This review may contain spoilers
I wish I could've loved this drama
When I first read the synopsis, I thought I was getting some sort of adaptation of the movie Life as We Know It. I was so thrilled, because I was looking for a drama that wasn't just about romance.The first episode was okay. The introduction of the characters was nothing really special, but I didn't mind. The little actor who played Woo Joo is truly the best. What a talented little kid he is. At times I even thought they used AI to alter his expressions.
All in all, episode 1 was a promise.
After episode 1, the story started to progress a bit. And then it went downhill.
Seeing the type of drama, we as viewers already expected the ML and FL to become an item, so I was unpleasantly surprised when they introduced some idiotic love triangle, starring a so-called perfect 2ML, who lacked any depth whatsoever. And why were they even focusing on this so much? The camera kept doubling back on "romantic" moments between FL and 2ML.
Honestly, just why?
Why couldn't this have been a show about two people who weren't remotely ready to become parents, struggling to keep it together? Why wasn't this about exploring family dynamics outside of conventional families? Why wasn't this a slice-of-life (à la Something in the Rain) type of drama highlighting the real-life struggles all parents go through? Why didn't we get a drama exploring real enemies becoming partners due to a greater good? Also, FL was struggling money-wise, how in the hell did she "manage so well" after having another mouth to feed, and pay for daycare?
The characters: After Woo Joo, the ML is the better character. At first he seemed like an asshole, but he was pretty consistent. He knew how to communicate his needs and feelings. Getting to know about his trauma made him more relatable. And due to that trauma he is kind of neurotic, wanting his surroundings to be just so. (I recognize this, because I am the same, we have issues, believe me). I hated that they didn't explore this more. All of a sudden this neurotic person just accepted his fate/new surroundings and went about his day as if nothing happened. Then we have a FL who was written so flat that I didn't really understand what made her tick. I truly feel the character lacked something. I found her at times to be really aloof or uninterested.
I hated that she took on the role of guardian, but then just forgot about being said guardian all the time. Yes, we all have to work, but come on. What would she have done if uncle wasn't there?
Maybe the actress lacks experience, I didn't really see or feel her pain, even though her whole world imploded. Also there was no chemistry. Not between ML and FL, or FL and 2ML. The common denominator being FL.
All in all, I was truly disappointed. The writers had such a good chance to introduce something new. Instead they went for the most basic trope imaginable and executed it in the worst way possible. Truly a shame.
That being said, I also want to address the production. Did they hire rookie interns to do the editing?
Things I noticed: 2ML and FL went on a date, we see them driving at night on their way to the date. Once they arrive at the place of the date, it's daytime again. We see ML and FL at a park with the baby. The baby is quietly playing somewhere while they talk, once the camera pans out, the baby is gone. The baby just made a mess of uncle's house, the baby is dirty all over. When uncle carries him out of the house, his clothes are miraculously clean again. I'm sure there were more, but I stopped noticing so I could finish the drama and go on with my life. But it's 2026, these mistakes aren't supposed to be this big.
Anyways, I'm not going to keep on writing. If you don't mind dramas where the focus shifts mid-drama, give this a try. Otherwise, just sit this one out and go on about your day.
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Comfort series.
This freaking BL man! I'm going to re watch it again, STRAIGHT after! This is the main thing that's given me comfort, over the last week or two. I'm always DYING to watch it. Honestly best BL out there (and going to be extremely difficult to top it). I love it so much. It's such a comfort. I don't know why people don't like Duang (well I do - it's because they say he's annoying, but I LOVE him, don't find him annoying and would love a best mate like him). 😆 I've got a life long list of BL, but this one will have me for about at least 4 more re watches, straight after each other, before I move on.Was this review helpful to you?
Soft Chaos in Love Form
Let me start off by saying I genuinely enjoyed Duang with You. Waiting for it to finish before binge watching was the right move because I know for a fact I would not have survived the weekly wait. This is the kind of drama that works best when consumed in one go, where the fluff, cringe, and emotional beats flow continuously without interruption.At its core, Duang with You feels like a toned down, more PG13 version of Secret Crush on You, and that comparison never really left my mind while watching. Duang and Toh share the same DNA as characters, awkward, deeply in love, a little too much at times, but still endearing. And I say that as someone who really enjoyed Secret Crush on You. So naturally, I found myself comparing the two, and while Duang with You delivers in many aspects, it doesn’t quite reach the same level for me.
