Keep great story
My review is for first to fifth episode. Hoping to stable the great story. And an main actors are new in my eyes and I'm just wonder to watch it, the story line very new and the acting was really great. Story twist very new unpredictable. please don't break my expectations in this movie, I can't wait for the next episode.Keep it up the for this.
Ps: I'm newbie in this up please guide me and looking for someone for watching BL series or movie. But now on I really need to drop my 500 character to accept my reviews
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had me until episode 4
Overall: with a few tweaks this could have been a 9.5 series but I actively do not want the main leads together especially when 3 years later one of them is still a narcissist. Very similar aesthetics to KinnPorsche which makes sense because it shares a director and screenwriter. It was adapted from the novel "Professional Body Double" by Shui Qiang Cheng which I haven't read and I'll base the series on its own merits. 12 episodes about an hour each. Airing uncut on iQIYI. First episode link: https://www.iq.com/play/my-stand-in-uncut-episode-1-1iwuiu9rlww?lang=en_us The production company also produced I Feel You Linger In The Air.Content Warnings: a major one that is complicated but I'm keeping this spoiler free, non con kissing, punch/violence, intimate partner abuse, held against will, gaslighting, manipulation, past suicide?, manhandling
What I Liked
- the premise
- showed a condom and discussed sexual position preferences
- had a good conversation at the beginning of episode 2
- wanting/ongoing physical affection
- sweet moments in the beginning episodes
- supportive sister
- production value (some really nice camera shots, use of mirrors, switching focus on foreground to background etc.)
Room For Improvement
- I can't root for their relationship as explained below
- Joe's lack of agency, he had a bunch of awful things and felt cornered into doing things instead of it being his choice
- voice overs with exposition dumps
- felt choppy at times, a lot of time jumps in episode 1 though they were clear
- some of the music didn't seem to fit the tone (that fight in episode 4 was made comical instead of dramatic)
- wish a character hadn't been shown as extremely drunk at the end of episode 1
- love triangle, Sol overstepped and took away agency from Joe especially in episode 9
- extended flashback (episodes 1-4) with ominous voice overs
- nonsense stuff i.e. Ming just happened to have something at his house in episode 4??? Joe didn't have any bruises/blood on his face/head in episode 4, Joe happens to overhear key conversations, 1 person being extremely drunk and a stunt person not being able to get away
Thoughts on Grey Characters/Their Romantic Relationships
Sometimes these characters and their dynamic work for me and other times they don't. Here are the factors that I think about:
1. was there a realistic reason why the character/s acted the way they did in the past (sort of, but not to the level that Ming was at)
2. how bad was/is the treatment (extremely abusive and violent, Ming could have accidentally killed Joe in episode 4, 3 years later and Ming stays a narcissist he says "I always get what I want" and he actively ignores what would make Joe happy)
3. were both characters grey or was one squeaky clean (Joe was mostly squeaky clean but unbelievably dense and Ming was abusive and a narcissist and stayed a narcissist/manipulative and also stupid to not know why Joe didn't tell him something)
4. was there some kind of apology/amend making (verbal apology, promises to treat him better/give him job opportunities)
5. was there character growth (no, 3 years later and Ming is still a narcissist which is reinforced in episode 9 )
6. do I believe that the characters will stay together in a happy romantic relationship (right now no)
verdict after episode 9: I don't want them in a relationship together
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The gong/seme strives to recover his shou/uke by repenting of his mistakes
What is reincarnation? According to its definition, reincarnation is the belief that the individual essence of people begins a new life in a different body or physical form after biological death. That is, it is the belief that, after dying, each of us will begin a new life in a new body.Of course, in both film and television, this idea, this belief, has been explored from all angles: horror, comedy, suspense and also romance.
When we talk about reincarnation, this possibility of living a new life in a new body after death, is presented to the stuntman named Joe (Poom Phuripan Sapsangsawat - 'Bake Me Please', 2023; 'Saneha Stories Season 4: Saiyai Saneha', 2022), who, after a fatal accident, in a trick of fate, suddenly comes back to life but in the body of another person of the same name who had suffered an accident on the same day.
The LGBT+ themed romantic drama 'My Stand-In' (ตัวนาย ตัวแทน/Tua Nai Tua Thaen) revolves around Joe's new life after his reincarnation. When he wakes up, Joe finds himself immersed in what seems to be the same world he has just left, with the same people around him and the same destiny as before, since both his professional career and personal life remain identical: he is the substitute by the young and famous actor Tong (Mek Jirakit Thawornwong - 'Star and Sky: Sky in Your Heart', 'Star and Sky: Star in My Mind', both 2022; 'Kiss Me Again, 2018').
