F4 Tailândia: Meninos Antes de Flores (2021)

definitely the best adaption of the source material in my eyes.

i was hesitant to give this a try because of how much i did not enjoy the korean and Chinese versions for specific reasons. its hard not to compare it to other adaptions given how numerous and popular they are but even without comparing, it is the best adaption hands down.

While some may believe that it changed the story completely, i would argue that it took the source material and took it further than even the first adaption Hana Yori Dango did and even did what the 2018 version failed to do- great modernization of the story. A lot of the toxicity was tamed down especially between the two main characters but not to the extent that we would miss the angsty or fighting scenes. we even get to see the progression of their feelings including our female main character which i feel like i didn't see much in other versions. they built on so much including the f4 friendships that its hard to list everything down. the development of thyme's character was amazing to watch as well within the story as well as comparing it to other adaptions (and how he actually apologized and was ready to face repercussions for his actions)!

the director, screenwriters and the team behind this show saw the potential in the story we all love and continue to watch, and added so much to it and made it even better. im in awe of how well they did. i just wish it were longer than this was and that the second half didn't feel so messy. other wise great series and adaption.

also loved the small references to past adaptions and the source material!!

Leia Mais

Rehashed Classic you say? Absolutely not!!

I have watched every single version of this drama, Taiwanese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and now Thai. And the winner is.... Drumroll please... F4:Thailand! I will tell you exactly why! Because the director has taken the Boys over Flowers manga in it's entire beauty, and created a version that is his own, covered all the elements, without too much angst, yet given each characters a phenomenal growth arc. Now that's how I am going to write my review, my feelings about each character and a bit of comparison.... SO please bear with me.

Thyme (Bright Vachirawit): I think I can just keep on talking and talking about Bright. He is a phenomenal actor. As Thyme, he is a force to reckon with. In all the versions that I have seen, it's the character of Thyme that has stood out. Why, you ask? Because, he is cruel, hard, crazy, soft, sweet, hot-tempered and has a personality of his own. His reasons to be what he was before he meets Gorya and his reasons to change after he meets her are very very well etched out. I am not going to say the other versions were bad, but somewhere, they were not convincing enough. And Bright as an actor has such beautiful and myriad expressions! AND his wardrobe!! Lol, full credits given to the person who styled him, because he or she did a fantastic job. How he begins to how he ends, all are expressed through the way he dresses.

Gorya (Tu Tontawan): It took me a while to digest that this was Tu's first ever show. She was just amazing. As the lead of Boys over Flowers, I must say no one has come as close as being the street smart, sassy and self sufficient Makino! And i say this even though I am a huge fan of Shen Yue (who played the same role in the Chinese version Meteor Garden.) Her chemistry with Bright is just perfect (BrightWin fans, kindly don't hate me, I love them too - I am just saying what it is). Their hate to love, enemies to lovers story is probably the most believable one I have seen. They talk, they fight, they spend time together. Once she agrees to be his girl, there is a beautiful change in the way they look at each other. And I love how she herself grows as a person. She is intelligent and knows when to step back. She knows how to answer Thyme's mom without making her lose face. She has such inner strength and beauty, that I was floored. In a world filled with chaos, she chose Thyme, the most chaotic!

Ren (Dew Jirawat): Oh, for unrequited love! I was pleasantly surprised at the casting of Ren. Dew is also a newcomer, and he thrilled me with his easy portrayal of Ren. His unrequited love for Mira and then his unrequited love for Gorya, the ultimate sacrifice that he makes when he goes to bring Gorya back to Thyme, his need to keep Thyme on track, him being a saviour for Gorya, never making her feel less than she was even though he knew what she felt for him, being her ally in the hardest times, being a pillar of strength for every single one of his friends, the growth of Ren is something that is a thing of beauty. He is the one who takes a stand for Gorya at the beginning when he didn't know her and at the end, when he knew her well enough to be sure that if anyone could bring Thyme back, it would be her. His undisputed love and affection for his friends made me somewhat downcast that he did not actually end up with someone. However, the general story arc ensured that I did not suffer from 2nd lead syndrome, because I kept rooting for Gorya and Thyme, unlike in the other versions.

Kavin (Win Metawin): Another character I just cannot stop talking about! Sauve, sophisticated, charming, playboy but loyal, loving and committed once he decides his path. I think we could not have found a better Sojiro. Yes, he is cold. He has suffered a heartbreak. But unlike with the other versions, Kavin's know-it-all, 'I hate everyone, yet I am a playboy' image is so easily chipped away to show the vulnerable and soft inside. A coconut in it's glory. That's what Kavin is. Hard and difficult to reach, but his softly called out endearment for Kaning really can make anyone let down their guard. The way he supports her at her break-up, the way he tells her his story, they way he allows her to see his broken side, the way he helps her with the garlands and flowers, the way he keeps turning up to meet her, is a clear indication that while he may not be expressive about it, but he was falling in love.

