Cherry Magic (2023)

Sweet and inspiring

I adored almost everything about this show. Karan and Achi were adorable, and really cute together. I loved the office and all the characters there. This adaption really focused on themes like hard-work, pursuing your dreams, overcoming challenges, found-family, personal-development... that kinda thing. Very inspiring messages.

I confess, though, I struggled with the Jinta/Min storyline. It was better than the Japanese adaption (IMO) and there was a lot to love about it (the message was very inspiring) but the comedy really, really wasn't to my taste. AT ALL!! But that was also my issue with the Jinta/Min storyline in the Japanese adaption so I think it's a problem I have with the source material not the adaptions (I haven't read the original).

As for what I thought of it as an adaption... I really loved that it was slightly different from the Japanese adaption. I think each version of a story SHOULD be different, otherwise there's no point having different versions, and it's fun seeing how different parts of the story are interpreted or presented.

Overall, I really enjoyed it.

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Let's compare the Thai version...

Finally watch this after I can't keep my curiosity anymore for this re-make. Quite happy to watch this...

If I draw 1 conclusion between Thai & Japan version, for me the Thai is more like down to earth or more connected with me. I don't know is it because my country is closer to Thai than Japan, so I can relate more with this version. Or maybe because it just have more episodes, so they have more duration to explain some stuff. I'll try to explain it as much as possible...

The more 'down to earth' or what i more like:
+ The growth relationship between Achi & Karan better than Adachi Kiyoshi & Kurosawa Yuichi. I can't really explain how, maybe i just more like it....
+ The way Karan look into Achi is more obvious than Kurosawa to Adachi. The Thai version is kinda have broke 4th wall rule, we can see several times when Karan smile behind Achi, the smile that have obvious meaning....
+ The viewfinder of Karan toward Achi. We see how much care Karan of Achi. This proven by the speech Karan give about Achi in company gathering or the little gesture that Karan did for Achi everyday. I don’t remember such things from Japan version, maybe I'm wrong, or it just not too deep imprint in my mind...
+ The cuter Jinta than Tsuge Masato. And that's make the relationship between Jinta & Min is cuter too.... But at the same time Jinta is really one stereotypes characteristics of Gay man.
+ The strong Pai. I really like the strong & quirky Pai. The way she burst out to her ex is really fun to watch....
+ The 'dumb' Rock. Although Rokkaku Yuta is also a little 'dumb'. But I feel Rock is more innocent vibe than Rokkaku & that's make him cuter too...
+ The relationship between Pai & Rock. I really like & happy Thai version make the relationship between Pai & Rock happen.
+ A little Japanese touch. Yeah this one specifically for this version. I like they still make the boss be an expatriate that comes from japan, we can hear from his accent.
+ The growth in Achi. In here we can see Achi want to grow in his career. He consider quiting cause he feel his career is go nowhere, so instead allowing Achi to quit,his boss offer him new position. In japan we see no such, Adachi quite comfortable with his position in the firm. Yeah I know, this much have connection with Japan office culture.

The minus from this version is maybe that Karan put too much effort for Achi, so it seem imbalance for their relationship. I mean when Achi want to move city & they decided to separated beforehand.

Overall both series is good in their own way... I quite happy to watch both version.

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As sweet as cherries.

I am full of love right now.
This series gave me everything I was looking for in a Thai adaptation and more.

Sure, lots of people kept comparing it to the Japanese drama, which was also perfect, but this one just gave me more emotions than I thought it could.

It starts with a lonely insecure Achi and a resigned Karan and it makes them bloom, come out of their shells, and try for the unknown. The growth of each character in this story is something so satisfying to see and to cheer for throughout.
The side characters are absolutely lovely as well, and I appreciated all of them from beginning to end. Jinta was definitely an improvement from his Japanese drama counterpart, or even the manga: I was delighted every time he was on the screen.

Karan and Achi's love is equal, selfless, generous, mature and understanding. It's cute. It's what I love about romance stories. I wish there were 100 episodes, I'm sure I would just keep smiling at the screen and get emotional and fall in love a little bit too during each and every one of them.

