and In find their way back to each other, but, you know, just saying....
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Most intense heartbreaking series ever
"We were just an inch away from each other. We were so close it felt like we could touch. But we couldn't because of the 180 degrees longitude that separated us."Every line cuts deep. An hour has passed, but still, I'm emotionally pierced by the circumstances they had to face. Added with despairing instrumentals and cinematic shots, this series stands out above the rest.
I give Pond (Wang) my extreme wish to have his success in this industry. He is a one-of-a-kind that you can only find once in a lifetime. No doubts! His terrific acting balanced with the other two great veteran actors. With only five characters (two of them just shown for only a minute entirely), I could still give them a higher rating than 10/10 if I could.
Also, how could they have the perfect title for this? Even reading the title hurts the hell out of me.
A DEFINITELY MUST-WATCH SERIES! I can guarantee your precious time won't be wasted.
(PS: Can we have a Season 2? Let someone accidentally trip up and cross the line that separates?)
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Life unfiltered
First and foremost, this is not a literal review per se, more of a conclusion or final thoughts type of thing. Second, this is not for everyone, if you're looking solely for entertainment then I advise you to pack up and go. If I'm being honest, close to nothing about this is entertaining, it's a raw, brutal story that could happen anywhere in this world, so if you're going in expecting something light and fun, don't watch it, if you decide to watch it regardless, I advise you to keep an open mind, this is not pretty, at times you'll have to pause to just think and process what you had witnessed and heard, this has garnered mixed reviews, so I'll leave the final verdict to each person and their perspective. For me, I loved every single minute of this, it was painful, uncomfortable, ugly but so very beautiful at the same time. It's not something I'll ever rewatch easily or frequently, but I sure as hell won't forget about it, I honestly don't know what to write because no words can express what I'm feeling right now, it's very complicated, and you'll have to experience it firsthand to know what I mean, so for those interested, I hope you give it a chance and see for yourselves how the story of three people with nowhere to hide from life and it's reality unfolds.Was this review helpful to you?
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Gives off a 'front row seat' vibe
The mood of this drama is like a very gritty play where the dialogue is given the most focus and the actors convey raw emotion.The characters are flawed and hurting and in this secluded house past traumas come to the surface in broken remembrances.
Although it is dark at times this is still a story about love and loneliness.
A lonely mother devoted to her son but wanting to control and keep him with her as her best friend.
A lonely young man just discovering his sexuality and torn between his love for his mother and his burgeoning need for independence.
A lonely architect living a monastic existence as perceived punishment for past mistakes.
In their own ways each character is trying to use their influence on the others for their own advantage. The different means they use is what defines their personality. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the volume (lit and fig) of words and other times the silences are deafening.
Left me with a lot of unanswered questions.
Who was the most selfish?
Who really showed love?
Who was really the strongest of the group?
I would love to rewatch this as a movie without the breaks.
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deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps because of it
What is this? Tension replacing chemistry?I was underwhelmed by this drama. Let me get it straight, the reviewers, you guys, I trust you and you really sold this one to me. ? I was ready to give money that's how well this drama was hyped. ?
It was a slow drama that hardly kept my attention. Son and a father and a friend of a father and mother. It is very messy and in my understanding, ultimately none of it feels real. Or healthy.
Love? Hell, they are traumatized, all trying to heal themselves in another.
How do I feel about that? Not well. I cannot but feel some ick when heavy topics are badly executed to seem real and genuine for the sake of entertainment. It did not even feel real. I mean how did Wang fell in love so quickly with Inthawut? Trauma, I tell you, he said himself that In fills the gap in him.
And do not think I did not notice all the attempts to simulate Call Me By Your Name. From the music to characterization to scenery to way their bond is portrayed. Really? Wang has my props as an actor, despite bad writing of his character. Wait, let me go give him some flowers...
Ok, I am back. Wang did quite well, mother was not bad either. Inthawut was lacking for me, he was like a shell.
The chemistry between the leads is only in intense staring. Their convos held zero chemistry despite heavy topics I was bored out of hell. And what is In falling in love with, again? Immature and impulsive emotionally neglected son of his friend. Why would he though? Unresolved trauma.
You may say, JXP, this one is not about love but healing. But honestly I do not know these characters. And I never got to know them. This was irrational punch that was supposed to be intense but ended up boring. Again props to Pond, he did a wonderful job as a young actor.
Ah.. perhaps it was well intentioned project but for me...deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps deceitful because of incomplete execution.
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