We Are (2024)

We Are….disappointed.

We Are…hoping for more drama. We Are….hoping for more chemistry. We Are hoping for more from Pond/Phuwin. We Are….wondering why this was 16 episodes. Hopefully that sums this review up.

In short, I expected so much more from this drama especially with Pond Phuwin as the headliners. After also watching “Never Let Me Go,” I personally don’t see the chemistry between them. They are both great actors and professionals, but the chemistry isn’t there. I feel like GMMTV keeps trying to make fetch happen with these two, but I just don’t find them naturally captivating as some of the other main couples.

AuoBoom stole the show in this one. I found myself wanting and wishing for more screen time with this side couple and their relationship was both cute and captivating. Only believable romantic chemistry from the main couples for me. It felt like the character of Q absolutely did not want to be in a BL…didn’t get that casting or paring at. all.

The story started off promising, but as many have already pointed out, the plot becomes pointless and looses steam between the leads in endless and senseless repetition.

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough fan service of other couples or other captivating performances to bail out the poor writing and plot, and the series loses steam. There was not a predictable pattern (minus an endless plot circle) and resolutio, and I found myself begging the writers for some drama.

AouBoom deserve their own series and did what they could to save the performance - defintely underrated. I came in with lower expectations and was surprised at their abilities and chemistry. They single handledly helped me not give lower than a 3 star rating. Really enjoyed their performance and hoping for more from them in the future!

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I am sorry to say this....

I'm not sure if I will rate this series with stars. I think that the stars will appear sooner or later, but at this moment I want to express my opinion in words, because the stars do not seem to me to be something adequate for my opinion that I want to share with you.

I watched it from the very beginning, which means I waited for a new episode every week. Amazing actors, catchy trailer, 16 episodes... I was really looking forward to it. I convinced a friend to watch it with me because after the third episode I figured I'd need someone to talk to about it. We'd sent each other edits, theories and various other nonsense and we would melt together over all the characters.

Please note that I will not avoid spoilers in this review. I want to write what I really think and it won't be possible without spoilers. A few minutes back, my pen pal friend asked me how many points out of 10 I would give it. Honestly? I don't want to answer, but it would be 6.5. You can't even imagine how much I regret writing something like this about We are.
The beginning:

It started perfectly. The first episodes and actually the entire first half were carried in such a relaxed and cute spirit. We got to know the characters, their behaiour, the dynamics of the entire friends group and we could get to know the couples and choose which one we fan the most. Naturally, everyone. No triangle, no unnecessary drama. We are talking about the first half. Only in the Thai BL it is possible that five couples can be formed in a party of ten friends, but I don't intend to dwell on that.

The lead couple, Phum and Peem, played by Pond and Phuwin, were starring. Their chemistry is incredible, and even though many people complain that Phuwin dseems uncomfortable when it comes to kissing with Pond, I felt the whole time that it wasn't Phuwin, but Peem, who wasn't sure. Do you understand? A character, not an actor. When they were on the screen, everything else fell by the wayside. How can someone be so sweet? As with them, I last melted a year and a half ago at MSP.

But here I come to a stumbling block. Everything I wrote so far applied to the first half. Phum and Peem did not have a nice first meeting, but mutual feelings found their way to each other very quickly. After so many wonderful scenes, kisses, looks, consoling, supporting, cheering and other things… After all this, how could Peem be so surprised when Phum said he liked him? Why did he even say he liked him? We all know that by this time he had long since loved him. Why did Peem decide to play hard to get with the words: "Try to win my heart then," when an episode earlier he said: "Haven't I fallen for you enough already?" Why did they suddenly have trouble kissing each other on the cheek when they used to kiss each other casually on the lips?

TanFang. I somehow suspected that these two would steal my attention. I loved Tan from the first scene and couldn't wait to see how his relationship with Fang would develop. Unlike the others, these were not playing for anything. All the drama between them happened before the series started and we were introduced to them shortly before they started dating. I once came across a comment in which someone commented that if everyone had Tan's courage and Fang's promptness, the series would have ended on the fifth episode. I am not the author of this statement, but I agree with it wholeheartedly.

