You Go Girl!

If you are looking for a show with strong female characters, then look no further! From the female lead, her best friend, her grandmother, the main villain, the ex girlfriend, and even the secretaries, this show was all about female empowerment. The ultimate message that I got from this show was that women did not always have to be independent badasses to be strong. Instead, they can draw a collective strength from each other.

Compared to other dramas, this was a refreshing and wholesome watch, considering that most Thai lakorns tend to portray females as damsels in distress who exist solely to be rescued or to serve a male character’s journey. Not only that, most of the male characters in this show respected the women’s viewpoints, seeked out their opinions, protected and supported them as well.

I was interested from the get-go, so much so that I watched it without subtitles, and then again with Google Translate and finally with subtitles. Not surprisingly, I have rated the rewatch value highly.

While the main plot was nothing new - the CEO who fell in love with his beautiful bodyguard, the show had twists and turns that kept me entertained and engaged. What I thought would be cliched outcomes turned out not to be what I expected. It was a good emotional roller coaster ride as the show balanced the triumph and defeats between the good guys and the villains nicely. Plus I got the most satisfying ending ever with lots of endearing scenes of the lead couple leading up to it.

The show hit the jackpot with the casting of Vill as Saraphi and Ken as Thewan, our main leads. The chemistry between those two was sizzling and it didn’t hurt that they looked gorgeous together. I loved how committed the main couple was towards each other. The moment they decided on each other, there was no one else. Both were also sensible and intelligent enough to come to the right conclusions about each other's actions. As individual characters, they were likable, and as a couple, they inspired relationship goals.

Whether she was saving the day with her smarts or her physical skills, Saraphi was a well-written strong female character. She’s physically fit and skilled in combat. She was brave and resourceful, with a take charge attitude and possessed an unbreakable will that refused to be tamed and a stubborn optimism that refused to be broken. Yet, Saraphi also had her vulnerabilities and had moments of weaknesses that made sense. She was not so scrubbed of imperfections that she lacked depth or development.

I was surprised to see Vill in this role initially but she delivered an excellent performance as someone strong and smart enough to take on anyone threatening her loved ones. She was an admirable female lead with strength and intelligence bottled up in an undeniably attractive package.

Empathetic, fair and devoted to the people he loved, Thewan was the perfect counterpart to Saraphi. He was no wimp, and can hold his own in a fight. Saraphi and he protected each other, and they also understood each other well. Thewan is one of my favorite male leads - intelligent, calm, rational and his level-headedness tempered Saraphi’s hot-headedness. Interestingly, Thewan displayed more jealousy; those scenes were funny, and he was so adorable!

Ken was perfect as the charismatic and clever CEO, and to me, this role was his most attractive yet.

There was a secondary couple whose relationship was also fun to watch although I was annoyed at the SML. For someone who was supposed to be interested in the FL, he was way too flirty with the SFL.

Some of the characters fell a little flat and perhaps some overacting, like the main villain, but the cast did well overall. I enjoyed the dynamics of Saraphi’s relationship with her grandmother and close friends, as well as Thewan’s devotion to his nephew, Ek.

The OST list was short but memorable. I particularly like the opening song and the song sung by Film Thanapat that played during the poignant moments between Saraphi and Thewan. I have included the list of songs that were featured below.

If there was anything to complain about, it was how loud the background music got when it came to the suspenseful moments, and sometimes the music did not transition well. It is a common problem in many lakorns, so I am not going to take off points for it.

Overall, it is a drama that I think most will enjoy. Just let the story unravel and surprise you.

OST List:
ขาดเธอไม่ได้ - POTATO (Ost.หัวใจรักพิทักษ์เธอ)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WjqJ_oZ0p0
https://open.spotify.com/track/5ohIOZKF4E1SqxD3WEgMad

ชนะไปแล้ว [OST ฉันชื่อบุษบา] – ฟิล์ม ธนภัทร
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz9g-6Y3ykQ
https://open.spotify.com/track/6LItqWbHupqrmdWM6RD8d1

รบกวนมารักกัน - K.AGLET (THE RAPISODE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIR7m2nM0n4
https://open.spotify.com/track/5kOOfHpddpYnj86u4dZB3H

ขอบคุณที่รักกัน (Acoustic Version) - Potato
https://youtu.be/pdcyz9VLEs8
https://open.spotify.com/track/5FKB5Ro2mXfjUVbSK5zFn8

นี่แหละความรัก (This is Love) by Peck Palitchoke
https://youtu.be/2f0TeAc0AYg
https://open.spotify.com/track/13jEKU2J3JJPe3tpo8p4vY

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When Mr Wrong Turned Out To Be Mr Right!

I was anticipating this drama not only because of Chen Xing Xu as the male lead but also because of the director, Chu Yui Bun, whose works included "The Long Ballad" and “The Blue Whisper”. He also directed the other two dramas that made up the “Honey Trilogy” - “Ashes of Love”, “Skate into Love” and now “The Starry Love”.

Well, I was not disappointed. The Starry Love has beautifully captured the twists and turns of destined love based on the theme of marrying the wrong man who turns out to be the right one.

The plot centered around a pair of twin sisters, the older sister Qing Kui, favored by the human race, and was betrothed to the Heavenly Empyrean. The younger sister, Ye Tan was considered a jinx and was bullied all her life.She was promised to the Voidwalkers (demon world) as the consort to the Crown Prince. On their wedding day, the brides were switched, setting off a series of trials, tribulations, rescues and romance.

This high-budget xianxia delivered what is expected of its genre, an engaging ride that takes the viewers through a journey filled with a myriad of emotions. Well-paced, the show swung from romantic to dramatic to funny quickly and smoothly, and it keeps the entertainment level high throughout the show.  The ending was not what I had hoped for but I cannot lower my rating because the drama on the whole, was so well-executed.

The story never lost its momentum, and just got better and better. I like that the tropes that can take up to several episodes in other dramas, did not get dragged out and instead were resolved quickly. I never felt tempted to skip, and there were many scenes that I would rewatch just so I could appreciate the gestures, effects, and dialogue again.

The production was undoubtedly high-quality, and a lot of attention paid to the details. The cinematography, costumes and sets provided a striking visual impact, and the special effects/CGI were well-done, immediately evoking feelings of wonder and fantasy. Furthermore, the choreography for the fights, flying, and other action shots were done so superbly.

Overall, the script scores points with dynamic characters who struggled with their actions, who were not always clear if they were doing the right thing or what the right thing even was. Most good characters had flaws, and the villains had backstories that made them relatable and their actions justifiable. Viewers will come to understand what the characters went through, the reasons for their emotions, and their circumstances. I find myself connecting with the characters and rooting for many of them.

I have nothing but praises for the cast. Chen Xing Xu proves his acting chops again as Youjin, the ML. He did so well not only in the intense emotional scenes but also in simple scenes where the audience only needed to watch his face and feel the love that he had for YeTan, the FL. In the drama, CXX had to play 5 different characters of the same person which he pulled off wonderfully.

Landi Li’s acting as the FL left a firm impression, and I was blown away by her superb performance. I did not like her character, Ye Tan at first but I warmed up to her quickly especially after finding out more about her tragic childhood. I came to respect Ye Tan, someone whom I would describe as resilient and resourceful.

