Fun, funny, intense, and interesting dystopian story
This was a really interesting story and a lot of fun without being too superficial or too dark. I enjoyed the plot and I enjoyed how it moved along and didn't waste a lot of time on unimportant things. Definitely worth a season 2.Everybody's acting was pretty good. I'd like to imagery in a lot of ways because they made it very clear and bright while discussing a subject that was somewhat dark. The game show itself was really interesting but you know predictable in some ways because of the story of the show being rigged. But the way they described the subject around it was interesting.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
If you can look past the slapstick comedy elements it is a hidden gem rom com
9.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2024 Thai Dystopian Romantic Comedy Series with 6, 63-7 minute episodes.First I provide a unique synopsis then review
Synopsis
The show is set in a dystopian parallel universe where a virus has resulted in males representing only 1% of the population. The rarity of males has lead to the government raising them from birth in a controlled, secure, and luxurious environment (a gilded cage) called The Farm. Every Four Years a contest is held in the form of an elimination dating game where ladies are able to choose to marry an individual from a group of the young bachelors. In previous games, the contestants were chosen from elite families only but, for the first time, they hold a lottery to choose an average femalecitizen to compete. Darika Chokwithee or “Day” (Belle Kemisara Paladesh) is a hardworking young lady whose life centers around making sure her sister, May (Neen Neennara Boonnithipaisit) who has cancer, gets the best care. Her sister May though has always fan girled over the boys on the farm particularly Son (Blue Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen) who she particularly admires. While Day is busy working a variety of jobs, May focuses on getting as many entries as possible to the lottery. When a miracle happens and May’s entry is chosen, she talks Day into going in her place. Day could care less aboit some frivilous show until she discovers if she wins, and marries one of the men from “The Farm”, she can secure the future for herself and her sister including top quality medical care. But, things are not as they are portrayed and the game has been rigged for the top elite to have their choice of the men. Day’s friend, Valentine (Jane Jaytiya Naiwattanakul) is working with a counter group, and goes to work for the show as the spy inside. Can true love overcome odds so heavily weighed against it?
Review
If ypu can see past some of the siily slapstick aspects around the game show, it is a hidden gem. It can be hard to find a truely feel good romantic comedy like this one. This is cute, not super complex, and ends happily with all major plot elememts neatly resolved. It is short but the number of episodes were enough to tell the story well. I would rewatch it in the future and recommend it as a heartwarming romantic comedy. I could habe done without the boy love and girl love elements but it was not hyper sexualized content in general so it was not a big deal.
Spoilers
The only very slight detractor for me was some of the three stooges level comedy. But it did make me giggle a couple of times as it was so incredibly silly.
Despite the relative light fluff of the main story, there are some deeper messages. What is health and safety without freedom? The men on the Farm are living in the highest level of safety with every luxury but they are not free.
If there was ever a situation like that we can all envision where the elite would likely control it. Natural selection and genetic diversity is what keeps a population strong and healthy. So their “selection” system would be horrible from that perspective. But if you think of inbreeding among royal lines in the past, and the genetic issues that caused, it is not surprising.
Almond’s (Man Trisanu Soranun) fear and decision to stay behind makes sense considering the psychology of a situation like that. It is like opening a cage and the bird or whatever either does not leave or uses it as a home base.
#ReadySetLove #BelleKemisaraPaladesh #NeenNeennaraBoonnithipaisit #BluePongtiwatTangwancharoen #JaneJaytiyaNaiwattanakul #ManTrisanuSoranun
Was this review helpful to you?
Unique romcom that captured my heart
This drama was not one I had been anticipating, I just happened to come across it. And immediately after the first episode, i was OBSESSED. I absolutely loved how interesting the plot was - it was lighthearted but also serious when it needed to be. I loved how each 'main' character had a purpose in the show - except for Jin... his job was literally just making anyone put on his team, lose. Regardless, I liked how the plot was developed. The acting was great - of course it was silly at times but I think that suited the vibes of the show. I am now a huge fan of Blue since he did such a good job playing Son! I also loved the gay sideplots - both Paper and Chun as well as the producer and her girlfriend. The OST made for the show was very fitting. I'd definitely rewatch this again - it provided me with so much comfort. I feel like the ending was conclusive while also being open which is great. PLEASE GIVE US A SEASON 2.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
muito bom????
Quando vi a sinopse desse drama, confesso que dei uma respirada e revirei os olhos. Depois do lançamento, vi bons comentários e fiquei curiosa... fui assistir totalmente sem expectativas e saí apaixonada.Me apaixonei por todos os personagens, tirando a vac4 da mãe da Channel, e achei até o Almond interessante. Dei umas gargalhadas gostosas com toda a farofada, principalmente da protagonista que virou minha protegida. Amei a relação da Day e da May, da Channel e da Bovy e da Day e da Va. Não posso esquecer do meu casal sáfico de mamães que também foi tudo!! Amei todos os casais, mas os protagonistas me pegaram com tanta fofura!!