I'm proud of how Tay and New matured in their roles from their latest series together. I hope I can see them working together again in the future, because their chemistry can just become stronger.

Overall, it's definitely become an instant comfort series and I am surely going to rewatch it in the future.

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MAGICAL COMEBACK: it would be a mistake if they didn't make more projects with TayNew !!

I have come to a conclusion that Cherry magic made in any form, any language, any country would always be my favourite. There is just something about this story that makes my heart flutter, punch air, smile like an idiot every time I watch it. Its Just MAGICAL!!!

So if you ask me what is special about the Thai Cherry Magic?.. Offcourse its TayNew.. their chemistry is top-notch. They are both handsome, look good with each other and are phenomenal actors. Therefore, I say they would be doing a huge mistake if they don't make more BL projects with TayNew....!!!

Except for this there are also other factors to watch this for:
1. The side couples are also adorable.
2. Acting of the whole cast is just as good
3. Good production value.
4. Good character development.
5. Music is also great... all songs are good.
6. And of course, Passionate kisses

OVERALL: I am just Wipped for this show. If you haven't watched it, you are missing out on something great.
SPECIAL: My favorite Dialogue and moment is when *Rock(Sing) says "WTF".. upon figuring out KaranAchi are a couple... It was ICONIC!!*

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Just as good in its own way!

I think it is possible to like, or love (in my case), both the Japanese and Thai adaptation of the manga. I know this is not a remake of the original series, but it is hard not to compare it with the Japanese adaptation. I loved that series, but I’m the first to admit that the script had some weak elements.

This part is about the series as a standalone without any comparison to the Japanese adaptation of the manga. This was a very good and cute series. They did a great job with the story pacing and introduction of the characters. It was also refreshing to have a more mature BL series with characters that talked to each other about their problems. Overall, the script was good with the exception of episode 8, which was ridiculous. I understand the overall idea behind it, but the execution was not good. Although Rock and Pia’s storyline was cute, this felt out of place and was added as a time filler. However, this was only a minor problem for me because their storyline didn’t take up too much screen time. As for the ending, it was perfect. All of the actors were incredible portraying their character. Great cinematography and music.

This part is comparing the Japanese adaptation. Again, I know the Thai version is not a remake but I would be lying if I didn’t compare both. Originally, my main concern was how they were going to fill 12, 45 minutes long episodes. Thankfully, my fears were relieved as I watched it. The only exceptions are the ones I noted above. The main thing I really liked was the Thai version didn’t completely mirror the Japanese version. For me, this series was able to keep the same charm while creating a way to fit into Thai culture. I really liked the added scenes with Jinta and Min that created more depth to their story and relationship. I thought it was smart, and funny, that Jinta was also able to read the cat’s mind too.

Random Note:

I like the silent nods to the manga.

The Thai adaptation incorporated story content that was used for the Japanese series and movie adaptation of the manga which I think was a very smart move.

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Thai Cherry is Magic

I’ve never watch the Japanese version nor do I plan to since Japanese BLs isn’t my thing. Something about them just doesn’t gel with me despite my many half dozen attempts to get into it. I am not going to watch the anime either.

I only gave this s a hot because I kind of like TayNew from Dark Blue Kiss. I am not a fan of their ship since I have never seen any of it. I have seen New in The Warp Effect which left me feeling meh about New. Just to give you a frame of reference to how I came into this series.

For Archi, I really want to like him and in some episodes I did and in others I was annoyed with New’s performance. Maybe it’s because New always play with this deer caught in headlights look that always take me out of his character. It’s becomes really clear he doesn’t give believable performances when he’s with Tay who is a much stronger actor. I can total believe Tay as Karan with absolute believability. The story is sweet and adorable with Archi and Karan being a couple. I just wish New won’t take me out of the show so often as he did.