MJ (Nani Hirunkit): What can I say? This series gave me a 4th lead syndrome. I cannot, just cannot get over MJ. His sheer presence, his eyes, his unswerving loyalty, his unshakeable faith, him being the first to switch to Team Gorya, his mafia vibes, his skills with computers, there was nothing about MJ that I did not fall in love with. Also a first time actor, his looks and his acting were out of this world. What I also loved about MJ was his bike. He always arrived in such style and with such panache. He even managed to look sexy attending a funeral (rolling my eyes for effect). And his hair? I love me a boy with long hair!! I really want to see him in so many more dramas and want him to play the lead too. He certainly has the looks and the acting chops. Despite his harsh outside, MJ, like his best friend Kavin, is as gooey as chocolate inside. He never fails to look out, not only for his friends, but later also for Gorya. He is the prankster, keeping everyone smiling, yet never forgets the responsibilities that he has on his shoulders.

Plus points:
1. The friendship between the boys of F4. They are loyal, supportive and are mirrors for each other. They just don't show the good things about each other, they never fail to point out flaws either, which makes them excellent friends.
2. Gorya and the F4. When Thyme says that F4 will be Gorya's force, I never expected those words to be literally taken by the boys. Their love, their loyalty and their support of Gorya is so beautiful and unconditional that it made me jealous. To have these kind of pillars holding you up, no way in hell are you gonna falter!
3. Gory's relationship with the girls of F4. Kaning is her best friend and thinks of Gorya first, before she thinks of herself. Gorya has the same kind of feelings. With Mira, there is respect and a faith, that there will be support. With Lita, there is true camaraderie and honesty. She refuses to accept Thyme, until Thyme makes everything clear with Lita, because for her, friendships are more sacred that love itself. With Tia, there is a phenomenal sisterhood, because Tia accepts Gorya as the best choice for Thyme.
4. The fact that Gorya actually wore the necklace that Thyme gave her (how beautiful it was). In the other versions, after the guys put it on for the girls, they did not actually wear it. It remained a symbol. But Gorya wore it, and kept it safe when she was separated from Thyme.
5. Thyme's mom. The fact that we hate her for what she is, and then like her later, is the best way I can express what a phenomenal actor she is.
6. Hana and Talay. They hated Thyme and took revenge on Gorya. But their appearance in the series only served as a foil to strengthen the relationship between Thyme and Gorya. It did not feel out of place. Instead it was so well integrated with the story that it did not stand out as unnecessary.
7. The fact that Thyme apologised. On his knees. I was definitely impressed by that. No other show gave such a character development to the hero, and this made my day!
8. OST. The more I say, the lesser it is. Shooting Star and Who am I by my F4 boys plays on constant loop on my Spotify. And the other songs are just as wonderful. Definitely an OST that gives you goosebumps!
9. Chemistry between the cast. Each and every member of the cast plays they roles so well. There is a natural camaraderie that is pretty visible, be it Gorya's family (Fourth is adorable as her brother in this), Uncle Ga, the maids at Thyme's house... I can keep talking about them.
10. The fact that the women in this series are treated with dignity and respect and have a painful reason for doing what they did and are not made out to be toxic monsters who set out to ruin lives just for the heck of it. (Case in point : My Dear Donovan.. Ughh.. rolling my eyes in terror!)
11. Some of the amazingly hilarious moments in the show. Thyme inviting Gorya to join him in front of the whole school, Thyme and Gory's first 'date', the hospital prank by the boys, Thyme and Glakao's back and fourth, Thyme's spelling and mixed up Thai... loved it all!!

Where I would minus: I don't know. Maybe there were few minor flaws, but for the most part, most issues were dealt with amazingly. At times, it felt a bit over the top, but I think that too added to the charm of the show.

Rewatch value: Definitely! Absolutely! I watched it twice after. Can watch it any time!

Leia Mais

A Solid Hanadan Adaptation

I just finished this drama and feel satisfied overall. I’d rank this as my third favorite adaptation (with the Taiwanese version still holding the top spot and the Japanese version second). For context, I’ve read the manga and watched all the drama adaptations.

Story: Very good, though I noticed that in the beginning, they tried to follow the Japanese version closely instead of creating their own take. I really wish they hadn’t done that because Japan compressed and re-organized a lot of scenes, not following the manga as closely as the awesome Taiwanese Meteor Garden. As a result, some scenes flowed a bit weirdly to me. That said, the show eventually found its own voice, and the ending surprisingly followed the manga (and thank God they cut Umi out during the amnesia scene - I always found her character annoying and unnecessary). I was expecting Thyme’s comeuppance for his horrible misdeeds to mirror the scene where Gorya gets kidnapped and he refuses to fight back (which was really cool in other versions - he could take them down but didn’t because the FL might get hurt). But in this version, Thyme actually went on to apologize to those he bullied, and that, for me, was an amazing take.

