Judge by your own successes and errors
The Thai actor Mos Panuwat Sopradit in his acting debut and the Thai-American singer ISBANKY (Bank Mondop Heamtan), in his first leading role, gave us in 2022 a series that from its premise raised a question: Can love be born from hate?To answer this question, in this romantic comedy-drama with an LGBTIQ+ theme, its creators, the director and screenwriter Puwadon Naosopa and the writer Boy Mitpracha Outtaros, tell a story whose narrative arc describes how the protagonists begin as declared enemies or adversaries, only to discover gradually a deeper connection that transcends the initial animosity.
Taking a common pretext in romantic films and series in which the initial enmity between the protagonists leads them to an enviable love story, 'Big Dragon' presents us with Mangkorn (Mos) and Yai (ISBANKY), two young people who appear to be opposite poles and end up attracted by a chemistry produced throughout the series.
What began as a natural dislike between the two little by little leads to romance, which is complicated because, first of all, because the series is set in a society in which even today, in the 21st century, it is illegal to marriage between people of the same sex or in which members of the LGBTIQ+ community are equally discriminated against due to the impossibility of starting a family, adopting a child or changing their name and new identity after undergoing sex change, and other injustices that are not suffered by the heterosexual people.
In this context, which we cannot ignore, Mangkorn and Yai live, separately and in different ways, the process of accepting homosexuality, denying that they like a person of the same sex, stating that what happened between them was motivated by alcohol and drugs, asking friends for guidance, looking for women as a way to confirm heterosexuality, or even getting into fist fights.
On the other hand, Mangkorn's father pressures his son to marry his friend's daughter, and Yai suffers family pressure with a dead mother and an absent father for work reasons and now in a new love relationship to which the protagonist objects.
Despite social pressures, jealousy, the presence of a new love interest who will try to come between the two, the need to separate due to student issues, Mangkorn and Yai will reach a happy port after starting a journey that will lead them to experience a true individual transformation after falling in love.
I first saw 'Big Dragon' and was interested to see what else Puwadon Naosopa had done or would do in the future. That was a highly produced, incredible, but ultimately conventional series. However, his muse about things was a curious thread that persisted.
In 2023, Mos and Bank starred in one of the 'Y Journey (Stay Like A Local') stories, specifically episode 5, titled 'Let's Say a Lover', in which they represent one of the six young couples that lead the viewer on a trip to various tourist attractions in the eastern region of Thailand.
Both would also act in 'Club Friday Season 15: Moments & Memories', but with Bank as a supporting actor.
Surely someone is wondering if I am reviewing the 'Big Dragon' series here or remembering the filmography of these actors. And no, those are not my goals.
My purpose is to introduce the interested reader to 'SunsetxVibes', a series that brings us back to the MosBank ship in a romantic comedy-drama that shines with its own light in the BL universe like the name of the company where the protagonists work.
On this occasion, Puwadon Naosopa, who wrote the script and directed the actors in 'Big Dragon', convened a team of writers, composed of, in addition to himself, his colleague Somchai Tidsanawoot, known for writing 'Lovely Writer', 'Hidden Agenda', 'I Feel You Linger in the Air', and newcomers Nunt Thongngamkham and Baifern Ataya Sawatdee, to adapt the web novel "Sunsetxvibes", by Rosesarin, and place, in the competitive business world, this suggestive variation of the theme of two young people who meet by chance one night and the next day discover that one of them, Sun (Mos), is the newly appointed director of a large fine jewelry company, and the other, Salin (Bank) is his new employee.
'Sunset x Vibes' is a romance somewhere between comedy and drama. The first thing we know about Salin is the strange and recurring dream he has about a mysterious man dressed in traditional Thai clothes. This aspect, although it seems that it will be important in the series, in the first chapters they deal with it in broad strokes, since the series focuses much more on her relationship with the boy with whom she is flirting through a dating app, who does not It is another who is the owner of the company in which he has started his internship.
The acting traits that many MDL users have criticized here are actually the same aspects that make the two actors fit their roles.
However, despite its powerful cast, made up of renowned actors and actresses, the undeniable chemistry between the protagonists, the beautiful cinematography, its contemporary style, the brilliant visual effects, its majestic soundtrack, the clarity with which the story is conceived on paper, the pulse with which the direction guides her through the setting, and the way Mos and Bank defend her, as well as the beautiful love story that Yotha (Pete Wacharanon Seeduan), the friend of Salin, and Sam (Tenon Teachapat Pinrat), Sun's younger brother, both interns at the company, the series, like its predecessors, does not enjoy the approval of the public, and I fear that the cause does not exactly have to do with the audiovisual product , but with the "trauma" that 'Big Dragon' left in many BL fans, as many of the MDL users recognize.
For their part, the couple formed by Chan (Fong Bovorn Kongnawdee) and Juldis (JJ Rathasat Butwong) provide us with fun antics to relieve tension. Maybe there is another couple, lesbian in that case.
Someone could tell me that the problem lies in the fact that they do not accept that one of the protagonists hides their identity from the other (since both boys have been knowing each other through chat for six months, but they have never seen each other), but, although the series should generate a conflict to be resolved with a consequent personal growth, in my view, the problem does not come from there, since the low ratings are observed from episode 1 itself, when the young people had not yet met personally. In other words, no one could know what would happen between them. The comments make it clear.
They have not given the series the benefit of the doubt and without thinking they have sent it to the slaughterhouse for reminding them of the disappointment that some had with 'Big Dragon', I think for not understanding its objectives.
