This review may contain spoilers
When love trascends Time…
Love Upon a Time is a drama that I stumbled upon completely by accident. On the very first day it started airing, it appeared in my recommendations. I watched the trailer, then the pilot, and it immediately caught my attention. Given the apparent richness of its world and the themes it seemed to explore, I told myself it would be wiser to wait until the series had finished airing before watching it properly. As usual, I then had the brilliant idea of simply “checking the temperature” by watching a few minutes of the first episode. Naturally, I fell straight into the trap. I liked what I saw, then I watched the entire episode, then the next one, and before I knew it, I was trapped in the dreaded weekly viewing curse for the next three months. Despite having my patience tested on a regular basis, I do not regret this adventure for a single second.
That being said, I do have a few reservations about the overall tone of the drama. Considering the historical setting, which is relatively rigid and traditional, I was expecting something a little more serious. My deeply masochistic tendency to enjoy stories that rip my heart out would probably have appreciated a bit more emotional brutality. Some situations that could have been genuinely tragic are often approached with a surprising amount of lightness. I am mainly thinking about Nakhun’s extremely flamboyant personality and the way certain characters eventually accept the protagonists’ relationship rather quickly. There is still rejection and resistance, which remains believable for the historical context, but watching parents accept within a single episode that their heir has fallen in love with another man occasionally felt a little rushed. I felt the same way about the ending. When Phop is left alone after Klao’s departure, the story remains relatively gentle despite how heartbreaking the situation actually is. In the same vein, I would have found it incredibly emotional if the return to the present had been more difficult. If Nakhun had been forced to win Phop over again, perhaps even facing the possibility that he might never remember their story. My poor heart would have suffered tremendously, but a part of me probably would have loved every second of it. Still, my initial reservations eventually became secondary because this lightness is also an essential part of the drama’s identity. And to be fair, Nakhun is absolutely hilarious. Between his legendary bad luck constantly creating disasters in the present, waking up four hundred years in the past, desperately trying to escape servants like some Thai version of Jack Sparrow, and his endless ability to test Phop’s patience with every new disaster he creates, I laughed constantly. This comedic side brings genuine balance to the story and is probably one of the reasons I became so attached to this world. Because beneath its lighthearted exterior, Love Upon a Time ultimately tells a remarkably engaging story. It combines reincarnation, time travel, an investigation involving the opium trade, several mysteries that gradually unfold, and above all, a romance that completely charmed me from beginning to end.
I have always had a weakness for slow burns, but historical slow burns are truly my greatest weakness. Here, the traditional Thai setting brings something particularly beautiful to the romance. The dialogue often feels almost poetic. The characters speak with a delicacy and lyricism that give their conversations a unique charm. In fact, I would have loved to understand all the nuances of the old dialect and the wordplay that were probably lost in translation. Because sometimes they say things that are incredibly sweet. Or completely ridiculous. It would be impossible not to mention Phop and his romantic metaphors, which range from genuinely poetic to spectacularly absurd. His famous comparison involving a war elephant ready to return to battle will probably remain engraved in my memory forever. Ancient Asian sexual metaphors are truly an experience of their own. But what touched me most was the sincerity of their love. I have always had a soft spot for protective characters capable of incredible selflessness when it comes to the people they love, and Phop checks every single box. His love for Klao is unconditional. Yes, he occasionally has a tendency to watch over him a little too closely and tries to shield him from everything, but he gradually learns that loving someone also means allowing them the freedom to make their own choices. And honestly, how could I not fall for a character like that?
For his part, Nakhun had promised himself from the beginning that he would never get attached. He knew perfectly well that this story could only end badly. He knew that sooner or later he would return to his own era. He knew that a future together was impossible. And yet, despite everything, he falls in love. That is probably what makes some scenes so devastating, particularly when he confesses his feelings while insisting that their love can never truly exist. As the story progresses, however, he gradually begins losing his sense of belonging between his present life and Klao’s past. Once his memories start returning, it almost feels as though their two souls slowly merge together. Little by little, he forgets that he does not belong in that time period and that he could disappear at any moment.
I also appreciated the importance given to the supporting cast. Every character serves a purpose and contributes in some way to the progression of the story. Jom and Kaew are probably the best example of this. In the present, they are already close friends of Nakhun. In the past, however, they are complete strangers. Yet over time, he unconsciously rebuilds that same friendship through Klao. This leads to some genuinely beautiful moments, especially when they come to rescue him and embrace him. It may seem like a small gesture, but emotionally it carries a great deal of weight.