Still, Qing Kui, Ye Tan’s sister remained my favorite as she was the epitome of the strong FL. She was truly the iron fist in a velvet glove. Brought up refined and elegant, Qing Kui was the opposite of Ye Tan, but she was also intelligent and tough when necessary. She was brave and unafraid to love. To be honest, I shedded the most tears for her as for me, her sacrifice was the greatest. I also enjoyed Luke Cheng’s portrayal of Chao Feng who displayed conflicting motivations as he strove to protect his loved ones.

The entire ensemble did so well, and the supporting characters helped to carry this show. There was such good rapport among them, like the endearing sismance and bromance among the various characters.

Not surprisingly, the OSTs were on another level featuring Sa Dingding, Liu Yuning and Mao Buyi. The songs were very fitting and set a dramatic and emotional tone that is infused throughout the show. Interestingly, just like The Blue Whisper, there is a male and a female version of the same song. For posterity, I have listed the main tracks below.

Soundtrack list (I will add the Spotify links once available):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PBZ8ZbSCM
1. 星落凝成糖 (The Starry Love) - 萨顶顶 (Sa Dingding)
2. 与子成说 (Speak With You) - 刘宇宁 (Liu Yuning)
3. 双花儿 (Flower Pair) - 双笙 (Shuang Sheng)
4. 天地无瑕 (Flawless World) - 萨顶顶 (Sa Dingding)
5. 天地无瑕 (Flawless World) - 毛不易 (Mao Buyi)

My verdict: I do recommend this drama! I love a good love story, and this was definitely that along with the angsty melodrama that is typical of a xianxia drama. Those looking for a complete story will likely be left wanting for more by the lackluster ending. However for me, I enjoyed the complex yet enduring love among the 2 main couples and prefer to imagine a bright future ahead of them.

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More of the Adorable stuff that made us love Season 1!

Like Season 1, the viewers also had a lot to enjoy in season 2!

I was expecting a lot of fluff, and that is exactly what this show delivered. This is a show with lots of heart, cute romance, and on-point comedy, one that is guaranteed to be a mood booster. It's cheesy, it's fun, it's tropey, and I enjoyed it!

Despite the expected light-heartedness, the show balanced scenes of poignancy and melodrama with humor well, and everything was tied up nicely in the end. It is definitely a bingeable show now that it is fully subbed.

Where the show excelled was the great chemistry among the cast and watching how everyone made the story come alive was time well spent! Continuing the love story of our main Lengqi CP - Bie as Fang Leng and Wang Peng as Xiao Qi, season 2 added two more couples for our entertainment. The relationships may have developed differently for the other couples, but their path to being together was also a fun watch. One couple was so dorkable and the other one was a more mature kind but sweet nonetheless. The supporting cast like Shi Yi, the SML, and Fang Lie's mother also deserved credit for adding flavor to the story. Assistant Han was one of my favorite characters with his outrageous outfits and played a big role in helping our leads learn more about love and progress in their relationship.

Everyone was great in their roles, and I can really feel the warmth they had on-screen. Yes, I did cringe a lot but in a good way.

There was so much that I liked about this show, and to be shamelessly honest, much of that has to do with Bie. That man is just so hot and attractive and he played so many sides of Fang Leng so well. I practically had to un-swoon myself off the floor every single episode after watching him. It is really too bad that he does not act in more dramas and that most of his Thai ones are not subbed.

Wang Peng has an interesting visual - attractive but not your typical classic good looks. Her look seemed fitting for a character who was not from this planet and she portrayed Wiao Qi perfectly, a bumbling, clumsy but endearing female lead who was also kind of adorably clueless. My only minor complaint is that she could improve in the kissing department =D

Music-wise, the tracks were great. The opening song, which was used in Season 1 was as catchy as before but my favorite was Don't Forget by Jin Wenqi, the romantic song that heightened the emotional scenes for me. Bie also showed more of his talent by adding a song to the track. For posterity, I have listed those songs below.

I do recommend that you try this drama out and see for yourself. Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, this drama might do the trick.

不忘 (Don't Forget) - 金玟岐 (Jin Wenqi)
youtube.com/watch?v=Vdx1m7g2Z4M
https://open.spotify.com/track/7pbZVBFnHrHyq3VOoMT1dX?si=24e2db5be34c4004

专属星空 (Starry Sky) - 陈卓璇 (Chen Zhuoxuan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mm1-uPReNg
https://open.spotify.com/track/1drTVQpmPoC7k2v87fvON7?si=6e32af1a137443bb

"Destiny Lover" by Thassapak Hsu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGdvym6pa_Q
https://open.spotify.com/track/0MIfLnjXDdhCPapiz21cV0?si=5a167628ae8d4e91

万有引力 (Gravity) - 李子璇 (Li Zi Xuan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niz0Wmig2XQ
https://open.spotify.com/track/6YHmCkAYWP97X2trI6R6Th?si=5e247f4a5e224436

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A power couple that is the ultimate couple goal!

I'll avoid spoilers since there's plenty in the thousands of comments :D.

I honestly believe that this drama will become an all-time classic and a story that will be adapted a few more times with spin-offs for different characters. The intricate story, amazing plot building, beautifully fitting music, unforgettable and complex characters, and relationships are among the many reasons I consider this one of the best dramas to come out of modern Asian literature.

****Short review****
This show is a gem - it flowed at a great pace and was so well executed, acted, and directed (mostly - you'll understand if you read the comments). Seriously, HUGE KUDOS to the entire team involved in this drama. From conception to completion, it was a power team that gave us the audience such a fantastic, addictive experience. Nothing was overlooked, and you can tell that a lot of attention and thought was given to the cinematography, the sets, the props, the costumes, the music and sound effects, and the dialogue. It had everything that made you feel so much - moments that were heart-tugging, weep-worthy, tense, suspenseful, annoying, romantic, joyous, jubilant, or just plain satisfying. Politics were involved but nothing were confusing and draggy. There was also romance, enhanced by crackling chemistry that pulls you right in, but it was never only about the love stories. This drama focused on the development of the main characters and their growth, exploration, and the outcomes of different journeys and choices.

I do recommend this show - this is one where many felt that 49 episodes were not enough!

****Long review****
Why this show is a 10 for me!

- Storyline and characters
So much of this show is poetic interpretation. The words, the gestures, the looks, the expressions, the songs, everything has multiple meanings. The show executed this so well, keeping me, the audience enthralled and engaged all the way. It is truly an intellectually and emotionally intelligent show, emphasizing loyalty, courage, kindness, healthy relationships, and self-discovery. The characters' life-changing circumstances and adversities make for dramatic adventures, keeping the show interesting, and their personal growth and development made me feel pride. The growth came from maturity, experience, awareness, and overcoming hardships.

Most of these characters are well-written, and no one was all good or all bad. Every good character had flaws, and every villain had a backstory that made them relatable and their actions justifiable. The series was well-balanced and smartly showed different aspects of a situation, and showed the different perspectives of the characters. You will come to understand what the characters went through, the reasons for their emotions, and their circumstances. I found myself connecting with the characters and rooting for them, especially the main couple. They earned my admiration - they both had reasons for revenge but gave up their opportunities for revenge, realizing that killing a person would not bring the ones they lost back. They showed real strength and wisdom, valuing the greater good over revenge and striving for more meaningful things in their lives. Also, it is incredibly satisfying when they kicked ass and brought the bad guys down either by strategy and ability to anticipate or by pure physical takedowns.

