MizMystixism

Entertaining, but could've been done better

The series kicked off with a promising start, drawing viewers in with its charm and humor. The initial episodes set the stage for what seemed to be an exciting journey ahead. However, despite the promising start, the story started to stumble in the middle with some scenes feeling a bit dragged out. As the series attempted to weave together various plotlines, certain plot twists and turns lacked the punch needed to elevate the narrative. Still, it managed to regain momentum towards the end, making a good finish in the final episodes. The crude jokes? Honestly, it all comes down to how you feel about them. Personally, I think they're well-placed and not overly done.

I personally think one of the highlights of this series is the performances delivered by James Jirayu and Bella Ranee. It's a comeback of Thai beloved koojin people have been waiting for. The duo's acting prowess shines through, bringing authenticity to their characters. Even with very minimal (or should I call it the awkward) kiss scenes, their on-screen chemistry is undeniably amazing, adding an extra layer of charm to the series. Plus, the wardrobes are fantastic too.

While the acting and chemistry between the lead actors are commendable, the CGI in the show really needs improvement. The effects come off as unconvincing. Also, the theme of black magic felt overused and cliched, failing to bring anything new to the table as I've seen similar stuff in other Ch3 shows.

In conclusion, while it may fall short in certain areas, the series is entertaining and offers a lighthearted experience for fans of the lead actors. If you're looking for something with a mix of romance, comedy, and drama, this series is one you can consider.

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Not your typical GL.

Inspired by a true story of an LGBTQ+ couple, Top Patinya Khwantrakul and Mai Sumonrat Wattanaselarat, Rak Overdose takes a unique approach by delving into the complex world of sapphic love while also shining a light on the harsh realities of drug and alcohol addiction, unlike the typical GL series we often see in the market.

While many GL series tend to focus primarily on the romantic aspect of relationships, this series places substance use disorders at the forefront. The focus is not only on raising awareness about drug abuse, but it also shows how one’s addiction could drag the person they love into the same abyss. The message is pretty simple: "love yourself first before loving anyone else," and it’s conveyed through Tar and Mo’s struggle as they navigate their love for each other and, at the same time, are forced to confront the destructive nature of addiction. Love alone cannot save you from your demon. Apart from that, this series tells how a good support system can really help a person break the habit. It’s about the people who stay and put in the effort. It takes a lot of strength to take the first step, but when you do, you'll be that much closer to healing and recovery.

Plus, the series doesn't shy away from showing the challenges faced by the couple individually and together, which involve trust, family issues, mental health issues, traumatic pasts, the withdrawal effects, breakups, and other domestic problems. It’s the most realistic portrayal of WLW relationships in a Thai series I’ve seen so far. Tina and Nana did a good job of bringing a dramatized version of Top and Mai to life, while still keeping it true to their story. And the short interview at the end of every episode really gives an insight into their struggle that allows people to connect with the story on a deeper emotional level.

For GL audiences looking for a series that goes beyond the typical romantic tropes, Rak Overdose is a must-watch. With its unique approach to storytelling, realistic portrayal of relationships, and focus on important social issues, this miniseries offers a refreshing take on LGBTQ+ representation in media and also a way to spread awareness about substance addiction and the options of treatment and approach to overcome it.

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A good remake.

When it comes to remakes, there’s often a fine line between paying homage to the original and creating a carbon copy. But this Philippines version of "Bad Genius" manages to walk that line, offering audiences a fresh and engaging take on the well-loved Thai drama.

While the core storyline remains the same in the Philippines version, the overall vibe and energy of the series are distinctly Filipino. There is a sense of local flavor that adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative not only in the setting, but the overall look and tone. It’s not simply a retelling of the same tale; it is a reinterpretation that stands on its own merits. This version also boasts impressive production values and in my opinion, way better than other Viva One’s series I’ve watched before.

I think one of the most notable things about this remake is Atasha Muhlach's portrayal of Lin. Her interpretation of Lin is both faithful to the original character and also brings something new to the table. And what surprised me is that this series is her first full series. I personally like this Pinoy Lin than the Thai Lin. Muhlach's performance is a testament to her talent as an actress and a promising sign of things to come. The rest of the cast did pretty well, only that I think Gab and Hyacinth could improve more with their acting.

