Talented cast and production team makes for one unexpectedly mesmerizing drama

Conventional wisdom of C-dramas dictates that such a title, poster, and cast for this drama would all point to a fluffy romance we all flock to and then leave without another thought after finishing or dropping it. How wrong I was. There is nothing forgettable about this drama. In fact, I enjoyed this drama so much that I’d been rewatching as if I’m in a loop and spending hours writing down my feelings. I wanted to also make a note before I proceed that I wrote a rushed review immediately after I finished it. But after several rewatch, I felt it deserved a more detailed review, and I wanted to express more love for the drama, so I decided to write an updated review.

Even for a 36 episode Xianxia drama, it doesn't take long before we get to the meat of the story, so from episode 1, it easily pulls you in. The first thing I noticed was how visually stunning the drama is. It's obvious there was much thought and effort applied by the production team to create such an eye pleasing drama. In the first episode, we’re introduced to our leading lady, a young, low-rank flower fairy named Orchid (Esther Yu) from Shuiyuntian, who ends up unwittingly awakening and entangling herself with our leading man, Dongfang Qingcang (Dylan Wang), the demon lord of Changyan Sea who’d been locked up in Haotian Tower for the past 30,000 years. I still can’t move past Orchid and Dongfang Qingcang's first encounter. How stunningly colorful the galaxy like atmosphere is, the way Orchid at first panics, then freezes as if time stopped, fearful but mesmerized by the sight of the chained and unconscious Dongfang Qingcang. The way she inadvertently revives him, the kiss that completes the process as they're bonded as the music crescendos. What a spectacular start to their epic romance. I went diving into this drama without learning anything about it beforehand so the unexpected hilarity that ensues next with the temporary body swapping, we-are-one premise had me thoroughly entertained.

Dongfang Qingcang learns very quickly that he and Orchid are physically and emotionally attached to each other somehow by a seemingly unbreakable curse; so in other words, this little fairy is now his Archille's heel, much to his annoyance. For instance, every time Orchid starts bawling, Dongfang Qingcang reluctantly cries too, haha. For someone who literally has not been feeling emotions, these new out of control emotions are quite challenging for Dongfang Qingcang to manage. Orchid is unaware of the real identity of Dongfang Qingcang so she treats him like an equal, which just adds to the hilarity as they spend time together at Arbiter Hall, Orchid’s home in the fairy realm. All the chaos that results from their cursed connection and how it reduces this great lord's ego to the size of a peanut cracks me up endlessly. Esther and Dylan are fantastic together here that I couldn’t help liking both the actors and their characters immediately.

When the Immortal Emperor of the fairy realm finds out that Orchid is connected to Dongfang Qingcang, she’s tortured for information. It’s at this point that both Orchid and us bear witness to the immense power and position of Dongfang Qingcang in the three realm, as he appears from fire and smoke to rescue Orchid and then proceeds to almost annihilate the whole fairy realm before taking Orchid to Changyan Sea, his kingdom. This part was one of my absolute favorites and a highlight of the show. I also loved watching the way he is received by the people of Changyan Sea; this scene felt like the personification of the words feared and revered. Simply awe-inspiring.

For me, Changyan Sea felt like a medieval kingdom, with its darkened colors, lush velvety robes, middle eastern interior design, and the shadows and rays of lights through the windowpanes in the rooms, which all comes together to cast an aura of mystique and grandeur to this realm. Again, props to the production team for excellent set designs here. Each world is unique in its settings, colors, costumes, and background music, that there is clear distinction as to where we are in the story and these attributes lend a hand in helping you immerse yourself in the story.

At this point in the story, it's apparent that the deep impact of Orchid’s emotions on Dongfang Qingcang is no longer because of the connection from the curse, though he would not admit it himself. He has turned from figuring out ways to break the curse to ruminating about how to make Orchid happy. So he surprises her with a replica of Arbiter Hall, but that ends up exposing the chasm between them instead, namely how they’re from two different worlds; worlds that have viewed each other as enemies for hundreds of thousands of years. He seethes with anger; how he's hurt that she still wants to leave (him) to go "home." It's incredible how much he cares already; his "wei she ma" gets me every time.

Though having the freedom to roam around Changyan Sea but unable to leave, Orchid learns more about Dongfang Qingcang and the people of Changyan Sea, and it clears away misconceptions about the people and the lord himself. What stood out for me in these parts was in the way Orchid helps Dongfang Qingcang reconcile with his father and by extension, his humanity. How gentle she is as she hugs him as he breaks down. How he tries to hold it together on his own, then opens to her support and cries into her shoulder as he confronts his heartbreak of losing the father he loved.

As both Orchid and Dongfang Qingcang try to make sense of the happenings around them, they are led to the mortal realm, which covers the third act of the drama. Upon their return to Changyan Sea, it’s quite clear they’re both deeply in love and acknowledges their feelings. Each is willing to go through pain and suffering to keep the other safe, which showcases to outsiders that they truly love and deserve each other. It’s here I believe that their romance turns epic. A rush of emotions came my way as I watched these parts; how hauntingly beautiful and melancholic for these two lovebirds. As to how it all comes to an end, let’s just say I’m grateful for the short but happy ending.

I have to say I'm absolutely blown away by Dylan Wang's portrayal of Dongfang Qingcang. The assured authority, the majestic presence he carries with him held my attention at every moment. He looks MAGNIFICENT. What a grand performance as the most formidable, all powerful being in the realm. There isn't much change in his stoic expression and yet you see it, you feel it, this imposing character with complicated emotions come to life. It is evident in the way he's in complete control as he showcases his powers, or in the way he endures the burden of responsibility that comes with that power and position, or when he's seething with anger out of love. It is simply so satisfying to watch.

Then we have our adorable leading lady, Esther Yu. At first glance, her character fits the bill of female leads prevalent in C-dramas that we all hate: young, cutesy damsel in distress with high pitch baby voice. The only difference is that she's actually lovable even with all these attributes. I found her charming, genuinely cute, delicate and strong; the perfect opposite of Dylan's character, complementing him well.

I have seen Zhang Ling He as a lead in another drama that I was surprised to see him in the second lead role here. But he is perfectly cast here as the angelic Changheng. I also thought the actors who play the other major male characters like Xun Feng, Rong Hao, and Shangque did amazing.

I found the drama moves at a balanced pace. I never felt like there were fillers. Each scene has a purpose and contributes to the cohesiveness of the plot. We’re entertained by the complicated connection between Orchid and Dongfang Qingcang in the beginning. Then the story turns epic and heart tugging as it progresses. I swooned every time each saves the other. The dynamic story also allows the three talented young actors to flex their acting chops and further entertained us. As mentioned earlier, the CGI, the costumes, the set designs, and the background music all blends seamlessly together to create a truly magical world. Farewell Love by Faye Chan OST, in particular, perfectly captures the poignancy of this epic love story.

