Reviews

When Oranges Bloom Before They Fall

When Oranges Fall is a beautifully shot coming-of-age series that does an excellent job of capturing the innocence, excitement, and uncertainty of young love. While the story contains plenty of familiar clichés, it never feels repetitive or overused. Instead, it takes those familiar tropes and makes them feel like its own, creating a heartfelt story that feels both comforting and refreshing.

One of the things I appreciated most was the amount of detail that went into recreating the 1990s. From the fashion to the manga the characters read, the household appliances, and even Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, every little detail helped immerse you in that period. Rather than simply using nostalgia as decoration, the series embraces it in a way that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. If you grew up during that era, you’ll probably catch plenty of little Easter eggs that bring back fond memories.

Another aspect that really stood out to me was how the series develops relationships through simple glances and quiet moments instead of relying solely on dialogue. The lingering stares between the characters say more than words ever could, allowing you to slowly watch feelings develop and genuine connections form. It’s subtle, but incredibly effective.

The series embraces its comedic side when Krittin and Khanin begin school. With them constantly being assigned as partners in each subject feels almost as though fate, or the universe itself, is determined to bring them together, despite their attempts to avoid one another. The show subtly hints that the avoidance is largely one sided, while the other simply goes along with the situation to conceal their true feelings, creating a charming layer of dramatic irony.

The chemistry between the entire cast is another highlight. Nearly every interaction carries an underlying emotional purpose, whether it’s playful teasing, hidden curiosity, or emotions the characters themselves have yet to recognize. The contrast between Krittin and Khanin’s personalities makes their relationship especially compelling. Krittin is outgoing, expressive, and confidently unapologetic about who he is, never allowing the opinions of others to dictate how he lives. (He never seems afraid of how others might judge him, and I really admired that about his character). It is because of this he doesn’t realize the depth of what has been developing. Khanin, by comparison, is quieter and more reserved.

The pacing is another one of the show’s strongest qualities. The series gives every member of the friend group, Achi, Augar, and August, a meaningful role without making them feel like background characters or fillers. Each of them has their own story, their own struggles, and their own growth, yet all of their journeys tie back into the main narrative seamlessly. I especially loved the group’s dynamic because, although they’re all close friends, each of them has a unique personality that brings something different to the group. They feel like genuine friends rather than characters who only exist to support the main leads.

Another aspect the series handles exceptionally well is its portrayal of subtle emotions like curiosity, attraction, jealousy, and self-discovery. Rather than making these feelings immediately obvious, the characters experience them long before they fully understand what they’re feeling themselves. This understated approach makes their emotional growth feel remarkably realistic.

August’s storyline was probably one of the funniest parts of the series for me. After missing his opportunity and taking too long to act, he keeps witnessing more and more moments between Krittin and Khanin, almost as if the universe is intentionally teasing him. It was hilarious, but it also added another layer to the story by showing how timing can change everything.

The series also captures the awkwardness and uncertainty that comes with taking the first step toward a relationship. Every confession feels unique because each couple approaches love from a different perspective, with different fears, motivations, and expectations while still trying to understand their emotions. Instead of presenting romance as something simple or perfect, the show acknowledges that love often involves confusion, vulnerability, and learning as you go.

Another thing I really appreciate and consistently admire about Thai dramas is how well they balance comedy and emotion, and When Oranges Fall is no exception. The show can be incredibly goofy and funny one moment, but when the story calls for it, it isn’t afraid to become serious and emotionally grounded. Those tonal shifts never feel jarring because they’re handled naturally, making the characters and situations feel much more realistic instead of one-dimensional.

The series deserves a round of applause for how supportive the friend group was throughout the series. They were always there for one another, but they also weren’t afraid to call each other out when someone was making a mistake. That balance of support and honesty made their friendships feel authentic and added another layer of warmth to the story.

Episode 11 was easily one of the standout episodes of the series, perfectly capturing the uncertainty that comes with growing up and approaching adulthood. It explores the fears, pressures, and expectations placed on young people as they begin thinking about their futures and the paths they’re expected to take. Whether it’s choosing a school, planning for a career, or trying to live up to the expectations of those around them, the episode portrays these struggles in a way that feels both relatable and authentic.

