Reviews

UpPoom are just delightful

I loved this, I loved my stand in, but I think I love this more. The two of them are just fabulous chemistry. The story was entertaining. I thought all of the acting was very strong. But it’s the two of them that are just so much fun to watch they are delivering their scenes. They’re delivering their chemistry just a fun show and I really hope they keep making work together. The episode where they are broken up is really some of their best work, even though it’s a sad episode they are both really strong playing two people dealing with heartbreak. Just really, really enjoyed it.

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Suntiny — I Honestly Don't Understand the Appeal

I rarely ask myself why a drama exists, but Suntiny made me do exactly that. From the very first episodes, I kept wondering who thought this story was a good idea and, even more surprisingly, why talented actors agreed to bring it to life. I know many viewers enjoyed it, and I genuinely respect that. I just couldn't see what they were seeing.

The biggest problem is the writing.

The body-swap premise could have been fun if it had been used to explore identity, relationships, or even comedy in a clever way. Instead, the script feels like it repeats the same jokes and situations without ever building toward anything meaningful. Entire episodes go by with very little happening, leaving the impression that the story is constantly moving without actually going anywhere.

The tone also feels confused. One moment the series asks me to laugh at exaggerated comedy, and the next it suddenly expects me to become emotionally invested in the romance. For me, those two sides never blend together. Rather than complementing each other, they constantly undermine one another, making it difficult to take either seriously.

The cast deserved better.

Max Kornthas and Nat Natasit are experienced enough to make almost any situation watchable, but even they can't overcome a script that gives them so little to work with. I never blamed the actors while watching. I blamed the material. Their performances are serviceable, yet none of the emotional moments truly land because the writing never earns them.

From a technical standpoint, the series is perfectly acceptable. The production is colourful, the direction is competent, and nothing is particularly ugly to look at. But good production values can't save a story that never convinced me to care about its characters or their journey.

Final Thought

Suntiny is one of those rare dramas where I finished every episode asking the same question: why? Why this story? Why these characters? Why this direction? I know it found an audience, especially among long-time MaxNat fans, but for me, no amount of chemistry or fan service could compensate for a script that felt empty from beginning to end. This is simply a BL that never worked for me.

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Falling in Love with a Rival — A Huge Disappointment for Fans of the Novel

I was incredibly excited when I heard that one of my favourite BL novels was being adapted. Finding good BL stories isn't easy, and seeing one finally reach the screen felt like something special. Unfortunately, after watching Falling in Love with a Rival, I couldn't hide my disappointment.

My biggest problem is how little it resembles the novel.

The original story isn't just about revenge or comedy. It's about two people who slowly discover feelings they never expected to have. The romance develops naturally, and that's what makes it so interesting. Here, most of that emotional journey disappears. The adaptation feels rushed, simplified, and often disconnected from what made the novel so memorable in the first place. Instead of feeling like I was watching the story I loved, it felt like I was watching a very loose summary of it.

The acting doesn't help either.

None of the performances are terrible, but very few scenes feel emotionally convincing. The chemistry between the leads never reaches the level needed to make me believe the relationship, which is a serious problem for a romance. Several emotional moments that should have been powerful simply pass by without leaving much of an impression.

The production is also clearly limited. With such short episodes, the story barely has time to introduce the characters before moving on to the next plot point. Everything happens so quickly that it's difficult to become emotionally invested. Rather than adapting the novel, it often feels like it's skipping from one important scene to another without allowing any of them to breathe.

Despite all that, I can't completely dislike the series.

Simply seeing a BL novel adapted into a television drama still feels exciting. There aren't many opportunities to watch stories like this, and I genuinely hope productions such as this encourage more creators to bring BL novels to the screen. Even if this adaptation didn't satisfy me, I still want the genre to continue growing.

Final Thought

Falling in Love with a Rival isn't the adaptation I was hoping for. As someone who loved the novel, I found it far too rushed and far too different from the original story. I'm happy that BL novels are finally beginning to appear on screen, but this one deserved much more care than it received. I just hope the next adaptation remembers what made the original so special in the first place.

