Nueng Nai Roi (2024)

A Modern Day Lady and Her Gentleman

Anong, our spirited FL, was a modern-day girl navigating the fine line of tradition in Thai society, during a time of rigid gender roles and cultural expectations. Born into a wealthy family, she grew up surrounded by four protective brothers and two delightful aunts, old-school in their values but refreshingly open-minded. Thanks to their support (and a dash of their unconventional thinking), Anong got to study abroad and eventually took charge of the family store, a rarity for women in her community. Unlike most, she embraced modern ideas, daring to challenge what was considered "proper" for a woman of her background.

But life with four brothers? Oh, boy. While they adored her, they were also walking, talking ego machines — proud, opinionated, and chauvinistic. Naturally, they wanted Anong to marry a man who’d elevate the family’s social standing. Sompong, the eldest, took it upon himself to search for her "perfect" husband, mainly because he wanted the best for Anong but also to compete with his other brothers for the most suitable brother-in-law. In his efforts, he roped in Wichai, our ML, to help vet potential suitors. Little did Sompong know that this mission would spark the beginning of a love story that no one, least of all Anong and Wichai, saw coming.

Wichai, who was a judge, should have been the kind of guy who could make heads turn and hearts flutter—a true gentleman through and through. Handsome, charming, and armed with old-school values like honesty, principles, and unwavering consistency, ir was no surprise that Anong noticed him and fell for him hard and fast. However, Wichai came with a tragic backstory and a harsh upbringing courtesy of his strict, selfish snob of a mother. He thought of himself as being boring and, worse, undeserving of love. Talk about a tough nut to crack!

Yet, Anong was no quitter. She took on the challenge with flair, determination, and a sprinkle of mischief. Watching her "chase" Wichai was an absolute delight. She was flirty, fun, and effortlessly adorable, pulling off every playful move with charm. Not once did her antics veer into cringey second-hand embarrassment territory, and her attempts often involved her MVP brother, Prasit, the ultimate wingman. Honestly, one couldn’t help but root for her every step of the way.

Of course, Wichai eventually fell for Anong—how could he not? But being the self-doubting, emotionally constipated guy he was, he convinced himself that he was just a fun little challenge for her. Cue the "will-he-won’t-he" phase that tested not only Anong’s patience but ours too! The frustration we felt increased when a generous helping of misunderstandings was added to the mix.

Luckily, perseverance paid off, and Anong’s unwavering belief in her choice was proven right. When Wichai finally committed, he leveled up in every way possible, becoming even more swoon-worthy as the male lead. It was such a delight to see Wichai break out of his usual proper pragmatic self to do something purely based on emotions and his love for Anong. Together, they were pure magic — a couple that was not only endearing but also rock-solid, inspiring relationship goals.

Yaya absolutely nailed the role of Anong, bringing to life a fearless, norm-defying lady who wasn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. She didn’t just play the part—she owned it with flair, sophistication, and just the right amount of sassy confidence. And let’s talk about that vintage glamour — chef’s kiss! It wasn’t just her look; it was her whole presence. Honestly, half the fun of watching each episode was waiting to see what she’d wear next. Every outfit? A masterpiece. Every scene? A runway. She didn’t just walk onto the screen; she strutted, serving looks that had me bookmarking mental Pinterest boards each time. Total icon energy!

The show hit the jackpot, pairing Tor with Yaya. I mean, visually? They were an absolute dream, and they had awesome chemistry! Tor didn’t just rely on his good looks, though; he brought his A-game to the role, nailing the part of the gentlemanly judge like it was tailor-made for him. His facial expressions were spot-on. You could practically see the tension and restraint when he was holding himself back from Anong, all stoic and reserved. However, when he finally let his guard down, his face turned soft, heart-meltingly sweet.

As for the second couple, I was not too interested in them. Their romance just didn’t have that spark and it felt like something was missing.

Other than the main leads, the rest of the cast played their parts very well, with each actor bringing so much to their character. Special shout-outs to Peterpan as Prasit and Kik, as Wichai's mother, whom everyone loved to hate. The show’s aesthetics were another plus point! The cinematography was well done, and the attention to details of that era, including the styling and set design, was superb. Add to that a well-executed plot, great dialogue, and, best of all, a proper, satisfying almost-full-episode ending that wrapped things up beautifully.

In typical Thai style, redemption was the ultimate answer for the nasty antagonist, the mother. Even though very few would find her redeemable, the fact that Wichai, who valued his family very much, was able to keep them together was like the cherry on top of the cake!

This show deserved way higher ratings, no question about it! The glowing comments and reviews say it all. This gem is an absolute must-watch.

