MizMystixism

Nicely crafted, dramatized depictions of historical figures.

‘Empress of Ayodhaya’ is a fictionalized story of Phraya Mae Yuhua Sri Sudachan, the one of four first-class concubines of King Chairachathirat and her journey to power and influence in the ancient kingdom of Ayodhaya.

When it comes to drama centered on monarchs and royal courts, betrayals, alliances, and backstabbing are things to expect. Though the story is not something particularly novel, the storylines are nicely crafted and presented in fast-paced and engaging plots. The affair between Sri Sudachan and Phan Butsrithep adds a more complex layer to the story as they plot to take over the throne.

One thing I like about this drama is the well-developed protagonists and antagonists. Davika did a pretty good job portraying Jinda/Sri Sudachan, distinguishing it from other historical roles she played before. Though, at times her acting seems to lack impact, she managed to bring complexity to the character. Film Thanapat's performance as devious Phan Butsrithep is commendable. The character deserves all the hate.

While this drama doesn't depict a heroic, strong woman, it shows a journey that takes us back to a time when women had to rely on their wit and intelligence to navigate the complex and often treacherous world of royal courts. It doesn’t always take physical strength to win over something. And I also like that this drama focuses less on the rivalry between the four concubines (Thao Indrasuren, Thao Indratevee and Thao Sri Chulalak) but rather on the significant roles those women played in Sri Sudachan's rise, treachery, and downfall.

It’s recommended for anyone who likes the complexity of ancient Thai history. Just bear in mind that this drama is a dramatized depiction of historical events and figures, so it's not historically accurate. Simply enjoy it for the dramatic storylines it offers.

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More psychological than retributive.

The premise of ‘Master of the House’ is nothing original, but it's an intriguing watch with some psychological twists, which the plot centered around the rich family and their servants. Triggers warning: you need to have a tolerance for violence, substance, rape, and sexual content while watching this drama.

When it comes to revenge dramas, it’s crucial to have captivating, complex characters and a gripping storyline, and while this drama has all the elements, the execution is rather weak and lacks impact in some ways. The story moves at a decent pace, and it manages to blend all the lies, deception, psychological trauma, and bullying with the good performances of each character. The thriller is there, but when it focuses a lot on the inheritance war, it feels more psychological than retributive.

The only thing that really amazes me about this drama is the cinematography and the production quality. They are outstanding and powerful. It's an impressive improvement in the camerawork quality in Thai dramas. Overall, if you're looking for an escapist service of revenge, this drama is an option to consider.

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The story of closeted lesbians in ancient history

Unlike many historical dramas that dive into politics and betrayal, Mhom Ped Sawan takes a refreshing turn of exploring the issue of เล่นเพื่อน, or ‘len pheuan'. This term translates to ‘playing with friends’ that refers to the intimate female companion or, in easy words, the lesbianism. Set in the 18th-century Rattanakosin era, this series follows a typical template of Thai historical drama with some politics, strong misogyny and sexism, but with a sapphic and gay twist. For those unfamiliar, ‘Mhom Ped Sawan’ is an ancient story penned by Khun Suwan, a well-known poet from that time.

The series takes a wider look at how same-sex relationships were perceived and accepted in that time period, along with the complexities of love across different social classes, particularly within the palace walls and its social circles. It also highlights the presence of LGBT allies during that era. While the series is more focused on drama, it still has some interesting moments of romance and the tension that come with it. But with 30 episodes, some plots are a bit draggy and repetitive.

One worth noting feature of this series is its skillful incorporation of Thai culture throughout the plots. The elements of poetry, literature, dance and play, cuisine, and palace etiquette are beautifully represented through the characters and their arcs.

When it comes to acting, all the cast members did a fantastic job. If there's one problem, it's Film and Tubtim’s chemistry. While their individual performances are good, their on-screen chemistry isn’t strong enough. Some scenes come off as a bit detached and lack the warmth you'd expect from lovers. In contrast, Princess Vilas and Khun Suwan's chemistry stand out more. Their companionship is endearing, and even though they’re not romantically linked, their dynamic is way more fulfilling than Mom Kham and Mom Sud.

This series has a good production quality and stays consistent from the first episode all the way through. But one drawback, in my opinion, is the use of camera angles and certain framing for the kiss and intimate scenes between Mom Kham and Mom Sud rather than showcasing the real kiss/performances. I wonder if this was done for the actresses' comfort, perhaps due to their inexperience with such scenes, (which I doubted that was the case), or if it was the director's choice or the channel's restriction. But regardless, it really detracts from the authenticity and believability of their relationship and undermines the emotional depth of their characters.

