Reviews

Daughters: A Look Into Thai Society

Before I get started with my review, I just wanted to say that I'm Thai-American so there are cultural aspects that might not connect as much with international viewers. Nevertheless, Daughters is one of the only Thai dramas, if not the only, that delves into taboo subjects like teen drug abuse, family problems, etc. without sugarcoating the topics or romanticizing it. Another note, the native title 'Sia-Dai' means 'to regret' or 'what a waste', in reference to the teens in the story whose lives could've been so much more.

Story:
Daughters focuses on a group of teen girls who each have different familial problems. The story is well-paced as it digs deep into the background of each character and develops their character arcs over each succeeding episode. Every character is well fleshed-out and has their own individual traits and stories that make them all so compelling. The story itself is portrayed in a creative way where the main issue isn't really the drugs but rather the teens' surroundings and dysfunctional families. I was invested in every single character and there wasn't any character that felt dull or lacked depth. Everything was portrayed so realistically, with nothing seeming out of place in regards to the story. In terms of culture, you won't find any Thai drama like this as companies are hesitant to talk about these controversial topics that are quite reflective of Thai society itself.

Acting/cast:
Although many of the actors in Daughters were newcomers and had little to no prior acting experience, they all executed their role wonderfully. In interviews from the cast, each actor went through major workshops and preparations for their roles such as visiting rehabilitation facilities to ask people what it was like to go through drug withdrawal, do drug injections, etc. In every scene, each actor portrays their character super realistically and there was never a moment where I couldn't guess what they were thinking. Additionally, their friendship seemed very genuine and natural which made me feel more connected to the cast overall. Huge props to the four main actors, their acting is phenomenal!

Music:
This is probably a cultural aspect as most of what 'Sia-Dai' plays is 90's Thai music and the intro/closing songs are more traditional types of Thai music. Although it might not appeal to international audiences, the music is very accurate for its era!

Rewatch value:
The topics in 'Sia-Dai' are very realistic and dark so it might be hard for you to watch it again especially if you're uncomfortable with topics like suicide, drug abuse, prostitution, etc. For me personally, I would definitely rewatch it due to each character's intriguing personality and background. I also felt a strong emotional connection with the characters and wanted so badly for them to be okay in the end.

Overall:
'Sia-Dai' is genuinely one of the best dramas I've ever watched. The topics it discusses about are rarely talked about in the media, in Thailand or even internationally. It is a unique take on drug abuse as it doesn't portray the teens as bad but rather vulnerable and scared. You sympathize with them and understand that they take drugs not for fun, but to escape from their harsh realities. I highly, highly recommend it.

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As I get older, I feel like I've started to gravitate towards shows that have a greater purpose beyond showing unrealistic romance and (admittedly entertaining) over-the-top drama. This one was down-to-earth and sincere, and a really great watch for those looking for something thoughtful without being depressing (although you'll probably shed a tear or two...but it's a healthy dose!!)

The characters were all well-developed and portrayed by a truly amazing cast. Choongnam was definitely my favorite, but everyone had their charms, just as they had their flaws. I begrudgingly came to adore each and every one as I came to know them, which I feel is an admirable feat for a drama in itself. By the end of the drama, it felt as if they were my very own family members.

What I loved about this drama was that it reminds us that growth does not stop at your 20s, or even your 30s or 40s. Life presents an endless amount of opportunities for you to learn about yourself as well as others-- what's more important is whether you're willing to acknowledge it. It taught me to look at the concepts of relationships, whether familiar or romantic, and death with a new perspective. And it reminded me the importance of being able to recognize one's own needs and take a step back when life gets too overwhelming.

I'll truly miss this drama. I'm sure you will, too.

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A slow but great drama

This drama is kinda slow so to anyone who wants to watch this should have a little bit of patience since in some episodes nothing was really happening. But despite that, the story is great. Its refreshing. Its tells the story of an intersex person who got gender reassigned into a male. It does well in showing the troubles and hardships of someone going through this. Also, they handled the romance really well by making the guy fall in love with both Wen-Wen and Amber. They made Le chien fall in love with Amber without knowing he was wen wen. The story about the second lead also is nice and its nice to see that the female character is not evil or has like little to no importance in this drama. The actors were also so great and did the characters justice. They portrayed the characters emotions very well. No cringy or overacting. The music of this drama is also so nice. The ost they played when the 'moments' come made the moments even more sad or cute. This drama is really good. Though it is slow which is the reason it has like low rate but its still great.

