Relationships meltdown
While the drama is literally titled 'cheating spouse', it is more than just about infidelity. At the heart of the drama, it is about unhealthy relationships where there is a lot of love present. So rather than putting boundaries, confronting issues and taking accountability, much of it is swept under the carpet because of love. Once it crosses a point of no return, these characters are forced to confront the choices they made and the actions they took that also led to the demise of the marriages and relationships.It was nuts but every episode had plot; there was never a dull moment! The characters were all surprisingly well written -- they were crazy but these felt like real people. These included the minor characters as well as the second leads. They all had depth and did act well. Everything is over the top in this drama and so are the characters and situations. Ultimately, the drama shows great examples of toxic relationships. Many of the characters actually grow while some just spiral out in crazy way. Definitely an engaging watch.
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Unexpectedly Astonishing
It took a while to REALLY start... and slowly but surely, we become addicted before realizing itI threw myself into it without much expectation: a classic Thai adultery story, nothing very interesting (generally, this type of lakorn rhymes with frustration). I only watched for the actor Pae. The only point that intrigued me a little was a bit of the trailer and the synopsis which seemed to evoke an "exchange" between the two couples at the heart of the story, seeming to imply that the two cheated partners would turn to each other. So like many, I started this to kill time, not watching with much focus at first (didn’t even start right away after it’s release : waited for a few episodes to be released and briefly and barely watched some extracts at first) And after about ten episodes, like many, I slowly but surely became addicted : the story takes a little time to really get going, but when it's done, you get caught up in the pace. There is never a dull moment, the story never falls into the cliché or the predictable, and the evolution of the characters is fascinating to follow (especially that of the two heroes, especially since we ask ourselves the question until the end: will they end up happy together as we hope, stay with their unfaithful spouses or separate from them but remain alone?).
Observing the evolution of the characters and of the events feels not only breathtaking for the viewer but also interesting, as the tables slowly but surely turn for the main characters. Seeing the villains receiving their karma felt ESPECIALLY good, as it was nicely written, and didn’t fall in the usual cliches (the Nang rai being raped or the male villain ending up paralyzed…). Seeing Praekaew, the female lead transforming from a naive, rich heiress to a strong and smart woman who was ready to fight for herself and to punish the villains who wronged her was especially interesting. I also liked the fact that she wasn’t completely annoying and stupid at first : naive and a bit dumb but nevertheless, the viewer kinda feels pity for her as it is obvious that she isn’t completely stupid, but has a kind and loving heart and treats those she loves especially well, making us feel like she really doesn’t deserve such betrayals, as she’s just a bit ignorant of the outside world, having been really protected by her loving mother. So her evolution doesn’t feel too sudden or out of place when she learns of her husband’s betrayal.
I’d say, the best asset of this drama is the beautiful relation between Praekaew and Naewprai : not only it is very intriguing for the viewer who wonder nonstop what’s gonna happen between them but their relationship feels very mature and also pure, as there’s no ambitiguity, no mutual use. Just two adults getting unexpectedly closer in their miseries. It also felt satisfying for the viewer to see their traitors of spouses realizing they were losing their partner to someone more deserving.
And last but not least : the ending. Through the whole drama, everyone was worried and wondering about the same thing, what would the ending. Since this series was obviously not following the original novel (thank God for that, as the original novel is incredibly boring), we were all worried that the ending would leave us in unsatisfied or frustrated. And damn, we were wrong !
The drama is original, full of rhythm, unpredictable and the actors offer an explosive performance!
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The best thai lakorn I've seen so far
The story is great, very well done. It's actually one of the better written show I've seen in a long time. The stories are intricate but, the writers pull it off really well. The show has a lot of foreshadowing and misdirection, which tends to make things quite unpredictable and exciting. The characters are really well rounded except for two minor characters (Jom's brother and sister, the roles are redundant).The acting is on par with the writing, very good. I salute the antagonists, they were the salt of this show. There were three stand out scenes in the show for me, all emotionally charged. I think they'll live with me for a little wile.
Rewatch value is pretty low because this show has very dark themes, and I usually tend to rewatch feel good shows with a lot of laugh.
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"Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" - The Complexity of Love and Betrayal
Introduction:"Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu," a Thai romance drama, tackles the intricate dynamics of love and betrayal. Despite perceptions of a stubborn and nonsensical storyline, this series stands out as an underrated gem for its mature narrative and exploration of adult themes.
Plot Summary:
The series revolves around two couples with contrasting motives—one driven by love and the other fueled by greed. Prai and Yuanta embody the facade of perfection, but underlying materialism complicates their relationship. Jom and the optimistic Prae face the consequences of an ambitious marriage built on financial gains. Love triangles ensue, emphasizing the significance of trust and the repercussions of broken marriages.
Character Analysis:
Prae and Prai emerge as standout characters, opting for an unconventional path as allies rather than seeking revenge or succumbing to infidelity. The gradual development of their connection adds depth to the narrative. However, Prae's character, while intriguing, occasionally suffers from stiffness in acting.
Acting:
The performances are a mixed bag. While Prae and Prai deliver decent portrayals, the true standouts are the characters of Yuanta and Jom. Despite being disliked by the audience, the actors skillfully bring depth to their roles, eliciting both empathy and disdain.
Pacing and Structure:
Despite criticism for its slow-burning pace, the series effectively allows viewers to immerse themselves in each character's journey, unveiling motivations and flaws. The narrative structure enhances engagement, providing a well-rounded exploration of the characters.
Themes and Lessons:
"Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" adeptly explores themes of trust, the consequences of broken marriages, and the exploitation of kindness. The series successfully communicates these themes, offering viewers relevant moral and emotional lessons.
Cinematography and Soundtrack:
Visual elements, including cinematography and set design, contribute to the series' appeal. The soundtrack complements the narrative, adding tension and emotion to each scene, heightening the overall viewing experience.
Final Verdict:
Despite perceived shortcomings, "Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" is a hidden gem in Thai romance dramas. With a mature narrative, complex characters, and valuable lessons, it provides a departure from conventional sweetness, making it worth a watch for those seeking a more nuanced exploration of relationships.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" skillfully weaves a complex tapestry of love and betrayal. The standout characters and performances, coupled with thoughtful exploration of themes, elevate this series beyond initial impressions. It is a compelling and underrated addition to the world of Thai romance dramas.
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