A very underrated roller-coaster!
I was a little hesitant about starting this series, because I don't get along too well with historical settings, and I'm also not familiar with Thai History. I was afraid I would not be able to understand this story as well as I wished to, but in the end everything turned out well from that aspect and I was able to enjoy the story without much trouble.The story mainly revolves around family rivalries and the fight for power in the Song family. Most of the characters fight to either protect Tian from ill-intentioned people, or to steal Tian's money or power for themselves. Tian's sexuality is a dangerous secret that fuels the motives of the people around him, contributing to making the life in the Song household even messier. This is absolutely NOT a light series to watch (I've read somewhere that its specific genre is lakorn), every major action of the characters leads to more problems that need to be solved with other great actions. It was a lively plot that kept me engaged from the beginning to the end, definitely recommended if you like drama! I also liked how the negative feelings and actions of the characters often led to more negativity and problems, while positive feelings and deeds led to better outcomes. The Karmic energy is not always mentioned but it's a recurring element of the story and I really appreciated it.
I also appreciated the fact that, rather than a BL, this is actual gay representation: there are actual problems and struggles of gay people that are shown on the screen and they were all tackled very well.
The characters, for the most part, are very well written and with multiple facets that make them very intriguing. I'm not just talking about the main characters (Tian, Jiu, and Yang specifically), but also the secondary roles, especially the female characters: I've rarely seen so many female characters being so active, with a good characterization and not too stereotyped, especially in a BL, where female characters are usually barely there in the first place. The relationships are also very well explored, especially the family bonds: Tian and Yang's brotherly love is displayed in all its beauty and it was amazing, and the relationship between Tian and his parents was very well explored as well.
In "To Sir With Love", while Tian and his sexuality are the main fuel for everyone's decisions and actions, his moments with Jiu are very few and short. Jiu doesn't even show up before the second episode, and their moments together only last a few minutes until a few episodes in (episodes 6-7 or so, I believe?). Their lack of screen time surprised me since I was expecting them to be on the screen more than anything else, but in the end things worked out fine regardless: they have very good chemistry with each other and they were able to deliver very intense and powerful moments anyway. All I want to add is a little warning for anyone who is looking for passionate kissing scenes or anything like that: I suggest looking somewhere else for that.
My only complaints about this lakorn would be these:
- some of the actors were acting with too much intensity. I don't know how else to describe it: at some points they really felt like caricatures of their own characters, with exaggerated expressions and movements that didn't feel natural in the least.
- sometimes the events and the elements of the plot were changed and flexed based on convenience: characters being there to eavesdrop or spy on others just in time, wounds getting better or magically disappearing depending on what did that character need to do, and certain tasks being completed without enough care and precision. I felt like I could see where the writers wanted the plot to go a little too easily because of this.
- the ending was not very satisfying to me. I felt like some of the conflicts of the story didn't get resolved properly.
I feel like I didn't describe how much I liked this series as well as I wished to, so I really want to stress it: I LOVED IT. I especially recommend it to anyone who likes soap-operas, and even anyone who would like to watch a BL for the first time and isn't looking for something too romance-focused.
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If you love super dramatic story, this is for you
I'm not a big fan of family drama, so I pretty much skipped the entire family drama especially all scenes involving the 2 crazy women lol...I only watched some part of the drama towards the ending, and i can tell you, its super thrilling, so if you love this kind of show, this lakorn is for yaAlthou I'm here for different reason. I am here to mainly watch Film Jam lol..I also love Yang over here. I only watched scenes where it involves them
I love the chemistry, sparks and the love between the gay couple. It's also beautiful watching the how Thian and Yang, really love each other despite the family feud. It's very rare scene to watch and I appreciate this healthy brotherhood
Overall, happy ending. Its a super tense thrilling dramatic drama.
Not my kind, but might be yours.
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This review may contain spoilers
Enjoyed it though some parts are unintentionally hilarious
There is a lot to love about this series.First of all, I was surprised by how prominently the gay theme is foregrounded from the start. The story isn't entirely focused on the gay romance, the issue of homosexuality is central to the plot. I was thinking that the subject would be a minor issue, but it seems that the production has decided to take a risk by focusing on it throughout even when the story isn't dwelling on the romance. For a show that doesn't pander much to a BL fanbase, this is quite amazing.
