The Curse of Saree (2022)

Who says romance has to be all sweet and cuddly?

I was eagerly waiting for this drama to be subbed and when I finally got to watch it, I was not disappointed. I understand why this show was rated highly (4.5/5) on pantip.com, a popular Thai discussion forum and a 9.1 rating on imdb.com. Even on MDL, for a lakorn, its rating is pretty decent.

The production and the special effects were not the best, and the dialogue and story were not as tight. However, for a lightweight lakorn that featured a supernatural element, I found it entertaining. One just has to suspend disbelief and watch the story unfold without taking it too seriously.

For the most part, the plot flowed pretty well, except for the last two episodes which got farcical particularly during the showdown between the good and evil guys. It was almost as though the writers just could not care less anymore or the show was running out of budget. That being said, the show did redeem itself with the loveliest ending for our main characters and the worst punishment for the villains so ultimately I was a satisfied viewer.

I enjoyed this show because it had a good mix of suspense, thriller, action, romance, and drama but what really got me hooked was the love story between the main leads, Prince Keerich and Nuannueakaew. It was a slower burn, tension-filled, sort of self-imposed forbidden love for which Sean Jindachot and Baifern Luevisadpaibul had the perfect chemistry.

One could be annoyed at Keerich’s stubbornness but I could not fault his rationale for putting his country above his own happiness. Neither could Nuan. At the same time, one had to admire Nuan for wanting to live her own life and not giving up her own goals. Keerich understood that.

Usually I would be put off by the noble idiocy trope but not for this show since the romance was developed nicely. Our main leads had to experience personal trials, physical dangers, and all manner of other terrors to earn their happily ever after and I wouldn't have it any other way. Even though our two leads had to stifle their yearning for each other, there were many endearing scenes which kept me smiling and rooting for them up to the end.

I loved how well Sean was able to pull off the emotional scenes. His expressions nailed the longing, the angst, the unhappiness as Keerich fought against his love and desire for Nuan, many times unsuccessfully as he cannot help but protect and care for her. He was also a heroic male lead, intelligent, skilled and rational. I have always thought Sean a good-looking actor with appealing eyes and lips, but in this show, in this role, he was particularly charismatic, especially in his princely traditional outfits. What really stole my heart was how prettily he cried, and who can resist a male lead that teared up during the right moments.

Likewise with Baifern who looked gorgeous throughout the whole show. As the female lead Nuan, who was a famous Thai fashion designer, Baifern’s outfits were fittingly stylish and not over the top which can often happen in lakorns. Her clothes were practical and appropriate when the scenes called for it, and even in the minimalist styles, Baifern still shone. However, her most incredible looks had got to be when she wore the traditional sprees and accessories. As Nuan, Baifern played a hot-headed but brave character who was also smart and independent. There were moments where I facepalmed on her behalf but that was also her appeal since she was not too polished, too stripped of any flaws, or in other words, a boring character. Baifern was also good during the sad scenes, the way her eyes watered and the way she sniffled made me think that she was really crying.

The journey of the secondary couple, Chaithat, played by Kong Teptip and Ninlapat by Richy D.Caballes, was also lovely to watch as they had to overcome much difficulties to be together. I did wish that there was more skinship between them. The chemistry between Kong and Ricky was not bad and they are both very attractive. Richy’s acting got a little weak towards the end but it could be due to how the character was written.

Overall, the cast did well but the actors playing the villains fell a little flat. Still, Lily Pansirithanachote who played Savitree, the Nang-rai deserved credit for portraying well a malicious, poisonous and power-hungry woman who always looked beautiful as she carried out her evil schemes.

As for the OST, the songs were the finishing touches that enhanced the romance for me. There were only two songs but both memorable ones. They were fitting for the poignant moments, especially between our two leads and made me feel the mood even more intensely. For posterity, I have included the details below.

In general, I would recommend this lakorn as I think most will enjoy it. Just let the story unravel and entertain you.

Curse of Saree OST

Last Person Forever - Ae Jirakon Sompak
คนสุดท้ายตลอดกาล [เพลงจากละครสิเน่หาส่าหรี] - เอ๊ะ จิรากร
https://youtu.be/3oD9kP7nEbw
https://open.spotify.com/track/5PNQoxj4g0BBvqJxWzo5OK

Do You Love Me? - Clear
รักฉันรึเปล่า - KLEAR (OST.สิเน่หาส่าหรี)
https://youtu.be/HW7c4Zmc4pg
https://open.spotify.com/track/2tdUbnxszF3DVtyG0eTHsn

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The Most Satisfying Lakorn I’ve Ever Watched, So Far..

I didn’t expect much but surprisingly this is really good! The whole story is that engaging, I didn’t skip any scenes. It’s about politic but they give sufficient dose for the romance. Not just romance between the 1st pair, but the 2nd pair also satisfied me. Both have amazing chemistry. & 1 thing I need to tell you: they can give this wonderful romance without adding any ‘mature’ scenes :) Only with deep stares, simple touches, simple kisses, micro-but-deep expression, they succeeded to deliver their emotion to me.

Actually in certain situation I thought the villain was too much, crazy. But surprisingly I could keep enjoying every moment. It’s that thrilling but not to the level of making me stressful (yeah in some lakorns with crazy villain & weak main role, I can’t stand watching it, it’s too stressful). The character that caught me is Queen. She's actually not a mean mother in law, not a villain. She's just a realistic/pessimistic leader. She loves Mantra & she thinks relying on Pasutha family is already enough & safe. Different from King & his sons who are optimistic & brave enough to offend Pasutha in order to be free from them.

The ending is well written & executed. I know that it will end happily, but I’m that curious to know how it will end, whether it’s realistic or forced to be happy, especially about Kirij & Nuan that can’t get along together although they’ve fallen for each other. Surprisingly, the royal family made a best-ever decision (& best gift as well) for Kirij. He does deserve that :)

I also didn’t think I would cry for this. In fact, I cried in certain scenes, especially the last ep with Kirij-Nuan scenes. Thumbs up for the writer, also Baifern & Sean :)

Almost all the actors gave their best in portraying each role, even the supporting roles like Wiram & Nalinee (I just know them here, both are handsome & pretty. Wiram is that charming. Nalinee, I just like her acting). Special credit to Kong Wittaya as Chaiyathat. I just know him here & wow, he’s surprisingly wonderful. His acting is that believable. As a prince, when he’s sad, he’s always able to pull himself together. But when Pat & Kirij’s condition were that bad, finally he cried a lot with the queen :( Also as a man who loves his woman, his deep stares… His words are powerful & convincing, not that kinda of sweet talker only. Kong deserves more main roles. Lily as Sawitree, she’s skillful as villain, but I’m curious how if she get protagonist role. But for Pat, she has strong determination, but i don't know why her expression always looks the opposite: inferior, not confident, not thrilled when she's with Sawitree & Queen. I wish she could express her excitement, her readiness to fight, her strong determination. I don't know whether her character was written to be like that or Richy couldn't portray her emotion well enough. Her fighting scene in last ep was good though.

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