The episode also emphasizes the importance of communication in a relationship. As the group of friends approach their final years of school, they begin facing the reality that their futures may take them in different directions. Distance, attending different schools, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead naturally create misunderstandings and emotional strain. Rather than forcing an easy resolution, the series allows them the time and space to reflect on everything that happened. Being apart helps them understand each other’s perspectives, making their reconciliation feel earned, heartfelt, and incredibly satisfying.

By the finale, the series brings nearly every character’s journey to a meaningful conclusion. Each storyline is wrapped up with care, giving both the main cast and the supporting characters satisfying endings that reflect how much they have grown throughout the series.

Overall, When Oranges Fall is a wonderfully executed coming-of-age drama that captures the beauty of first love, friendship, self-discovery and growth. Through its nostalgic setting, lovable characters, heartfelt relationships, beautiful cinematography, and its memorable soundtrack, it creates an emotional journey that feels sincere from beginning to end. While the story may borrow familiar tropes, it tells them with enough charm, heart, and authenticity that they never lose their impact.

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Siento que esto es lo que pasa cuando un director está en su elemento.

Y es precisamente en lo que destaca Siwaj: el slice of life, el agarrar un pedazo de la vida de un personaje y simplemente contarlo.

Desde My only 12% (curiosamente, también de Siwaj), no había visto un slice of life tan bien contado. Se siente la forma en la que el director retrata la adolescencia, el crecer y el cambiar; cómo las relaciones evolucionan contigo y cómo, aunque no siempre vayan a permanecer a tu lado, entiendes que todos cambiamos y seguimos caminos distintos.

Los mejores aspectos
1. Dirección y ambientación
Siento que, igual que en My only 12%, Siwaj sabe ambientar muy bien las series situadas a inicios de los 2000. Sabe cómo sumergirte en la historia, no solo con el vestuario, sino también con la ambientación. Muchos de los espacios se ven tal cual una habitación o un salón que realmente están siendo habitados. Te crees que pertenecen a esa época, crees que los personajes tienen la edad que te dicen que tienen, porque la serie no solo te lo dice, sino que te lo muestra. Todo se siente natural y logra transportarte a ese tiempo.

2. Los personajes y sus relaciones
Voy a decirlo desde ya: la serie funciona porque la mayor parte de sus personajes son el alma de la historia, especialmente P'Ko.
Es uno de esos personajes tan entrañables: alegre, coqueto, divertido y extrovertido. Es el corazón de la serie. La historia evoluciona porque él evoluciona, y es él quien nos lleva de la mano para mostrarnos cada etapa de su vida. Siento que yo materné a ese chico y, al final, me alegró verlo conseguir lo que consiguió.
Y no podemos negar las relaciones que lo rodean. Ko Son es la razón dentro de la serie; es esa ancla de P'Ko que evita que se pierda, pero también representa el lado más sensible de la historia. Los otros personajes, como August, Achi y Augar, muestran diferentes versiones de la adolescencia, del crecer y del madurar, y cómo las personas que conocemos pasan por nuestras vidas, pero siguen siendo importantes en quienes terminamos convirtiéndonos.

Algunos aspectos negativos
Nada de esto arruinó mi experiencia, pero sí hubo cosas que pudieron sentirse mejor desarrolladas.
1. La relación romántica de los protagonistas
Siento que su relación durante la adolescencia estuvo muy bien construida. Desde su primer beso hasta la pelea cuando descubren que uno de los Ko se va a mudar, todo funciona porque retrata una relación queer adolescente. No necesita ser explícita ni depender de grandes muestras de afecto para transmitir lo que sienten.
Lo que sí no terminé de creer fue su relación cuando llegan a la universidad. Siento que se quedó estancada en la adolescencia. Y no solo por la actuación de los actores, que, a mi parecer, son muy jóvenes y no terminan de verse como personas de 22 o 25 años; incluso hubiera preferido que eligieran actores un poco mayores para interpretar esa etapa.
También siento que la forma en la que escribieron la relación hizo que nunca terminara de evolucionar. Muchas de las decisiones que toman hasta el último capítulo parten de querer cuidar al otro, pero nunca vemos esa parte incómoda que también tienen las relaciones: discutir, equivocarse, hablar de lo que les molesta o aprender a resolver conflictos. Y, aunque ambos personajes reconocen que esa es una de las dificultades de su relación, el hecho de no hablar de lo que los incomoda, siento que la serie nunca termina de mostrar que las cosas realmente están cambiando. Y por no mencionar que se sienten que los personajes parecen incomodos el uno con el otro cuando son adultos.
Por eso, para mí, su relación nunca avanzó más allá de lo que nos mostraron en la adolescencia. Me hubiera encantado ver cómo evolucionaban juntos, aunque hubiera sido recién en el último capítulo.