Overall, the Philippines version is an example of how a remake can be done right. Of course, there are some flaws, but with its good production values and distinctly Filipino vibe, this remake is something to consider for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

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Well acted, entertaining, good plot twist.

As typical and predictable as a time loop concept film can be, this film is not simply following the story of Mesa, a rich girl who finds herself trapped in a time loop. This film is more than just a romantic comedy. It dives into themes of second chances and the importance of living in the present moment and even explores spiritual beliefs and the things we often overlook in life. Our life isn't always about us. And it also carries a meaningful message with its plot twist. Without giving away any spoilers, the twist adds more to the story than simply an effort to break the time loop curse.

While the storylines seem quite simple and lack proper backstory, this film has a good plot development. It's easy to follow from one story to another. Plus, the production values are top-notch. Everything from the vibrant cinematography to the overall production is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The visuals are captivating, drawing viewers into the world of the story.

In my opinion, the highlight of this film is Toey Jarinporn's performance. Toey's portrayal of the protagonist is both funny and endearing. It's hard not to love her. On the other hand, Charlette Wasita shines in her role, impressing me with her nuanced acting. The supporting cast also performed wonderfully.

One thing that I personally like about this film compared to other Thai comedy films is that it doesn't rely on slapstick humor. Instead, it blends funny dialogue and good acting to create a light-hearted and entertaining experience. The humor is well-placed and complements the emotional layers of the story. Simple jokes yet effective.

Overall, 'Same Day With Someone' is considered an entertaining film rather than impressive. It's well-executed and well-acted, but there are still a few minor flaws, a few aspects that can be improved.

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Social class, status, dreams, and opportunities.

Though the idea might not be groundbreaking, "Flat Girls" stands out as a solid depiction of the harsh realities faced by teenagers in a flat society marred by financial struggles and oppression. The backdrop of this film is a life marked by inequality, economic instability, societal expectations, and prejudices. Here, survival is not guaranteed, and success is a fleeting dream for many. 

A remarkable aspect of "Flat Girls" is the meticulous attention to detail in crafting the film's environment and atmosphere. Big credit should be given to Claire Jirassaya as the director for the outstanding production quality, sharp camerawork, and direction. The visual storytelling alone is already engaging. In my opinion, this film's editing and sound mixing really help in making it a well-structured one - it's not too simple or too complex. And there's almost no need for extravagant props and set design too. The flat itself has become a key representation of the lifestyles of middle- to lower-class people in society.

While this film may be slow-paced, the strong script that raises important questions about inequality in Thai society definitely compensates for it. The film's satirical tone is used effectively to criticize the Thai bureaucracy and shed light on the struggles faced by those on the lower rungs of the social ladder.

Another point for the director as she shows a remarkable talent for bringing out the best in the actors. EarnEarn Fatima and Fairy Kirana successfully carried the entire film on their shoulders. Despite being relatively new to the industry, both lead actresses deliver powerful and effortless performances that add significant depth and nuance to their characters.

Instead of focusing on sapphic romance and cute moments, the film excels at illuminating the stark truths embedded in the system and society. If you're looking for a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll, "Flat Girls" is definitely worth a watch.

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A cute romance with no major conflict.

This is a type of GL series that you can re-watch without skipping an episode, and still enjoy it. The theme is pretty typical, but nothing too serious or with heavy conflicts. While it might drawn comparisons to the certain series due to the office romance and boss-employee relationship, this series stands out in its own way. It captures the innocence emotions of young love as it explores the unexpected love.

The look and feel of this drama are light, fun, and pretty straightforward. Given that it’s just 5 episodes, it’s expected to be fast-paced with rushed storylines. I wish it could either stretch a little longer or written it more neatly, so that the plots could develop better, maybe by delving into why Khun Weala was afraid of love. That part seems to be hanging. The conflict is resolved too quickly, leaving no room for the audience to feel the tension. But nevertheless, the cute moments between the leads managed to make you smile. A lot can be improved especially in terms of production values and storytelling. Considering that this is Bmine and Near’s first series, I’d say it’s not bad.

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A solid remake.