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Jane Austin Ambiance, pdone right

This is a piece of art! The rewatch value of this show surpasses everything. By the time the last episode aired, I had rewatched it twice. The first watch was not that impressive as I was watching it with my regular lens , forwarding every slow boring scene. When I gave the show a second chance, I learned the beauty of it. It is a masterpiece and can only be enjoyed if you are ready to hear all the dialogues and see the character development of not just our awesome leads but so many of the side characters. The writing has a flawless rhythm to it. Small plot lines like where Wichai asked Anong to collect compliments given from ppl's hearts and then they can marry, even with all the admiration Wichai had for Anong, giving Anong full decision power to accept him or reject him, the natural progression of relationships e.g Anong with Wichai's sister and niece, Wichai with Anong's brothers, Wichai's servant and his back story... etc etc makes this show a classic to be cherished forever. All plots are connected and add to the depth of story.
Not only the characters are well written but the cast is beautifully depicted, yes I have always been in love with Yaya and Tor but Anong's eldest and youngest brother, Wichai's sister, niece, brother & his wife were all amazing actors.
I must admit, Wichai's mom is one character who was too pathetic and her scenes had to be skipped. She was the only one that fit the normal evil Lakorn character profile.
Display of some physical romance is what I crave for. I must admit I don't do well where there are fish kisses or none. This one had a beautiful mix of physical intimacy. Natural kisses that made you believe as if the leads are truly meant for each other but never going over board where u get grossed out with explicit scenes.
I live in States, wish they had a meet and greet with cast and crew. I would love to give them endless comments. Yaya and Tor looked so handsome in every take. Their costumes added to the beauty of the scenes. The lush greenery and perfect sets made this show a gem to be cherished.

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Most beautiful and best couple of the year stuck in a shitty story

Note: This was actually a comment I edited

The Good:

Refreshing couple with en ML and an FL that are just made for each other with sizzling chemistry and lovely costumes on top. He's an introvert, she's a sassy, spicy, pampered girl who falls for his charm and goes for what she wants to his utter despair. He tries to resist, but nobody can resist Anong and her fancy charm especially with such a wardrobe, Audrey Hepburn style.

Anong is just plain fun, and seeing Wichai try to resist it is pure fun ^^

Yaya does a terrific job playing this FL who is ahead of her time and just a bit too avant-garde for her peers. Seing her irritate the hell out of her future monster in law is one of the few highlight of this drama.

Now... On to the Bad.

The BAD:

Do you like misunderstandings?
Do you like people not communicating, assuming things and running with their ideas?
Do you like family tropes where an evil mother with a screeching voice ruins everything around her but still gets forgiven by the end because of.... Thai drama?
Do you like mental abuse?

Well, I'm glad to hear it because you get that in SPADES in this one. FRUSTRATION is the main feeling I felt watching this apart from Episode 12 to 15/16 which focused on our lovely couple.

For me, the main issue stems from the fact that in an effort to make people like Wichai more and create more drama, they had to make his mother utterly detestable. Wichai needs to be painted as somebody responsible so he gets a younger (or older) sister who is a widow, a little brother who is a man-child causing trouble everywhere and a mother that is so shitty I don't want to talk about. And the issue is, without resorting to these tropes, this drama would have been perfect. Some side characters are here to add some opposition or support to their love but in a mild way that isn't as ANNOYING as Wichai's family (apart from his niece and his sister).

They could have portrayed Wichai as a rightful introverted judge paying his family's debt, falling in love with a scandalous extraverted socialite he believed he had no chance with and who wouldn't fit his image and his mother hating her for generational reasons with both women learning from each other at some point. It could have been this simple and this drama would have been a delight from start to finish. Of course it wouldn't have been worth 19 episodes but at most 10 but since this is a lakhorn, I guess they needed to ruin it with useless FRUSTRATING drama.

As per many lakhorn I've tried to watch, there's lots of useless meandering and not getting to the point which made this series feel overly long. Again, this would have been easily resolved by removing all the extra useless plot points mostly there because of how awful the mother has been characterized. Which is just SAD because even without depicting the mother this way, there was plenty of reasons for a "normal" mother of that time to be opposed to Anong in the first place.

1. Status: Wichai comes from a modest family compared to Anong. The mother could have feared Wichai being mistreated by Anong's family especially since she has 4 brothers.
2. Anong working: Anong has her own shop, her own money and her own business. She had employees and so on... I don't have to remind you how rare it was in that time to have women have that much financial independence and more importantly to continue working after marriage.
3. Anong is a socialite. She's always on magazines and poses in "scandalous" outfits. All men are pursuing her, and she's known to be a flirt. Not the type of woman you want to see associated with your son.

