Roy Leh Sanae Rai (2002)

rape is not romance.

This is the original, and the more down-to earth version; with seasoned actors, and better chemistry. Sadly, this original story is also the perpetuator and source, for the kidnapping and rape, of the female lead, by the male lead in the remake. Even the forced cuddle and dialogue between the rapist (ML) and his victim (FL) were regurgitated intact.

ML: "Are you still angry with me?"
FL: "I'm not angry. But, I hate you."
[2002, EP 11, 44:28]

ML: "Are you still angry with me?"
FL: "I'm not angry. But, I hate you."
[2015, EP 10, 55:56]

Both versions are filled with angst driven drama, hateful characters, and a revenge plot you never quite knew, if it rang true, in the end. But, most importantly for this review, in both versions the male lead, raped the female lead. It's maddening to think 'rape culture' was still being scripted, by screen writers in 2002. If it wasn't for the rape, this would be a drama that I would recommend. But, rape is not romance, and doesn't belong in the romance genre. Avoid.

(source; read; My Custom List "Rated One")

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I think if I had made this review right after I finished watching, I would've given this a higher score. As such, there are some flaws in this lakorn that I was able to overlook when I watched, it but are now one of the biggest things that bother me about it. Here are some:

1. The way the ML manhandles the FL and proceeds to R her. I might as well call myself out for how I actually enjoyed this scene the first time around. But now it's a difficult scene for me to watch because I just find that he could've dealt with the situation in a better way e.g. talking it out. There is no way that being a caveman and kidnapping people will solve anything. I can't really drag on this too much since this is the typical formula for a slap/kiss lakorn (esp at the time it was released) so if that's something that bothers you, then I don't recommend you watch.
2. I'm not really convinced of the ML's devoted love to the FL. I mean, what is the basis for it? I do feel he genuinely liked her, but I also felt that he felt shitty for how he deceived the FL, and wanted to makeup for it by actually staying in the marriage. So really, did he love her for who she is or because of the guilt? I'm inclined to believe he did love her for her because of the crazy stuff he did for her, but the basis for it doesn't sit well with me.

All that aside, this was hella entertaining and dramatic. Tik is really handsome in this lakorn, and is one those bad boys you that you shouldn't love, but do anyway. What I love about his character is that when he puts his mind to something, he goes all out to achieve it no matter the obstacles or how bad it will make him look. I also appreciate how he put his aunt in her place and actually defended the FL when the situation called for it. He's very charismatic and manipulative, and the poor FL had no chance to not fall for him. I also liked the FL in that she made the ML work for her to trust him again and took things into her own hands when things fell apart (except the last part of the lakorn). It also helps that both leads have amazing chemistry with each other.

I think all the characters in the lakorn served their purpose. I didn't think there were any waste characters, except for maybe the club girls (they served their purpose in the end, tho in the beginning they were super annoying). Music is alright, as I actually remember most of it and liked one of the songs. Overall I found this entertaining, and if the aforementioned problems I had don't bother you, I say to give this a watch.

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