Erique Mendoza
Davao City, Davao Sel Sur, Philippines
This review may contain spoilers
A Remarkable Remake That Captures the Heart of the Original While Adding a Fresh Twist
First of all, I want to acknowledge the producers, director, actors, and the entire staff of LoveSick 2024 for doing an exceptional job with this remake. LoveSick 2014 is one of the pioneering BL series that helped establish the entire industry. As someone who became a fan after watching both Seasons 1 and 2 of the original, I approached this remake with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. This review will include a comparison between the original and the remake, highlighting their strengths and differences.
When I first learned about this remake, I was thrilled and found myself constantly checking for updates. Once it aired, I was glued to the screen. Even if you haven’t watched the original series or read the novel, you’ll likely find yourself falling in love with this remake. Similar to the original, the 2024 version features young and fresh talents, giving the series a vibrant and contemporary feel.
Differences Between the Original and the Remake
One of the most noticeable differences lies in the structure. The original LoveSick spans two seasons: Season 1 has 12 episodes, focusing on how the main characters, Phun and Noh, begin to develop feelings for each other, culminating in an open-ended finale. Season 2 extends to 36 episodes, delving into multiple story arcs for almost every character in the story. The remake, on the other hand, compresses both seasons into a single 15-episode series.
This was an ambitious task, and I was initially skeptical about how they would manage to incorporate the iconic moments of a 48-episode story into just 15 episodes. To my surprise, they succeeded. The remake skillfully retains the core elements of the original while streamlining the plot for a modern audience.
Although both versions follow the general storyline of the novel, the remake introduces adjustments to better align with the sensibilities of a new generation. Certain character arcs have been altered, which I will touch upon later in the review.
Strengths of the Remake
The comedic antics of the side characters continue to provide the same entertaining vibes as the original. Notably, the remake includes an uncut version, which I highly recommend for fans of the novel and the original series. This version includes scenes that flesh out the arcs of the side couples, adding depth to their stories. In contrast, the YouTube version feels fast-paced, often omitting critical moments involving characters like Per, Win, Earn, and Pete.
Character Comparisons
- Noh: Across the novel, original series, and remake, Noh has always been a lovable character. In the remake, Progress captures Captain's (the original Noh) charm, wacky expressions, and overall adorableness. Watching him felt like Noh hadn’t changed a bit, even after a decade.
- Phun: Almond brings his own flair to Phun, delivering a softer, flirtier interpretation compared to White’s (the original Phun) more masculine portrayal. Both interpretations are excellent, but Almond’s relatable charm stands out.
- Ohm and Mick: Ohm, portrayed by 2 different actors in the original (the 2nd season of the original was way cuter then the 1st season), but NJ in the remake, exudes charisma and sex appeal, making this version even more captivating than the original. Meanwhile, Mick transitions from reserved and adorable in the original to a bolder, K-pop-inspired character in the remake, enhancing the Ohm-Mick dynamic.
- Yuri: Both versions depict Yuri as clingy and sweet, but I found the original portrayal more compelling. The remake’s Yuri feels slightly clueless at times, though her role remains crucial to Noh’s journey to self discovery.
- Aim: A significant change was made to Aim’s character. While she was romantically involved with another guy in the original, the remake reimagines her as a girl fallin in love with a fellow girl student named Li, making her arc with Phun more cohesive and offering a satisfying resolution to her mistakes.
- Per and Win: Shane’s Per in the remake is undeniably handsome but lacks some of the goofy charm that made the original Per so entertaining. I just really hope that Shane can improve his acting on his next projects. Sky’s Win, on the other hand, is absolutely adorable, delivering a refreshing chemistry with Per. Just by Looking at Sky's face will make every viewers heart melt. Their revamped arc is relatable and emotionally engaging much to my liking.
- Earn and Pete: Earn remains a pivotal character, with Krit’s portrayal in the remake brimming with charm and charisma. I also think that Krit was the best actor to play the role of Earn for the remake. He has 3 times the charm and sex appeal of Ngern(The original Earn). I also love the way he makes his facial expression every time he makes a move on Noh and make Phun extreemly jealous. Pete was originally played by August in the original and now Played by Phop. Pete's character is full of inocense and pure unrequited love for Earn, however, the lack of character development for Earn and Pete is disappointing. Their storyline deserved more screen time to highlight the complexity of unrequited love.
- Jeed: In the remake, Jeed is more of a straightforward antagonist, a departure from her anti-hero arc in the original. While this simplifies her role, it does make her easier for viewers to dislike.
Improvements in the Remake
The remake wisely eliminates unnecessary drama, focusing instead on the novel’s central storyline. The bond between Noh and Ohm is given more emphasis, showcasing their deep friendship and brotherly love. Additionally, Fi’s role is expanded, making him more integral to the story as Noh’s best friend and a part of the Ohm-Mick-Fi love triangle.