By the same token, there were plenty of "normal" reasons", Anong's brothers could have opposed this relation:

1. Status: They're clearly not from the same world.
2. Money: Wichai is not there for their sister, he's here for the money. He wants to use Anong as a stepping stone to gain influence and power in his career as a judge.
3. Wichai is a widow.
4. Wichai is the eldest son. He is responsible for his siblings and his mother. Which means that Anong who has always been spoiled by her brothers is going to be his last priority.

There was lots of ways they could have created "natural drama" in the setting of this story. In fact, they could have used the setting to their advantage in that respect. This is an adaptation from a book I've yet to read so I guess they tried to stick to it but this is one instance where the adaptation should have done its work and adapt it to modern audience. Expecting viewers today to accept that parents can behave the way this mother did and still receive forgiveness is ridiculous. You've noticed I've not spoken about Chantorn or Chut or other side characters. Not that there's nothing to say but I consider them part of the "useless meandering" ... Actually Chantorn and Chut are relevant to the story of the main couple but once they got together, their relevance just dissapear. Another unexplored plot device that deserved more .

Final rating 5

I'll leave below the final rant/comment I wrote after finishing the last episode.


I just can't get past the mother. She deserves no forgiveness. Everyone acts like they forgot the years of mental abuse and the fact that she left Choi to live in poverty never visiting her and her niece until her husband died + forcing Wichai to marry a woman he didn't love and then mentally torturing said woman (who basically was only a tool to pay their debt) until she committed suicide.
And I'm not even talking about all the general slurs she used on a daily basis talking about Chantorn, Anong and Wichai's former wife. That is another form of abuse.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!!!

Final ratings: 5

I know Asian forgiveness is a staple of these family dramas but I just can't forgive nor forget. I love the main couple but Anong forgiving this witch goes beyond my understanding. That's 3 points removed for how IRRITATING, ANNOYING and FRUSTRATING the mother was with her getting an undeserved redemption for crying a little by the end. That might work for some but not for me.
And another 2 point removed for all the misunderstandings. I just hate that trope.

I didn't drop this because of how lovable the main couple was... and all their gorgeous outfits, especially Yaya who was stunningly beautiful from start to finish.... but unfortunately I'm left with feeling mostly frustrated instead of happy by the end of this journey in spite of all the syrup we got in the last episode.

Best traditional lakhorn I've seen this year ( and I dropped MANY)... Still not one I would qualify as a good drama unfortunately.
Given how the ratings is currently at 8, I'm sure I'm not the only one who is deeply dissatisfied with how this drama played out.

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Yaya is a Goddess! Perfect drama for romance-lovers.

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

“My Cherie Amour” is a very romance-focused drama. If romance isn’t your thing, I think it’s best to stay away from it. The love story of the leads, Anong (FL) and Wichai (ML) is central to the storyline from beginning to the end. I really enjoy their opposite-attracts romance, though not without frustrations.

Beautiful Yaya, how can an actress be as beautiful as she is? How can you not love her character, Anong, as well? Anong is the youngest of the siblings, spoiled by 4 older brothers. She’s rich, beautiful, smart, kind-hearted, witty, sassy, flirty and a little egoistic and pushy. Despite having flaws, she is just so likable. Yaya is perfect for this role and she’s so charismatic. When she’s onscreen, all eyes are on her. I also bet half of “My Cherie Amour’s” budget is spent on Yaya’s beautiful outfits. She changes outfits 3 times a day and looks gorgeous in everything. I really can’t stop gushing!

This is my first Tor drama, and he and Yaya make a perfect couple. It did take me a couple episodes to get into Tor’s acting. I am not sure if it’s him, or how reserved his character, Wichai, is. But as the drama goes on, I warmed up to him and his subtle micro-expressions do not seem as emotionless. He also looks dashing in all his suits and casual wear. I really enjoy all the scenes he has with Yaya and quite like their chemistry. The kisses are decent but I wanted longer and more kisses!

The drama makes us romance-lovers suffer a little in the first half. The push-and-pull, the low self-esteem, and Wichai’s mixed messages frustrate me. But it’s worth the wait because once the leads get together, there are plenty of sweet and cute scenes. Kudos to our female lead’s persistence and loyalty. If it’s not for Yaya’s acting, I might find the character annoying for not taking “no” for an answer. They also have a very healthy relationship, supporting each other unconditionally, and with open and honest (for the most part) communication.

But a lakorn is not a lakorn without a family member that annoys and pisses me off. This award goes to ML’s mother. If it’s not because I enjoy the romance so much, I am not sure I can sit through this mother’s so-called love. The drama can disguise this tough parental love as love, but I see it as emotional abuse and neglect, mixed with verbal abuse. Wichai is a saint for tolerating his mother and taking in all her bullcrap in the name of love. Additionally, FL’s brothers are not that great either. The way they make fun of, talk down and disrespect Prasit (the youngest brother) is also mean and difficult to watch.