Remaking a beloved K-drama might seem like an easy job since everything is already laid out—the story, the character development, and the conflict; yet, replicating the original's quality is no walk in the park. Among the various Thai remakes of K-dramas I've watched so far, "Ghost" stands out as one great example where the production quality nearly matches that of the original.

One of the key strengths of this Thai version lies in Monomax's meticulous attention to detail, particularly in props and special effects. Unlike some channels that may cut corners with these aspects, Monomax prioritizes realism and relatability, creating scenarios/scenes that look more authentic than simply fictional and resonate with the audience. This dedication to top-notch production quality enhances the remake, turning it into a credible and polished adaptation rather than just a simple imitation.

When it comes to performances, direct comparison between actors from the Korean and Thai versions is less meaningful, given each actor’s unique style and cultural context. The distinct interpretations offer fresh perspectives, allowing viewers to appreciate the characters differently. Ken Phupoom excelled in giving both characters a unique look and feel. But Nat Sakdatorn's portrayal of the villain, imo, failed to make me despise him as a villain should. I don't feel the weight in his performance. In terms of suspense buildup and narrative tension, the original has more advantages. While this Thai version still manages to deliver the similar suspense, it doesn't come with a big bang. The action scenes come off as somewhat less intense and gripping. It's probably due to the editing cut and pace.

Overall, the Thai remake of "Ghost" does a great job of capturing the original's vibe and spirit, while also highlighting its own unique strengths, despite a few flaws. It exemplifies how thoughtful production and a commitment to staying true to the source can make a remake nearly as good as the original, offering fans a captivating alternative.

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Whimsical and entertaining

Sci-fi is one of my least favorite genres because most of the time, I can’t really relate to the story or the character. However, this series brilliantly blends the imaginative concept of alien with relatable human experiences, highlighting the theme of family, friendship, and romance and the cultural backdrop of Isan. The plot is so well put together that everything fits perfectly in just 6 episodes.

Set against a scenic countryside backdrop, along with the use of the Isan dialect and cultural elements adds a unique charm and authenticity that enhances the story. In my opinion, what makes this series particularly appealing is its ability to maintain a light tone from the beginning until the end. At its core, the series captures the tension and excitement of a forbidden love, but it nicely blends comedy, conflicts, cute moments, and good character development, making it an entertaining watch for anyone seeking both warmth and whimsy.

This series is the first collaboration between BigM Krittarit and Green Ausadaporn, and their on-screen chemistry is nothing short of delightful. Their performances feel genuine and effortless, drawing the audience into their characters' lives and emotions. The love-hate relationship between Der and Saiphin adds a unique flavor to romance storytelling, without many clichés often seen in typical romantic dramas. And BigM did an amazing job portraying two distinct personalities.

Overall, "Love You 10 Million Miles" distinguishes itself as a fun and lighthearted series, giving a nice break from the often intense and typical convoluted plots of many Thai dramas. The series not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on the importance of love and connection in all its forms. It's a refreshing ride that you don’t want to miss.

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Well-crafted, heavy with emotion and meaning.

First of all, it’s important to understand that abortion is illegal and considered a crime in the Philippines, even if the pregnancy resulted from r*pe. And in many communities, teenage pregnancy is seen as a taboo subject, and young women who find themselves in this situation often face judgment and stigma, which forces many of them to seek out dangerous and unregulated methods to terminate unwanted pregnancies. "Sunshine" does an excellent job of delving into the difficult and emotional topic of teenage pregnancy and abortion, highlighting the risks and consequences faced by those who are forced to resort to such extreme measures and handling those issues with care yet in a powerful way. The film also touches on the financial and healthcare issues of the lower class, pointing out how crucial it is to improve medical services and provide support for those experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

Putting 'chasing a dream vs living reality' as a big question, this film is packed with raw emotion and the inner struggle of an aspiring young athlete who found out she was pregnant just months away from a major national level competition. And Maris Racal delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the pain and struggles with genuine authenticity. In my opinion, this is her best performance to date. She even trained gymnastic for a year to prepare for this role. Impressive! 👏

While everything is just so well done—from the script to the production and the performances—this film is not one without a flaw. The only shortcoming is probably that certain characters are not neatly fleshed out, leaving you kind of wondering what their story is. But as the plot unfolds, it starts to come together. Hence, this film is nearly perfect, but not yet. So 9 is the best rate I can give this film.

