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This review may contain spoilers
THIS IS THE BEST ONE (list of reasons to watch if interested)
Where to even start.If I ever knew I could love a drama this much. I often go to read the English translations of the books Thai dramas are based on when I start to really enjoy the show, this is always step one. Both the book and the show, they drag you in. I knew it from the first episode. Firstly, please, let's be grown ups. I can understand some people may have different opinions on Phayu's behaviour in the first couple episodes toward Rain. Personally, makes sense. Also, hot as f***.
Sorry, let me give an actual review now. (Btw if you haven't you should definitely watch the trailer, I watched before I started the show, because I saw it week-by-week, the most painful thing I ever did)
Let me quickly list themes in the show to help you decide:
- Knight in shining armour moments (more than one)
- The best NC scenes you have ever seen (no, I'm not exaggerating)
- Taking care of each other when they are sick
- Hand-by-head pinning to the wall
- So funny (especially Rain, that boy)
- Making each other better people/becoming better people for each other
- Amazing friendships
- Pillow talk
- Emotional confessions
- Multiple love languages
- Please they are so hot, all of them, all of the time
- Two lead couples, storylines separate, but slightly overlapping
- Phayu and Rain, hot/cool senior (both an architect and garage owner), bratty/dumb/adorable/earnest junior
- Prapai and Sky, rich business man and street racer on the side, adorable/traumatised/standoffish student
So, the books are separate, but set in the same place with overlap of the characters. Love Storm (Phayu means storm in Thai) and Love Sky. Exquisite, would recommend. Phayu and Prapai are friends and Rain and Sky are friends. If you have read or watched the wonders that is the Tharntype collection then you know MAME. Tharntype was my first Thai BL and it still holds a really special place in my heart. If you liked that in anyway, this is for you. Also, please be aware, if you are really tight on the 'but that wouldn't work in the bedroom between two men, you have to do XYZ', it happens in the book, you just have to imagine it happens in the show, because I think they felt it would be taking it a bit far, I've seen this a lot and I understand where people are coming from, but please remember it is television, it's a story, and it's for fun.
Tropes:
- Rich hot playboy
- Love at first sight (not that strong)
- I will find you
- big fancy house
- enemies to lovers (a bit)
- knight in shining armour
- caretaker
- kidnapping
- first love
- romantic ride sharing
- top obsessed with bottom
- caught in the rain
- the first cut is the deepest
- the big kiss
Okay, a bit more spoilery from here:
Plot summaries (but not all of it, go and watch the show)
Phayu and Rain stole my heart, my soul. The way that Phayu looks at Rain kills me. The story goes in this general direction.
Rains car breaks down in... the rain lol. Phayu happens to be passing on his motorbike, and as a mechanic decides to help the boy. Rain charms him a little with his behaviour, though he doesn't know it. Rain thinks he is really hot, but my boy has no idea that he likes the boys too. Rain discovers the girl he has a crush on at university likes this alumni from their programme who turns out to be none other than Phayu himself. Once again, Rain's car breaks down at the architecture meet-up and Phayu helps him once again. Then Rain realises that this man maybe wants more from him. Rain is confused, knowing that Phayu is very attractive, but he himself is not gay. As Phayu comes on stronger, Rain gets more defensive. Then trying to mess with Phayu and gets himself in trouble at the illegal street race that Phayu works at. Phayu continues to call him a stupid little boy, to which Rain has the, very sane I'm sure, response of telling him that he is going to make him fall in love with him. In attempting to do this he gets distracted from his university work and oversleeps when he should be handing an assignment in. He is so heartbroken at the response from his professor and goes to Phayu in bits. Phayu enforces distance, saying that this is clearly a distraction. Rain works extremely hard and gets all of his work done in order to be able to be near Phayu again. When he is praised by his professors this time he runs to tell Phayu once again and their relationship picks up from here. Along the ride there are no major arguments from this point. I would die for this couple, I cannot tell you how many times I have rewatched their episodes.
