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Lost in Dramaland
SWEETNESS overload! When an Introverted Turtle met an extroverted Green (flag) Monster.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
What a lovely surprise that I enjoyed “Monster Next Door” so much. The premise is simple: an extrovert and an introvert live next door to each other, start out with some issues but then slowly fall in love and learn to grow together into their own comfortable selves. The biggest takeaway is that, Diew, the introvert is comfortable being alone and away from the crowds. We see him grow as a person and enlarges his social circle just a little bit yet without losing himself.
Let’s start with some areas of improvements:
1. Acting - The acting definitely could use some improvement. It’s not horrible but also not the best. But I do see the actors improving along the way and seem to be more comfortable with their characters.
2. Band Music - I was hoping to listen to better songs (with better vocals). But there’s basically one song. I was hoping to see the band play the full set or the full song, but I never got it.
3. 2nd romance - A little more time could have been spent on them. They are fun together but I needed to transition from friends to lovers.
4. 3rd romance - is that even a third romance? I also want to see more of them as they seem to be another interesting introvert/extrover pairing. I want to know more about their friendship/romance.
5. Diew’s outfits - I know he’s a student, but he could use a couple more sets of clothes instead of his uniform and PJs.
6. Mr. Shy - poor turtle needs a bigger tank.
Let’s talk about the GOOD!
SWEET, is the adjective I would describe this drama. There are many other Thai BLs in a school setting, and most of them though could be cute and fluffy, are usually too over-the-top and cringey to me (dialogs and how they act). But “Monster Next Door” did not give me this icky feeling. It’s just so sweet. This is largely due to the fact that we have the sweetest and greenest monster in our male lead, God.
God is a god-sent to the world of toxic red flags/GeGes/Oppas. He only lives in dramaland, because no one could be as nice as he is. He’s kind to everyone around him. But he also will step up and defend in the most logical, kind and reasonable way. He might not like you, but he will still keep his temper and communicate like an adult. He’s kind, considerate, patient and speaks honestly and kindly. He will think from your perspectives and give you great advice in life and in love. He’s so perfect that I wonder what he sees in Diew in the first place and is so smitten with him, when he barely knows him and has never seen Diew’s face. Dramaland pixie dust and Cupid’s arrow at work!
Not sure if it’s a translation issue, but I find God’s request to date Diew comes out of nowhere when you barely know him. Maybe he just wants to be his friend and get to know him, but not actually date Diew just yet? The beginning of their friendship is SWEET. However, it also makes me sad that Diew requested 3 conditions because of a past romance. Issues or misunderstandings are resolved rather quickly because God and Diew actually do talk to each other openly (except that one time involving Diew’s ex which took a little longer). During their friendship/courtship phase, I was smiling ear-to-ear, but was also moved to tears. It’s not really that sad objectively, but for some reason it was hitting me at all the right buttons and at the right moment. Looking back, I am loving it as I like a drama that brings out these complicated emotions.
There are also lovely platonic friendships and friends who are not only fun to hang out with, but are there to support you. The extroverted foursome is hilarious and rambunctious, which is a great contrast to the mellower and more sophisticated introverted duo.
Thai dramas have the best grandparents. Grandpa here is so fun and kind and adorable! We all need a grandpa like him to dote on us, and be a mediator with our parents. Mom might be painted as a ‘bad’ mom during the earlier episodes, but you’ll realize she’s nowhere near ‘bad’.
Mom Talk/Perspectives:
Diew’s relationship with his mom might not be the ‘sweet’ part of the drama. But it resonated with me so much and was portrayed in such a relatable and realistic way. My son is also off to college as a Freshman this year, so I agree with all the doubts and anxiety Diew’s mom is feeling. Not returning phone calls or texts is not acceptable in a mother’s eye, when you are alone away from home. But, as an international foreign student myself, I also could see where Diew is coming from. You tend to report the good and minimize the bad. You tend to just ignore it because your mom is annoying (or in this case, Diew has his own beliefs of how mom acted a certain way). I can empathize with both perspectives, thus, I really like how their relationship is written. It might be a Debbie-downer for those who just want all fluff and sweetness, so I can see criticisms of how this part could be boring to some.
I recommend “Monster Next Door” if you are looking for something simple and sweet (but predictable). It is not the most amazing drama out there, but it suits my needs and speaks to me. I had an amazing time binge-watching all 12 episodes in one day. Therefore, I am rating this a somewhat high 8.25-8.5 rating.
