LoveSick 2024 (2024)

From a person who only watching this, not the original not the novel

I was scrolling on my Twitter when this pop up on my tl and a decided to give a try, I didn't expect much and didn't know nothing about it, just started because the actors look cute. But for me It was a pleasant surprise, the actors are very young and I believe this is the first series for the majority of them, but that doesn't mean they lack any acting skill, the series is very light, the acting feels fresh, the comedy it's on point. The two main leads have extremely good chemistry and make me very happy seem them together, the soundtrack is also really good. When I righting this it's only two episodes out and to be honest I can't wait to see the rest of the series, they had me sit for the first episode. I didn't watch the original or read the novel to compare, but what I can say is that this one really deserves a chance, it's a really sweet story until now.

Read More

Teen Emotions 2024

This series have more characters than the goddamn dictionary, literally, which dentist office did they find all these people in braces? Somewhere in Thailand a dentist is missing half his clients, and they out here trying to start bands and find love. Also, did this drama make anyone else remember their first love? cuz, same!

Listen, between the 1000 characters that we had, these children also had more drama/problems than the Kardashians. Damn, they were hustling. From emotional cheating, coming out, bullying, insecurities, misunderstandings, one-sided love, school work, abusive parents, blackmailing sisters, heartbreak, the band/singing, and to top it all off, braces! Like, how did any of them even passed their courses?

Now, why did these children came off more talented (acting) and their characters more mature than most veteran bls out there? That breakup scene between Aim and Phun was the most mature scene I’d seen in a bl. They took time off, cooled down, then sat and talked and even decided to be friends. And Noh and Phun were so mature as well with their feelings and how to move forward when there was Aim and Yuri between there. Kudos to the whole team for that, clap clap. Of course, this was a teenage drama, so there was a lot of unnecessary drama, insecurities and misunderstanding, but with the target audience, it was spot on, so again, kudos.

Even with its 3000 characters, this drama held my interest because it reminded me of my first crush/love. You know, those days when your friends push the two of you together on the football field, and you hold hands after agreeing to start dating, and you forget to breath for a second? Noh and Phun made me remember those awkward first love days, and that’s why I enjoyed watching this every Sunday.

So, yeah, with 15 episodes and 7000 characters, a lot of things happened in this show. Lots of side characters all out there doing their own thing, so I can't possibly review everything in details, so I'mma give a quick rundown of what I remember/held my attention on both plot and characters.

PHUN & NOH
When I find out this drama have like 10,000 characters already in the first episode, I thought I was gonna be confused on who the hell was who to even have a favourite, but Phun and Noh stood out, and managed to get my attention and keep it. In most shows that have these many characters, somehow, some side character always manage to steal the spotlight, but not here. The two leads did an amazing job. The way they handled their problems was how I came to love them. They were so mature and strong, making the characters very relatable. Which of course it's a testament to the actors and how well they understood the project. Almond (Phun) & Progress (Noh) were the perfect actors to play this version of the drama. Of course, the characters were teenagers and sometimes misunderstandings lead to unnecessary hurt, still, as a show about teenagers it was expected.

Noh is a better person than me though, being strong enough to let Phun go although they loved each other so he can keep being with his girlfriend, and then after they broke up, he even waited for Phun to sort out his feelings. Me and my broken-heart would have moved to Taiwan or something, cuz that must have hurt like hell. Most of the time, I felt angry and frustrated on his behalf when Phun gets jealous, and I'll go: 'Noh, my boy, let him sulk, he has a girlfriend, he has no right to get jealous!'

Phun on the other hand. I understood him as well, dealing with his feelings while also trying to do right by Aim, and trying to please his father. But he handle the whole Aim thing so well, and I'm glad he didn't even blame her, and also took some of the blame. I was happy that when Phun made his mind about Noh, he was all in and didn't care about anything else. That being said, no one, and I mean no one can outdo Phun when it comes to making that bitchy, unimpressed, sulky expression. Dude graduated from the school of sassiness with honours in attitude studies. Damn, sulk much?

These two grew as characters, overcome everything, and ended up together in what is a healthy relationship, surrounded by people who loves and cares about them. Well, there was like 15.000 characters, so they had a lot of people supporting them. I was happy watching their stories unfold, and glad everything worked out in the end for them.

AIM
I admire Aim’s commitment to not give a single eff at all. Literally, homegirl didn't even bat an eye when the whole thing with her, Phun and Li happened. I liked her, because let' be honest, they both cheated, emotionally or physically. She had her own thing going on with her mom, and then being rejected, finding herself. Yeah, her still being mature about everything and even knowing it was her fault for fumbling Li, was impressive. Also, imma need her and Phun to play a drama in the future as sibling/twins, cuz their expressions would be spot on! Loved her in the finale, still a Queen to the end.

