Details

  • Last Online: Sep 13, 2023
  • Gender: Female
  • Location:
  • Contribution Points: 0 LV0
  • Roles:
  • Join Date: August 23, 2021
The Yearbook thai drama review
Completed
The Yearbook
1 people found this review helpful
by JAaug
Sep 16, 2021
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.5
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 10.0
This review may contain spoilers

BE READY FOR SOME TEARS

The story is simple: two HS best friends that grew together, developing more than friendship. One had to move out and came back one day. It might sound typical, but what comes next set this series apart from the others.

The story shows how memories reconnect and how reconnection answers questions left unanswered. I like how the story was mostly told in the perspective of Nut (Title) to the point that Phob (Man) was almost vague to me. But I was sure he was really up with something, and he is. The later parts of the story was then told in his perspective. And that gave so much more meaning to the story. It was like at one end of the bridge, it wasn't clear and all that, but when Phob began to tell what really happened, it was like crossing the bridge to the other side and see the entire journey and how the two ends were connected – and always have been.

Flashbacks & Retelling: I am not going to lie; the series used a lot of same scenes (to the point that they were redundant a times) But they were arranged in a way that you can still follow the storyline, while getting more of it. Flashbacks, different perspectives, scenes in a different angle and view: all contributed to the overall beauty of the series. I just felt there was a need to fast forward during the time when they play the same scenes a bit too long (like I know this happened to the other character, now we can move on) but that did not happen too much because I didn't feel bored at all, all throughout the series. This device used was what the story is all about, getting the other side of the story and it all makes sense, trust me. It’s wonderfully done.
Actors: Considering the first time of Man and Title in acting, I would say they did a pretty good job. Although there were some points I felt like they were forcing tears (it happens, actors have to fake all sorts of emotions) but at times it became obvious that the dramatic scene didn't feel on point. But again, it was just a few times. The leads have great potential. And I am looking forward to more from them.

Filmography: Hands down, it’s fantastic! The scenery that the cameras catch, the setting, the overall feels are all amazing. It kind of reminds me of I Told Sunset About You. I like the sad mood, mixed with nostalgic feelings. That's how I felt, and it matched the story. The story is set early 2000s, and everything was on point, including old computers, payphones, mobile phones, the outfits. They really maintained the overall mood.

Characters: Actors' chemistry is good. Like I've said, there are potentials in them individually and also as a couple. I have to say that the way they portrayed their characters are exactly how it should be: one outgoing carefree boy, and one who’s driven and a bit more serious. The series also doesn't have unnecessary characters. The brother (Tonman) and the friend (Get) as well as the Doctors Puen and Sarut (Mean, the director himself) were all fine additions to the series.

Comedy: Although the series portrays sad feels in itself, there were touches of comedy (just a little bit) which was kind of refreshing.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
If you want to watch feel-good BL series, this is not it. I suggest you go for Oxygen, My Engineer, 2gether, the ones that are more popular. This series don’t have a lot of kissing scenes and cheesy moments. What you’ll get is some of those, plus a lot of drama, a lot lessons, a lot of depth. There’s a lot of scenes the characters were just eye-to-eye and it screams many kinds of emotion, not just pain. There were so many tears, not because it’s too painful, but because you begin to realize the joy of finding the answers, and the deep love between the characters.

This series doesn’t involve character confusion (typical of a BL series where one doesn’t accept that he likes men) This series talks more about the journey, the pains of telling the other side of the story which never got told in the first place, the struggles way too difficult but are possible, dreams and hopes we want to keep holding on to.

The series personally taught me that young love can be real, that love can teach us to do what we thought would be impossible for us. Phob and Nut taught me that real love gives hope, that love gives us no assurance, but togetherness shall be our security.

Light BLs are good, but I’m hoping we get more stories like this. It’s good to reflect on the realities of life. This series has that depth. Please watch it.
Was this review helpful to you?