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Give it a try, you won't regret it.

To me, this is one of the best BL series of all time. From the story, acting, directing, theme, and message, everything is great. The relationship portrayed here is healthy and full of CONSENT. It is entertaining and educative, without being patronising. Give it a try and it will give you something more than just entertainment. It's a bit slow at the beginning but it's totally worth it. Especially if you finish til the end, there will be amazing surprises for you. Don't forget to watch behind the scenes too. The director gives insight on the making process and about the message they try to convey.

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this was kinda a mix of My Fellow Citizens and Liar Liar. the 1st half of the story was slightly boring and the overall plot was basic, but their comedy sense was gold and they got a brownie point when they showed "Ju Sang Suk" being brutally honest doesn't mean she's a heartless person, that tub scene was both sweet and hilarious xD

speaking of Ra Mi Ran she was basically the heart and soul of this I can't imagine a better actress that could've pulled both a heartless sweet and hilarious personality.
I've never seen Kim Mu Yeol in a comedic role before and he also did a great job, plus the son was a nice character too.

the music is basic, and I never rewatch stuff though I would recommend it to people who look for a fun easy watch

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A lot of piano playing, classical music and passionate love addiction. This drama is almost a masterpiece.

Here are so many good comments and reviews on this drama. And I agree with almost all of them, but want to say something too.

First of all, I avoided to watch this drama for last 2 years 'cause I thought that love between two of 40 yo and 20 yo will look awkward. But in fact was NOT awkward at all.

Seeing the 40 yo woman who is still so beautiful, fresh, smart and attractive, I felt inspired and refreshed. I wanted to be like her when I'll be her age. She is tough and soft at the same time as well. She is not an ajumma with stoned and old mind. She is mature and strong but has young mind. Such a rare combination. Just loved her.

That 20 yo boy admiring the woman... I felt his passionate love during all the drama. It is his passion that kept me in bitter-sweet tension so that I couldn't stand but kept watching the drama non-stop, tho my body&mind was naturally tired in the middle. This role really suits to Yoo Ah In. I agree with all praises to him written in the reviews. Btw I've watched an interwiew with him after, and his answers and comments were so deep and thoughtful, - which I never expecting from him, - that I started to respect and like him as a person pretty much.

I felt alive for some time thanks to this drama.

May be it wouldn't impress me so much if there were not the unique cinematography.All colors are darken so it looks like an art of movie. Seems like this color trick smoothens all flaws of acting and environment. My eyes were having rest from all that bright, light and colorful other dramas.

It was great that there are alot of classical music, and they play piano a lot. This makes drama about music the drama about music. And the music is great and it shows their soul, their passion so well. Oh sometimes too well: when playing music feels and looks like sex or even better.

Bad thing here for me is the business talks. I tried to scroll them as much as possible. Though this side of our main heroine's life is interesting. Just for me, it is shown boring.

Half of supporting cast didn't seem good at acting. Only that's why I rate acting 8, not 10.

I don't think I will want to rewatch it soon. The reason is... The drama is slow and it seems that almost nothing changes and all scenes just repeat and repeat but just in different shot and with slight changes to continue the story. That's why it feels like I've already rewatched the same thing many times )) Don't worry, all that repeatitive and similar scenes are so deep, beautifull, intense and passionate that it's rather enjoyable repeatition ))

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So bad that it was good

The premise of the series is interesting. Do I think the execution was great? No, it lacked in many aspects… but there was still something about it that made me enjoy it. Strange, I know.

