Solid Acting and toxic relationships.
This was a RIDE!!! Kind of a guilty pleasure series filled with toxic characters and messed up relationships. But the actors did a splendid job. Since the series did not have a unique storyline or anything, the acting was holding it up. Display of emotions are done excellently and i am right there with them when the characters are hurt or heartbroken. I almost liked all the couples but i absolutely ADORED FirstKhao pair because these two were magical. And damn those smiles First had were the star of the show.The character that took my heart and will hold it forever was Sand. I cried for him, fell in love with him and just whole-heartedly wished for his happiness. What he and Ray had was magic and the way he cared for broken Ray was worth watching.
Highly recommend!
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eu só acho que
Eu comecei a ver porque tava todo mundo falando que ia ser bom daí eu pensei "ok esse vai ser o 2° bl que vou acompanhar o lançamento" (no caso, esse foi o 1° que acompanhei desde do primeiro episódio). Eu gostei da história (mudei de opinião muitas vezes enquanto assistia 🙂), gostei muito da trilha sonora, do elenco, os efeitos visuais foram bonitos, e fiquei surpresa no final (quando o último personagem apareceu eu fiquei tipo: 🫣😮não sei, mas gosto do atorminha review é meio biased mas 😚🤙
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They're all idiots, your honor
This so clearly needs a second season.I'll keep things vague but maybe add a reply with hidden spoilers below, but in general the comparison to The L Word is spot on. I love overly dramatic soapy shows, and this brings the DRAMA. The music is outstanding, everyone is beautiful and impulsive, the production values are pretty good but not perfect, and the connection to real world things like jobs and how many stripey shirts any one individual should own are tenuous at best.
AND. I finally get why some of the popular pairings appeal to fans, which I didn't before. I might even give A Boss and a Babe another chance based on watching this. I am now officially a Mark fan. I see you, GMMTV.
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Love the drama.
Love SandRay and the pool scene with Boing, this show is pretty much problematic people trying to put their shit together while being depressed and drunk I guess but still love it.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
BEST GMMTV series of the year?
STORY: I didn't expect a good story from a series that focuses on messiness & (let's be honest...) sex. But the story has some twists along the way. There are 1-2 magic moments that wows you in (almost) every episode.ACTING: Khaotung as Ray deserves acting awards! He's (arguably) the best Thai BL actor this year. First as Sand supports him so well. FirstKhaotung is the Thai BL CP that shares a similar level of acting skills (which is rare).
Neo & Mark Pakin's acting are surprising GOOD! They need to be main leads in other series.
Book has 2 scenes that wows me. I was like "Book can act!"
Force is good at side eyes (which he does often in Only Friends.) He's also hot so he fits the character (Top).
MUSIC: The team has great taste in music (3 music types for 3 CPs). The music fits the scenes well. It helps you feel the characters' emotions.
Rewatch value: SandRay (FirstKhaotung) have MANY memorable scenes. Gonna watch them again some time.
At least 2 of their scenes should win (or at least be nominated) for BEST Thai BL scene of the year.
SUMMARY: Only Friends is Director Jojo & Ninew's BEST work so far. They should do a season 2 in the Only Friends Stay (hostel) setting. And add new main characters like Mix, GUN, & Earth...
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It had potential
In the first 9 episodes this series was addicting. After that, it became a little bit boring and I really lost any interest in Mews and Tops story.I think the last three episodes could been shorten into two or even one. Or they could written a better storyline with Boeing.First of all, I didn't forgive Top and I don't feel like he actually redeemed himself enough, but maybe it is realistic that Mew forgave him anyways. But I still felt really annoyed watching their cute scenes after they became a couple again.
Secondly, the Boeing storyline was really weird. It would have been interesting if he actually had wanted to date Mew, but instead he was a one-dimensional bag guy. Also, It was really unnecessary that he tried to get together with Sand. And why did Sand just accept it? I feel like this should have been resolved better, as it seemed like Sand wasn't sure if he should pick Ray over Boieng.
Anyways, I still like Sand and Ray together, even though it was unrealistic that Ray suddenly became a better person and suddenly forgot his trauma. To be fair though it makes sense, as Ray is very impulsive and changes his mind easily, I still feel like him improving this quickly should have backfired.
