A more dangerous side of Bangkok...
To be honest, this is my first time watching a road rescue service series. So I get to learn about what this job is all about. I feel the story starts a bit slow in the beginning, but after the first and two episodes, the story is pacing well. The script is good, and the lines are delivered well. I have no comment on the acting because all cast have given their best, and it shows. And chemistry...awww I am liking the chemistry between Weir and Aom so much!!! I wish they had another romantic drama together. But what I like the most about this series is the production value. OMG maybe I am more of a visual arts person, and I pay a lot of attention to the details, and let me say this, the production is top-notch. The transitions and color grading are absolutely flawless, so good job to the production team!Was this review helpful to you?
After Wanchai received a desperate message from his brother in Bangkok he grabbed the first bus and headed there. At the same time a reporter, Kat, and her two co-workers were on their way to a gathering for the new CEO of the media company she worked for. At the bus station, worlds collide when a speeding sports car causes a devastating crash there. Due to events that occurred around the crash and at the rescue station, Wanchai suspects foul play. As Kat’s colleague lay in a coma, she determined to follow-up on her senior’s investigation into the volunteer rescue services. Neither had a clue what kind of danger they were walking into and they would have to be careful and lucky to survive.
I was surprised to find that the majority of Bangkok’s rescue services were volunteer based and most workers received very little money. As I watched, it was also apparent they didn’t receive much training either. At a fire, only one person donned turnout gear but with no mask or air tank. No fire truck ever appeared. During a gas leak the rescue teams wore respirators which are of little help in a confined place with high natural gas saturation, there’s not enough oxygen to filter. Plus, many of them weren’t wearing them correctly. With a head wound victim they failed to use a back board, or brace, and they didn’t strap him in so I worried the poor guy was going to slide right off as they carried him. No vitals were taken, no IVs started nor oxygen administered—common tasks for EMTs. About all these volunteers were capable of was CPR, stealing from victims and committing the occasional murder.
The story itself took time to gain any traction as Wanchai and Kat sought out clues separately, not quite trusting each other. As the two spent more time together the romantic music began to swell. Given the number of car accidents, job training and job loss, beatings, and death threats, the romance came across as forced. These two people were in over their heads, romance should have been the last thing on their minds.
If you can’t fight city hall, it’s even harder to fight the wealthy and weird. One of the Big Bads decorated his long beard differently every day and traveled in an updated hippie van. The large cast made it difficult to keep up in the first couple of episodes as the layers of corruption and familial problems were peeled back disjointedly. The acting for the most part was good to serviceable. The good guys, of which there were few, were likeable and the numerous bad guys were easy to hate or even laugh at. There were also several gray characters who were willing to cross the line for their own reasons without understanding the cost of working for villains. I wish that they’d taken the time to give at least two or three characters more backstory instead of just teasing that information.
Bangkok Breaking was mostly entertaining if flawed. The numerous action scenes and rescues helped it move faster when the story bogged down. For me, I found the chaotic rescue squad system fascinating and frightening. If you live with an EMT you are likely to get an earful of all the things they did wrong, if not and you enjoy Thai dramas, this is one to try as it’s a fast watch.
24 Jan 2024
Was this review helpful to you?
Highly recommended action drama
Very enjoyable indeed with an absorbing storyline, great action, strong lead acting and readable subtitles. Wanchai (Sukollawat Kanarot) and Kat (Sushar Manaying) are likeable and sympathetic characters with rounded personalities. The themes are topical and boldly-dealt with. It is a piece of Thai TV which will endure. It is probably a bit easier to soak up if you are used to Thai film and TV, but this deserves to appeal to people new to Thai international cinema. Hard not to binge watch and definitely NOT a 'naam now' soap. We really liked it - well produced, well directed and a massive credit to cast, writers and crew.
Was this review helpful to you?
Do you trust BKK Ambulance Service
Great start. The trailer will pull you right into it.. The story was about a young man's investigation into the dealings of a dirty volunteer ambulance service. With the help of a young reporter, they ventured into the dungeon of death to find the truth. Once you have caught your breath after the first episode, the pace then slowed down. I feel it could press on and chase the story. But to the director's credit, it picked up well in the second half. Weir and Aom worked well together, both appeared so innocent at the start before the baptism of fire. Their continued struggle against the odds was what kept the suspense going. Good music throughout. Drone views of Bangkok at might were great. Well worth watching.Was this review helpful to you?