Despite its LGBT+ theme, it’s quite noticeable that this series is crafted through a hetero lens. But taking into account the cultural context, the time and place setting, and the target audience of ThaiPBS, the overall execution is quite good. While certain aspects of the storyline may falter, it’s still a good drama for those who like historical drama with less complicated palace politics.

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An empowering, edgy period drama.

‘Bangkok Blossom’ is a raucous period drama that reinforces the reality that throughout history, prostitutes have been at the mercy of power and wealth. While this drama emphasizes depravity and lewd practices, the main focus is on women fighting for freedom. It also touches on loyalty, trust, and the importance of friends and family.

This drama has a good story structure where tension never really lets up from start to finish. The plots really draw you in at once. There's always something to look forward to in each episode. There are also empowering moments, romance, and heartfelt actions. As the story revolves around a brothel and prostitution, there’s zero nudity. The depictions of sex are expected, but the scenes are done through good direction, great camera work, and acting. Please be aware of violence as well.

This drama also has good character development and growth. Engfa, Goy, and Aom Piyada did an amazing job with their respective roles, but in my opinion, Charlette Wasita deserves the most praise for her portrayal of Tianyod. Despite being the youngest among the actors, I personally think she shines the most.

Although it's a good drama in many aspects, there are some flaws that I don't think make it worthy of a perfect 10. There are some predictable plots, the details of the props are not so good, and the boyfriends are not so useful. They may be attractive, kind guys, and heroic in their attempts, but their impact isn't that great.

With all the intense conflicts, the musical portions really help balance the intensity, adding more entertaining value to this drama. It’s nice to watch a period piece that can pull off modern music. Overall, this is a good period drama with well-established themes of patriarchy, survival, social status, and class. Bangkok Blossom is a solid recommendation and will have you totally addicted.

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A cute romance with no major conflict.

This is a type of GL series that you can watch again and again without skipping an episode, and still feel the same excitement.

Due to the office romance and boss-employee relationship, it’s understandable why this drama has drawn comparisons to the GAP series. But this series stands out in its own way. This drama is about searching for love and, by an odd chance, falling in love with someone you never expected. It captures the innocence emotions of young love.

The look and feel of this drama are light, fun, and pretty straightforward. Given that it’s just 5 episodes, it’s expected to be fast-paced, but I feel like the storyline is a bit rushed. I wish it could either stretch a little longer or written it more neatly, so that the plots could develop better, maybe by delving into why Khun Weala was afraid of love. That part seems to be hanging. The conflict is resolved too quickly, leaving no room for the audience to feel the tension. But nevertheless, each episode managed to make your heart flutter. Some romantic scenes are a bit cliché, but you kind of like them, especially in GL. Considering that this is Bmine and Near’s first series, I’d say it’s not bad at all. A lot can be improved, but there's nothing much to complain. They are a cute pairing on and off screen.

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Exceptional production values!

While other reviews highlight the plot and acting, I want to shine a light on the production aspects. I'm here to give a little love to all the hardworking folks behind the scenes who make magic with this series. It's been a while since I’ve been so satisfied watching a series with such outstanding visual and production values. The cinematography and visual storytelling have truly left me in awe, standing out in stark contrast to the storytelling itself.

I’m a sucker for beauty shots, and I praised the directors for being generous with it. Thai dramas typically don't focus heavily on visual aesthetics, but this series breaks the mold with its stunning camerawork. The flowers, as the title suggests, are the center of the story, presented through a lot of extreme close-up shots (ECU) that elevate the storytelling. This approach not only deepens the ambiance but also adds a layer of intensity to each episode, all without relying heavily on acting. Exceptional!

Another noteworthy aspect is the music. I’m not a music expert, but the music scores work effectively. Instead of using the dissonant chord patterns to create tension and unease, this series features the enchanting blend of piano, violin, and cello, along with the soft humming of women in certain scenes, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. It increases the emotional manipulation without necessarily creating suspense. Fantastic!

One of my favorite parts of this series is the opening montage. Rather than just listing the cast and key production staff, it creatively serves as the introduction to the episode, eliminating the need for a typical previous episode recap. Brilliant!