EARN
Oh, Earnie, my boy. This child was so sad, falling for a bald-headed cute dude who let him down oh so easily, only for him to disappear from the drama like 80% of the run-time. No, where he go? Then, he came back in the final two episodes only to get his heart broken again. When he was sobbing. Yikes. Anyway, I liked Earn, he deserved so much more. If only Noh had a twin. That scene when he saw Noh sleeping on Phun's shoulder and got shock and hurt... I felt so bad for him, but like, I laughed a bit cuz, I love drama. I'm glad the friend finale made a move in the finale. As he should, with 17.000 characters in this show, if Earn didn't find anyone else, that would have been sad. Noh and Earn though, I aint saying anything, but I am not, not saying anything... wink wink.

YURI
I liked her, but homegirl needed to go find somewhere to sit and touch some grass. Damn, she made a whole relationship in her head, then proceeded to make it our problem when it didn't work out. Sure she was sweet and whatnot, but that girl needed to take a hike at some point or another. She knew Noh wasn't interested in her that way, they even talked about it, and still she kept her hopes up. Really, SUSAN?? I understood her though, unrequited love sucks, but she broke her own heart, so there's only so much empathy I can show her. Haha, love how bold she was in the finale, letting Phun know she's still around. Though, like how is this girl not looking for anyone else? This is a show with 20.000 characters, like, start looking elsewhere child. I really love how she defended Noh and them getting back to being friends, this is all I wanted.

OHM & MICK
Hahahah, Mick taking charge of their relationship was so fun. I was laughing so hard when Mick went 'yeah, I like you, so prepare yourself, imma make you mine.' and Ohm just went back to eating in shock, and just accepted his fate. Sometimes I wished Ohm would stop playing and accept the poor boy's feelings already, verbally that is, our boy did show his love through his actions. Ohm's best-friend energy was on point. Poor Film though, in the novel he said something along the lines of 'I can't believe I let a cat go look after my fish.' LMAO. No, but Ohm and Mick almost stole my attention for a moment. Glad they finally got together, and thank the eff Ohm wanted Noh as nothing but a friend, would have rioted if they'd ruined Ohm and Mick.

PER & WIN
First off, yes, Win is young so making bad decision is a must, but trying to get with the bad crowd and ruin your life because the guy you have a crush on don't like you back is dumb as hell. But, I love how he got brave and stood up to his military dad, thought at what cost??? #tears. Per was so over the place with his feelings, pretending not to want Win, dating that poor girl who had to put up with a jealous Win. But Per bit more than he could chew with Win's father acting like a waste of space, so I understand he got scared. I'm glad in the end he fought for Win and they had that two minutes of happiness. Though the ending of this couple was so sad, but also hopeful in that they promised to keep loving and waiting for each other. I really do wish they end up together, somewhere in the drama universe, they deserve happiness.

OTHER THINGS
- Ohm randomly, suddenly, having feelings for Noh in episode 14 was total BS, unnecessary and stupid. Whoever's idea it was to include that plot should be fired. Like, that friendship was amazing, did everyone and their mamas have to have feelings for Noh? I thought we moved passed the main lead being super special nonsense. Ew!
- Per's friend who liked him though... Pete? I felt so bad for him, cuz you could see his emotions on display in his eyes, and Per just... pretended he didn't notice. So sad.
- That one friend who went out to the other one and went, 'I like you, let's date' and then that was it. He was like, yeah, I have a boyfriend now, and the other boy was like, 'wait you were serious?' HAHAHAH, I loved it. No drama, no nonsense, just straight to the point, my kind of love. They win the couple goals. LMAO, in the finale, that dude was like... yeah we broke up. He needed me and I helped him, and now he don't so... what????
- Phun's father though, dude showed up one time and tried to be a father, like, go sit down. Also, is that actor like the only one auditioning for the father roles in bls or he's like the default choice now? I just saw him pretend to be a cop in Kidnap.
- Love how Noh and his house workers got along, also with his parents. At least not all the parents were portrayed as bad.
- Love how their age all the boys acted, their friendship was so chaotic and nice to see.
- That Jet or Jeremy girl was annoying as hell, they should have left her arse at the camp.
- Lowkey, but highkey liked EarnNoh though... like...

---
LOVESICK 2014 Vs LOVESICK 2024
If you are wondering if you should watch the 2 seasons of the first adaptation of this drama, then I'll recommend it, because it had its charm. There are some difference, although they both follow the novel, the first version had lots of scenes/plot focus on the girl school as well, with lots of drama coming from them, so there was a lot more characters and storylines. Frankly, my glad the 2024 version removed most of the drama with Jeed and the other girls, it made the season 2 of the 2014 version dragged a lot. When it comes down to it, the changes reflect the current times rather than anything, so yeah, watch it if you want more Phun and Noh, cuz both couple did amazing job with the characters.

