Love Sick 2024: When Lightning Strikes Twice
Remember when Thai BL was the industry’s best-kept secret? Now it’s a global phenomenon, and Love Sick 2024 arrives to remind us why this genre captured hearts worldwide in the first place. This remake of the 2014 classic that helped ignite Thailand’s BL wave walks a delicate tightrope between nostalgia and reinvention—and it’s a balancing act worth watching.The bones of the story remain: two high school boys navigate friendship, first love, and the rocky road of self-discovery. But this isn’t your older sibling’s Love Sick. Per and Mawin’s romance now unfolds in a world where production values gleam like Bangkok skyscrapers, and character development runs deeper than the Chao Phraya. Their family dynamics and personal struggles feel remarkably current, swapping out melodrama for a nuanced exploration of modern Thai youth culture.
The glow-up is undeniable. Every frame looks like it was dipped in honey, with cinematography that turns stolen glances into visual poetry. Yet, there’s a part of you that misses the original’s raw charm—like when your favorite street food joint gets a Michelin star. Sure, the plates are prettier, but something of that initial magic gets lost in translation.
Speaking of translations, let’s talk about the soundtrack. Thai BLs are known for their emotional musical punches—those heart-swelling ballads that linger long after the credits roll. While the original Love Sick gave us earworms that millennials still hum in convenience stores, the remake opts for a more sophisticated, ambient score. It’s beautifully produced, but it doesn’t hit you in the same visceral way.
For newcomers to Thai BL, this polished version serves as the perfect gateway drug. It’s accessible, stunning to look at, and emotionally resonant without requiring a PhD in BL tropes. For veterans, it might be a more complicated affair—caught between appreciating the craftsmanship and yearning for the unfiltered sincerity of the original.
Love Sick 2024 proves that lightning can strike twice—it just hits differently. The remake honors its roots while acknowledging how both the genre and its audience have grown up. Whether that growth feels like evolution or just really good cosmetic surgery probably depends on your relationship with the original. Either way, it’s a feast for the eyes and a workout for the heart.
So, is it worth watching? Absolutely. Love Sick 2024 doesn’t just reimagine a classic—it reflects how we, as viewers, have evolved. The original captured the messiness of teenage love; the remake captures our desire to make sense of it. Both have a place, just like there’s room for both our past and present selves.
And if you need me, I’ll be rewatching both versions back-to-back for the third time. You know, for research.
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A Remarkable Remake That Captures the Heart of the Original While Adding a Fresh Twist
First of all, I want to acknowledge the producers, director, actors, and the entire staff of LoveSick 2024 for doing an exceptional job with this remake. LoveSick 2014 is one of the pioneering BL series that helped establish the entire industry. As someone who became a fan after watching both Seasons 1 and 2 of the original, I approached this remake with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. This review will include a comparison between the original and the remake, highlighting their strengths and differences.When I first learned about this remake, I was thrilled and found myself constantly checking for updates. Once it aired, I was glued to the screen. Even if you haven’t watched the original series or read the novel, you’ll likely find yourself falling in love with this remake. Similar to the original, the 2024 version features young and fresh talents, giving the series a vibrant and contemporary feel.
Differences Between the Original and the Remake
One of the most noticeable differences lies in the structure. The original LoveSick spans two seasons: Season 1 has 12 episodes, focusing on how the main characters, Phun and Noh, begin to develop feelings for each other, culminating in an open-ended finale. Season 2 extends to 36 episodes, delving into multiple story arcs for almost every character in the story. The remake, on the other hand, compresses both seasons into a single 15-episode series.
This was an ambitious task, and I was initially skeptical about how they would manage to incorporate the iconic moments of a 48-episode story into just 15 episodes. To my surprise, they succeeded. The remake skillfully retains the core elements of the original while streamlining the plot for a modern audience.
Although both versions follow the general storyline of the novel, the remake introduces adjustments to better align with the sensibilities of a new generation. Certain character arcs have been altered, which I will touch upon later in the review.