Another "couple" was Boston and Nick. In my opinion, they were the best written couple, even though they broke up, which was the perfect end for them. Boston couldn't have changed that quickly and he didn't. Also, I liked watching Nick's character development!
Would I recommend watching it? Actually, I would, if you like messy drama. It may not be the best written story, but it sure was entertaining.
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Messy but in a good way
I truly enjoyed this show, although I have to admit that for me as a couple First and Khao stole the show.The story is messy, the hookups, the break ups and makeups are a lot, but as incredible as it may be it does work. The script is quite good which made it not only easier to follow the mess that is the life of this group of characters but it also made it believable and entertaining.
Are there a lot of NC scenes yes there are but this series also found space in itself to touch on tough subjects, an example would be addiction which is very well dealt with.
The actors did an amazing job, for me First, Khao and Neo stood out in this, Neo's character in particular. He made it so easy for us to hate Boston but at the same time care for him, which just shows how good of an actor he is.
I didn't really care much for Mew's villain arc but it did add to the series interestingly.
The mess that was Bosto-Top-Mew-Ray-Mew-Sand-Boeing-Top-Sand-Ray, I'm sorry what?
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A Bold and Gritty Dive into the Messy Realities of Love and Friendship
"Only Friends" is a Thai BL series that dares to push boundaries with its mature themes and complex character dynamics. It's a refreshing departure from the overly idealized storytelling often seen in this genre, presenting a raw and gritty portrayal of relationships and personal struggles.The show tackles a range of compelling and thought-provoking themes, including trauma, addiction, self-love, infidelity, and even blackmail. These are not just surface-level mentions but integral parts of the characters' lives, making the story feel grounded and relatable.
The characters themselves are impressively multi-dimensional, each with a mix of good and bad traits. Unlike the perfect archetypes often seen in BL dramas, the characters in "Only Friends" are flawed, sometimes deeply so. Most of them could be described as "walking red flags," yet this adds to their relatability and keeps viewers invested in their journeys.
Unfortunately, the execution isn't without its flaws. Some of the acting performances occasionally fall flat, which can pull viewers out of emotionally charged scenes. Additionally, certain plotlines feel rushed, leaving some story arcs unresolved or lacking the depth they deserve.
Despite its imperfections, "Only Friends" stands out for its bold approach to storytelling and its willingness to delve into difficult, real-life issues. It's not a typical BL drama—it's messy, emotional, and unapologetically honest, making it a must-watch for those seeking something more than just lighthearted romance.
This series isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy morally gray characters and stories that make you think, "Only Friends" is definitely worth your time.
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Not what I was expecting
I hope this isn’t going to be the norm for GMMTV BL series now. Too mature. I love my sweet, cute, funny GMM actors. There was very little of that. The storylines for each couple was dark and intense. Lots of backstabbing and lies. Focused mainly on addiction. Alcoholism, Drug use, and Sex addiction. Some of it was resolved, some not. My heart broke for Nick and I was disappointed there was no happy ending for him. Hopefully he got together with his coworker. He seemed nice. I’m sure lots of people like this but I was too upset the whole time to enjoy it.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
I loved it and I didn't
This was total mess.But.
I wanted to watch it for First and I am glad I did. He nailed the character so well. Once again his eyes and smile was everything. Sand is my most favourite character. Sweet, kind, knows what he wants but gets little confused once facing the feelings in front of his eyes. Guitar player as well - yeah you had me there 😁
Nick was also my favorite. I was rooting for his happiness.
Every other character was total mess. One big red flag after another on almost every step..
P.S.: I am not fan of smoking but that smoke kiss was something really hot. Great job guys.
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Imperfect, realistic take on modern love
I initially was drawn to watch this series via the trailer. The All Star cast excited me and the adult storylines seemed to be a “finally” moment for many BL fans of diverse ages and nationalities. As someone who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I felt that this series has something for everyone. Character development is a true strong suit of this series, and I was impressed by the writing and each character we are given. From the innocent, naive virgin who has his perspective shifted from heartbreak (Mew) to the one sided, slightly obsessed guy in love with a toxic f***boy (Nick), there was character development to appreciate from all. (Even Boston got a tiny, TINY change of perspective or introspection, albeit not enough).I found myself identifying with Nick (Mark) the most, and it was impressive to see him and Boston (Neo) act out their toxic characters and situationship in a mature way. The writing for them was spot on nailing the essence of a situationship that many of us in the LGBTQ community can identify with all too well. Likewise, the evolution of Sand (First) and Ray (Khaotung) is a roller coaster that most viewers will find that they can’t help but root for. While Mew (Book) and Top (Force) did well and the acting was great, I found myself less invested in their story.