A big reason why I was excited for this project was Tee and Por. After seeing them in Your Sky, I already felt like they had potential. Por especially stands out immediately with his visuals. He has that kind of face that draws attention even if he’s not doing much. Tee, on the other hand, has a naturally light and warm presence that makes him easy to watch. So when they were announced as leads, it felt like a well deserved opportunity for both of them.
Starting with Tee as Duang, I’ll say this directly, Duang needed more cringe. And I mean that in the best way possible. The character thrives on being over the top, borderline uncomfortable, and that’s what makes him memorable. Tee did well, he made Duang cute, awkward, and lovable, but there were moments where it felt like he held back. Some of his movements came off a bit forced, which makes sense given the nature of the character, but it didn’t always translate naturally on screen. That said, he still managed to balance the comedy and sincerity of Duang. And interestingly, when he drops the high pitched tone and changes his styling a bit, you can actually see his potential for more mature or even dominant roles. That range is there, it just needs the right project.
Por as Qin is a different case. Let’s be honest, his visuals carried a huge part of his presence in this drama. He has that quiet, slightly intimidating aura that fits Qin’s character well. His performance in lighter and romantic scenes worked, and you could feel the chemistry between him and Tee. However, when it came to heavier emotional scenes, there’s still room for growth. The foundation is there, but the emotional delivery could be more layered. Still, for a major role, this is a solid showing and something he can definitely build on.
The storyline itself follows a very familiar formula. Someone falls for a person they think is out of their league, puts in the effort, gets closer, and eventually develops a deeper connection. It’s not new, and it doesn’t try to be. But that simplicity works in its favor. It knows exactly what kind of story it wants to tell and sticks to it. If you go in expecting something light, fluffy, and easy to digest, it delivers.
The intimate scenes are quite present throughout the series, and they were done well. They didn’t feel out of place and were used to develop the relationship between Duang and Qin. Personally though, I found myself enjoying their kissing scenes more than the heavier intimate moments. The kisses felt more genuine and emotionally driven, while the other scenes leaned more on physicality.
The supporting cast is another strong point. Duang and Qin’s friend group added a lot of charm and balance to the story. They made the world feel more alive and contributed to both the comedic and emotional aspects of the drama. I also appreciated that the story didn’t heavily rely on the usual “non-accepting family” trope. It’s refreshing to see a BL that doesn’t center conflict around that, especially when it’s already been overused.
Qin’s internal struggles, tied to his childhood and family, were introduced well and had real potential to add depth to the story. However, the way it was resolved felt a bit underwhelming. It’s one of those moments where you can see what they were trying to do, but the execution didn’t fully match the build up.
The introduction of Tiw was another interesting element. Initially, it seemed like this would create a more intense conflict for both Duang and Qin, but it was resolved rather quickly. While part of me wanted a more drawn out tension, I also didn’t mind the quicker resolution. It kept the story from becoming unnecessarily dramatic, even if it reduced the overall impact.
One thing I have to highlight is the pairing itself. Tee and Por have something that works. Their chemistry is believable, and there’s a natural dynamic between them that makes their scenes enjoyable. Their management should really invest in building this pairing further because they have potential, not just in dramas but even beyond that, especially considering they’re part of DEXX. Strong pairings are hard to come by, and this is one worth developing.
On the technical side, Thai BLs continue to improve, and this drama shows that progress. The cinematography is clean, polished, and visually pleasing. It’s getting closer to the level you’d expect from Korean productions. Combined with a solid OST, the overall viewing experience becomes even more enjoyable.
At the end of the day, Duang with You knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s not trying to be groundbreaking or emotionally heavy. It’s here to be fun, a little cringey, romantic, and easy to consume. And it succeeds at that. It just plays things a bit too safe when it had the chance to stand out more. I do hope Tee and Por get more opportunities in the future, especially in projects that challenge them more and allow them to grow as actors. The potential is clearly there.
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This review may contain spoilers
Scammed Out of Both Mark and Junior for Myself!?
