Modernized, efficient, layered, masterful story re-telling of a classic tale

F4 Thailand is a modernized version that seems to make the main male lead Thyme a more fully fleshed character (why is he pressured to be a bully). Fast paced (similar to the Japanese version), very efficient and masterful story-telling (makes really good use of social media technology to advance the plots--an excellent update from the previous version). Great cast, awesome visuals, good acting and high production value.

What really sets this series apart from other adaptations and shows is its use of layers and layers of story-telling. Every detail from choice of EP titles, character names & birthdays, costumes, accessories, set designs, colors all the way to floor patterns seems purposeful and symbolic in its communication. I've never seen any show like this before. There is a growing fandom experience where very intelligent, observant people do deep dives, analyze the hidden symbols, decipher astrological significance, draw parallels to myths, tropes and plot devices, and unpack the messages of the show as they relate to the contemporary issues. The depth and quality of this show is simply EXEMPLARY!

Another mind-blowing thing about the show is its very clear anti-patriarchal message. The first EP starts off establishing the status quo of a very dark patriarchal world where control, hierarchy and violence rule. As the story progresses, you will see tremendous progress in character development, change and redemption. But the first EP began with a serious tone around bullying, which I appreciate because it clearly communicates that bullying is a serious issue that shouldn't be condoned.

Each EP has its own story arc and comes to a satisfying end (the director O Patha really pays attention to the story graph of each EP). There are many hidden ways the series pays homage to the original source (manga) and previous adaptations (e.g. names of characters, shops, words on billboard, etc.). The series is clearly the top in terms of my favorite adaptations (I watched the Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean and part of Chinese versions (too lengthy for me)), and possibly my favorite show ever. It'll surely become a classic.

The series has everything! From tear-jerking drama to peak comedy, the story is packed full of entertainment value. There is no scene wasted! Everything is super tight. I'm really enjoying it. Bright Vachirawit as Thyme has been able to show different facets of character Thyme (cruel, dumb, angry, bratty, childish, cute and smitten), while Tontawan delivers a very strong FL Gorya whom I find easy to sympathize with. Her family is so lovely and provides great comedic relief. Many people have fallen for the 2nd lead Ren but I'm team Thyme (esp. after EP3). (I fell hard for the 2nd lead in the Taiwanese and Korean versions.)

The rest of the cast is also really strong. Great chemistry among all the F4 boys (the Kavin-MJ duo is especially solid). Last but not least, Cindy as Thyme's mom, Mariya as Thea (Thyme's sister) and Fah Yong as Mira (Ren's first love) are all powerful scene stealers. They all have such strong presence whenever they appear on the screen, sometimes without word. Mira's character is the best of all the adaptations - so beautifully strong, inside and out. I appreciate that the portrayal of characters in F4 Thailand is more realistic and logical (as opposed to being cartoonish or over-the-top). Later June as Hana, Lita as Thyme's fiance and Kaye as Talay were all stellar in their roles.

Oh, and the OSTs are excellent. Seven have been released so far. I really like Who Am I, esp. the lyrics and Bright's singing. Shooting Star, In the Wind, You Mean the World, One Last Cry, Nighttime, and Best Life are lovely too. It is wonderful that most of these are all sung by F4 actors themselves. One Last Cry sung by Violet Wautier is very good and emotional.

Overall, the series is the best I have seen in a long while. Certainly my favorite of all the adaptations.

Highly recommended.

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Cute, light Rom-Com with some mystery

Firstly, here is a translated synopsis of the story from Thai media:

"Kimhan and Nubdao first met as a freshman and a senior, respectively, at a university. When Kimhan meets her again, only he remembers her. Their relationship starts to develop with Kimhan buying every product that she as sells via a home shopping program. He pretends the products have problems in order to get close to her. Kimham is also an artist with a pseudonym "Klangmesa" but prefers to keep his identity private. His friend Pete takes advantage of this and assumes Klangmesa's identity. Nammon, Nubdao's best friend, happens to be a big fan of Klangmesa's artworks. When Nammon meets "Klangmesa," she fell in love with Pete without realizing that he was a fake Klangmesa. Soon after that, Minjun, an MC and owner of the shopping program that Nubdao works with/for, asks her to change her persona to be more sexy. This upsets Tankhun, the program producer and best friend of Nubdao. But nobody can go against Minjun so Tankhun tries to discreetly protect and take care of her. Kimhan also wants to be Nabdao's support so he disguises himself as Loong-nhuad (Mustache Uncle), a mysterious person who send messages to Nubdao giving her coaching advice and being a good friend. How will their relationships change and grow in the end?"