I acknowledge this is a long review but I think it just speaks to how good the drama is that it elicited such a flood of response from me as a viewer. And I'm no novice; I've been a seasoned watcher of C-dramas, and dramas in general, for years. And yet, this drama stood out as one of the best. I don't think I need to convince you to watch the drama considering the rating and the popularity it is receiving. I'm merely here to say unlike some other popular dramas, it's true what they say and the rating truly reflects the quality of this drama. Get on that bandwagon and embrace the hype; you won't be disappointed.

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Uniquely compelling, modern adaptation; making it a worthy addition to the world of Hana Yori Dango

I'm astounded by how good this version is. It had been years since the arrival of the versions I loved that I thought this would simply be another uninspiring regurgitation of one of the most well-known stories in dramaland. But F4 Thailand provides a uniquely compelling, modern adaptation; making it a worthy addition to the world of Hana Yori Dango.

Before I go further, I wanted to mention that I adored Meteor Garden (2001) and Boys Over Flowers (2009) and it was to the point of obsession for both at the time I watched each. But looking back now objectively for the latter, I will admit it was a bad rendition. Having said that, I am certain that the praises for F4 Thailand currently are warranted that even when we look back 10 years from now, we'd feel the same way.

The heroine in this version, Gorya, is my favorite. Her introduction as an ordinary student on scholarship at an elite school otherwise attended by wealthy students convinced me, especially because of how pragmatic she sounds in her assessment of her environment. With disillusionment about the school after having learned the true nature of the students, with being well aware of her standing within this crowd and her purpose in attending the school, she had resolved to put her head down and focus on graduating without incident. But, of course, fate had other plans for her and so she ends up standing up to the most powerful person in school, Thyme, despite knowing full well the hell she'd face getting on that collision course with him, all because she does not have the heart to disregard a friend in trouble. She is courageous not because she is fearless but because she faces Thyme in spite of her fears. That makes her a rock star in my book; an ordinary girl who is extraordinary. That iconic kick to the chest WAS SO SATISFYING.

That leads me to Thyme. I will always be Team Thyme. This boy is such a brat but he's our lovable idiot. I LOVED how Gorya just renders him speechless on multiple occasions. We come to learn that he is a product of the upbringing by a mother who is less of a mother and more of a ruthless businesswoman molding Thyme to be just like her in order to run the family empire one day. Needless to say he changes to become a better person after meeting Gorya. He often looks incongruous in Gorya's world and yet is the perfect match for her. I enjoyed their bickering but it was the subtle, sweet moments between them that were so moving and dear to my heart (midnight birthday and zoo dates come to mind).

I was truly charmed by this group of F4. I'm at that age where I don't easily go crazy over hot guys but there is merit in all the girls fawning over their hotness here. I found them cool and hot and stylish that it is totally believable that they are the most popular guys in school. Aside from keeping with that aspect of the original, I thought the F4 boys are portrayed as an ensemble cast here compared to other versions. I mean, Thyme and Ren's characters hold significant roles being the main and second leads respectively, so it's no surprise that they get a lot of screen time. My reference here is more toward Kavin and MJ. They didn't feel like the 3rd and 4th members. They are vital to the story and so supportive of our leads and just plain awesome and I was happy to see them featured just as much as others.

As one of many who is extremely familiar with the original story, some of the main dramatic plot points could have turned predictable, as if I would need to patiently wait to pass so I could watch the "good" parts; in particular, in connection to the villains in the story, like the kidnapper. Often these tropes feel as if they were there to serve the advancement of the main characters, and the "villains" would then be disregarded or forgotten at the end of their time. But instead, I was at the edge of my seat here due to the gripping suspense felt throughout, thanks to the wonderful directing and editing, music and acting. Whenever there is a focus on the side characters, it transported me to their world. I paid attention. I listened to what they had to say. I did not have the urge to skip to move forward to the main characters. Everyone had a role to play and with purpose and each of their message is clearly conveyed. I particularly enjoyed Kavin and Talay's arcs. As an aside, I do want to note that I wasn't a fan of Lita, as I've never been a fan of this character no matter how good she is as a person as I've always been a steadfast supporter of our One True Pairing.

In terms of production, this team deserves just as much praise as the cast. I would consider the production team highly intelligent. They knew exactly what they are offering to us. Every detail is carefully crafted and marvelously executed. If you witnessed something on screen, even subtleties, it is because they wanted us to notice. I felt they are effective in influencing you; clever in how they use social media to contribute to the story without taking away the original feels. They pay homage to the original premise while modernizing it, as well as incorporate Thai cultural aspects into the story and all of this is seamlessly executed for such great entertainment for the viewers.

I'll end with this: if you really think about it, you have to admit that as much as we all love it, the premise of Hana Yori Dango is pretty superficial, and at times ridiculous. But somehow, F4 Thailand manages to paint this world in realism, with a lot of heart, through a smart script, amazing directing, evocative music, thoughtful characterization, and a talented young cast. I don't think any other version will ever top this.

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I decided to start this drama for two reasons: (1) my new addiction to Thai dramas and (2) my newest drama crush: Push (Puttichai Kasetsin). I'd heard of him and had been consciously avoiding him for a while as I foresaw that I would get sucked into his world like a black hole. And as soon as I caved, that's exactly what happened! This man is not only one of the most beautiful men on the planet, he is also an outstanding actor, that it almost seems unfair. I saw four of his dramas in a few short weeks. But it was this one that I hadn't been able to move on from that I felt inclined to write a review. What surprised me though was that I loved this drama because of Gypso Ariigantha Mahapreukpong just as much as Push. She is equally wonderful here that they're my favorite pairing to date.

As a further prelude, I want to say that as much as I love this drama, I almost dropped it at one point. Although I felt all kinds of emotions that I wanted to articulate, I didn't want to write a review at first because the overwhelming feeling at the end was disappointment. Only after watching it a second time was I able to better digest what I saw and felt enough love for the drama again to conduct this review. That's why objectively speaking, I would rate it an 8 but my heart says 9.5, so I settled for an 8.5 here.

I read some comments and reviews prior to my watch so I was prepared for what was ahead of me. I agree that the drama has a slow start as it takes some time in setting up the story. Wanneung (Gypso) is a struggling actress. At one point, Win (Push) describes it as such, that "she had nothing but her dream". And that pretty much sums her up as the story begins. There is nothing in her head except to be a Dara (famous actress), even though she appears to have no talent nor an agent or mentor to help her reach her goal. Her parents got so fed up with her pipe dream that they sold their house and went abroad, leaving Wanneung behind. Win, a former celebrity, turns out to be the new owner but she decides to stay anyway, unbeknownst to Win. Her behavior reminded me of news from years ago of a Japanese woman living secretly in some guy's apartment for months without his knowledge. I know that sounds creepy but thank goodness it's amusing here. Win thinks the house is haunted because of her sneakiness, until he catches her one day sleeping in his backyard. This scene is what sealed the deal for me. We are at episode 3 at this point and this first full, real interaction between the two of them had me in stitches. They play off each other so well; they are fantastic together that I knew I was in for a treat.