Then we move to Prapai and Sky. In said situation where Rain get's himself in trouble at the illegal street race, Sky is with him and when they get separated, Prapai, a rich racer, helps him out of trouble. When Sky asks what he wants in return, it is clear Prapai wants to sleep with him. Sky faces him head on and does exactly that. Months later, Prapai cannot stop thinking about the night he spent with this boy, who never even told him his name. He goes looking for him, by going to Phayu's boyfriend who he knows is his friend. He then finds him and begins to pursue him. Prapai has been a player his entire life, never settling with one person. But, he is extremely interested in Sky and doesn't question it. Sky could not be more displeased, he wants to be left alone, especially because of his traumatic past relationship. No matter how many nightmares he has, or how rude and standoffish he is with Prapai, Sky can't seem to shake him. At the same time, Sky is in his second year at university and is helping induct new students whilst doing his own work. He becomes sick and refuses to go to the hospital. In this moment there is no one to care for him but Prapai (istg situationally it makes sense). He nurses him back to health, and in seeing him tackle his fever dreams, realises that there is something that is causing Sky a lot of anguish, but knows better than to ask about something he likely doesn't want to share. From here Sky is thankful to Prapai and lessens his stubbornness a little. As their relationship develops they become closer and closer. Eventually, after some sad breaking away and then back together (so much more happens, but I don't want to give it all away, and the breaking is within an episode don't stress) our boys have never been so in love. Tragedy strikes near the end when Sky's abusive ex reappears with malice. But, not to ruin anything, it's a happy ending.
Highly recommend watching the special episode for peace of mind (and the only time I've ever thought calling someone daddy was hot).
If you have read this you are clearly not the kind of person who minds a few spoilers before watching a show, so if you like watching clips and edits on YouTube, defo watch a couple of the high quality edits (especially PhayuXRain to Unholy).
Well, I'm not going to get a lot of sleep before work tomorrow, but it was worth it. I hope this helps :)
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Awesome, Season 2 is a must
Everything was on point, the story line, the cast, the wardrobe all the scenes. This series is definitely a must watch. it was worth waiting for a new episode every week. 13 episodes was not enough WE NEED MORE . It provided comedic relief while on the other hand tackled important issues. It promoted having a support system and friendship, genuine friendship. Lots of eye candy in the series , everything came together very well. It would be great not to end here but to let the story continue season 2 with more episodes is a must.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It was good, but could have been better
This was a good drama. I like the main couple, and then the second couple grew on me. I wish the story overlaps, instead of having to show the first CP RainPyu first and then PaiSky in the second half. I read there's a reason why they did that because in the book; both couples start their romance and meet each other at a different time. I just wish they could have fit everything because it gives me the impression I am watching two different dramas lol.I like how strong the leads are, and I like how there is no force stuff in here.
This is the same author from TT, so if you like TT you might like this one.
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This review may contain spoilers
felt like reading a wattpad fanfiction written by a 12 years old
This is probably one of the worst shows I’ve seen in my life and I don't understand how it's rated so high.The app is forcing me to rate the rewatch value between 1 and 10 so I rated it 1 but it's a 0!! I wouldn't rewatch that even with a gun on my head.
There was literally no plot?? For the first half of the show with PayuRain I could bear with it cause I still had some energy left, they had chemistry and were cute sometimes but still.. I lost it when the kidnapping trope came up, it felt like I was watching an adaptation of the most basic and poorly written wattpad fanfiction.
By the end of the 1st couple story I was on my knees and the PrapaiSky storyline literally finished me off and buried me. I didn't believe this show could get even more boring and corny, but it did not let me down!!! (or it did...)
Finishing every episode was a pain, by the last 3 or 4 episodes I would just skip most scenes cause literally NOTHING was happening and it was just them making me cringe so hard.
Some important topics like the r*pe thing and the trauma were brought up but were managed terribly. How do you show a traumatized protagonist and make us cry and feel for him but at the same time show borderline non consent from his love interest (and also from Payu with Rain) who also IS a protagonist but it's not addressed?? It was just weird and confusing..
