Simply one of the best romance stories of all time
NO-SPOILER REVIEWWhere to even begin? This series has everything - a deep and meaningful story told in impeccable fashion, skilled actors, lovable characters, beautiful cinematography, superb music, and more. This series sets the bar extremely high and I have a hard time thinking of other series even in the same league. Even after finishing it, I'm having a hard time moving on.
Pros
- There is a deep overarching plot that unfolds beautifully. The series also makes use of unique narrative storytelling techniques which keeps things fresh as it progresses.
- Plenty of moving scenes and memorable moments where you feel deeply for the characters.
- In a genre that can include some less than healthy relationships, the main couple here is an example of a great healthy relationship.
- Unexpected but endearing and lovable side couples.
- Absolutely gorgeous and talented actors.
Cons
- Because this series is stretched out over several more episodes than most series, there are a few moments where the pacing can feel a tiny bit slow/off.
- If you're not ready to feel some deep emotional moments, this may not be the series for you.
Overall
- This series is one of the pinnacles of the genre and everyone should give it a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
I waited until watching the last episode to review this. You either love it or hate it, and I'm in between. Originally, the series was meant to be a 12 ep series, but fans wanted more, and so did the writer. Personally, I think it could have been condensed. What I really liked about the series is the unique idea of reincarnation. This is something not really explored in Asian dramas, and we Thai really believe in reincarnation. Not really the biggest excuse for Pharm to cry every episode. Please give Fluke a crier of the year award. I'm not the biggest fan of Pharm and Dean. They're cute or whatever. Safe to say I'm a Boun fan now. I was disappointed that Manaow didn't get the story she deserved, but at least she got something cute in the end. I'm interested in seeing if they end up doing a spin-off or short series for Win and Manaow couples. Was this review helpful to you?
Overall, this was a decent drama, however, I found myself skipping so much of it. I felt like the plot was dragged out with unnecessary fillers and the story itself could have been delivered better to the audience. Most shots had considerable amounts of pauses, cinematic angles, and etc. I know that dramas do that, but it was to the point where it was annoying to watch. The meaning behind the entire story and bringing light to controversial issues is what made me want to watch, but I didn't really care for the way it was done.
The story's intention was very interesting, but execution maybe not my taste.
The acting was good, and honestly, I'm not very picky unless it's terrible, but the relationship b/een the leads felt awkward a lot of the time. At least in my opinion.
The soundtrack was not memorable at all.
The rewatch value is close to none, I typically don't rewatch things and this wasn't thrilling enough to keep me engage
NOTE: if this show interested you, I recommend The Effect. (It's another Thai drama, somewhat similar)
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Exceeded my expectations
If you haven't watched 'Until We Meet Again' then it's safe to say you're missing out.There are no spoilers in this review. Also if there something I said that offended you I apologize early. It was not intended I was just giving my opinion. :V
For a bl, this one isn't as crazy. There are no rape scenes, no shitty possessive top, no romanticization of abuse, and the "bottoms" aren't weak and dependant. There is a lot of homophobia, but they address it in a proper way.
The story. - 8.5
Lots of people see UWMA as a lot of incest in a bowl, but it really isn't. Sure dean is technically dating his great uncle who passed away 30 years ago, but no. I like looking at it in a different way. Pharm and Intouch to me are not the same people. Pharm grew up not even knowing of his past life. And if you want the whole series you'll see very clearly that Pharm doesn't think of himself as Intouch.
I won't call it incest because pharm is not Intouch, and Dean is not Korn. They said goodbye to their old selves a long time ago. The story was good and it had a good plot. I usually don't cry during shows, but not gonna lie I'm pretty sure I shed at least one teardrop. I also think the fact that they switched families was such an interesting concept that just hooks me. I think I would have liked the show as much if the story was changed.
The acting/cast. - 6.5
The acting was actually pretty good! Sometimes when I'm watching (especially Thai shows). The acting becomes a deal-breaker for me, but in this show, they actually surprised me. The chemistry was nothing to wow over, but it was there. The cast did an amazing job. I especially liked Fluke's (Pharm) acting. I loved all his emotional scenes. And the last episode was so GOOD. I mean the acting was on point. I didn't have an issue with anyone's acting in particular.
I just love the cast within itself watching UWMA pushed me to watch other stuff the cast participated in.
The couples were good. I like the DeanPharm ship and the TeamWin ship was good too. Like I said the chemistry wasn't over the top amazing, but it was good. I feel like TeamWin had a little more chemistry than DeanPharm.