Secondly, the bromance is wonderful. The close bond between Tian and his brother, Yang, was what made the series, which involves a lot of characters scheming and plotting against one another, more palatable. And while a lot of series featuring "bromance" make it borderline romance, in this case, the Tian and Yang are biological brothers, and there is no hint of possible romance at all. The sibling bond between them is pure and moving. I really love the scene in which Yang realises that Tian is gay and runs to him to hug him, half chiding himself for not understanding what Tian has been going through, half wanting to comfort Tian without revealing that he knows his secret.
As a bonus, the straight couple, Yang and Pin, is also cute.
Yet, some of the scenes and turns in the plot may leave one incredulous. A case in point is the scene in which Jiu was attacked by a group of people sent by Tian's father. The attackers (some of them anyway) had guns, but nonetheless fought with knives until they were about to lose. So far it is simply not very logical, but the next part is truly absurd. Another group of people do not want Jiu to be killed but do not want to clash with the attackers. So guess what? They spotted a couple of birds on a tree and somehow manage to catch the birds and send them flying into the hut to create chaos, so Jiu has a chance to escape.
Then in a plot twist that isn't exactly unexpected, a man who has been "killed" by poison turns up alive . . . because he has the antidote. Okaaaaay, but he was rendered unconscious by the poison and couldn't have taken the antidote--especially when the one who wants him dead dumps him in a body of water to drown him. No proper explanation is given for how he manages to stay alive apart from the fact that he has the antidote.
And the main villain in the show is ridiculously hard to kill. It's perhaps another soap opera thing, but it's quite funny how he could survive having a couple of fingers cut off, having a sharp object stabbed into his eye, being hit viciously with a stick several times (including on the head, I think) and getting knocked about by some drug that caused him to lose consciousness--all at the same time! I thought that the loss of blood while he's unconscious would kill him. But not. Not only does he survive the attack that takes place in the wilderness, but he also soon turns up at Tian's house (with his injuries already bandaged) with a few soldiers and go on a rampage despite all the injuries he has sustained.
Additionally, the portrayal of homosexuality may be somewhat controversial. It seems ridiculously easy for characters to guess that Tian is gay. Yang sees Tian helping Jiu, whose sleeve is stuck somewhere, by cutting Jiu's sleeve, and Yang can suddenly, with a few recollections of events in the past (like Tian pretending to be a female protagonist of the opera, Madam White Snake), surmise that Tian is gay. Is anyone suggesting that it's a sign of homosexuality if a kid who is into opera and pretends to be the female protagonist in an opera? By all appearances, Tian merely loves opera and isn't into crossdressing.
Although the series is flawed, I did find myself quite invested in the bromance and romance. Tian, Yang, Jiu and Pin are characters that one will care about enough to keep watching. However, do make sure that you can take soap opera plots and their levels of exaggeration.
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This review may contain spoilers
The entire show is pretty much about hiding Tian's Big Gay Secret and along with that comes lots suspense, intrigue, and um...murder. Why? Because no one can know Tian's secret! You know, the secret that we talk about very loudly, all the time. But that's beside the point. The point is people can't know and if they know? Well, they gotta die. Because obviously that's the only solution. But how do we kill them? With glitter of course! Lots and lots of murderous glitter! Yes it's every bit as ridiculous as it sounds, but I absolutely did not care. Literally nothing stopped me from devouring this series. (Except the wait time between subbed eps but I digress)When we're not doing arts and crafts, our good guys get to fall in love. Sweet sweet Yang gets sweet Lady Pin. And sweet sweet Tian finds himself falling for secret assassin turned secret sort-of-spy, Jiu. This loveline has one of my favorite tropes-I tricked you and then I fell in love, so of course there's angsting but Tian and Jiu's love story is also one of the corniest, cheesiest things ever, and yes I ate up every bit of it. Could have used a little more screen time, but that's the tiniest of complaints. Now, the best love story here is the one between half brothers, Tian and Yang. Nothing could stand in the way of these two. The love, the friendship, the loyalty between these brothers is brilliant and worth a watch even if you don't want to watch anything else.
