[Disclaimer: It's going to be a long post.]

I finished watching this show and this is the first C-drama I religiously watched when it was airing. I wait until the last episode to make this reviews.

1. Production
- Budget
This is modern romance drama with $$$ I can tell. From the quality and the post production also the actors in it, it's indicating that the budget is big, not big BIG but big.

- Director
I don't know the details about it especially the director and scriptwriter past works (unlike K-Drama, C-Drama seems lacking info on this one) so I can't really tell. What I got from IMDB page is there are 3 directors working for this drama which is why we can see different treatment for each episode. The pace was good until episode 14. The firework kiss is superb and I can tell the camera movement,the angle and the editing is awesome. Starting from episode 15 when ML and FL are becoming couple I can tell the treatment is smooth capturing ML/FL expressions. After episode 30, this is when the problem began. I see rushed script, rushed treatment and full of fillers. I don't know it's because of script or...?

- Post Production/Art/Photography/Editing
I like the color palette they used during color grading.It's awesome,even for the small screen like mobile phone. The color went excellent. We also can see tons of panoramic footage capturing the city and the sea, the lights are gorgeous. Also don't forget, the close up shot for our main couple is gorgeous! Kudos to the DOP! The editing is good, but we see many scenes were cut. I don't know, it's because of the censorship or the editors and directors decision.....or perhaps sponsors'?

2. Story
Business romance is not new and male CEO falling in love with a girl isn't new either we see so many stories like this, even in Wattpad written by 12 yo girl. LOL. The show is such an eye candy (of course), we have Dilireba and Johnny Huang in it and it was good from the beginning until episode 30 but after that the script also didn't do much. After 30-ish episode the show went downhill with tons of stories left unanswered. The scriptwriters seem like to give a soul in each and every character with so many stories like 2nd leads, the mothers, ML family, the kids, the ex bf, the 2nd female family, the friends, the actress..omg... can you count? At the end, the script failed to tie the threads and we see rushed ending full with fillers.

This drama has so much potential if only we can see:

- FL is independent woman and her struggle to raise up her name in the industry, but sadly we can't see much. All we know is FL is designer, independent she is, but the story is still following cliche romance drama. FL is success because of ML (like it or not).

- Su Yushan story. Omg.... I like his story and I really wanna know more. We've seen he has issue with ML but what? What is his back story? What is his personality? He's not evil I suppose and we can only see his back story a couple of episodes before ending. His marriage issue and his divorce issue.

- The kids story. Rather than QQ and Wushan also the mothers (which is not important), I'd rather to see the kids story in school and their interaction. I'd like to see ML's sister is changing, from the bad girl to a family girl and entering top university.

3. Product placement (hahaha....)
I know I know.... we all hate the product placement but without sponsors we might not see this drama. Sponsors are the one financing the production and with so many sponsors like this, I can tell that the drama is successful commercially.

However I got my 2 cents on the product placement: From the brand perspective, product placement in the drama called built-in product placement where the actors/actress are seen with the brands. Built-in is super okay but pushing the product over and over can create negative sentiment for your brand. I got it H*N*R, you are the main sponsor but having your ringtone beeping over and over also it's amazing that every character used the same ringtone is a turn off. I know the song is sung by Lenka "We are the brave" and they must be spending a lot of money to have Lenka writing/singing it for them, but please don't do this again. I don't know it the creative's suggestions or brand pushing the creative to do what they want but aesthetically, the pushed product placement is a turn off.

4. The Acting
This is my 2nd time watching Johnny Huang as male lead after Moonshine and Valentine and I can tell he's such a versatile actor. He can communicate using his eyes, his gesture, his micro expression even when he speak slowly....and Dilireba is good capturing that. Johnny Huang has so much potential as an actor and I would love to see his future works, not to mention he's a swoon worthy too hahaha....

For Dilireba, this is my 3rd time watching her as female lead and her Zhou Fang is my favorite among all of her dramas that I've watched. She can portray Zhou Fang as a fierce and independent female. She doesn't need man actually because she can do it, but we can see her vulnerable side too when finally she's in love with an alpha male like Song Lin.

Song Luo Luo, omg... I like her! I've never seen her before and I don't know her name but her acting is something!

Overall, I give the score 8/10 because of the production value and the main actors. If it's depending on the story perhaps I would like to score 6/10 because the last 5 episodes are full of fillers and the ending isn't like what I expected to be.

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The Remake We All Deserve!

