10
17
2
1
This review may contain spoilers
Good slow-burn romance with fun comedic moments plus an OTP with great visuals
Overall, this drama tried to pack a lot into the story, but the writing was not consistent enough to weave the plots together seamlessly. The show started strong for me, with its fresh take on the FL's background, where she was the leader of a righteous gang whose focus was on helping the common people. I was intrigued by the synopsis and looked forward to seeing the romance develop as the OTP learned to work together and overcome their class disparity. Unfortunately, the writer had to throw in the usual palace nonsense, including the "secret royalty" trope. It did all fit together in the end, but the story development was not that smooth. I don't know if it was due to bad editing, censorship, or weak writing that caused the pacing to be off.Despite all that, I could not help but binge on this show. In fact, I even watched the last 6 episodes raw because I had to find out what happened in the end. Why? Because of Bai Lu and Leon Lai!
I was so drawn to the OTP's visuals and their story. I did not mind their slow-burn romance, and even though there were few passionate scenes, there was great chemistry between Bai Lu and Leon Lai. There was a certain dignity in how the ML and FL displayed their feelings for each other. Both characters were strong, intelligent, savvy, and well-respected in their own societies. Watching them come together and realize how well they complement each other was an enjoyable watch for me. Of course, there were angsty moments of misunderstanding and noble idiocy, but compared to other period C-dramas, the melodrama was not heavy.
Bai Lu may have reached 'girl crush' status for me. She has an on-screen presence that commands attention, an attractiveness, and acting talent that one would expect of a female lead. She has the natural arrogant face to portray Long Ao Yi perfectly, and one memorable scene for me was when she danced to counter the ridicule of the so-called high-society guests. Bai Lu used her body language and expressions very well in this role as she transitioned between an unruly gang leader to a palace concubine. One reason why I gave the show a high rating because of the strong FL character who was also relatable. I like that Long Ao Yi could always rise above it all, move on and focus on the big picture or main point. Yes, she had her moments of weakness or slip-ups and silly stubbornness that delayed the progress of her relationship with Liu Qing Liu. However, all that was what I would expect of the character who stayed true to herself the whole time.
The show made the right choice casting Leon Lai next to Bai Lu. His manly good looks and physique match Bai Lu's haughty beauty really well, and he has the charisma to play the aloof Liu Qing Liu. His icy expressions were not emotionless, and he was not stiff. This role may not have given Leon a wide acting range, but he did pretty well with his micro-expressions, especially when Qing Liu started falling for Ao Yi. Given that this is only his second lead role, I think he did a great job. I hope that he will be casted in more lead roles as he hones his skills further. Likewise with Alen Fang. I had watched him in "The Love by Hypnotic" and was impressed by him. His character Li Zhao did give me a little SLS, and I felt so bad for him who was so in love with Ao Yi until the very end.
The secondary couple, Xiao Qin and Ya Bin was cute and hilarious. The rest of the supporting cast did well too. The actions of the characters made sense and justifiable, including the villains'.
Great selection of OST! I like the songs picked to match the significant scenes between certain characters.
All in all, I would ask you to give this show a chance. 36 episodes are not that long compared to many other period dramas, and there are numerous parts that are good in Jiu Jiu Overlord. It provides a nice break for when you need some lightheartedness, and the good looking cast is a bonus. I already plan to re-watch the last 6 episodes when they are finally English subbed.
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Wonderful love story enhanced by the fantastic chemistry between the OTP and an awesome OST
I started this drama expecting a light romantic comedy but was pleasantly surprised by the emotional roller coaster ride towards the end. The comedic moments were certainly there, and there were many times when I laughed out loud. When I re-watched some scenes, I found myself already giggling and laughing before the scenes even began. This show was not perfect, but I like the writing because it managed to make me sympathize with the villains. I even shed tears for them, especially for Li Xun (Zhang Bo Ham) because they were portrayed so well by the actors, and no character felt one-dimensional.There were many kissing scenes, rare for C-dramas, and so nicely done (no stiff pecks on the lips for the leads)! I love how the male lead's natural reaction was always to kiss the female lead, and the skinship made the romance felt real. I enjoyed watching the interactions between the OTP, and the progression of their relationship. Some scenes unexpectedly became memorable to me, like the wedding dance and the arrow shooting ceremony.
Li Qian is now one of my favorite male lead characters because he was never foolish, even as he fell head over heels for Ming Yue. Throughout the challenges and hardships that they had to go through, he was thoughtful and smart. He was so devoted to Ming Yue and remained steadfastly committed to her and their love. Also, unlike the male leads in other shows, he makes it clear from the get-go, his lack of interest, and has no qualms about rejecting the second female lead. Plus, he had such good lines when it came to romancing his lady! Fang Yi Lun did a great job, playing the fine-looking, intelligent, fair, but initially emotionally unapproachable 9th prince. He was able to display a range of emotions when necessary in the various scenes. I hope to see him in more lead roles. He is multi-talented since he also sang some of the tracks for the OST. As for Ling Mei Shi, I believe this is her first lead role as well, and she shined as the cute, mischievous, and street-smart Ming Yue.
