Flamingo
This review may contain spoilers
The benchmark for Thai BL dramas
Without any doubt, this is the best Thai BL drama ever made. The cast is fantastic and play against each other wonderfully. There is such chemistry among all of the principals, not just the leads, where the chemistry is almost palpable. The concept is ground breaking: the elements of love, crime, mythology, religion, family and mystery work together like a fine tuned watch! Idol Factory did us all a favor by taking on such a difficult project.The nuts and bolts of the production are top notch, from the music, to the costumes, to the cinematography, to the special effects, to the scenery. Add that the already mentioned support cast's smooth performances and you have a really great series. Where the casting hits a home run is with the leads. WOW. Babe and Billy.....what a combination! They didn't just entertain us, they drew us into their world. I hope that there is another series waiting for them and us. And soon.
Was this a perfect series? No, of course not. There have been complaints with the pacing sometimes and so called "plot holes", but you have that in any series. I consider them at best minor distractions. My one disappointment was in the ending. It could have been done better. To me it looks rushed and cobbled together. However, that does not diminish the overall quality of the series.
Will I watch it again? Yes. But as much as that, I'd like to see the Inspector round up this crew and solve another crime. Perhaps this could be an ongoing crime/mysticism series. Saddle up Phaya and Tharn and the rest of this police squad and let them make the world safe for all of us.
Was this review helpful to you?
I loved it!!
Gorgeous men, fantastic scenery, great music, interesting plot with a lot of surprises. Ok, ok, ok, I know it wasn't Shakespeare. It isn't supposed to be. To those who compared it to a soap opera; what's wrong with that? That is what BL stories are. They are light entertainment. And this series delivers! From a technical point of view, it has all of the great qualities of a Thai BL that we all love down to the perfect costuming. It also has all of the disappointing features of every BL series; too many loooong loving stares, too many looong teasing conversations, too often looong plot development. But once again, those qualities are found in every series in this genre.My single complaint is the lack of any development of the relationship of the secondary characters. I have been a fan of Chimon since his performance in "Sweet Boy". I've enjoyed watching his acting skill grow. The same is true for Perth since "Love By Chance". Two actors with their experience and skills deserved more face time and expanding their characters would have added depth to the story line.
In summary, not a perfect piece, but a darn good one and well worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
I loved this series.
All of you nay sayers need to get a life. It is a great series. Well acted, well produced, great music, interesting story lines. Extremely creativity in the ending but the best one could consider, given the nature of the story. People this is a science fiction drama. Not real life. Sit back and enjoy it. Enjoy the story lines as they grow and expand. Enjoy the actors doing their craft, especially Cooper and Marc. My only suggestion is that there was a little too much padding, dragging out of scenes, which is pretty typical. This story could have been well told in 10 episodes.Still it is a fun story, so just have fun with it.
Was this review helpful to you?
DELICIOUS!!!
I'm loving this. It's right out of the soap opera hand book. Lots of personal conflicts, twists and turns, long close ups, sweet love and devious plots, characters you want to hold and comfort and characters you want to throttle, trust and betrayal. The production values are excellent, the music moves the plot along, and of course the cast is overloaded with cute men. Most of the actors are veterans so they carry their roles as the professionals they are. I won't go into any plot specifics so that I don't drop any spoilers. Just watch.I can't wait for the next episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
Ok, ok, ok. What's going on?
Granted I've only watched two episodes, but by now I think I should know a little more about the direction this is heading. I don't have a clue. There are too many characters being thrown in too fast: too many conflicts that seem to have no connection to each other, rather like conflict just for the sake of conflict; and just a general looseness. On the plus side, the scenery is beautiful and there are a lot of very attractive actors. The story might begin to come together so I'll give it another episode or two, but honestly, I don't hold out much hope.Was this review helpful to you?
Don't wast your time
What a disappointment!!A good horror movie is hard to pull off. And this one fails miserably. Other than a couple of cute young men and a glimpse or two of nudity (if you enjoy that sort of thing) there is nothing to recommend in this disaster. And even that isn't enough; the plot is trite, the pacing ragged, the cinematography third rate and the ending absurd and confusing. If I were either of the three leads, I'd fire the agents that got me into this train wreck. They all deserve better and hopefully their careers can overcome this waste.
Was this review helpful to you?
What's not to love?
One of the best BL series I've seen. So many little things done right. Really cute actors accurately cast. Interesting and very sophisticated dialog. The story takes place in an all boys school but the costuming manages to keep the scenes fresh with minor adjustments to the uniforms. Music that enhances the story. Gorgeous cinematography. Very interesting personalities of the characters. The pacing is excellent as we move along gently with the characters as they change and mature. I could go on but you get the picture. If you haven't started it, yet don't hesitate. You will fall in love with all of them.Here's a thought. They were seniors in high school. Why not a second season with their experiences at a university?
Was this review helpful to you?
What could have been
This series had such promise, but didn't deliver. There were very attractive young actors, some gorgeous Thai scenery, and a cute plot device. It didn't have the ending I would have written but that isn't my complaint. The series is uneven at best, for which I have to blame the director. The pacing is way too slow, there are too many loooong empty scenes, the actors often seem to be standing there awaiting direction, and there are too many unexplained plot devices and loose ends that are never tied up, a real surplus of flash backs, and production values like lighting, cinematography, etc. are way below what we have come to expect for Thai BL series.I hope the actors' careers aren't hampered by this lack of direction because they do show promise. I'd like to see this cast in another story with a competent director. I recommend watching in spite of the flaws.