Conclusión
En conclusión, When Orange Fall, a pesar de tener algunos de los problemas que suelen repetirse en las series de Siwaj —como la resolución de los conflictos o, muchas veces, la falta de ellos—, hace muy bien su trabajo de contarte una historia que merece ser contada. Logra capturar esa parte de la adolescencia que es muy bonita de vivir: crecer, cambiar, dejar personas atrás y seguir encontrándote a ti mismo. Muchos directores intentan plasmar esa etapa, pero pocos logran que se sienta tan cotidiana y tan genuina. Y creo que esa sigue siendo la mayor fortaleza de Siwaj.

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Just Good Entertainment

A sweet and very funny romcom that manages to remain enjoyable from start to finish. The concept itself is simple and not really something we haven't seen before, but the clever use of humour is what makes it stand out from a typical rom-com. It's unhinged, very adult and very refreshing to watch, while still delivering some heartfelt moments in between.

Regarding the acting, it was very good. The cast is very experienced and they all nailed their parts.

Overall, I recommend the series to people who enjoy rom-coms, but also want to see adult actors playing adult characters.

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Can't wait for Season 2

I rarely write reviews for a Drama.
This is one of those Dramas, I love every single Episode of this Drama.
Hand to Hand Fights are the Best
A little romance would have been nice.

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The greatest Korean BL is an average straight drama

İ had a theory when i started watching BL specifically korean, the reason why most of them are not that great is they had a huge label on them.
"The Queer label" i like to call it...

They have to be an art house or a personal experience instead of just being an entertaining show, they lack normal stories and natural acting, also i at some point started believing that its a quick pass to fame for some newcomers, or just to fill up some gaps in their resume because most KBL chose the least known actors or some idols from not very famous bands to act in them.

And this one here broke all stereotypes, it's a story-based show instead of relying on fan service they actually invested in the story, which was quite average story come to think of it. A detective, a prosecutor, and a crime. They connect the dots, solve the whodunnit mystery, expose the bad guy and happily ever after, actors were actually good, looks like they actually had a proper chemistry test before getting the roles.

A very very mediocre drama, the evidence started showing while watching, the person you kinda suspect ends up being the bad guy, obviously, and the mystery is easily solved with less drama.
So why am i sitting here trying to understand why everyone are so amazed and impressed by it, because it's the first KBL to have the common sense to be an straight drama, just remove one of the leads and put a female and voilà, you cracked the code! Congratulations!!

Was it a good show? Yeah it's entertaining and enjoyable.
Am i impressed by it like everyone else? Not really, it's very average, i usually judge the show as a whole, and this was an average one, a well made average drama ~

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Very well made drama!

I'm in my 3rd/4th rewatch and still amazed? lol

Drama Korea pertama yang gw nonton dan narik gw masuk ke dunia per-drakor-an.
Dong Yi tuh jadi karakter yang sangat inspriatif dalam drama ini. Di era tontonan di mana dikotomi fiksi dan realisme makin kuat polarisasinya, drama dengan karakter adaptasi yang bijak itu ngangenin.

Di darama ini, mungkin karena karakterisasinya jelas (baik-jahat), nilai-nilai fundamental yang dijadiin pelajarannya tersampaikan dengan baik. Transisi kehidupan MC dari budak ke selir kerajaan dijelaskan dengan komperhensif. Itu yang membuat dramanya engaging dan tidak membosankan karena tiap elemen seperti karakter pendukung maupun peristiwa dimanfaatkan dengan baik untuk menggerakkan cerita. Gw yang nonton ga harus nunggu Dong Yi ada dalam screen buat merhatiin ceritanya. Di banyak adegan, reaksi jenaka dari karakter-karakter kecil sangat mewakili reaksi penonton. Bingung, skeptis, senang, sedih, marah, jengkel.. Drama ini ngasih space buat penonton buat ikut larut dalam cerita bersama mereka! Ceritanya jadi hidup! Sesuatu yang sangat langka jika dibandingkan dengan drama-drama sekarang.