I was also impressed by Ni Han Jin. He is certainly sexy with a great body but it was his acting as Yun Si that kept me invested in his story with Ming Yue. One could feel his pain from losing his one and only so unfairly and understand why his broken heart drove him to desperate measures. I had less sympathy for Hui Xin and her obsessive unrequited love, but Zhou Zi Xin portrayed the lovely but conniving character well. Another character I liked was Si Kong Zhen, played by Dong Yan Lei. His bromance with the male lead provided many entertaining scenes, and his dedication to their friendship made for some heartwarming moments.
The OST made its way onto my regular playlist - that's how much I liked it! Overall the songs complemented the scenes so nicely, and the instrumental pieces fitted the moods well.
I rated the re-watch value pretty high since I will likely watch this show again when I am in the mood for romantic kiss scenes, hilarious moments, or heartbreaking tear-jecking parts.
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An Addictive Journey — Compelling Story and Gorgeous Visuals That Kept Me Watching
Between the gorgeous visuals and the intriguing story that kept pulling me in, I enjoyed this show! It’s not a perfect 10 but it was still a genuinely great watch. Not every fight scene was epic, but the thrilling ones were done so well that they stood out—though not quite enough to make up for the rather underwhelming final face-off.Truly, I cannot sing high enough praises for Dilraba and Cheng Xin Yu—Dilraba was a full visual and dramatic event: her aesthetics, her styling, her acting… this might just be one of my favorite roles of hers. CXX held his own beautifully too, and together they were an absolutely eye-catching pair. Independent yet intertwined, each saving and supporting the other—it’s the kind of partnership that makes you root for them all the way through.
Watching them go from antagonistic, reluctant partners to an undeniably devoted couple was such a good journey. Their snarkiness toward each other was entertaining, and when the walls finally came down, their sweetness was genuinely heartwarming. That evolving dynamic made their relationship one of the biggest highlights of the show for me.
The side characters weren’t as deeply developed, but still managed to tug on my feelings when things happened to them. There were definitely missed opportunities, though—some characters were this close to becoming far more interesting had the show allowed them to go rogue or redeemed themselves with a bit more flair.
The pacing? Well… the middle portion could have been better and developed more thoroughly. Many viewers started wondering why the hunters were basically on an extended coffee break. At one point I commented that half the cast seemed to exist solely to fill space—decorative NPC energy. But despite the lag, the story itself was fascinating, and honestly I’m tempted to rewatch just to catch all the little clues and reveals I probably missed the first time.
A shoutout to the OST: I loved the closing-credit track—it was one of those songs that made me sit through the credits on purpose (which by the way, featured cut scenes from the episode). And the mostly instrumental background score was well done. It elevated the tension, softened the quieter moments, and made the emotional beats land harder. The music team absolutely understood the assignment.
The suspense and build-up were solid, the thrilling scenes delivered, and the villains were unsettling in all the right ways. Zhang Li’s Lin Yi Rou, in particular, was a standout—her controlled, calm intensity made her even scarier than the monstrous un-evolved Earth Fiends. Also, let’s be honest: Lin Yi Rou did it all while serving looks. Every outfit was immaculate, every appearance a fashion statement with menace. Sun Xi also deserves praise for portraying the humanoid Xiong Hei with such a striking blend of robotic detachment and surprising emotional nuance—his performance added an eerie, memorable layer to the villain roster.
Even though the show wrapped up well and tied off the major loose ends, the finale did carry a bit of a “let’s just get this over with” vibe—as if the writers were too tired to fully develop the late-game characters they introduced. Still, I’m satisfied overall, and I am so ready for any possible season 2.
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Dark, Messy, Watchable
I went into Girl from Nowhere without having seen the original, so I’m judging it purely on its own—and overall, it lands somewhere in the middle. It’s not bad, but it’s not particularly good either.The show doesn’t feel like it has a firm sense of direction beyond its central idea: exposing social issues and the darker sides of human nature. That part is clear, and to its credit, each episode does carry a weighty theme. Some of those messages are thought-provoking, and I did find myself engaged by the moral questions it raises.
Nanno, the female lead, is the most interesting element. She starts off almost like a devil figure—avenging victims by punishing those who wrong them. As the series progresses, she shifts into more of a catalyst, someone who tempts and nudges people until they reveal their worst selves. It’s an intriguing evolution in concept, but the show doesn’t always execute it cleanly, which makes her role feel inconsistent at times.
Where the drama struggles most is in execution. The storytelling can feel messy and uneven, with episodes that don’t always fully land despite strong ideas. The acting is decent across the board, though the roles themselves don’t demand much range, so it’s hard to fully assess the cast. Becky as Nanno is ok, nothing impressive but I don't have much to criticize either. There’s potential there, but it feels like she and the others are still building experience.
One aspect that didn’t quite work for me was the character Sky. He starts off as a victim and then reappears sporadically without much clear purpose, only to have a more impactful role in the final episode. He leaves me confused because the buildup about him is too scattered.
At just six episodes, it’s an easy watch and works well as a filler series. If you’re interested in darker, morality-driven stories, it might appeal to you. Just don’t expect a tightly written or fully polished experience.