I don't normally watch a lot of lakorns. I've tried multiple lakorns and I usually watch a few episodes before I ultimately give up. They're just not typically my style. From what I've seen they're usually over the top, ridiculous, the acting is all over the place, the villians are cartoons, they're full of cliches, problematic tropes, redemptive arcs for people who dont necessarily deserve them, and plus everything and everyone in a lakorn is just so incredibly dramatic. This would normally be ther part where I'd say "except this lakorn is none of those things, it's so refreshing" or whatever, but that would be an abosolute lie. This lakorn was all of those things and then some, but regardless it was ridiculously entertaining, and ridiculously addictive. Who do I have to beg for another lakorn like this one?
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Mother’s Love Against The World
This actually my first time watching this kind of lakhorn & I absolutely love it!The love Li has Thian is so heartfelt. The things she had done with Jia is just the bees knees. Loyalty truly shows in this drama. Until the very end she protected him and approved them. She is the best mother every!
The series duration allows so many characters development, which is one of the thing I always emphasise in a story. The love, the hatred, the envy and the drama of anything and everyone was amazing!
The acting of everyone was on point. Zhang’s soft side is hilarious. The hatred I have towards Chan & the maid is just over the roof; they truly bring it.
As for the Thian & Jiu, their chemistry together is merely astounding. Their skinships, emotions, restrains to one another and khon khun makk makk naaa Li for giving Thian the arousing tea ?
Oh and I tend to almost cry whenever Yang receives the mistreatments he didn’t deserve. The anger boils up inside me & ended up taking it out on others - khot thod naa pheuan 5555.
Annnnddd the OST sang by Nunew really matches with the series. Rak rak rak na.
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One of the best
One of the best bls ever produced. It's not about some cliche plot about college students but it is about real family drama. Greed, secrets and power drive this series.Currently on episode 7 and can't wait for next episode to air.
Tian has a secret and his mother killed Dong because he found out about Tian's secret. Them the unending plotting starts. To hide the truth about Dong's murder Tian's mother is floating in a vacuum of plots.
I really look forward to seeing how the story between Tian and Jiu will unfold. Even though it seems impossible between them. But I hope they will give them a happy ending ☺️
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Excellent
I had avoided watching this simply due to the title. Reminding me of a 50 year old movie, plus the same name for the theme song from that movie, it just seemed a little silly. But then when I watched it, I realized how wrong I was. Nearly everything about it was excellent. A good story, although it was just a little over the top. The acting was excellent. The cinematography was excellent. The settings and props were excellent. High production values throughout. Still have 7 episodes to go, but if they're as good as the first 10, I have no complaints. Good chemistry between the two male leads, and his brother Yang and the girl that he falls for make a cute couple. Great show.Was this review helpful to you?
To Sir, Tian’s Secret
Despite my low rating I didn’t hate this series. But I didn’t like it either. I fast forwarded 75% of it from ep5. I got tired of the repetitive dialogue between Tian and his Mom & Yang and his Mom.Almost the whole cast had the same exact face and expression in very scene for every situation. Yang’s mom was the worst of them followed by Jia. I would have put 1/10 for the acting but Yang, Pin and Jiu’s siblings were the only bright spots in terms of acting and giving different facial expressions to match the scene in an otherwise one face for every scenario acting so I added 2 extra for a 3/10.
I don’t know what Jia is doing as a servant if she is this all knowing orchid and different animal species concocting badass murdering queen. She should be the leader of the clans.
Someone just happens to always be listening in on other peoples conversations. I can excuse some of the eavesdropping as they made sense, but some were unplanned conversations but somehow someone was magically just there eavesdropping. The one that did it for me was when Jia overheard Bua and Yang talking in ep12. Jia has never gone to Bua’s place before that but all of a sudden she just happens to go over to Bua’s place and overhears that convo. Puh-lease.
The overall plot premise sounded interesting that’s why I decided to watch this but after watching the product, I can say it’s not my cup of tea.
Although I finished this it was a struggle and the fast forward button was maximumly utilized.
I changed my rating from 2/10 to 5/10 because of the last 3 eps. Although I still fast forwarded most of it the last 3eps were the best eps of the whole series, IMO.
5/10 overall rating.