My only wishes for this series is that the trans and lesbian characters had more development and screen time, and a scrapping of the Boeing plot twist/character introduction, but enjoyed the mature writing of the overall series and felt it truly nailed many aspects of the often messy and drama filled romantic tropes that exist for some of us in 2024.
Watch this series if you want some drama, plot twists, character development and growth, a great OST and playlist, mature characters, and someone to root for or identify with.
Don’t watch this is you want a cookie cutter GMMTV BL with nothing but happiness, no conflict, and a perfect romance! (also you will get plenty of fansevice fluff in Only Friends, you just have to wade through a pool of sometimes toxic behavior to get there).
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Cette série fraichement sortie vient de ravir mon cœur. J’attendais Only Friends depuis l’annonce de sa sortie. Étant admiratrice du FirstKhaotung, les voir à nouveau comme tête d’affiche a tout de suite réveillé mon intérêt. Chaque fois que ces acteurs sont à l’écran, ils crèvent les yeux grâce à leur talent et leur chimie indéniable. De plus, le reste de la distribution est remplis de talent. Book, Force, Neo, Mark… Quoi de mieux pour une série qui a été présenté comme étant LE BL de l’année? GMM n’a pas menti et la marchandise a été livré avec succès.
Il s’agit d’une série qu’on aime ou qu’on déteste. Les sujets crus, les nombreuses scènes osés et les personnages chaotiques peuvent faire fuir une partie des spectateurs qui préfèrent se contenter d’amour douce plutôt que d’empiéter sur ce territoire sombre, mais captivant. Aucun personnage n’est tout blanc et c’est ce qui fait le charme de cette histoire qui a osé s’aventurer là où aucun BL n’avait mis pieds. Les garçons passent leur temps au bar, plusieurs ont des penchants pervers, les plans culs sont fréquents, bref… aucun n’est parfait. Malgré leurs mauvais côtés, on en vient à s’attacher même aux pires connards, les détestant un instant et les adorant l’épisode suivant.
Chaque personnage est dépeint avec talent, reflétant une personnalité complexe aux multiples facettes. Le texte a magnifiquement été pensé, car aucun dialogue n’est inutile. Lorsque l’on apprend à les connaitre, on s’attache à eux. Je pense au mignon chanteur pauvre qui rêve d’assister à des festivales partout au monde, à l’obsédé sexuelle qui prends des photos de ses conquêtes, à l’alcoolique amoureux de son meilleur ami… Ils sont davantage uniques les uns que les autres et interprété avec brio par des acteurs de talent. C’est agréable de voir une distribution qui n’a pas peur des contactes physiques. Personne n’est gêné de s’embrasser.
Bref, si vous désirez une série de qualité qui traite de sujet que vous n’avez jamais vus dans d’autres BL, Only Friend est pour vous. Lorsque le dernier épisode s’est terminé, j’ai ressenti l’envie d’en voir davantage. Je veux une seconde saison! L’arrivée surprise à la fin ne peut pas être vaine!
Ray (Khaotung Thanawat) & Sand (First Kanaphan):
Ray et Sand forme de loin mon couple favori. En tant que fan des acteurs, mon avis est peut-être biaisé, mais leur histoire est captivante. Ray est un alcoolique malheureux qui vie dangereusement. Un jour, le musicien du bar, Sand, l’empêche de conduire en état d’ivresse et c’est ainsi que débute leur belle histoire. Malgré un début épineux compte tenu de l’amour non-réciproque que voue Ray à son meilleur ami, Mew, ce couple devient rapidement le plus solide de la série. Ils ont souvent des conflits, Ray a un caractère horrible à gérer, mais ensemble, ils franchissent toutes les épreuves. Sand est une bonne influence. Tous les deux, ils se hissent vers le sommet et c’est ce qui est beau.