“My Cherie Amour” also goes into family responsibility and complicated dynamics/relationships, the pressure of marrying up and well, societal pressure and restrictions for women. All these are weaved into the two main romance storylines and how the couples fight through challenges before they can live happily ever after.

I will only recommend this drama if you are up for some romance. I rated “My Cherie Amour” somewhat high at 8.25 because I enjoy the main love story and the acting from start to finish. The drama is also able to keep my attention for the whole 19 episodes.

*update* I forgot to add that I really love the opening theme song "The Trouble Is.. ." (https://youtu.be/VwmyFCFYcZk?si=ZILnjm7R3TliWKei) The song sounds so romantic, it's perfect for Anong and Wichai.

Completed: 12/6/2024 - Review #524

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First thai lakorn I’ve been hooked on in a decade

I haven’t been hooked on a Thai lakorn like this for a decade! And to be honest, it’s the first Thai lakorn I’ve really watched in over a decade too.

I absolutely love the chemistry between yaya and tor. The setting and wardrobe are amazing. The cast is superb. The story is also good. I’m docking points for the editing job. I think they’ve edited a lot of important scenes and parts out to shorten the series, which is unfortunate. Their shortening of the series really hinders the character building. The lakorn could be SO much better if they hadn’t. But none the less, I’m still in love with this series.

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A love story enchantée

oh bittersweet! the drama i’ve been watching every week has finished and i will probably be in another slump again but anyways the drama is the best thing ever happened this year Anne Thong and Yaya drama together what could go wrong? nothing! just a masterpiece. I was skeptical at first because I’m not really into historical/ republican theme drama but this is an exception because of Yaya, I mean I watch anything if Yaya is in it so yeah but this is good and Yaya is the perfect choice for Anong and all the actors and actresses and crews in this drama are the best. Everyone blends perfectl to make this drama and I wouldn’t change anything at all.
Anyways good job to everyone involved in making this drama, My Cherie Amour You’re the best!

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Vintage Glam & Hepburn Charms: How Yaya Stole My Heart in My Cherie Amour

I have to admit, I went into watching My Cherie Amour expecting to drool over Tor Thanapob’s smoldering looks and dashing presence, but, oh my goodness, I was completely swept off my feet by Yaya Urassaya and her fabulous portrayal of Anong! The first four episodes were nothing short of dazzling, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say Yaya must have a little Audrey Hepburn in her DNA because her facial expressions are pure magic—expressive, elegant, and enchanting in every scene. Think Audrey in Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Roman Holiday, but with an added Thai twist that makes you want to smile at her mischievous charm and laugh at her sparkling wit.

The costumes alone are a love letter to the glamor of the 1920s and 30s, with a Great Gatsby vibe that is to die for. Imagine flapper dresses with sequins, feathered headpieces, and sumptuous silk gowns that make every frame look like a fashion magazine spread. It’s like stepping back in time to an era where elegance and sophistication were woven into every fabric. Every outfit Anong wears is meticulously curated—from hats to gloves to accessories. And let’s not forget the hairstyles! One minute, Yaya’s got waves cascading down like she’s Daisy Buchanan, and the next, she’s sporting an updo that screams regal grace. It’s all so lavish that I could practically hear the champagne glasses clinking in the background.

But here’s the kicker: while the costumes take you on a whirlwind through the 20s and 30s, the dialogue feels like it’s got a touch of Victorian grace, making it a blend that’s both timeless and fresh. I was hooked on every word, every flirtatious glance, and every dramatic declaration that came with an almost poetic quality. It’s like Jane Austen met F. Scott Fitzgerald, and they decided to create a world together.

Now, a dear friend of mine had initially hyped me up to fangirl over Tor—“Oh, he’s so handsome, just wait till you see his smirk!” she said. But then, off she went on a whirlwind vacation to Asia, leaving me here to experience My Cherie Amour on my own. And what happens? I become utterly captivated by Yaya’s drop-dead gorgeous costumes and impeccable acting. Tor is, of course, swoon-worthy (don’t get me wrong!), but Yaya steals the show in every scene she’s in. It’s like she lights up the screen, bringing Anong’s character to life in such a way that you just can’t look away.

So, if you’re looking for a drama that’s got everything—romance, comedy, vintage glamour, and a lead actress whose elegance is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn—My Cherie Amour is a must-watch. And don’t blame me if you find yourself looking up where to buy vintage gloves and feathered headbands after watching!

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