With the possibility of accessing the memories and knowledge of his past life, Joe meets Ming again (Up Poompat Iam-samang - 'Lovely Writer', 2021; 'Club Sapan Fine Season 2', 2022), with whom he had a relationship. deep relationship in the afterlife. Joe will remember that his death is the result of an accident during filming that took place after discovering that Ming has always considered him as his second choice. After learning this painful truth, Joe is forced to work on a film set abroad where tragedy occurs.
However, in this life, Ming wants Joe to return to his side like before and Joe doesn't know why, because the relationship they both had was always toxic and suffocating. Ming, who has retained all his memories of old Joe, tries to find the truth about his new life to finally offer him the explanation he was never able to give him.
Now, in a new existence full of uncertainties, Joe will have the opportunity to reflect on himself and his place in the world, which has never been free of the shadow of being a stuntman.
Will Joe escape his tragic destiny as a substitute? Will Ming manage to rekindle the love between the two through a plan as crazy as it is imaginative? Can Ming redeem himself for the suffering caused to Joe in the afterlife through repentance and rectification? Will the relationship between the two have, like Joe with his reincarnation, a second chance?
From directors Khom Kongkiat Khomsiri ('KinnPorsche', 2022, 'The Promise', 2023) and Pepzi Banchorn Vorasataree ('Dark Blue Kiss', 2019, 'KinnPorsche'), the series 'My Stand-In' is the Thai adaptation from the popular novel "Professional Body Double" (职业替身), by Chinese writer Shui Qian Cheng.
If someone asked me: what is so special about the series?, I would answer:
- The captivating story of romance, fantasy, mystery and the power of love throughout lives.
- The idea of twists of fate and the possibility of second chances.
- Revitalizing the theme of reincarnation not only in the concept that the protagonist reincarnates, but also that he can access the memories and knowledge of his past lives. This helps in character and story development.
- Reincarnation as a concept or idea that, after death, we can return and get a second chance, takes the vertigo away from the finitude of human life.
- Addressing an attractive and complex topic such as reincarnation, which oscillates between the fun suggestions of the fantastic imagination and the sacredness of Eastern religions.
- Be adapted from a novel of the danmei genre which in turn is based on the "scum gong/crematorium" dynamic, in which gong is a term used to identify the seme, and crematorium means "crying for the lover who is gone ". In this perspective, when the gong/seme realizes his mistakes too late and has to make an effort to recover the person he loves, that is, his shou/uke, at any cost.
The series is just beginning. We will have to closely follow Joe, Ming and Tong, characters who have captured all our attention.
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Poom has such beautiful eyes
Personal Thoughts:After the second episode I became quite curious to see how such an obvious emotionally charged series would come out. I'd started watching it because I'm a big fan of Up, I didn't watch the trailer or any promotional material at the time. So after reading the comments moaning about the original plot in the book, I decided to read it.
It's one of the best pieces of Chinese literature I've read. I cried so much and all I wanted was a happy ending to a character whom fate had entangled btwn two very bad people. I say bad because nothing can really explain the rudimentary selfishness and wickedness that is Ming (thai version) and Tong (thai version). My heart would constrict reading how Joe (Thai version) had been deceived, humiliated, betrayed, then brought back to life to serve the very people that destroyed his previous life. The book was so intense that immediately I was done. I regretted reading it, while the series hadn't even set up a solid foundation yet, wondering if it would color my perception of the series which was taken from a very rich source material.
Story
I think the thai version is such a really good adaptation that as it didn't follow the book too closely and was able to successfully stand well on its own.
I enjoyed the pacing of the series, as the storyline flowed nicely and it was easy to forget that I already knew the plot from the book. Of course it had its flaws with a slow start, as it still looked like the main leads were still awkwardly trying to adjust to their characters and each other.
Acting/Cast
I didn't know Poom/ Joe before. Now I wish I did. He has such beautiful expressive eyes and those THIGHS when he squats in shorts??! My Goodness. LAWD. He is blessed with such good looks and from what I've seen on his socials. He's really charming and goofy. Beautiful eyes, gorgeous smile. I hope he becomes very successful.
Up/Ming definitely surprised me. I didn't expect him to quite sell this mentally unhinged character that had a back fetish with such a careless flare for not caring about anything that wasn't his needs. He looks were on par, literally took my breath away. His scenes of being possessive and quite antagonistic towards Sol were comedy gold especially that fight in the hallway, as well as watching him want to devour Joe's back like it was his last meal on earth.