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Mercy for Some

Agent Kim Reactivated is at its best when it leans into comedy, found‑family chaos, and the emotional weight of Kim’s past. So Ji Sub delivers a pitch‑perfect performance as a mild‑mannered office worker hiding lethal skills, and the show shines whenever it lets him be dry, exasperated, and quietly dangerous. The emotional flashbacks to Kim’s childhood add depth, and the father‑daughter storyline provides a strong anchor even when the plot gets messy. That said, the North Korea arc drags, the missed connections feel unnecessarily outlandish, and Episode 9 veers into nonsensical territory just to force a showdown.

The series delivers top‑tier comedy and action, especially in Episodes 3, 7, and 8, where Jin Cheol steals entire scenes with his dramatic flair and chaotic energy. The show’s humor — from fridge‑door destruction to blacksmith jokes mid‑fight — is consistently on point. The finale wraps up a bit too neatly, with certain characters escaping the consequences they deserved. Still, the journey is entertaining, full of heart, and driven by memorable performances.

What I liked the most though, is the old‑man bromance between So Ji Sub , Yoon Kyung Ho, and Choi Dae Hoon — their bickering, teamwork, and sheer ridiculousness elevate every episode. And newcomer Seo Su Min is genuinely excellent as Minji.

7/26/26

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Engaing Story but filled with loopholes and absurdity

The storyline of a husband going to extreme lengths to save his wife is good on paper but unfortunately putting it in action is where they messed up. This is one of those dramas where common sense is missing from the world, the same old generic leads with misunderstandings, with you might even end up hating FL in the initial episodes, the cops are generic for most of the drama and it does gets frustrating to watch just how idiotic and brainless they are shown. Take away ML going scorched earth against all odds to find his wife, there isn't much left in the drama to make it engaging.

The actors have done a great job with roles both the good and the bad ones. The actor playing the role of psycho for me isn't exactly hitting the mark, he looks crazy just not that terrifying that would give me chills.

It is a one time watch and if you ignore all the stupidity you may find it decent.

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No bad words to say!

i haven't been watching thai bls for long. but me and thee was one of the first ones I watch while it was still airing. i usually only like angsty shows, sad stuff, absolutely NOTHING happy. but me and thee and peach and me changed everything for me. i barely watch romcoms but pondphuwin as theepeach were just the best. i might be biased (considering all the 10 stars I've given) but this is genuinely my comfort show, i could rewatch this a million times and still laugh as much as I did the first time.

an award for thee for being the greenest flag ever. and also peach, i don't see anyone giving peach credit, but he's quite literally the ideal green flag (who could realistically exist because we all know thee only exists fictionally). i don't think most people understand how much peach loves and sacrifices for his loved ones. they're both the GREENEST flags together and so hopelessly in love.

rome and mok oh my god, while they had their own rollercoaster events, they're the CUTEST. i love how rome is so fierce and would kill ruthlessly but when it comes to mok, he's just a golden retriever puppy. and mok, mok loves silently, but he loves hard. his actions speak louder than words <3

tawan and aran. while they had a pretty rocky start, they made it. tawan changed for the better and aran made sure he was right beside him. though I was sceptical during me and thee because tawan didn't have any character development, in peach and me, i can say he's turning into a puppy for his boyfriend too hahahhaha

mira and plub. MY CUTIES! they didn't have much screentime (i mean understandably so, 4 eps isn't quite enough to establish a relationship) but i still loved them. i don't really watch gls (though I want to, i have so many in my watchlist. im just scared of seeing so many beautiful women. the gay panic is real) but I'm definitely gonna binge watch every series that has emibonnie. their chemistry is undeniable.

also shoutout to mork and marn hahahaha. theepeach having kids just fits so right and they're the CUTEST family ever.


all and all, not one bad episode, not one bad soundtrack, not one shitty storyline. just perfection. this made one of my loneliest years so much more brighter! i haven't laughed this much in YEARS.
thank you pondphuwin and thank you p'x for making these masterpieces.

though it seems far fetched, i hope we'll get "calm down, khun rome" maybe MAYBE. hahahahaha.

everytime i need comfort, just know you'll find me there.

"oh just me and you" <3

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PERFECT SLOW-BURN SUMMER DRAMA

I enjoyed each and every episode. The storyline, the chemistry, the plot twists and the friendships, I loved that. All those heavy and soft feelings, perfect mix of love and sadness, misunderstandings and reunions, all in one series.