THE NOVEL (spoilers)
If you are looking for more depth, read the novel. It's in first person POV and Noh is the narrator, so we get to be in his head, and all his rumblings and thoughts are so much fun. I found myself laughing at his antics and inner thoughts throughout the novel. Since we are in his POV, everything is limited and we get told stuff that happens with others instead of being show, so there's a lot of telling and not enough showing, but we do get to connect and understand Noh better.

This 2024 adaptation of the novel is very cute and a heartwarming watch, although it had its heavy topics. It practically followed the novel, except of course a few charges to get with the times. A lot of people were waiting for a kiss between Phun and Noh. I saw some even complaining that, the ending scene in episode 10, when they finally agreed to become boyfriends needed a kiss. While I do understand, that scene was so emotional and well acted by the two leads that it didn't need anything more than what we got. Personally, I think the emotional impact with the viewers was better without the kiss.

But of course, for those who wanted more, I'd recommend you read the novel, cuz it has more intimate scenes. Which starts as earlier as in episode 3. In the novel when Phun first confessed that he wanted Noh, they had their first kiss, first time, twice. So, yeah, lots of things that both dramas didn't show, so if you want a more mature version, where you get a kiss and more during the let's be boyfriend scene, then do yourself a favour and read the novel.

All in all, of course this drama wasn't without flaws, the main one being, trying to keep up with the 20.000 characters and their storylines. I almost gave up, but then I kept going because Sundays were my drama watching days and I loved having five-six shows to watch XD. But even with its flaws, the team made a decent and coherent show that managed to keep my interest for 15 episodes, so I'll recommend it to all bl lovers. I'm looking forward to seeing more from the cast, they are all going places with how good they were in this.

Finale:
Everyone, all 26.000 characters got their endings, and relationships and misunderstandings were resolved. I love how wholesome the whole series was, though that glass kiss in the finale was foul... like... seriously? I am satisfied with the ending we got. I am holding up hope for a special episode XD. This was a slice of life/coming of age bl that everyone who loves bls need to see. I will highly recommend it. The whole series was adorable and hilarious, filled with emotional and playful moments. I am looking forward to more from the cast, they have a bright future ahead of them, given how talented they already are in their first work.

Until next time. Always Friday.

Read More

started strong, but way too many characters

Overall: I was pleasantly surprised with the first few episodes and the tension/yearning; however, the relationship progression stalled and the 24 support characters including several love triangles had me confused/not interested in the side relationships. I have watched the original series adaption; I have not read the book. I tried to write this review based on the current series' merits. Aired uncut (~1 hour) on iQIYI https://www.iq.com/play/love-sick-2024-episode-1-1mki2ks9q5g?lang=en_us and cut (~45 min) on Tia51's YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR99-9wCOObG0rFQTm5mqfiLeR0eyARyx&si=dU0m-CXh1LffpvC8

Content Warnings: bullying, joking about attempting suicide, homophobia, fight, non con picture/video taking/sharing, cyber bullying, child abuse?, slaps

Watch Suggestions (to center on the 2 leads/get rid of love rivals/music competition, these are the uncut timings)
- watch all of episode 1
- episode 2 watch the beginning to 53:35
- episode 3 watch the beginning to 11:15, 28-50 and 54-end
- episode 4 watch 8-9 cameo, 25:30-27:30 and 38-45:45
- episode 5 watch 11:45-13:50, 26:15-28:35, 53-54 and 58:15-end
- episode 6 watch 17-19 and 37:50-42:30
- episode 7 watch 14:40-15:40, 39-40:30 and 56:30-58:10
- episode 8 watch 18:30-21:30, 28:30-30, 35:45 to 49:30
- episode 9 watch 41-43, 1hr5 to end
- episode 10 watch 5-20 and 45-end
- episode 11 skip 35:30-51
- episode 12 watch 6-8, 16-17, 29:30-35:45 and 44:30-46
- episode 13 watch 4-6, 24:45-36, 40:15-42, 46:25-47:25
- episode 14 24-17:15 and 56:15-end
- episode 15 watch 30-31:45, 36:30-37:45, 40:30-43:20 and 1hr6:40-end

What I Liked
- how the first episodes are focused on the 2 leads
- sweet/caring moments
- staring/tension/chemistry
- that Noh didn't do something in episode 3
- cameo in episode 4
- a trans character wasn't a comedic character
- character growth
- production value

Room For Improvement
- the intro was beautiful but it made me confused about the context for it (they do explain it in later episodes, not a favorite way to start a series), then the 2 year time jump
- a ton of characters (says 24 support roles in addition to the 2 main characters) were introduced and I was fairly lost with everyone except the leads, just when I'd get into a side couple romance it would jump to other characters
- new characters and love rivals introduced in the last two episodes instead of resolving other plotlines
- tension was great at the beginning but seemed to stall, there wasn't a good enough reason for me as to why the characters couldn't get together for so long
- a few fast cuts/scene jumps even in the uncut version
- the scene with diarrhea
- in episode 14 a character lectured about not trusting him and then soon after didn't trust the person he had lectured
- so pg that it felt unnatural, the refusal to shower together even when an established couple, doing a nose kiss instead of an actual lip kiss, multiple near kisses with a lame non-kiss at the end
- (neutral) comedy sound effects