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Montanha-russa de emoções, mas o grande trunfo é a química e atuação impecáveis!

Double Helix é um drama BL (Boys' Love) chinês que transita constantemente entre a beleza e a angústia. A narrativa começa com um romance promissor e genuinamente fofo, mas não demora a se transformar em uma jornada penosa e cheia de controvérsias. O casal protagonista enfrenta obstáculos incessantes que parecem sabotar o direito deles à felicidade, levando o relacionamento a caminhos obsessivos e tóxicos. No entanto, é importante notar que o comportamento destrutivo de Lu Feng não surge do nada; a própria história se encarrega de construir as justificativas para essa dinâmica disfuncional.

Apesar de a trama submeter o espectador a um turbilhão de abalos emocionais — onde os raros momentos de alegria duram pouco —, o verdadeiro coração da obra está na química absurda do elenco, especialmente entre os protagonistas.
A entrega dos atores Ayden Sng e Lu Si Tong é o ponto alto do drama. Eles incorporaram seus personagens de forma magistral, conseguindo transmitir não apenas a paixão e o amor profundo que os unia, mas também a dor latente e o medo.
Essa atuação sensacional foi, sem dúvidas, o motor principal para o reconhecimento da obra e o consequente sucesso e fama dos atores.

Após uma trajetória marcada por tanto sofrimento, o drama entrega um final feliz. [CUIDADO COM A SPOILER] Ainda assim, fica um leve sentimento de que a produção poderia ter fechado com chave de ouro: um casamento teria sido o grand finale perfeito para coroar a superação do casal.

No geral, Double Helix se resume a uma história de altos e baixos, estruturada em um ciclo quase repetitivo onde tudo parece que vai dar certo, mas logo desaba em frustração e tristeza.

Se você não estiver no clima para narrativas densas e emocionalmente desgastantes, talvez seja melhor adiar o play. Mas se você busca atuações viscerais e um casal com uma conexão magnética capaz de sustentar a história do início ao fim, vale a pena dar uma chance!

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Revenged Love — The Adaptation This Novel Always Deserved

I absolutely loved Chai Jidan's novel, so I went into Revenged Love with very high expectations. After the disappointment of Falling in Love with a Rival back in 2015, I honestly wasn't sure the story could ever receive the adaptation it deserved. Thankfully, this series proves that sometimes it's worth waiting. This is everything I wanted the first adaptation to be.

The story remains one of the most original premises in BL. What begins as a ridiculous revenge plan slowly transforms into a genuine love story that constantly surprises both the characters and the audience. The beauty of the narrative is that it never asks whether someone is gay or straight. It asks a much simpler question: what happens when your heart falls in love with someone you never expected? That's what makes the story so compelling. Love doesn't always follow the labels we create for ourselves.

The adaptation is remarkably faithful to the novel. Unlike the 2015 version, which had to compress hundreds of chapters into a handful of short episodes, this series finally gives the characters room to grow. Their emotions evolve naturally, the relationships make sense, and every major turning point feels earned instead of rushed. As someone who already knew the source material, I couldn't have asked for a better adaptation.

The cast is outstanding.

The main couple immediately convinced me, but what surprised me even more was the second couple. Too often, secondary romances exist simply to fill screen time. Here, both relationships are equally interesting, equally believable, and equally important to the overall story. I never found myself wanting to skip one couple to return to the other because both storylines kept me completely invested.

The chemistry is exceptional across the board. Every relationship develops naturally, allowing the emotional moments to land with real impact. Whether the characters are arguing, teasing each other, or slowly admitting their feelings, everything feels authentic. The performances never become exaggerated, which is exactly what this story needed.

The production also deserves praise. Despite the limitations surrounding Chinese BL productions, the series never feels restrained emotionally. The direction understands when to embrace comedy, when to slow down for romance, and when to let the actors carry the weight of a scene without unnecessary melodrama. Combined with an excellent soundtrack and polished cinematography, the result is a series that constantly feels confident in what it wants to be.