THE CAST:
The top leading Thai actress Mai Davikah and actor Bright Vachirawit (each has the highest number of IG followers of all Thai actors and actresses) are united for the first time in this series. They are joined by a fun cast led by Off Jumpol, Jennie Pannan, Nicky, Foei Patara, First Kanapan and more.

THE PLOT:
Astrophile is based on an award-winning story by Duangman. So I expect that it will offer something fresh or unexpected in the story.

After two episodes, the themes start to come into focus: self-love, self-worth, standing up for oneself against unfair treatment, with social commentary on how women are treated. All main characters are flawed, shaped by their imperfect families/parents. But they all strive to do their best in their careers, driven partly by money, partly by the need to win love or earn a place in the society, trying to balance integrity with job security while under the pressure of exploitative, competitive world of home shopping business.

For Nubdao (show host of a TV shopping program), can she keep it strictly professional, so she only sells products and not a piece of herself despite demands from lecherous men (including her boss)? I look forward to seeing how this issue is resolved.

One thing I found quite refreshing is Kimhan's reaction to his gf's pregnancy with another man. Instead of being angry and calling her "easy" and such, he self-reflected on his role in the failure of their relationship.

It will be hard to not root for the second ML since Tankhun is so selflessly supportive of Nubdao. If Tankhun offers genuine friendship and comfort, what will Kimhan bring to the relationship to win over Nubdao? What is he hiding in his past? How will he embrace his shadow?

As a fan of Bright Vachirawit, I already enjoy seeing him transformed from cruel, alpha-male Thyme (his previous role as the main lead in the excellent series F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers) to timid, incompetent but kind Baby Bangs. But how will this baby change into a man that earns Nubdao's trust & heart?

The series has a slice of life feel and is very realistic in the way working people are portrayed. It is a story of people who are all imperfect in themselves and are tied together through work, friendship and family. Every character is searching for the meaning of life and love in this lonely world. The series ends with a beautiful final episode with love scenes that will either melt your heart or make your nose bleed or both. (Bright and Mai really delivered on the kisses!!!)

Enjoy!

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Enchanting & thought provoking, a showcase of complexity of love and debt in a Thai context.

"In debt, you must pay back, but in love, there's no need to return the heart."

Han Dong-Wook's 2014 Korean film "Man in Love," gets remade into Taiwanese (2021) and Thai versions, the latter titled "Love You To Debt" in 2024.

The narrative consistently follows a debt collector who falls for a debtor struggling to care for her terminally ill father while trying to settle her debts. This leads to an unusual proposition: dates in exchange for debt reduction. Their relationship, sparked by financial necessity, slowly blooms into genuine affection.

Directed by Wa-Wasuthep Ketpetch, known for his work on the Thai teen series "The Gifted," this film marks his directorial debut. The screenplay, crafted by Malila and Onthakarn, features Bright-Vachirawit Chivaaree and Yaya-Urassaya Sperbund in leading roles.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Pattaya, the film captures the essence of this bustling tourist hub and its hidden, sleepless underworld. Despite its serious undertones about debt, the Thai adaptation infuses the story with a distinctive local flavor, blending comedy, action, and charming dating scenes. However, as the narrative deepens, the weight of debt brings about profound struggles, casting a shadow over the blossoming romance.

Bright-Vachirawit, portraying the protagonist, brings depth to his role as a lovesick debt collector. His performance is a seamless blend of intensity and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Yaya-Urassaya's character, Im. Their chemistry transforms every scene they share into a vivid depiction of conflicted emotions—joy in love contrasted with the harsh realities of their lives.

In a remarkable commitment to authenticity, Bright performed all his stunts, bearing both the physical and emotional weight of his character. His transformation into the scarred, tattooed Bo involved an extensive makeup process, adding layers to his portrayal of a man navigating the harsh world of debt collection while harboring a tender love.

Yaya Urassaya's portrayal of Im reflects a woman burdened yet resilient, adapting her vocal tones and demeanor to authentically convey a spectrum of emotions. This nuanced performance ensures that viewers feel the weight of her struggles and the strength of her spirit.

The film's aesthetic, from the vivid Hawaiian shirts worn by Bo to Im's modest flea market attire, visually represents their worlds and personalities, mirroring Pattaya's colorful landscape.

"Love You to Debt" is not just a film but a cultural dialogue tailored to resonate with Thai audiences, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes of love and financial hardship. Wasuthep and his team have skillfully adapted the original story's essence to engage local viewers, making it a reflective and entertaining exploration of life's burdens and beauties.

Recommended.

(Translated and edited for brevity and readability from a review in Thai by @PooChaiKonNun https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%89%20%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%AD%20%E0%B8%9F%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%20%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%8A%20)

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