Wannueng's opportunity to stay comes in the form of snooping reporters waiting to accost Win at his house about his return to Thailand after having left the entertainment industry five years ago. Win lets Wanneung stay in exchange for helping lie to the reporters that the house is hers. And that's how the cohabitation hijinks begans. And boy, were they entertaining! They had me cracking up left and right. Also, Wanneung has no qualms about unintentionally getting into situations with Win skinship-wise because she thinks he's gay, to which Win doesn't bother to correct her; which, by the way, is funny at first but exasperating in the latter half with how confused he makes her. I don't know how she can believe him in the beginning though when the sexual tension is there on full display.

I know there were some who described Gypso as "overacting" as Wannueng. I thought she is somewhat like an anime character in the beginning. Perhaps that's what put some people off but I found that sort of wackiness entertaining rather than silly. It didn’t take long for me to like her; she is hilarious. And don't think for a second that Win is normal, lol. They are perfect for each other. He draws lines all over the house to signify "your side" and "my side." I laughed every time they are in the living room bickering and see how much couch space he has compared to her little spot at the end of the blue couch. And then seeing much later, from him happily removing those lines while waiting in anticipation for her to notice when she gets home, to her perfect, delightful reaction to it…like, I couldn't handle all that cuteness. Also, I loved the fact that although the comedy tones down as we settled in, it never disappears. The lighthearted banter between the two is consistent throughout the drama.

With respect to other characters, I didn't care for the second leads at all. I skipped most of their scenes. But I really liked Lukpit and Tom, who play Wanneung and Win's friends respectively. Lukpit is the perfect sidekick to Wanneung. He is probably the only other person who can handle Wanneung's quirkiness aside from Win. Tom is the voice of reason for Win. Honestly, I don't know what would have happened if Tom hadn't been patient enough to explain to Win how much of an idiot he is being when it comes to love.

The villain in the story is WanWan, who is Win's former manager. He ruined Win's career by tricking Win into appearing in a scandalous video five years ago. WanWan is the kind of person who will stab you in the back while you hugged him. He will destroy you in the most despicable way possible. I was disgusted by his actions that I skipped almost all of the scenes involving him and his scheming because I felt uncomfortable and I think that was intentional.

At this point, I want to expand on my disappointment with the show as I had mentioned earlier. Many criticized the female lead, however, my dissatisfaction was in the male lead's character. Wanneung may have been naive but at least she is honest. She wears her heart on her sleeves. And I can't fault her for misunderstanding when she is left in the dark for longer than necessary. Win, on the other hand, is frustratingly silent at times. And if there is a compelling reason, I'd have understood. But there really isn't a concrete logic to support his reluctance to open up to the person who obviously matters most to him. What is he afraid of? Half the problems they face could have been avoided if he'd been more honest. And how could he have let Wanneung stay under WanWan's management fully knowing what WanWan is capable of? I understand Win doesn't want to get in the way of Wanneung's rising status. But knowing her personality, she'd have done everything she could to get out of that contract if she knew the truth. There were times when I was swooning and then there were times when I wanted to smack Win upside the head for being so idiotic. I think this is just weak writing. I recognize that conflict is necessary to keep the story moving forward. But I would have kept watching even if there wasn't any ridiculous plot device to fill all 26 episodes. Their growing love is what had me watching. The closer they get, the more I adored them for the reasons I described that even if everything is peachy, I would have gladly watched it. The last episode, especially, felt like our feelings were being toyed with because we had to put up with so much BS before we get our rushed happy ending. I resented the writer for that.

Be that as it may, I want to end on a good note all things considered, so I want to talk about what Win does right. For him, it is that actions spoke louder than words. One of the first major steps he takes that illustrates his love for Wanneung is in accepting a big budget film role that he previously hadn't given much thought to just so he can support Wanneung in landing a role. This is a big deal because it also means that he'd be stepping back into the entertainment circle that had so cruelly treated him five years ago. He straight up tells the director he won't act in the movie if she doesn't get to as well. He has seen how much she wants to be an actress, how much she has been struggling and it pains him to see that things aren't working out for her. He wants to provide an opportunity for her to live up to her potential. He then offers to coach her on acting. His genuine care and guidance brings out the serious and talented side in her and it is just the support she needs to be able to fly on her own to stardom.

I can’t express enough on how much joy I felt in watching Win go from a grumpy housemate to a teasing friend to a nurturing mentor who loves Wanneung so much he doesn’t care who gets hurt in his efforts to keep her safe, including himself. Or the times he beams with happiness watching Wanneung’s reactions to all the little things he creates to make her happy. And Wanneung has the best reactions! Her astonished excitement and exclamations had me laughing; she is so endearing. Everything just felt so real between these two. These are the moments that made me love the drama so much and left me wanting more.

The music in the drama blended well with the story without being intrusive. The comedic scenes sound cheerful and fun. There is a recurring song sung by Gypso herself that is so, so sweet. I loved hearing it every time it comes on. Push sang for the drama as well. I didn’t like his song that much until it accompanies their time in Phuket and I was sold!

Let me end my long review to say all that may have just been me fangirling over these two. But in all seriousness, it’s a great romantic comedy. My recommendation is to watch this drama twice to enjoy it to its fullest. Trust me, it will be a better experience the second time around and one that will stay with you for a long time.

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I'd been binging on crazily plotted Lakorns that this one caught me by surprise at how normal the story is. I thought Thai rom-coms are way too silly for me to enjoy that I'd only been trying Lakorns with heavy themes lately. But I am a new fan of Push after watching Roy Leh Sanae Rai so I decided to give this one a go. And what do you know, it was the best decision ever! This is such a fun watch; a well done friends to lovers story. The leads are so adorable. The whole drama is dripping with cuteness in a really good way. And when things get serious, they pack an emotional punch as well.

I'll admit, at first, it was somewhat difficult to watch the female lead on screen because her skin problem looks too realistic. But I have to give props to the drama and to the actress for willing to depict it in such a way. It's something many suffer from at some point in their lives. I went through that phase myself, so I resonated with the heroine's insecurities. And the drama succeeds in showing that it's your heart that makes you beautiful because I found the heroine really adorable. She may be "ugly" on the outside but she comes across genuinely as kind and caring that I felt she is lovable, just like the way the other characters in the drama sees her. Push's character is a flirt but an all around good guy, the kind of senior you'd definitely fall for at school. Their love story is simple and there are many squee-worthy moments between the leads. I will note that the main conflict in the story isn't as concrete as I would have liked but the well written dialogue makes up for it. Also, the supporting cast is delightful! I liked the lively campus atmosphere they created; I really wanted to hangout with them.

All in all, a breezy, mood-lifting watch!

