Parallel Skies (2024)

I dig it

In this captivating film, Win Metawin's performance is a revelation, showcasing a depth of emotion that I had not previously seen from him. His portrayal is both raw and nuanced, drawing the audience into the character's inner turmoil with remarkable skill.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the seamless way in which both Janella and Win switch between languages. From English to Thai, Filipino, and even some Cantonese, their linguistic dexterity adds a layer of authenticity to their characters, making them feel all the more real and relatable.

Moreover, the film offers a fresh perspective on Hong Kong, showcasing lesser-known spots that highlight the city's unique charm and beauty. As someone who thought they knew Hong Kong well, I was pleasantly surprised by the new discoveries the film had to offer.

The dialogue in the film is another standout element, with well-crafted lines that are both metaphoric and deeply reflective. These moments of contemplation add a profound depth to the film, elevating it beyond a mere narrative and into the realm of existential exploration.

Overall, this film is a triumph on multiple levels. From Win Metawin's captivating performance to the film's rich tapestry of languages and its thoughtful dialogue, every aspect of the film comes together to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

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Don't expect cliches

I love the script and the simplicity of acting. The focus was not too much on the background stories of the main characters which might put off people who are used to those cliche scripts .. sorry, but this storyline was DEEPLY REFLECTED ON! I commend the choice of Iris at the end, even if it may be unpopular. She has her right to choose her "happy " ending! Quite the opposite since she was crying so much in her last voice message... But I cry sooo much more for Parin!!! It is so painful not to have time for proper goodbyes...How he'll move on after is a GREAT SEQUEL for Metawin.👏👏👏 All in all, I will keep a copy of this movie for days I just want to be melancholic about life, love...

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Under Disappointing Stars

Right after watching this film, I have it a rating and thought ‘wow that was disappointing, what a bad movie’. But after truly considering what I’ve just watched, I can admit to myself that I did enjoy some of this film.

I found myself genuinely smiling and laughing during the first half of this film but then it started to decline from there.

Firstly, I went into this film expecting them to be going on a journey together to find his mother. Maybe that’s a mistake on my part by misinterpreting the synopsis but once they found his mum 45 minutes in, I wondered what there was left to do in the rest of the 1hour 15 of the film.

There was some chemistry left to be desired between the leads. I love Win and enjoyed watching him act in this and show of his English skills but the chemistry was frankly lackluster and the kiss was giving dead fish on his part.

The ending also really rubbed me the wrong way. What the hell was that?! She saw what his mother leaving that way did to him and then did the exact same thing. I get that she wanted him to remember her as ‘strong’ and not sick but to be honest if I were him I would just remember her as a coward. If my partner ever lied to me about something as big as that, does the country, and refused to contact me, I would be absolutely fuming. No respect for him, his feelings, or their business whatsoever. And the sister going to visit him after to tell him the news and him kinda just sitting there looking sad was very weird. Especially as she gives him her number and then awkwardly stands up and leaves after.

Also side note but why did he look like the penny had dropped when Thea explained she was Iris’ sister? They look identical?! (Especially as they are played by the same actress lmao) Seriously

Sorry I didn’t realise I was so annoyed by the ending until I started writing this. It’s not all bad but the ending kind of ruined it for me. Rated 6.5 and would not rewatch

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Under Awful Circumstances

I have seen Win in F4 Thailand and Enigma but this might be his worst body of work. The dialogues were cheesy and clichéd. The acting was pretty bad from both leads. It somewhat gets better in the second half but only for a little bit. I was really not buying their chemistry. I couldn't understand why Parin was getting drunk instead of looking for his mother. And what kind of hotel has a suite but does not have a concierge service? Or at the very least, a male staff should be the one to assist a drunk man to his room? And expecting your female staff member to take care of a drunk guest and be at his beck and call all by herself is not only unethical but also putting her at risk of harassment. No wonder they are understaffed. Who would want to work in such conditions?

I'm not sure if this was a low budget production or it was just so bad that it comes off that way.

The ending is also very clichéd and disappointing. I found it pretty boring to watch. Clearly it wasn't a movie for me.

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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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Sweet n slightly emotional

This drama has a bunch of things I have seen before, maybe not this exact combination, and maybe not the usual clicehs of rich spoiled brat meets poor hotel receptionist in a foreign country. However I would be lying if I said I was surprised by any of the twist the lied a head.

That said the chemistry was good, the acting fine the side character few but lovely and the scenery was pretty all in all giving me give or take 110 minutes of entertainment and emotions.

Defiantly time well spent, in my case int the passenger seat of a car, but I am sure it would be just as well spent time on the couch or in bed.

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Everyone Praising This (except me)

I was really looking forward to this movie after all the hype my group mates made about it.
I really wanted to like this movie.
I really wanted to have hope it would get better as a watched.
I really could not believe I sat through it all.

Some people like shows/films because of who the actors are. That’s all I can figure. Win’s fan base is massive. He seems like a great guy and a good actor. If you exclude high-five bro that is. But F4 Thailand I thought he recovered and went up from there. But I digress.

The plot was predictable, the acting was mostly average with a few better scenes and a few not so good ones (Win was very good), the characters were frustrating at some of their choices and actions, the ending was just sad.

There is a trope has developed lately of sad endings, killing off a main character and showing the remaining one trying to reconcile and heal. And if you are a glutton for heartache, a masochist, someone who just enjoys a good devastating cry, this is absolutely it for you. It just isn’t for me. Before you come at me for the whole “healing is part of life and this is a happy outcome overall” I just can’t see it that way. No convincing will work.

I will keep watching Win’s works as I come across them (hopefully with happier endings). But I will avoid this one much like I avoid 2gether.

You don’t need trauma to have a good show.

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