Strengths of the Remake
The comedic antics of the side characters continue to provide the same entertaining vibes as the original. Notably, the remake includes an uncut version, which I highly recommend for fans of the novel and the original series. This version includes scenes that flesh out the arcs of the side couples, adding depth to their stories. In contrast, the YouTube version feels fast-paced, often omitting critical moments involving characters like Per, Win, Earn, and Pete.
Character Comparisons
- Noh: Across the novel, original series, and remake, Noh has always been a lovable character. In the remake, Progress captures Captain's (the original Noh) charm, wacky expressions, and overall adorableness. Watching him felt like Noh hadn’t changed a bit, even after a decade.
- Phun: Almond brings his own flair to Phun, delivering a softer, flirtier interpretation compared to White’s (the original Phun) more masculine portrayal. Both interpretations are excellent, but Almond’s relatable charm stands out.
- Ohm and Mick: Ohm, portrayed by 2 different actors in the original (the 2nd season of the original was way cuter then the 1st season), but NJ in the remake, exudes charisma and sex appeal, making this version even more captivating than the original. Meanwhile, Mick transitions from reserved and adorable in the original to a bolder, K-pop-inspired character in the remake, enhancing the Ohm-Mick dynamic.
- Yuri: Both versions depict Yuri as clingy and sweet, but I found the original portrayal more compelling. The remake’s Yuri feels slightly clueless at times, though her role remains crucial to Noh’s journey to self discovery.
- Aim: A significant change was made to Aim’s character. While she was romantically involved with another guy in the original, the remake reimagines her as a girl fallin in love with a fellow girl student named Li, making her arc with Phun more cohesive and offering a satisfying resolution to her mistakes.
- Per and Win: Shane’s Per in the remake is undeniably handsome but lacks some of the goofy charm that made the original Per so entertaining. I just really hope that Shane can improve his acting on his next projects. Sky’s Win, on the other hand, is absolutely adorable, delivering a refreshing chemistry with Per. Just by Looking at Sky's face will make every viewers heart melt. Their revamped arc is relatable and emotionally engaging much to my liking.
- Earn and Pete: Earn remains a pivotal character, with Krit’s portrayal in the remake brimming with charm and charisma. I also think that Krit was the best actor to play the role of Earn for the remake. He has 3 times the charm and sex appeal of Ngern(The original Earn). I also love the way he makes his facial expression every time he makes a move on Noh and make Phun extreemly jealous. Pete was originally played by August in the original and now Played by Phop. Pete's character is full of inocense and pure unrequited love for Earn, however, the lack of character development for Earn and Pete is disappointing. Their storyline deserved more screen time to highlight the complexity of unrequited love.
- Jeed: In the remake, Jeed is more of a straightforward antagonist, a departure from her anti-hero arc in the original. While this simplifies her role, it does make her easier for viewers to dislike.
Improvements in the Remake
The remake wisely eliminates unnecessary drama, focusing instead on the novel’s central storyline. The bond between Noh and Ohm is given more emphasis, showcasing their deep friendship and brotherly love. Additionally, Fi’s role is expanded, making him more integral to the story as Noh’s best friend and a part of the Ohm-Mick-Fi love triangle.
One delightful addition is the Phong-Ngor ship, which wasn’t in the original but provides a charming subplot. While some comedic scenes felt slightly forced, they didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, LoveSick 2024 is a remarkable remake that balances respect for the original with thoughtful updates for a new generation. From the excellent casting to the polished production and engaging storytelling, the series offers a fantastic viewing experience. Fans of both the original and the remake will undoubtedly find themselves wondering what new stories the Friday High students could tell in a potential second season.
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I love this remake
I watched the original series in 2023, Seasons 1 & 2 plus the short Series ReminderS. I also re-watched a cut version where most of Jeed's and Tangmo's stories were deleted; I preferred the cut version because the focus was on the main leads.In this remake, it's definitely focused on Noh and Phun. There are sub-plots but they don't take too much time away from our leads; Hard to believe but there are actually fewer characters in the remake than the original. They consolidated certain characters and attributed certain roles to the more prominent characters, and these were well executed.
