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Heartbreaking but absolutely Beautiful!
This series is a masterpiece. I enjoyed watching it every week. We may not have gotten the happy ending we wanted, but in life we don't always get what we want, right? The three actors did an amazing job of portraying those complex characters. They made us laugh and they made us cry. They talked about many important things. This series is not a typical romance story and may not be for everyone. But I will always recommend it. The ending broke my heart, but it's the only way this could end, whether we like it or not.Was this review helpful to you?
This one was a tough one for me to rate
As much as I thought this was so good in terms of quality and acting, it just didn't capture me like it should. I liked the study of human thought, emotion trauma, love and how everyone deals with the same situation in different ways. How adults can be incredibly selfish or cowards and end up hurting the people who least deserve it. How a mother's" love" can sometimes be the worst thing for her child. And how love doesn't always win because people are too stubborn to fight or it sometimes. I wish I could give it a higher rating----------Yet I didn't feel what I was supposed to from all the above. I did find the dialogue, situations and acting compelling still I struggled to get thru the episodes. I guess this series as mature and well written as it was just wasn't for me. I didn't drop it because I liked the acting and I wanted to see how it all ended. So I stuck it out to the end.
I got to say tho the two leads had phenomenal chemistry the sexual tension was palpable even if it led nowhere in the end. The heartbreaking end made sense. I just don't see how it could go another way as sad is it was it made sense for the characters.
Overall I give this series a 7.5 and that was definitely for the acting that was incredible. maybe others will enjoy this one more than I did.
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This is a true drama
This show had me from the very first. It i true drama in that you dont know what the outcome will be of Wang's search to understand who his father was. I think what nade this story so interesting and captivating for me was that it is based around 4 people. Wang , his mother Mol, his father Siam (who never makes an appearance due to his death several years earlier) and In a close friend of Mol and Siam. It is truly a drama based on how all 4 of these people decision affected each other deeply. It is slower paced and dialogue driven.If you are looking for a romantic story this one is not it. But if you up for something more and a little heavy this is worth your time.
I gave this an 8.5 for rewatch only because I shed more than a few tears and it will be a bit before I can rewatch this.
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boring
I binge watched it and I skipped so many timesI loved the deep meanings of it and the ACTING which was the best part. But honestly the dialogues... it's ONLY dialogues nothing happens like ever, the son pissed me off, I get it he has issues trust me I get it, but it doesn't excuse some of his shitty behaviour. Also I think he was the only one in love, In was probably just thinking of this boy's dad all along. At first I didn't wanna watch because of the creepy age gap but then I saw people praising it... yes I agree the subjects are great but clearly not expressed in the best way. like the show makes you think the uncle loves Wang back when I really didn't feel like it was the case.
And the mom was portrayed as a crazy old woman and apart from her homophobia (which wasn't relevant to the plot and just brought the subject of queerness in a really useless way btw it went nowhere) she's not that bad of a mom, and if my son announced he was in love with my best friend who's my age I would go crazy too, the boy is barely legal, I know it's not against the law but laws and morals are different and I'm not letting an old man touch young people, this is just creepy.
To conclude, this didn't go anywhere, had some good points but was basically just boring long dialogues.
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My review
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT!!!If oyu are looking for a fluffy, cute BL with kiss and make out scenes and a happy ending- continue looking because this is not it. This has an awesome and developed storyline, outstanding acting and great chemistry between the actors.
I also must start off by saying while I did enjoy this series, in the beginning- I just wasn't all the way in. But as it progressed, I feel for it as it felt real and raw to me.
Story -9.5/10
From how this story started, I felt the three main characters were portrayed in a different light than how they came out in the end. Some for the better and some for the worse.
When seeing Wang around In the first time, I just naturally thought of him as a big flirt. But as the story progressed, Wang showed to be more mature than In and his mom. We saw him start off flirty, then someone in love and finally someone heartbroken because he was willing to fight for his and In's love, but In wasn't.
Am I sad that they didn't end up together? No. Because Wang deserves better. He deserved someone who loves him. Someone who would fight for what they could have. In was clearly not that person.
On first seeing In, I had high hopes. I may not know ehat the story entailed but I just had high hopes. And those hopes came crashing down. Now, while I may get angry at him due to him not being brave enough to say 'I love you ', not once but twice, I can't get as mad as I want with him.