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The lightheartedness of this drama is a perfect break from work, life, and other drama shows. Despite the silliness, I found myself immersed in the show's twists and turns, and the conspiracy plot. True, the writing is not smooth, and there are moments that will make you go 'huh?, how is that possible or what just happened?' but everything comes together nicely in the end.
I also enjoyed the romance and the bromance among the main characters. Esther Yu as Sanqi and Liu Yi Chang as Zhao Cuo have good chemistry together in an adorable wholesome way. I'm glad that they made Sanqi intelligent, brave with a unique interest, loyal, and has a backbone. Zhao Cuo is not the perfect male lead, but he ends up being the most devoted husband, and his commitment to Sanqi is endearing. Liu Yi Chang has the looks which I think will mature nicely, so I hope to see him in more projects. I am not sure if his voice is dubbed, but if it is his real voice, I like it! Esther Yu is super cute, but I wonder if she would be type-casted into certain kinds of roles because of her cuteness. Acting-wise, they both portrayed their characters pretty well, but they still need to continue honing their skills. I was less invested in the secondary couple since they did not have as much chemistry. Still, they make a good-looking pair. Luo Ming Jie plays a fine-looking but at times, emotionally clueless Bai Yi Fe well, and I love watching his interactions with Zhao Cuo. They play off each other well. I feel bad for He Zhen, the third male lead who comes into the picture too late and never really has a chance anyway. Still, his earnestness and care for Sanqi make me wish that he has his own happy ending.
The OST increased the coolness factor of the show since the songs are contemporary and well-chosen. Each piece was fitting to the mood and scene, but my favorite is Wander by Di Zhiwen.
I probably will re-watch this show since it is such an easy show to enjoy and binge on the weekend! I do recommend it when you are in a mood to watch a show just for laughs and cute romance.
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The romance is fluffy and uncomplicated, with no stressful love triangle. There is a potential competitor for the female lead's love but no obvious second male lead here. I have to warn you that there are some heartache moments but the story is so well written as a rom-com, it made me switch my emotions back and forth and I had no time to dwell on the sad parts.
The plot line was interesting to me, and I thought it was well-developed. The male lead seemed rather naive in the beginning but that made sense given what he went through for the past years. I like that ultimately, they wove it into the story that he and everyone else acknowledged how unbelievably gullible he was initially.
It is my first time watching Yoo Seung Ho and he did an amazing job. I like that he did not portray a stereotypical Asian man who don't show his emotions. He cried so prettily and I find him incredibly charismatic. His gazes were definitely smoldering. Ultimately he came across as this intelligent and strong character who was not afraid to show his softer side.
Chae Soo Bin, the female lead was cute - she is not my kind of pretty but she played the role very well. She definitely had good chemistry with the male lead. Their interactions were so cute and fun.
The supporting cast did really well as well, and unlike other dramas, I found myself not skipping through the show because I was also interested in the supporting cast's stories. There could have been more character development for some of them. The villains were just evil enough but luckily not enough to make me stressed.
Music-wise, the selections were fitting but I don't find any pieces particular memorable. I did not try to look the playlist up in Spotify which is usually a clear indicator whether I truly was affected by the OST.
Overall, I highly recommend this drama because of its message about relationships and sincerity. It evokes all the emotions that you can possibly feel.
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Mario and Kimmy Showing Off Their Comedic Chops!
Another fun lakorn that proves that the Thai know how to mix comedy, romance, and drama well, and in this case, there's some dabbling in the supernatural. Using hilarious dialogue and effective sound effects, the show swings from romantic to dramatic to funny quickly and smoothly, and it keeps the entertainment level high throughout the show. While the humor is mostly slapstick and low-brow, the show also uses a gentle version of dark comedy to deal with grimmer topics like death, sickness, and plain evilness that lurks in human nature. Just be prepared to laugh, cry and then laugh again.The show follows our main couple, Thong Ek and Chaba, and their hate-to-love journey. In their case, opposites do attract. Thong Ek is an aspiring herbal master, knowledgeable and kind but being a hot-blooded young man, can be quite rascally, especially when encouraged by his equally flirty friends, Piak and Toon. Chaba is not your typical noble lady, expected to be soft-mannered and adept in managing the household. Instead, she is outspoken, brave, and more interested in wielding a sword than a ladle. Certainly not the kind of girl that Thong Ek fancies in the beginning. Thong Ek and Chaba start out as being hostile towards each other. Still, when Chaba gets inspired to study traditional medicine from Thong Ek, they gradually learn to meet halfway, and the feelings between the two eventually become mutual. However, the path they take to get there is full of humorous incidents, twists, and turns.
Mario Maurer is perfect as the goofy but charming Thong Ek, and really, he is simply adorable. So is Kimberley "Kimmy" Woltemas, who portrays the opinionated and plucky Chaba well. I like their characters, and together they do make a lovely couple. They are super super sweet after marriage! That said, I am not feeling the chemistry as much between them compared to other on-screen couples. Still, their romance is fun to watch,, and their antics, especially when Piak, Toon, and Chongko are involved, are guaranteed to bring on the laughter.