I'm so sad I wasted so much time watching that bad joke. If you like a good story run away!!
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Should have been two separate series
This series combines onscreen two separate books with overlapping characters by the same author. Ma-y-Orawan Wichayawankul, commonly known as MAME. The result is disappointing: instead of interleaving the two plot lines to make a cohesive whole, “Love in the Air” is simply two separate tales told one after the other.The acting is okay mostly, the photography enjoyable, while the stories themselves don’t rise above the Thai BL equivalent of pulp fiction. Personally, I found it tedious.
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Enjoyable; needs improvement
Before I write my review their is some things I need to say and this is: This is my first time watching something written and produced by Mame and I am now aware of her "controversial" writing style.Story/Plot: The moment that I read the novel, I noticed that this was that of a fanfiction which is literally Mame's writing style. Which I don't have an issue with it as she has introduced more cliques/tropes from her other works (according to other people who have watched her other projects) into Love in the air. Secondly, I write my own fanfictions as well and can identify with her cliques and tropes. The first couple I want to get into is Rain and Phayu, I liked them as they were portrayed well by their actors and I LOVED their story as well. I liked how Rain, is airheaded, cute and irresponsible at first, however he progressed as a character and got better later on. On the other hand, their was Phayu, even though his character isn't all that original I fell in love with him. Which I felt Mame did a good job writing both character no matter how they were dicpited from both in the book and show. Phayu is very mature, cool, and strict, however even though many see him as perfect he too has his flaws and that he is insecure. Which I praise Mame for the fact that both Rain's and Phayu's quality's are of the complete opposite however Phayu is mature enough to ground Rain when he needs to be. Which would resemble a real relationship. Their isn't much to any misunderstandings, which is good and even angst ( Which I kind of would have love -- just a little). Another thing, is that I love how Phayu doesn't put up with Rain's bad behavior just because he is interested him, likes, or love him. Which is something I see often times within Asian dramas across the board.
To contrast, the second couples were okay, yeah just okay for me. As someone who can relate to Sky with his trauma, I just couldn't get with the story. I don't nor shouldn't expect for the whole r*pe scene to be taken seriously as this is a drama for pure entertainment. Which I'm not expecting that nor should anyone since as I said previously this is just for entertainment and writing. However, this was interesting since I don't watch shows with r*pe elements. Even though, both Peat and Fort did good, however they didn't have the chemistry like Rain and Phayu. Which is fine considering that Boss and Noeul are actually close in real life. I like Sky's character more than P'pai considering that P'pai just wasn't a saint (Red Flag!!!) and he did things that got under my skin (not for the same reason it did other people). I just wasn't convinced that P'pai had changed from a F-boy to a committed gentlemen because he still gave F-boy energy. The ending was pretty rushed which was to be expected because the show only had 13 episode, which could have been more if Mame didn't combine the stories. Furthermore, I didn't expect Sky's Ex to be punished severely considering that it never happens in Asian drama.
Acting/Cast: I think everyone did a good job with playing their parts. Especially Boss and Noeul since this is their first acting gig while this is both Forts and Peats job in a main role. In the future, I would like both Boss and Noeul to venture out and be more diverse with their acting/roles as they have become close. I do ship them however I want them to be more like Bright and Win from GMMTV where even though they are popular together, they can still survive without each other. On the other hand, I want Fort to improve his acting because he did come up a bit short as well as Peat.
Music: I didn't like the music, it just wasn't my taste and its going to get some use to hearing both Boss and Noeul sing considering that this is not K-pop. In show, the music choice was questionable at times since again this is not like a Chinese nor Korean drama.
In conclusion, I would watch this drama again, which I know I am going to anyways. I would definitely recommend this show to future viewers as well.
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I could appreciate it for the bodice ripper that it was.
