This review may contain spoilers
P'Jak collecting sisters
Third edition of the shared universe.Follows the story of Jak and Noopok who once classmates from elementary school cross paths years later in a drug deal gone wrong shootout where Jak is now a police officer and Noopok an innocent bystander caught in the cross fire. While Jak is instantly enamored, Noopok is less than enthusiastic. She wants nothing to do with Jak who was once her high school bully. How they cross paths multiple times and eventually overcome their past differences forms the basic premise of the story.
The direction and cinematography of this edition was much better than the past two. However, the series felt much more of a slow burn. The over-arching theme in the Dhevaprom series is the FL and their relationships with their respective mothers and for our FL, the search for her mother in the middle of the show kind of takes a back seat, instead of propelling the narrative forward as in the case of the past two series. Hence making the show seem a bit draggy in the middle.
In contrast, the main couple in this edition felt much more relatable and realistic. With the plot in the background, our main leads actually had some time to talk and get to know each other. The late night sneaking around with landline calls and tape recording moments were giving me life.
I liked the OST and of course our side couple Jack and Annie stole the show for me. At some point in the show I was more invested in their storyline than whatever was happening with the FL's quest for the brooch and her mother.
The ending with the identity of FL's mother was pretty anti-climatic. It was build-up to be a lot more important than what it turned out to be. Jak was the sweetest player turned lover boy. Also I think it was a crime that we don't see much of the kids in the later episodes considering how they were an important part of the first half and made the show much more enjoyable.
Overall: I liked the show and the development between the leads bit more than the past two editions. Their conversations and interactions felt more organic. However, some of the scenes could have been skipped to make the show more tight-paced. Quite an enjoyable watch and would recommend if you are a fan of the universe.
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This review may contain spoilers
More than just a fantasy show
In short: I loved it and would recommend everyone that likes a bit of fantasy romance to definitely give this a chance.Long review: (Might contain spoilers)
Story and the concept- I am not a big fantasy watcher but I loved the whole concept of the doors and the world-building inside every door. I came into the show completely blind but the themes and stories inside the doors blew my mind especially the fact that they were based upon various cultural legends and tales. I would have to admit that the 10th door was my favorite. All the doors were incredible and instantly pulled you in. I really liked the way the show brought the book to life.
I started with the show but then midway decided to read the book too as I wanted to learn more in depth about the rules of the doors ( as they were sometime not explained very well in depth in the show).
In the show my personal favorite part was that they made LQS's characters more special. Even though everyone in the book (mainly RNZ) always said LQS was special, him literally solving the door ghost's problems and being just a kind guy really made the character extra special and endearing for me.
Therefor, in the context of the cinematography and the story adaptation I feel the drama did a very good job. Better than I could have imagined. I loved the little twists and extra storylines they added for some door ghosts and side characters. (One of the biggest example the father of the triplets from the second door).
Acting: I was not familiar with any of the actors before this show but they were all pretty watchable and according to me played their roles really well. Some actors (like the twins) did a great job. Especially towards the end of the show.
And since this is a censored version there was not too much chemistry between our main leads at most times but you still get the feels in the longing stares (from RNZ). Since I was reading the book while watching the show, it really helped fill in the gaps in terms of the close-ness between the leads. So in my mind it wasn't lacking too much but yes their relationship not very explicit in the show.
Thoughts on the ending: While they I loved some of the changes they made in the show from the book, there were definitely some that were a bit questionable (SPOILER ALERT: THE ENDING). I fell in love with the ending of the book with RNZ and his arc as the 12th door. I cannot express in words how the ending made me feel. Like WDYM RNZ was LQS's 12th door - his heart's calamity. Therefore I was not the biggest fan of the ending of the show that not only made the whole adventure of the doors a sort of hallucination for LQS also made him seem like this slightly crazy guy who spent 50 years of his life trying to get back a 'virtual group' of friends, never actually living a decent life in the reality.
But I like to think of the endings of the book and the show as a pair of parallel universes where in one universe RNZ gave up the 'virtual world', his whole identity, to stay forever with LQS in the real world and LQS spent his whole life and gave up on the real world in order to create a virtual world where RNZ is exists. If I had to make an edit about them, I would use the song midnight rain by Taylor Swift.
OVERALL: Its unlike any other show that I have watched before and I would definitely recommend every one check this out. It is not a show you would regret clicking on. It is very well made and you can feel the hard work the crew (on and off screen) have put into it. It kept me entertained throughout the episodes and I do not remember a moment that I felt was filler or irrelevant. In contrast I would be willing to watch these cuties go through many more doors. The writing was very strong in the first 90% of the show and it kind of starts going downhill towards the end (where they stray from the book) but still an enjoyable watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
First of all, I LOVE the poster and overall vibe of the show. The show id directed beautifully with Fah's moments of breaking the fourth wall done so well. The story of the show is quite complex with FL going in to get some revenge on ML's cousin but instead falls for the ML instead. Throw in a psychotic mother, charming second lead and lot of office politics.