Completed: 11/28/2024 - Review #522
What a lovely surprise that I enjoyed “Monster Next Door” so much. The premise is simple: an extrovert and an introvert live next door to each other, start out with some issues but then slowly fall in love and learn to grow together into their own comfortable selves. The biggest takeaway is that, Diew, the introvert is comfortable being alone and away from the crowds. We see him grow as a person and enlarges his social circle just a little bit yet without losing himself.
Let’s start with some areas of improvements:
1. Acting - The acting definitely could use some improvement. It’s not horrible but also not the best. But I do see the actors improving along the way and seem to be more comfortable with their characters.
2. Band Music - I was hoping to listen to better songs (with better vocals). But there’s basically one song. I was hoping to see the band play the full set or the full song, but I never got it.
3. 2nd romance - A little more time could have been spent on them. They are fun together but I needed to transition from friends to lovers.
4. 3rd romance - is that even a third romance? I also want to see more of them as they seem to be another interesting introvert/extrover pairing. I want to know more about their friendship/romance.
5. Diew’s outfits - I know he’s a student, but he could use a couple more sets of clothes instead of his uniform and PJs.
6. Mr. Shy - poor turtle needs a bigger tank.
Let’s talk about the GOOD!
SWEET, is the adjective I would describe this drama. There are many other Thai BLs in a school setting, and most of them though could be cute and fluffy, are usually too over-the-top and cringey to me (dialogs and how they act). But “Monster Next Door” did not give me this icky feeling. It’s just so sweet. This is largely due to the fact that we have the sweetest and greenest monster in our male lead, God.
God is a god-sent to the world of toxic red flags/GeGes/Oppas. He only lives in dramaland, because no one could be as nice as he is. He’s kind to everyone around him. But he also will step up and defend in the most logical, kind and reasonable way. He might not like you, but he will still keep his temper and communicate like an adult. He’s kind, considerate, patient and speaks honestly and kindly. He will think from your perspectives and give you great advice in life and in love. He’s so perfect that I wonder what he sees in Diew in the first place and is so smitten with him, when he barely knows him and has never seen Diew’s face. Dramaland pixie dust and Cupid’s arrow at work!
Not sure if it’s a translation issue, but I find God’s request to date Diew comes out of nowhere when you barely know him. Maybe he just wants to be his friend and get to know him, but not actually date Diew just yet? The beginning of their friendship is SWEET. However, it also makes me sad that Diew requested 3 conditions because of a past romance. Issues or misunderstandings are resolved rather quickly because God and Diew actually do talk to each other openly (except that one time involving Diew’s ex which took a little longer). During their friendship/courtship phase, I was smiling ear-to-ear, but was also moved to tears. It’s not really that sad objectively, but for some reason it was hitting me at all the right buttons and at the right moment. Looking back, I am loving it as I like a drama that brings out these complicated emotions.
There are also lovely platonic friendships and friends who are not only fun to hang out with, but are there to support you. The extroverted foursome is hilarious and rambunctious, which is a great contrast to the mellower and more sophisticated introverted duo.
Thai dramas have the best grandparents. Grandpa here is so fun and kind and adorable! We all need a grandpa like him to dote on us, and be a mediator with our parents. Mom might be painted as a ‘bad’ mom during the earlier episodes, but you’ll realize she’s nowhere near ‘bad’.
Mom Talk/Perspectives:
Diew’s relationship with his mom might not be the ‘sweet’ part of the drama. But it resonated with me so much and was portrayed in such a relatable and realistic way. My son is also off to college as a Freshman this year, so I agree with all the doubts and anxiety Diew’s mom is feeling. Not returning phone calls or texts is not acceptable in a mother’s eye, when you are alone away from home. But, as an international foreign student myself, I also could see where Diew is coming from. You tend to report the good and minimize the bad. You tend to just ignore it because your mom is annoying (or in this case, Diew has his own beliefs of how mom acted a certain way). I can empathize with both perspectives, thus, I really like how their relationship is written. It might be a Debbie-downer for those who just want all fluff and sweetness, so I can see criticisms of how this part could be boring to some.
I recommend “Monster Next Door” if you are looking for something simple and sweet (but predictable). It is not the most amazing drama out there, but it suits my needs and speaks to me. I had an amazing time binge-watching all 12 episodes in one day. Therefore, I am rating this a somewhat high 8.25-8.5 rating.
Completed: 11/28/2024 - Review #522
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