Cut Version Differences (it seemed that the cut version removes some of the scenes with the female characters which I liked but it unfortunately removed some of the scenes between the male leads which I didn't like, I watched the uncut only after episode 2)
- in episode 1 it doesn't have that first scene from 2 years ago which I liked because I found they looked older 2 years ago, in part 2 they cut out Noh trying to get thru the gate, in part 3 they cut out the sister entering the room and them jumping on the bed/fighting over the sheets, cut out a group scene with the girlfriends, end of part 3 they cut out a scene with Noh's family, towards end of part 4 they cut short phone call with friends and with some other guys moving chairs
- in episode 2 they cut a scene that interrupted their cuddle, but then they cut the head on the shoulder in the taxi, in part 2 they cut out a girlfriend scene and some of the evil mom stuff

Read More

Condensed story, very good acting, positive message

Love Sick 2024 was a surprise for me. I did not expect much out of it, but it was made very well. They condensed the story of the original two seasons into one, cut out some of the draggy stuff, but they did struggle in the end.
While the series started really strong, I felt like the last three episodes left something to be desired. Maybe it was time-constraints that forced them to do that, but it could have been better. Minus points also for the ads in your face, even when they tried to make them incorporate in scenes, but most felt forced. Plus points for the acting of most of the young lads/gals which did deliver a performance most seasoned actors could take a lesson from. Of course there are no NC scenes, because most of the kids are really kids, around 14 to 19 while filming this series, Sometimes it was not that easy to keep track of all the storylines with such a huge cast, but the original had even more going on (the did cut the girl-school out of this version).

Some reviewers will give you a detailed acount of what's going on, so I will not repeat them, suffice to say, while the original series was not bad, I liked the condensed version better, especially it has no match in production quality. The original felt very budget constraint but here they went all out with good cinematography and sound.

This is more a coming of age story than a BL, but kids need to know of themselves, need to know how to solve problems with talking, like Phun & Aim and Noah & Yuri, they need to intervene when abusive parents are doing bad things and to be mature when it matters. The series has also a nice vibe going on, even with the bad stuff happening and sends a positive message to every teenager watching this: Be yourself, don't hide your feelings and stand up for yourself.

Overall, one of the few Thai shows in 2024 I can recommand. It's not perfect, it lost some stream in the end, but compared to all the other shows around, it was still done very well.

Read More

"You should know, our friendship is called love"

