Rak Ork Akard (2012)

First it started out somewhat funny but by the end of episode one I was someone in disbelief of the actions of some of the characters in the series. The ML was portrayed as a rich guy which stage freight.

The series revolves around a bet between the ML and his nemesis “the ML had to stay in the countryside for a month or bow at his nemesis feet or the other way around.” To me this was very ridiculous and somewhat immature. The nemesis of his had a habit of making fun of him and picking on him because of something that happened in the ML youth. The ML agrees to go to the countryside to prove that he can do it for a month. Of course he thought nothing of it and agree to it. My first thought is if someone bothers me to the point where it is getting on my nerves why would I agree to do something that I don’t want to do just because. There was no real benefit from him going he just simply agreed to prove that he can do it. They weren’t even friends.

FL was a bit more realistic, strong and somewhat easy going, character was well done.

Secondly, the ML so called friends were in on it so they could profit from recording him as part of their show while he was there. My thoughts “what kind of friends are these.” while I was watching I just kept thinking this is so illegal to be recorded and broadcast on live TV without consent but of course that was never brought up. Not only did the male lead not know that he was being recorded, at least initially the female lead did not know either. Again once these individuals found out no one even mentioned suing, rights, violations.

One of my reason the rating was that the ML character just seemed weak, easily manipulated and lacked confidence. The other is, I really hated how the ML so called friends did that for their benefits, never really apologized but still seemed to be friends after such a violation of trust. He also pulled around by his mother. Just no. Gave it a 6 because it was so unrealistic.

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For fans of WHO GOT MARRIED, THE BACHELOR, similar dating game shows, or of THE GREATEST LOVE / THE PRODUCERS / WORLDS WITHIN.
Basically anyone who enjoys seeing the romantic lives of celebrities, or of ordinary people in front of cameras and how fans react to the celeb couple. Fame combined with love. However this drama is also about the warmth, sincerity and relationships between people in a close-knit village. For people who love to root for underdogs.

.....or for anyone who enjoys a GREAT OTP/leads. For fans of Romance stories.


STORY
The MOST IMPORTANT aspect of any story, and the STRONGEST POINT of this lakorn.
Thai lakorns can never reach a 10, lakorns overall low quality compared to Kdrama. There was alot of loopholes/not perfect writing BUT this is still very much a recommended thai lakorn watch! Any drama even if lakorn deserves a 8.5 if it can make me become this addicted to it.
1st ep buildup was a pain but addicted from ep 2 already ALL THE WAY to the end. The small village with its warmth and the OTP who stole my heart. A Romcom but with dramatic aspects, the last few eps seemed almost like a light melodrama. Lovely plot idea, the hidden cameras that secretly broadcasted the village and the OTP  as reality TV lol


ACTING / CAST
While the ACTING itself could've been better (like in many thai lakorns and even kdramas/asian dramas unfortunately) the CASTING itself was PERFECT. Not only was the OTP suitable to each other but very suited to their lead roles. And the rest of the cast was on point too, I ended up caring for all characters in that village as well the the King and Kong duo.
The best acting from the leads/OTP, and while not the BEST acting itself from the rest of the cast everyone managed to still somehow charm with their characters. This is very much a character and relationships driven show. Even "annoying" characters ended up being somehow cute in their annoyingness. Eventually you get used to the ridiculous humor and the ridiculous characters.
Features one of the BEST FEMALE LEADS in all of Asian dramas. She was not only brave, stood up for herself and for others but was still vulnerable. She was extremely kind-natured yet without being a pushover. She didn't just pretend to be tough with a tough exteriour, she really was a strong lead. Sometimes hid her feeling but knew eventually how to open up. The male lead was weak though but even he eventually manned up, just wish it'd had been sooner.
Now I've become a fan of the female lead actress Cherry, she is the star of the show.
BONUS points to this lakorn for featuring GAY and BI (supporting) characters.


MUSIC
Beside the occasionally thrilling melodrama/thriller esque music, absolutely nothing special. Not bad enough to distract from the plot either. Some parts of the lyrics in fact really fit the plot, but otherwise just lame forgettable, plain bad music. Better music would've made it even more enjoyable but oh well it was good without music enhancement. Would prefer though that they'd used better music.
....1 point for music overall HOWEVER...
....Bonus points for the HILARIOUSLY over-dramatic music at not SO dramatic moments, parodying melodramas. Absolutely hilarious!


REWATCH VALUE
Don't take my rating of this aspect too seriously, I'm generally not a fan of rewatching, not even of good drama.
Overall not much reason to rewatch, but could rewatch some sweet moments of the village people and their warm community. The OTPs scenes I'd say are very rewatchable since they're so cute.

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