anopinion
Pittsburgh, PA
This review may contain spoilers
I've recently started batching more Thai dramas after a period of drama drought. For me, the most accessible video platform is YouTube, and it so happens that this drama popped up in the suggestions. I actually watched the 2015 version before this, but wasn't super impressed. Curious as to how the original incarnation (which I discovered was not that original after all) differed from the new, I clicked into the playlist. Little did I know that this will kickstart my journey to complete all of Ken T. and Janie T.'s dramas.
On the plot... I would say that it is not anything special. On hindsight, it does seem like the main conflict is far too trivial, and both leads were crippled by their preconceptions and stubbornness. That said, as a relative newbie to Thai dramas, I think the plot was cute and the execution was great. My bar for Thai dramas is set at the no ridiculous trope level, so the story was pretty satisfying for me.
On the acting... It may just be because of their electrifying chemistry, but I thought the main leads were fantastic. I think Ken delivered his character well. Anawat is not likeable per se, but he managed to portray him in a way that's not irritating. Janie looked beautiful in her period costumes. Appearance aside, I thought she gave a great performance as well. I notice that she's slightly awkward in the romantic scenes, but I liked her small gestures and her dialogue delivery. The two actors also have a sort of connection (imo) which makes them great to watch as a couple. As a whole, including the rest of the cast, I thought this was a very well-acted lakorn.
I also love, love, love the opening theme. I don't think there's a way to get it legally though. The only disappointing thing about the drama is the fact that it was aired 15 years ago, and there is no HD re-runs (why?). It was torturous trying to watch it in 240p.
Finally, I also wanted to give my two cents on the old and new versions. I think the old version eclipses the new in every aspect. The first being the execution. The scene where Anawat chased Haitharat down is legendary, but the execution was worlds apart in the two versions. Watch it and you'll know. The acting in the new version is also subpar, but I think that's the issue of having a complete newcomer play the lead role. Ken and Janie's chemistry was off the charts, unlike the new leads as well. I don't want to incite a fan war of any sort, but I think it's evident that there is a superior version.
On the plot... I would say that it is not anything special. On hindsight, it does seem like the main conflict is far too trivial, and both leads were crippled by their preconceptions and stubbornness. That said, as a relative newbie to Thai dramas, I think the plot was cute and the execution was great. My bar for Thai dramas is set at the no ridiculous trope level, so the story was pretty satisfying for me.
On the acting... It may just be because of their electrifying chemistry, but I thought the main leads were fantastic. I think Ken delivered his character well. Anawat is not likeable per se, but he managed to portray him in a way that's not irritating. Janie looked beautiful in her period costumes. Appearance aside, I thought she gave a great performance as well. I notice that she's slightly awkward in the romantic scenes, but I liked her small gestures and her dialogue delivery. The two actors also have a sort of connection (imo) which makes them great to watch as a couple. As a whole, including the rest of the cast, I thought this was a very well-acted lakorn.
I also love, love, love the opening theme. I don't think there's a way to get it legally though. The only disappointing thing about the drama is the fact that it was aired 15 years ago, and there is no HD re-runs (why?). It was torturous trying to watch it in 240p.
Finally, I also wanted to give my two cents on the old and new versions. I think the old version eclipses the new in every aspect. The first being the execution. The scene where Anawat chased Haitharat down is legendary, but the execution was worlds apart in the two versions. Watch it and you'll know. The acting in the new version is also subpar, but I think that's the issue of having a complete newcomer play the lead role. Ken and Janie's chemistry was off the charts, unlike the new leads as well. I don't want to incite a fan war of any sort, but I think it's evident that there is a superior version.
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