I see him as someone who is afraid of taking that chance for love, because of how he was seeing it as people would get hurt. But when he denies this chance, people still do get hurt. Maybe that's why he moved far away, because he just doesn't want to choose a side as he believes someone will get hurt. He still sucks, but I can't be totally mad at him.
Sasiwimol (Wang's mom). I hated her from the time I saw her. I still do after finishing this series. However, I kind of see where she is coming from. I mean, if you look at it, she was hurt too as her husband loved someone else. And while I may not like her, I am remembering her saying to Wang (not a direct quote) 'Did he say I love you?' Because I feel she knows the kind of individual In is and she knew that he would not be brave enough to say such words to Wang. And who knows? Maybe she is the way that she is because of what life has dealt to her.
Acting-10/10
From the first scene, you can see the difference in thier acting. They were all phenomenal. Even the first meetig between Wang and In was much more intense than any BL's/ K dramas that I have watched. It was just...wow. And what really impressed me is that how this story was told so well with just three actors. They all did a wonderful job.
Music-8/10
The music fit the mood of this series so well.
Rewatch Valu-10/10
Although this ending is not a happily ever after, I will most definitely watch it again. Because that's just how good the storyline is, the actors, the cinematography- just everything.
Overall-9.5/10
Overall I give this series a 9.5/10. It was indeen one hell of a ride as I when I first started this series, the outcome was not what I was expecting- it was way better. Would I recommend this series to others? Most definitely. I would like to end my review with the last words of the final episodes that really broke my heart but made me realize the beauty of this series.
To you who call yourself a parent...
You can only give birth to them but you don't own them.
To you are still young...
You have to bleed first before you learn.
To you who call themselves wise...
Don't let your cowardice get the better of you.
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Intense Drama with Powerful Performances
Overall Review:It is a very intense slow burning series, almost like a thriller, but make no mistake, it is a drama through and through. Each scene and character builds up the world, with very powerful performances leaving no room for non-sensical actions or motivations with the camera-work being a cherry on top. If you're looking for a light series, this aint it. It would not be surprising if it gets nominated for and/or wins awards.
Plot:
- The plot has layers on layers and it unfolds in a very slow-burn manner.
- Scenes and events are very natural flowing.
- The lack of time jumps makes it super easy to follow.
- Careful consideration is given to beautiful execution of the plot.
- Some episodes are more intense than others and thus some scenes in other might seem like filler in comparison.
Characters:
- The series revolves around three main characters and they built very realistically and profoundly.
- While other background characters may appear, their screen-time is negligible, leaving more focus on the main characters.
- The motivations behind characters' actions feel very natural.
- The cast lending their skills to these characters are very talented, they keep a hold on you.
Conclusion:
A very powerful and serious drama, waiting to have a hold on you, setting a standard for all the other dramas existing in this genre.
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Disturbing Concept
I found the entire plot very weird and disturbing. I couldn't finish it cause I got creeped out by the age difference and also the relationship that existed between the two leads!! It was disturbing!!! But apart from that the casting and acting was really good. It felt like a reality show and not acting, the actors were also very visually pleasing and the house of the second male lead! Omg the architecture is amazing! I really enjoyed the scenes that showed more on the house and the architecture design of the house cause it was really pretty. But then again this plot is just really weird and creepy and I sincerely hope its not a true life story cause that would be soooo nahhh.. I hope not..Was this review helpful to you?
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Intense and breathtakingly beautiful
What do you do if fate takes you back to the path you were always running from?This intense, heartbreaking, and yet breathtakingly beautiful series, raises many difficult questions, and gives us hope that love ultimately finds us the courage to live as our authentic selves.
This is the story of Wang, his mother Sasiwimol and Wang's father's best friend Inthawut or In...as it opens, Sasiwimol comes across as a successful career woman and a darling mother who is trying her best to be there for her son Wang, who misses his dead father dearly...despite the fact that there were some unresolved challenges between her dead husband and her, apparently mostly owing to his alcoholism. By sheer coincidence Wang and Sasiwimol lands up at In's place in the middle of nowhere after having lost their way while trying to scope for locations of Sasiwimol's next Lakorn.....Sasiwimol is both surprised and delighted it seems to have finally found an old friend In, who suddenly went missing from her late husband's and her life...while Wang feels this intense desire to know someone that he knows was very close to his father, courtesy photos that he had of his late father and In.