Talking about Hana Yori Dango, Meteor Garden, Boys Over Flowers, you name it...you've probably have watched or seen one of those tittle at least once in your life. I have watched all Asian versions of this franchise (because I heard Turkish version of this series as well); the younger version of me when I first watched Korean BOF (and then Taiwanese Meteor Garden) thought it was romantic story. Later on when I grew up, I read and learned about gender study, I found myself talking about Hana Yori Dango as an example of toxic relationship. Abusive behavior from ML and FL also family status and the poor princess is hoping prince charming to save and change her life forever (talking about FL mom here) is a- two-decade-ago-mentality. Now girls can do and can achieve whatever they want in life without any help of rich man behind them! So, I found myself very skeptical when I first heard about this remake last year; not to mention I haven't watched many Thai contents as well.

3 weeks ago, in a very random moment because I was bored I stumbled upon these couple of episodes. I clicked and watched and I just realized, hey! it's HYD story and hey! it's what I've heard last year about. One episode became two episodes and then three and four, and I couldn't help to drawn once again into the story , the story that I've watched when I was still in my early teenage years.....and I fall in love!!

Thai version is unique and the story is "kind". The production team surely know that despite the story is well-known but the original story is so outdated, so two-decades-ago and not to mention so toxic. The original story encourage bullying and girl being damsel in distress waiting for a prince charming to save them, not to mention back and forth toxic relationship as well. But so far I've seen , F4 Thai addressed the issue well. They create Doumyoji aka ML aka Thyme to be realistic ML character with every action has consequences and reason. And the FL, oh! I love how they re-create FL to be less annoying, independent, less harsh and understanding her action well. Also Rui aka 2nd Lead aka Ren, oooh... Thai F4, your Ren is more "swoon worthy" than Meteor Garden 2018's Lei. I love how you give real color and real character to Ren. Ren isn't prince charming, he's human too.

So far, I love the story. It's been 11 episodes and I like it!
I hope this version will beat all versions out there, even the original!
This is the remake we all deserve!

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THIS IS THE ENDING WE ALL DESERVE

What happened with Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu after episode 36?
What is going on?
Why it is happening?

If you finish watching Word of Honor episode 36, you probably do wonder and asking yourself "that's it?", this epilogue is the answer. Please do watch it after you watch episode 36 in order to complete Word of Honor arc. This is a very short content, only 7 minutes (or more) but the magic is there. Please go to Youku youtube channel and pay for subscription if you want to watch the ending, you'll not regret it!!

This is the ending we all deserve!!

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I don't know where to start this review.

I've watched the complete series (Stardom & Stardom 2) in iQiyi app.
These are my reviews:

1. English Translation Subtitle
The English subtitle in iQiyi app was BAD in . I mean B.A.D with capital letter. It's like you see subtitle directly taken from google translate even they've translated the name. I didn't understand.

2. The Music
The music are mostly taken from Korean song back catalog (circa earlier 2010-ish), you're gonna listen 200 Pound of Beauty soundtrack sung by FL not with her voice but with singer's original voice. How confusing is that!! Ok I get it, it's in Korean but hey at least the actor should try to mimic the song correctly, but they didn't even try to.

3. The dubbing
Ok I know, Chinese drama with dubbing, but the dubbing for this drama was bad. Sometimes you see the dubbing and and actor's mouth movement didn't match. Ugh!! Post production team, where were you?!

4. The Story
I don't have any comment on the story because the story isn't something new. You've seen this kind of story everywhere. ML superstar falling in love with the common ordinary girl and raise their stardom together. Tons of similar stories like this and of course don't forget about love triangle hahaha....

5. The Acting/Actors
It's because the script or director, but the acting wasn't the best. It seems like the production rushed to finish the drama and forgot the important element, acting.

So, overall from me: if you have a spare time, don't waste your time to watch this drama unless you want to see a glimpse of Chinese idol industry.

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Navigating Youth and Friendship

The series centers on a group of friends navigating young adulthood, exploring themes of friendship, love, and personal growth.

Chemistry Between the Actors:
A standout aspect is the palpable chemistry between its lead actors, especially PondPhuwin, WinnySatang and AouBoom. Their on-screen dynamics are electric, bringing realism and depth to their characters’ relationship. From the first episode, they captivate with their natural rapport and effortless synergy. Whether sharing heartfelt moments or engaging in playful banter, their chemistry enhances every scene.

Character Development and Interactions:
They convincingly portray the journey from initial acquaintance to deep emotional connection, making each phase feel authentic and well-earned. Their scenes together are highlighting the strength of their bond and providing a solid emotional core for the audience to see.