Gostei do plot principal e de como o drama terminou, mesmo que não tenha segunda temporada. É difícil mudar um sistema, mas as raízes de novas possibilidades foram plantadas.
Soltei uma risada gostosinha com "direitos dos homens são direitos humanos" e amei como o movimento #freemachos serviu protagonismo feminino do início ao fim.
Amei, amei, amei ver tantas mulheres, muito diferentes entre si, construindo seus próprios caminhos, sendo corajosas e escolhendo por si mesmas.
Was this review helpful to you?
gave more than expected (but maybe not enough?)
I picked this up thinking it would be just a light watch as I was getting bored,but surprisingly it actually hooked me
the acting wasn’t top-notch, but it wasn’t bad either, most the actors gave exactly what was expected of their characters without taking away the spotlight of the other characters…
the show gave you enough to watch to keep watching and the over exaggeration that’s expected from Thai dramas too adding a more light tone overall and a comedic twist
the separate relationships between the characters was dealt with well too (romantic, platonic, parental etc)
However, I think with a longer run/ or even within 6 episodes, the more dystopian side could be explored, I think it was slightly brushed off how the societies normality wasn’t equal between men and women but no one had any issue with it until the last point (which was shown with the revolt at the end and almonds character showing how integrated the regime was). Also there was no true resolvement apart from the couples
(but there is a possibility for a season two)
overall it was a good watch if not deeply interpreted and taken more on face value with a hint of more complex details.
Was this review helpful to you?
Thai meets Hunger Games meets The Divergent
This was so cute! The plot was simple and cute. It felt like The Hunger Games cute little sister, that’s more simple and adorable. It had cringy humor but I didn’t hate it, I was embracing it. The acting was awkward at time, but you could tell that the actors were trying.I watched it in one sitting and it left me feeling excited. If you need a break from more serious dramas, this one is for you. I’m currently watching The Glory and I needed something the cleanse my soul a little bit, something predictable and cute and this was exactly what I needed.
Love it! 🖤
Was this review helpful to you?
A UNIQUE SHOW
Don't really know if some dramas with the exact plot already exists but this one was actually a good one. The plot has a lot of potential and I really hope they made it to a 10-12 episodes series to flesh out the characters' stories and motives more. The music and overall scoring is actually good. Acting needs to be improved but I still liked it nonetheless. The budget is budgeting as it is evident on the overall production. Hopefully they'll do a second season to redeem themselves. Still a good watch tho.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Squid Games but make it a Rom Com
Ready Set Love reminded me of squid games with the bright set and the different games with eliminations. That's as far as the similarities with Squid Game go. I almost dropped it when I first started watching because I didn't care for the FL. I thought her acting and expressions were over the top. I'm happy I didn't drop the show because it was good and the female lead improved as the show progressed. I'm happy the story didn't just focus on the game aspect, I liked the story of the characters working to dismantle the system. I wish this show was longer and maybe we wouldn't need a season 2. Because the story was short the romance was good but lacking. We knew the leads had chemistry due to a shared past but beyond that, we didn't get to see them fall for each other again it was just I like you because your meow meow the kid I played/protected when I was younger. I would've liked to see more progression in the romance. Also if the show was longer the viewer wouldn't have to guess what happened to Son's father because the viewer isn't given any information other than he was caught but obviously, he didn't go back to the farm so where did he go? We'll get our answer to that in a possible season 2 because, during the last scene of the show, we see Ms. Kwan being given pictures of Son and Day (Their son) and Son's father. I rated this a 7.5 because it was good but their some things I would've changed.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Could Have Been Amazing
Although entertaining at times, I liked the beginning and the competition parts, the story lacked that something something which would have made it a hit for me. It suffered from trying to do too much with too little time. They also wasted too much time on the first part of the story. To the point that I felt it was dragging . I need to emphasize, this is a show with only 6 episodes. So, for me, this translated into the ending feeling super rushed. On top of that, it had one of my most disliked tropes, childhood acquaintances/friends to lovers, which is very difficult for me to swallow because it always seems to turn into insta-love. Or, at least, it does when it refers to the main leads. It was too goofy and the acting seemed unnatural at times I didn't feel the leads had any chemistry. I really liked the potential of the story, so I hope this gets a better and more fleshed out remake.And I was soooo sick of the OST. Was there only one song?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Promising start but disappointing in the end
Based on the trailer and synopsis Netflix showed me, I was expecting a fun game show romcom. In fact, the first episode certainly delivered that! The opening, the acting, the characters, the main couple, and game show theme showed what kind of drama we were getting into. Very colorful, kinda cheesy with some heartfelt moments, and hilarious.However, the more I watched, the more the show ended up suffering from including way too many subplots and lack of development from most of the cast. Aside from the game show, there’s: showing the dystopian world they live in, what happens to the males in that world, The Farm, the little sister’s illness, Chanel’s family, exposing the dark side of The Farm, Day’s friend (Valentine) discovering that Almond is her brother, and much more. it’s all just…too much that the episodes felt cramped.