As they spend time in In's stunning home, Wang starts to fall for In despite the age difference, part driven by his intense desire to know why In was so close to his father, and part because the sheer chemistry between them is undeniable....In tries to avoid it for obvious reasons, but the sexual tension between them is palpable as Wang tries everything to break through the walls that In has put all around him....Wang's efforts seem to work when Sasiwimol has to go out for 2 days leaving two of them at In's house, and In starts to open up to Wang ....but once Sasiwimol is back and Wang confesses his love for In, all hell break loose....the pent-up tensions and feigned camaraderie between In and Sasiwimol crumbles....as the trio struggle through their own and collective secrets and guilt, painful truth from the past starts resurfacing......the two adults want to recede back to their make-believe comfort zones, but Wang refuses....he bulldozes through the walls of secrets and raises difficult questions, so that everyone can face the long-repressed truth.....a truth that Sasiwimol wanted to deny at all costs, a truth that made In withdraw from the world and live in self-imposed seclusion, guilt and pain....but, a truth that Wang could see all too clearly!
The series beautifully and expertly explores difficult themes of homophobia, childhood trauma, grief, narcissism (to me Sasiwimol is a clear case of at least borderline narcissism), and how denial/repressing our truths lead us towards an endless pit of pain and loneliness. But even though the series is heartbreaking and triggering in many ways, it gives us hope that love ultimately finds us the courage to live as our authentic selves!
With stellar performances from all three leads, excellent storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and clever use of sets and props (walls, iron-grills, bridges, etc.) all through the episodes symbolising the nuances of the characters and their stories, this is one stunning series that you can not miss. I have been a fan of Pond ever since I watched this, and I bet that you will be one too, once you watch this. Would I watch it again? Absolutely YES, but it is very intense and can be quite triggering, so go prepared and fall in love!
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It is good but slowly losing interest....
I never had any expectations for this show. I saw it and decided to watch it. BOY AM I GLAD I DID!!! EPISODE 1-3!!! THE TENSION IS SO THICK AND GOOD AND JUST UGH.Waeng is so hot and the actor is so good at acting. I love the complicated dynamic btween him and his mom.
In gives such hot dad bod vibes, loving it. The way he and Waeng interacts is so subtle and flirty. The tensionnn!!!!!
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! SUPER HIGH QUALTITY!!!!! SO AMAZING WAYY BETTER THAN OTHER BLS!!!!
SO MANY GREAT THINGS, so why am i losing interest after the 5th episode?
Super SLOWW!! LIKE THE SLOW BURN IS KILLING!
I've zoned out watching it as if i listening to a lecture 40 mins at school. All i know is at this point is "dad gone..sumn about lines...architect...dad's past.. sum more things about lines... and that they wear the same clothes."
Every week i am excited for sumn good and every week im disappointed. hence, why im losing interest. hell even the previews for next week's episode aren't interesting anymore. Episode's 6 preview was literally about Waeng asking In to tell him about his dad. LIKE DIDNT WE JUST HEAR THAT IN EP 4 AND 5!!
It's boring. Is this even BL? Honestly this show is onLy good for a binging and dont be like me and wait for weekly episodes. :( this is how i feel but if i hear one morenthing about Waeng's dad, ima explode. And my reaction is valid cuz imagine ur waiting every week for some good forbidden age gap relationship, just for the next epsidoe to be like the last. Waeng and In or Siam crying over Waeng's dad.
I can't do it anymore. I'm not dropping the show yet cuz im waiting for sumn good to happen. if by ep 7 nothing happens, im done with this show.
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An owchy to the heart
I’m not sure who I’m angry at the most, the coward or the overbearing mother?The story was a little predictable from the beginning I knew what would happen in terms of Wangs dad’s feelings. However, I was holding onto the minute possibility that In would somehow redeem himself this time and fight!
I suppose I’m just a hopeless romantic and I knew I’d be heartbroken but we have to hope do we not?