Criticisms:
Despite its strengths, “We Are The Series” has notable flaws. At 16 episodes, the series feels unnecessarily prolonged, with too much filler content and insufficient plot and conflict. A tighter narrative spread across 10 to 12 episodes would have made for a more cohesive and engaging story. Additionally, the direction is inconsistent, with some episodes lacking cohesion and fluidity, which can be jarring and detract from the viewing experience. The series also suffers from plot holes that can be distracting, leaving unanswered questions and unresolved subplots. Rush editing leads to abrupt transitions, disrupting the narrative flow and diminishing the emotional impact of key moments.

Impact on the Series:
Despite these criticisms, the series remains highly watchable (proven with continuously becoming #1 X trending) and emotionally engaging, largely due to the cast’s strength and chemistry. Their performances add authenticity and depth, making the emotional highs and lows more impactful. This connection enriches their characters and enhances the overall ensemble dynamic.

Conclusion:
While the series faces challenges with its episode length, inconsistent direction, plot holes, and rush editing, its portrayal of on screen couples relationships and the vibrant, nostalgic depiction of university life make it a standout. This series will resonate with anyone who fondly remembers their own university days, filled with the ups and downs of young adulthood.

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The important thing is to meet your confidant

Overall thoughts:

我个人对山河令故事线的评价是青涩的成熟，这是一个开盘很大，棋子很多，布局很密的棋局，局终之时，虽有损子，却是胜局。

About meeting "the confidant":

这个满带着江湖气息的词，在现代可能使用频率已经不高了，那我们替换成一个现代的词先思考一下——“朋友”是什么？不是随口而来的朋友，是真正的朋友。

朋友是我们有共同的语言，说起话来滔滔不绝不嫌烦的人。

山河令也浓墨重彩地诠释了“重在遇知己”，一个可遇不可求的知己，一个足以慰藉浮生的知己。

About the lead actors:

张哲瀚和龚俊。

好的对手不需要热搜不需要营销不需要几分几分来衡量，一个眼神，一个动作，一个5秒的视频，该明白的人就会明白。

感谢张哲瀚，感谢龚俊，感谢你们的演绎。

感谢山河令剧组里的每一位演员，感谢你们的每一滴汗水和泪水，感谢你们的每一个微笑和哭泣。

祝你们前途无量，未来可期。

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Easy On The Eyes But Falls Flat On Any Emotional Resonance

"Under Parallel Skies" on Netflix, starring Win Metawin, is one of those movies that *looks* promising but ultimately feels like style over substance. On the surface, the film has the recipe for success: attractive leads, scenic shots, and a dramatic storyline. However, it doesn’t take long to see that it leans more on the aesthetics than on storytelling, and that’s where it starts to unravel.

The chemistry between the characters is, frankly, nonexistent. Win Metawin, though undeniably charming, struggles to bring the depth needed to make us care about his role. His interactions with the co-stars feel stiff, almost as if they're rehearsing rather than acting. There are these long, awkward silences and stares that seem to *want* to be meaningful, but they just come off as cringeworthy. The cast has all the good looks Netflix rom-dramas love, but that’s about it.

The plot, while it has potential, feels thin and overly dependent on the actors’ appearances to carry the emotional weight. But without chemistry or compelling performances, you’re left watching a story that doesn’t quite connect. It’s a shame because there’s a sense that, with better direction and more genuine performances, this could’ve been something heartfelt.

All in all, "Under Parallel Skies" might be easy on the eyes, but it falls flat on any emotional resonance or engaging storytelling. If you’re in it just for pretty faces, go for it. But if you’re looking for a truly gripping movie, you might want to keep scrolling.

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A Surprising Gem that Redefines Expectations

When I heard the movie is available on Netflix, I decided to watch it with no expectations — after all, it’s a GMMTV production, just another Thai idol movie full of pretty faces.

But I found myself wrong!! I completely captivated by the movie!!

Despite being the third remake after the original version, the story unfolds with a sense of raw authenticity that immediately draws you in, and this is largely thanks to the compelling performances by Yaya and Bright. Both actors bring a natural, unpolished quality to their roles, which feels refreshing and genuine. Yaya, in particular, does an outstanding job of building a dynamic connection with Bright on screen, creating a unique chemistry that, while awkward at moments, adds depth to the narrative. It’s evident that Yaya manages to pull Bright out of his comfort zone, encouraging him to explore a broader emotional range and add more nuance to his performance.

What truly stands out in "Love You To Debt" is the surprising balance between lighthearted moments and deeper, more meaningful themes. The film explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth, and the chemistry between the two leads feels both sincere and relatable. There’s a certain charm in how their characters interact, highlighting the awkwardness and unpredictability of real-life connections. Even though it is the third remake, the film brings a fresh perspective and a new energy that makes it feel just as original and engaging as the first. It’s a testament to the director’s vision and the actors' talent that this version stands out on its own.

