Mon Ruk Nong Pak Ka Yan (2021)

Endearing Slice of Life Lakorn that Deserves a 2nd Season!

"To me, It's Simply You" is one of the Thai Lakorns that I wish they would make a Season 2, as it was a truly well-done "slice of life" drama. What makes this series appealing for me is how well the show depicted the everyday experience, the recurring themes of friendship and family, the struggles of daily life, and the stark portrayal of the good and bad sides of human nature. Though primarily character-driven, the plot is still crucial, and in this show, the main characters' little and large struggles and triumphs were well written, executed, and acted.

To pull off a great drama without relying on a dramatic or extraordinary storyline, casting is the most essential ingredient. After all, the characters drive the story, and the cast must be good. Not only do the actors have to portray their characters accurately, they also need to work very well in tandem with everyone else. This excellent rapport is necessary for the cast to produce a seamless, touching, and most importantly, relatable story that keeps the viewers engaged and wanting more. Without a doubt, this show totally delivered! The entire ensemble was so fun to watch as they interacted with each other and dealt with life in general, living in the same village. The script was funny, often low-brow, and the sexual innuendos just kept coming, but I found it hilarious because the dialogue reminded me of how my friends and family would converse in real life.

Nadech and Bow have a wonderful and easygoing chemistry. It is a treat to watch them as the main leads, Kiew and Chompoo, as they find love, navigate through relationships and deal with heartbreak. It is my first time watching Nadech, and I am impressed to see him in such a role. He appeared comfortable playing a comedic role, and I never knew that he could sing. Nadech did a great job as Kiew, who moved to Bangkok from one of the villages in Northeast Thailand (or Isan) and lost touch with his roots. I enjoyed watching Kiew's character development as he assimilated back into the Isan village way of life, like lapsing into the local dialect and appreciating the food as well as the traditions and beliefs. It was endearing to see his family and friends tease him as they welcomed him back. Bow was so lovely as Chompoo, our intelligent, determined, and incredibly stubborn FL, who, unlike most Lakorn FLs, was also very calm and self-sufficient. It is so nice to have a nang'ek who can take care of herself and value her self-worth and pride. It was so CUTE when Kiew and Chompoo started flirting with each other - Chompoo, usually almost tomboyish, getting all girly and demure, while Kiew acting all awkwardly shy. Bow is so naturally beautiful, and when paired with Nadech, it was good looks galore.

In addition, the show stylist deserves kudos - the clothing and traditional outfits were practical but attractive at the same time.

It was also refreshing not having annoying nang rais who constantly scream throughout the show. Even though there were unrequited love and love triangles, the people involved were realistically more rational. They experienced the usual doubts and hesitation that tempered the crazy behavior that one typically expects from a Lakorn. Best of all, the show emphasized respect and the value and importance of friendship.

Finally, to top it off, the soundtrack was so heartwarming. The music was mostly traditional but very fitting and set the scenes and moods perfectly. I was not expecting the show to be a partial musical, but the way the show wove the songs into the story and have the actors sing them captured my attention and evoked my emotions appropriately. Enclosed below is the link to the OST list, but I also included another link to the adorable love song that Bow and Nadech sang together.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu-BmsoVBj-tog7735T_Hn7FzJOZ3c9p9

ขอใช้คำว่าแฟน lyrics rom | Nadech Kugimiya & Bow Maylada | ost Mon Ruk Nong Pak Ka Yan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzFvTZof_qE

Overall, I could not recommend this drama more. It really is a charming story with actors who can deliver while looking good doing it. I am surprised that the viewership is so low given the star power of Nadech. Not knowing how well this show did in Thailand, I hope that Ch. 3 would do more to promote it. It deserves more exposure for sure!

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