Kamol & Kim: Let’s be honest, Kamol is a bit of a disappointment for a criminal. But I can forgive him for that. The idea that he can’t find a partner is a bit far-fetched, but it’s a way to start the story. Kim is heartbroken and wants a rebound, which he finds in his one night with Kamol. Only Kamol is not really ready to give him up. To be honest, their first NC scene was a disaster, from start to finish. It’s like the writers and directors went into this with zero knowledge about BDSM. They just went with whatever popped into their head. Kamol was a bit forceful when it comes to Kim moving in with him, but at the same time, he was completely wrapped around Kim’s little finger. I found that kind of adorable. Kim really did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted and however he wanted it. And poor Kamol just had to deal with the aftermath. I really like how Kim never hesitated in going against Kamol. It really showed how secure and safe he felt with him, he knew Kamol wouldn’t hurt him. There was some fear at first, but it didn’t really last for long. I love the chemistry the two actors have off screen, sadly I don’t think they were given the chance to really show it on screen as well. If anything, they mostly appeared very awkward with each other.

I did like the side couples as well. Day and Itt were adorable together (I did change my mind about them after watching Love Syndrome III). The bodyguards were an unexpected surprise that I did not mind. The possibility of a relationship between Khom and Baiboon was only hinted at, I believe that was done due to their age gap and the fact Baiboon is still quite young. The series doesn’t state his age, but I am guessing he is in his late teens. Which is a bit concerning, to be honest.

The number of ex-lovers that tried to meddle with the relationship between Kamol and Kim is ridiculous. It was a bit annoying how that seemed to be a mayor plot driver. Some jealousy can be nice, but it can also quickly be overdone. I really wanted to hate certain exes, but they ended up redeeming themselves.

There are certain aspects related to the cinematography that were done very poorly. Some of the transitions were weird and didn’t really make much sense. The NC scenes were poorly coordinated, many other scenes came across as very un-realistic. From the way characters moved, talked… I don’t know how much of this is on the cast and how much on the direction part of the story.

I do think that my expectations for a mafia love story were quite high after watching KinnPorsche. Unforgotten Night sadly didn’t really deliver. But sometimes things are so bad that it actually makes them good.

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LOVE IT BUT...... lack of communication

Story
The only thing I hate about this show is the fact that most of their problems were from a lack of communication. Otherwise the story was good. Showing how lying and not being understanding can hurt a relationship. I love how it also talked about the coming out process which I stan and love.

Acting/Cast
My gosh I love TayNew's chemistry. They are soooooo good at acting and I loved them in this show. I also loved all the other actors but they are my faves. The acting on the sad scenes and intense scenes were great.

Music
Wonderful. Magic. Magnificent. Amazing. The intro song and the OST are both *chef's kiss* amazing. I listen to them on replay.

Overall
The only issue with this whole drama was the lack of communication but otherwise 10/10 please watch you will get addicted to TayNew.

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Personal rating

Never Grow Old

Casts: #RenMin and #GouJunchen
Genre: Youth/family urban drama
Number of episodes: 24
Broadcast platform: Youku TV
Personal rating: 10/10

Synopsis

Strength:

• I've always been a fan of urban dramas and this one has to be one of my favorite urban drama. This drama provides something that I've looking for a youth drama.The plot is so good as it addresses different societal issues such as fixed marriages, family quarrel, neighborhood gossips, youth issues, and etc. The way the whole drama describes how bond is stronger than blood, and how blood is thicker than water.

• Ren Min and Gou Junchen have that chemistry which can not be seen by physical contact nor by intimate scenes. In fact, they compliment each other really well despite the drama being wholesome. Two persons don't need to be intimate to see if they have chemistry. They just have that by existing. Char HAHA

• I've also want to point out how balance the scenes and the sequence of every scenes are. Like, it isn't too dramatic, nor too funny. It's just in moderation. But one thing is for sure, it gives you the emotions that you can only have at home. As I've said, it's one realistic drama which will make you think that these things happen in reality. Say for example, every person differ from one another just like how students differ from another student. Some are not really stupid, nor dumb, they just often had a hard time understanding context and clues. Some are also not that smart, but since they work so hard, they get a lot of grades. Each individual have their own specific coping up mechanism.

• The drama describes bond as stronger than blood. If you have watched the drama, you know what I mean.

