A very good version of "Boys Over Flowers" !!

So… this is the first time I write a review on MyDramaList !

First of all, I want to say that the only version of Boys Over Flowers that I had previously watched was Hana Yori Dango (Japanese version), which became my favorite drama of all time ! The level of waiting was high, thus.
I must admit that if Bright and Win (I LOVE them) were’nt part of the casting of the Thai version, I probably would never watch this drama. Well, what a good surprise !

First of all, if F4 Thailand takes the key elements of the initial story (school harassment, differences between rich and poor, horrible mom, amnesia, love triangle…), this version is very good for its modernity, the treatment of its characters or even the humanistic plot. For me, it is impossible to compare HYD to F4 Thailand, as each version has its own qualities.
In F4 Thailand, the destiny of Gorya, the heroine, is part of a modern society, where school harassment is amplified by social networks ; where everyone tries to integrate, even if it means denying their own values; where the «Red Card» game is reaching catastrophic proportions… the first episodes are very intense, due to the cruelty and passivity of high school students. Moreover, throughout the drama, the question of class struggle is particularly well conducted, especially the differences in quality of life between rich families (like F4 families) and poor families (like Gorya’s family), the economic crisis affecting the poorer classes in an emerging country where the richest are always getting richer… These aspects have touched me and are, in my opinion, a good element on the drama.

Of course, my favorite point of the drama was the treatment of the characters. Gorya and Thyme are the main couple of the drama, like Makino and Domyoji in Hana Yori Dango, but the other members of the F4 as well as other characters from example, Kaning, Gorya’s best friend) occupy a central place in the plot.

About my favorite characters:

- Thyme (Bright Vachirawit) is definitely my favorite character. If the Thyme of the beginning is horrible, its evolution is still beautiful and interesting to follow ! Under arrogant and disdainful airs, Thyme hides in reality a great sensitivity, a deny to grow up and become an adult and above all a heart capable of loving and be loved. I fell for him and I never doubted neither his love nor his resolutions (especially doing good around him). Bright was the perfect actor to play Thyme : in addition to his physical beauty, Bright managed to transmit to me all the emotions of his character, especially during the most intense scenes.

- Kavin (Win Metawin) was my revelation of the drama ! I wondered what Win would bring to this character who had not really marked me in Japanese version, but here, I was seduced by this character from the first seconds of the drama. I enjoyed each of his appearances very much and I was fascinated by his story, especially after his meeting with Kanning and the development of their relationship, always delicate.

- Gorya (Tu Tontawan) left me a mixed feeling ! If I admired his courage, his strenght, his loyalty, his kindness, I did'nt adhere to all her decisions/actions (in particular, in episode 15, I found her so naive…) which were at the origin of many misfortunes that could have been avoided! Moreover, despite her role as a heroine, it was not her story that captivated me the most (I preferred the sweet Kaning), even if her relationship with Thyme was so beautiful ! It was the first role of Tu Tontawan and I liked her !

- I also liked MJ (Nani Hirunkit) and Ren (Dew Jirawat), the other two F4 members. If MJ is more discreet, he forms a cute bromance with Kavin and is featured in a pleasant sequence to follow (and a nice advertisement for KFC !! ); Ren is a very mysterious character, but his role is primordial in the relationship Thyme/ Gorya!

I also appreciated very much the relations between the F4 members, but also with Gorya and Kaning. This group is endearing and will leave a trace in me for a long time! Among the other characters, Roselyn (Thyme’s mom) is perfectly detestable, but I loved the scene of the last episode in which Gorya managed to break the secret of Roselyn. Mira, Lita, Gorya’s family, Tia and Uncle Ga are also very important characters.
The entire cast is talented and contributes to the quality of the drama.

The production is also very well done, from the magnificent credits to the beauty of the images and the dynamism of the episodes where friendship, love, humor, personal development are always present.

Finally, how can I conclude this review without evoking the wonderful soundtracks of F4 Thailand, especially the songs « Who am I »; « Shooting Stars » and « One Last Cry ».

To conclude, F4 Thailand was a very nice surprise, from its characters to its originality through its omnipresent humor and its perfect cast. I would not hesitate to rewatch him !

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