The music/OST. - 4.0
Every series needs music. In this series, the music wasn't exaggerated or dramatic. I liked how they used it. I also liked a few OSTs here and there. The opening song was good and appreciated. That scene where Dean gives pharm the earbuds and they listen to some Thai songs. had me smiling.
The rewatch value. - 5.0
Although I personally have never rewatched this I still know that the rewatch value is pretty decent. If I could erase my memory of watching this I would. Just so I can rewatch it again FRESH & NEW.
Overall it's an 8.0 for me.
From the happy scenes to the sad scenes. From the foods to the romance I loved all of it. I such an adorable series and anyone who is a fan of lakorns should definitely watch this one.
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Cute but slow
Episodes watched: 12 from the 18. (It's still airing.)Story:
+ The story is about reincarnation and it is such a beautiful concept. You get to see a lot of the present couple but, slowly, you'll also learn more from the past couple. Every week, I'm longing for more backstory about the past couple. That (mostly) keeps me loving the story.
+ I love the side couples too. You don't see lots of it (until now), but they are building it up and I love it.
- When I saw the first episode, I was a bit shocked with the first scene. Like it was so emotional and it hits you in the core. I wouldn't recommend the first episode to people under the 12.
- The story started amazing but after ep 10 it got a bit draggy. It's a bit slow with some repetition in it. Though, it's story isn't bad... it's the couples that keep me watching.
Acting:
+ I'm surprised at how easily 'Pharm' can cry in this drama. Well acted. (Ps. He is gorgeous and adorable.)
+ I love watching 'Dean' on screen. Not only is he gorgeous but he acts really well. He portrays the emotions of 'Korn' (from the past couple) really well. The sadness, the loving look etc.
+ I adore the bickering side couple. As in the two swimming guys. They fit really well together and I hope to see more of them.
++ She doesn't get a lot of credits but the female friend is just so great. She is beautiful, sweet and a big supporter. She is definitely the friend everyone needs. And soon she'll get her own love story in the drama. Can't wait for it to happen!
Music:
+ The music sounds so damn sweet and dreamy.
Rewatch value:
I love this drama. It keeps me excited for every Saturday when it airs.
Conclusion:
If you love BL and mostly.. a very SWEET BL story, then I'd definitely recommend it. For me it's a 10/10. No annoying girlfriends. No annoying girls in general. Just lots of cuteness.
Warning:
The overall story might be a bit draggy or repetitive.
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Romeo vs Juliet with a twist
Okay so this drama did kind of catch me by surprise, because I most definitely was not expecting this sort of story.The story is interesting, in the sense the opening of Korn & Intouch devasting ending, rather than beginning, The series starts with the tragic double suicide of Korn/In, certainly not the lighthearted schoolboys-fall-in-love stuff that is so common in BL (though the characters are students). The double suicide is the result of parental objections to their relationship because of their sexual orientation, a rather serious consequence compared to popular BL series that treat the topic of objecting parents less seriously. the reincarnation or reborn of both the characters years later, but with a heartbreaking twist of how the recall the past lives. I will say that Pharm role and the way he carried his out role was really amazing, you literally felt his emotions and sadness when he recalled a piece of intouch memory. The 4 main characters were really well played and the story flowed through well, you could see the build up of Korn/Intouch through Pharm/Dean and how each of them experienced they love for each in there own, the difficulties and challenges that they faced.
In spite of major fantastical element (reincarnation), the biggest plus for this drama is that it depicts a healthy, positive, loving, realistic gay relationship, nothing is sensationalized or fetishized, there are no toxic tendencies, . On the other hand, homophobia and, especially, suicide are treated seriously and respectfully . Their consequences are serious, horrifying and lasting, the entire families devastated.
Music - This single handily will win over the audience. The lyrics are deep, personal and resonates with the pain of the past and the hope for the future.
Overall : This drama was well thought out and excuted well, there were small hitches, but not enough to take you away from the story and what was transpiring.
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Until We Meet Again is definitely one of the best Thai BL series of all time.
To tell you honestly, I was reluctant to watch it at first when I saw the poster. I was like, "Here we again with that not-so-common school theme." But luckily, I was wrong!I didn't expect this series to be this good, really. The plot was nicely written. I have no more words to describe how great it actually was—just superb. The change in the tones from humour to grief goes back and forth real quick. You would be crying one moment, then laugh out loud next. The chemistry between the two main couples (FlukeDean & InKorn) was so raw and real. They didn't even have to try actually. They did THAT.
If you are looking for a Thai BL series to watch right now, I just want to say that Until We Meet Again is existing and you're missing out.