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I recall starting this drama a couple years ago and dropping it after the first episode that I was puzzled over the many praises from other viewers I'd come across since then. And then I watched Game Rai Game Rak recently and as I was trying to get into it (ultimately couldn't), I came across Pope Thanawat Wattanaputi and was immediately charmed by his infectious smile that I paused that drama and looked for one with him as the leading man. That's what led me to give Love Destiny a second look and this time, I finished it in a couple days. What I thought the show excelled in was in the portrayal of the two leads and the progression of their romance, as well as how the drama showcases the historical setting that is wonderfully integrated into the story. I truly felt transported to Ayutthaya in the 1680s as I watched.

The heroine, Karakade, is exceedingly likable. As a woman from modern times, she is unrestrained, extroverted, adventurous. But it was clear through flashbacks of her life in the present world that her behavior in Ayutthaya is largely due to her personality. The way Bella Ranee Campen played her, she was so charming. And she is gorgeous. It's rare to find an actress who is both talented and beautiful and she has the complete package.

Karakade would often get scolded or put down or treated with contempt, and yet, she never lashes out at anyone. She handles it with humor and a positive attitude. And this is what made what could have been heavy situations filled with laughter. She would shock folks into silence with her unconventional, quirky behavior. They really don't know what to do with her. Also, I thought it was ironic that it was the men who warms up to her first. I mean, she transmigrates to a conservative, patriarchal society where rules are made by men and women are taught to be obedient, prim and proper. Any behavior outside of that is reprimanded for it. Her cheerful, outspoken, inquisitive behavior is admired and praised by the men but not the women. I especially loathed the head servant, and to a lesser degree, Khun Pi's mother for their persistent refusal to acknowledge that Karakade is a very different and better person than she used to be. It is one of the central conflicts in the drama and too repetitive for my liking. They eventually see her in a positive light. However, that progression from hate to love wasn't satisfying. I didn't really feel the change, only that I was told a change of heart had taken place.

On the other hand, our wonderful Khun Pi’s journey from hate to curiosity to love and devotion was clearly and thrillingly illustrated. It was quite amusing seeing him crane his neck to try to catch a glimpse of whatever it is that the mischievous Karakade was up to. I'm still laughing thinking about the scene where she is doing morning yoga and she becomes aware he is watching her but promptly ignores him and continues on, as if she doesn't care how strange it would look to someone from 300 years ago. Meanwhile, he is so bemused by her activities and the way she speaks in modern tongue. And he is so serious at times that Karakade teases him often; she is adorably playful around him.

When I look at Pope as Khun Pi, all I could think is how handsome, kind, gentlemanly, refine he is; with a smile that could melt your heart. As a noble man in ancient times, Khun Pi grew up in the confines of such environment and understandably hold narrow views, which made him a bit of a douche in the beginning. He would often scold Karakade, stating that as a woman, she should behave herself. I liked how Karakade calls him out on that double standard. Fortunately, he more than made up for it. He chooses to be open-minded while fulfilling her wishes and protecting her as best he could in the position he is in. There isn't much skinship between the two and I would say theirs is a slow burn romance, but that didn't make it any less romantic. Most of the time, all they do is smile at each other or the heroine accidentally trips and falls into his arms (or lap, heh) or he gets thisclose, whispering into her ears but never touching; and all the while, I'm grinning like an idiot watching them. They are so sweet together. Also, the OST Aojaow (You) by Pete Pol perfectly captures the classy feel of their romance.

As mentioned, the ancient setting is one of the best features of this show. I would often pause the video to admire the aesthetically pleasing set designs. From the lush costumes, to the interior design, the wooden houses, the boat rides, the cuisine, even to the placement of vases and the arrangement of the ubiquitous but beautiful, bountiful lotus flowers throughout the grounds of the leads’ sprawling residence; all contributed to an authentic, elegant atmosphere. Aside from the backdrop elevating the story, the supporting cast breathed life into it as well; especially Khun Pi's father, Khun Pi's friend/second lead, and the two personal servants of Karakade. There are also many other real life historical figures interwoven into the story. When Karakade runs into one of them and gets super excited, I thought that’s what it must be like to run into people’s favorite Kpop idols nowadays. I'll be honest that I did skip around when the drama spent time on these figures. What’s strange is that I was interested enough to look them up and read about them on Wikipedia but I didn’t want to watch them in the drama. Learning of their fate via Wikipedia was enough for me and the drama did not deviate from history. I especially skipped scenes involving Constantine Phaulkon. I don't particular like the actor, and the rise and fall of his character even less.

In conclusion, I don't think this drama was as perfect as many reviews made it out to be. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable throughout. I think the glowing reviews were due to how positively the watchers personally felt about the drama than an objective assessment of it. And I completely understand them now after giving it another chance. There was so much to appreciate, flaws and all. I left feeling happier than I did going into it.

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I'm a new fan of Lakorns and as I got more acquainted with this genre, I would often come across Sawan Biang on recommendation lists, even though it is relatively old. But I'd been putting off watching because of the subject matter; I didn't know if I could handle it. I finally mustered up the courage to watch it and I must say all the good and bad things folks have said about this drama is all true. It sounded horrible on paper and for the most part, the ugliness described is accurate. But you have to see it to understand why in spite of the train wreck that is before you, you can't look away. I ended up thinking that Sawan Biang is not just a great Lakorn but a great drama in general. It is one of those shows that gave me pause to say to myself THIS is why we watch dramas. I was blown away by the twisted love story and the incredible acting. The way Ken Theeradeth Wongpuapan portrays Kawee, he felt like a living, breathing person, not just a character. He is Narin's worse nightmare. He terrorizes her. He bullies and humiliates her. He is belligerent, reckless; he lashs out at anyone and everyone who gets in his way. And yet, he elicited sympathy from me. I don't know what that says about me. But that's honestly how I feel. You could see in him feelings of regret, remorse for what he has done as he is doing it, as poor Narin cries with heartbreaking despair. Even if those conflicting feelings are fleeting, it is there. But instead of clinging onto that thread of humanity, he ignores it and bulldozes his way down a destructive path, as if he doesn't know any other way of being. In the mist of all this, he somehow falls in love with Narin. It is an all encompassing love, one where without Narin, he wouldn't survive. This eventually leads him to the humble road to redemption. And despite all that has happened, I rooted for them all the same. I felt that the only way they could heal was through love. And when Kawee gets down on his knees to ask for a second chance and Narin gets down on her knees to accept him, my heart swelled with happiness for them. Many may wonder how Narin can forgive. I think it's simple: she has a big heart. It's the reason Kawee targeted her in the first place; it's also the reason for their salvation.

Sawan Biang is an unforgettable melodrama, filled with extremely flawed characters. It's also about love, forgiveness, redemption. I ask that you watch it first before passing judgement. It's one of the best dramas I've ever seen.

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I'll preface my review to say that my evaluation of this drama is based solely on the story of the leads; I had no interest or patience for any other side story (especially the second leads') and mercilessly skipped over scenes that does not involve the leads.

I'm a huge fan of hate to love premise and this drama delivered in that respect. This is a really enjoyable watch because the leads are such strong actors oozing with chemistry. Their explosive arguments are like a guilty pleasure and I binged the whole drama.