This story was so poignant, the fear that In felt and the fact that she used this against him made it all the more heartbreaking. I get she loves Wang and i understand what brought her to this point but it’s her son and In never asked for any of this to happen. I honestly felt so sad for him yet angry and I don’t know which to feel the strongest.
I leave it here. I just don’t know 🤷♀️
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I'm obsessed to the point of being sick with it
If you're into acting that keeps you glued to the screen, this one's for you. Pond’s performance as Wang is incredibly direct and compelling. The cinematography is eye candy, and while I initially thought there were too many dialogues compared to flashbacks, I ended up appreciating how spot-on they were. The plot and conflicts are straightforward but are delivered really well.The series tackles tough issues like homophobia and emotional neglect, giving us a critical look at societal attitudes and their effects on individuals. The chemistry between the actors is top-notch.
You’ll instantly feel how rough it is to be Wang—he’s more mature than the so-called adults around him and feels completely isolated. The man he loves is a spineless coward, and his mom is a gaslighting, narcissistic homophobe. Honestly, they all could use some serious therapy.
If you're looking for more than just any BL series, this one is definitely a must-watch!
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Not for everyone, but close to a masterpiece if it's your style
Very slight spoilers if any...This is a show that requires patience, an open mind, and readiness to analyze what you're given.
The director's main field is in theater, which shows in how the story is told and how it's filmed. It could easily be adapted into a stage play. Thus this is very different than a typical bl and going into it thinking that it is similar would be a mistake. Tbh, it'd be a mistake to think of this as a romance at all. This is neither a romance nor a plot driven show. Rather it's an emotional psychological show that stars a simple 3 member cast.
This is a show with an incredible amount of details in the dialogue, and in lines (as in structural lines in the building, it makes sense once you watch). There are no flashbacks (think of this as a play), so everything is told purely through dialogue. This may be a turn off to some cause it can be more difficult to follow than a typical flashback. However I actually really like it because I can use my imagination to see what happened all while being able to watch the actor's emotions as they tell it. I'm able to see their real present emotions.
I'm writing this after my second watch. I previously watched this months ago, but decided to rewatch so I can absorb all the information and hidden meanings properly and I'm glad I did. Now that I know everything, every line as a hidden meaning. Every line has power. Despite this being a slow show there is not one moment in this show that is not important. Repetitive? I guess maybe, but that's really a stylistic thing. I'm on the side of it working to hammer in the points while also adding new info. It's also a show that works on the past and present having a significant amount of parallels. So if you're like me and like shows where you can analyze the scenes and dig deep into whats happening, this here is a gold mine.
Plot wise it's about the divide between people who live different kinds of lives, those who live trapped by the past, and those who fight to create a present they are proud of. In is a man who hides in fear from the world hoping nobody finds him, but it secretly lonely. Mol, a woman who ignores truth by living in a fantasy and rejecting anything that doesn't fit her ideal. And Wang, a young man who fights to find his truth and be free. The story revolves around these three and the emotional conflicts between them.
The acting is phenomenal. Brilliant casting choices. The acting is on the theatrical side, but because the show it written like a stage play, I say it fits. It might not work in some other shows, but here it's totally fine and I loved all the actors. Some of the best acting you'll see in a bl (if we're calling this that).
The reason I didn't give this a 10/10 is because admittedly the age gap does throw me off. I originally hesitated for a long time to watch this because age gaps are an immediate turn off for me, I gave this show a chance because I kept hearing nothing but praise for it. Now, this is not a romance and they don't end up together, so I deal with it. I also think that this emotional rollercoaster of an age gap family conflict show wouldn't work as well had Wang not been Mol's son. The show heavily relies on the parallels between the past of Mol/In/Siam, and the present of Mol/In/Wang. It also heavily relies on Wang being the young rebellious kind who grew up in a slightly more accepting society. This show would not work the say it did had this age gap not existed.
I absolutely don't blame people who don't watch the show due to the age gap, but I still think that even with it, 180 degree is an incredibly well made show that, if you have the patience for it, will take your heart, swing it around and crush it for 8 episodes, and then hand it back to you as you stare off in disbelief at what you just watched. It's quite good at repeatedly throwing emotional scenes at you when you're not ready for them. Just when you think the emotional stuff is over, it hits you harder in a different way.
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