Overall, the film is truly heartbreaking and eye-opening at the same time. It’s also a testament to the courage and creativity of Filipino filmmakers, who continue to push boundaries and spark important conversations through their work. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in something thought-provoking.

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A raunchy comedy about finding true love.

‘Love Lesson 010’ is a raunchy-filled comedy about finding love that also touches on male impotence.

Slapstick jokes are a staple of Thai comedy, but this one gets a bonus point for being a little different. This drama is funnier and more entertaining than I had thought. The sexual jokes could be a little too vulgar for one's liking, but they were well-placed. The plot moved along nicely, with some drama and romance.

This drama has a good cast lineup, which managed to bring the laughter and drama it intended. Bright Norraphat nailed his character as a promiscuous man, discovering what true love is. I personally like Pat Chayanit’s character, Kate. She's a no-nonsense girl that you’ll love in an instant.

Overall, this drama is enjoyable, despite a few weak plots that make it lose its grip on the story toward the end. It’s something to watch for the laugh, its simple story, and its non-complicated romance.

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An heartwarming teacher-student drama that’s full of positive messages.

'Khru Ma' is a hidden gem, an underrated drama. The premise of a new, fun, eccentric teacher from the city is not new, but this drama delivers the idea in a way that goes beyond the new teacher storyline. It has several themes, such as education, teacher-student relationships, friendships, and local community life. All these themes are conveyed in well-written plots and characters.

Wichai is a strong believer that knowledge is not fixed in textbooks and that education should benefit the students, not the teacher. As quoted by Wichai; “Students scoring higher marks in every subject is more of the teachers’ success measurement than the students.” Although the drama focused on his unconventional teaching style, it also objectively touched on the pros and cons of the common teaching methodology.

The time setting that takes place during the dispute between the Khmer and Vietnamese communist parties makes the conflict in this drama not only focused on the school but also revolves around the town, which is located at the Thai-Cambodian border, where the people are of diverse ethnicities and different backgrounds. It also touched on how the conflict has led to prejudice against other races within the community. However, the issue is skillfully conveyed without displaying bias.

One major thing that I like about this drama is the characters. Each character has its own significance - the teachers, the students, the headmaster, the parents, and even the small roles of the café owner and the librarian. If Wichai is the head of this drama, the students are the limbs. They carry out the plots effortlessly, making every episode enjoyable to watch. Although the issues created by the opposing characters seem repetitive, they’re just enough to create tension.

This drama does come with a few flaws, especially the repetitive displeasure among teachers about Wichai's teaching style, but overall, it does a good job at creating a balance between drama, comedy, romance, tension, family, and friendship without losing its main focus.

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An underrated, nostalgic movie.

This movie is so underrated that almost no one talks about it. But I'm glad I found this gem. A movie about a movie is something that has been done before, but ‘Once Upon a Star’ still manages to stand out in its own unique way. While this kind of movie (like Singin’ in the Rain or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) mostly focuses on the actor, actress, or director, this movie centers on the little people, which are traveling cinema troupes that roamed rural Thailand, bringing outdoor cinema and dubbed movies in the 1960s and 1970s.

This movie successfully takes the audience back to the 1960s-70s era with detailed settings and props. I like the fact that they took something from history that isn’t given as much attention in most movies, which is 16mm film live-dubbing. It’s something the younger generation might not have any clue about but is worth knowing and learn about. And it also highlighted Thailand’s most famous movie star at the time, Mitr Chaibancha. (Feel free to Google him)

The plots are well-stitched and developed neatly. The movie moves at quite a slow pace by showing them struggle to make a profit, taking any job possible even as far as outskirt area. But despite its slow pace, it doesn't feel too draggy. Thanks to the beauty shots. It also included a triangle love involving Manit, Kao, and Kae, which takes up just a nice portion of this movie in order to create an emotional conflict between the characters. Every character has a distinct personality and a story to tell, all of which blend together in one big narrative, but their characters are somewhat underexplored.