When they got together, I expected some drama. After all, they were friends and suddenly they are in a relationship, which are two things that absolutely cannot be compared. I expected the creators to show us how these absolute opposites can work together. Nothing. I know that opposites attract, but these two are extreme and I would really like to know how their relationship actually works. Because the vast majority of their scenes are based on the fact that Tan is too clingy and Fang should be happy, but to me personally it felt like Tan was getting on his nerves and Fang didn't know how to send him somewhere. Yes, I am one of those who initially claimed that Fang shows no effort in the relationship with Tan, and that it is all built on the other half. In time, it became clear that Fang was also interested, but by that time we had passed our youth. Their whole relationship seemed toxic to me. I don't know how to explain it, but they just haven't sent me home for a long time. At first yes, then no and then again yes and no again. Fang recovered and I felt like popping the champagne. The spaghetti scene made me sit on my ass, and it was only at that moment that I recognized that the effort was also on Fang's part. But the problem came when Fang cried in front of Tan. Our princess Fang, cried in front of Tan. And Tan's reaction? Typical Tan. Haha hihi, cmon babe, don't cry, you're so cute... For real? This was a situation that clearly required Tan's seriousness. I know that he probably doesn't even know such a word, but this situation was crying out for it. Literally and to the letter. Tan should have behaved completely differently. I understand that Fang may have needed Tan's overhyped optimism in the situation, but the situation screamed for the exact opposite. As for their backstory... I would like to see the whole story. How could Fang be a badboy? HOW??? As much as I loved Tan in the beginning, I couldn't stand him in the end.

QToey. I admit, I didn't expect much about their storyline. I know the actors from MSP, where they were overshadowed by the main couple and didn't even attract my attention. But here I perceived them and I must say that their chemistry is breathtaking. Q and Toey also have some past together, after the revelation of which I thought that Toey is a stalker. But I still liked him. Toey is a cutie. I have nothing more to say about them portable. I thought they would interest me the least, but the opposite was true. From the moment things between Phum and Peem stopped making sense, I turned my attention to them. I would also like to add that overall, compared to the other pairs, they bothered me the least.

And finally ChainPun. Somehow I guessed that it would take them the longest and I was right. The last scene of the last episode, exactly as I expected. I'm very glad that they clarified how they feel about each other, but honestly? Maybe I wouldn't mind so much if they stayed on that platonic plane. I'm glad they didn't stay, but it would be interesting to see the exact opposite.

As for the story itself... the four romantic lines fit together perfectly I just remembered Kluen and discovered another stumbling block. I liked him, it was clear from the beginning that he has feelings for Peem, but also accepts Peem's feelings for Phum. So I don't understand the wave of the hate that the followers threw at him. But what pissed me off was that the boy made a drama that wasn't really made by him but by Toey and disappeared. The end could also belong to him and he could be part of the action.

The plot was quite simple. There was practically nothing spectacular going on, although I was expecting a flurry of drama from 16 episodes. Somewhere between the lines, we can find a couple of deep topics, which, however, are nowhere near developed to the extent that they could and should have been. I will use Phum's situation with his father as an example. We know practically nothing about it. They do not have a good relationship and the father sent Phum abroad. Okay, but why did he do that? Why did Phum leave but Fang didn't have to? Why is it that when Phum meets Peem's family, we don't even get a hint of jealousy and envy towards Peem's relationship with his parents?

Already at the beginning of the second half, I noticed that the creators focused on a lot of cute scenes without a deeper meaning. In my eyes, 16 episodes is completely unnecessary. It had potential, there were a lot of things that could have happened, but instead the story dragged and at some points I felt that the editors were not in their right mind while putting this series together, especially during the Phum and Peema scenes.

I'm sorry for all the bad things I said about We are. Unfortunately, that's all I really think. In my opinion, the creators relied on good casting, which ultimately worked for them. If you look on IMDB or MDL, We are has really high ratings. I once led a discussion at MDL, the participants of which agreed that if the cast consisted of rookies or lesser-known faces, the rating would not revolve around an eight, but a six.

It's just wasted potential. I've noticed for a long time that Thai production puts quantity over quality, which doesn't always pay off. We are a success. The vast majority of followers love it and rate it positively. I would very much like to do the same, but I can't.