Despite the great execution and outstanding attention to details, I personally feel that the plots lack a certain punch. There's a clear issue with character development. With so many characters to highlight, some end up feeling a bit flat. Take Risa, for instance. Even though she’s a key player, her character doesn’t really stand out, which is a bummer since Pat Chayanit is such a talented actress.

While the storylines might not be super gripping and the plot twist is a bit predictable, overall, it's an engaging drama series with with top-notch production quality. If you appreciate a show that's a feast for the eyes, with solid performances and beautiful sound, you should definitely check it out.

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Not the best, but still a solid throwback.

If you’re a fan of the ‘Art of the Devil’ franchise or have ever watched any or all of the movies, you’re likely familiar with the infamous Panor. The story transports us to the 80s, delving into Panor’s teenage years and exploring her life in a rather pitiful way before she became an iconic notorious figure in the Long Khong universe.

The production quality is truly impressive. Every aspect, from the cinematography and costumes to the sets, props, and special effects makeup, is crafted with great care. The details of every ritual involved are both scary and fascinating at the same time. I like how this film injects the elements of white magic, which is portrayed by Masri, a Muslim female shaman, reflecting the diverse practices of shamanism across different faiths and cultures.

Another noteworthy thing about this film is the performances. I personally think this is Cherprang's best performance to date. Having watched some of her dramas, I’m impressed with how well she carries Panor on her shoulder with such authenticity. She manages to shed the typical leading lady appearance to embody a more complex and darker character.

Despite the great execution, there are a few points that, in my opinion, reduced the perfection of the film. One, the storytelling feels rushed and a bit flat. When you try to cover many things in a limited timeframe, it’s easy to overlook significant plot points while overemphasizing less important details. Two, it seems like this prequel is prioritizing the gore over character development, resulting in a lack of character depth, even for Panor herself. And the minimal backstory for supporting characters also diminishes their appeal. Some characters are introduced only to disappear quickly, without enough context to justify their roles. Lastly, while the incorporation of CGI effects helped enhance the horror experience, it's not quite polished, making some scenes appear 'floating.'

As a horror fan, I’d say the scary level is moderate. There aren’t many jumpscares like other ghost movies. I’m not sure if it’s because I'm getting older that I seem to handle scary movie with much more ease. However, the unraveling of the sinister mysteries is intriguing. Like its predecessors, this film is not short of the gruesome scenes that are definitely not for the faint-hearted and weak-stomached. What would the ‘Art of the Devil’ films be without those graphic scenes, right? So brace yourself. And if you’re afraid of geckos, beware.

While the storylines may stumble here and there, this film excels in delivering horror and raw brutality. It stands out as one of the earnest depictions of Thai beliefs in black magic and witchcraft. Overall, it's not the best installment, but worth watching.

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This movie is many things, but it failed in whatever it intended to be.

I don’t know where to begin with this movie. The premise of a woman trying to break free from the life under her husband's oppression while dealing with issues like migration, domestic violence, and traumas of the past is interesting enough, but it doesn’t really offer anything new beyond what’s expected. At first, it seems like a neo-noir film with a touch of lesbian romanticism, which looks promising to me, but it slowly becomes bland. As the story unfolds, the plots start to get weak and weaker, to the point that it makes me lose interest in whatever is going to happen next. The plot twist is so ambiguous, leaving the ending/resolution so unsatisfying. I couldn’t pinpoint any compelling things about this movie, and I don’t even know where this movie even stands.

Fan Bingbing and Lee Joo Young both perform well, but their performances seem to be underutilized by the weak screenplay. Binbing’s character has very little development and lacks the depth to make her memorable. While Joo Young’s character has its own backstory, it’s not enough to further enhance her significance either.

While this movie delves into romance, incorporating the same-sex love scene, it's not about exploring or experimenting with sexuality in any way. And the scene doesn't significantly alter the plot and is unable to make an impact in any way other than simply establishing the sexual tension between the two women. So, is this an LGBT romance movie? No, it's not. It's more like a rough estimate that doesn't really capture the authentic queer experience.

This movie has an intriguing story and conflicts, but it failed to live up to its potential. The lack of finesse in storytelling and character growth and the failure to effectively communicate its intentions make it fall into the bad movie section.

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EngLot’s chemistry is overflowing.

Basically, ‘Love Bully’ is just another chaotic Club Friday installment. However, unlike most Club Friday series, the premise of this drama doesn’t involve affairs or cheating, which deserves a good point there. The storyline is not that bad, but it’s not the best either. Certainly, it focuses on the one who cares too much would be more hurt, while the one who cares less would be more frustrated at having to put up with all the crap all the time.