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1Life is such sweet sorrow... Death too... heck it is complicated
Have you ever wondered what would happen to Romeo and Juliet if they where to meet again? Just that here it started in the late 80s, in Thailand and both are men.... but even the drama itself makes reference to the shakespeare so I am pretty sure that was part of what the writer was thinking when writing this drama. To be honest I find this one so hard to rate that it is ridiculous,... jumping between anything from an 8.5 to an 11.The story is really interesting, playing with a well known classic and a very delicate subject, in the beginning of the drama I almost feared that this drama was a little bit too positive towards suicide but as the story progresses it becomes more and more clear how complex this issue is, and one may start to wonder if it is a happy or sad thing to meet again... and regain all those painful memories from ones past life... I can not stress enough how deep they dive in to this and what a great job they do showing this in a respectful way. However the sobbing and constant tears that follow did become a bit to much at one point. I could understand the need for it but at some point it became slightly tiersum... However I do not know if that is a good or bad thing. Also it does become slightly far fetched..
The characters in this drama (both past and present) are really lovable, interesting, well preformed and I would say pretty well written.
Phram is this sweet delicate soul, tormented by the trauma from his previous life. He is such a sweet little kitten (scaredy cat) making you want to protect him from all harm. This boy seemed to have no middle ether he is this cheerful bright guy or terrified and covered in tears.
In (past Phram) is such a sweet bundle of energy and joy, kind of like Phram could have been if he had not been tormented by his past life.
Dean is also very lovable, some may say he is kind of cold but he is actually a very warm caring teddy. The type to be there and make you feel safe. Though he does have a few issues too, he shows a lot of respect towards Pharm and seemed to understand the importance of consent (most of the time).
Korn (past Dean) is also very lovable, except for the whole killing himself in front of his dad and lover... (first scene of the drama) he comes of as this calm, wise and kind older brother.
And the rest of the characters are (mostly) easy to love, show development and fit their purpose well be it for product placement of Lays or make up... they just fit in so well.
Other strong points of this drama are the desserts and swim team... Also it has one pretty great umbrella scene!
This is definitely a drama that will keep you interested and have you feel a whole range of emotions and therefore a drama I highly recommend.
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This review may contain spoilers
You will love the series so much!
I just wanna appreciate the acting, the story line, the plot, the twist and the undeniable chemistry of the three couples. This series is full package.Kudos to the actors, director, writers, crew and Wabi Sabi for creating such a beautiful series. While watching this, I have different emotions, I laughed so hard, giggled, screaming while watching those romantic scenes and at the same time, I cried so hard especially, on the last two episodes. I felt the heaviness of the scenes especially for Fluke's amazing acting and also, to Ohm... All of them gave justice to their characters, superb acting performance!
My most favorite part is when Pharm pointed the gun on his chin and hysterically crying while having those In's memories of witnessing how Korn's killed himself. I also love the part where Dean met his grandmother, Pharm or I must say In meeting his sister An after a long time
and also those scene with Alin, such a heartfelt scene. Hope to see more of this kind of series. From the beginning to end is so amazing!
This have a very special place in every viewer's hearts.
Family, love, acceptance, understanding and strength.
You will not regret watching this super amazing series!
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This review may contain spoilers
This sticks out in the BL genre
Trigger warnings: somewhat graphic depiction of suicide and a lot of talk about what is basically a suicide pact. Homophobia and some homophobic language. Anxiety is discussed and panic attacks take place. Weapons (guns).With all of that said, none of it (accept the homophobia) is disrespectful. This drama is telling a story about life in the past and present and how (Thai) societal views on LGBT+ relationships and people have changed. The mental health and suicide stuff is not exploitative and it fits in the plot/ has a place in the story line.
Okay, so this drama made me cry a little in the first episode because it starts with heavy topics and it is a little jarring to watch. I will say it is not like The Effect (another BL) or anything like that. I would watch this again but I couldn't finish The Effect (it is good though but hard to watch).
This drama does a lot to break down barriers between the past and present and essentially does that with LGBT stigmas as well. I appreciated this drama from a story telling point of view. It is so much more artistic in the plot then most Thai BL drama's I have seen. I appreciate the artistry of the flash backs and how the y are sometimes also the dreams of the present characters. I really would suggest giving this a try, it's beautiful story that didn't rip out my heart, stomp on it, and set it on fire (only a little bit).
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Why Until We Meet Again is special among Thai BLs
Until We Meet Again is one of my favorite Thai BLs of all time.I wouldn’t say it subverts tropes so much as it utilizes them as a spice for story, rather than utterly depending upon them. Most BLs (out of Thailand in particular) turn the tropes into the story. The narrative is entirely dependent on BL tropes for scene structure and plot. They are BL trope reliant/dependent.
UWMA is not like that at all.