The "hate" here is caused by the murder of Suree, the twin sister of the male lead, Suriyen (Athichart (Aum) Chumnanon), presumably by her husband, who's on the run. The female lead, Thantawan (Chippy Sirin Preediyanon), is the husband's sister. The story begins with Suree's funeral and the reading of the will and who would be responsible for her son, Pete. At one end of the spectrum, we have Suriyen, a relative stranger who has never been a part of Pete's life, suddenly here, with the law on his side (he is declared guardian of the boy in the will). He has every reason to suspect the father as the murderer since his sister left a telling voicemail. And he believes Pete's aunt colluded with her brother to murder the mother. The aunt on the other hand, whom the boy loves very much, sees in the man nothing but a mobster you would not want anyone close to, let alone her nephew. So there is much antagonism between the boy's aunt and uncle as a result and massive chasm between the two from the outset.

Aum is so good at playing bad boys. I recently watched an old drama of his and despite how terrible his character is, it kept me watching because he's such a good actor. He's even better here. He aged so well; simply exudes confidence and authority and looks real good while doing it. I also really liked the female lead. She displays mental fortitude in the face of many challenges brought upon by Suriyen. And boy, he is real rough on her in the beginning. I loved her bring-it-on attitude in response. It was amusing to see him get all worked up because of her. She is also mature and empathetic. When she discovers how scarred he is (literally), she begins to see that he is just a misunderstood, lonely soul. With patience and understanding (but telling it like it is), she helps him bond with his nephew, the only family he has left. There are some fun, comedic parts as he softens up ever so slowly. But when he finally opens up to Thantawan, you'll realize how much he has suffered and how lacking in love his life has been. And when he asks her to stay with him, that she and Pete are his only family, my heart broke. After the three of them bond, they are like a little family. It was so cute. When Pete hugs Suriyen, my heart just melted. And the date at the end was so sweet (I can't stop laughing at "love you, kiss kiss"). Also, I've never seen someone declare his love on a speedboat before. I loved it.

You can expect gun fights, violence and abuse against women and children here, as is typical of Lakorns. But as described above, there is plenty to love about this drama. In a way, it is about one man's journey to learn to love again and become human in the process.

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First off, I'll say that you'll need to sit through the first couple of episodes to give this drama a fair shot. The start was extremely slow; endure it and you'll find yourself plowing through the rest of the episodes with glee.

The story is not unlike a mix of Extraordinary You and W-Two Worlds, as our heroine Zheng Xiao En (Vivian Sung) finds herself waking up in a romance novel. She soon discovers the male lead in the novel, Situ Aoran (Marcus Chang), looks a lot like He Tian Xing, the CEO she admires in the real world, who is in a coma. Vivian Sung did a fantastic job portraying a strong, funny, self-aware heroine, determined to change her role in the storybook. She realizes she is only a side character, possibly a villain, in the story of the romance between Situ Aoran and Ling Chu Chu. I confess I’m a sucker for stories about alpha males paired with delicate female leads. But seeing this trope from Xiao En’s perspective, I also felt the ridiculousness of it all. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes at Chu Chu’s damsel-in-distress behavior (and funnily, some of the characters were visibly rolling their eyes right there with me, haha). It was so much fun watching Xiao En try to sabotage the author’s many predictable set ups to get the “leads” to fall in love, change the direction of the story in the novel and catch the attention of the arrogant and childish Situ Aoran in the process. One of my favorite parts was Xiao En's time spent at Situ Aoran's place as his housekeeper and the two of them getting close while trying to battle and outwit one another. I wish this part of the drama lasted longer because it was so entertaining. Case in point: when she chances upon him showering, she tells herself to satisfy her curiosity and enjoy the view. Naturally, she gets caught and when an angry Situ Aoran confronts her, she says "who told you to look so handsome? If you were me, you'd have looked, too." She makes her argument with such conviction that it renders him speechless, and oddly enough, convinces him, LOL. Or that time she blurts out without thinking that she likes him and when he asks why, she says: "money..." Gotta love this girl.

I'm sure there will be viewers who will have a major second lead syndrome here. I didn’t suffer but I admit to being charmed by Duan Mu Qing Feng (Simon Lian). I enjoyed his presence and really appreciated seeing him be there for the heroine in times of need. He is such a gentleman and so understanding. However, Marcus and Vivian simply had incredible chemistry; there was no competition. They took the tag “steamy kiss” to a whole new level. Hands down, theirs is the best “finally, they did the deed” scene in all of dramaland, ha. They look so natural, so real, so good together that I felt as if I was intruding on their privacy for watching.

I didn't want the novel world to end because while the real world is playing out in parallel, I literally skipped every scene whenever that occurs (corporate shenanigans of He Tian Xing's family, yawn). So I thought I would hate it when they inevitably return to the real world. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed that world in the quarter half of the drama. Unlike the earlier episodes, the scenes between the leads are sweet, with a touch of melancholy. Xiao En is heartbroken to find He Tian Xing appears to be a different person from Situ Aoran. Meanwhile, I adored this version of the lead. Compared to Situ Aoran, He Tian Xing is such a gentleman, so mature. He is thoughtful, intrigued by the woman before him with sad eyes. I had no issues accepting the explanation they provided to meld the different personalities of Situ Aoran and He Tian Xing together at the end to confirm they are one and the same. And to be honest, I thought she ends up with the better half of him, so no complaints from me in that respect.

In conclusion, don't expect logical explanations for the whole "I traveled into a novel" premise. You'll enjoy it better if you just roll with it. Come for the meta references and the sizzling romance and you won't be disappointed.

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I came across this drama thanks to a featured article on mydramalist. Otherwise, I would not have picked it up myself, given how I tend to shy away from modern day Chinese dramas after having been burned multiple times. And the poster and synopsis do not do this drama justice. But lo and behold, here is a modern day Chinese drama that’s only 16 episodes long and kept my attention from start to finish!

We first meet our heroine, Ruan Nian Chu (Yilia Yu), going on blind dates and musing about boys and dating with her fashionable, wealthy best friend, like a typical city girl. But we soon learn she went through a traumatic experience five years ago with a man she cannot forget (hence why she's single). He saved her from drowning, and I must admit at first, her continued interest in this man had me rolling my eyes. I mean, this was five freaking years ago. As the story progresses, however, we discovered through flashbacks that this mysterious man and her spent a significant amount of time together following the incident, with him protecting her by disguising her as his woman to deter any would be rapists in a region controlled by a crime organization where she was held captive. Now THAT is understandable. I mean, who could forget an experience like that? The flashbacks have a way of revealing major, romantically intense memories in a way that had me fascinated.

After helping her escape, he appears to have perished in an explosion, along with the rest of the gang. She has been longing for him since. Now, five years later, suddenly, he's back. And here's where we meet our hero, Li Teng (Tsao Yu Ning), now head of a security company; a cold man with an assured authority. With the two of them meeting again after such a long time, in a setting so far removed from their first encounter, can they finally be together? Things are not so simple as he’s more mysterious than ever before and his motives unclear. One thing is for sure though, their feelings have only intensified.