It's a Club Friday drama, so the conflicts are expected to be a little overdramatized. But despite that, good directions help convey the story well. In terms of acting, Charlotte deserves praise for her performance this time. She nailed it. The only thing about this drama that I personally like is the great chemistry between Engfa and Charlotte. The EngLot tandem makes the scenes they share look natural. Given that they are one of the most famous GL pairings in Thailand and also well-known internationally, it's not surprising that this series has become the most anticipated, most talked about, and most watched compared to other Club Friday series.

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Revenge drama at its finest.

Among Thai revenge dramas I’ve watched so far, Thicha is one of very few with solid and neat execution. From the storylines, props and set details, and suspense elements, everything is great. Thicha’s revenge plot isn’t about killing those who have hurt her, but delves deeper into the complexities of exposing wrongdoings, seeking justice and wanting to stop the vicious cycle of abuse and violence those people have caused to her and other people. But just like any other revenge dramas, it’s important to understand that in the end, no one will be left unhurt.

Other than well-crafted storyline, the essence of this series lies in the compelling character development and stellar performances from each member of the cast. From the main to the supporting character, they successfully bring their character to life with such nuance and depth. Bussara and the rest of the antagonists deserve praise for making you despise them to the core. Just when you think those devils can't get more shitty than they already have been, they prove you wrong. Among all the cast, I’m really impressed by Xiang Pornsroung’s diverse acting as Phu.

The most acclaim goes to Baifern for her excellent performance as Thicha. It is fascinating how she carries the series on her shoulder with such perfection and portrays Thicha without making her a stereotypically strong female character. She’s an empowering character, as strong as her motivation. Her strength lies in her complexity. And despite her resilience and strong will to uncover the truth, she’s still a woman with flaws and weaknesses.

This series has excellent suspense and tension build up. The pacing is just right, with each episode leaving viewers eager to know what will happen next. The clever use of cliffhangers ensures that there is never a dull moment. But above all, the message conveyed behind the revenge is particularly noteworthy.

Overall, it's a good example of a revenge drama done right. If you’re looking for a drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more, look no further.

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Love goes beyond materialistic desires and possessions.

'Third World Romance' is not the typical romantic movie we’ve seen before. Everything about it is the complete opposite of the usual romance clichés. Through the lens of a romantic story, this film tackles important social issues that are prevalent in our society today. It doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of poverty and the class gap, shedding light on the struggles faced by many individuals in the lower socio-economic group. By weaving these themes into a love story, focusing on the simplicity of nurturing love through small acts of kindness, understanding, and compassion, it also effectively brings attention to these pressing issues in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Apart from the love story between Bree and Alvin and the struggles they go through, this film also portrayed a healthy non-conformity to the traditional Filipino family. Alvin lives with his chosen family, consisting of his transwoman father and siblings who have diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. Credit to the director for showcasing queer family representation.

The outstanding portrayals by Charlie Dizon and Carlo Aquino maintain the authenticity of their characters' struggles while also conveying a sense of happiness in their love story. The only flaw about them is that, despite being a real-life couple, their chemistry on screen seems lacking. Their companionship feels more platonic than sweet. But Charlie Dizon did an excellent job here. She's remarkable at giving the character so much depth through her expressions. Her character is relatable and human, making the audience empathize with her journey throughout the film.

Overall, this movie is well-crafted and well-acted. It will make us take a moment to ponder and see beyond the love story and appreciate the deeper messages that it conveys. In a world where materialism reigns supreme, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that wealth is the key to happiness and fulfillment. But this film simply shows that love goes beyond materialistic desires and possessions.

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A raunchy comedy about finding true love.

‘Love Lesson 010’ is a raunchy-filled comedy about finding love that also touches on male impotence.

Slapstick jokes are a staple of Thai comedy, but this one gets a bonus point for being a little different. This drama is funnier and more entertaining than I had thought. The sexual jokes could be a little too vulgar for one's liking, but they were well-placed. The plot moved along nicely, with some drama and romance.

This drama has a good cast lineup, which managed to bring the laughter and drama it intended. Bright Norraphat nailed his character as a promiscuous man, discovering what true love is. I personally like Pat Chayanit’s character, Kate. She's a no-nonsense girl that you’ll love in an instant.