The show also features other cute pairings such as Perm and Glin as well as Piak and Chongko. Chongko totally rocks by the way! She is the kind of girlfriend that every girl should have, and I really want her to end up with the SML. Speaking of the SML, my poor Punjan Imanothai. He's hot, and his portrayal as Kla is sexy and sweet enough to cause me to partially root for him to win Chaba's heart. Plus the whole backstory of how they supported each other since childhood is endearing.
It's interesting that, like his character in BPS (Love Destiny), Punjan's Kla ultimately ends up with the girl who is in love with the ML initially. I did not mind it in BPS, but somehow, I really dislike the character Pong in this drama. I am not sure if it is Namwhan Supinchompoo's acting or the character is just one that does not sit well with me. She comes across as weak and sketchy; not obviously manipulative but at the same time not sincere. It is hard for me to believe that she has genuine feelings for Kla. After Thong Ek rejects her, she appears to shift her focus on Kla as a more viable option to live comfortably. Even on Kla's side, it feels more like Pong is a consolation prize, something to possess more than someone to love.
I appreciate the effort that the subbers made to provide the names of the herbs used in the traditional medicine. The show also delivers a good message about how the traditional way of treating illness can work together with the western methods.
I also like the instrumental music that underscores the emotional scenes. The opening credit song sang by Mario is light-hearted and upbeat, capturing the generally playful tone of this entertaining rom-com. According to a post I came across, Mario's ost is about "medicine to save nang'ek's heart from bruises".
Overall, this show is an enjoyable time well spent, especially if you are a fan of Mario or Kimmy. They both shine in this lakorn.
For posterity, I am recording the track list here:
1. Ya ya ya : Mario Maurer feat. Ayutthaya Cute Boys
ยา ยา ยา : มาริโอ้ เมาเร่อ feat. อยุธยา Cute Boys
2. Kord : Gun Napat
กอด : กัน นภัทร
3. Yood hai jai ngai kwa : Kala
หยุดหายใจง่ายกว่า : กะลา
4. Rak dee dee mai mee kai : Joke So Cool
รักดีๆไม่มีขาย : โจ๊ก โซคูล
5. Cross Love (V. Japan Rock) : Instinct
6. Mai rak khon eun : ETC
ไม่รักคนอื่น : ETC
7. Mai chai mai rak : Briohny
ไม่ใช่ไม่รัก : ไบรโอนี่
8. Hua jai hai ther : Ice Saranyu
หัวใจให้เธอ : ไอซ์ ศรัณยู
9. Hedpol kong khon mai dee : Opal Praput
เหตุผลของคนไม่ดี : โอปอ ประพุทธ์
10. Pror chanun : Zeal
เพราะฉะนั้น : ซีล
11. Pieng nai jai : Boy Peacemaker
เพียงในใจ : บอย พีชเมคเกอร์
12. Ja soo na ther yung ngai : Punch
จะสู้หน้าเธอยังไง : พันซ์
13. Yoo puer ther : Punjun Porrama
อยู่เพื่อเธอ : ปั้นจั่น ปรมะ
14. Rak tae mee kae krung diew : Nam Ronnadech
รักแท้มีแค่ครั้งเดียว : แหนม รณเดช
15. Rak chua nirun : Nan Satida
รักชั่วนิรันดร์ : แนน สาธิดา
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This show is off-the-charts crazy, but in the best way
The King 2 Hearts is a dark comedy, filled with tension, humour and heart. Starting from the first episode, the show did exactly what it was supposed to do - kept my interest and made me invested in the characters and story. The writing was solid and the directing sharp. The story moved fast but was executed smartly. Overall, the setup about the North-South conflict was dramatic, but the tone was farce.To me, what sets this drama apart is how it was able to fluidly change the tone from deadly serious to laugh out loud hilarity. One generally knew what will happen, but there were all these twists and turns along the way that kept me beyond entertained. I cringed and I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced, and I felt my heart swell up with love or pride only to have it shatter into a million pieces.
The cinematography was realistically rich and the show effectively used different angles like the fish eye and bird’s eye views of conversations. It also transitioned nicely from past to present and present to past (like Jae Ha with the window in episode 1 and Hang Ah with the compact in a later episode).
I appreciate the time the show took to develop its characters and making them multi-faceted. Across the board, the acting was solid and the casting was perfect.
Ha Ji Won’s portrayal of Kim Hang Ah, the tough Special Ops North Korean agent provided a nice blend of deadly force and girly innocence. I love her tough “I can beat any man in combat persona” while being so earnest and pragmatic when it came to finding a husband. Her acting was so good, transitioning from ass-kicking to being all girly in a flash. Her micro-expressions were so well-done like her hardening stare as she took down someone. She was also relatable - her fan-girl reaction when she saw celebrities on the billboards is how I would react, especially at the thought of training with them. BTW, nice job, Show for the nods to her other dramas - Jo In Sung from “What Happened in Bali” and Hyun Bin from “Secret Garden”.
I also admire the range that Lee Seung Gi got to play as Lee Jae Ha, our entitled prince. Spanning everything from being petulant, mean, and cowardly, to the complete opposite, where Jae Ha showed immense depth, strength and honor. These moments of maturity were often hilariously conveyed as unexpected pockets of goodness couched in lots of bratty behavior but when push comes to shove, our male lead ultimately stepped up and protected what matters to him.
Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung Gi were OTP gold! From reluctant teammates to friends to lovers, these two made a excellent romantic coupling. Their energy crackled and the show scored big by quickly scaling up the emotional tension between the OTP right off the bat in believable and meaningful ways. I was constantly at the edge of my seat, waiting for these two to either have a major showdown with punches thrown, or to make out madly. Either way, their chemistry was off the charts.
Ha Ji won proved her ability to bring out the sexy in her male co-stars. I thought that when I swooned over Yoon Kye Sang, her co-star in Chocolate, and now, who would have thought that Lee Seung Gi with his puppy look could look so manly next to her?! To give the male leads some credit, I am always so impressed by the actor who can alter my perception of his physicality - it's another level of skill entirely.
I enjoyed the hot-and-cold, push-and-pull between the OTP, especially when set against an international, political backdrop where their messages were conveyed through generals, kings and the press. Their banter tickled me immensely, both equally witty and idiotic and it was so refreshing to find a couple who actually possessed the chemistry to make their back-and-forth rapid dialogue sound so natural.
The drama also fleshed out the side characters very well, and this added much more depth to the story. I like that the North Korean characters were not presented as caricatures, and instead as relatable people with their own unique cultural background. It was fun seeing the comradery of the North Korean team, and having gruff Kang Seok become interested in SNSD added a funny touch. That said, I also like the through line of prejudice that the characters embodied. The show did a good job of pushing the envelope, using on-point comedic relief to lighten the serious premise. At times, the dialogue can be surprisingly offensive, but also honest. Even though the show was a fictional political farce, the feelings that were explored were real and interesting.
I just love that everyone’s family was so sweet on this show. Kim Hang Ah’s father was such a darling, a tough general who always trying to protect his daughter and doing what he thought she wanted. The way that the whole royal family interacted with each other was so cute and it was nice not having any family in-fighting for once. There was nobody out to steal the crown or trying to kill each other. The childish sibling interactions between Jae Kang, Jae Ha and Jae Shin were just so endearing.
Jo Jung Suk really does have a swoony voice and he is a great actor. His Eun Shi Kyung was so humorless and straight-laced, and yet so earnestly adorable and attractive. What happened to him left me feeling gutted and crying.
If there was one thing I dislike about this drama, it was anything related to Kim Bong Gu, played by Yoon Jae Moon who did well. Bong Gu appeared to be interesting at first as an absurd arch villain, but he lost his scary factor after too many pointless scenes involving him. Less is always more and had the show focused more on legitimately creepy moments with Bong Gu, it would have been more effective.
I would also like to add that the OST for this was well-chosen and the tracks fit the scenes perfectly. Some pieces were suitably tense, and the use of instrumental pieces for the poignant moments heightened the mood for me.
In general, I truly recommend this show - it was pitch-perfect, with great episodes up to the end.
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Well-executed story, great acting, and addictive music
This lakorn is definitely worth the 1.5-day binge-watching with little sleep in between. The story was a good one, and the pacing was just right forthe most part. Unlike many "hate to love" dramas where the lead couple starts off not liking each other due to personality differences or misunderstandings, the female lead, Paeng indeed did something awful that justified the male lead, Arthit's intense hate towards her. For me, that made the story more interesting, and the character development for both leads more compelling. What made the story even better for me was that I could not tell when exactly was the turning point for Arthit, and when he began to fall for Paeng. Like Arthit said, "by the time he realized it, he was already in love with her". That was a poignant moment, and the progression of their relationship felt so natural and so right.The cast was excellent, and the acting was on-point. As in many Thai rom-coms, the supporting characters can be over the top and at times ridiculous, but still, you cannot help but laugh. I have to single out Mark Prin for his excellent acting. Objectively speaking, Arthit was a total jerk during the first part of the show (although with good reason), but Mark managed to portray him in such a relatable and charismatic way that one cannot help but root for him. Kao Thanachart impressed me in My Secret Bride, and she did it again in this show except for some emotional scenes in which she did not quite nail them.
Some pairings just work, and lucky for us, the audience, this show got it right with Mark and Kao. Even though the kissing could be steamier, the chemistry between those two is terrific, and together, they make a gorgeous couple, likewise, for the second couple, Thanon and Ling. I really liked Punjan Imanothai in Bpoop Phaeh Saniwaat, and he played Thanon so charmingly in this show. Luckily he was not the second lead. Otherwise, I would suffer from SLS. Also, a shout out to Freud Chatphong Natthaphong, who played Kot for his comedic chops. I've seen him in quite a few lakorns. Deaw Suriyon Aroonwattanakul as Mark also did a great job playing a psychopath. He caught my interest in Nueng Dao Fah Diew and I hope that he will have a chance at being the male lead in the near future.
Another plus point is how well the show used music to enhance the mood and scenes. Using interesting sound effects typical of a Thai drama, the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes and then break the tension by transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted moments. I love all the music - the songs as well as the instrumental and vocal pieces.
I could not give this show a perfect 10 because of two main reasons - 1) the use of noble idiocy, a trope that should go extinct, and 2) the show skimped on romantic scenes between Arthit and Paeng. Instead of throwing in a subplot, we could have appreciated more scenes where Paeng fell back in love with Arthit after his confession.