The phrase that gives the review its title is pronounced by George to Alexander, the protagonists of 'Les amitiés particulières', the French film directed by Jean Delannoy in 1964.
Didier Haupedin, the actor who plays Alexander, was only 12 years old when he starred in the film that adapts the work of the same name by Roger Peyrefitte. The main theme is the relationship between the teenager George (Francis Lacombrade) and the boy Alexander, both students at a Catholic boarding school in the south of France in the mid-19th century.
Who would later star in films such as the Italian 'L'innocente', directed in 1976 by Luchino Visconti, and the Spanish 'Cotolay (The Boy and the Wolf)', by José Antonio Nieves Conde, and many others, will always be remembered for this performance, because it is impressive, for its young age, the variety of registers it is capable of offering, from childish joy and innocence to the expression of great inner disappointment and pain.
At only 14 years old, Brooke Shields, the American film, television and theater actress, model and writer, was filmed by the cameras of director and producer Randal Kleiser, in 'The Blue Lagoon' (1980). Already before, at 11, she got the lead role in the film 'Pretty Baby' (1978), by Louis Malle, in which she played a sexually exploited girl. Just turned 15, he starred in the drama 'Endless Love', by Franco Zeffirelli (1981).
After some minor roles, Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan had her first leading role when she was not yet 15 years old, in the film 'City of Ember', the film adaptation of Jeanne DuPrau's novel. Immediately after, he starred in 'The Lovely Bones', directed by the Oscar-winning Peter Jackson, the New Zealand producer, screenwriter and director, known especially for producing, directing and co-writing the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, as well as its prequel 'The Hobbit' trilogy.
The British 'Romeo and Juliet', a film adaptation of the play of the same name by William Shakespeare, filmed in 1968 by Franco Zeffirelli, has in its main roles the young and inexperienced Argentine actress Olivia Hussey and the also debuting British actor Leonard Whiting, who at the time of filming were 15 and 17 years old, respectively.
These are some of the many actors and actresses who began their acting careers at such a tender age.
'Love Sick', the remake of the 2014 series of the same name, brings us as protagonists two debut actors who, like those already mentioned, began their acting career at an early age, since Almond Poomsuwan Suwansatit, who plays Punn, is 16 years, while Progress Passawish Thamasungkeeti, the actor who plays Noh, has one less.
Directed by Cheewin Thanamin Wongskulphat ('Why R U?' - 2020), this director, producer and owner of Copy A Bangkok, who is credited with being the first producer of the Y series in Thailand, now repeats as director of the series, since in 2015 he directed 'Love Sick Season 2'.
Edited by Theerasan Petmai ('Addicted Heroin' – 2024) and a large youth cast, all newbies, the LGBT+-themed romantic youth drama 'Love Sick' adapts the web novel "Love Sick: The Chaotic Lives of Blue Shorts Guys", by Latika Chumpoo, to tell us a story with a simple plot that we have seen in other romantic dramas starring heterosexual or homosexual couples.
The boy who, despite having a girlfriend, is forced by his father to go out with a friend's daughter. To avoid this, he asks a schoolmate to pretend that they have a relationship and he, after resisting a couple of times, accepts, since he needs the other boy, as president of the Student Council, to intercede on behalf of the Club Music, of which he is the leader.
And for the pretend game to begin, both will need to have the help of one of them's sister, who is obsessed with the boys' love stories, and who will have to convince the father that the boy is not interested in the boys' love stories girls, but in those of the same gender. However, the fake relationship soon begins to seem real.
The problem, of course, is that friction makes affection. And, if a certain sexual chemistry is added to that from the beginning, why do we want more. Both face the discovery of their sexual orientation and problems at home, at school, with their girlfriends and friends.
This has been the premise of great exponents of this subgenre baptized in English as "faux-mance", among which stand out, among others, 'Marriage of Convenience' (1990), 'Nick and Norah: A Night of Love and Music', 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' (2003), 'Holidate' (2020), 'Isi & Ossi' (2020), 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018), 'Midnight at the Magnolia', 'The Proposal', 'Badly Wounded Hearts' (2022), 'Wedding Season' (2022), or the gay-themed 'Xi yan' ('The Wedding Banquet'), by Ang Lee, and 'Single All the Way' (2021), by Michael Mayer.
We all know the classic structure of romantic dramas with a fake boyfriend story: the boys meet each other, they may even dislike each other, but due to circumstances they must pretend to be boyfriends... and then they fall in love, they separate for some reason only to end... make the audience enjoy a fairy tale.
Although there have been some films and series in the genre that have attempted to break these conventions, most stick to the formula. Because? Because many of us love to see two people who initially have no feelings for each other fall in love, and if it comes with an LGBT+ twist, much better: it's not about what happens, but about how it happens, about making us leave aside our disbelief and awaken our faith in love. And in 'Love Sick', a series that has no intention of breaking any mold, the tenderness shown by the two protagonists will definitely melt your heart.
The truth is that with its message of love and acceptance, 'Love Sick', whose main component is romanticism, emerges as a delicious and tender romantic drama, with touches of humor, which is a gift for everyone, as it presents the discovery of first love by the two protagonists, who will falsely experience a courtship, which will give rise to hilarious, sparkling and emotional situations, before giving way to true love.