For Bright, this film could serve as a critical portfolio piece that helps him break away from his well-known persona as a BL (Boys' Love) actor and his idol image from "F4 Thailand." His performance in this role demonstrates his versatility and range, showing that he is capable of much more than the types of roles he has previously been associated with. This could be a significant step in expanding his horizons and paving the way for more diverse and challenging roles in the future, which would be highly beneficial for his acting career - if he wants to.

The film would likely have been even more successful had it been released before "Lahn Mah" and prior to any controversy surrounding the lead actor’s (Bright) personal life. It's unfortunate that such a trivial matter — his dating life — overshadowed his talent on screen. If not for the social media drama, this movie had all the ingredients to become a potential blockbuster.

The film is further elevated by its strong technical elements. The editing is sharp, ensuring a smooth narrative flow that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the soundtrack plays a significant role in enhancing the emotional undertone of the story. In particular, the song "นะหน้าทอง" by โจอี้ ภูวศิษฐ์ (JOEY PHUWASIT) resonates beautifully with the film's themes and adds another layer of depth to the viewing experience.

Overall, "Love You To Debt" is a surprisingly heartfelt and engaging film that blends good acting, genuine chemistry, and solid production values. It's a delightful watch that leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you least expect — even if they come as the third version of a familiar story.

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“Summer Night,” is a delightful blend of high school drama and coming-of-age storytelling.

Set against picturesque high school backdrops, the series captures the thrills and challenges of adolescence, friendship, and first love. While the narrative is charming, it is the standout performances of Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Dunk Natachai that truly elevate this youthful drama, adding depth and nuance to the story.

Highlight on Acting: Phuwin and Dunk:
Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Dunk Natachai bring a fresh energy and authenticity to "Summer Night." Phuwin’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety and emotional range. He portrays a young man at a crossroads, grappling with his emotions, friendships, and future aspirations. His ability to convey vulnerability with just a glance or a hesitant smile makes his character deeply relatable and compelling.

Dunk Natachai adds a spark of liveliness and charm to the series with his portrayal of a spirited, carefree teenager who hides his insecurities beneath a confident exterior. His performance is infused with warmth, humor, and sincerity, bringing a dynamic balance to Phuwin's more introspective role. Dunk’s ability to switch between light-hearted moments and deeper, emotional scenes showcases his versatility as an actor. Together, Phuwin and Dunk create a captivating duo whose on-screen presence is magnetic and memorable.

Chemistry and On-Screen Dynamics:
The chemistry between actors in the series is one of the series' strongest assets. Their characters’ evolving friendship and budding romance feel genuine and heartfelt, anchoring the story in a realistic portrayal of high school relationships. From moments of playful banter to intense emotional exchanges, their interactions are filled with a mix of innocence, tension, and authenticity that perfectly captures the uncertainty and excitement of youth.

High School Drama and Coming-of-Age Elements:
“Summer Night” effectively incorporates the elements of high school drama and the coming-of-age genre, portraying the rollercoaster of teenage life with all its highs and lows. The series delves into familiar yet relatable themes—navigating friendship conflicts, dealing with first crushes, and discovering one’s identity and purpose. These moments are portrayed with a sense of nostalgia and tenderness, making the series resonate with anyone who remembers the awkward yet thrilling years of high school.

The show also touches on the pressure of future decisions, the struggle to fit in, and the desire for independence—all central themes of adolescence. The coming-of-age aspect is handled with sensitivity, exploring the characters' growth and personal transformations as they face challenges, make mistakes, and learn about themselves and each other.

The series Strengths:
Beyond its compelling leads, "Summer Night" is visually appealing, with beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of a vibrant summer filled with promise. The warm, sun-soaked settings and soft lighting create a dreamy atmosphere that complements the show's themes of youth and discovery. The soundtrack, featuring both upbeat and poignant tracks, perfectly underscores the emotional beats of the series.

Criticisms:
While "Summer Night" has many strengths, it does have a few weaknesses. The plot occasionally falls into predictable patterns typical of high school dramas, and some secondary characters and subplots could have been fleshed out more to add depth.


Conclusion:
“Summer Night” is a charming high school drama that captures the magic of adolescence and the bittersweet journey of growing up. Phuwin Tangsakyuen and Dunk Natachai deliver standout performances, bringing authenticity and heart to their roles. Their captivating chemistry, along with the show’s nostalgic portrayal of high school life, makes "Summer Night" a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories. Despite its familiar plot elements, the series shines with its warmth, humor, and the irresistible charm of its leads, reminding us all of the unforgettable summers of our youth.

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