Disappointment as Gem & 4 fan
I need to start off by saying that I am a fan of the lead actors, and I tried to watch the series for as far as I can. However, on the contrary to the other series, I ended up dropping this show to watch others, and only returned to it when I ran out of other shows to watch.The music is good - I really like the songs. My main problem is the script / writing. I know Kongthap supposed to be this robotic dude who doesnt really process emotion so well, but his character was sooooooo flat for a 12 eps drama especially without a clear background of the character. Atom is the carry of the show, but even Fourth's cuteness couldnt really save it. I ended up getting super annoyed by the on-screen chemistry between the two that i would rather see 12 hours of the two being together off screen than the show itself to be honest.
As a long-time Thai BL fans, i have gotten used to product placement already. However, i also must say that the level of product placemenf on this show took us back to the level Thai BL series was 4 years ago... Im frankly not sure why they decided to sink this low when Gem4 is already quite a pair?
I still would love to see more of these two, but I kind of hope that they are in better hands. Perhaps Tee Bundit or New Siwaj would can bring out more from these two...
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New ingredients, but surprisingly delicious dish
I have never written a review on this site, but I feel obliged to write this given some of the harsh critics and how I fell in love with this series despite a relatively new pair of leads.The plot is not really new as a theme. We have had City of Stars and Lovely Writer that talked about entertainment industry. However, the core of the plot about making choices between love and dream, sacrifices, and others are such a fresh breeze. I also love how the relationship of the main pair is a healthy one from start to finish - not a sham-turned-romantic and one-sided love, etc.
Keen / Moo is the star of the show. I cried nearly everytime he was in tear. He reminded me of Fourth from MSP, but much more dramatic. His acting is also natural in my view. I hope GMM continues to push him forward.
Sea / Kang is a bit stiff in my opinion, but I can see development of his acting skill through the series. I love the chat between Kang and Moo on EP12 the most. I feel that was when he has the best expression in the entire show. While I am not the biggest fan of his acting skill, I must say that the cool, calm, and less expressful acting somewhat suits the Kang character from the original novel. He somewhat reminded me of Tinn from MSP to a certain degree.
Lastly, the second Pair of Yos and Tae was a good match. I must say Im quite annoyed and perplexed how the two lived together for a year without discussing how they are in love with each other. However, I still adore Aun and would love to see more of him in main role.
I hope GMM gives us more KeenSea. The two are really good together!
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Great acting and scores on a light story but with so much depth!
Having read the novel before watching, I know what to expect, story-wise. I have to say I LOVE the three main leads (2Ohms and Leng). The acting was on point - I would even say this is above average of GMM series this year - which says a lot given GMM is already above industry average.Ohm P is great as always. He lifted his partners - regardless of who he is playing with. This is what to expect from a seasoned axtor that he is. Ohm T and Leng surprised me. These two lads are very new actors, but they completely outperformed standards of the new leads. Leng has a very difficult character to deal with - so much depth in his back story and many conflicts. Ohm T, though did not get such depth, he was able to portray a mentally strong character who shines so bright for the other two leads so effectively. I really cant wait for STGD that he is going to be paired with Mark (and with such a good director too!).
While the trailer is a bit misleading and the story around the kidnap is a bit non-sensical, I really appreciate the emotional and psychological conflict of the characters. I'm not sure what title would best capture the storyline either, but I would have appreciated this more given more "truthful" title and trailer /pilot.
Lastly, I cant end the review without talking about Yada! Man! That really is how you portray a powerful woman. No need to raise voices - just the eyes and postures!
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Emotional "friendship" story
Well... the casts and the director said it is a friendship story, but, to me, this is a censored BL.Anyway, that is not really the main point of the story. It is a powerful coming of age with life struggles that would fit every generation. Big kudos to the screenwriters for making a 2013 still relevant to this day and age.
The cast is superb. Every main and most of support members are A+ actors and actresses. Main ones that I need to mention:
Mark Pakin as Chadjen is the star of the show. Though he is not the main leads, in my mind, he is one of the mains given how important he is to the story and the presence as he delivers all those lines!
Sky as Saint: We know Sky can act, and he meets the bar. Personally, his role is not as challenging as the two Marks, but I would have to give him a big round of applause for being able to show the different colors of Saint - the two alter egos of Saint ans Tsunami - so seamlessly.
Nani as Shin: I have never been a fan of F4. Hence, I have not seen his work before. However, the fact that he matches Sky level of acting skill, and being able to portray strong yet emotional character without me being annoyed? Im loving it! Also, his facial expression and the eyes are so captivating.
Mark Ji as Cable: Now, as a person who has gone through a phase of GAD, Mark really captured that moment. Its just one scene in the series that made me go - man! That boy has skill!
Lastly, I LOVE that scores in this film. Not many original soundtracks but everything fits so perfectly!
This is not the show I am going to rewatch anytime soon because it is super heavy, but it would be something that I cherish! Please GMMTV put this on youtube for the Thais. VIU app is such a mess...
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Ordinary yet special
It is your typical RomCom, a standard plot with no real twist, and with lots of bland characters. However, I ended up rewatching this one a LOT!The show is filled with cute and heartwarming moments. Think of this show as something to turn on on repeat to lighten up your heavy days.
I know a lot of people complains about the bland characters, but I view this as a design choice by the director. With so many character to manage, a clean and clear character design is probably the easy but effective way out for the series that aims to be light-hearted. Lets face it. If you are a BL fan, you would probably have seen Satang, Pond, Phuwin, and Winny on more serious roles than this.
I also love the fact that all pairs have their own song that basically sum up their plot points... well, except Peem Poom perhaps - that OST seems to be more of a show off of Phuwin's singing skill.
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