The story started strong with impressive choreography in the Cuju game, and it hit you from the get-go immediately with intrigue and events. I like the references to the Art of War and military strategies. Each episode kept up the pace, never lost the momentum, and just got better and better. I never felt tempted to skip, and many scenes were so impactful that I would rewatch them just so I could appreciate the gestures, micro-expressions and the words again.

I like the sismance, bromance, and the lack of tiresome third parties or love triangles. My favourite aspect of the show is the emphasis on wholesome masculinity and strong female characters. Both ladies and men shone in this show, and there was a lot of support and respect for one another.

- Cinematography
Visually, musically, aesthetically - The story pulled one in so deeply, using music, timing, rhythm, and even pregnant pauses to keep things engaging and emotional from the get-go. The cinematography was impressive, with close-up shots of details, gestures, and facial expressions that only enhanced the watching experience. The sets were nicely done, and they even recreated the grassland from scratch and filmed real outdoor scenes. The locations were beautiful. Then there were the gorgeous costumes - wait until you see Ashile Sun in his General uniform and ChangeGe in her Tang and Mobei princess outfits.

Some editing could be better, especially during the transitions between manhwa and reality, but I like the director mixing media. It keeps things different and captures certain moods more effectively through graphics than acting, especially the battle scenes where horses were hurt. It also paid homage to the manhwa artist.

- Choreography
The directing and acting for the game, archery scenes, and the close-up combats were done so superbly and were of such high quality. Using space and the right moments to deploy the slow-motion effect, the director heightened the scenes' anticipation and intensity. They reminded me of the highly stylized action sequences by John Woo. When paired with the most fitting sound and music as well as thoughtful camera angles, all I can say is WOW! I love seeing Leo Wu as A'Sun kick - so gratifying! And the others didn't pale in comparison either.

- Romance
A slow burn for our main OTP, but it was such a satisfying journey to watch them. This couple paired so well, with both of them being such tsundere characters. Their conversations and unspoken thoughts, glances and stares, smiles and gestures - the closer they were drawn to each other, the bigger the rush of adrenaline for me. Their love was the kind that seeped into my heart, made it flutter, and it almost exploded when Sun started pursuing ChangGe more boldly. There's a hilarious scene of the moment he realized that ChangeGe was his 'beloved'. To quote @Dragnelia: Find yourself a man who would LOVE YOU so intensely without knowing what LOVE IS!

What I love the most though was not the chase and drama of ChangeGe finally opening up to Sun as much as their ability to bring out the best in each other. They complemented each other and reveled in each other's strengths and uniqueness. When conflict entered the plot that kept them apart, it was not a test of whether it will break them up but more of a testament that their relationship was healthy enough to adapt and overcome. They were partners through and through.

ChangGe is my favourite type of female lead. Incredibly intelligent yet youthfully naive, feminine yet strong, noble yet down to earth, and boy, did she have an extremely high pain tolerance! Charismatic Sun fascinated me. He was an excellent counterpart to ChangGe, matching her in wit, perceptiveness, and resourcefulness. The way Ashile Sun silently supported our FL and discerned the best way to motivate her added an extra level of swoon-worthiness. I like that the story had him discover early that ChangGe was a girl, and you could tell the moment he started caring for her. Sun could not believe that such an extraordinary girl could exist. From that first attraction, he has been looking out for her.

All other dramas should use these two as prototypes as they genuinely raised the standards for ideal male and female leads.

I also liked the secondary couple a lot - Hao Du and Le Yan. Even though their relationship was based on the "sweet soft princess and cold guard" trope, I was rooting for Hao Du all the way.

- Cast
The drama is a visual feast for the eyes; be it the main leads or supporting cast, it's good looks galore.

Lucky for us audience, this show got it right with the casting, and some pairings just work. Dilireba and Wu Lei have the "it" factor, and their chemistry is incredible on-screen and off-screen! I highly recommend watching the BTS clips; you'll understand why this OTP is so adored and why so many wanted Wu Lei's first on-screen kiss to be with Reba. Reba is one of my favourite Chinese actresses, and when compared to her last drama before 'The Long Ballad', I can say that her acting has improved yet again. She was never bad to me, but her ability to emote, especially during the crying scenes, became better. She is as beautiful as ever, and she really fits her character.

Leo emotes well with his facial expressions and eyes. He can pull off the cold and indifferent look but using just his eyes; he can convey worry and fear, care and love. He's seriously so hot as Ashile Sun that he should graduate from being the Nation's Little Brother to one of the Nation's Male Gods (Nan shen). His acting was excellent here, and he truly deserves awards for some of his scenes.

Zhao Lusi is another great actress, and when paired with Liu Yu Ning, they also lit up the screen. Liu Yu Ning did an amazing job portraying an anti-hero, so antagonistic, but his actions belied his seemingly cold manner. Lusi managed to make LeYan stand out and portrayed her character development so well.

As for Alen Fang's Wei Shu Yu, his character wasn't as admirable as his lead role in Love By Hypnotic, but he looked good no matter what. Plus, his acting has also become better.

The entire cast did so well, and there were such good chemistry and rapport among them. At one point, I was shipping LeYan and ChangGe together because their relationship was just on fire!

- OST and Sound Effects
The OSTs are on another level and are very fitting, with appropriate pieces underscoring the scenes; both starting and ending songs set the dramatic and emotional tone that was infused throughout the show. I also love that whenever there was a poignant scene between Hao Du and LeYan, the background song was the one sung by Liu Yu Ning. That man can sing, and I am a fan now of him and Zhou Shen. In addition to the music, the sound effect team must also be commended. They did a stellar job bringing the show to life so effectively.

Overall, "The Long Ballad" nailed it in every aspect for me. This is one series that I will rewatch in a heartbeat. I've already watched it multiple times. While I waited for the new subbed episodes to air, I watched the unsubbed version, and I will watch the entire series again completely subbed. That's how much I enjoyed it.

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Charmingly funny show with two endings

Delicacies Destiny was not a big-budget production, with nondescript sets and unmemorable costumes and props. Still, those factors did not detract from the show's charm, and one can tell that quite a bit of the budget was invested in the cooking scenes and the resulting dishes.

This light-hearted story was primarily about the relationship between a Crown Prince and his Imperial Chef, with a side focus on the female lead's ambition to be the best Imperial Chef in the palace regardless of her gender. It was not a typical historical rom-com with strict palace rules and protocols. The royals in this show interacted casually with their servants and the Queen was not the usual domineering character who controlled her son's harem and marriage. She was unexpectedly very supportive of her son and prioritized his happiness. It was refreshing to see some emphasis on on positive body image.

I was thoroughly entertained with the food porn, cute romance, on-point comedy, and catchy OSTs...until the last episode.

From episodes 1 to 15, I found this drama hilarious and quirky. Still, the ending left me so dissatisfied that it took me time to calm down before I could write a reasonably objective review. Without spoilers, I can say that it was an open ending that irritated me so much that it dimmed my anticipation for a potential season 2 and, like the male lead, left me angry at the female lead.

EDIT: I increased my rating after watching the alternate ending. While it was not the best ending, it provided a proper happy closure that was much better than a clumsily executed open ending.

Our main couple was lovable and dorky. The slow-burn, sincere, and simple romance between them was endearing and fun to watch. Both lead characters were emotionally immature in their own ways which created plenty of opportunities for funny scenes. I smiled and laughed so much throughout the show.

