Better than Hua Jai Sila 2019?

That's the question I assume most people want to know. Short answer: No.

Long answer (without spoilers from either version): The best thing was the OST. It's just so catchy and they have so many versions of it to switch things up every now and then. Both version has its flaws. There are some directions I prefer here and some I prefer from HJS 2019.

(Comparative minor spoilers from HJS 2019): The thing I noticed the most was some characters are very different. Sila '07 for one, I don't feel the same anger or hatred as Sila '19. I won't go into details but Sila '19 was more of a master deceiver (like brilliant A-class asshole). Then we have Kwan who's less interesting here as well; I like what they did to her for the 2019 version. They gave her a better personality as a villain. Mee and Tan are the only characters I like better in this version. They had a bigger role and screen time. Mee was more than comic relief; she was smart too and Tan was an actual important person for Min. I won't go into plot differences because this would be way too long lol.

In conclusion: No. I don't hate this version. It was fun to watch and if you want to watch, go ahead. It's free with eng subs on Youtube. However, I have an incredible bias for HJS 2019 so watching this allowed me to experience the story in a different way. Seeing the changes was interesting.

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Better than I expected

This was more tragic than scary. The characters were a pleasant surprise from the begin to end. The acting was phenomenal which is a given. The cast really played their heart out. The story really takes a turn in a second half; it was suspenseful and heartbreaking all at once.

Do give this a try if you like a human emotion-driven horror with some jump scares. There was a lot more of a psychological element than I thought which kept the characters and story complex. What makes this “scary” is not anything in the supernatural sense but the characters’ road to self-destruction and obsession. It’s sad to see them have to sacrifice for their dreams in a way that hurts themselves and others.

The ending is a perfect and satisfying wrap up. That’s all I can say.

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From a non-manga reader

(no spoilers) Hearing that there was a lot lacking, I do feel that. Otherwise, the cinematography was gorgeous. The lighting hits a sweet spot. Ayano Go was great; I think this role definitely suits him.

The first half was great; it's pacing felt natural and I could easily follow the story. Second half felt a little strange. If I had to guess, this is where they cut a lot of original material.

(spoilers) The introduction and revelation about Nanako/Chihiro didn't have the impact that it should've, considering how important it is for our main character. And Manabu's past got covered within like the last 10 mins of the movie. This is something that you need to dedicate a whole episode for each character (ofc they couldn't do that). That's why adaptations are so tricky.

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you can probably skip this sequel lmao

Idk what to say about this season except it was kinda sad and made me empty at the end. I don't think it's the ending we deserved but maybe it was never an optimistic show lol. This season wasn't as satisfying and didn't feel like the Naked Director I fell in love with. The premise of Toru finding another business opportunity to expand was exciting but alas...

Hey, credits to the acting and the cinematography is fantastic as always. The lighting of this show makes me speechless!

Also, Idk who decided to play Billie Eilish's lovely in this season but they needs a raise.

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What Black Mirror wishes it could do lol

Thai cinema keeps evolving and I'm here for it. I wish people would know more than lakorns when it comes to Thai shows. This is innovation and artistry at its finest.

First off, Ep1-4 are ONE-TAKE and they're around 20 mins each so that blows my mind already considering the timing needs to be perfect for syncing the episodes. I watched the behind the scenes of rehearsals and honestly, I have so much respect for the cast and crew. Like they built the set from scratch and everything. I can't wait for this director to get more projects!!!

Plot is quite simple. I won't go into it but I loved it. Thematic wise, the ending is sad but satisfying. There's not much context between the relationship of the characters (and it's not necessary) but it's just enough to drive the themes.

Honestly, the whole aesthetic felt very futuristic/sci-fi-like. You have the incredible strong contrast, neon lighting work and the beautiful Biblical-themed set, which was very unique btw. I watched this in 1440p and it was a visual galore (4k is also available but I took mercy on my poor laptop). If this is the trend for 2021, I'm on board.

Everyone watch this NOW. It's free with subs on the Nadao Bangkok youtube channel.

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Fun thriller!

(no spoilers) I love this premise; it's so unique AND unpredictable. The plot runs quite thematic strong, which is the best thing about it. I knew this show was gonna be dark/not for the average audience, but I never thought it was THAT dark until certain scenes. Although I didn't feel there was a big climax, the resolution stayed consistent to the themes the show has presented about morality and the consequences of our emotions.