Final Thought

Revenged Love is the adaptation I had been hoping for ever since I finished the novel. It captures the humour, the romance, the emotional growth, and the unforgettable relationships that made Chai Jidan's story so popular in the first place. After the failed attempt in 2015, this version finally gives Counter Attack the justice it always deserved. For me, it's simply a perfect BL.

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ILF & LINGORM

Apenas van dos episodios y In Love Forever ya se siente como un proyecto que está en otro nivel. La dirección, la fotografía, el ritmo y la banda sonora trabajan en perfecta sintonía para construir una historia que te atrapa desde el primer minuto. La adaptación está siendo muy cuidada, los diálogos se sienten naturales y cada escena tiene un propósito, permitiendo que los personajes se desarrollen y conecten de forma genuina con el espectador.

Y, por supuesto, la actuación de LingOrm es maravillosa. Son capaces de transmitir tanto con una mirada, un silencio o una simple conversación que las emociones llegan incluso sin necesidad de palabras. Este es el tipo de proyecto que ellas merecían para demostrar todo su talento, y el que el fandom llevaba tanto tiempo esperando. Si con solo dos episodios ya lograron este nivel de calidad, no puedo imaginar lo que nos espera en los próximos capítulos. Si todavía no le has dado una oportunidad a In Love Forever, hazlo. Estoy segura de que no te vas a arrepentir.

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A little bit of everything!

Love of Silom was a show that truly gave viewers a little bit of everything - drama, action, crime, romance, you name it! I really enjoyed how they managed to make two characters, each with clear motivations and fears, and find a way for their romance to work out so well in the context of a crime drama! While there may have been a few lulls/repetitive conflicts, overall this show was super fun to watch and I'd definitely recommend it.

Wayu (Poom) has worked as a bar host ever since dropping out of college to earn money to support his family. In need of more than just what the bar can bring in, his friend suggests sex work as a side gig. However, when the client wants more than Wayu wants to give, the night gets violent. Luckily, Krit (Up), a cop, is there to save the day. Wayu and Krit continue to meet up after their chance encounter, which comes in handy when Krit starts investigating a human trafficking case related to bar hosts. Krit then has to grapple with his developing feelings for Wayu, his ability to work on a case where Wayu may be in danger, and the pressure his family is putting on him to marry the woman they have chosen for him.

I really enjoyed the crime romance aspects of this show! The investigation was really well done (though it could have gotten a little more screen time in my opinion) and I really enjoyed Krit being torn between getting information from Wayu and keeping him out of danger when the two options are mutually exclusive. I do think spending a little more time on this and a little less time on the whole arranged marriage plotline would have benefitted the show a little, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this one. Up and Poom did a great job portraying these character, and even when one of them made a decision that I wish they didn't, it always felt like it made sense for their character since the show had plenty of time to flesh them both out. If you're looking for a show with a little action, a little romance, a little investigation, and a little stripping, this one is definitely worth trying!

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The Sparkle in Your Eye — A Heartbreaking Look Behind the Spotlight

The Sparkle in Your Eye isn't just another BL set in the entertainment industry. It's a drama about what fame can cost, how easily public opinion can destroy someone's career, and how difficult it is to remain true to yourself when your entire life becomes a product. By the end, I was heartbroken.

The story follows two actors brought together by circumstances, but the romance is only one part of a much larger picture. What stayed with me most was the constant pressure surrounding them. Every decision is judged, every rumour becomes a headline, and every relationship can be turned into a weapon. The series does an excellent job showing that success in show business often comes at the expense of personal happiness.

Knowing how tightly the entertainment industry is monitored in China, I was honestly surprised this BL was made at all. The drama doesn't openly challenge the system, but it still paints a bleak picture of how careers, public image, and private lives can collide. That alone gives the story an emotional weight that goes beyond the romance itself.

The acting is one of the series' strongest qualities. The two leads build a believable relationship while never losing sight of the pressures surrounding their characters. Their quieter moments are often the most powerful because they feel like brief escapes from a world that constantly demands they perform, even when the cameras are off.

The production also deserves praise. The entertainment industry feels convincing, not glamorous. Instead of romanticising celebrity life, the series constantly reminds us how fragile fame really is. The cinematography supports that contrast well, moving naturally between the polished public image and the loneliness hidden behind it.