The male lead, Zhu Shou Kui, the Crown Prince, started off being spoiled and entitled and was used to throwing tantrums. Yet, at the same time, he was compassionate and often protected the people he cared about at his own expense. It was great to see his character develop and mature. With the female lead's help, he realized that it was not always about him, and it was all right to let other people share his burdens. As for the female lead, Ling Xiao Xiao, who ended up as the Imperial Chef of the prince's kitchen, she was initially clueless about love. It took more than halfway through the drama for her to finally "kāi qiào" or realize her feelings for the prince.

He Rui Xian as Xiao Xiao is lovely, but she does not quite have the aura of a female lead yet. Her acting was pretty decent, though, and with a few more dramas under her belt, I think that she will get to the next level. I first watched her in the Royal Feast and liked her character there. Her acting range was wider in that drama compared to this show. In Delicacies Destiny, as Xiao-Xiao, she has too much of the wide-eyed, huh? look or a deadpan look, and it was towards the last couple of episodes when I saw more emotional acting from her.

It is my first time watching Wang Xing Yue, and like He Rui Xian, there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to his micro-expressions. I find it hard to believe that he is only 20 years old since he exudes a level of maturity beyond his age. He definitely has potential with his good looks for more male lead roles.

The supporting cast was fine, doing what they needed to do. There was some over-acting but nothing much to complain about and nothing much to praise. A secondary couple provided extra entertainment but did not distract from the main couple's journey.

Music-wise, the tracks were great, and a couple of them were not what you would expect from a historical drama. Still, they were fitting for this drama. For posterity, I have recorded the main tracks after my review.

Overall, I would recommend this show. If you don't like a ridiculous open ending, I would advise to stop watching before the last 4 minutes of the final episode. Or you could watch the alternate ending if you prefer to have closure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XdcFM5zhQo
00:00 陆虎 - 珍馐记 (Lu Hu - Delicacies Destiny)
03:03 锤娜丽莎 - 吃货一枚 (Jiahe Ji - A Foodie)
06:35 徐均朔 - 落尘 (Xu Junshuo - Falling Dust)
10:15 银临 - 七夕 (Yin Lin - Tanabata)

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Well written script with lovely characters, great music, fun humor and awesome romance!

After rewatching "Her Private Life" multiple times, I finally decided to leave a short review highlighting why it remains one of my favourite dramas to watch over and over again.

1) Talented, gorgeous lead actors - not only are Park Min Young and Kim Jae Wook are beautiful to look at, they also have the acting chops to elevate this rom-com to the next level. I cannot wait for their next movies and I wish Kim Jae Wook acted more in rom-coms.

2) Great acting all around - kudos to the casting director since everyone truly delivered!

3) Well-written script - The characters are nicely developed and being adults, actually behaved like adults. None of those childish drama that the writers usually throw in to create conflicts. Without the unnecessary drama, the show is a great stress-less option when you just want to relax and enjoy the sweetness of a non-cringey romance. Perhaps some more emotional scenes or side stories were watered down but the resolution or outcomes were still realistic and nicely played out.

4) Enjoyable music - seriously, the soundtrack is delightful! Each piece was fitting for the scene and added to the mood or emotion appropriately.

Overall, I do recommend this drama. Give it a try!

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Sweet, Sexy, Smart & Sincere - a Rare Male Lead in Thai Lakorns

This was truly a light and entertaining show. Yes, it was full of cliches - family melodrama due to a stereotypical patriarch with multiple wives and children, with lots of backstabbing and battling for control of the company and wealth, contract marriage, and revenge-crazed villains.

Yet, Wiwa Fah Laep was surprisingly well-balanced, with a good mix of comedy, romance and some suspense. The show was filled with slapstick, clowning, and low-brow and at times risqué dialogue, which time and again hit my funny bone. 

The best part of the show was how good I felt watching it. In most lakorns, the villains always seem to be winning until the very last couple of episodes. Not in this show! Pokpong, the male lead was always a few steps ahead of the bad guys, able to anticipate and sidestep their traps and schemes. It was absolutely gratifying to see the lead couple triumph over the bad guys repeatedly. It was also enjoyable to see the villains unravel as they got closer to being caught, and ultimately punished. 

Not only that, there was no annoying second female or male lead. The audience never had to stress about love triangles and what was more refreshing is that the drama did not drag the plot out with misunderstandings. Even potential melodrama between the main couple was resolved quickly and funnily.

Pokpong and Lin, our couple's romance was overall a slow-burn one. It started quickly with them drunkenly sleeping with each other, to being together in a contract marriage, and then finally culminating in a way that I found satisfying. Even though their coupledom was fake, there was mutual attraction and lots of fun-to-watch flirting. Both characters were likable as individuals, and as a couple, they inspired relationship goals. Those two were sensible and matured enough to come to the right conclusions about each other's actions and words.

Pokpong was one of the best MLs I have seen in a Thai lakorn and Tono played him well! Pokpong was sexy, suave, and charming. Always the gentleman but assertive too, Pokpong never hesitated to express his feelings for Lin and I enjoyed watching her reactions whenever he flirted with her. He was really quite smooth with his bedroom eyes - haha! Pokpong can also fight! Best of all, he was level-headed and patient, allowing the progression of his and Lin’s relationship to happen realistically despite being in a fake marriage. Our amazing ML was also savvy, knowing when to manipulate the situation to his advantage, and I like that he was able to handle Lin’s terrible family without really bending to their unreasonable demands.

Rational, reasonable and resourceful, Lalin was the perfect counterpart to Pokpong. She was no damsel in distress, and did pretty well when fighting the bad guys. She and Pokpong protected each other, and they also understood each other. Pooklook was beautiful and her outfits were fierce!

The cast in general did fine but the acting was so-so. I did like Ak Nimitchai in his role as a villain - he deserved kudos for adding the layers of manipulation and scheming that kept things fresh. He was also the bad guy in “My Lovely Bodyguard” and I wondered if he would be typecasted going forward. Also deserving a shout-out is Nutt Atirutt Singhaaumpol who played Tat, Pokpong’s best friend. I found that character endearing and the interactions between him and Pokpong were hilarious.

Music-wise, there was only the opening song that was memorable for me. The song was fun to listen to and lent the same tone of positivity that was infused throughout the show. For posterity, I listed it here:

รักในวันฝนมา - CINCIN IRADA X DIAMOND LAZ1 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04wuYj-UVPs
https://open.spotify.com/track/34HpfHhOP7iajSuZHlexDa

Overall, it is a drama that I think most will enjoy. Now that it is fully subbed, do give it a try!

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Made for Mindless Binging

Double Love is a good pick if you're looking for hearty laughter, fluffy romance, and fun engaging characters.

Adapted from the novel "Master, your wife is AFK again" by author Da Ju Mao, the story centered around Lu Wanwan, a female actress who is trying to make her mark in the acting industry without counting on backdoor connections, and Han Jingmo, a star, and expert game player.

The plot itself was the usual idol drama - a bumbling yet bright and warm rookie actress meeting a cold but admirable popular male artist and how they fall in love online and offline. There were cliches like past encounters leaving a deep impression on one of the leads and the usual show business shenanigans like scheming actresses trying to sabotage the FL's career and get between the two leads.

The storyline may not be new, but the show was fun to watch. The main CP's love story was endearing, and I love watching their journey to success in their careers and personal lives. The humor and wit were on-point, and the interactions between the characters were so heartwarming that they pulled me into the drama. Plus, issues and misunderstandings were resolved quickly, making it an easy watch.