Overall, I would recommend this lakorn to everyone, although I am probably among the last few who have not seen it earlier.
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Fun Rom-Com Done Perfectly, Thai Style
So I finally got around to watching this lakorn after so many recommendations, and I totally agree with the positive reviews! Despite some dark drama like murders, ghosts and human trafficking, this show has infectious, feel-good energy, thanks to the cast of characters that one cannot help but root for. The supporting characters are so over the top and at times ridiculous that you cannot help but laugh. Had this been a K-drama or C-drama, I would have called it cheap humor, but somehow it works in a Thai drama. I have nothing bad to say about the cast, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Kao and Great. They play off each other so well, and the dialogue and interactions between them just flow so smoothly. It's definitely a well-paced romance that is fitting to the plot. I love watching the sweet moments between them and how the sparks begin to fly as their relationship develops.I really like how the show incorporates natural skinship between the couples, family, and friends. It is not always about hot steamy scenes for the couples, and I appreciate watching the characters offer comforting hugs and closeness via hands touching or someone's head leaning on another's shoulder. The human touch is essential in a relationship, and the show does well showcasing this.
Kao really sparkles in this show, and you can see her acting range as Suam as she displays various emotions. She is such a natural beauty, and visually, she is such an excellent match to Great. They make a gorgeous-looking couple, especially with their height difference. Great portrays Rut, an intelligent, fair, but tough cop role very well, and I guarantee you that he would endear himself to anyone the minute they see him smile.
The secondary couple is also amusing to watch, and they have some great scenes together. It is cute that the second female lead is so into the Korean culture, and I love how the show uses that as a plot device and weaves it in so effectively, especially during the ending when they paid homage to a K-drama that I liked.
The OST is catchy - fitting for the scenes, and I read somewhere that Kao sang the main song. The starting song is fun to listen to and lends the same tone of fun that is infused throughout the show.
Overall, it was a well-done show, and the only reason I did not rate it a perfect 10 is that there is a scene where Rut displays some physical aggressiveness towards Suam. The scene is actually very tame compared to other Thai dramas, but I do not condone any acts of aggression or abuse, especially when in the context of a male dominating a female. Still, I hope that it does not deter the few who have not watched this show. Do give it a try!
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Letting Go of What Was and Accepting What Is
This show is not perfect, and at times, it can be a little slow but regardless, it is an enjoyable watch. It did a good job showcasing the romance between two people who have become jaded about love after suffering painful heartbreaks while delivering on good character development for all involved. The series balanced light and fun moments with witty and sophisticated dialogue. It also showed depth in dealing with heavier themes like mental illness and the pain of loss, and the struggles of moving on. Another plus point was the OST, and the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes during heartbreaking scenes while transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted scenes. I liked the tracks, all of them, including the instrumental pieces.I loved the references to 'Crash Landing On You", and I had a faint hope that maybe Seo Ji Hye and Kim Jung Hyun may reunite in 'Dinner Mate' with a happier ending for them. Of course, that was not to be. Instead, we have Seo Ji Hye paired with Song Seung Heon resulting in a lovely, heart-warming story of a man and a woman who found love and comfort in each other's company as they share their lives through having meals together. I love that the our lead couple's story started with them crossing paths on Jeju Island, and through a string of coincidences led to them choosing to be dinner mates with certain ground rules like not sharing personal information about each other. That kicked off a comfortable relationship that allowed them glimpses of each other's brokenness, and eventually to them letting go of their past and starting anew with their own sweet romance.
Seo Ji Hye shined as the unpredictable, cool, and energetic Woo Doo Hee. She played such a different character in CLOY, and I did not expect to like her so much as PD Woo. She was charming, natural, funny, and the role of a strong, sassy FL who held her ground fitted her perfectly. In my book, Seo Ji He has proven to be a note-worthy leading lady. Song Seung Hoon's chemistry with her was magnetic, and as the charismatic psychiatrist Dr. Kim Hae Kyung, his acting was on point. I find it refreshing to have a leading man who is a true dramaland Oppa; mature, good-looking, suave, sexy, and most importantly, caring. From the very beginning, he was kind and considerate to Doo Hee, looking after her and keeping her company on the day of her breakup despite them being practically strangers. Throughout the show, we can see the dashing doctor going out of his way to help others. Honestly, Song Seung Hoon made my heart fluttered so much that I am on a mission to watch more of his shows.
The supporting lead stars were equally and effectively great in portraying their roles. Lee Ji Hoon left a lasting impression on me as Jung Jae Hyuk, Woo Do Hee's ex-boyfriend, who had to deal with his own family troubles and the resulting trauma. He was so good at emoting, switching easily to tearful, heartbreaking scenes that made me cry along with him. We can understand why Jae Hyuk left Doo Hee so suddenly, and I think one can also relate to his desperation to winning her back. For a while, I was rooting for him; that's how good Lee Ji Hoon played his role. On the other hand, I felt more hate than love towards Jin No Eul, Hae Kyung's ex-girlfriend, who wanted him back after realizing that he was still the best catch for her. Son Na Eun did a good job as the possessive, self-absorbed social influencer who eventually came to accept her past mistakes that led her to lose Hae Kyung. Additionally, Ye Ji Won and Park Ho San as Nam Ah Young and Keanu, respectively, provided lots of hilarity during their quirky romance.