He was just funny
Sol/Porsche
He's really pretty, the red hair fits him but I really wished he'd have gotten more scenes to sell the tension btwn all three. I also couldn't remember why he also wanted Joe for Joe and not bcuz he hates Ming.
Joe's mom
I really liked her. She's so calming and I actually felt that this is why Joe came back. To feel the warmth and love of a parent that supported you no matter what
Tong.
I definitely despised him. But I was lowkey looking forward to how he constantly dodged trouble and bullets. That man is devious and I was impressed. S/o to the actor
Ming's Brother Mike/Intouch
Still grumpy I see since Mek left you and ran back to Taiwan. (My engineer reference)
Rewatch Value
I'll definitely recommend. It had a slow start but a strong finish. Gorgeous cast, great video quality. The warm tones of the camera filter. Beautiful locations and good chemistry
Final thoughts
Growing up is definitely understanding that life is in shades of gray. Relationships especially dealing with loves and intimacy are subjects that have long been discussed, theorised and hypothesized, if that's a real word?
History, Legends, myths, literature and pop culture have shown us various tragic love stories that have transcended since the dawn of humanity. It just too convolutional to begin to explain. Can anyone really try?
Joe loves Ming. Joe had been abused by Ming, and hated him as is his right. But He also missed him and kept going back to him because he still loved him, in spite of numerous warnings for his own good. Its not for us to judge or be outraged but to accept that Joe is the one in charge of his destiny now. He has chosen to take control of his life and he chose Ming. Kalas
So in summary, the heart wants what it wants.
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Plot Line and Poom's acting skills make me stay with My Stand-In.
This series hasn't come out entirely as such I'll updating my review once all 12 episodes are out. I've watched it till Episode 6 and the plot is honestly interesting but the acting skills of most of the characters make it an average.I love Poom, he is doing great. His mannerism as a stunt man gives the story a lot of dimension cause otherwise it's a shitshow in my opinion seeing as the other characters have no originality. Up and the dude playing Tong are the most annoying beings, demons if I may, in this fantasy world. May is clueless. Wut is great supporting character, love that for Joe. Let's see where it goes from here.
I do like the plot. Not gonna lie, it's peaked my interest to see how the new Joe deals with life with having the insight of people in his life from before the accident. I want him not to fall for the crap again. I want him to be successful. And though the "ship" crap is gonna go on forever, if the dude is toxic, he is toxic, I don't wanna hear nothing.
The nice guy needs to pull up his big boy pants and move on. But this is a work of fiction, and not real life so of course there are going to be people shipping Joe and Ming. But I'm completely against Joe ending up with Ming (Up) or Sol (Porche) for that matter.
Ming deserves the hot and cold behaviour Tong shows him. I have no sympathy for his a$$.
⚠️ Side Note: The way Poom says Minggg with that loving and elongated baby tone, I'm sitting over here listening to everything he says with a "Yes, Sir" attitude cause who wouldn't. The love just seeps out of him and damn, my name ain't Ming but I'm ready Poom. I'm ready.
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what's with authors choice of the partner
I'm writing this review four episodes to last and would surly edit it in the end but I have a few complain about this drama. the first one is even though the story is not that bad it is hard for me to stomach the fact, the guy had a back thing and loves the other because of his back? the second point that I cannot get my head around is the fact that Joe could not get a more healthier and supportive partner than what he has got here. Other than these two point about the story that are illogical for me as an audience the rest of the story was acceptable and the acting was superb specially the actor of the joe did a fantastic job here, the shots were good and the music is not bad either.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
BEAUTIFUL MISTAKES
Thought I'd hate this show but I am loving it even for all the wrong reasons.None of this show is going like I expect it and It's not a bad thing, honestly, the fact that this is a BL series where pretty much everything is unpredictable is the best thing that has ever happened to it.
Every character is f***ked up but this is a hot mess. If you tell me about it I have always admired stubborn and headstrong characters but what makes these guys epic is that they have this tendency of swinging from one extreme to another, it's like 90% of everyone in the series is Bipolar.
The Obsessions, don't get me started, every character is obsessive, spiteful, I even get the BDSM Vibes, grooming feels. Nothing about this show or its characters seems normal but I suppose the execution of their abnormalities isn't so bad, in fact it isn't bad at all.
Thumbs up, this show gives me the creeps in 1000 ways and I suppose it felt new to feel something new other than being lovey-dovey from our old-fashioned fruity series, it might qualify to be in my best BL series of the year 2024 since shows like Kiseki Chapter 2 even exist.