I n its favor, the fans were already there before its premiere, as the series pays tribute on its tenth anniversary to the first Thai BL series and also the initiator of the expansion of Asian boy love dramas to the rest of the world continent and the world. This will forever remain in my memory, the story of two ordinary boys like anyone else, who fake a courtship out of convenience and whose only intention is: the desire to live among others.
In 2014 I fell in love with the series after watching it half a dozen times. The excitement of seeing Captain Chonlathorn Kongyingyong and White Nawat Phumphothingam, playing Noh and Punn, respectively, and the rest of the youth cast still lingers.
After a long time, this week before the start of its remake I watched both seasons again, and in the process I wrote their corresponding reviews on MDL. I confirmed with joy that it still has the same effect on me as when I saw it back in the day.
Despite being newbies, Almond Poomsuwan Suwansatit and Progress Passawish Thamasungkeeti are charismatic and attractive: they perfectly sell this relationship to us and make us want them to end up together. The first makes his character the classic young man who hides his homosexuality and seems to be in love with his schoolmate, by saving photos of Noh on his phone, and takes the opportunity to approach him. Meanwhile, Noh, faced with so much tenderness and affection, cannot help but fall in love with the president of the Student Council.
'Love Sick' stands out for giving us everything one expects from this type of series, with the context of having as its setting an exclusive school for boys, full of diverse characters and a beautiful message about acceptance and discovery. It may fall a little short in the dramatic tensions department, but the tenderness of their romance more than makes up for it.
Although it is full of clichés, the story of Punn and Noh has candid moments that move and manage to bring a knowing smile to the viewer. Furthermore, looked at generously, the story invites a debate about the very nature of love, the family's reaction to their children coming out of the closet, and relationships based on mutual care that survive over time.
They are both teenagers living their first experience of love. One is a child who cannot ignore the feelings that are born and grow in his chest, and the other who, loving too, fears that his love may cause harm to those around them. They both repress their feelings. And that is what makes them so genuine and real, as they struggle with who they are and who they want to be, as they navigate their struggles to understand the limits of love, to learn to love, to discover who they truly are.
Starring actors who play two gay boys, and in which sexual orientation is not a dramatic focus, the tone of the series is festive, bright and, despite some flaws, it is deeply inspiring.
'Love Sick' may not be perfect, but it is a worthy tribute to the original series that tells a story of love and friendship between two boys who mutually discover their sexuality. It is, in short, the series that we needed to remember it and for those people who did not see the two-season drama broadcast on Channel 9 to enjoy the story.
It is appreciated the existence of a series in which its characters portray LGBT+ people in which conflicts do not prevail and also the warmth with which 'Love Sick' transmits the story it wants to tell.
The good tone of the story is rounded off by five luxurious secondary characters who elevate the dramatic moments: Lift Supoj Janjareonborn ('My Only 12%'), who assumes the role of Punn's father; Joy Dhanyabhorn Sondhikandha ('Hidden Agenda'), as Punn's mother; Pym Pympan Chalayanacupt ('Kidnap'), as Aim's mother; Tontae Tinnakorn Puwasakdiwong ('Venus in the Sky'), as the Sports day emcee, and Jennie Panhan ('The Shipper'), as Im.
All of them manage, together with the protagonists and the rest of the cast, to develop an imperfect story that continues an important path in favor of representation and diversity.
'Love Sick' may not become the BL series of the year, however, it has a certain luminosity that is worth highlighting, especially for the fact that it can demonstrate that homosexual relationships are as normal, as sweet, as heterosexual ones.
With a rich youthful vibe, the feel of the series is very young and fresh. The music helps a lot, as the soundtrack has been revised and expanded by Boy Sompob, who, as in the original series, is once again in charge of this section, and promises that listening to the iconic music again will really invoke nostalgia.
Directors and writers of the original series expand this world through the eyes of these two new boys who try to navigate trying to control their emotions and doubts, sharing with their girlfriends and friends and, ultimately, exploring their identity through 15 episodes 55 minutes long.
That is to say, the adaptation to the original series brings new depth to this story. Through the dialogues, the internal thoughts of the protagonists and numerous well-used flashbacks we will learn about all the things that the boys do not dare to express out loud, as well as those that have to do with the beautiful moments of a shared childhood, which allow us to fill in all the gaps and reveal to us the reason why these teenagers are so close to each other.
These scenes, which do appear in Latika Chumpoo's novel, were not incorporated into the 2014 series, which puts in context who these teenagers are, what ties unite them, while adding layers of tenderness that make the The link between Pun and Noh is as genuine as it is inevitable and fragile.
In short, the series is pleasant and harmless. It is true that the performances of the new actors are somewhat weak and their script could have needed some more layer of depth, especially when it came to portraying the characters. But sometimes nothing else is needed to work. And he does it.
The light plot with captivating characters full of chemistry is what makes this teen romance series, despite its flaws, perfect for distracting the mind and warming the heart.
True to the original in tone and spirit, its pace is a little faster, more polished and elegant: it's well made and the boys are promising. They are, in short, the new and future protagonists of BL series.
"You should know, our friendship is called love", the phrase with which I end the review, could very well have been said by our two protagonists.

