Ha Rak Duai Jai Thoe (2023)

Sweet but could have been better

Being a remake of a cdrama, naturally this series will be compared a lot to the original. The Thai remake is far from being a perfect adaptation but in many ways, I find that to be a good thing.

One of the aspects that I disliked in the original is that I grew tired of how many episodes the series had and how long they kept the main leads separated. The SML had more of a presence in the original. Though he was a better character than this version, it still irked me to have to wait for the leads to find each other again. This was the biggest negative of the original for me. Made me feel like watching that series was pointless. But because the Thai version has cut down episodes to 16 instead of 41, I quite enjoyed the pace of the series.

The other thing I disliked in the original is the FL's brother, who original was a wonderful character and I loved the siblings together, turned into a massive hypocrite regarding his sister's relationship. Though the brother's character was not as fleshed out in the Thai, at least you don't start to hate him. At least I didn't. He showed growth towards the end.

The negatives of the Thai drama are that the chemistry is not great between the couples. The best moment was when the FL got drunk. And no, there is no RAPE scene or non-consensual sex happening in this show. All will be cleared regarding that situation if you continue watching.

My favourite secondary characters were the office staff. The leads also did a good job considering the script.

I loved the OST - I'm Missing You. It's really beautiful!

Hope people give this version a chance.

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Setup for disappointment

The first third was like the original. Then it slowly descended into Larkorn nonsense. I get that this series is shorter than the original and there are distinct differences between Thai and Chinese social norms and culture. Nut these weren’t the issue for me.

The issue was that a smart and savvy woman in business is make into an idiotic female trope once again. It seems like when women fall in love they are made to lose their sense and judgement which the men can still remain sane and normal.

Ray is a snake that any sane woman can spot right away especially once who is a savvy woman like Yin. It seems like Ray was given his redemption arc despite stealing someone else’s girlfriend just because he stop the marriage at the last minute. This is such fvckery that a man can steal someone else’s girlfriend, taunts the ex and be the delusional hero just because he can with the wealth and position he has. I am not ok with this kind of bullshit behavior of men.

Shane should’ve moved on from idol worship of Yin. She’s an idiot that she willingly gets into a relationship with someone much younger than herself. I mean a relationship with sex and all, but thinks getting together with an age appropriate man who she won’t even kiss or hold hands with is so,sone she should marry. Like what in the holy fvck is this shit. How can Shane tolerate this from such an idiotic woman? She’s a child with a child’s mentality. I don’t see the attraction for Shame other than her pretty face. I mean if Shane left her, he can find someone much more attractive than Yin who doesn’t have all her fvcked up baggage.

I wish Earth was a stronger actor but he isn’t. He isn’t terrible but he just steels so awkward as Yang. For a successful professional, he’s also acting like a toddler. I don’t like the teacher student relationship. I don’t care if it’s socially acceptable in Thailand but no one under 25 should be eyed by their 10 years older professor. It’s super creepy and reeks with inappropriateness. That storyline took me out in the original and it’s double so here.

The mom is super annoying and the dad was just pointless even with the dementia arc. I get that parents aren’t perfect but these were idiots. I guess that’s why they have idiots kids liek Yin ans Yang. The apples didn’t fall far from the tree.

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