Overall, this drama is enjoyable, despite a few weak plots that make it lose its grip on the story toward the end. It’s something to watch for the laugh, its simple story, and its non-complicated romance.

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An heartwarming teacher-student drama that’s full of positive messages.

'Khru Ma' is a hidden gem, an underrated drama. The premise of a new, fun, eccentric teacher from the city is not new, but this drama delivers the idea in a way that goes beyond the new teacher storyline. It has several themes, such as education, teacher-student relationships, friendships, and local community life. All these themes are conveyed in well-written plots and characters.

Wichai is a strong believer that knowledge is not fixed in textbooks and that education should benefit the students, not the teacher. As quoted by Wichai; “Students scoring higher marks in every subject is more of the teachers’ success measurement than the students.” Although the drama focused on his unconventional teaching style, it also objectively touched on the pros and cons of the common teaching methodology.

The time setting that takes place during the dispute between the Khmer and Vietnamese communist parties makes the conflict in this drama not only focused on the school but also revolves around the town, which is located at the Thai-Cambodian border, where the people are of diverse ethnicities and different backgrounds. It also touched on how the conflict has led to prejudice against other races within the community. However, the issue is skillfully conveyed without displaying bias.

One major thing that I like about this drama is the characters. Each character has its own significance - the teachers, the students, the headmaster, the parents, and even the small roles of the café owner and the librarian. If Wichai is the head of this drama, the students are the limbs. They carry out the plots effortlessly, making every episode enjoyable to watch. Although the issues created by the opposing characters seem repetitive, they’re just enough to create tension.

This drama does come with a few flaws, especially the repetitive displeasure among teachers about Wichai's teaching style, but overall, it does a good job at creating a balance between drama, comedy, romance, tension, family, and friendship without losing its main focus.

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Separation doesn't have to be a bad thing.

I found this drama by chance and decided to watch it, despite the fact that there were hardly any reviews about it online. I wonder if this series was either horrible or just didn't get much attention. If it was the former, I was ready to drop it any second. But surprisingly, it’s a damn good drama. I watched it through to the very end. I like how it’s different from the Filipino dramas I’ve watched.

It’s a light drama-comedy that delves into how a married couple fell out of love and how they took a different approach to separation, which is to ‘uncouple’ (but not officially divorce yet). Although they decided to separate as a couple, they remained in the same house for their son. Even though they live under the same roof, they are basically living their own lives separately. The theme of moving on from a failed marriage or long relationship is well executed. It’s not a typical romance drama, as it focuses more on separation and moving on from a relationship without having to lose anything but rather gain something from it. Separation isn’t always a bad thing if there’s a mutual understanding about it and if it’s done for the right reasons.

Despite being only about 20–30 minutes long, this drama has a good pace. It also has a very good story structure where each episode manages to tell the story of the ‘before and after’ of the uncoupling. The comedy is well-placed and blended well with the romance and emotional part of it. This drama has a lot of positive messages and lessons to learn about family, marriage, and divorce.

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A heartfelt bucket list movie.

After finding out the cancer has relapsed, Shane is totally aware of what she has to go through again if she were to get treatment. So, not wanting to face the same trouble, she decided not to get treatment but instead to live her life to the fullest in her final months. Shane, her husband Byran, and their childhood friend Kristoff embark on a journey to Tasmania, Australia, to accomplish the 'Magic List'.

The idea of a terminally sick patient crossing things off their bucket list is not new. But despite lacking novelty, there are a few things that make this movie something more than checking off a bucket list. The journey is filled with not only picturesque places, travelogue-ish moments, and activity; it also explores friendship and love in a simple way, focusing on reconnecting with lost relationships. While the main characters are childhood friends of two men and a woman, there’s no love triangle involved. It’s pure friendship. So the conflict isn't very complicated.

When it comes to movies about illnesses, the melancholic and tear-jerking parts are expected. This movie managed to deliver both the tonality of enjoyable trip and the bleak side of reality very well. Although this movie has a good story structure, the pacing seems pretty rushed. It seems like it wants the audience to feel the sentimentality, but there is not enough space to really feel it or drown in the emotions. It's like a knee-jerk reaction. However, the good storylines help in making the whole idea and emotions palpable. With an impactful plot twist and a positive message about life, genuine love, and undying friendship, this movie stands out on its own despite having the all bucket list movie tropes.

Overall, it’s a good movie. but it could've been done better. How sad this movie is may depend on the individual, but it’s a movie to watch if you need an emotional release. Get a box of tissues ready.

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