Read More

I didn't watch the original series, so I didn't have any prior information when I started watching this series. But it was a nice surprise.

It's not the BL of the year, in fact it's a pretty average series in many aspects but what saves this series is the main couple and the undeniable chemistry between Noh and Phun.

I think the series is too long and has too many characters that are never developed. There's a repetition of plots involving jealousy between Noh and Phun at the end that also really displeases me.

I don't like Earn's plot in this series. The actor did an incredible job but I hate it when series try to put a love triangle in the story when the main couple is already endgame.

The problem here is the lack of communication. Especially with Noh and Yuri and Phun and his girlfriend. A simple conversation would solve all their "problems", but they drag it out until it becomes a bigger problem.

I confess that I didn't care about any of the secondary characters. They don't have any development, all the secondary couples are boring, their scenes are chopped. We see them in one episode and then they disappear only to appear after 2 or 3 episodes so there's no consistency.

I really couldn't care less about the whole plot of Mick and Ohm, Per and Mawin, Lee, Ngor, Phun's parents and the fake relationship for his sister that they forget about after the first episodes, the bullied boy and all the other three hundred characters who have 5 seconds of interaction in the series.

Overall, it's a fun series to watch. Turn off your brain and just enjoy it. The main couple, despite their limitations, make up for it and deliver cute and very beautiful scenes. But it's nothing more than that, a cute BL with an excellent main couple.

Read More

Young Love is like Tangled Electric Wires

It's a remake of Lovesick2014 (supposedly the first Thai BL that went mainstream). I haven't seen the original 2014 version nor have I read the book on which this drama is based, so the review is solely based on the 2024 version.

The story is pretty generic, fake boyfriends who actually fall in love later. What made it an interesting watch for me was the chemistry between the main cast Almond(Phun) and Progress(Noh). These two young actors in their first ever main role do a fabulous job to make this a good watch. In 2024, when the series was released Almond was 16 years and Progress a mere 15 year old boy. So when they started shooting and were cast, they would have been much younger. These two have a great potential to be bright shining stars of the Thailand BL industry if their talents are utilised wisely by their agency/company, helping them to develop their acting skills. Even though the story was not the aspect that captivated me, their performance made me finish the series. I hope these two actors would get a chance to act in another series in the near future with a much better storyline.

The story reflects a realistic viewpoint of teenage love and the obstacles they face. The narrative manages to bring some real life teenage issues like unrequited love, bullying, parental expectations, finding your identity and coming to terms with your sexuality etc. to the viewers. Even though the story touches upon these sensitive topics, it doesn't dwell too much on them before moving on, making them seem a little trivial. Though the story is not unique, it depicts some of the struggles of students at the tender age when their emotions are warring with societal norms.

The series would have been much better if the makers would have focused on fewer couples. Here, too many couples are introduced but due to a limited episodes series, their stories are often sidelined.It is about adolescents experiencing Love Sickness with emotional ups and downs, navigating the murky waters of Love and Acceptance while confronting their Parents' idea of 'Ideal Life' at a vulnerable age. In my opinion, the series brings nothing new to the table except showcasing the new generation actors and their future capabilities.

From what I have read online, this series has made quite a few changes from the original one, making it more palatable and acceptable to the current audience. I have a lot of dissatisfaction with the plot even though it has been amended in many instances from the Original. But the original story itself that is at the core, even though true to life, is a little dated and behind times. For eg. Phun already had a girlfriend when he realised that Noh reciprocated his romantic feelings, Phun was rather passive about his relationship with his girlfriend all the while pining for Noh. If not for the circumstances, Phun would never have broken up with his girlfriend (I felt this situation was a little off putting and outdated).

Moreover the constant obstacles in the path of Noh and Phun's dating, the almost kisses which were always interrupted, felt unnecessary and dragging at times. I think if the actors are underage and they cannot film kissing scenes, the director should have just left at first few near kisses, the viewers get an idea that the actors have good chemistry and when it's age appropriate they would do justice to such scenes. The director could have just focused on them hugging, holding hands, just being considerate and attentive teenage couple.

Goodbye Phun and Noh....I found the ending quite satisfying. Though I wished they hadn't taken so many detours and suffered too much heartache along the way.

The message in the end says everything about teenage years where they are still trying to figure out things.....They have to go through ups and downs in life but if they have a supportive family and are surrounded by loving friends, it helps relieve stress of daily uncertainty in their confused life.

The character of Jeed was like a reality check of what teenagers have to go through. The malicious gossip and judgemental attitude of peers is one of the reasons why many teenagers find life suffocating and try to hide who they really are....Hence it becomes very important for them to be surrounded by understanding adults.

This series was a near depiction of adolescent lives, where life pierces you with thorns when you try to pluck the roses but if you are ready to bear the thorns you can smell the fragrant roses at the end.


Overall: Watch for the talented actors Almond and Progress, they breathe new life into the run of the mill story.

Read More

Love Sick 2024: When Lightning Strikes Twice

Remember when Thai BL was the industry’s best-kept secret? Now it’s a global phenomenon, and Love Sick 2024 arrives to remind us why this genre captured hearts worldwide in the first place. This remake of the 2014 classic that helped ignite Thailand’s BL wave walks a delicate tightrope between nostalgia and reinvention—and it’s a balancing act worth watching.

The bones of the story remain: two high school boys navigate friendship, first love, and the rocky road of self-discovery. But this isn’t your older sibling’s Love Sick. Per and Mawin’s romance now unfolds in a world where production values gleam like Bangkok skyscrapers, and character development runs deeper than the Chao Phraya. Their family dynamics and personal struggles feel remarkably current, swapping out melodrama for a nuanced exploration of modern Thai youth culture.

The glow-up is undeniable. Every frame looks like it was dipped in honey, with cinematography that turns stolen glances into visual poetry. Yet, there’s a part of you that misses the original’s raw charm—like when your favorite street food joint gets a Michelin star. Sure, the plates are prettier, but something of that initial magic gets lost in translation.