I thought this show was under-rated on MDL, and I noticed quite a few negative comments were about how the show focused too much on the exes. I disagree - I found that the exes provide the right amount of tension, and it's the kind of conflict that I have come to appreciate about K-Dramas.
Overall, I recommend this heart-warming show about second chances and acceptance, accepting that some things are not meant to be and that it is never too late to look for happiness.
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Solid plot, charming romance, well-timed comedy and enough political intrigue to chew on
This was indeed a well-executed show with a sophisticated and witty script. Good content filled each episode and the show balanced between political intrigue, romance, comedy, and drama nicely. The hilarious moments were well-timed, and using the OST and interesting sound effects, the show almost always hit the right dramatic notes while transitioning smoothly to more light-hearted scenes. I liked the OST, all of it, the songs and the instrumental pieces.I appreciated how the writers realistically weaved in the theme of female empowerment without using the cross-dressing trope. The women legitimately proved their intelligence and worth, ending up as historians in the palace after passing the civil exam. The show also handled the inclusion of various thought-provoking topics perfectly, like the clash between the Western and Korean cultures and religion, the embrace of modern ideas like science versus traditional beliefs, and gender and class inequality.
Shin Se Kyung mesmerized me throughout the show. She acted well as our plucky heroine, plus she is so lovely to look at, and I quite enjoyed admiring her gorgeous features, especially during her close-ups. Her voice suited her character, Goo Hae Ryung who was thoughtful, intelligent, well-read, brave, observant, and rational. Her rationality could be considered a point of frustration for our male lead, Prince Dowon, since Hae Ryung usually did not have a romantic bone in her body. That why I was pleasantly surprised that she initiated the first kiss while quoting a romantic phrase back to Prince Dowon.
The noona romance was another plus point for the show. The chemistry between the two leads was palpable, and the show was clever to leverage the age gap and shaped out the characters in a believable way. Cha Eun Woo portrayed the handsome and naive Prince Dowon perfectly, an adorable young romantic who wore his heart on his sleeve. His micro-expressions were on-point, from being love struck to showing determination and courage when confronting his antagonists. It was endearing to see the character growth of Prince Dowon and, through his coming of age, evolved into a man who consistently stood up for his beliefs, principles, and his love for Hae Ryung.
While I enjoyed watching the romance between the two leads, I did suffer from SLS. I honestly would not have minded if Hae Ryung ended up with Officer Min. For me, he was an excellent match for the FL - a mature, intelligent, principled man would have been a perfect partner for Hae Ryung. I first saw Lee Ji Hoon in "Dinner Mate", but he really caught my eye in this show. There was a certain charisma that I found attractive. I felt the same way about Park Ki Woong, who played the Crown Prince. Those two men totally rocked facial hair.
The downer for me was the dynamic between the Crown Prince and the historian Song. There was just something about the character, Song Sa Hee, that turned me off, and I did not want to see the Crown Prince develop feelings for her. So I ended up fast-forwarding through some of their scenes. This is the reason why I did not rate this show a perfect 10.
The whole cast did well, and even though there were over the top characters, they fitted well into the story. There were no superfluous characters; each one had a purpose and lent to the story.
Overall, if you are looking for quality production, a well-written story with a strong female lead, and a charming romance, you might want to give this show a try.
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Great rom-com featuring a mix of Thai Boran and modern Lakorn.
Featuring a time travel element, this show added a nice twist that gave equal screen time to two story lines set in different eras. Individually, the stories were nothing new - usual villains and plot set-ups, but still, it was an enjoyable watch and they were both pretty well-executed. My only criticism is that the transition between the two eras was a little jarring for me, especially since the switch was done rather quickly after a couple of scenes.A quick synopsis: Opal from the present era and Duangkaew from the Boran era look identical and even have the same parents and personal servant. Due to a prayer of help, they switched places on the night of a full moon. Ultimately, Opal fell in love with the man whose parents and her parents want Duangkaew to marry, and Duangkaew fell in love with Opal's best friend.
Namtarn Pichukkana is gorgeous! It is the first time I watched her, and to me, she did a fantastic job portraying the spunky, intelligent, bold Opal and the gentle, well-mannered court lady Duangkaew. Her chemistry with both male leads was great, although I was more drawn to Opal's and P'Mor's relationship. Opal was my favourite type of FL (i.e., not a simpering weak maiden) and who could resist a male lead like P'Mor. A royal doctor with exceptional warrior skills, he was a charismatic gentleman who can flirt so effectively using just words. What made it even better was that Opal had the fighting skills and bravery to match him, and she is super flirty as well in a modern, forward way. I loved watching her make P'Mor blush.
Puen Chobpradit is ADORABLE with the cutest smile! He portrayed the dignified Luang Osotworrawech (P'Mor) perfectly, and he was charismatic. His micro-expressions were on point, changing from flirty to fierce, from gentle to strong easily. Ting Kratingg, another fine-looking actor, did pretty well as PeePop, although I think the other lead actors were better.
The supporting cast was good too, and the parents of Opal and Duengkaew were hilarious. The show used sound effects well to highlight the comedic moments.