This was very wholesome by the end of it. It was very messy, very questionable if I would forgive either of these scamming men even after they were on their knees begging for me back. Either way I enjoyed it! This is what I mean by some toxicity to move the plot along is alright sometimes! I really did end up loving both couples, I originally watched though because I wanted more Junior & Mark. I really like them both and if neither gonna end up with me its gonna be with each other LOL!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Overall a nice series, I have questions tho ?
I think this is a 8/10 for me. I have questions tho.# So was Tim sleeping with all that woman that ended up crashing his wedding party?
# The younger cousin, why was he in the series, is he a special needs kid? Why does his mom baby him like that and even when he was staying by Pai, why the heck did Tim have to walk him to the bathroom to shower. That was just weird. He is not 5.
# Did I read it wrong in the beginning thinking that aunt is evil and up to no good.?
# What was up with Pai's hair...it looked too full at times, like a curtain or something, it looked too "big".
# Anyone else find it disrespectful that the grandpa outed Tim to his parents about being a scammer? I didnt like him much, he seems arrogant and a dickhead.
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Carried by the plot and performances
For me, what really makes this series work is the acting, especially from Arisa and Lalin. The way their emotions come through, even in quieter scenes, feels very natural. There are a lot of small expressions and pauses that say more than the dialogue itself. It makes their dynamic believable, even when the situation is complicated. I also like how neither character feels one-dimensional, which helps keep the story engaging over time.Was this review helpful to you?
The Female Doctor
First of all, I wouldn't watch short dramas. This is one of the few I've watched. I found it successful. Although it's short, it tells the story of a female doctor working in the Chinese Palace and how she rose to that position. I understood it. I found the success story good. Because it's short, it's superficial, fast-paced, and simple. It doesn't go into detail, which we can see as a shortcoming. Or, we can say that it's better because it's short and simpler to understand.It was a beautiful success story. I found the lead actress, Hong Xiao, successful. She suited the role and carried the series from beginning to end on her own. She gave a good performance. Yang Ze accompanied her well. Zhen Shi Yi was good in the role of the villain. She made me hate her. Xu Zian and Fan Lei also portrayed the villains well. I liked them. Evan Wang was also noteworthy. It's a good series for those who like success-themed dramas. It's very short. I recommend it.
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Pulled in by the story
What really keeps me watching is the main storyline around Arisa and her revenge plan. The idea of her going after the person responsible for her mother’s death, while getting involved with Lalin, adds a lot of tension to every scene. It’s not just drama for the sake of it! There’s a clear motivation behind her actions. I also like how her character feels guarded but not emotionless. The mix of revenge and complicated feelings makes it easy to stay invested in where things are going next.Was this review helpful to you?
More than just a simple story
What I appreciate most about this series is how it takes its time with the characters. Their choices feel thought-out and not rushed, which makes the story more believable. The dialogue flows naturally and doesn’t feel forced, and there’s a quiet tension in many scenes that keeps things interesting. It’s the kind of show that slowly pulls you in without needing big dramatic moments all the time, and that works really well here.Was this review helpful to you?
What Was I thinking?
9.5/10? What was I thinking? Now that I’ve finished the last episode, it’s a 10/10.I also rated the rewatch value 10/10, but personally, I don’t have the heart to rewatch it, not right now at least. All I can say is this: Hollywood should take note and stop philosophizing about the ‘modern audience.’ Write like a human, act like a human, and your audience will accept you as one. That’s how you tell a great love story. ❤
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A Massive Waste of Potential
TWELVE is the textbook definition of a wasted opportunity. Despite having a stellar cast that promised top-tier performances, the execution is incredibly frustrating.1. Empty Script and Repetitive Pacing
The biggest issue is the narrative imbalance. Too much time is wasted on repetitive racing and chase scenes that add nothing to the plot. Meanwhile, actual character and story development are non-existent. The dialogues feel out of place and disconnected, prioritizing mindless action over the meaningful context we actually wanted to see.
2. Cheap "Cosplay" Aesthetics
It’s unforgivable that, given Korea’s rich history and stunning traditional attire, they opted for an aesthetic that looks like cheap cosplay. The wigs are unintentionally hilarious and strip away any seriousness the drama tries to project. Instead of immersing us in a fantasy world, the artificial look constantly breaks the immersion.