This drama made me a fan out of Tsao Yu Ning (Where have you been all this time?). There were times when he reminded me of Lee Min-ki or Kang Ha-neul or Yeo Jin-goo but most of the time I just thought he was HOT. The dude looks seriously good from every angle. He's one of the most attractive men I have ever seen and even more so because he can act. He plays a man whose outside exterior is so cold but burning like charcoal inside for the heroine. I know that's a common character trope nowadays but he plays it so well I loved every minute of it. I loved, loved, loved his wolf-like, penetrating gaze. His chemistry with Yilia Yu is one of the best I've ever seen; whose character, by the way, is also easily likable. She is so delicate but so strong. Their characters’ sexual tension is palpable. A look here, a look there spoke volumes about their feelings. And their mundane, post confession romance is just as heart pounding and sweet. I couldn't get enough of their interactions that I rewatched for many days after finishing.

I was impressed with how the drama weaves the past and present together to help us understand the choices the characters make. The editing here is really top-notch. In a few scenes, the drama effectively conveys how the leads fall for each other before reluctantly parting ways. By the time they meet again in the present time, without much being said, we completely understood the characters' wants and the hidden layers. I do wish the flashbacks were longer; they spiced up the drama and gave depth to the story. Though not too many, there are some action scenes with excellent choreography. Li Teng felt like a real former special forces agent, capable and formidable. But at times you may feel as if you’re in a different drama because of how light the present story is. Overall though, it is a story that is a nice balance of light and intense. Thanks to its length, this was the perfect drama to binge on a long weekend and left me feeling satisfied.

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A delightful romantic comedy with an endearing heroine.

The story began with our heroine who’s had to live her whole life with her community's overwhelming opinion that she was ugly, culminating in a horrific bullying incident that induced her to almost taking her own life. After pulling herself back from the depths of despair, she sought help from an online beauty guru and when a chance to transfer schools arrived, she remodeled herself through the magical powers of makeup. As she navigates the new high school while hiding her “ugly” past, making friends and grappling with all the newfound attention from boys (especially two in particular), she learns to face her fears and reveal her true self.

First of all, I must say that I very much enjoyed this show largely due to how charming Moon Ga Young was in portraying Ju Kyung. She was so endearingly funny and genuinely cute that it was hard to dislike her, even when she made questionable choices. What is with this director who is able to capture the charm of the actress through their character (hey there, Extraordinary You's Kim Hye Yoon)?

Ju Kyung is sweet and kind. But her reluctance to speak up for herself, her tendency to run away rather than fight back; these behaviors will certainly create frustrations for the viewers, as I also felt the same. From the lens of an adult, the problems of teenagers bordered on trivial. And yet, you cannot deny the reality of it; because as much as I wanted to pull her aside and tell her that looks aren't everything, that there will be more to life than what happens in high school, I also understood her insecurities completely and the choices she made as a result, because they were universal. I sympathized with her sentiments, especially after watching Moon Ga Young portrayed Ju Kyung with such heartrendingly realistic despair. I was appalled at how cruel her peers could be. So when she was able to make a fresh start and simply be happy because she was able to make friends, I was happy for Ju Kyung too. Yes, the new friends flocked to her because she was pretty but it was also clear that they genuinely liked her. The teachers fostered a warm environment as well, especially one kind, emasculate teacher who had a funny love line with Ju Kyung's beautiful, confident sister. One of her new friends included a girl named Soo Jin (Park Yoo Na), whom I thought was super cool for a good portion of the drama, then felt nothing but disappointment in when the writer took a lazy turn by making her character a typical, conniving second lead in the end. Or maybe that was the point; because of how strong and righteous she was, protecting her friends like a guardian angel, her betrayal at the end cut deep. I was also a bit disappointed in how long it took for Ju Kyung to confront her bullies, though I rooted for her all the same. It was sweet that the courage to face her fears came from her kind heart; wanting to protect her friends was ultimately what gave her the strength to stand up to the bullies. It was a fist pump moment but I wish there was more to see of the positive changes in Ju Kyung than what was shown. And there was much left to be desired in the bullies meeting their comeuppance.

Anyhow, the majority of the drama was certainly a fun ride and a mood lifter. This was in every respect a romantic comedy because the romance had me laughing and feeling the butterflies all at the same time. It had one of the most interesting love triangles I've ever seen (and I typically hate love triangles); I felt Ju Kyung’s chemistry with both boys. But not in the way you think, in that, it's clear who the heroine likes and who she will end up with (deserving and more on that later). Instead, it's simply that the second lead, Seo Jun (Hwang In Yeop), contributed to the story in a way that was wonderfully interwoven into the main plot; he wasn't just there to spur the story for the leads. Ju Kyung and Seo Jun's interactions were just as interesting and uniquely comical. Also, why is it that when your parents are friends, you instantly become friends? Any gap would close so quickly whenever you're thrust into such a situation that you don't even know what hit you. And this is exactly what happened to the two of them, as their moms turned out to be friends. Ju Kyung went from feeling intimidated by this bad boy from school she barely knew to comfortably teasing him that she'd tell on him to his mom, ha. And then this delinquent, of course, developed a huge crush on her; it was an absolute delight to watch (roar!). And I’ve gotta say, if you can rock a mullet, that’s an achievement in and of itself. The man is HOT. But then he had to go and completely capture us with his heart of gold too. I recalled spotting Hwang In Yeop for the first time in Nokdu Flower as a quiet assassin and thinking he was intriguing then. Well, he is simply amazing here. I look forward to more roles from him. And that voice!

Having said all that though, and I may be in the minority here but, I am team Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo) all the way. And I say this not as a fan of Cha Eun Woo. This was actually my first drama in which he starred in, and I am well aware of the fact that he is famous for his looks just as much as his lack of talent. But, honestly, I thought he was decent here as an actor. Of course, comparatively, Moon Ga Young and Hwang In Yeop were a step ahead, but overall, there wasn’t much to complain about. As bland as he may have been, there was no denying his attractiveness in a conventional way. Su Ho was a complete jerk (actually, all the boys were) in the beginning but then he fell for Ju Kyung first, in all her pimply glory. It's really cute. In one instance, he says that he doesn't see a difference between Ju Kyung with makeup and without makeup. He said it without much fanfare, as if it was a matter of fact; it made it all the more convincing and sincere. As much as I like Seo Jun, I was a solid team Su Ho in that respect. Ju Kyung was at her worse, or her truest self, when she was with him and that's whom he fell for. He was there for her from beginning to end (except for that short noble idiocy right before the end, which I chose to forget because I liked the drama too much to be so critical about it). He was the only one who had seen her barefaced, fed her food when hungry, shared hobbies like their mutual interest in horror comic books, tried to make her feel better when upset, protected her, etc. It's all super adorable and he's pretty swoony while doing all of it. It was even better once he confessed; he was understanding, patient, attentive, devoted. In short, he was the perfect boyfriend. They managed to do what a good number of dramas could not, and that was, to keep their relationship compelling, even after they started dating. They were simply adorable together. Ju Kyung was such a klutz around him. Second-hand embarrassment is strong here but it was so funny that in the end, I found myself thinking her bumbling adorable more than anything else. There were many scenes where I had to pause, squealing and screaming at her to just STOP because in that split second you figured out exactly what she was about to do that was bound to be uber mortifying, like when she told Su Ho to LET GO, thinking he had stopped her from leaving when it was just her shirt caught in the door. Or that time she sat on his shoulder. Omg, I busted my gut laughing. This girl, I'm telling you.