One delightful addition is the Phong-Ngor ship, which wasn’t in the original but provides a charming subplot. While some comedic scenes felt slightly forced, they didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, LoveSick 2024 is a remarkable remake that balances respect for the original with thoughtful updates for a new generation. From the excellent casting to the polished production and engaging storytelling, the series offers a fantastic viewing experience. Fans of both the original and the remake will undoubtedly find themselves wondering what new stories the Friday High students could tell in a potential second season.
When I first learned about this remake, I was thrilled and found myself constantly checking for updates. Once it aired, I was glued to the screen. Even if you haven’t watched the original series or read the novel, you’ll likely find yourself falling in love with this remake. Similar to the original, the 2024 version features young and fresh talents, giving the series a vibrant and contemporary feel.
Differences Between the Original and the Remake
One of the most noticeable differences lies in the structure. The original LoveSick spans two seasons: Season 1 has 12 episodes, focusing on how the main characters, Phun and Noh, begin to develop feelings for each other, culminating in an open-ended finale. Season 2 extends to 36 episodes, delving into multiple story arcs for almost every character in the story. The remake, on the other hand, compresses both seasons into a single 15-episode series.
This was an ambitious task, and I was initially skeptical about how they would manage to incorporate the iconic moments of a 48-episode story into just 15 episodes. To my surprise, they succeeded. The remake skillfully retains the core elements of the original while streamlining the plot for a modern audience.
Although both versions follow the general storyline of the novel, the remake introduces adjustments to better align with the sensibilities of a new generation. Certain character arcs have been altered, which I will touch upon later in the review.
Strengths of the Remake
The comedic antics of the side characters continue to provide the same entertaining vibes as the original. Notably, the remake includes an uncut version, which I highly recommend for fans of the novel and the original series. This version includes scenes that flesh out the arcs of the side couples, adding depth to their stories. In contrast, the YouTube version feels fast-paced, often omitting critical moments involving characters like Per, Win, Earn, and Pete.
Character Comparisons
- Noh: Across the novel, original series, and remake, Noh has always been a lovable character. In the remake, Progress captures Captain's (the original Noh) charm, wacky expressions, and overall adorableness. Watching him felt like Noh hadn’t changed a bit, even after a decade.
- Phun: Almond brings his own flair to Phun, delivering a softer, flirtier interpretation compared to White’s (the original Phun) more masculine portrayal. Both interpretations are excellent, but Almond’s relatable charm stands out.
- Ohm and Mick: Ohm, portrayed by 2 different actors in the original (the 2nd season of the original was way cuter then the 1st season), but NJ in the remake, exudes charisma and sex appeal, making this version even more captivating than the original. Meanwhile, Mick transitions from reserved and adorable in the original to a bolder, K-pop-inspired character in the remake, enhancing the Ohm-Mick dynamic.
- Yuri: Both versions depict Yuri as clingy and sweet, but I found the original portrayal more compelling. The remake’s Yuri feels slightly clueless at times, though her role remains crucial to Noh’s journey to self discovery.
- Aim: A significant change was made to Aim’s character. While she was romantically involved with another guy in the original, the remake reimagines her as a girl fallin in love with a fellow girl student named Li, making her arc with Phun more cohesive and offering a satisfying resolution to her mistakes.
- Per and Win: Shane’s Per in the remake is undeniably handsome but lacks some of the goofy charm that made the original Per so entertaining. I just really hope that Shane can improve his acting on his next projects. Sky’s Win, on the other hand, is absolutely adorable, delivering a refreshing chemistry with Per. Just by Looking at Sky's face will make every viewers heart melt. Their revamped arc is relatable and emotionally engaging much to my liking.
- Earn and Pete: Earn remains a pivotal character, with Krit’s portrayal in the remake brimming with charm and charisma. I also think that Krit was the best actor to play the role of Earn for the remake. He has 3 times the charm and sex appeal of Ngern(The original Earn). I also love the way he makes his facial expression every time he makes a move on Noh and make Phun extreemly jealous. Pete was originally played by August in the original and now Played by Phop. Pete's character is full of inocense and pure unrequited love for Earn, however, the lack of character development for Earn and Pete is disappointing. Their storyline deserved more screen time to highlight the complexity of unrequited love.
- Jeed: In the remake, Jeed is more of a straightforward antagonist, a departure from her anti-hero arc in the original. While this simplifies her role, it does make her easier for viewers to dislike.
Improvements in the Remake
The remake wisely eliminates unnecessary drama, focusing instead on the novel’s central storyline. The bond between Noh and Ohm is given more emphasis, showcasing their deep friendship and brotherly love. Additionally, Fi’s role is expanded, making him more integral to the story as Noh’s best friend and a part of the Ohm-Mick-Fi love triangle.
One delightful addition is the Phong-Ngor ship, which wasn’t in the original but provides a charming subplot. While some comedic scenes felt slightly forced, they didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, LoveSick 2024 is a remarkable remake that balances respect for the original with thoughtful updates for a new generation. From the excellent casting to the polished production and engaging storytelling, the series offers a fantastic viewing experience. Fans of both the original and the remake will undoubtedly find themselves wondering what new stories the Friday High students could tell in a potential second season.
Was this review helpful to you?