The show is very well made from the direction, cinematography, phenomenal acting from the leads and a very memorable OST. In terms of a 'drama' it serves you with the perfect amount of cute moments and angst. Although it stumbles a little in the second half with a few repetitive scenes, it manages to hold your attention until the very end.
While a self-sacrificing older brother and extremely forgiving daughter do not make the best pair on paper, our leads manage to showcase a beautiful chemistry.
I think the ending of the show was a bit rushed with multiple conclusions happening in the same episode. Instead I think a bit more time should have been given to the change of FL's mother's heart and her journey.
Loved the pairing of Petch and Fah. The second couple Vit and Ploy had their ups and down but overall do not end up as memorable as the second lead pair from the last part. As always the Juthathep family remains the most supportive family ever.
Overall: I loved the show and would recommend it even if you know nothing about any of the series from the shared universe. I have become a fan of the Main leads and would be on the look out for their other projects.
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This review may contain spoilers
Came here straight from Laorchan. Dr. Chat gets his own story with his 'young wife' as everyone in the show puts it. It is a pretty decent show and keeps you engaged. While the basic story is between an army doctor posted in the countryside falling for the local tough tomboy, there is a lot of going on in the background with the drug gangs and parental issues to keep one invested.
I liked most of the characters and I think the leads acted quite decently despite this being ML's debut. The actress playing FL's mother definitely played the best. She brought a lot of energy to the shots she was in. And even though you hate her, you cannot stop watching her ><
In terms of the chemistry between the leads, I have the same thoughts as the last show. They are never shown to/given any time to actually develop these deep feelings in the first half of the show before they are ready to quite literally risk their lives for each other. Like they never had a normal romantic conversation. Makes it a bit difficult for me to believe that they are so deeply in love. But I think that is in most part the flaw of the script and less the actors.
The setting and the cinematography remains mid. Its not very out of place but does not really pull you into the world.
Absolutely loved the sibling relationships (kong-tai and chat-kej) and the Kej-Park storyline.
Overall its not a complete waste of time. Dr. Chat is really cute and some parts of the show are very enjoyable. This part definitely has more 'drama' than the first one. I like the whole Juthathep family. They seem like the most fuss-free and supportive family ever. The interactions between the family members remain my favorite.
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Not the best but not the worst
I came into this universe accidently and decided to checkout all the parts. Basically this show is part of the Juthathep brothers universe. A story of 5 brothers finding lover everywhere except there arranged marriage partners (5 parts released in 2013 one for each brother) and now the same universe is extended with the sons of these brother being the main leads. And while I have read only good reviews about the older series I decided to start with these new ones and in the order they are made starting with Laorchan first.As the first introduction to the universe, it is not bad. And since I read that it gets better in latter parts, I decided to stick around. It is quite watchable even without knowing about the whole parent's lore but I guess you do miss out of some references and callbacks.
Story: As a single standing series the story of the show was pretty engaging. The whole rebellion plot and the arc of the off road adventure was enjoyable and I looked forward to see the conclusion. The base of the story is a classic one lead trying to deceive the other for personal reasons but accidently falling in love and its done nicely. Although towards the end the arc of the FL trying to do something for her family/find her family became a bit redundant. Some of the side characters had pretty nice arcs - like the crown prince learning about the condition of the people in the countryside.
Acting and chemistry: I think all the actors did a pretty good job. It was not exceptional but they did well with the material they were provided. They delivered their emotions well (Gulf in episode 7). In terms of chemistry, I felt that the main leads did not have a lot of chemistry however that was more due to the script than the actors. The FL was getting close to the ML for her personal agenda but the ML just fell head over heels for her and we are supposed to believe that even though the FL means business, she cant help but feel something for the ML. However, the FL had this 'game face on' throughout the first half of the show (when they are actually supposed to get close/build a relationship). She always showed more emotions for the SML. This made it difficult to believe that the leads had this 'deep' connection that they would follow each other to the ends of the world. I wish we could have seen some moments where she was doubting the whole plan just because she didn't want the ML to feel hurt. Other than that, the two side couples were absolutely adorable, to the point that I want to see more of their stories. Colonel Wachira being an absolute golden retriever in Kan's presence was the cutest.
The setting and cinematography: The show seems to be set somewhere in the late 80s and the setting does feel retro but it doesn't hit you with that nostalgic feels. If I pick a random frame from anywhere in the show, I would not be able to immediately guess where it is set. While it doesn't feel too much out of place, I believe some more work of the set would have made the show much better.
Overall: While it is not a masterpiece, you would not regret wasting your time on this show. It lacks on many fronts but the endearing family connections make up for some of it.
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