The NC scenes do stand out as the actors weren’t afraid to go as far as they could go with them. I liked that they showed the students actually working lol. For being a bodice ripper type of series, I got what it was going for. Was it a masterpiece like I see everyone calling it? Imo, not really. Tho I think it’s all up to preference/taste. The direction and editing could be a bit better. The acting, especially for some of the more serious plot lines (esp the PrapaiSky ones), could be a bit better too. But I think it achieved what it was going for. The production was also quite good.Was this review helpful to you?
🥰😍😘💞🤩💕😻❤️🔥It is a great series. I love the story, the characters, the theme songs and the actors are very talented. The male leads and side characters are all so good looking, ang popogi nila makalaglag panty. It is a must watch series. I just wished it was longer, more episodes, go for season two. the series is so romantic and their acting/feelings they are all natural. The bed scenes were really really hot to handle nakakabaliw sa kilig.
🥰😍😘💞🤩💕😻❤️🔥
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This review may contain spoilers
Rain is a ditz and Payu is the only person who knows what's going on in his head!
Rain, Payu, Sky, and Pai were acted amazingly. I loved their scenes together and apart. It was interesting to have the couples in the same drama but with their own set of episodes. Of the two couples, there isn't one I liked more. Which is odd, considering I tend to root for the side couple. But, then again, it didn't feel like there was a side couple. In fact, I missed Rain and Payu when it was Sky and Pai's turn.Something similar between Rain and Sky is that they both become more innocent/childish once they get with their respective boyfriends. For Sky that made sense. He felt safe and probably let some mental blocks down. For Rain... I think he was just being more submissive to Payu? Which isn't a bad thing! Just something I noticed.
I wish we had seen Payu with his hair down, and the constant Chelsea boots instead of steel toes in the mechanic shop were driving me a little crazy. P'Aon, Nui, and P'Joy were funny. I thought more would happen with the whole illegal race thing! They brought in this whole plot point and then bearly used it!
I'm glad Sky came clean to Pai, but I would have appreciated seeing Gun get the life knocked out of him! He fucking gang raped a minor and then had the audacity to claim Pai had sent him after Sky! And the whole kidnapping event with Rain? Give my boys a break!
My favourite couple moments were 1) Payu having to lean down ever so slightly to kiss Rain after Saifah brings him to Payu. 2) When Pai puts his forehead against Sky's when Sky is sick.
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This review may contain spoilers
Still SMH Over This Series!
I usually don't write detailed reviews of the BL series because I know my thoughts about the series tend to change over time. But with Love in the Air, my thoughts never changed, because I really couldn't think about what was going on in this series. However, I think if I give my personal PROS and CONS, it may make more sense.PROS:
1) All four mains were certainly "eye candy!" No doubt about that.
2) The two stories were fairly easy to follow and not that complicated to understand.
3) The cinematography was pretty good (meaning the technical aspects of the series were really good). It felt like a quality
production. The pacing of the episodes was pretty good.
4) The acting of the main characters was not bad, especially since most of the main characters were novices prior to this series.
5) It had a lot of good discussion from the posters about the actions in several of the scenes. Whether you liked the scenes or not, it did elicit good discussion.
6) Finally, the sex scenes between Phayu/Rain and Prapai/Sky were pretty hot! Remember, PRO #1 did say that the mains were "eye candy." "Eye candy" having wild passionate sex will certainly bring in the viewers!
Now for the CONS.
CONS:
1) The biggest Con, IMO, is this is a MAME production. Each time I've had the opportunity to watch a series based on her books and novels (as well as read the novels), I wonder what is going on with this chick! Is she a female sadist? Is she overly obsessed with sexual assaults, sexual violence, and rape? Is she trying to make an analogy of the treatment of women and girls in male-dominated cultures such as in Thailand and other southeastern Asian nations by using male LGBTQ2+ characters? Finally, is she trying to "make a statement" within the LGBTQ2+ community, simply make money, or both?