• Life lessons:
- Education is meant for everyone. No matter what circumstances, if you want to go to school, you can. Don't listen to people saying you're too old for school, education is for everyone.
- Never marry off your daughter to someone who you barely knew. The tendency of failed marriage is high.
- Expecting doesn't hurt, assuming does.
- Bond is stronger than blood.
- Family should always be above all priority.
- Grades is not a measurement of someone's worth.
- Love can always wait.

• One thing, you will fall in love with all the casts. I love the kids and their parents. ? it's a family, or community goal for me.

Weakness

• While the drama is so good for my personal taste, I think the only lacking is the love lines. Well, I think since the drama focuses on family, and the community they're living in, it's forgivable. I just wish they could have add a spice of love. This one literally has no "kilig" moments, mga minors lang. ? I think it's good though. Junchen and Ren Min looks like they're siblings tho.

Over all, the drama is so good that I had a hard time moving on from everyone in the drama including the parents. ?

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This does not disappoint.

I thought it was great. I liked the character development and interactions with each other. There was equal parts drama and pure fun. And the drama felt real, not silly like many of the BL shows. The crying scenes were so good with Cai and Gav, and of course the sex scene. I liked the Hello, Stranger movie, but it had most of the typical tropes and predictable ending. This movie did not. The drama felt natural and they actually talked about things and made rationale decisions. Nothing about it felt forced or cheesy. The secondary couple were great too. The ending was sad but cute. And knowing there will be a second season made me happy.

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Lovely, understated movie. All the actors are appealing and play their parts well. It must be very difficult to act an emotionally traumatized role. Not a movie for those looking for a lot of action but well worth viewing if you like well developed characters and a good story. My only slight criticism is that the denouement is a bit too neat - unless we are to understand that manager Sawashiro deliberately picked out a remote unpromising hotel to manage because of past events. Maybe - but it's certainly not spelt out and you need to exercise your imagination pretty hard before you come to that realisation. I can't say more without making a spoiler. Watch it and you'll understand. Would certainly watch again myself.

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Butterfly Effects keep things interesting and not reptitive

Completed - 8/6/2022

After this year’s very popular hit C-drama “Reset” with a similar topic of time loop, I wasn’t sure if “Triage” could top it. I am usually not a big fan of the time loop theme, but due to the overwhelming praises for both dramas, I decided to watch them, and I am glad I did. Both dramas live up to the expectations. I am actually surprised I liked “Triage” quite a lot.

Not sure if there’s a production relation between “Triage” and “Manner of Death” but I was really hoping this would be a much better drama. I was quite disappointed with “Manner of Death”. Luckily, the overall plot and execution in “Triage” are a lot better and do not leave too many plot holes even though it could be quite difficult for a time loop theme. However, I have to say that the chemistry of the leads pales in comparison to Max and Tul.

I was not sure what Tin saw in Tol during the first few loops to fall in love with him. I didn’t think Tol was that likable and with Tin focusing on saving him, the chemistry wasn’t quite there for me. Once Tin got to know Tol after a few more loops, then I can see a little more chemistry (still not enough). However, I think the acting of Tin and Tol are just OK, and not amazing. Maybe that’s why I am not feeling the chemistry, especially when I might have subconsciously compared them to the leads in “Manner of Death”.

Regarding the plot,I was not totally invested in the story until about episode 3. The first two episodes have rapid fire time loops to showcase Tin’s frustrations in the process. But then the story slowly unfolds, like peeling an onion. I then realized the whole plot is more than just saving Tol. Side characters are slowly and smartly introduced. The time loops are so well executed that I don’t find them repetitive at all. With each time loop and butterfly effect, the story changes. We can then see how each side story is tied together to create the big central plot. I am still not quite sure why this all started. Was it because of the prayer Tin made when he was young? Is that why he was selected and given the chance to redo everything? I guess that’s for the viewer to interpret themselves.

One big initial concern of mine before I start watching this drama is whether medical procedures would be believable. Medical dramas are a hit-or-miss, mostly a miss. I am not a medical professional, so I can’t say everything they did in the drama is correctly done. But to my untrained eyes, it’s at least passable and not too fake. Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same thing for the medical procedures and autopsies done in “Manner of Death”.