Noh and Phun have amazing chemistry and their longing for each other is so evident in every scene. I admired Noh's patience waiting for Phun to figure out what he needed to and just stayed by his side the whole time, but also gave him space if that's what he needed.
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You should watch it
Overall this series is light and cute . For the younger bl fandom this would be perfect. I would love to see a season two where they are in college and more intimate . If they were able to use the exact cast it would be superb.Story/Plot
This received the lowest rating for me simply because the story followed the flow of a circle . In the beginning it was fine but as the series progressed the plot became boring and predictable. This would have had a greater shock value if it was between 8-10 episodes.It really did not need 15 episodes.For the appropriate age group (anyone below 20) the plot is quite relatable and you will now be bored . However if you typically watch more mature series you will get bored of the plot around episode 8. The good thing is that each episode has that one moment that makes you want to watch the rest.
Acting/ Cast
I can honestly say the cast is spectacular no cringe moment whatsoever. The acting felt natural and very appropriate for the characters’ ages.The cast if they continue in the Bl scene will be a force to reckon with. If you’re older than 18 you might have trouble shipping them because the cast is so young it feels weird.
No
No’s character is goofy and fun . His emotions were always on spot . ❤️
Pun
Pun’s character brought the damsel vibes but he was so adorable to watch especially when he got jealous ❤️
Earn
Earn’s character was very good as well. My heart broke when he cried but when he got his own boo I was over the moon❤️
Ohm
This character was overall my favorite because he was the perfect balance of all good qualities ❤️❤️
Music
The music was good and the characters who actually sang sounded natural . I think most of the singing was lip syncing but it was very good .
Rewatch value
For teenagers you will definitely watch this multiple times . When watching this series prepare to wish you were in high school or prepare to feel lonely 🫣🫣🫣🫣
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Cult classic, new and improved!!
In an era where BL series were still fairly underdeveloped and in short supply (this was pre-Sotus and pre-Dark Blue Kiss), Lovesick was a cult classic in 2014.In this current climate where it’s trendy to have spicy BLs, Lovesick is proof that you can still have a great yet innocent story. The actors in Lovesick are really young (the oldest being 17 and the youngest just 14 or 15, so it’s a good thing that this series is kept largely chaste.)
Fundamentally, the story still works. Noh pretends to be Phun’s boyfriend, and the boys end up spending a lot of time together. The butterflies and delicious ambiguity that comes with such young love is something that never gets old.
Phun is a little bit of a red flag at times. But what can one realistically expect from another confused person?
Despite all their problems, it’s easy to root for this couple and their young love, hitting you with the feels of what it's like being a teenager all over again.
Verdict: I am hopelessly hooked onto the OST rn :(
More reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/
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Better on YouTube…
This was a cute watch and puppy love is really the right description. I watched the uncut version for a while but found the cut version on YouTube to be faster moving and just as good.😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕💕💕🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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HOPE THAT IS WAS NOT BUT HAPPY THAT IT IS
What a super Cute Drama I have seen this year, seeing this drama suddenly made me feel like it was really really nice to be young where all you have to think about is your assignment, your grades and how will you hang out with your friends and off course your puppy love !Noh And Phun , these kids are really nice to see having fluffy puppy love with each other , it was really good, everything here was easy to digest and made me feel of wanting more of them. The reason why I said at the headline is like that because , these kids are so so good looking and it would also be really nice if they are in love with a girl , like of Noh and Yuri, they would really make a good couple ! it was good that Noh loved Phun but Yuri also !
The family of Noh was really everyones dream family, a cute parents specially that Dad ! and a supportive at the same time and 2 funny and cute ladyboys ! .. that was really the reason why Noh was super adored by everyone , and all the characters smells like a baby powder even with just looking at the screen and it is understandable that their acting was not that really good ,but believe me we cannot do what they did
Maybe the only thing I have seen that maybe not good at this drama was when the characters talk back with their parents, that probably might misunderstood by many young generations, it is really good to do what we want and we want to tell our parents about it but it is also good to respect our parents who brought us to life in this world.