Admittedly, the comedy bordered on over the top at times, filled with antics and slapstick humor. But the truly funny, literally laugh-out-loud parts significantly outweighed the exaggerations, so I tolerated it. And even then, it didn't make me want to skip scenes.

This was certainly not a perfect drama. It started out refreshingly different but ended up predictable. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. So much happened in each episode that words would not do justice to convey how entertaining this show was. You'll miss out on all the fun if you're merely reading about it so just go watch it.

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Office Romance with a Twist

For a revenge themed Lakorn, this drama lacked intensity in the way that was delightfully present in the more explosive, similarly themed dramas like Hua Jai Sila and Ra Raerng Fai. That said, it was nevertheless an engaging watch. There was simply something about it that had me flying through the episodes at great speed, even when plot-wise, not much happened in the earlier episodes. Because it's a Lakorn, a fair share of the usual nutty characters was in attendance in the mist of the more reasonable, likable characters. However, there was semblance of logic and I considered it relatively tamed compared to the few Lakorns I've seen.

Abandoned by his father at a young age, Poramee (Donut Phattharapon Dejpongwaranon) returned as an adult hell-bent on pursuing revenge. In his quest, he set out as "Paul" to seduce his stepmother, Net, who played a major role in their family’s demise. I'm in agreement that this was wrong on so many levels, and thankfully, Paul did not cross the line in the end. But it was interesting to see how deceptively Paul melded into Net's world using his charms, in order to advance his plans for revenge. With Net's help, he landed a job at Crown Diamond, his father's jewelry company. As he worked his way up the corporate ladder at the company, he slowly fell in love with the adoptive daughter of his father/stepmother, Nai (Prapye Ramida Theerapat), a person he somewhat resented for having taken his place.

Though he hid his identity with purpose, Paul's anguish was evident when his father did not recognize him. Unbeknownst to Paul, his father, Paramee, had long realized that the person who truly loved him was his first wife, Paul's mother, the one he had tossed away cruelly, along with his son. Paramee was living with regrets, longing and searching for his ex-wife and son, with his only source of happiness now being Nai, whom he loved like a real daughter. I had no sympathy for this man though, both for his past conduct and for his passivity and tolerance for a vicious woman like Net. As beautiful as Net was, she was rotten to the core. I applaud the actress for her excellent portrayal of a greedy, self-centered, promiscuous socialite. And for that matter, I was disappointed at Nai as well, for indulging to Net's every whim. Having led to believe Net as her savior, Nai grew up worshiping Net, when in actuality, Net caused the accident that killed Nai's biological parents. As this was, of course, hidden from Nai, it was reasonable that she would love this person whom she considered kind and like a mother. But her willful devotion for a blatantly horrible person like Net, to the detriment of her own life, tested my patience. I liked the actress; I thought she was a better actor than Donut. But her character was extremely frustrating at times for not standing up for herself, and especially, accepting a marriage proposal from her scumbag of a boyfriend AFTER he tried to drug and rape her, all so, in her twisted logic, she could express her gratitude toward her adoptive family. This was a major flaw in the story, no matter the reason, and I was so disappointed that she allowed herself to be treated this way, when otherwise, her character was likable, in the way she carried herself with grace, sweetness, and with the gravitas of a fair and level-headed executive.

It should be noted that except for sporadic charged moments, there wasn't much progress in the romance department for half of the drama; though I was pleased with their interactions all the same (especially whenever the song Tum Mai Taung Tur by Instinct came on). Only when Paul was revealed to be a major shareholder of Crown Diamond, did things began to pick up overall, driving the story forward (and also the part of the drama that graced us with Donut looking mighty fine in his executive suits). This was the first of two major turning points in the drama, and one where Paul and Nai's boss/employee relationship reversed. And interestingly, Paul turned out to be one mean boss, like making unreasonable demands on purpose or relegating her to secretary duties. But not so unforgiving that you wanted to strangle him, like the time he scolded her for upsetting a sleazy client but when the guy tried to sexually assault her, Paul smacked him with a wine bottle, heh.

Though I felt he was lacking in some ways as a leading man and for the type of character he played, when Donut delivered, he was amazing. I especially enjoyed witnessing his rage, or when he was seething in silence, in defense of or because of Nai. The other compelling part of the story was when Paul mistakenly believed his father ordered the hit on his adoptive father and rashly kidnapped Nai as retribution. I have to admit though that the built up to get to this point was flimsy, but I liked watching the fallout in any case. This was in contrast to some of the other story arcs, where the development may have been strong but the payoff was a major letdown; like in the way Net found out that Paul was actually her stepson. Because it was one sided, we were deprived of the perfect opportunity for a fierce showdown. Or in some instances, the rushed editing took away an otherwise perfect scene, that if left to play its full course could have had more emotional impact.

From experience, I've learned that as bizarre as the story may get in Lakorns, if you stay the course and stick around until the end, you will be rewarded with a happy ending. And this one was no different in that respect. In conclusion, Fah Mee Tawan wasn't the most exciting drama out there. But despite its lack of intensity, it sustained my interest and was charming in its own way, thanks to the leads. I encourage you to watch it and see for yourself.

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After recently watching Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi and loving it so much that it rendered me to reacquaint myself with Japanese shows/films, I noticed they tend to get rated lower than those from other countries of the same level on this site. In a similar vein, I felt this film deserved significantly higher rating than it currently holds. This was not your garden-variety high school romance. It spanned beyond that to showcase the importance of friendship, self-love, and having the courage to face your fears, to live without regret; not just for yourself, but for those who you hold dear. The film follows a group of friends and how they come together in the hopes of changing the trajectory of a friend’s life to save him when given a second chance.

On the surface, Kakeru (Yamazaki Kento) appears like any other teenager. Though new to the school, he immediately connects with a group of classmates who welcomes him with open arms. They do not know, however, that he is putting on a veil of normalcy. I don't believe this is intentional; after all, he looks the happiest around them. And for this reason, they are oblivious to how dark his days can be, that he is grieving for a mother who has committed suicide. As an adult viewer, it is clear to me that his mother’s choice was years in the making, one who appears to have lost the fight with her internal demons. But how is a 17 year old boy who only ever had his mother as a parent supposed to make sense of that and move on? Kakeru is drowning in guilt and self-hate. And for his friends, how can they have the foresight to reach out to someone who is silently enduring and never voices his thoughts?