The positive that We are has brought is that AouBoom has gained a huge fan following and it is believed that they may soon have their own series. After so many supporting roles, it would be about time, wouldn't it?
I know that my words are far from positive, but despite everything I wrote, I recommend watching it. The subject was perfect, the processing itself failed. As if the director, but especially the screenwriter, didn't have time and wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

I believe that I will soon see all the faces again in something new and more meaningful.

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Another dump from GMMTV *facepalm*

The only palatable part of this entire show was the healthy friendships within the group and my now new favorite couple Tan- Fang .
I had liked Aou in Be my favorite - He had an amazing support role in that show and a very likeable character .
But now I have become a fan of Boom - throughout the series his acting was measured and appropriate as per the context of the situation - Nothing over the top acting and so on - such a pleasant surprise .
And the Tan - Fang couple dynamics was so grounded that it was refreshing which also credits to the both the actors ability to understand their characters and act accordingly .

The rest of the show was meh - the remainder couples were just copy paste of their previous shows.
Good thing I waited for the whole series to be out to watch it at one go .

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Gorgeous cast with zero plot

Let me tell you i went in with high hopes because PondPhuwin and AuoBoom but this crashed all my hopes. I know it is liked by many people but for me this was a disappointment and i am sooo sad because I was waiting for this since the pilot dropped.
There is no denying that the couples are cute and all of them have amazing friendships but that is all. This show doesnt have any plot, any deep backstories or something to keep you engaged. My love for actors kept me till the end or else i was tempted to drop this. They are in denial for half the show and flirting and chasing after making out zillion times!! Could have been better with 10eps maybe?! They tried to give it a sitcom feel because nothing, absolutely nothing was happening except their daily lives and forced comic situations.

I honestly love all actors in the show and hope they get better shows in the future!

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Lost Potential.

This series left so much to be desired.
First of all you assemble a cast of decent/competent actors, establish that they are a “friend group” that we will be following through their struggles and daily lives as university students yet this is barely emphasized for all characters involved with exception to Peem and Q. This is not the biggest issue in this show though. One of biggest frustration I had with this show is the non-sensical sequencing of events especially between PhumPeem and QToey…one episode they declare their love to each other then the very next episode they are somehow back to square one. Its like the writers are out of ideas on how to let these dynamics continue to flow/develop so they resort to the lazy “playing hard to get despite their feelings about eachother being known” writing as a “plot” device.
The lost potential here is that with so many different characters introduced in this series there was very little development of a proper plot or themselves. The conflict points were handled badly some even brushed over (like the entire Pheem and his dad conflict arc). Two friend groups (Phum’s and Peem’s) became closer but somehow they couldnt use this as a plot/ conflict point when it comes to establishing relationships? Guess thats issue with ThaiBL fixed ships and the limits to storytelling/diverse acting scenarios that they face.
Now onto the worst thing about this entire the series: the writing, editing, overacting (cant blame the cast working with such a script though) and directing…how am I supposed to believe that these are university students when they act this way? Makes the entire setting non-sensical. Some of the editing is beyond jarring whether its the music score or some of the shot/scene transitions (that PhumPeem bed scene at that hotel randomly cut into a “filler” lunch at the beach scene) made no sense at all. Lastly, the directing…I have my issues with P’New’s works overall especially in how he chooses angles when filming intimate/romantic scenes… to make the actors look so stiff and choreographed must be some talent! And dont get me started on the cliche that is adding in a slow motion effect and the same repetitive ost playing every time the characters or so are about to kiss or be intimate…just too old and not creative.
Just an overall frustrating watching experience for me.

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We Are...

...Tired. Oh so tired.

I genuinely do not understand the rave reviews about this show. This show was average at best, the biggest MEH of my life to be honest. For starters, this show did not need to be 16 flipping episodes. Like what was the reason? Because I know it wasn't for the plot...you want to know why? BECAUSE THERE IS NONE. Now, don't get me wrong, I like slice of life dramas too...but this one was missing a crucial ingredient to most slice of life dramas. And that is the mini "beats" or "goals" throughout the story.