3. Visual Effects: A Disaster
Maybe my expectations for something epic were too high given the theme, but the special effects are simply horrific. Instead of breathtaking scenes, we get a visual mess that doesn't meet the standards of modern productions.
Conclusion
Too much fighting, not enough substance. Despite having a great cast, TWELVE falls completely flat. It’s a shame to see such talent trapped in a production that chose endless, contextless battles over solid world-building and visual respectability. A total disappointment.
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A hidden gem! Why not?
In an era of countless quick rom-coms, In Your Radiant Season stands out like a lone ray of light – a hidden gem that rekindled my passion for watching dramas. It's been quite a while since I've found a drama that's so concise, impactful, and emotionally resonant. Everything is perfect, both the lead actress and lead actor deliver incredibly emotional performances. While watching, I could feel the emotional shifts in the characters' lives – this surprised me because I never thought I'd cry looking into someone's eyes like Ha Ran's. Lee Sung Kyung and Chae Jong Hyeop truly complement each other and have amazing chemistry. I hope to see this couple in other dramas.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Love this
This series grabbed all my heart strings and tugged tugged tugged. It had me crying in some spots and kicking my feet and others.I enjoyed all the stores, but I wish the first one was at least one episode longer.
I thought it was very creative how they were actors playing in a role for the other movies and how it brought everything together with Pun and Inn as a couple.
Definitely going in as one of my favorites ♥️
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Breathing Life Into History and Watching It Bloom
Hongsawadi: The Last Duel offers a new take on a famous period in Thai history that culminated in the last duel on elephants by two monarchs and the independence of Ayutthaya.The plot weaves together historical figures and events from the wars between Burma and Siam back in the 16th century when city-states vied for power, but re-imagines it by presenting the Burmese Crown Prince Mingyi Swa and Prince Nares of Phitsanulock as having grown up together, being childhood friends and sworn brothers. Both princes are polar opposites in terms of character but their devotion and loyalty to one another creates a tension and force that tries to push against the hand of Fate. Their stories are parallels of one another, with markedly different outcomes.
By adding a human element to the characters, the drama succeeds in presenting every historical character as multi-layered and relatable, driven by their own goals and desires in life. The Burmese side is not made up of cartoonish villains here, rather it is presented as a clash of cultures and ideals where everyone desires something but at a cost they may not be willing to pay.
The plot and script are well-crafted: the foreshadowing begins from the first episode and keeps increasing the tension like a bow pulled to its full length only to loosen with devastating effect by the final episode. The dialogue in particular is full of concise, yet powerful lines that punctuate the fog of human behaviour and strike right at the heart of the viewer with many thought-provoking arguments.
The cast is superb: the older actors are all industry veterans and household names in Thailand. The younger actors are also perfectly suited to their roles. The two leads, Tre and Naphat, give what is perhaps the best performance of their career yet as Naris and Mingyi Swa; it is their skill in acting, both facial expressions and body language, that draws viewers to this drama. Without these two, the drama would have no “heart”.
Production values are very high by TV standards: cinematography and OST are at the level of a high-budget movie. Post-production in terms of video and sound editing is nearly flawless. Costume design is sumptuous and detailed, with fabrics sourced from India and jewellery and accessories hand-made to match each character. Make-up and styling is on point; the actors look their best here.
I would prefer not to but let’s address the elephant in the room (pun intended): this drama was suddenly plagued by plagiarism accusations just when it was about to air its last two episodes. Motives and suspicious timing aside, as someone who has watched the TV drama and read and owns the comic book, I can say the two are very different and share only the historical period and character names, though even that is debatable.
In brief: this is a highly recommended drama with an excellent narrative and acting and requires no prior knowledge of Thai-Burmese history to enjoy. I will be re-watching it many times in the future, to enjoy Naris and Mingyi Swa’s bond and the promise of what might have been. I can’t help but feel that the drama’s central themes and message of peace, diplomacy, and cultural tolerance are more relevant than ever in today’s world.
PS: I might sound very calm in this review but I was cheering madly and crying desperately while watching Phra Naris and his Maha Uparaja! XD
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