Final Thought

The Sparkle in Your Eye is a love story, but it's also a reminder that falling in love can become incredibly complicated when the whole world believes it owns your image. I finished the series with a heavy heart. The romance moved me, but what affected me even more was its portrayal of the sacrifices demanded by show business. It's one of those dramas that stays with you long after the final episode.

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SOTUS — Finally, a Love Story That Feels Like Mine

I honestly never thought I would see something like this on television.

Until now, if you wanted to watch stories about two men falling in love, you had to look for independent movies, short films, or productions that were often impossible to find with subtitles. Suddenly, here comes SOTUS, a full television series where the romance between two boys isn't treated as a joke or a tragedy. It's simply a love story, and that alone makes it exciting.

What struck me immediately is how normal the characters feel. They aren't exaggerated stereotypes or comic relief. They don't remind me of the flamboyant gay characters we've often seen in older films, where straight actors play them almost like a parody. Arthit and Kongpob are simply two university students. They dress like everyone else, act like everyone else, and slowly discover feelings they weren't expecting. One accepts them more easily, while the other struggles with what they mean. That feels real.

The romance develops slowly, and I loved that. Instead of rushing into a relationship, the series lets the tension build through everyday interactions. Kongpob's determination slowly breaks through Arthit's walls, and watching those small changes becomes just as rewarding as the romantic moments themselves. By the time the relationship begins to blossom, I was completely invested.

Krist Perawat and Singto Prachaya are outstanding together. Their chemistry feels effortless, making every smile, every stare, and every awkward conversation believable. Neither performance feels exaggerated. Instead, they create the impression that these are two young men genuinely trying to understand feelings they never expected to have. I couldn't imagine better casting for these characters.

Another thing I really enjoyed is discovering Thailand through the story. The SOTUS system was completely new to me, and although some aspects are surprisingly harsh, it was fascinating to learn about a university tradition I had never heard of before. The series isn't just introducing me to a new love story; it's introducing me to another culture as well, and that makes the experience even richer.

The production is simple but effective. The university setting feels authentic, the pacing allows the relationships to grow naturally, and the soundtrack supports the story without becoming distracting. Nothing feels overly dramatic. The series trusts its characters to carry the emotions, and they absolutely do.

Final Thought

SOTUS gave me something I had been waiting for without even knowing it was possible: a genuine television romance between two ordinary young men. More than the love story itself, what moved me was seeing characters who felt real instead of stereotypical. I finished the series hoping this wouldn't be the last BL of its kind, because if this is the future of the genre, I definitely want to see more.

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Either people loved it or hated it

It's funny how black and white the reviews of this show are... some claim this is the worst show in the history of civilization and have dropped it after watching some episodes. Others claim this the best freaking show on Earth.
I think this is right in the middle and here is why.

SOME GOOD

1. Support characters: I like some of the supporting cast, particularly the bar owner and some of the guys who work with Wayu. They give him decent advice during the show and provide some emotional moments as well mixing some fun (like the banter between them) and some sad (when they find out Sky was murdered and then have the funeral). We have Wayu's sister, who redeems herself (partially) by coming back after just abandoning her child and leaving. Speaking of child, I liked the kid playing Wayu's nephew as he does not speak much but he provides some relief from all the adults around doing bad or silly things.

2. Police investigation: The theme has been exploited recently in other shows and in most of them, this one is no exception, the police work gets lost along the way or is just so utterly implausible that any amateur police officer would not do such silly things. However, the topic of the investigation, human/organ trafficking and drugs, was an interested one, at least when the show began.