Although the main focus of the movie is the journey of the cinema troupes, it actually gives a glimpse at how Mitr Chaibancha’s popularity played a huge role in Thai culture, as well as Thai cinema and movie growth. His life adds more depth to this movie and makes the whole context of this movie reasonable. When he passed away during the peak of his career, it seemed like the cinema business died with him. His death pretty much brought an end to the 16mm era.

Overall, despite a few flaws, it’s a good movie that recounts a historical tale and have good messages within the storylines. It deserves as much attention as other period movies. In my personal opinion, it is a good and entertaining underrated movie.

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This movie is many things, but it failed in whatever it intended to be.

I don’t know where to begin with this movie. The premise of a woman trying to break free from the life under her husband's oppression while dealing with issues like migration, domestic violence, and traumas of the past is interesting enough, but it doesn’t really offer anything new beyond what’s expected. At first, it seems like a neo-noir film with a touch of lesbian romanticism, which looks promising to me, but it slowly becomes bland. As the story unfolds, the plots start to get weak and weaker, to the point that it makes me lose interest in whatever is going to happen next. The plot twist is so ambiguous, leaving the ending/resolution so unsatisfying. I couldn’t pinpoint any compelling things about this movie, and I don’t even know where this movie even stands.

Fan Bingbing and Lee Joo Young both perform well, but their performances seem to be underutilized by the weak screenplay. Binbing’s character has very little development and lacks the depth to make her memorable. While Joo Young’s character has its own backstory, it’s not enough to further enhance her significance either.

While this movie delves into romance, incorporating the same-sex love scene, it's not about exploring or experimenting with sexuality in any way. And the scene doesn't significantly alter the plot and is unable to make an impact in any way other than simply establishing the sexual tension between the two women. So, is this an LGBT romance movie? No, it's not. It's more like a rough estimate that doesn't really capture the authentic queer experience.

This movie has an intriguing story and conflicts, but it failed to live up to its potential. The lack of finesse in storytelling and character growth and the failure to effectively communicate its intentions make it fall into the bad movie section.

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Bea Alonzo and JLC are indeed one true pair.

This short film tells the story of an on-screen love team that reunites for a project after a long break due to the pandemic. During their time together, they engage in heartfelt conversations about life, love, and their shared past. The plot is straightforward yet well-crafted, fitting neatly into a 36-minute runtime, and it beautifully captures the dynamics of their relationship. If we talk about love teams, fans often hope that these pairs will become real-life couples, enchanted by their chemistry both on and off the screen. But it doesn’t always happen in real life. By centering the narrative around the love team while not making their romantic relationship the focal point, the film offers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of their friendship both in and out of the spotlight.

The story is so engaging from the beginning to the end, making me want for more. Bea Alonzo and JLC undoubtedly have an amazing chemistry. Their dialogue feels so genuine and effortless, as if they’re simply being themselves rather than acting. I was smiling the whole time, my face hurt. The way they tackle the themes of life and love, through the lens of one of the most iconic Filipino love teams offers a profound insight: as humans, we often find our emotions beyond our control, especially when it comes to those we deeply care about. You know, feelings will grow, the line between professional and personal will get blurred, and it can sometimes have a positive or negative impact on our real-life relationship. But at the end of the day, people grow and move on, and the best of love remains.

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EngLot’s chemistry is overflowing.

Basically, ‘Love Bully’ is just another chaotic Club Friday installment. However, unlike most Club Friday series, the premise of this drama doesn’t involve affairs or cheating, which deserves a good point there. The storyline is not that bad, but it’s not the best either. Certainly, it focuses on the one who cares too much would be more hurt, while the one who cares less would be more frustrated at having to put up with all the crap all the time.

It's a Club Friday drama, so the conflicts are expected to be a little overdramatized. But despite that, good directions help convey the story well. In terms of acting, Charlotte deserves praise for her performance this time. She nailed it. The only thing about this drama that I personally like is the great chemistry between Engfa and Charlotte. The EngLot tandem makes the scenes they share look natural. Given that they are one of the most famous GL pairings in Thailand and also well-known internationally, it's not surprising that this series has become the most anticipated, most talked about, and most watched compared to other Club Friday series.

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