Speaking of translations, let’s talk about the soundtrack. Thai BLs are known for their emotional musical punches—those heart-swelling ballads that linger long after the credits roll. While the original Love Sick gave us earworms that millennials still hum in convenience stores, the remake opts for a more sophisticated, ambient score. It’s beautifully produced, but it doesn’t hit you in the same visceral way.

For newcomers to Thai BL, this polished version serves as the perfect gateway drug. It’s accessible, stunning to look at, and emotionally resonant without requiring a PhD in BL tropes. For veterans, it might be a more complicated affair—caught between appreciating the craftsmanship and yearning for the unfiltered sincerity of the original.

Love Sick 2024 proves that lightning can strike twice—it just hits differently. The remake honors its roots while acknowledging how both the genre and its audience have grown up. Whether that growth feels like evolution or just really good cosmetic surgery probably depends on your relationship with the original. Either way, it’s a feast for the eyes and a workout for the heart.

So, is it worth watching? Absolutely. Love Sick 2024 doesn’t just reimagine a classic—it reflects how we, as viewers, have evolved. The original captured the messiness of teenage love; the remake captures our desire to make sense of it. Both have a place, just like there’s room for both our past and present selves.

And if you need me, I’ll be rewatching both versions back-to-back for the third time. You know, for research.

Read More

do you get deja vu ooh~

Whether you've seen the 2014 original version or you're coming into this story for the first time, the tension and chemistry between Pun and No is incredible, but be warned you might find the development to be oddly fast.

Background:
Love Sick 2014 was one of the first Thai BL dramas, with censored kisses and an open ending, in 12 episodes they still managed to pull off one of the most intense feelings of longing in a coming of age BL. Season 2 came out with another 36 episodes and was able to give the audience the happy ending we were all waiting for, bur for a lot of people those 48 episodes were too drawn out and had too much side character drama. Skip forward to today, it looks like they're trying to stuff the whole story into a 15 episode remake, and so far they're doing a pretty impressive job.

Story:
Pun and No have known eachother for years, they've been school mates and casual friends for so long, that neither of them expected the surge of emotions they feel when circumstances shove them closer together. The plot is full of complicated situations and feelings, and even though the pace feels a bit rushed at first, the feelings between Pun and No are incredibly sweet and beautiful. There were some plot changes from the original, mainly to the side couples storyline, generally neutral or positive changes though.

Actors:
They're young but they're talented, I think they were great picks for this remake. Progress (No) is really channeling Captain in this, there are some moments where it feels like I'm watching the same actor, it's crazy. Almond plays an incredible Pun, and even though White's Pun is hard to beat, Almond is a great actor and he and Progress both easily capture your hearts.

Verdict:
To be honest, I'm a little partial to the original, but I'm a sucker for a slow burn and I love character development in a story, so the abundance of side characters didn't bother me as much. This remake is a really fun watch, it's giving all of the deja vu feels and a fresh new flavor of chemistry from AlmondProgress. This review is based on episodes 1-8, I'll update as more come out, but this story is just as adorable as the first time around, I definitely recommend the watch!

Read More

A Compelling Story with Frustrating Love Triangles

Love Sick brings an engaging storyline that keeps you rooting for the characters despite some frustrating moments. The plot is well-crafted, capturing the complexities of young love, especially the journey of Pun and No as they navigate their feelings.

While I’m enjoying the storyline, Pun’s indecisiveness is driving me a little crazy! He still hasn’t fully come to terms with his feelings for No, yet he seems to expect No to patiently wait while he dates someone else. This emotional tug-of-war creates some intense drama but also leaves me wishing that Pun would make up his mind. No deserves more than being left in emotional limbo, and I’m eager to see Pun gain clarity soon, if only for the sake of both their happiness.

Overall, it is off to a strong start with relatable characters and well-drawn conflicts, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Pun and No’s relationship evolves.

Read More

Better on YouTube…

This was a cute watch and puppy love is really the right description. I watched the uncut version for a while but found the cut version on YouTube to be faster moving and just as good.😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕💕💕🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Read More

When will reflect BL shows realities???

The "delusional" shy `fake female acting´ reflecting 19th century is so depressing ... It was in the 1st show and repeats, out of what?, tradition?, here again! Beginning of EP11: waking up and crying, because your lover lies next to you and you nozzle him, or the "Let´s shower" avoiding shy-prudery-dance ... so anoying and so not real. Especially for gays and even lesbian!
I know these "stories" are written by hetero women for hetero women in mind and as merket.
But when do the writers finally reach realities? Realities of LGBTQIA+ lives and life?
Being shy in the public I can understand ... but in private in this "clean woman" behavior, again and again???
I am short to drop the show!
BTW: the Phun actor of the 1st show, being asked if he is gay ... HELL NO!!! Okay he never got any lead, only minoe supporting roles after ... the Noh actor made a similar sniding answer ...

Read More