3. Chemistry: The lead actors have decent chemistry (at least more than some other actors we've seen recently in BLs).

A LOT OF BAD

1. Support characters: Just like my first point in the good section, some of the support characters were completely useless. Kit's parents are the usual cliché in Thai BLs of parents who are cheerleaders supporting their son being gay (not the case here) or the parents (in this case, the dad) who are vehemently against it and try to do whatever they can to stop his son from having a relationship with another man. Of course, in another cliché, the father is more worried about his image and reputation BUT THEN... SURPRISE! in another cliché, he changes his mind in 2 seconds in the last episode when he meets him at school and hears how good of an interior designer he is and how handsome he is.
By the way, as a side note... apparently Thailand has not a lot of supporting actors who can play the parents as the same actor who plays Kit's dad is also the parent of one of the lead characters in "Ticket to Heaven", "Don't Be Too Emotional", and "Flower Boy"... and all airing simultaneously for a few episodes.

Then, we had Wayu's mother solving her gambling addiction in one episode and Talay's character who came in as a potential love interest for Wayu but devolved into a useless whiny character trying to win Wayu despite the latter not being interested in him and telling him so several times.

2. Acting: I'm sorry... Up either had too much botox or he can't act... no matter what type of scene he had, sad, happy, serious, his facial expressions were all exactly the same. Just slightly curling the mouth to smile was the only sign he was doing a happy scene. The rest, no change no matter what it was. Poom has improved but he also doesn't convince me in his scenes, specially the more serious ones like the police investigation or the issues with Krit's father.

3. Writing/Directing: Part of the acting issues come from the writing... the police investigation began as the centerpiece in the first episodes and then faded away only to morph into a network of BDSM and drugs, people getting arrested and then poof! all ended just like that. The way Sky dies was not seen on-screen but that could have been a worthy theme to explore more as we never truly find out how involved he really was in all the trafficking scheme.
The issues with Wayu's mother and Krit's father are lazily solved in one episode and the learning problem Wayu's nephew has is somewhat explored but again, forgotten for a lot of episodes.

So, all-in-all, NO, this is not the worst series in Thai BL history, and NO, this is not the best BL series ever created. It is just a mediocre one that could have been evolved into something great, but sadly, it didn't.

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The Ex-Morning — Some Ships Are Simply Meant to Sail Together

Nine years after SOTUS, the ship that introduced so many of us to Thai BL is finally back. I wasn't expecting nostalgia alone to carry an entire series, and thankfully it doesn't. The Ex-Morning proves that Krist and Singto were never just a successful pairing because of timing or luck. They simply have something together that I rarely see with other actors.

I've watched Krist with different partners over the years, and while some of those pairings were enjoyable, I always felt something was missing. It wasn't the acting. It wasn't the stories. It was the chemistry. Put him next to Singto, however, and everything suddenly feels effortless. They don't look like two actors trying to convince me they're in love. They simply behave like two people who already know each other inside out. That's the kind of connection you can't manufacture, and probably why they became one of BL's first truly iconic ships.

The story also deserves credit for avoiding the usual university setting that made SOTUS famous. Instead, it follows two adults forced to work together years after their breakup. It's a refreshing premise because the conflicts don't come from youthful misunderstandings but from regrets, careers, pride, and unresolved feelings. Watching two people who once loved each other slowly rediscover why they fell in love in the first place feels far more mature than the average romantic comedy.

Krist delivers one of his strongest performances to date. Phi is flawed, impulsive, sometimes selfish, yet always deeply human. Singto perfectly balances him with a calmer, more composed performance that never feels passive. Their personalities complement each other exactly as they should, and every reunion scene carries emotional weight because you immediately believe these two characters share years of history.

The supporting cast also plays its part well without overshadowing the central relationship. More importantly, the writing never forgets what people came to watch. The focus always returns to Phi and Tam, allowing their emotional journey to remain the heart of the series.

The production is polished throughout. The newsroom setting feels believable, the pacing remains engaging, and the direction knows when to rely on silence instead of dialogue. The soundtrack isn't particularly memorable, but it quietly supports the emotional scenes without becoming distracting.

Final Thought

The Ex-Morning reminded me why Krist and Singto became such an important pairing in the first place. Long before "shipping" became the marketing machine it is today, they already had something that couldn't be taught: natural chemistry. Nine years later, that connection hasn't disappeared. If anything, it feels stronger, more mature, and more believable than ever. For me, some actors work well together. Krist and Singto simply belong together on screen.

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