Another way of putting it is that if you pulled all the BL specific tropes out of something like, oh I don’t know, 2gether, it would actually fall completely apart.
Now, I’m not talking about the romance foundational tropes like fated mates or fake relationship, those form the narrative backbone of any romance story (and most BL is romance). I’m talking about visual element tropes like baby is a floppy drunk, or the dreaded sponge bath, or wound tending, sharing earbuds, sharing a closet, etc...
For something like 2gether, these tropes ARE VITAL to moving the story along, fixing pacing issues, etc.. Which is FINE. That’s how most hey-day yaoi is. It’s how many contemporary romances are now.
But with Until We Meet Again if you removed all the BL tropes, the story would still be there, standing strong. The tropes add BL flavor to the series, like a spice, but in essence UWMA is actually just a fated mates romance, and it would stand strong as such if all the tropes were striped away (although we would probably lose WinTeam under those circumstances).
Another series that recently acts this way is 1000 Stars. Which is why, I think, it had such broad appeal and rabid fans.
Since it also doesn’t have a suicide element trigger, I would poset that 1000 Stars is actually one of the best BLs to recommend to outside watchers in order to lure them into the genre. Until it came out i tended to rec UWMA with a trigger warning, now I’ll probably be pimping 1k* first.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wowza
UWMA serves as the 4th BL that I've ever watched and had surpassed my expectations, quickly becoming my favorite. Even now when I'm on my 69th (haha) BL, UWMA still serves as one of my favorites and has a special place on my top 25 list. Although there are plenty of reviews, I'm dropping in my two cents for anyone willing to read.Let's dive in.
Production: NIcely done. Not too much to praise them for, seeing as though they did not do much differently than other series, but I will say that the music was beautiful, and still stuck in my head to this day. (STAY WITH ME FOREVER, JUST YOU AND ME FOREVERRRRRRR< OOO OOOOOHHHH!!!) One thing I really truly hate about BLs is the number of ads that play. Usually, every BL has the same products to advertise (those drinks guys, I know you know what I'm talking about), but this one is the first to ever advertise Lays chips, so that was fun.
Story: Although I loved the premise of this series, it fell short in some areas. This is one of those series where you really have to sit down and get focused, cause if you don't, you will be highly confused about what's going on. I can't tell you the amount of times I had to go back and watch scenes to understand who was who's uncle, and who was related to who. Some things felt cringe and a little cliche, but it's a BL and I don't expect more or less.
Acting: beautiful acting done by Fluke. He continued to surpass my expectations each episode. He drove the series to be what it was and was so good at expressing those different emotions. Everyone else did a really good job, others that did an exceptionally good job were Earth, Kao, and Sammy.
COUPLES
Dean and Pharm: 9/10
I loved seeing their dynamic grow larger and larger as each episode went on. I'll tell you that the best thing about this couple is that they weren't forced together by those weird circumstances, and actually had chemistry and loved that was reciprocated, My absolute favorite scene between them was them in the grocery store together. I can never get over that scene. They just looked so in love. And they never dropped that expression that they had around each other. It was so intoxicating to see and I couldn't get enough of them. It was such a poetic romance between the two. There really just wasn't anything I hated about this couple.
FIRST KISS RATING: 13/10 - best first kiss ever. period. There is truly nothing like Pharm and Dean's first kiss, the music, the anticipation, the love, the longevity. ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. Couldn't have asked for anything more. All romance scenes to go from there were just so good.
Win and Team: 7/10
I really did like this couple, but to be completely honest, I can't remember really any of the moments with them. It's been a while since I've seen UWMA and I never rewatch, but from what I can remember, I enjoyed them. They did the Lays chip advertisement which is what I really remember most.
FIRST KISS RATING: 7/10 - Their kiss was cute. Just a quick little peck under the mistletoe. It happened pretty fast, and if you blink you would miss it, but I still haven't seen a mistletoe kiss since then, so it serves as the best mistletoe kiss for now. I don't know how I really feel about the drunken kiss that happened between them during the trip. I didn't love it, but it was whatever I guess.
In and Korn: 9/10
Their relationship was so devastating, but it was real and Earth and Kao did an amazing job. My heart felt so full every time they popped up on the screen. Somewhere in me, I wanted way more of them than we got to see.
FIRST KISS RATING: 10/10 - Beach kisses are the best. It was a beautiful mix between the music, and their story, and their chemistry. Absolutely loved it. All other scenes after was just as magnificent.
RECOMMEND? Mmmm, I wouldn't recommend this BL to first-timers since it is VERY heavy, but if someone wanted a recommendation I would definitely recommend this one.
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