(spoilers) The message in the last episode was good; I didn't expect it but it was the best way to "end" the story. I also had another scene I wanted to happen. Hear me out:

Chut finally gets to go into the gift shop. The owner is elated and asks, "So who is this person you hate the most?"
Chut replies, "You", pointing at the shop owner. END.

(lmao that was dumb. forgive me)

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funny way to promote LINE tbh lmao

(no spoilers) The style of this show is quite unique, almost like Blackout (funny cuz I just finished Blackout, also by Nadao Bangkok). I was so shocked by the first episode and the rest of the show continues to be unpredictable. This reminds me of Gossip Girl somehow, mixed with season 1 Riverdale....(don't kill me for this opinion).

I love that the cast has personalities, likeable or not; I prefer intentionally unlikeable personality over boring ones. The score is also beautiful. Like the suspense-fulness it portrays when there's no dialogue made me anxious so many times!!

(spoilers) My favourite episodes have to be Tiger's and Jo's. Their perspectives were super fascinating. Jo mostly because he had that Bonnie and Clyde thing going lol.

I don't think the ending gave me the closure I wanted but I find solace in the fact that Sol is stuck with Ai; they both have to carry the burden of murder. I wished somehow there was a 6th episode where Tiger pulls a detective thing and exposes Sol and Ai's crimes. Too much to ask?

Anyway, remember to delete your recently deleted pics everyone.

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The perfect appetizer for season 3

I am reminded once again why I love Kingdom--there's no shortage of surprise elements. This special episode is a must-watch.

This movie provides more context to the current situation in the main series and I love seeing that unfold. It's an amazing villain original story too. I can't wait to see her dynamic with our protagonists in season 3. Another great addition to the cast! The actress did an amazing job. Although I wish I had seen more inside Ashin's psyche considering her methods became quite extreme--or rather, disproportionate to be justice for the wrongdoings she faced. Still, terrifyingly amazing antagonist to have.

The music and production were of extra high quality. My favourite thing about Kingdom is that you can feel being pulled into the world because it's been so meticulously crafted--from the sets to costumes. Can you even imagine the budget? I can't.

Note: I also do recommend googling some historical facts before watching the episode as it helped me understand the political background better :) Happy watching.

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Probably the most impressive Thai drama I've seen.

In the first 5 mins, I can already understand why this has such high ratings. The first FIVE minutes! When I found out that it was the same writer and director for In Family We Trust and Bad Genius, it all made sense.

Acting is exceptional. I thought they had hire a real skater to play Simon lol! This is really amazing cast with charismatic characters and believable conflict; I fell in love with everyone. I'm also in love with the lighting in this show. Like wow!

Can't rave anymore. Probably the first Thai show I've given a 10. Everyone needs to see this NOW.

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Conflicted

"Sweet & Sour" is a perfect title for the movie tbh. At moments, it's romantic but not really as the romance ends nowhere for both leads. I can feel they're both unhappy in the end, which is a shame because this should've been about healing a relationship or moving on.

As much as I don't hate the twist, I wish they didn't rely on it in the end like some satisfying resolution to a conflict that's actually was NOT solved at all. There are a lot of tropes that just weren't handled well, or rather there's no justification for using them. I think the ending ruins a lot of the conflict that the movie was supposed to resolve. So overall, it's not a bad movie, just the direction didn't make sense.

This MIGHT be a waste of time as there's no take away from it. How am I supposed to feel in the end? I don't know. It just feels wrong lol. Does anyone else feel that?

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a treat to international fans

(no spoilers) Props to these actors for acting in their non-native language, which 85% of the show is non-Thai. This makes me want to travel to Asia so bad. They stayed in Vietnam several times (my home) and it made me so happy to see my country be represented. The OST is so catchy...I need to listen to it more.

Yes, there is a lot of things unanswered/weird plot mechanics of the game but idc lol. I guess sometimes it feels out of place or takes me out of immersion.

(minor spoilers) The plot of this show is kinda brilliant...hear me out. Like, it has a really strong thematic foundation. Every character has a lesson and purpose attached to their journey. Every story needs themes and this one definitely stayed consistent. My favourite characters are Mo and Don; I think they had the best conclusion to their character arcs. I feel whoever wrote this series had a A+ idea but the execution wasn't as good as it could've been. With an idea like this, this series would've been phenomenal. This is just my personal taste, but I wished this show had a more darker/mature tone. Because a lot of the conflict are deep (lust, death, money problems, cheating, break up), I feel a darker melodramatic tone would elevate the story to a different level. That's just my personal preference for what I like in a drama. Otherwise, the comedy wasn't bad; I just prefer less humour in this kind of plot.

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