The answer comes in the form of mysterious letters to Naho (Tsuchiya Tao) from her future self, a decade from now, from a world in which Kakeru no longer exist. This is how the story of Kakeru and Naho begins. One of the girls in the group Kakeru befriends, Naho is soft-spoken, kind, and considerate. Their romance is sweet and filled with squeal-worthy moments. Set in a city in the valley of mountains, the cinematography beautifully captures the surrounding environment to create a warm atmosphere that complements well with the innocent and delicate nature of their romance.

As Naho learns more about the future and Kakeru, she realizes she needed to, and wanted to, break out of her reticent nature to reach him. This growth in her character is satisfying to see. But it isn’t a job she can accomplish alone, and so eventually, their four other friends partners up with her to be there for Kakeru before he is too far gone. This was the surprise element of the film that I wasn’t expecting, this wonderful display of group friendship. It was so heartwarming to watch them foster a supportive environment where Kakeru can feel comfortable opening up and sharing the challenges he faces; to show him that they care, that they will share his burden, that if there is a task he must do alone, they will be there to support him so he can accomplish his goal. And this outpouring of love and encouragement, and making memories together, are what ultimately shifts Kakeru’s mindset, saving him from the precipice. Watching these scenes made me feel a rush of emotions. Their elation was my euphoria; my feelings soared as I cheered alongside them, and for Kakeru.

I also felt traces of melancholy in the mist of the light atmosphere throughout the film, and this feeling never went away. But there is a message of optimism at the end. I read somewhere that the happiest people on earth are the ones surrounded by loved ones they hold meaningful relationships with. This film is evident of that, and that this belief is so powerful, it could even save a person’s life.

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A hot mess in the best way possible.

This is my second Lakorn and if you've never seen this genre before, you should try it, just for the fun of it. From the acting to the music, the story, the makeup and wardrobe, they tend to get very dramatic, very fast, which makes for an entertaining watch. In Hua Jai Sila, they've got everything but the kitchen sink to amp up the story; kidnappings, bombs, sword fights, cat fights, gun fights. You name it, they'll work it into the story. If this were a kdrama, I would describe it as makjang. I had plenty of laughs watching the show, just because of the constant barrage of bizarre, WTF moments. There is no logic whatsoever. But the amazing thing is, I couldn't keep my eyes away. I got caught up in all the drama thanks to the actors who bring their characters to life. The standout of the show, hands down, is the male lead (Thor Thanapob Leeluttanakajorn). He gives a mesmerizing performance; one of the best I've ever seen. And that, comes from someone who has seen a lot of dramas; I mean, A LOT. Thanks in large part to him, I now consider this drama one of the best and one of my all time favorites. His embodiment of the role of Sila is exceptional. I do believe he carried the show to another level.

Sila is a man on a mission to mete out his revenge on those who left him for dead as a child. Now the head of several businesses, including casino and nightclub, he is charismatic, formidable, and incredibly hot. I recalled watching the beginning of the first episode and was getting ready to drop, until I saw him deliver a scathing remark and then walk off like he doesn't give a fudge, that I had to continue. He was so intriguing I wanted to see more and ended up staying for the whole drama.

Sila's romance with Min (Fern Nopjira Lerkkajornnamkul) is, of course, the most engaging part of the drama (besides him). I wasn't as bothered by Min as much as other viewers. I attributed her initial character flaw to the weak writing and looked past it; so it didn't distract me from the story. Her stupid assumptions about Sila creates conflicts as she would often seek him out to confront him, leading to intense arguments that are very compelling to witness. Their chemistry is fantastic. I felt like there were fireworks going off every time they are on screen together. The power dynamic always skew towards Sila but I did not find it aggravating. He is aggressive at times but never cruel, and their push and pull creates electrifying moments between them that made for an engrossing watch. It is the same reason why the rewatch value is so high for me. With the eagerness to know what would happen next out of the way, I was able to slowly appreciate Sila and Min's convincing portrayal of their complicated love and all the emotion, tension, and intensity that comes with it. The more I rewatched, the more I loved that it took me some time before I could move on to the next drama.

I'll say that there will be numerous occasions where you'll find yourself utilizing the skip button as you dive into this drama. It'll also require a good suspension of disbelief. But I assure you that what matters most will give you all that you need to stay with no regrets.

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Get ready for the skip button on this one. The only saving grace to the show were the leads; the source of my generous rating here. This drama is lacking in many things, namely a reasonable plot. The show places the heroine in the most ridiculous, humiliating circumstances to create conflict and for the hero to swoop in and save the day. Having said that, once we get to the parts where the leads interact, I ended up forgetting all the nonsense preceding it. So the overarching plot felt contrived but the scenes/dialogues between the leads felt real and thoughtful.

Though cold but not a total jerk, the hero is the mastermind behind many of the heroine's mishaps. It's complicated with him since he hates her mom and has been planning revenge for 12 years. While staying close to the heroine to mete out his revenge, he remains elusive emotionally. She is perceptive to that and tries to reach out to him earnestly. She doesn't doubt his intentions, it is more that she understands he is just a lonely soul who needs warmth. We can see from her efforts that she is kind and pure. I liked watching his internal struggles to deny his feelings and failing every time. Their moments together, whether sweet or angst filled, are well-done (waltzing, biking, dinner by the piano were especially memorable). I could see clearly how and why they fell for each other; her in simple ways, him in layers of complexities. I found myself smiling watching them.

So the show does reward you for sticking with it, with the cute leads, but there was nothing else to offer. Or maybe I just didn't care for all the side stories about the tragedy behind the revenge, the families, and how it all got resolved. In any case, if you're having a long day and just want to shut off your brain and escape into the world of dramaland, you can enjoy this by skipping around.

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I am of the opinion that many of us watch dramas out of what we can expect from them; that comfort in knowing how they'll make you feel, in as much as the novelty of the stories themselves. In that regard, Maiden Holmes may not have been the most original. In fact, it is downright predictable. But in the execution of all that we've come to love about historical rom-coms, it delivers a hundred percent.

From the very first scene, from the very first episode, I was hooked because the show doesn't make you wait around for all the good stuff to happen. The plot moves at a swift pace and just keeps the goodies coming along the way. There are conflicts to keep things interesting, but never anything too serious or frustrating, and all has satisfying resolutions. The cast is young and likable. And, of course, the romance is especially cute, and surprisingly passionate. The leads' interactions feel natural; I attribute that to good directing and acting. Also, I must confess, the male lead is so eye-catching. I'm almost always staring at his face whenever he's on screen! Seriously, he is so fine. I should also mention that he portrays an amazing character. Cold, arrogant male lead is a given these days but he totally proves being a nice guy from the beginning can be just as attractive. He is nurturing; always ready to support his love, as well as be kind to his subordinates and friends.

Hence, if you want to watch a historical drama that isn't too heavy on intricate plot or angst, and you want a high quality fluffy drama to enjoy and pass the time, then this one's for you.

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