I enjoyed Jinta and Min being the side couple. Is it clownish how Jinta acts, yes. But I think because he’s dating a much younger Min, he has to be this much of a clownish guy to Min’s baby face. Otherwise, the age gap would seem predatory. I like the fact that Jinta also has the 30 year old virgin gift. Jinta is such a sweet supportive green flag with Min without being all creepy about getting Min. It’s also funny how Min had to be a bit more mature with his side jobs while pursuing his dream of an idol. But still breaks down and rely on Jinta for emotional support when he didn’t get signed as an idol. I liked that they didn’t consummate their relationship because Min is still young aand pursing his dreams. This is a sweet as cotton candy couple.

Then we have a straight couple with Rock and Pai. I guess it’s a lot more common for younger guys to pursue older girls in Asian dramas than in the US because this isn’t the first time I’ve seen it in Thai series. Chinese and Korean straight dramas have this too. They has a long flirting period before they started to date. I guess this is the thing to do in straight couples in BL.

The boss and co-worker were all supportive of gay couples dating without the unnecessary drama. While Archi’s parents were supportive. Karan’s parents were less so. Especially the mom with her “what will people think” attitude. I guess this is to show that rural “hick” folks are a lot more open minded than “educated” city folks. This seems like a running theme in BLs

All in all it wasn’t a bad series. It isn’t anything special either. It was just an enjoyable series to watch if you have nothing else going on. All in all, I would say this might be my last series with TayNew. I’m personally sick of permanent ships in BL series. Whatever chemistry shippers love about TayNew is what I don’t like. Even when these actors are given different types of BLs. They give the same kind of performances. It becomes stale. Like how many times csn I watch Tay giving strong performances while New gives hit and miss performances. In comparison to Mark who is paired with Junior. Jinta and Min gave a more engaging couple performance than Archi and Karan. I want this ship to break up already so I can see a different dynamic of the stale TayNew ship.

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I like it soooo much!

TayNew chemistry is off the roof! I didn't get to watch them as I didn't really like the previous series they were on, but I'm glad I've a chance to appreciate their amazing chemistry and acting here! I want to see more of them!

Karan's inner voice is so funny, especially when he sings off-key, The 1st half of the show are so funny that I laughed out loud almost at every episodes, the 2nd half is funny too but it starts to get more romantic

Best part? Wedding!!!! After TharnType, I don't remember seeing any wedding I like, and I'm so happy to get this wedding . I also love how they proposed to each other, that's super cool, why didn't I ever think of that?

I also love other characters in the show, they are what makes the entire series came alive. Really well-balanced and well-made show. I actually wish to see Mark as a main lead next time

My heart is so full after watching this, it's really worth every episode spent!!

Also, I am now a new TayNew fan, anyone else?!

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A show to be cherished, though it could have used more tension

When I heard there was going to be a Thai adaptation of Cherry Magic, I was wary. The Japanese drama is very dear to my heart.

I have to say I loved the first half of the show up to, and including, the airport episode. There was clearly an importance in contextualizing the overall themes of the show into Thai culture. The visuals were gorgeous, the pacing was excellent. The airport episode is, to me, an act of genius.

I was somewhat disappointed in the second half. To me, personally, it lacked tension. Everything was resolved too neatly, I think. There's a difference between overwrought drama and the lack of it.

The meeting with the parents lacked, to me, some tension, some friction. I know I'm comparing it in my mind to the Japanese version, and to me the movie is excellent at portraying the trials of accepting someone with their truth. That's the epitome of love, and I think the Japanese version did it better.

I do commend the series for going where the Japanese version didn't (or couldn't?): the overt signs of affection, the kisses, the love scene. Cherry Magic seems to be a type of series that doesn't rely on that - but it also doesn't avoid it. So good work on that.

Jinta and Min seemed to have been somewhat sidelined in these later episodes - but I loved their moment at the hotel in the finale. Very special and touching. I could see a special or a short spinoff with these two.

I loved Pai particularly. Rock was lovely, as well as Dujdao. They really nailed it on the casting.

All in all, this was a delight to watch. Kudos to everyone involved. Despite what seemed to me a disappointing second half, this was clearly done with heart and attention, and deserves much praise and needs to be cherished.

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