Characters: The characters were pretty good and likable. The dynamics of the main couple were refreshing as well. I liked Gorya and how they kept in this version that she’s already been a student there for a long time, which made the build-up to her fighting back really impactful (the Korean and Chinese versions made it seem more comical, which I didn’t like). The only issue I noticed is that, in the source material and other versions, the male lead doesn’t become nice overnight. In this adaptation, Thyme’s development seemed almost immediate rather than gradual, making it less convincing. One of the things that stood out to me in the original story was Domyouji’s character growth - from being a violent person with impulse control issues to becoming a better human being. I’m pretty sure this is a writing issue, not the actor’s problem. Other than that, I liked the friendship of the F4, as well as Gorya’s friendship with them (it’s really important that I feel this because Makino’s influence isn’t only limited to the male lead but the F4 as well), which was similar to the Japanese F4 dynamics. I also think that, next to Vaness Wu’s Mei Zhou, this is my second favorite version of Akira (M.J. in this version) because I really felt his presence here, even more than Kavin.

Music: I don’t even remember it most of the time - though this is subjective more than anything.

Rewatch Value: Some scenes are really funny, memorable, and worth a rewatch!

Also, I can’t be the only one annoyed by all the product placements - I get that they had many sponsors, but most of them were 80% in-your-face the whole time. There are ways to be subtle with these placements (see Korea with Subway).

Overall, great job adapting this story, Thailand!

Leia Mais

I feel Gorya and Ren had more chemistry than Gorya and Thyme

This was really cute, but my first one out of all these adaptations was Meteor Garden and it didn’t disappoint at all. This was my second one and it also didn’t disappoint. The series is pretty similar to Meteor Garden, Gorya has bad luck meeting people I’m pretty sure she either meets people who will ruin her life or make her life change fully. Her relationship with Mira and Kaning was the kind of relationship I want with my friends alway supporting each other’s decisions. All of f4’s relationship with Thyme shows that their true friends from him ripping Ren’s teddy bear, destroying some relationships with each other, but they always seem to be able to forgive each other. I do feel that even though Gorya and Thyme had so much chemistry from their date to the Ferris wheel and him literally standing in the cold rain just to have a day with Gorya to when Gorya doing the smae for him when Thyme’s mom didn’t want them together that she didn’t eat for a couple of days. I still feel her and Ren gave a different vibe to me they seemed like they were more of a couple than Gorya and Thyme from him hanging out with her on the rooftop and listening to her problems kinda gave a different vibe that they would’ve been a better couple than Gorya and Thyme. Also justice for M.J. he had so much potential, but never got showed. Also I loved Kavin and Kaning she’s his little chipmunk and they were adorable together. I do definitely recommend this drama.

Leia Mais

One of the most hooking versions of Meteor Garden/Boys over Flowers

I have never watched any Thai drama but having a MG adaptation made me do it, this is my first time watching a Thai drama and I am actually shocked how good their acting and their confidence to make emotional scenes proved it. Almost every episode of this drama there is a scene that is intense and emotional and I am here for it. For me, Ren carried the whole plot on his back he is the best and most selfless character in the story and aside for Gorya he is my favorite character and at some point I actually wanted them to be together which I never wanted in other MG versions maybe because Gorya and Thyme lacked romantic scenes and most of their scenes together are like best friends only but it is their dynamic as couple though but there should be more romantic scenes to show that they are actually a couple like maybe one or two more dates after they got official. I also liked that the story shows the lives and loves of the other F4 members and not just Thyme’s it gives somewhat of the justicen to the F4 title since out of all this version is the one the shows the most about their lives but of course with this lacks focus to the main couple and their romance is not that felt by me the most out of all the versions. Also, Thyme’s character seems a bit underwhelming for me he is a good character and his actor is good too but the way this series showed him is very monotonous like the scene I remember him the most is the breakup with Gorya in the clocktower and shouting at Gorya to leave at the last episode, I understand but they could’ve give him a bit more personality. The way this drama shows the gap between the rich and poor sends me so much and they really showed the struggles of both statuses. Lastly, MJ my sweet sweet boy’s love story is shown like a side story and advertisement, give my boy justice! it should have been part of the main series!. Overall I really liked this series and like all series’s its not perfect but for me it is one of the better ones

Leia Mais

F4 Thailand IS A Good Modern Adoptation!