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This review may contain spoilers
I wasn't expecting to be wowed by this lakorn (especially since it's the end of the year) but To Sir, With Love proved me wrong. It's probably the best I've seen this year and exceeded my expectations. I got into it because I saw that Film, who only starred in boy/girl dramas before, was actually going to be in a BL and was curious to see how it would go. I'm very glad I took that chance, otherwise I would've missed out on a very well acted and well produced show.1. Story
The story was complex, engaging, and had great pacing. It was very obvious that a lot of care went into how it was edited and delivered. Having this sort of LGBT+ plotline set in a historical time could've easily gone wrong, but it wasn't the case here. The historical aspect greatly enriched the story and provided much of the character's justification for their actions. It was also quite unpredictable, and major actions actually had major consequences. I think what really made this stand out was how it was really a lakorn made for a modern audience; even though this is set in an older time, there are modern ideals that are cleverly interwoven where it didn't feel out of place and greatly appealed to me as a viewer of today.
2. Leads
Before I get into Tian and Yang, I just want to say that I consider Li (T's mom), Jao Sua Song (T's dad) and Chan (Y's mom) to also be the main leads, and would actually put Jiu and Ying Pin as 2ndary leads. Because without them, there would be no richness in this drama and no believable way to move the plot forward. When I saw that P'Pok would play Li, I knew she would kill it and boy she didn't disappoint. She is an amazing actress, able to pull off so many emotions and make me simultaneously empathize and hate her. Her look when she found Tian and Jiu together made me laugh for days. I adore her and she looked so fab in her Chinese outfits. Jao Sua Song was a surprise since I didn't expect much but his voice is so enchanting and he is surprisingly level-headed, intelligent and can admit he's wrong (can we pleaseee have more dads like this in Thai dramaland). I didn't like Chan as much as the first two but she was a convincing antagonist and it was enough for me.
I thought that this was Film's finest acting to date; previous dramas I've seen him in were just okay. Here he conveyed Tian's sensitive and gentlemanly manner so flawlessly and pretty much acted his pants off as Tian. Yang's actor was also good, although his role was written so well that it would've been hard for him to mess up. The brotherly relationship between Yang and Tian was a major highlight and mood booster for me while watching this, and I'm glad they both stayed loyal to each other till the end.
3. Secondary Cast
I don't have any complaints about the 2ndary cast; all acted well and added to the plot. I liked that Ying Pin wasn't your typical flower girl, but was sassy and intelligent. I also like that Jiu wasn't just a cold assassin, but was willing to open his heart and be desperate in his love for Tian. The rest of the cast, from the house servants to the members of the Five Dragons Association were fun to watch and really lit up the world inside the lakorn.
4. Romance
I wasn't sure if the drama could carry out a convincing BL love story, but I was wrong and the romance hit me in all the feels. This is the kind of love story I love where the two leads meet and there's a spark, but it's not until they get to know each other that the spark becomes a firework. Although this was a love story between two men, I liked how the focus was more on how they were just two people who fell in love, irrespective of their gender. This couldn't have gone so well without the two actor's commitment to the roles, from how you could see Tian light up when Jiu was around, to Jiu doing things for Tian that suggested that his love for Tian was deeper than we thought. I think my only gripe with this is that I felt like there was some missing info for how Jiu accepted being with Tian despite both being men; there wasn't an internal struggle shown that I'd expect men of this time to have, especially when being gay was unheard of. Regardless, well done to Film and Jam for maturely and beautifully carry out a convincing love story.
5. Overall
This was a visually appealing drama, from the vibrant colours and patterns in the background, to the clothes that everyone was wearing. The music was amazing (I have Ice and NuNew's songs on my playlist) and played appropriately. This was a wonderful watch with great storytelling, acting, romance and much more. I highly recommend you give it a go and I will certainly re-watch this on my own time.
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This review may contain spoilers
My most favorite Movie ever.
I really, really love this series, I am actually being addicted to it, to the couple, Thian and Jiu. What a nice story.When I started to watch it, the OST is really soothing for me. It gives me kind of hope, I don't know what is the lyrics or meaning behind that song, but for me I feel in love.
The Chinese version of the soundtrack, makes me melt like crazy. I really(100x) love.