L’évolution de ces deux personnages, particulièrement de Ray, est très intéressante. S’il a débuté l’histoire en tant qu’ivrogne au cœur détruit, voir Sand lui rendre le bonheur et le sortir de ses vices est magnifique. Il fallait une patience de fer pour venir à bout de ce débauché que la vie a abimé. Il prend souvent des mauvaises décisions, il a fait souffrir Sand, mais il s’améliore pour le mieux. Les moments que ce couple passent ensemble sont si mignons. Leur lien semble si naturel. Peut-être est-ce grâce à la merveilleuse chimie de leur interprète?
Boston (Neo Trai Nimtawat) & Nick (Mark Pakin):
Franchement, Neo m’a agréablement surprise. J’ai toujours adoré cet acteur, particulièrement dans Fish Upon the Sky et The Eclipse, mais je n’avais jamais réalisé à quel point il est talentueux avant de le voir dans ce rôle. Il semblait fait pour interpréter Boston. Les expressions qu’il fait, sa façon d’agir avec nonchalance, tout fait de ce personnage un être aussi détestable qu’attachant. On aimerait parfois le frapper, d’autre fois le réconforter, bref… Quand un acteur parvient à faire ressentir tant d’émotion aux spectateurs, c’est qu’il est doué.
Boston est un connard, mais un connard attachant. Incapable de garder tous ses membres rangés, il couche avec tout ce qui bouge. Bien qu’au premier abords, il puisse sembler cliché, ce n’est pas du tout le cas. Il est intéressant et différent des coureurs habituels. Rêvant de devenir un photographe, il prend des photos des hommes avec qui il couche. C’est sa collection. Il est peut-être un salopard au point de coucher avec le mec de son ami, mais il ne forcera jamais personne à faire quelque chose. Il est peut-être égoïste, mais il est honnête dans ses intentions. Sa fin m’a rendu triste.
Le personnage de Nick m’a fortement plus. Je crois que de tous les personnages, il s’agit du plus gentil. Son cœur est si énorme qu’il est prêt à encaisser tout ce qu’on lui fait. Il n’est pas rancunier, préférant offrir une chance à un amour difficile que d’abandonner. Son romantisme m’a fait l’adorer. Plus d’une fois, j’aurais voulu traverser l’écran pour le câliner et frapper Boston à sa place. Nick mérite le bonheur, quelqu’un qui l’aime. Il aurait dû se laisser charmer par son ainé. Au moins, ce dernier l’aurait bien traité! Mark Pakin était parfait pour le rôle.
Même si Boston et Nick ont la relation la plus toxique de la série, ils ont été mon second couple favori. Quand Boston décide d’agir en bon gars, je trouve leur chimie plus que parfaite. Nick ferait absolument tout pour son homme. Ils se complétaient bien. Lors de leur activité de couple, ils sont si mignons que j’en oubliais à quel point Boston est un connard. Je comprends la décision finale, mais une part de moi aurait aimé que ce courailleux réussisse à contrôler sa libido et qu’il forme une équipe soudée avec son homme.
Top (Force Jiratchapong) & Mew (Book Kasidet):
Voici le couple que j’ai le moins aimé. Peut-être est-ce parce qu’il s’agit des deux personnages les plus ordinaires de la série, mais je ne me suis pas attaché à leur histoire. Dès le début, on pense que Top veut sortir avec Mew juste pour lui prendre sa virginité. Il est étrangement trop insistant, rendant chacune de ses actions louches. Quand il couche avec Boston, c’est là que les choses partent en cacahuètes. Non seulement il a menti à Mew, mais il a eu une relation sexuelle avec l’un de ses meilleurs amis. J’ai particulièrement aimé quand Top apprends que Mew connait la vérité. C’est là qu’il doit commencer à patiner.
Bien que je comprenne sa déception, Mew change radicalement après ces évènements, passant d’intello attachant à fêtard dérangeant. Il va même jusqu’à sortir avec Ray pour rendre Top jaloux, ce qui a donné un coup dur au SandRay. C’est égoïste de sa part. Sa relation avec Ray n’a peut-être jamais été sérieuse, mais c’était tout de même un mauvais coup. Oui, Top méritait de ramer pour récupérer son homme, cependant, j’ai trouvé Mew parfois insensé dans sa façon de le traiter. N’est-il pas censé être intelligent? Son plan avec Boeing m’a donné envie de me ranger du côté de Top.
Malgré tout, une fois en couple, Top et Mew sont mignons. En même temps, qu’attendre d’autre du ForceBook, un ship aussi alaise qu’attachant?
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