Was this review helpful to you?
Good but could be bettter
I'm enjoying this drama very much. It has interesting story lines, attractive young actors, and acceptable technical values. The problem is one of pacing. Too many long periods of inaction drag the episodes out. There are times when you want to shout at the screen to get the story moving. But that aside, this is a fun series and I highly recommend it. I applaud the acting of these young actors. Folk Inthirat has grown in his profession and young Phu Thungonsung shows skills beyond his listed experience. The other youngsters do a commendable job. Any flaws are laid at the feet of the director. I'll add to this review after I've seen every episode.Was this review helpful to you?
Not all good not all bad
First the good, I know I'm in the minority, but I enjoyed watching a re-telling of the story. Perhaps because a love affair between two such different men is interesting to me. The childish, impulsive, fiercely loyal Can paired with the cool , calculating (almost cold) controlled Tin appeals to me. Probably because of the excellent job the led actors did in taking on the characters. They became Can and Tin instead of merely portraying them. This series is worth watching if for no other reason than seeing Plan and Mean work against each other. The chemistry is certainly there. This particular story is finished in this series but I'd like to see them together in other series . Another positive note was Meen's nasty big brother role. Yeah you really got to hate him. Stealing the show however was the bratty nephew whose name I can't locate. Cute kid, lots of talent. Finally Yacht's lovably annoying Pond is great.Another reason to watch is the sensitive and classy way the sex angle was handled. This is a story of college age young men, not children, so to pretend that they just sigh into each others eyes and hold hands is unrealistic.
The bad was pretty bad. Too many disjointed story lines shifting and jumping about. Perth's considerable talents are completely wasted. The secondary romances seemed to be cobbled together just to provide something to eat up air time. None of them are really interesting. But neither were they explored in any depth. It could have been so much better with a little effort.
Should the reader watch it. I think so. As flawed as it is, it does have some positive moments. Would I watch it again. Yes I will.
Was this review helpful to you?
Just doit!
Go head and watch. I know it has a lot of young actors and hasn't generated a lot of buzz but this little production is worth your time. The production values are right up there with the quality that he have come to expect from Thai BL. The young cast delivers big time. The chemistry almost sparkles. These three young men really light up the story line. The story is simple and straightforward with out the outlandish twists and turns that are starting to show up in other Thai BL series. I can believe the story and mainly I can believe how the cast presents it to me. So invest the time. You should have plenty of it. Covid right? My only regret is that I can't have one or all three of gorgeous these young men for my very own.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Do not pass on this series!
Another excellent product from the Philippine BL industry. I can't find anything to dislike about this series other than the episodes are too short and there aren't enough of them. I don't know where it will end but I'm ready for a sequel. It's that good. Even though the sets, the costumes, the props, the music , the cast, the acting are all top notch. I just have to single out the music which so perfectly moves the story along. The two leads capture you and hold you close. They draw you to them. You relate to the character; the sad, rejected and lonely one and the confused, unsure and insecure other. You immediately identify with the brave front they put on. You want to reach out and comfort each of them.If the brown out / prom dance sequence doesn't bring tears to your eyes you are made of stone.
Ian's "Vlad" is perfectly played. You sympathize but not pity. Paolo's "Karl" reminds us all of our times lacking confidence. Both of these men are going to make serious waves in the acting community going forward. If I had to pick just one to kidnap and take to a mountain retreat someplace it would have been Paolo. As good as Ian is, and he is very good, Paolo resonated with me the most.
Watch and enjoy.
Was this review helpful to you?
Welcome back!!!!
I was disappointed at the end of "Gifted's" first season. I wanted more. Now I have it. I've read some of the criticisms and I must respectfully disagree. I love all of the plot twists. You are never comfortable and that's what a great mystery does. You are jolted around from beginning up to the very end. Who can ask for more from a mystery? The story line is carried perfectly by some really outstanding performances by some very young actors. They make you believe. You are carried with them through all of the ups and downs.All of the technical elements blend perfectly in telling this story. Music, sets, lighting, cinematography wonderfully support the acting.
Now that all episodes are out, you might find yourself binging. I advise against that. Space your episodes out, giving yourself time to get caught up in the suspense.
Is this series worth re-watching? I say a resounding YES. Ok, ok so you know the ending. Go back and enjoy the performances and enjoy the complications throughout. Yes, It's that good
Was this review helpful to you?
An interesting beginning
I've seen just 4 episodes and I'm pleasantly impressed. This is one top notch series. The production values are first rate. The cast well suited to their roles. I don't know where this series will go in the future, but I was struck by the chemistry between Mean and Peak. That these two men are accomplished actors isn't news, but they play off each other so well. I'll comment more as the story line moves along. The supporting cast is still fleshing out their places in the story so where and how each fits will be an adventure. There are episodes reamaining for me. I can't wait for more!Was this review helpful to you?
Is this the first of a new series? Is this the set up for a sequel? There are so many unanswered questions. The ending is pretty confusing. On the positive side, most of the characters are well acted, especially "Pun". Young Ryu Jessadakorn practically carries the series. His facial expressions are beyond someone so young. I hope he continues in acting because he has made a fan of me. The rest of the cast are engaging and well done. So while I have some disappointment with this ending, I'd like to see a sequel where the questions are answered and the characters developed more.
Technically this was well done. The settings, the music, the framing, the pace were right on.
So if the reader has doubts, go ahead and watch, there is much to like.
Was this review helpful to you?