Unfortunately, the show suffered from some terrible editing, and key scenes were cut, leading to viewers' frustration and confusion. I strongly recommend looking through the comments for links to the cut scenes for a better understanding.

The CGI for the game was pretty good, and I enjoyed watching the matches and the characters. There were some hilarious setups in the virtual world, especially when juxtaposed against the characters in real life.

The chemistry between the main couple as well as among all the characters was organic and engaging. I was rooting not only for the main CP but also for the low-key relationship with BL undertones between another pair. I adored the dynamics of the Lu family and the sibling relationship between Wanwan and her brother Lu Guang Han. They were hilarious, teasing and bullying each other but also so supportive and protective of each other.

Zhang Sue Ying was the highlight, honestly. Her character was full of energy and spunk and brought so much life to the show. ZSY's acting was so natural and realistic, like she became one with her character, Wanwan.

As for Bi Wenjun, he was somewhat stiff in the beginning, but he got much better in the later episodes. I was not wild about how they styled him as the top star Han Jingmo, and I preferred his look in the game. However, he was still eye candy, and together with ZSY, they made a great-looking couple, especially during their scenes on the red carpet. Han Jingmo was the perfect ML - faithful and consistent, always looking out for Wanwan...although he can be childish at times.

In general, the cast was great, and there was a fun rapport among them. I did find the side couple's story unnecessary and uninteresting. I would much rather them show more sweet moments between our main CP.

The OST was awesome. I never skipped the ending credits because of the song, 'I Wanna Be Your Love' sung by Bi Wenjun. It is a sweet song played during the main CP's romantic scenes. The opening song, Tiptoe, by Xu Mengjie, was catchy too. For posterity, I listed the song list at the end of this review.

Overall, do give this show a try! It would be a shame to miss out on the comedy, fun and satisfying ending. Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, watching this show might just do the trick!

OST List:
* Bi Wenjun (毕雯珺) - I Wanna Be Your Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztJE7NwDhOg

* Xu Mengjie (徐梦洁) - Tiptoe (踮脚尖)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLq-5sam6O0

* 打扰一下乐团 - Fearless (无畏)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uFefnf9A9o

* Jin Wenqi - No Trace (无迹可寻)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umsk7wFO8Bo

Album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/52w5EV0C36g1EsEmGX4nDK?si=mX8-ZjeRQBiiMuPIBNS-cA

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Perfect comic timing and fantastic cast guaranteed to give you hearty laughs!

For me, Thai rom-com dramas have developed their own brand of slapstick antics that mesh well with the plot and character development. Mae Krua Kon Mai is a great example of this. The show provided a good amount of witty and lowbrow humor and physical comedy. It also used timing, rhythm, and music effects to keep things engaging and entertaining from start to finish. I was interested from the get-go, so much so that I watched it without subtitles, and then with subtitles the second time.

This is one rom-com that raised the irony level of life for me. I was not expecting Param, the ML, to fall in love with Dao, the FL, when she was in disguise as a less attractive person of a lower status. I know, it's superficial of me, but I have watched way too many dramas to expect otherwise. So it was a pleasant surprise when this show deviated from the usual clichés. Yes, Param knew about Faidam's true identity, and there were already sparks whenever he met Dao. However, almost all his flashbacks and sweet memories were about her as Faidam. The verbal sparring and the constant one-upping between our leading couple were so fun to watch. One could see Param's curiosity evolving into attraction and ultimately love, as mischievous Faidam constantly challenged him, frustrating him while piquing his interest more and more.

Every time these two were together, the screen lit up, whether they were squabbling, bantering, teasing, staring into each other's eyes, or glaring at each other. August Paisarnkulwong as Param and Namfah Phatrathinchaicherin as Dao/Faidam were amazing together, and they did an excellent job portraying their characters. Namfah can do comedy, and she was really good at playing the dual personalities. August was more subtle, but he emoted so well. He cried so prettily, and whenever he flirted, I had to grab at my chest to calm my heart. I didn't mind the slow burn romance, but I did wish that there were more kissing because they looked comfortable and natural together when they did.

For sure, there were moments where I wanted to yell at one or both of them for being prideful, and I was definitely annoyed at Param for being so ambiguous with Rika. True, he repeatedly reminded her that she was only his fake girlfriend and he could never love her, but man, letting her kiss you and be all touchy-feely was no way to draw the line! Dao can also be irritating as heck with her refusal to talk things through and clarify matters. Still, despite such moments of wanting to tear my hair out, I cannot help but immensely enjoy the show. The best part for me was that Rika, as the nang rai, did enough to bother but never really got away with things. I love the twist towards the end of the show where it was building up to another opportunity for Rika to stir up trouble, but it did not happen the way I had expected it to go down. Ahhh, it is just so satisfying seeing the villain fall flat!

It's funny, but this is the third drama that I've watched that had Ice Srisevok as the nang rai. It would be a shame if she was typecast.

The acting was great across the board, and there was just so much chemistry between the cast! Between the OTP, the secondary couple (Oab and Pon - absolutely adorable together!), between Faidam and Param's mother, between Faidam and Watsy (adore that guy!!!), Dao's family with each other, and between Buap, Taew, and Faidam. Everyone worked in tandem so well, and I just want to see the behind-the-scenes clips of everyone having fun making this drama. I find it very interesting that multiple actors played characters with hidden agendas or dual personalities. Dao as Faidam, Param with his fake girlfriend, Rika, who pretended to love Param but was actually a gold-digger, Param's mother who was miserly but had a generous heart with the people she loved, and even Max, Dao’s long-term boyfriend but I’ll leave it at that since it is a major spoiler.

There were many negative comments about Dao darkening her skin when she becomes Faidam, and coming from a society that judges by skin tone, I can understand the discontent. However, the show never implied that Faidam was ugly due to her darker skin tone. To me, it was more to ensure that she is even more disguised, although I don't know how she managed to get away with it for so long. To the show's credit, it did not treat us, the audience, as being stupid. At least Dao realized that she would be recognized by the people close to her, just like how Korn did almost instantly, so she did her best to avoid them. I also like that Param was quick on the uptake and found out fairly early on about Dao's disguise.

Music-wise, I liked the two songs that were featured but nothing memorable. Rewatch value is high; I've already watched it twice, but I am tempted to watch it again because I am curious to see when exactly did our OTP transition from hate to love.

Overall, do give this drama a try! The sweetness, the silliness, the laughter, the gorgeous leads, the terrific cast, the lovely ending - there's enough to keep you entertained!

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Be prepared for your heart to ache but also to be disappointed

Medical-themed C-dramas are pretty much the same: solving complex cases, doctors with different philosophies getting into conflicts but ultimately making the right decisions, and romance bubbling between people in white coats. "Thank you, Doctor" also had the "arrogant but brilliant doctor" trope, but unlike other shows, the drama added the back stories of the main leads to freshen the storyline.

This show was a lot better than I expected. The writer's ability to write a touching story for each medical case that truly tugged at one's heartstrings and the excellent acting by the main leads were the combination that saved this drama from becoming yet another run-of-the-mill medical show.

The cases were the usual amalgam of challenging ones that medical shows always feature, and not surprisingly, the doctors miraculously were able to solve most of them. However, the show provided a good balance. Instead of only celebrating idealized superhuman doctors, it also observed societal prejudices and problems, as well as the unpredictable nature of humans. All of which forced the doctors to attempt superhuman feats. I appreciate the show's acknowledgment that for doctors coping with impossible pressures, being good at one's job was not always enough to win the battle of life and death.