It was a good watch that's all I can say, sad Noh and Phun did not kiss while Earn Kissed Noh accidentally, I felt like are they playing with us ? hAHHAHA I can never really stop wondering why .. is it because of age ? if so Why did earn and Noh kissed ? and kissing at the glass door .. these guys are joking HAHHAAH. but yeah still a good watch, so many good looking confused kids . I am happy that it is but I hope it was not
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Slow and predictable BL in a school setting, have seen better in this genre
Really liked both leads and their acting, two young guys we'll definitely be seeing more of.But the series is incredibly slow, had to fast forward through parts of it. It feels a bit like watching the same episode over and over again, not much happens, they could cut the episodes in half and it would have been much better. Also a bit tired of these school series from Thailand with multiple gay couples without any real plot.
Feels more like the production company has used the series to test and showcase a few different couples to see if the audience likes their chemistry, more than some of the the couples have any function in the story.
Can't really recommend this series but hope both leads get another chance in a series with better scripts and production.
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Love Sick 2024 was an unexpectedly good watch
I don't usually write many reviews, but this series inspired me to share my thoughts! I’ve recently been in a bit of a series slump where nothing really caught my attention. When I first began watching Love Sick, I approached it with some hesitation, but I’m truly glad I gave it a chance.While the production in the first episode wasn’t the best, I kept watching because of the main leads and their amazing chemistry. Thankfully, starting from episode 2, the production really improved, and I found myself enjoying it more and more. The story may not be entirely new, but it has its own charm that makes it a delightful watch.
What I loved most were the main leads and their fantastic acting and chemistry. I appreciated that whenever a misunderstanding popped up, the leads communicated openly instead of relying on unnecessary drama that often leads to silly break-ups. Even the other love interests were really likable! The entire show felt so genuine and relatable. I also have to commend the casting team for casting actual teens this time around, and they truly nailed their roles. All the supporting characters had a wonderful dynamic, making it easy to get lost in their world.
I can’t wait to see more from the leads, especially with a bigger budget!
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Simple but effective
Let me start by saying that I haven’t watched the original series. In any case, drawing a comparison with a 2014 series, a time when BL was still a very niche genre and not necessarily well-regarded by authorities, would be tricky.The storyline is simple, but no one ever promised us a deep, complex narrative. And yet, a few important topics are addressed. The actors are good, and for once, they actually seem to be the right age for their characters.
In the end, this series is well-executed and will likely appeal more to a younger audience.
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When will reflect BL shows realities???
The "delusional" shy `fake female acting´ reflecting 19th century is so depressing ... It was in the 1st show and repeats, out of what?, tradition?, here again! Beginning of EP11: waking up and crying, because your lover lies next to you and you nozzle him, or the "Let´s shower" avoiding shy-prudery-dance ... so anoying and so not real. Especially for gays and even lesbian!I know these "stories" are written by hetero women for hetero women in mind and as merket.
But when do the writers finally reach realities? Realities of LGBTQIA+ lives and life?
Being shy in the public I can understand ... but in private in this "clean woman" behavior, again and again???
I am short to drop the show!
BTW: the Phun actor of the 1st show, being asked if he is gay ... HELL NO!!! Okay he never got any lead, only minoe supporting roles after ... the Noh actor made a similar sniding answer ...
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A GOOD REMAKE TO WATCH!!!
I usually don't like watching remake because i can't help but to compare it to the original one. But LOVE SICK 2024 HITS DIFFERENT, I love this series so far. Idk how to explain but they bring back the real romance feels in thai bl, it's been awhile since i felt this.The casts are very young but they're already good in acting for a debut esp the lead casts (Almond and Progress, even their names sound weirdly cute Hahaha). Their chemistry is on point and i can't wait for other side couples to introduce as well.
Another thing i like about this remake is that they still followed the plot but changed some parts of the storyline which made it better and became modernized. This is all i can say for now since it's still ongoing, but YOU GUYS SHOULD GIVE THIS BL SERIES A CHANCE.
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