After month of putting it off, I finally watched this series entirely, I had it as plan to watch because I heard good things about the main leads Bright & Win but I watched them in 2gether first and that is how I decided to watch this series so Bright & Win got me this far. But what I discovered was another amazing Actor that debuted in this series Dew and he was the one I lached onto and ened up watching all 16 episodes. I had a SML syndrome just because Dew's character as Ren was to perfection.
He did an incredible job for his first drama, he tells the story with his eyes and he knows when to smile and with the right facial expressions. Bright did very good too but he had that smerk look his face almost all his scenes and that is the only flaw for his character as Thyme.
Win did a great too, he played his character very well and also MJ which I enjoyed the side story. Everytime the side story came on I was drewling for KFC! My start rating was 9/10 & finish rating is 8.5/10 only because the 2 half was not as good and there was many scenes that they did not get to squeeze in it. There was no getaway and that was one of great detail missing from this adoptation. It was not my favorite of the entire franchise but it was a good mordern story telling that the used with Social Media and loved that they addressed many issues which the bullying was the main thing but I think they haded too much of that and less funny moments. But I recommend to watch it and the opening OST is beautifully sang by F4.

Leia Mais

Good but not Great

Well, it took me months to get through this. I think there are two reasons. 1) I saw the original early on when I first discovered K-Dramas. It’s old now but still can’t be beat. 2) The female lead, Gorya, was super annoying. She was screaming like every 5 minutes. I actually liked Lita so much better.

As for the rest of the cast, I loved all of them. The F4 boys were perfect. Bright was great. He showed a huge range of acting skills. He was especially funny when he would get words wrong.

This was a great production by GMM-TV. They always put out great quality. I do recommend it.

Leia Mais

F4 Thailand: Boys over flowers

It is thai version of drama Boys over flowers - I do not remember which version was first and this is the only one I have watched. It is also first thai drama I have watched. I liked chemistry between cast - it has to be amazing, cause they still play with each other (not all of course, but duo or trio are often seen together).
Storyline is pretty predictable, I feel like it is type of cinderella story, rich boy fall in love with poor girl, maybe she does not have much money but have happy family while he only has money. And of course typical rich bulling poor - asking out would be too difficult.
But still a good drama if you are looking for enemies to lovers.
I do not know if it is worth watching other versions when you already seen one, I do not know if they are so different, but if you want to check if Thai types of drama work for you then this drama is good one to check.

Leia Mais

Better Than Meteor Garden, Up There With 花より男子.

This adaptation of 花より男子 is more enjoyable to watch because it has more fighting than it's predecessors. The fighting scenes actually look more realistic and less melodramatic than Meteor Garden and 花より男子.

The music (OST) was not really my favorite. Not sure why, it just never struck the right cord for me. Making the score of some scenes a little off in my opinion. I do, though, love the acting. The cast swept the board compared to the other adaptations. Which follows into the production which was very well-done.

(Watched: DRAMACOOL)

Leia Mais

Good adaptation

Well, this is the different one from other adaptations with >20 episodes into 16 episodes. Fast paced. but it succeed. Tu Tontawan and Dew already made it very great in their debut.

However, Bright still have to improve his expressing skills in this drama. Not saying that he's bad, just needs some improvement. Win and Nani succeed to bring the character the joy to their friends, like the narrator said in the last episode, "The one who looks like a mafia, but actually has his soft spot, and really love his friends". And I have to admit the perfection of the villain (Thyme's mother) because i really... really like the acting. Idc she's a villain i still like her acting lol. I recommend this!

Leia Mais

Nothing to lose my mind over..

A decent story overall. I generally enjoyed the elements of realism when it came to the school bullying and the depiction of poverty and struggle in contrast to wealth and power. The characters for the most part were fine, but not that much developed. I get that the protagonists need more screen time, but I needed for the side characters to have their own goals and motives instead of their life revolving around the main couple 24/7. And speaking of the main couple, their love story I can't say it won me over. The actors did their job, but I wasn't convinced to root for them based on the writing. It felt kinda forced.

I was more intrigued in the first half of the show, but it kinda flopped after a point. The plot was all over the place, the writing wasn't that good and many things were wrapped up fast, which I guess has a lot to do with the number of episodes being fixed and not with the writers.

Still I'll recommend it to anyone who likes a typical romantic story with.

Leia Mais

Simple Thoughts

In simple words, F4 is a better version of Boys Over Flower. The things that I found cringy in the previous adaptations were almost gone from this drama. The cast was perfect. They did a wonderful job portraying their characters. Especially the second lead couple captured my heart, they were too cute. If they make a squeal with these two, I will definitely watch it. One thing that could have made this drama way better is the stop of random product promotions. Like what they did in the hospital when Thyme was injured. I mean seriously, you guys need to stop with the product promotion. Anyway, if you love BOF, Korean or Japanese, you will love this drama.

Leia Mais