There were light moments to temper some of the heaviness of the medical stories, and the slow-burn romance added extra flavor for me. It was a slow burn done well, with lingering longing gazes, little selfless gestures, and secret unconcious smiles.

In the first few episodes, Bai Shu was an arrogant ass, undermining Xiao Yan, but she was always able to stand her ground. She was not scared of his gruffness or intimidated by his medical brilliance. This sequence repeated for a while, but they learned more about each other through the implicit rivalry between them. Along with Xiao Yan, the viewers saw more depth to Bai Shu, which made us appreciate him more.

Overall, Bai Shu underwent character development that made Xiao Yan like him and found him more charming over time. At the same time, the more they worked together, the more Xiao Yan impressed Bai Shu, ultimately earning his respect and admiration, professionally and personally.

Bai Shu was more assertive once he realized his feelings, but Xiao Yan had her inner demons to overcome, causing the relationship to stall for the whole show until the very end.

Yang Mi and Bai Yu were compelling to watch, individually and together. With their great chemistry and good writing, "Thank you, Doctor" rose slightly above the other medical dramas. Sadly, the other relationships and characters did not evolve well enough for me to deem this show a masterpiece. Certain characters were poorly written and not only were they one-dimensional, they were annoying too.

"Thank you, Doctor" had much to recommend it, but the disappointment of most viewers about the romance should be acknowledged. Framed as a romantic drama, it should have been more accurately described as a medical drama with some romance in the background. Additionally, this drama's ending did not deliver at all. It was clearly a rushed ending, too abrupt, and it felt like the details were cut out. It was frustrating when the show did not even feature both leads in the ending scenes.

Despite the unsatisfactory ending, I still rated this show highly because it kept me entertained and engaged throughout the 40 episodes. It was an enjoyable emotional roller coaster ride, and I stressed, cried, and rejoiced so much with the characters. Last but not least, no matter how secondary the romance was to the overall story, the dynamics between Xiao Yan and Bai Shu were the focal point for me. Watching the romantic tension and build-up between them was achingly good.

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Epic love story that never really was…

As I watched the story of “Thousand Years for You” unfold, I was looking forward to an epic love story that broke barriers and transcended time. Sadly, the show failed to deliver on the romance, and the ending left me feeling empty in that aspect.

It is not as though the show lost its focus midway. From beginning to end, the story was about the love journey initially between a powerful saintess, Yun Xi, from the spirit clan and a valiant mortal general Lu Yan. Then later between Yun Xi’s doppelgänger, Deng Deng and Lu Yan, who waited 3000 years for Yun Xi.

Unfortunately, the pairing of Li Qin as Yun Xi/Deng Deng and Ren Jia Lun as Lu Yan fell flat for me. No matter how good they looked together, I just could not get the feels from them, and the chemistry was seriously lacking. They were definitely a visual treat, but I enjoyed the show more by seeing them as mystery-solving partners instead of a couple.

For me, the show would have fared better if they had removed the romance aspect and focused on the mystery and adventures. A xianxia set in the Republican era was interesting enough, and the different storylines were refreshing. It was entertaining to watch our sleuthing duo and their sidekicks battle the evil elements of the spirit clan. Most of the other characters, especially the second couple, helped bring this drama to life; they were all likable individuals in their own right.

The show was a pretty well-balanced emotional roller coaster of emotions, switching between humor, suspense, and melodrama. That said, the script did need to be polished, and there were plot holes and dialogue that should have been tighter.

I loved the details put into the costumes. One could tell that a lot of thought was put into the styles of the characters. Deng Deng often wore masculine clothing, but there were touches of femininity. The outfits for Lu Yan were chic and perfectly tailored. They highlighted Ren Jia Lun’s good looks so well. I also appreciate the color palettes that also matched the characters perfectly.

The best part for me was the excellent OST, and the songs were mainly the ingredient that got me tearing up. The CGI was also well-done, and the fight scenes were well-executed, except for some scenes that ended up hilarious instead.

Acting-wise, I was impressed by Li Qin, who delivered the emotional scenes perfectly and effortlessly transitioned between the ethereal, refined Yun Xi and the tomboyish, brash Deng Deng. There was criticism of her portrayal of Deng Deng because some thought she over-acted, but I thought she did fine.

Ren Jia Lun did what he did best, playing a calm, cold, emotionless person who gradually warmed up to the female lead. However, I felt RJL lacked his usual intensity compared to his other dramas. It could be due to how he interpreted his character, who was supposed to become indifferent during those 3000 years, trying to bring back Yun Xi by transferring energy into his last remnant of her. Regardless, without his usual magnetic emoting, the romance failed to come alive for me.

It also did not help that RJL used his voice this time, and one can tell he lacked experience with voice dubbing. It often sounded like he was reciting lines and came across as dull. On the other hand, Li Qin also used her voice but was better in delivery; however, her dubbing suffered from the volume being too loud, making her sound annoying sometimes.

Other than the romance, I also found the villains lackluster. I like Leon Lai and his acting, but as Zhu Rong, the main antagonist for most of the show, I was not entirely convinced by his motivations and actions, especially towards the end. Plus, the last-minute addition of another villain just felt too rushed. Ultimately, the final showdown was somewhat anti-climatic.

Overall, even though I did not get the fantastic love story I expected from a RJL drama, it was still a show worth watching. It was fun watching Lu Yan and Deng Deng play detective to uncover who was threatening the spirit clan and humanity.


Full OST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9iDlX-GIwI
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6qV032sg5Faeju8KTDQbeJ?si=3a9110beb0c34f61

1. 吾 (I) - 任嘉伦 (Allen Ren) 00:00
2. 有时无期 (Indefinite At Times) - 张碧晨 (Zhang Bichen) 04:40
3. 光年爱情 (Light Year Love) - 王靖雯 (Wang Jingwen) 07:54
4. 你是我唯一 (You Are My Only One) - 陆虎 (Lu Hu) 11:38

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A thought-provoking masterpiece

One of the most enjoyable and engaging shows for me from 2023. This drama evoked so many emotions and carried strong messages that resonated well with most of us. It was realistic, relatable and thought-provoking.

Zhang Ruo Yun and the other actors were excellent and the characters they played were well-written. Great character and plot development, and there was a feeling of gratification as certain “bad” characters were properly punished.

The OST was really fitting and many songs were memorable. Each piece was chosen well and served to heighten the appropriate mood or feeling.

Some viewers were not satisfied with the epilogue but I actually liked it. The ending fit the rest of the story which did not steer away from stark reality. Not everything ends up in a bed of roses and not every love story has a happy ending. It was more important for me to see the kids and teachers of Class 11 thriving in their own ways. The show succeeded in that aspect and left this viewer properly satisfied.

It’s been awhile since I’ve rated a show so highly and this show is a 10 for me.

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Great Mystery with Some Romance & Comedy Wrapped in an Entertaining Package!

Unfortunately, some outstanding dramas like 'The Imperial Coroner' have slipped under the radar amidst other big-budget and star-studded ones. For those who have yet to see this show, it is a must-watch because this show is nothing short of stellar. Although crime mystery and political intrigue were the primary themes of this show, it had romance and comedy interwoven naturally and perfectly into it. Brilliant writing, excellent production, engaging characters, and well-chosen background music were among the many factors that make this show so golden.