2) I was NOT a fan of some of the scenes in the series. For example, 1) the scene in which Phayu messes with Rain's car just so he would break down and have to be "rescued", 2) the scene in which Phayu gives Rain a "forced enema" as "punishment," 3) the scene in which Prapai "coerces" sex from Sky in order to allow Sky to leave his room, and 4) the scenes in which Prapai is "stalking" Sky. These are merely a few examples of some very disturbing behavior in this series. There are also quite a few other scenes just as questionable when it comes to the behavior between individuals who are "supposed" to care for one another.
However, some of this CON is mitigated by some posters providing the opinion that the relationships portrayed in this series represent a "Dom/brat" or "daddy/son" type of LGBTQ2+ relationship. If this is what MAME had intended, then this CON is simply another of my personal dislikes.
3) Another CON is how with the complexities of the relationships mentioned in the previous CON, it appeared that by the end of the two series (remember it's broken into two sessions), everyone has fallen in love and wistfully jotting off into the future to be "life-long" loves. Yeah right! LMFAO!
Those are my primary PROS and CONS. All-in-all, it was not a bad series, just a series with some plot flaws. If the plot flaws were intended, then I would guess that it's a matter of opinion whether anyone would enjoy this type of series. All I can say is that I would've probably enjoyed the series more if the sexual assault and deviant stuff in the series was either addressed more "maturely " or rewritten. In other words, treat mature themes as mature themes and not as some form of high school or college hijinks.
But, any of you who read this (and probably not many), watch the series and make your own judgements and conclusions.
HAPPY VIEWING!
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This review may contain spoilers
Unexpected Destiny
I have decided that this is a review I need to write. Why, you ask? Because after reading all the reviews here, I need to add my two bit. I can't resist. Maybe I am going to sound like a broken record, but I am more than willing to accept the flak that comes my way, because honest truth, I am biased!Two separate reviews coming your way: PHAYU and RAIN, PRAPAI and SKY, and a combined one!
PHAYU and RAIN: Okay, not exactly the perfect start, but be honest. How many relationships in the world begin in the most perfect way? Rain is cute, and a completely clueless teenager. He has a breakdown in the middle of the road, during heavy rains, and is helped out by a handsome stranger, whom he totally enthralled by! He has just started college, and is besotted by a girl in his class. But to his dismay, the girl he likes, likes their super senior, Phayu, who has already graduated. So Rain sets out to do what every love-lorn teenager does(not)! Seduce this senior, so that he can get the girl!! But you know what they say about best-laid plans. Rain is pampered (not in a bad way) and foul-mouthed but something about him catches Phayu's attention. He decides that Rain needs to be taught a lesson (probably a moment which everyone felt that it was about dubious consent, although I would not completely agree, but I would like to not hurt anyone's feelings.) But Rain does the unthinkable, and throws the gauntlet at Phayu, declaring that he will seduce Phayu in 30 days. Phayu is all too happy to accept the challenge. And then starts a beautiful journey, where unhindered acceptance and total support from Phayu makes Rain want to be a better person, so that he can stand beside the man he is in falling in love with. You can see the depth of his love from the angst in his face when Phayu tells him that it's time to stop chasing him, and the happiness when his choice is always Phayu. Episode 5 is filled with beautiful moments of the two in their honeymoon and domestic phase, including a beautiful song that Phayu sings as a confession for Rain. And Rain's character growth is phenomenal. He becomes responsible and hard-working. But what set this whole thing apart? Rain turning kinky AF! Wow! That was some turnaround. From someone who is somewhat reluctant to be touched in the 1st episode, becomes the initiator by the 6th episode .(it was revealed in the BTS, that Noeul left an actual hickey on Boss's neck!) The 7th episode ties up their story, with them declaring that they are in a relationship and confessing to each other as well. They just seemed so destined to be together!!