While the romance takes center stage, the plot itself should not be overlooked either. It remains relatively simple, but it is constructed well enough to keep the audience invested. From the very beginning, several questions encourage us to keep watching. How did Klao die? Why was his father executed? Who was responsible? Personally, I figured out the culprit fairly early on. The clues were subtle enough to remain believable while still being noticeable enough to raise suspicions. Yet that never prevented me from enjoying the gradual unraveling of the mystery. Each episode brings new revelations, and the stakes continue to grow larger. Not to mention the relentless cliffhangers that made the weekly wait particularly painful.
Finally, I have to talk about the production itself. Like most Domundi productions, this is an exceptionally polished drama. The sets are beautiful, the costumes are stunning, and the cinematography is gorgeous throughout. Visually, it is a real feast. The cast is equally impressive. Net once again showcases all of his charisma, presence, and ability to convey a remarkable amount of emotion through nothing more than a glance. As for JJ, he genuinely surprised me. For his first leading role, he does an excellent job and forms a very convincing partnership with Net. And of course… the sensuality. I honestly do not know why I convinced myself that this drama would remain relatively tame. Perhaps because the romance was built with such tenderness. Perhaps because I had simply chosen to live in denial. The warning signs were all there: soft lighting, translucent clothing, suspiciously intimate atmospheres… but in my mind, it was all going to end with a kiss followed by a tasteful fade to black. What incredible naivety. I had clearly forgotten which studio was producing this series. Right until the very end, I believed in my illusion. Right until the very end, Domundi reminded me that artistically sensual and beautifully choreographed love scenes remain one of their specialties. Between the very optional use of clothing, the surprisingly uncensored scenes, and the impressive chemistry of both couples, I can safely say I was not disappointed. If there is one thing this studio consistently delivers, it is that.
In the end, despite a few reservations about a tone that occasionally felt a little too light for the themes it was tackling, I can say without the slightest hesitation that I absolutely loved this series. From the very first episode, I was completely immersed in its world. I loved the romance, the characters, the mystery, the atmosphere, and every emotion it made me feel. For three months, I thought about this story almost constantly and obsessed over how it might end. I genuinely did not want it to be over, even if that meant enduring weekly frustration forever. I would have happily continued this journey alongside Phop and Nakhun for much longer. They charmed me in a way I never expected. This may not be the most objectively flawless drama I have ever watched, but it settled itself into my personal favorites with remarkable ease. And for that reason alone, it has more than earned its place in my heart.
That being said, I do have a few reservations about the overall tone of the drama. Considering the historical setting, which is relatively rigid and traditional, I was expecting something a little more serious. My deeply masochistic tendency to enjoy stories that rip my heart out would probably have appreciated a bit more emotional brutality. Some situations that could have been genuinely tragic are often approached with a surprising amount of lightness. I am mainly thinking about Nakhun’s extremely flamboyant personality and the way certain characters eventually accept the protagonists’ relationship rather quickly. There is still rejection and resistance, which remains believable for the historical context, but watching parents accept within a single episode that their heir has fallen in love with another man occasionally felt a little rushed. I felt the same way about the ending. When Phop is left alone after Klao’s departure, the story remains relatively gentle despite how heartbreaking the situation actually is. In the same vein, I would have found it incredibly emotional if the return to the present had been more difficult. If Nakhun had been forced to win Phop over again, perhaps even facing the possibility that he might never remember their story. My poor heart would have suffered tremendously, but a part of me probably would have loved every second of it. Still, my initial reservations eventually became secondary because this lightness is also an essential part of the drama’s identity. And to be fair, Nakhun is absolutely hilarious. Between his legendary bad luck constantly creating disasters in the present, waking up four hundred years in the past, desperately trying to escape servants like some Thai version of Jack Sparrow, and his endless ability to test Phop’s patience with every new disaster he creates, I laughed constantly. This comedic side brings genuine balance to the story and is probably one of the reasons I became so attached to this world. Because beneath its lighthearted exterior, Love Upon a Time ultimately tells a remarkably engaging story. It combines reincarnation, time travel, an investigation involving the opium trade, several mysteries that gradually unfold, and above all, a romance that completely charmed me from beginning to end.