*** Storyline
I truly enjoyed this drama for its entertaining mystery plot and where the detective part was genuinely well-done. The process of solving the cases was immersive for me, especially when the clues made sense and were not just red herrings to throw off the audience. I am impressed by the amount of research that went into the scriptwriting and how the individual cases all factored into the larger mystery. The overall plot was solid, and the ending was satisfactory, with no stones left unturned. However, I could not rate it a perfect 10 is because it did lose some steam towards the end with the main villain not being so smart in moments of panic. His actions were still understandable, but I felt that they lacked the usual thoughtfulness and strategic planning. Ultimately, I was left feeling that the writers wanted to wrap up the show nicely and hence went down that path.

The writers were thoughtful with the details introduced in the scenes. I greatly appreciated how the writers did not "dumb it down" for the audience. Many shows would have the characters explain the obvious details, wasting time and scenes. Not this one! Each element and dialogue moved the story along nicely, and the logic presented was coherent and sounded plausible. I liked the re-enactments by the FL and ML (and the skinship that usually came along with it). I thought that it was very creative with the illustrations during the autopsies, the visuals for the flashbacks, the code deciphering, and multiple interpretations of words and meanings.

For me, it is the cleverness of this show that makes it so likable for those in the mood for something thought-provoking.

Minor side note and spoiler: it was the first time I saw the tea brewing ceremony being performed by men. Perhaps I have not watched enough period dramas :-)

*** Characters & Cast
The storyline was not only well-written, but the characters were also relatable. No character was superfluous, and most characters thought, behaved and reacted like how we would in real life. The show devoted enough screen time to each character so that the audience could understand their intentions and actions. The execution and pacing were smooth and provided enough insight for us to connect the dots and predict upcoming events. That said, it was never predictable and certainly kept me entertained to the end.

Best of all, there was little use of cliches; no sibling rivalry over palace politics, no toxic behavior from the male leads, no tiresome love triangle, and annoying third parties. The romance was the icing on the cake, but it was not necessary to keep one engaged. Prince An/Xiao Jin Yu and Chu Chu were the main couple viewers followed, and it was a quirky but wonderful match. As Chu Chu's and Jin Yu's backgrounds were steadily revealed, the progression of their romance felt organic and suited the nature of their characters well. Despite romance being only a sub-plot, the show told their story well.

Other relationships were valued in this show and portrayed in a wholesome manner. Like the ML and his brother so protective of each other, the FL's family made up of all men being supportive of her, the secondary couple cutely and silently crushing on each other, and even the loving bickering between Minister Jing and his wife. One favourite quote: "Girls are supposed to protect girls". The sismance and bromance will grab your heart and endear you to the characters. I love the simplicity of these relationships. It seemed just right, juxtaposed against the complex political schemes and the power struggle between the eunuchs and ministers.

All five main characters were consistently intelligent and skilled in their ways. Together, they made a formidable team, and one can tell that the actors had a great rapport with each other. These actors were new to me, and their inexperience did show. In general, though, the acting was good, especially the main ML, Wang Zi Qi. His facial expressions were on-point, and he aptly displayed a myriad of emotions, especially in scenes with the FL, who evoked all sorts of feelings in his character. Su Xiao Tong as Chu Chu made me laugh whenever she displayed her wide-eyed expression during the WTF moments. However, she did carry this expression throughout the show, and there is room for improvement. Ultimately, Xiao Tong was still believable as a bright, talented, and observant person who was incredibly good at her job. Yet, she was still an innocent and naive girl who just came into age and got exposed to a world beyond her family and village. There was character development as Chu Chu displayed more maturity in the subsequent episodes. I like that, unlike other C-drama female leads, Chu Chu was always poking about or doing something useful instead of just standing around.

As far as villains go, Eunuch Qin had one of the best wicked auras that I have seen. Kudos to Mu Huai Hu for his portrayal. He was a complex and nuanced character - displaying signs of missing his masculinity, was as crazy-smart as the good guys, and was able to anticipate and react accordingly. I often waited for him to make his deductions and clear up my confusion :D For someone powerful whose intel was wide-reaching and first-class, he was undoubtedly surrounded by some pretty incompetent lackeys. A lot of the comic relief came from his bumbling minions.

*** Cinematography & Music
Overall, the show used its small budget efficiently to put together a great and unique story. The way the camera caught the facial expressions and gestures like a raised eyebrow or a paused hand, and the attention paid to small details like the way the candlelight fell on faces, the sweat on a character's face who was in pain, the tears and snot streaming down when one was truly crying - all of these added depth. The focus on other elements also made it feel stylistically different from other dramas, like the different opening credit scenes, the transition from one character to another when telling the epilogues, and the conservative use of actual songs to underscore poignant moments. It was only after the first 20 episodes when I heard an OST played during an emotional scene. Still, the background music and sound effects were fitting. The opening instrumental piece was nicely done and set the appropriate tone of seriousness. As for the featured songs which I liked a lot, I have listed them here for posterity.

- This Life Unfinished (此生未了) by Audio Monster , HITA (音频怪物/HITA)
- Parallel Worlds (平行世界) by Wang Ye (王野)
- Heart's Fate (心缘) by Wang Mo Han (王莫涵)
- The Rest of My Life (余生) by Chi Yue Han C.J (池约翰C.J)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thzztiHVm0I

Side note: Having watched so many c-dramas, I am quite jaded to the dubbing choices for most shows, but I wished that they have picked a better voice for Chu Chu. The actress already looked appropriately innocent and naive, but her dubbed voice did not do her character any favour.

*** Romance
The sincere and straightforward romance between Jin Yu and Chu Chu totally captured my heart. Their love was adorably nerdy. Even their "love tokens" were practical and can be life-saving! Despite being new to love and still trying to work through their feelings, both did not shy away from sharing their thoughts with each other. Chu chu being guileless and pure was disarming to Jin Yu, who fell for her first. Jin Yu found his perfect half when they could speak anatomy and when Chu chu understood him even when no words were spoken. I found it charmingly funny that when one could not expect to squeeze an ounce of romance out of the most logical moments, Jin Yu can still be romantic.

I love how the drama used the supporting characters as devices to voice out the growing feelings of the leads. Little comments here and there helped the romance along for our fumbling main couple. Not only that, there were no grand gestures necessary; subtle acts like Jin Yu peeling grapes for Chu Chu or her unconsciously hanging onto his clothing for support were more effective in making my heart flutter.

The secondary couple, Jing Yi and Leng Yue were more emotionally knotted, secretly longing for each other but too proud to take the first serious step. Jing Yi was more obvious but assumed an air of rakishness so Leng Yue could not take him seriously. Fortunately, their roundabout way of getting together was not frustrating to watch and instead provided a nice contrast to our main couple.

It's been a good run with shows featuring non-toxic male leads, including this one. The men respected the women, and everyone appreciated each other for who they were and their talents. They have complete faith in one another, and their trust never wavered. I like that the characters did not do silly stuff, and they actually communicated openly. Jing Yu, for example, shared details with Chu Chu so that she became more cautious and more worldly. Instead of trying to keep her safe by separating from her, he kept her next to him, knowing that she was the safest being with him. Xiao Jin Li (Jing Yu's brother), Jing Yi, and Leng Yue tempered each other and kept each other from making rash decisions.