PRAPAI and SKY: They had an even worse start than that of Phayu and Rain. But what can you expect when a relation starts with mind-blowing sex? Prapai is a playboy, sleeping around is a game to him. But then he finds Sky. A one night stand that he can't get out of his mind. So he decide to connect with the boy. However, Sky has a severe trauma hidden in his past. Something he doesn't tell anyone. Something he is ashamed of. But Pai is not deterred. He has decided that it's going to be Sky who is going to be his partner in life, and he does everything in the world to convince Sky of that. Although he is enamoured, he keeps his hands to himself, at Sky's behest, helps him in his homework, becomes his shoulder to lean on, takes care of Sky when he is sick, and most importantly, becomes his safe haven, where he can hide his past, and not feel dirty about it. I must say, episode 13 should have come with a trigger warning. Watching Sky grow happier and Pai fall more and more in love, is amazing and so peaceful. Sky deserves the world! I especially love Pai's expression when he sees Sky smile fully for the first time! Like what was that? It gave me butterflies in the stomach!! And Sky back hugging Pai is such a sign that there is complete trust now! They are so special! It takes a long time to overcome trauma. But Pai's efforts in helping Sky definitely go a long way!
Pluses:
- When Pai and Phayu go on a rampage, it is a sight to behold. The boys give such mafia feels that it's no wonder that people say that Pai is Kinn and Porche's son and Phayu is Vegas and Pete's son.
- How brilliantly the characters have grown. Each of them has a development arc. What is even cuter how the two daddies Phayu and Pai are such softies for their babies.
- The special episode is the icing on the cake. I think, Rain calling Phayu 'DADDY' is going to be etched in my mind for all eternity! No one can do that like Rain does. With that narak, narak and adorable face, saying that in that sexy tone, was an absolute delight, and no wonder Phayu can't keep his hands off him.
- The kissing scenes were simply fabulous. I have not seen these kind of kisses in any BL drama that has a university trope. Both the couples just blew the screen with their kisses. There was no hesitation at all. They just went all out. And moreover, the love and lust in each kiss was so visible!
- The NCs. Now here is a topic on which I can wax lyrical for like 5-10 pages. So I will keep it short, I mean I will try to do that. Let me warn you. None of them are passive lovers. Phayu and Prapai are totally 'I can't keep my hands of my baby' power 'tops' and Rain and Sky are absolutely 'I am so sassy and I know you love it' power 'bottoms! I have never seen such beautifully well-matched couples. Let me talk about it one by one.
Now Phayu and Rain, from the end of of episode 4 onwards, can't seem to keep their hands off each other. There is such phenomenal chemistry that it seriously was mind-blowing, mind-numbing... just boom!
Prapai and Sky started with sex, then there was a lull, but boy, not a dull moment with this couple also. They have 'back against the bed', 'back against the wall', 'back against any kind of surface' sex!
- Saifah's expressions: I think that Saifha is the most supportive and the cutest sibling! And constantly tortured by Phayu and Prapai's PDAs and out of nowhere declarations of love!
- Rain and Sky's, Phayu and Prapai's friendships.
- P'Chai.... OH DAMN! So handsome!
Minuses:
- I would have loved to see Rain's mom's reaction about her son with Phayu. It would have been really funny I feel.
- A little more development of P'Pakin and his power. Could have been an interesting arc.
- The sound editing. Something was seriously wrong at some points, but I must admit, the sound team did a fabulous job when it came to the kisses and the NCs. Not one sound was lost!
Music: Songs sung by the lead actors themselves? In one word? WOW! If you can find me a more talented bunch of guys, I will be surprised. I love 'My Strongest Love' by Boss Chaikamon and Noeul Nuttarat.
Rewatch value: For someone who has already seen this show more than 5-6 times, what can I say? It definitely has rewatch value! Absolutely! No question about it!
Overall, I love this drama, and no matter what anyone says, it is one of my top three comfort dramas (the other two being Love By Chance 1 and Secret Crush On You)... Much power to my loves Boss, Noeul, Fort and Peat!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Better than the Novel! It's 100% Chemistry between the Actors!!
Love in the Air is a must watch, but only because of the chemistry between the actors!The story itself is cliché and has been told numerous times, but the reason I have this series on repeat is simply because of Phayu and Prapai breaking toxic BL standards of consent and because of the chemistry between all of the couples. I want the love that Phayu and Prapai give to their lovers! I'm so jealous!