I enjoyed the music selection. Between the love songs and the fun rap, each piece fitted the scene/mood well. I was glad that I found the main ones on YouTube.
I liked learning a bit about the history of Ayutthaya, and the setting was just beautiful. I lusted after the Boran outfits - The silk clothing worn by the men and women were just so well-coordinated, and the colours were so lovely in the pastels and so rich in the brights.
It is too bad that it is so hard to find the dramas with English subtitles. I got lucky and found this gem on Telegram. You should definitely give this show a chance!
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Satisfying journey of unrequited love
After re-watching this show, I felt compelled to write a review even though there were already many written.Definitely one of my top 3 favorite Thai lakorns! The show used the OST effectively, and the music enhanced the scenes and moods. I enjoyed the story and the writing and thought that the usage of poetry was creative. I also liked the scenes where they highlighted Myanmar and its temples, although I read that the show painted a rosier picture than how the reality was in the Dawei SEZ.
What I appreciated the most was the character development of the OTP, and especially the ML. The chemistry between the couple was on point, and the actors did a fantastic job. They played off each other well and nailed every scene, including the crying ones. Superficial me was drawn to their good looks and how adorably they matched each other.
Mew Nittha portrayed Muey beautifully, indeed an iron fist in a velvet glove. Extremely smart (hacker-level), lovely in appearance and character, Muey displayed such grace in her unrequited love for Thien. Even though she tended to put Thien before herself, she was not a doormat. In contrast, Muey showed such strength, determination, and sincerity so pure that I enjoyed watching her grow further into her own. She never gave up on her love for Thien. Even when she decided that they should part, her ultimate objective was to confirm if they can truly love each other after some space and time apart. By the way, I loved how Muey delivered that blow to Thien in such a calm, gentle, but so effective way.
Mark Prin, as Thien, demonstrated how well he could flex his acting muscles, and his expressions were hilarious during the comedic moments! Thien was a jerk initially, which made it so very satisfying to watch him come around and realized how deeply he loved Muey. In Muey, he actually found his "perfect" woman, the one who loved him unconditionally. It was clever how the show weaved in scenes showing his character development and the evolution of his love for Muey.
The show did well in giving the audience scenes where the ML ended up working hard to win the FL back, and they did not do it in a rushed manner. It was most gratifying, and the ending was just awesome!
The supporting cast all deserved a big shout out! There was a great rapport between all the actors, and all of them did amazingly I was won over by Thien's and Mew's side kicks, and Thien's family (Aunt Satchi, Ri and Mon) were simply endearing.
All in all, I highly recommend this lakorn!
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While there were many great scenes between the OTP (mostly slaps and kisses in the beginning), the romance was not the show's primary focus. The show poster that featured the ML prominently clearly indicated this. The story was really all about Tor/Sila, and his singular desire to destroy the ones who wronged him and his mother. The other characters, including Minta, the FL, and Aunt Mam played pivotal roles in his life, but they were still side characters whose purpose was to convince Tor to move on from the past. Their goodness served as a foil to Sila's thirst for revenge against the villains.
The show was an emotional roller coaster for me, and I enjoyed the melodrama. The cast did a fantastic job, and almost all actors portrayed their parts with so much intensity. For me, Tor Leeluttanakajorn really carried the show. He completely got the character, Sila, a man who initially would stop at nothing to get his revenge. His expressions were on-point, and he emoted his scenes so well, including the crying ones. Sila was suave, sexy, charismatic, and had a swagger that Tor pulled off very nicely.
Also noteworthy were Noon Wattanajinda as Mam and Ann Siriam as Sida. They were perfect counterpoints to each other. Mam was the Queen, and I love her character. She was gorgeous, smart, and strong, not only mentally but also physically. That woman can kick ass! Noon portrayed Mam perfectly as a woman with so much dignity even though she was a mistress. Sida was the witch, so wicked with no conscience. I truly hated her, but Ann was excellent in her acting, being so deliciously evil. The two dads were also awesome albeit they showed their support much later in the show.
I can understand why there were many negative comments about the FL's character. Often, she was just the wide-eyed, crying prop. Ferny Nopjira, as Minta fitted the pretty picture of innocence and unbelievable naiveté that distracted Sila from his mission. Her acting was OK but I don't know if it was the writing that prevented her from displaying a wider acting range. They did not even give her good dialogues to work with.
I would have rated this show a perfect 10 if they had written in a better FL character. That said, since the romance was just part of the plot, I found it acceptable that Minta had little character development. Especially when it was her caring heart and her unwavering love for Sila that helped him find peace in the end. There was definitely chemistry between the OTP, and the height difference was so cute.
I have to admit that I loved how Sila carried out his revenge against the villains. He was intelligent and rational; most times, he was one step ahead of the game. Sadly, he did suffer a devastating loss as a consequence of his actions. When that happened, I cried buckets, especially since I did not expect the plot to take such a turn. The villains truly deserved to be hated, and I enjoyed seeing them get their retribution.
The OST was great, fitting for the various scenes. It is actually the first Thai lakorn OST that made it to my regular playlist.
All in all, it was a great show, and the rewatch value is high.
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