We started strong with Phum (Pond) and Peem (Phuwin) in the beginning with this whole "slave" trope that died out after episode like 4, and then there was no real "goal" or "beat" after that for those two. Besides Peem finishing his painting and Phum getting along with his dad...you cannot tell me we needed 16 episodes of that. 12 would have been just fine. If a toxic a** show like "Only Friends" can wrap s**t up in 12 episodes...."We Are" certainly could have.

Now let's talk about the couples...because that seemed to be the main focus of this series instead of you know an actual plot.

Phum & Peem: Now, I want everyone to breathe in for 3 seconds and out for 3 seconds, because what I am about to say is going to make some people really mad. They were my least favorite couple of the entire series. I was not a fan of their chemistry (or lack there of) or their characters. Now, this is NOT a jab at PondPhuwin...they are great actors who were just given a really sh***y script. In my opinion Phum & Peem's chemistry was not believable, the kisses looked forced and Peem constantly looked annoyed and in pain. I also could not STAND how they constantly had to ask about their feelings for one another. Like, y'all just made out 4 times and you still don't know if he likes you? Like be for real. At that point you are just not wanting to commit.

Q & Toey: Again, I am so sorry, but this was another couple that just did not do it for me. Also, I feel as if this couple had more screen time then our mains Phum & Peem. Like I saw more of their awkward a** banter than Phum & Peem's indecisive conversations. In terms of acting, I think Satang did a great job portraying that "cute" and "babygirl" persona...and Winny was alright. I will say I felt bad for Q during the whole "make Q jealous" segment where he was gaslit by his own friends about the relationship between Toey and Chain. Like if my friends ever did that to me I would be infuriated.

Tan & Fang: Now, this was my favorite couple of the whole series. I had no idea who AouBoom was before "We Are", and now they are all over my FYP because I cannot get enough of them. Was their story a little rushed in the beginning? Yes. Were they cringey at times? Also, yes. But did they have the best chemistry of all the couples? Absolutely, yes. In my opinion they carried this series, and were the scene stealers of a majority of the group shots. I also LOVED their character's back story where they revealed that they were actually enemies to lovers, I melted. My only question to GMMTV is: AOUBOOM MAIN LEAD SERIES WHEN?!?!

Chain & Pun: My 2nd favorite couple even though they did a whole lotta nothing. I just really loved Pun's character. He was so unhinged and made me laugh every time he did anything. I also liked how oblivious Pun was to Chain's advances and feelings. It was realistic in a sense (me feeling like Chain every time I flirt with my crush and they are oblivious to it). Their relationship felt the most relatable to me, two besties who have feelings for one another but are nervous to pursue anything. Marc and Poon did a wonderful job bringing us on that journey.

So I guess in conclusion, I recommend this series if you are a fan of one or more of the following things:
-PondPhuwin/WinnySatang/AouBoom/MarcPoon
-non-sensical slice of life dramas
-no plot
-neon bright drinks (iykyk)
-pouty baby girls
-going to school just to hang out and do absolutely no schoolwork
-school fairs
-sticking your nose into your friend's love life
-FRIENDSHIP
-art?

So yeah, if you're a fan of all the above and are looking for some wholesome s***, "We Are" is for you.

But if you are looking for something with a substantial plot and complicated characters....keep scrolling.

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Typical GMMTV fare

On the whole this series is ok but nothing special, stongest in the first half then just pretty weak towards the end.
Having quite a large cast it doesn't make a good job of introducing them all making it a little difficult to figure out to begin with.
I wouldn never say I was a real fan of Pong and Phuwin but don't mnd them, however they are oboviously really comfortable with each other. I just wish they would learn to kiss properly rather than the typical lip sucking - at least Aou/Bppm and Marc/Poon made a good go of it with a bit of passion.
The most annoying things I found thoughout the series was Satang's character - he must have been told to play it in a childish way and it just doesn;t work whilst his pairing with Winnie is by far the least convincing.
For my the stand outs were Aou and Boom who are really good together, whilst Aou managed to make his character amusing when it could have been so easily just plan annoying - i look forward to seeing them again in the future.

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I was really excited for this series but...