I believe it is time to grow as we demand of our narrative heroes. It is not logical, fair or ethical to judge an audiovisual product because it reminds us of a frustration.
The series tells an explosive, mature, healthy romance. I identify with the feelings and emotions of the characters.
The romantic plot that entertains and at the same time invites debate and reflection is irresistible. 'SunsetxVibes' has captivated me for the warm atmospheres created with which the audience can identify and for making us empathize with the story, allowing us to see ourselves reflected in the protagonists.
The charisma, tenderness, attractiveness of its protagonists and its irresistible romantic plot make ''SunsetxVibes'' a charming love series made for BL fans. It doesn't break much of the mold in terms of its structure, but its characters and conflicts are unique enough to avoid falling into stereotypes.
The drama brings a full love story, without red flags, and makes the most of the proposed premise, the intellectual potential and good intentions of the team behind the camera, the cinematographic resources available to the creators and the undeniable artistic abilities of the cast.
'SunsetxVibes' surprises us with intrigue and satisfies the expectations of the most demanding audience, by allowing us to believe that love can change the course of a story, a relationship, even the universe, and allowing us to feel that magic and passion can exist even if it is in television series.
It has some sound problems that are sometimes obvious but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the series.
The story is told concisely, never strays from its focus, and is tightly edited. I've watched each episode several times and I didn't get bored at all. All in all, a better than average entry in the world of Thai BL series.
I, for the moment, say my YES for 'SunsetxVibes' and I hope, as on other occasions, that MDL allows me to return to this review to update it.
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BadxVibes
Star Hunter Entertainment needs to quit making TV shows because everything they put out is mediocre at best.Let's start with the story. The whole mythology/past lives aspect was very clunky and I think the show suffered as a result. I think the boss/intern dynamic was navigated pretty well in Salin and Sun's storyline so I wish they'd stuck to that instead.
The side couples were annoying at first and weren't adding much to the story, it felt like they had too many plates spinning. However, once their stories finally got going, they ended up being one of the better aspects of the show.
The acting was nothing to write home about, no one really impressed me or gave a memorable performance - although they weren't given much to work with in terms of the script.
The only standout in this show was the NC scenes - you can really feel MosBank's chemistry and trust in each other, and they were beautifully shot. Having said that, towards the end of the show these scenes started to feel gratuitous and didn't develop the characters any further.
If I had been binging this show instead of watching it as it aired I definitely wouldn't have made it to the end. Nothing in the show is especially terrible, but all the elements are so half baked that it feels draining to watch.
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Watch to make up your own mind without reading bad reviews!
I definitely believe Sunset x Vibes is one of those BLs which is often rated lower than it should be. And I never tend to follow the reviews or ratings, I like to find out if it’s good or bad myself. I really enjoyed this drama, but yes a few times I did get confused, especially with the dreams that Salin was having, I didn’t quite understand them at first until the end, and I’m not sure I fully did understand them. But it did make me want to see Mos as a merman in a drama in the future!! The chemistry between the two is definitely fully alive! Sunset x Vibes was actually my first MosBank BL, even before Big Dragon which I did go and watch straight afterwards but honestly… out of the two I preferred Sunset x Vibes.The settings and the visuals were beautiful, and some of the steamy scenes were very… very… steamy indeed. I also loved how they played Dancing With The Devil in a later episode! I liked the second couple too (Pete and Tenon) and I hope they can have their own drama later too. I’m definitely looking forward to watching more BLs with MosBank. I just hope the next one they have, the story makes a little more sense and it can get the review ratings they deserve!
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So boring and too cutsey
I was bored after the first episode. Gave it two more episodes and I find myself fast forwarding through the sequences that simply do not move the story along. I've been watching so many really good Japanese BL that I don't think Thai productions are ever going to surpass the Japanese quality in story telling, production and actingWas this review helpful to you?
Something new
This Drama is fresh ig you didn't saw this type of drama till now. The actors are talented, story is strong, aesthetic is awesome ??. It'a must watch for bl lovers who like modern but with a little bit touch of historical plots. Most importantly it's not toxic kinda drama so who like a full romantic drama please watch this. You'll fly fs. Not gonna give spoiler but you'll get some steamy scenes also ??Was this review helpful to you?
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1 fois mais pas plus
j'ai aimé ce bl mais sans plus ce n'es pas le bl de l'année c'est sur j'aime beaucoup le couple principal que j'avais déjà vue dans Big dragon et leurs alchimie est vraiment magnifique je ne sais pas si ils sont en couple dans la vraie vie mais on voit bien leurs complicité pourquoi j'ai mis que 7 car malheureusement l'histoire a été mal développé que ce sois le côté fantastique que le côté thriller c'est ce qui m'a dérangé âpre ils ont tous misé sur les couple et les scènes...... mais quand on regarde un bl on ne le regarde pas que pour ça du coup je suis une peut déçue et je reste sur ma finWas this review helpful to you?
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Si escucho a Bank decir Khun Dad una vez más, me pego un tiro
De verdad, es que no sé qué hay que hacer para que le den un papel a Mos que no sea una total y absoluta desgracia. No hay por dónde coger esta historia. Los elementos sobrenaturales están porque ponerle sal a un huevo es lo lógico, supongo... No se entienden, sobran, o faltan, ya no sé.En el último capítulo consiguieron hasta revolverme. No pensé que una escena con Dancing with the Devil me iba a hacer querer pausar el capítulo.
Te recomiendo que se la pongas a esa amiga que intentas sacar de tu vida y no sabes cómo. Después de ver esto, dejará de querer mirarte a la cara.
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