If you are looking for a more mature Thai BL drama that’s not in a school setting, I definitely recommend this. If you enjoy medical dramas and time loops, this is the drama for you. “Triage” might not top “Not Me” as my most favorite Thai BL drama to date, but I still had a very enjoyable time watching it.

p.s Wait.. I just realized I didn't notice/remember any product placement!! That's a first in a Thai drama for me!!!

Other Random Observations:
1. It’s nice to see a surprise guest appearance
2. All the women in this drama are pretty!!
3. Unfortunately, I only found Dr. Sing to be the only good-looking man in this drama.
4.Acting is decent overall
5. The professor really could get away with a lot of things in the hospital, even though they are security cameras everywhere.
6. Music is not memorable to me.

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For me this is the best cdrama that i ever watch love the story, character, how the story flows, the actors and actress really nailed their charcter specially chengyi after watching this i cant get over it like the Untamed last year... its really worth of your time and every episode makes you laugh, cry, anger, sad. My favorite part is when Sifeng always care and protect Xuanji no matter what, the 9 life times of their love stoey is really sad that it made me cry for Sifeng, cant get over with this drama maybe it will take 2 weeks for me to forget and move on. Best cdrma for 2020. Looking forward for more of Cheng Yi dramas.

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"Try what you can, then you'll find what you like"

The Moon Has Risen was a charming, sweetly funny film written by Ozu Yasujiro and directed by prolific actress Tanaka Kinuyo. A father living with his three daughters, all of marriage age, would have to brace himself as the matchmaking and romancing were about to escalate with the full moons.

Asai Mokichi lives in Nara with his three daughters. He has a hands-off approach with their love lives, letting his daughters do as they will. Chizu is the eldest daughter and a widow. She is traditional and loves caring for the family and her father. Ayako, the second daughter, is quietly shy, and falls somewhere between modern and traditional. Much to her consternation, her aunt is always trying to set her up with marriages she has no interest in. Setsuko, the youngest at 21, is effusive and effervescent. She is close friends with Shoji, a man who is currently living on the premises and unemployed. Shoji’s friend, Amamiya, visits for a while during a business trip. Setsuko and Shoji join forces to matchmake for Ayako and Amamiya when they see how much the two care for each other. The course of true love never runs smoothly, and that goes for Setsuko and Shoji as well!

Many Ozu story elements were to be found. A widowed father, played by Ozu regular Ryu Chishu, had daughters of marriage age. This time though, no one was overly worried about the father being left alone. Chizu enjoyed caring for her father, but even she may have had a love match. No older male friends were called in to help find potential mates, the sisters took care of their own futures. And each other. I loved the sisters’ relationships with each other. I worried that I might find Setsuko annoying as she attempted to bring Ayako and Amamiya together, but after the first few scenes, I found her to be a fun character and appealing. Watching the relationship grow between Setsuko and the aimless Shoji was compelling as well.

This was Tanaka Kinuyo’s second directorial effort and I thoroughly enjoyed how she framed shots. It might have been an Ozu script but she didn’t stay cemented to shooting from the mat as he did. Nor were there the head on conversations directly to the camera and overly controlled acting. Her characters moved fluidly and gracefully. She used beautiful outdoor scenes, tranquil temple locations, and gorgeously composed rooms to great effect. The characters were more tactile and looser than in an Ozu film. The family even had a pet dog! The humor was gentle and felt authentic to the story. I found Tanaka’s style of directing very relaxing.

The Moon Has Risen was an endearing film about three sisters as they carved out futures for themselves and when they faltered there was always a sister around to give destiny a little push in the right direction. Tanaka Kinuyo tied everything together with her own method of directing and extracted excellent performances from the actors. Only the second Japanese woman at the time to direct a feature film, she proved herself well. Oh, and Mizoguchi Kenji, you were wrong, she had plenty of brains to direct.

16 June 2024

*Mizoguchi was against Tanaka directing, stating, she “does not have enough brains to be a film director.”

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