The beginning of this film (the 1st episode), was shocking. There's a huge drama happened already and I feel the ache of every characters because of the lost of 1 member and it's because of a secret, and that secret was exposed turned in to horrible situation.
The episode 2, makes me feel happy. Because it's the first time they meet each other. And I love how it went (except of a trouble happened in an Opera) but Jiu is ready to the rescue.
Ok enough! I actually summarizing it. But overall I like it so much and really really love the story. I love the characters and I hope they continue to do films to make me and audience who support them makes happy and feel in love.
The visual effects is a little unrealistic but I don't care, as long as they give us the good story and that's the most important.
The antagonists of this film. Why the heck, I don't mad at them even though they did monstrous actions. But Jan, the mother of Yang is really getting into my nerves. Jan servant, makes me laugh.
Madamme Li, very well done. Your outstanding liar of the year, just kidding! But your acting skills makes me blown away, very very impressive. Her butler Jia, is an expert too!
I love, how Thian and Yang loves each other as siblings. It's kinda rare because usually if your family has very deep quarrel then both siblings are also fighting and hate each other. But their relationship is a Gold, very precious.
Jiu and Thian, why I love you so much! I can't hide the feeling when I watch you in my screen, my heart pounding! You 2 has a great acting skills and you have power to inspire people like me to proceed in life, to inspire, and to be a better version of myself. Thank you for your existence, I love you!
사랑해요!
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A guilty pleasure -- Let's enjoy this soapy drama
Even though this will be a long ride (28 episodes), four aired episodes took off to set a direction for where this ride will be. Maybe there will be a plot twist, but we know a big storm ahead for the central conflict of the series, as the curse has been spelled at the beginning of the series.Thian, as a leading source of the conflict, will need to make difficult decisions in the future. The firstborn prince in the family, Thian's fate wanted to be set by both his mom and his dad. As perfect as he seems, he admits that 'nobody is perfect.' His smart mom acknowledges Thian's shortcomings. What his mom, Lady/Madam Li, does not know yet is that he has already met his freefall; a guy who sells candy: Jia.
As the leader lady in the house, Li might outsmart Jan by endorsing Thian and Yang's relationship. Yang's innocent and warm personality trait has bound to Thian, he gives his loyalty to his brother. By far, this is precisely what Lady Li wants. What Lady Li overlook is Thian's big love for his brother; he sees his brother as capable of running the family business as well as his brother could be his escape to the position he never wanted in the very first place.
In this messiness and hungry for power, we have Bua as an ally for Thian and Yang. Soon, Yingphin will join as an ally. As a Ying, she will be perfectly perfect for her Yang. Thian and Yang's brotherhood will be contested in the future. I assume Yang's faith in Thian will never be broken as long as he keeps him on his side. Their relationship test will be my main interest to see in this series and how it will be unfolded.
I enjoy the soupy acting by Lady Jan(chan/Yang's mom) and her maid. These two should win the best couple award. They will be the source of humor in this show; no matter what they have done, people will forgive them because of their comical silliness.
They also have a really good set, a solid interior set. Thanks to the production and creative team for making this historic style into scenes. It looks fresh and lovely.
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a messed up family, and a cute love story
OMG really, i didn't expected this drama would be this great. it's not just a simple plot, it's more than that. like where did they find this perfect story and all these perfect cast, not only that , it connects everyone. Everyone of you, who think you are outcasted just because of someone's ideology or mode of thinking. Those people are not realising the fact that, they are also harming the future generation.I truly enjoyed this lakorn. I was not expecting anything from the first, so everything was a bonus for me.
The main cast did complete justice to their job. Not just them, everyone from the series. Sometimes we can't make sense to the storyline, but everything can't be perfect ( so don't make it a big deal). I can't put words to explain film's talent. He is amazing and his smile is cute. And I really liked the brothers love towards each other.
Not to mention nunew's OST. He is one of the best.
And, I have to say this, if you are planning to watch a romantic comedy bl, then it's not for you. It's all about revenge, jealousy, action, fantasy and with some romance and comedy ( that's what we all are looking for). It's a complete pack of everything.
All those who love their mom, should definitely watch this.(don't wry you'll know after watching this series).
Its worth your time baby. And also they got so many awards. So just go watch it.
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