I love PondPhuwin so i really waited for this series to air. At first I liked it, like really liked it, because the plot was funny to me and I enjoyed it when they're a "slave" for someone lol but then after maybe 4-5 episodes it became so slow and just boring. I always don't pay too much attention to acting because in almost every drama there's no acting (sometimes even at all) but I'm used to it so when I watch series I don't mind the acting. BUT there was just horrible acting, I'm not really talking about Pond or Phuwin (cause I think they are okay at acting) but I'm talking about the other actors. There was too much ships, for me 3 is already sometimes too much and here we had 4 couples, which gmmtv I think didn't know how to handle. I'm just disappointed in that series. It wasn't the worst I've watched but sadly not the best

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A Story that Wears Off Quickly

Overall Reaction: The trailer got me really excited for the drama, considering I fall in the same age demographic. The trailer did a great job of conveying what should be expected of this series: A lighthearted comedy. For the most part, it did live up to what it promised. However, for a plotline of this nature, 12 episodes would have sufficed. In any case, I have sectioned my review in regards to what I liked and disliked about this drama:

What I liked:
--> The comedy aspect was very well done and the chemistry between the actors were rock-solid. I feel like the viewers could sense a lot of joy watching the friend group on-screen as they seemed really authentic.
--> The fact that not everyone was from the same faculty and a considerable amount of the drama focused on the fine arts students. A lot of BLs tend to focus on engineers only so it was nice to witness other faculties in the mix.
--> The buildup towards all the relationships was slow-burn and I really enjoyed witnessing that the characters got the time to know each other.
--> At the end of the day, Aou and Boom did phenomenal with the limited amount of screentime they were given. I would love to see them as a lead pair in a drama series someday!

What I disliked:
--> After episode 9, the execution of the plot seemed really formulaic. The excessive amount of trips made it a little tiring to watch but the actors and their respective ships were the saving grace there.
--> The background music during the love scenes were so predictable because they kept using the same music every time. Honestly, as someone whose playlist contains of a lot of background music, I would appreciate a little bit more diversity. Don't get me wrong, I loved the songs the actors sang with Hidden Love by MarcPoon and Missing Me by WinnySatang being my favorites! But I just feel like they were inserted very predictably and at odd times. At times, it managed to pull me out of an intense scene.
--> I liked Peem and Phum's story a lot. I believe this was Pond and Phuwin's best work together in terms of acting. However, a part of me felt that the screentime could have been used for ChainPun to develop as a couple aside from their existing friendship. Their relationship was too sudden for me to witness in Episode 16 compared to the slow burn approach the other characters got.
--> Initially, the QToey plotline was my favorite only to have them dissipate for me after they got together. Every relationship has their own struggles and I wish the director would have shown as such. Their affection got relatively repetitive for me and after they got together, it just felt like their spark disappeared as time progressed.
--> I would have loved to see more of Pond's acting ability beyond his screentime with Phuwin as he did have a conflict with his father. I felt like more could have been explored on that front. I believe that Pond does have the ability to grow as an actor and an intense scene with his character's father would have been the perfect chance to explore that dynamic.

Last Notes:
--> I would not recommend binge watching this series as it tends to get boring pretty quickly. One of the main reasons I stuck with the drama was because it was a weekly release and the storyline reaches the viewers best that way, due to the anticipation element.

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Blerg...

I dragged myself through this because I didn't have anything else to watch at the moment and I was really only interested in Mark/Poon.
Pond (who is one of my faves) and Phuwin were TOTALLY wasted on this series. They proved they could act in Never Let Me Go and then they are forced to follow it up with this fluff?
Satang's character was so annoying and Winny who is actually a pretty good actor was just phoning this in. I think they were both majorly miss-cast.
However, I LOVE the new paring of Mark with Poon. I've always kinda loved Mark, since Bad Buddy he's been one of my favorite of the sort of "lesser" GMM actors. He's been a lead in a couple of series, but they were not the best scripts or more high profile series. I thought his chemistry with Pawin was pretty weak and when you compare it to his chemistry with Poon it's like night and day. The two of them together are magic. I was really just watching the series for their storyline. Thank goodness we FINALLY got a kiss from them at the very end and it was a really good one. I hope, hope, hope, they get a series of their own next year.
Also, 16 eps. was ridiculous. There was literally not plot or dramatic tension enough for 2 eps and they dragged it out to 16. I understand the purpose was to just be sweet and gentle, but gimme a break.

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