I have always had a weakness for slow burns, but historical slow burns are truly my greatest weakness. Here, the traditional Thai setting brings something particularly beautiful to the romance. The dialogue often feels almost poetic. The characters speak with a delicacy and lyricism that give their conversations a unique charm. In fact, I would have loved to understand all the nuances of the old dialect and the wordplay that were probably lost in translation. Because sometimes they say things that are incredibly sweet. Or completely ridiculous. It would be impossible not to mention Phop and his romantic metaphors, which range from genuinely poetic to spectacularly absurd. His famous comparison involving a war elephant ready to return to battle will probably remain engraved in my memory forever. Ancient Asian sexual metaphors are truly an experience of their own. But what touched me most was the sincerity of their love. I have always had a soft spot for protective characters capable of incredible selflessness when it comes to the people they love, and Phop checks every single box. His love for Klao is unconditional. Yes, he occasionally has a tendency to watch over him a little too closely and tries to shield him from everything, but he gradually learns that loving someone also means allowing them the freedom to make their own choices. And honestly, how could I not fall for a character like that?
For his part, Nakhun had promised himself from the beginning that he would never get attached. He knew perfectly well that this story could only end badly. He knew that sooner or later he would return to his own era. He knew that a future together was impossible. And yet, despite everything, he falls in love. That is probably what makes some scenes so devastating, particularly when he confesses his feelings while insisting that their love can never truly exist. As the story progresses, however, he gradually begins losing his sense of belonging between his present life and Klao’s past. Once his memories start returning, it almost feels as though their two souls slowly merge together. Little by little, he forgets that he does not belong in that time period and that he could disappear at any moment.
I also appreciated the importance given to the supporting cast. Every character serves a purpose and contributes in some way to the progression of the story. Jom and Kaew are probably the best example of this. In the present, they are already close friends of Nakhun. In the past, however, they are complete strangers. Yet over time, he unconsciously rebuilds that same friendship through Klao. This leads to some genuinely beautiful moments, especially when they come to rescue him and embrace him. It may seem like a small gesture, but emotionally it carries a great deal of weight.
While the romance takes center stage, the plot itself should not be overlooked either. It remains relatively simple, but it is constructed well enough to keep the audience invested. From the very beginning, several questions encourage us to keep watching. How did Klao die? Why was his father executed? Who was responsible? Personally, I figured out the culprit fairly early on. The clues were subtle enough to remain believable while still being noticeable enough to raise suspicions. Yet that never prevented me from enjoying the gradual unraveling of the mystery. Each episode brings new revelations, and the stakes continue to grow larger. Not to mention the relentless cliffhangers that made the weekly wait particularly painful.
Finally, I have to talk about the production itself. Like most Domundi productions, this is an exceptionally polished drama. The sets are beautiful, the costumes are stunning, and the cinematography is gorgeous throughout. Visually, it is a real feast. The cast is equally impressive. Net once again showcases all of his charisma, presence, and ability to convey a remarkable amount of emotion through nothing more than a glance. As for JJ, he genuinely surprised me. For his first leading role, he does an excellent job and forms a very convincing partnership with Net. And of course… the sensuality. I honestly do not know why I convinced myself that this drama would remain relatively tame. Perhaps because the romance was built with such tenderness. Perhaps because I had simply chosen to live in denial. The warning signs were all there: soft lighting, translucent clothing, suspiciously intimate atmospheres… but in my mind, it was all going to end with a kiss followed by a tasteful fade to black. What incredible naivety. I had clearly forgotten which studio was producing this series. Right until the very end, I believed in my illusion. Right until the very end, Domundi reminded me that artistically sensual and beautifully choreographed love scenes remain one of their specialties. Between the very optional use of clothing, the surprisingly uncensored scenes, and the impressive chemistry of both couples, I can safely say I was not disappointed. If there is one thing this studio consistently delivers, it is that.
In the end, despite a few reservations about a tone that occasionally felt a little too light for the themes it was tackling, I can say without the slightest hesitation that I absolutely loved this series. From the very first episode, I was completely immersed in its world. I loved the romance, the characters, the mystery, the atmosphere, and every emotion it made me feel. For three months, I thought about this story almost constantly and obsessed over how it might end. I genuinely did not want it to be over, even if that meant enduring weekly frustration forever. I would have happily continued this journey alongside Phop and Nakhun for much longer. They charmed me in a way I never expected. This may not be the most objectively flawless drama I have ever watched, but it settled itself into my personal favorites with remarkable ease. And for that reason alone, it has more than earned its place in my heart.
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