equanimity
a somewhat more compelling story compared to usual Thai BLs
STORY: Intouch (Earth) and Korn (Kao) were deeply in love but their parents objected to their same-gender relationship. Unable to withstand the pressures, Korn committed suicide and Intouch seeing his boyfriend die in front of him, followed after. 30 years later, they were reborn as Pharm (Fluke) and Dean (Ohm), who still had vague memories of their past lives and the unforgettable love they had for each other.
Liked:
1. This drama had one of the best Thai BL OSTs I have heard, very melodious songs and able to bring out the right emotions throughout the show.
2. Given the complexity of their characters whereby they had to deal with their past and present lives, especially Pharm, he and Dean’s acting were believable, except that some crying scenes of Pharm weren’t convincing enough. He seemed to have used lots of eye drops and once I felt that way, it was difficult to feel the sadness or happiness whichever the scenes intended to convey.
3. Rather than the usual BL in universities in most Thai BL dramas, this was a refreshing story on parents’ objection to same-gender relationship and reincarnation.
Disliked:
1. Episode 1 - when Intouch and Korn committed suicide. Their acting, including the crying looked fake, including the acting of their fathers - unconvincing and unnatural. And there were illogical parts like seeing Korn was going to commit suicide, nobody stepped forward to stop him, everyone around just stared at him…Intouch’s father only let his son go to Korn after the latter pulled the trigger…ridiculous…
2. A good number of slow motion and ‘doing nothing in silence’ in the main leads’ scenes, such as sitting down staring at each other in silence, listening to music together doing nothing in particular in silence. Maybe it was just me, but even I as the audience felt a little awkward at times seeing them doing nothing together in silence in the bedroom LOL I think 17 episodes could have been cut down from the ‘doing nothing’ scenes.
3. Sin’s father, Pharm’s uncle looked exactly the same - 19 years ago and 19 years later - the drama’s stylist should still make some effort in appearances, even if it was just a minor role.
4. I did feel cringey sometimes in Dean’s and Pharm’s love interactions, such as in their bed scenes, kissing scenes, etc. Their acting wasn't unnatural, but somehow I just felt cringey when I saw them kissing on the bed. Maybe it was Pharm who always appeared to be more reserved towards such interactions with Dean which led me to feeling that way.
Episode 16 - Pharm easily chanced upon the box containing the gun, which Korn used to shoot himself, and the latter’s belongings on a bookshelf in a room. Logically speaking, shouldn’t such a precious piece of item be locked away somewhere? It was supposed to be a sad revelation when Pharm found the items, but I was feeling unbelievable at the absurdity of the scene.
Then again, it was a drama, if the box was locked away, Pharm wouldn’t have found it and wouldn’t have the meltdown he had later and there wouldn’t have been a closure. Therefore, I would not consider this a flaw of the drama because I totally understand the need for this scene regardless of how illogical it may have seemed.
Overall, despite some of its flaws, I would say this drama was still worth watching because the story was different and compelling compared to other usual Thai BLs. The acting was commendable (apart from some of Pharm’s crying scenes) and the chemistry between Dean and Pharm was basically good (except for some of their love interactions).
It was also an easy watch, but then again…..how difficult could it be when there were a good number of scenes of them ‘doing nothing much’?
Liked:
1. This drama had one of the best Thai BL OSTs I have heard, very melodious songs and able to bring out the right emotions throughout the show.
2. Given the complexity of their characters whereby they had to deal with their past and present lives, especially Pharm, he and Dean’s acting were believable, except that some crying scenes of Pharm weren’t convincing enough. He seemed to have used lots of eye drops and once I felt that way, it was difficult to feel the sadness or happiness whichever the scenes intended to convey.
3. Rather than the usual BL in universities in most Thai BL dramas, this was a refreshing story on parents’ objection to same-gender relationship and reincarnation.
Disliked:
1. Episode 1 - when Intouch and Korn committed suicide. Their acting, including the crying looked fake, including the acting of their fathers - unconvincing and unnatural. And there were illogical parts like seeing Korn was going to commit suicide, nobody stepped forward to stop him, everyone around just stared at him…Intouch’s father only let his son go to Korn after the latter pulled the trigger…ridiculous…
2. A good number of slow motion and ‘doing nothing in silence’ in the main leads’ scenes, such as sitting down staring at each other in silence, listening to music together doing nothing in particular in silence. Maybe it was just me, but even I as the audience felt a little awkward at times seeing them doing nothing together in silence in the bedroom LOL I think 17 episodes could have been cut down from the ‘doing nothing’ scenes.
3. Sin’s father, Pharm’s uncle looked exactly the same - 19 years ago and 19 years later - the drama’s stylist should still make some effort in appearances, even if it was just a minor role.
4. I did feel cringey sometimes in Dean’s and Pharm’s love interactions, such as in their bed scenes, kissing scenes, etc. Their acting wasn't unnatural, but somehow I just felt cringey when I saw them kissing on the bed. Maybe it was Pharm who always appeared to be more reserved towards such interactions with Dean which led me to feeling that way.
Episode 16 - Pharm easily chanced upon the box containing the gun, which Korn used to shoot himself, and the latter’s belongings on a bookshelf in a room. Logically speaking, shouldn’t such a precious piece of item be locked away somewhere? It was supposed to be a sad revelation when Pharm found the items, but I was feeling unbelievable at the absurdity of the scene.
Then again, it was a drama, if the box was locked away, Pharm wouldn’t have found it and wouldn’t have the meltdown he had later and there wouldn’t have been a closure. Therefore, I would not consider this a flaw of the drama because I totally understand the need for this scene regardless of how illogical it may have seemed.
Overall, despite some of its flaws, I would say this drama was still worth watching because the story was different and compelling compared to other usual Thai BLs. The acting was commendable (apart from some of Pharm’s crying scenes) and the chemistry between Dean and Pharm was basically good (except for some of their love interactions).
It was also an easy watch, but then again…..how difficult could it be when there were a good number of scenes of them ‘doing nothing much’?
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