How ML and FL stick to each other in both happy and sad times, just their presence radiated warmth. Two youngsters falling in love and growing deeper understanding about life and themselves along the way, felt refreshing. The part where FL's grandmother died and how ML helped her to see the colors of life again, was powerful and soft. They truly were each other's strength and weakness.

The ugly business politics and industry tactics, broken families and treacherous relationships, set the base of their emerging love story. None of the characters were perfect, they made mistakes and owed up to them, and were ready to start again.

Wishing a never-ending summer, to the couple who showed us that love never ends and it has always been about choosing each other everyday, who taught us the true definition of loving each other deeply. How to give wings to your dreams, look after your family and goals, work academic balance along with the person you like, making tough choices and a journey that started from hidden feelings and deception, but ended in truest form of love and friendships!

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Primeiro dorama que eu assisti 90% em 2x

Comecei a assistir esse dorama porque achei a sinopse interessante e divertida. Eu já tinha visto algumas pessoas no twt falando mal dele, dizendo que o começo tinha um desenvolvimento muito bom, mas que no final ficava ruim. Mesmo assim, quis pagar pra ver se as pessoas estavam exagerando ou não... E spoiler: todo mundo tinha razão.

Do episódio 1 ao 6 tava maravilhoso de acompanhar. Tanto que eu madruguei assistindo até o episódio 6 de tão bom. Mas depois decaiu.

Não sei se é a personagem ou a atriz (nunca tinha visto nenhum trabalho dela antes desse), mas achei ela com uma energia de pressão baixa, sempre com cara de sonsa (e personalidade também). A prota passou do episódio 6 até o 11 fazendo um cu doce insuportável de assistir, sem decidir se ficava com o cunhado ou com o chefe.

E pra piorar a situação, foram uns quatro episódios focando só nela com o chefe. Parecia que ele era o par romântico principal. Simplesmente insuportável. Todas as cenas dos dois eu assistia em 2x, porque já não bastava a prota com essa cara de pressão baixa, ainda tinha esse chefe dela com o carisma de uma porta.

Só no episódio 11 começaram a focar de novo nela com o taehyung, faltando apenas 1 EP pra acabar INACREDITÁVEL e quando eu finalmente comecei a gostar da prota de novo, ela se mostrou uma tremenda de uma burra, e eu voltei a odiar ela.

Eu só assisti isso até o fim por três motivos: o primeiro é que eu queria poder falar mal com propriedade, o segundo foi por causa do taehyung, que pelo menos tinha carisma, e o terceiro foi por causa do bebê. Os dois carregaram esse dorama nas costas.

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Great Main Character!

Beberapa detik pertama, cuma nyaksiin gesture dan tone suara Maomao ngomong ke Ayah angkatnya gw udah tahu klo gw bakal suka ni karakter lol

Cunning, unbothered, yet lovable arghkkk <3
Tapi gw punya mixed feeling buat si ML soalnya hm dia kek pelengkap cerita yang berpusat di karakter Maomao doang. Karakter yang didesign almost perfect but still have some flaws yang by condition attracted to the FL. Tbh, I dont really get the romance between them but whatever lah ya asal Maomao happy hehe

Also, unik sih nonton anime yang latar ceritanya di kerajaan China kuno, soalnya gw juga suka nonton historical cdrama. Di sini digambarin situasi di mana kelas sosial dan monopoli informasi jadi elemen utama yang menggerakkan cerita. Dinamika antar karakter yang berstatus sosial sangat tinggi dengan yang lainnya. Bapaknya si Raja yang berkuasa dalam pengaruh ibunya yang kuat, tapi karena status sosialnya yang tinggi kekurangannya ditutupi dengan mengorbankan banyak orang. So gross and the writer I think did very well menggambarkan itu. Maomao yang pinter tapi gesture tubuh dan sikap pas dalam istana digambarkan konsisten.. dia tahu batasan apa yang harus dia lakukan dan hindari buat survive dalam lingkungan dengan tatanan sosial seperti itu. Meski demikian, karakternya keren banget karena dia lahir dari ibu yang berprofesi sebagai gisaeng? saat belum menikah dengan ayahnya yang memiliki status sosial tinggi. Dia tumbuh di daerah yang tidak terjangkau hukum, tapi dibesarkan oleh pamannya yang genius, pernah memiliki privilege sekolah ke luar negeri dan belajar ilmu medis Barat. Kombinasi ini melahirkan karekter seperti Maomao!

Keren banget jir pokoknya!

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