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THIS IS WHAT WE LOOKING FOR IN 2024!
This BL captivating my heart especially after I saw episode 1. The acting is on point and it the only BL that I can't wait for 7 days just to watch another episode. I am a BL fan since 2018 that is why when I watch a BL I always dropped the series if the further episode is not good and captivating for me if it boring on the first episode i usually don't on the next episode. But this series gives back my energy when watching a BL series. Overall, the cast, acting, plot is so good. Highly recommended. Please refrain from my English thank you!Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
It’s compelling but
It is a compelling watch, mostly because of Joe’s actor - he does a good job of emoting and making you feel along with him. The plot is fine, too, I can give credit where credit is due for the attempts to branch out from university student story lines and storylines that are built entirely on miscommunication but…I hate Ming.
No shade to his actor, because he does a good job at playing him, but there’s really only one villain in the series and it is definitely Ming.
What keeps me coming back is the fact that it’s interesting to watch the dynamic between the two, but it is most certainly an imbalanced power dynamic that Ming regularly and remorselessly exploits. He treats people like they are objects to be bought and sold, and then he absolutely refuses to take accountability for any of his behavior. I’ve heard a lot that in the novel he has a redemption arc, but we’re nearly through the series now and I have not seen much remorse or accountability from him. To be fair, the plot hasn’t really exposed what his motives are, but there isn’t a whole lot the story line could do at this point to make me feel like he’s really “earned” that happy ending. And maybe it won’t end happily, I dunno, I just know that this I wouldn’t call this story romantic.
It’s interesting, sure, and I’ll probably finish it, but Ming makes it hard to have sympathy for the devil.
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joe deserves so much love
Thirty years ago, Korn and Intouch were university students in Bangkok. Intouch entered Korn's life despite knowing that he was the son of one of the most influential crime bosses in Bangkok. At first, Korn pushed Intouch away, but in the end, he couldn't resist the boy who was so full of life, his exact opposite.However, their love was star-crossed in a time when homosexuality was unacceptable. Amidst mounting chaos in their lives, Intouch kept fighting for their future, but Korn could not deal with all the suffering and decided to give up. That day, the sounds of two gunshots rang through the air. Though their story ended in tragedy, something had tied itself between them and kept them bound even beyond death.
Years later, nineteen-year-old Pharm returns to Thailand as a freshman at T- University. Riddled with sad dreams that wake him with a wet face, plagued with a fear of loud noises, and bearing a birthmark on his temple, the boy has always had a sense that he was missing someone. Twenty-one-year-old Dean is a third-year student and the swimming club's president at T- University. He, too, has spent his life searching for someone whose face he can not remember.
The red thread of fate that had tied them together in their past life pulls the two boys together once again, tying them to each other and to a past that might not be worth remembering. The red thread that binds their two hearts together will always lead one back to the other; it may tangle and stretch, but it will never break.
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"girl in debt" trope adapted to BL
In all earnestness, i have to say that this drama is a total fiasco - read embarassment. Besides the ML - nothing to see here, not even hot scenes.By ep 4 or so, it's just recollection of the past... By ep 8, it's same story with - supposedly - different ML. It becomes absurdly repetitive: the ML died because of the villain and crazy jealousy of partner, he wakes up in a different body to share same jealous partner and same villain and same name and same life story... The time loop is motivated by the "debt" trope, like - the ML cannot escape the circumstances because he is trying to raise money for his sick mom.
I personally dont like most of the cast. Everything looks forced and rushed and unprofessional.
Very predictable too... The ML is to be appreciated post-mortem and coming back from the dead to his repenting lover and friends.
Body-swap trope is supposed to add to the wow factor, but it's not... It also becomes really soon Polichinelle's secret to its dumbest.
The trend of the year seems to be "movie in a movie" trope. I find it annoying and an attempt to ruin the little credibility these dramas already have.
There is some unwilling humour to it, like Joe being recognized because he sneezes during orgasm - LOL is this a new unconfirmed study? Also, his BF always takes him from behind because - we assume - he doesnt want to see his face, though s*x is good and packed with feelings!? I seriously want to know who wrote this stuff!!
I'd say, this lakorn is targeted to housewives while looking down on their intellectual abilities.
Waste of time.
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Great series!!!!!!
Hooked from the first episode till now! One of the better BL series that have come out this year (so far)Both Poom and Up are doing a great job in this series. Loving the cast and storyline. It's unexpexted and finally something different.
And fifty minutes of watching Poom is amazing!! His performance in Bake me please was great, but his acting in the last episode was spoton!!
Can't wait for next weeks episode!
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