~~ STORY ~~
Phayu and Prapai are best friends who enjoy underground racing. Phayu works as an architect while also running his own luxury auto repair shop. He is also mafia-boss Pakin's most trusted car mechanic. Prapai is not only runs his own company, but is Pakin's most fasted racer. They meet college freshmen Rain and Sky after a series of unfortunate events for Rain, including his car breaking down in the middle of the road. Phayu is love-struck by Rain's naivety and innocence, while Prapai can't get enough of the duality between Sky's hot and cold persona. Both couples end up in a game of cat and mouse which leads to lots of love in the air.
Love is the Air is based off of two novels written by Mame; Love Storm (Phayu/Rain) and Love Sky (Prapai/Sky).
The series doesn't really take much liberty in changing much from the novels. What you read in the novels is exactly what you get in the series. The story itself isn't the best or the most unique, but it is different compared to other BLs currently being produced into TV series... Meaning it isn't another high school or college themed drama.
While Love in the Air features college students, most of the setting takes place outside of the college, making it different from most Thai BLs being produced. Phayu and Prapai are men who have already graduated college and are already quite advanced in their careers, while Rain and Sky are freshmen in college. Due to Phayu and Prapai being working members of society, the way they act and treasure their lovers is very mature leading to both couples having the most healthiest relationship out of all BL couples. Phayu and Prapai had multiple occasions where they could have taken advantage of their lovers, but always told them "I'll wait for when you're ready." Phayu and Prapai also encouraged their lovers to take responsibility for their actions and correct any errors their lovers made even if it put them in an unfavorable position.
PHAYU & RAIN
Phayu is your stereotypical rich bad boy that everyone wants to date. Meanwhile Rain is your typical naïve to the point of stupidity freshman. Phayu is lovestruck from the moment he met Rain, but instead of approaching Rain like the usual suitor, Phayu choses to tease Rain and bring him into a game of cat and mouse with a surprise twist.... Phayu is the mouse.
I personally like how Phayu treats Rain. I'm not a big fan of the game Phayu sets up for Rain, but Phayu has never been malicious or mean to Rain, so it's tolerable. Phayu really treats Rain like royalty and his entire life revolves around Rain, so I think Rain is the luckiest guy on the planet. I really like how Phayu respects Rain and his boundaries, only pushing the boundary as far as Rain will let him, without ever crossing the line. He never really touched Rain unless Rain was the one to initiate it, which was a pleasant surprise from our bad boy. I hope to find myself a man like Phayu one day.
Rain... He's not the post memorable character out there, but Phayu loves him. Throughout the story everyone calls him Phayu's boy and that's honestly how I remember him. Sorry Rain!
PRAPAI & SKY
Prapai is another stereotypical rich bad boy, while Sky is a quiet nerd that actually has a dark past. Prapai saves Sky from a situation that Rain gets them in, and gets hooked on Sky after they have a one night stand. At first Prapai chases after Sky for the sex, but before he knew it, it was less about sex and more about wanting to be with Sky. On the other hand, Sky hated Prapai from the moment he met because Prapai reminded him about his ex. However, after getting to know Prapai he learns to love and respect himself, as well as learn that Prapai and the love he has is better than his ex in every way, shape and form.
While a bit extreme in his methods, Prapai gives out all his love in ways that everyone should aspire to give out and receive. Prapai never really had a hidden agenda and was open with Sky about his love from day one. The loving looks and helping hands he gave Sky regardless of whether it was reciprocated or not, was beautiful to watch. It made me want a man like Prapai.
Sky... He joins the ranks of characters that have a dark past that he overcomes with the help of love. His dark past was rushed through and used as the climax of their storyline, but it wasn't really memorable. It's his past that defines his current actions, so more emphasis should have been placed on it if they wanted to make that the climax, but instead they focused on Prapai's love. Focusing on Prapai's love for him, made the climax lose it's meaning since his past wasn't explained well and rushed through in less than one episode. I guess want to see Prapai and Sky is their own series, so they can focus on Sky's past and not rush though it.