While Day x Son were a pretty decent couple (not a fan of ‘oh we were childhood friends before’ type of connections but they were still cute), the side couples felt so forced to me. Max had an immediate attraction to Chanel and their chemistry wasn’t that interesting so I wasn’t into it. Same with Paper and that radio/singer guy, they had one interaction/deep conversation together and honestly their scenes bored me so I wasn’t into that one either. Speaking of characters, I was a bit disappointed with how small of development the 3 out of the 5 guys got. Almond and Day were the most interesting and had decent development. Max and Paper could have been better and I’m pretty sure the show forgot about Glasses Guy (see, I even forgot his name).
I was expecting to love this show after episode 1 but unfortunately, it ended up being incredibly disappointing. While it does have its good points like the opening (I LOVE the song so much!), Day being a pretty fun FL, the silly moments, and even some heartfelt moments (the whole thing with Almond and Valentine broke my heart and wish we got more of them). But honestly, if this show ends up getting a season 2, I don’t think I would watch it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Interesting setup, meh execution
The good things first: beautiful sets! the production quality was amazing, at least from the two episodes I watched. Now the bad stuff ...First of all, I really dislike when people from a lower socioeconomic class are portrayed as dumb, slovenly, or unable to be dignified. The contradiction is extremely annoying in this show because while the FL works hard to support her sick sister, once she enters the competition she becomes ... kind of an idiot? Like, she doesn't know how to conduct herself appropriately, only thinks about food, eats like a slob. Basically the complete reverse of the capable, hardworking person the show already told us she's supposed to be.
But anyway, I quit the show during the second (I think) episode where they have to dress up in food costumes and run a race. It made absolutely zero sense for Almond (I think his name was) to be that incompetent. And I really don't like shows that make characters dumb/intelligent or capable/incapable based on what the story needs them to be in that moment. Like, why is your character that foolish all of a sudden?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Dystopie entraînante saupoudrée de comédie, romance et thriller
Au départ, je pensais voir une sorte de drame thaï usant d'un jeu télévisé stupide avec des personnages sans saveur, mais Ready Set Love s'est avéré bien plus intéressant. Je n'ai pas vu les bandes-annonces ou quoi que ce soit d'autre. Je me suis lancée à l'aveugle avec comme seul indice le résumé de Netflix. Et quelle aventure loufoque et entraînante !On suit Day, une jeune femme (décrite comme ordinaire) qui est tirée au sort pour participer à la septième saison du jeu télévisé pensé par le gouvernement : « Ready, Set, Love ». Un jeu dans lequel les femmes s'affrontent pour se rapprocher d'un des cinq prétendants en jeu. Une chose en entraînant une autre, la vérité derrière le mur impeccable de la Ferme s'effrite pour laisser entrevoir une réalité bien plus moche.
C'était amusant de découvrir l'univers ultra coloré qui m'a rappelé Hunger Games pour le côté très excentrique et Squid Game pour la DA et l'ambiance générale qui se dégage. La série exploite pas mal de thématiques (l'élitisme, la liberté et la maternité en tête de liste). Dans un monde où les hommes sont rares (plus de quatre ans viennent de passer sans qu'aucune naissance de garçons ne soit enregistrée), la maternité devient une thématique forte. L'annonce d'un garçon à naître est une grande nouvelle à l'échelle mondiale. Le fait de ne pas avoir de cause connue quant à la soudaine diminution de naissance masculine n'est pas un problème. D'une certaine façon, la source originale n'est pas la quête principale. J'ai aimé le choix de se concentrer sur l'intrigue actuelle et ne pas s'encombrer du reste.
Tous les personnages étaient bons. De Blue et sa belle gueule, jusqu'à Man et son sourire charmant (d'ailleurs, j'ai été ravi de le retrouver ici). Max et sa haine du tissu qui touche la peau de son torse (le personnage est ridiculement drôle). Day et ses convictions de fille ordinaire ayant grandi dans le « vrai monde ». Ou encore Chanel qui peut, à la première impression, être toute désignée comme la garce du podium, mais s'avère bien plus intéressante que ça (et de toute façon, ce n'est pas vraiment une garce). On s'attache à eux sans trop se forcer. Les choses se font naturellement.
Derrière les personnages, les acteurs et actrices qui étaient excellents, principaux ou secondaires. Rien à redire sur ce point.
En raison de son format de 6 épisodes, le dernier s'accélère et prend une tournure plus sombre et tire sur les dernières ficelles dramatiques. L'histoire se termine avec une petite ellipse pour nous donner un léger aperçu de l'après. Cependant, Netflix restant Netflix, une scène pré-générique nous laisse apercevoir une possibilité de suite. Elle pourrait être intéressante, mais cela dépendra des choix des scénaristes.
En bref, derrière son générique peu flatteur, Ready Set Love s'amuse des apparences tout en ayant réussi le mélange bien dosé entre dystopie, comédie, romance et thriller.
Was this review helpful to you?