*** Overall
I do recommend this well-put-together show. It is seriously one of the most under-rated dramas on MDL, but hopefully, with an impressive Douban rating of 8.4 and through word of mouth/reviews on MDL, more fans will pick it up online and rave about it.

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Visually, musically, emotionally - in Part 2, this show still hit all the right spots!

Like part 1, the audience also had much to enjoy in part 2, but unlike part 1, the lead-up to the ending was not as satisfying.

Echoing my review of part 1, TBW continued to deliver an engaging storyline. Add to that, the most touching song tracks and AMAZING acting from almost every cast member, this drama pulled me in so thoroughly, keeping me on an intense emotional rollercoaster. I was so emotionally invested, rooting for many, including the main couple, and cursing at the antagonists. Yet, I cannot help but feel sympathy for the villains. The story did well in making the audience understand what the characters, including the villains have gone through, the reasons for their actions, and their circumstances.

The story maintained a good pacing and flowed nicely, with each episode never losing its momentum. Having read the novel, a couple of changes in part 2 were for the better, some took away poignant moments for me, and my reaction to other changes was "WTH"?!! Still, I never felt tempted to skip, and I know I will rewatch the entire show once it is properly subbed in English because it was that good.

Also, I have to highlight the beautiful costume designs with their intricate and thoughtful details.

I have nothing but praises for the acting delivered by Dilraba, Ren Jia Lun, Xiao Shun Yao, Christy Guo, Wang Zi Teng, Hu Yi Xuan, Fan Zhen, Ci Sha, and many others. As the show progressed, these talented actors have proven that they have the acting chops to pull off a complex story.

Just when I thought I could not admire Dilraba further, it turned out that I could go up another level. Additionally, I am now a fan of Ren Jia Lun and Xiao Shun Yao. RJL's visuals are not my usual preference, but in this show, in that persona, he's gorgeous and captivated me. As for XSY whose character Lin Hao Qing was so well-written and well-acted, I suffered a strong case of second lead syndrome. Naturally, him exuding sexy manliness the whole time was also a factor.

For me, Wang Zi Teng as Kong Ming who received undeserved criticism for not being good-looking enough, was a great match for Hu Yi Xuan They did have a quirky, adorable chemistry between them. Also, a huge shout-out to Christy Guo who managed to make my blood boil so much, by staying maniacally in character to the very end!

Unfortunately, after building the momentum up so much, the final scenes were choppy and a letdown. The ending led a few to question whether it was an open or happy ending. I think it was clearly and definitely a happy ending.

Perhaps the director, who is known to have produced shows with controversial endings, was hoping to encourage and engage the audience's imagination by going for a conscious artistic act of intentional omission and suggestion. However, after reading the spoilers, I am more convinced that the director made a mistake in cutting out a crucial scene. To me, it was a result of bad editing.

On the whole, though, I highly recommend TBW. The storyline, the settings, the costumes, the choreography, the music, the acting…if I were to consider the show as a whole, it is really one that is worth watching.

Perhaps one day, the director will release a version with an alternate ending, including the cut-out scene. At that time, I will give the show a perfect 10 since it truly deserves that.

For posterity, I have recorded the main tracks here. I hope that they will release the entire album, including the instrumental background pieces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpzFy3Rzd74
Song: 留白是表白 (More Than Blanks)
Artist: 金志文 (Jin Zhi Wen)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExRgy5Ry3C8
Song: 鮫人之歌 (The Song of the Merman)
Artist: 周深 (Zhou Shen)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_pzD0itRfo
Song：#如你所想 (As You Wish)
Artist：#毛不易 (Buyi Mao)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtKnVuUxCN4
Song: 魚躍而上 (Leaping Fish)
Artist: 薩頂頂 (Sa Dingding)

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A kitchen sink full of tropes but so fun to watch!

My Romance From Far Away was cheesy and cliched but I so enjoyed it! With a good-looking cast, lots of witty and lowbrow humor and physical comedy, as well as themes focused on life teaching and character growth, this show gave us endearing scenes that made me laugh and feel good. There were also moments that made me want to slap the characters but problems were quickly resolved. After one annoying episode, a heartwarming one would follow. Plus we get the most satisfying ending ever!

With all episodes now fully subbed in English, it is an easy and bingeable show.

The plot was nothing new - high society girl found herself in a traditional northern Thai village and ended up falling in love with the ML while experiencing some humbling personal growth. The ML also went through character growth as he overcame his feelings of insecurity about differences in status and wealth. In between, the side characters had their own enlightening experiences.

I appreciate how the show highlighted the northern Thai traditions, food and dialect. I also like that the show made fun of itself and its genre like the ML ’s father comparing him to the male leads in the old lakorns. Strong, stubborn and silent, Khunkhao, the ML often frustrated the viewers because he was slow to acknowledge and reluctant to vocalize his attraction and eventual love for the FL. The most irritating parts were when he was so naively dumb falling for the schemes of his so called ex. Just like in the old dramas LOL!

Still, Khunkhao’s actions were definitely louder than his words and ultimately just like other lakorns, we would forgive the ML for causing pain to the FL and we would cheer him on. Puen portrayed Khunkhao well except his stony gazes at times came across as being blank stares. He is just so adorable though when he smiles and I have been a fan since I watched him in Likit Haeng Jan.

Bua played our clumsy, cute, and plucky FL, Thofah. Even though I was at times annoyed at Fah’s inconsistent behavior; mostly brave and confident but also often became the whiny damsel in distress, I still rooted for her all the way because she was just so optimistic and determined. Bua looked amazing in all her outfits. In fact, a shout out to the stylist for this show since the clothes (modern and traditional) were lovely. I am not too sure about Bua’s acting. She did pull off the transition of Fah well; from the spoilt “money can solve everything” character who was used to getting her way to a more self-aware, humble and sympathetic one. However, there was something off about her expressions that sometimes made me think that her make up was overdone.

Together, Khunkhao and Fah made the romance come alive so enjoyably that it kept me coming back for the next episodes. Apart from our main couple, there were a 2nd couple and a potential 3rd couple. The relationships may have developed differently for these other couples, but their path to being together was also a fun watch. The supporting cast, especially Khunkhao’s parents, and his wingmen In and Jan also deserved credit for adding flavor to the story. Khunkhao’s father, Uncle Taeng has got to be one of everyone’s favorite characters since he was so wise, kind and patient, and was singularly responsible for making our leads reflect and progress.

The soundtrack list was short but memorable, and by that, I mean the songs were effective in evoking memories of the scenes for me. I like the opening song, and it reflected the lighthearted and fun tone throughout the show. For posterity, I included the song list at the end of this review.

Overall, I do recommend that you try out this show. Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, adding this series to your watch list might do the trick!

Songs featured:

รักได้รึเปล่า Ost.อ้อมฟ้าโอบดิน | ว่าน ธนกฤต - Wan Thanakrit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY0-4LckhXM
https://open.spotify.com/track/6tyYaFbNh5HeA6Xl3EryZr

เหตุผลที่ยังหายใจ (Still) - Tan Liptapallop x Tookta Jamaporn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxsk2yckAfY
https://open.spotify.com/track/22uJiJNMY6rJSaeRTbQi0o?si=Xy-1qXWGStu7ikPv2hmMHQ

คำตอบของทุกอย่าง - No One Else
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxx-6vEGTHM
https://open.spotify.com/track/1SmNutlpKCFi2qEspdk5EJ

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