~~ ACTING ~~
This drama is 100% chemistry between the actors and honestly, it's really the actors that are keeping this show alive. Boss and Fort, who play Phayu and Prapai respectively, really know how to act with body language. They don't need to speak any lines to know what their characters are thinking. Noeul and Peat, playing Rain and Sky respectively, are also able to keep up with Boss and Fort.
I don't know what else to say but watch it.
~~ BOOK vs DRAMA ~~
So I watched the series and read both books. What you saw in the series is almost exactly what you get in the novel, however, there are some small differences. Also, t's not really worth it to read the novels, so I'll talk about it below.
Love Storm:
The main storyline is almost exactly the same in both the series (ep 1-7) and the novel. There are some small differences here and there, but the plot is basically the same. Though, if you are interested in listening to Phayu and Rain's thoughts, the novel does go into more detail.
The biggest change the series made was replacing Oat with Prapai. In Love Storm, Prapai makes a few appearances as Phayu's friend and does ask for Sky's number, but it's unknown if he is a racer. The best racer in the novel is Oat, who is also the protagonist of another of Mame's novels OatShin's Diary. Oat is the one who races Stop. Other than that everything else is almost exactly as you see on screen.
Love Sky:
The second half of the series (ep 8-13) is based on Love Sky. This is where most of the changes occur between the novel and series. Love Sky deals with darker subjects like sleeping around, trust, abuse, rape, and trauma, so the series did make a few changes.
Some of the major changes include, but are not limited to:
1. Sig in the series Sig is Rain and Sky's friend, who isn't that handsome and is there for comedic purposes. In the novel, Sig is just Rain and Sky's handsome classmate who houses Sky after he breaks up with Prapai.
2. Prapai's mom, brother and sister meet Sky as soon as they become official. Sky also visits Prapai's house and becomes close with the family.
3. Prapai's actor uncle makes more physical appearances in the novel.
4. Sky's past with his ex is explained in more detail and is a lot more graphic and traumatic.
5. The scene where Prapai confronts Sky's ex is slightly different and more graphic. The aftercare scene is also extended.
6. P'Chai makes an appearance during the confrontation scene as well.
7. Phayu is barely in the novel, appearing only a few times, while he is mentioned a lot in dialogue.
8. Rain a better friend in the novel than in the series.
Overall, while there are some changes between the novel and series. I think that once you've watched the series, there is no need to read the novel. I thought the series improved most of the flaws of both novels. While in the novels you can read and understand the character's thoughts, I found that their thoughts were a lot more immature and made their actions less wholesome. As mentioned earlier, in the series Phayu and Prapai are portrayed as mature adults, but when reading their thoughts in the novels, their thoughts contradicted the way mature adults think and ruined what could have been amazing mature characters. Even Sky was written as more selfish and less sympathetic in the novel. The only character who was written slightly better than their series counterpart was Rain, but only in Love Sky. During the series which covers Love Sky, Rain is portrayed more as stupid rather than naïve. In Love Sky, Rain is naïve, but takes better care of Sky than in the series. When Sky is sick, he doesn't just throw Prapai the keys to Sky's house. He actually didn't want to even call Prapai.
The series greatly improved the novel. However, as mentioned earlier, the climax for Prapai and Sky's love story was rushed in the series and its also very different. If you're curious or want more details about what happened between Sky and his ex, as well as how Prapai actually deals with it in the novel, I would read Love Sky... At least the last few chapters because the ending is a little different as well. However, if you are planning to read the novels, be warned that you may not like how the characters are portrayed in the novel.
~~ OVERALL ~~
Love in the Air is a series that I have on repeat. While the storyline isn't unique, the way Prapai and Phayu show their love for Sky and Rain is really something to watch. Also their chemistry is amazing. Don't worry too much about the storyline and just watch for their chemistry. I swear you won't be disappointed. Also don't worry about reading the novels. It's not worth it.
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