I Feel You Linger in the Air (2023)

Undeniable Chemistry, Questionable Storyline

Alright, my opinion on this drama may be a bit unpopular (and quite controversial)— it wasn’t a masterpiece. If anything, the acting, production, cinematography, and soundtrack made up for the drama’s main weakness— its plot.

Before jumping into the negatives, there is, without a doubt, not a single flaw in the casting. Here we have a lineup of seasoned actors and actresses, so role immersion and the ability to express the characters emotions were executed very well. It had a good balance of romance, lightheartedness, and a touch of melo. Intimate scenes were produced very well— courtesy of the leads sizzling chemistry! Although the drama may be a bit slower in pace, it wins the trophy for having the most natural and well-developed "relationship development" between the leads. My BIGGEST pet peeve is going into a drama where the leads are doing the hanky panky 10 mins into the pilot episode… like, do y’all even know each others names? Take notes screenwriters.. cause' this is how you do it! If there was one thing I could change, it would be including more variety into the soundtrack (since one song in particular was quite overused throughout the drama and wasn’t befitting for a few scenes).

Alright, now onto the meat of the review. What went wrong? To start, the premise of the drama isn’t entirely unique, though it does retain some of its own creative flair. It had a strong start by captivating watchers in its worldbuilding of 1920s Chiang Mai. However, my main complaint for this drama slowly became its worldbuilding, which also ties closely to some of the major plot holes you could practically ram a truck into. For instance, who was that person appearing in the modern House of Palatip? Could this be Jom from the past, switching souls with Jom of the present? Also, Uncle Stan heard Jom "calling him" the night before his first visit in the morning— Who was that? A hallucination? When Uncle Tan said this, is it the incident Jom experienced after laying a drunk Khun Yai down to sleep? if so, how does that timeline work? What’s up with Jom hearing the voice of Uncle Tan? Does it tie with the Jom appearing in the modern House of Palatip? How on earth did modern Khun Yai gain the memories of his past? Oh— and don’t get me started on the PAST PAST timeline before the 1920s Chiang Mai era.

Man, that was a handful. Just thinking about that plot, which seems so simple, churns my brain into a slimy mess. Clearly, I didn’t expect to have to exert THIS much power into understanding this convoluted plot.

Nonetheless, it’s definitely a bingeable one. If I had to be honest, I was hooked for the first 4 episodes and gradually lost interest later on. It is a bit disappointing how open-ended the drama left off. If there is another season planned, hopefully the writers can tie some of the loose knots and clarify the worldbuilding a bit more.

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A new take on BL.

The series is a beautiful new take on a BL story. I did really enjoy this series a lot as it takes on you a rollercoaster of emotions. The actors, location, and costumes are amazing. There are a few down parts to this series, as there are a lot of castes to remember who is who. Some of the storylines were annoying and not needed at all. The whole ex situation was very annoying and I hated that he forgave his loser ex and his girlfriend because of their past lives. No matter what he was not worth coming back in the end and there was no point in forgiving him, karam did its job. I did not like the father and brother-in-law and to be honest that time period was a very sad time to live. There were a few over-dramatic moments that looked and felt unrealistic. I wish James and Ming got to shine a bit more. The biggest issue was the end, which was horrible with lots of unanswered questions and I hate when a movie leaves you with more questions than answers. I get that the company is leading the way to a season two maybe but I hate the open ending, there was a better way to introduce a second season. The series has beautiful storytelling with the main couple I do wish they grow the relationship more than focus on the side characters. Sadly I did find myself fast-forwarding a bit to get to parts I really wanted to see as there are a few times it is boring and dragging on. I love the main couple's chemistry and wish they developed it more. This series was a nice start to a fresh look to the BL series. I wish it showed more growth and better flow, as felt slow at some point and fast at others. I do hope to see the main couple again.

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A drama with a different setting from the usual Thai BLs - olden Thailand

The main leads are mature working adults. The setting is quite different for this drama, unlike the usual school settings in most Thai BLs. It is set in the 1920s Chiang Mai, so the characters are dressed in olden traditional Thai clothing of that time. Thinking and mannerisms also reflect that era.

The story flow is logical and systematic.

Not sure if this is related to culture, some of the reactions look exaggerated and awkward. The acting of the main leads is natural enough though. And others have pointed out as well, spoken English by some of the cast, is excellent.

The kissing and bed scenes are steamy and natural enough to me.

Happy ending or not, yes, it is a happy ending, but I am left slightly bewildered because there is no logical flow or explanation of what is happening in the last scenes of the last episode. This is probably my only gripe with this drama.

Overall, this drama gave me a glimpse to olden Thailand. It was something different and I enjoyed watching such dramas. I did not struggle to watch every episode because I was looking forward to some reveal or explanations to why the male lead travelled back to the 1920s in the first place. There did not seem to be any explanations in the drama eventually, but I was contented to believe that it was to meet his destined other half which seemed reasonable enough to me after watching the drama to the end.

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one of the best thai bl series this year!

I'm not typically a fan of historical BL series, but when I stumbled upon IFYLITA, I couldn't resist giving it a shot. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint... AT ALL. This series offers a unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and the opportunity to connect the dots yourself (the way Jom connects the dots on his masterpieces called drawings), making it a thrilling experience from start to finish.

One of the standout features of this series is the setting. The portrayal of the countryside in the 1920s serves as a breath of fresh air compared to the urban settings we often see in BL series. Watching the serene environment can make you feel relaxed one minute, but it's the series' ability to make you shift between emotions that truly sets it apart. One moment, you're as calm as the peaceful countryside, the next you're seething with anger at the societal system (especially Ming's punishment), and the next you're genuinely concerned about the fate of the characters, especially Jom.

Unlike other series where you're primarily concerned about what happened in the past, IFYLITA ingeniously flips the script, leaving you wondering about what will happen in the future. It's a brilliant plot twist that keeps you engaged and invested in the storyline, don't ya think? Anyway, you'd know what I'm talking about when you see for yourself.

Perhaps it's because I'm a history enthusiast, but this series has rekindled my passion for the subject. While watching the show, I found myself frequently turning to my trusty Microsoft Bing tab to look up unfamiliar words and concepts. It's astonishing how, within just 33 hours of spaced-out watching, I learned so much about Thai history, even without the series explicitly teaching me. IFYLITA ignited my curiosity about the master-servant and peasant-elite relationships in 1920s Thailand, prompting me to delve deeper into that period. Why am I today years old learning that Bangkok wasn't the capital of Siam back in the day???

As for the series itself, it holds so much untapped potential that I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing unravel in the upcoming episodes. For now, I can confidently recommend IFYLITA to any BL fan who's in need of a refreshing break from the typical city-life BL series we're accustomed to. It's a captivating journey through history that will leave you craving more, and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next and what James has up his sleeves to woo Khun Yai's man.

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STUNNING

I went into this with an open mind, as I've never watched Thai historical dramas before but tend to enjoy them from other countries, so figured I should give it a shot. This is one of if not the most beautifully shot show I have ever seen. It is simply stunning to watch. The characters and storyline are written perfectly, and the backdrop of 1920s Chiang Mai is beautiful.

After a horrible ending to his long-term relationship, Jom (Nonkul) goes out drinking and ends up crashing his car into a lake. Luckily, he manages to get out and survive - but wakes up 100 years in the past. He washed up on the land of a wealthy lord, and is taken in to be a servant for the son of the lord, Yai (Bright). Both Jom and Yai seem to recognize each other from their dreams, and the two quickly become closer. Naturally, this creates rumors and problems for Yai, as there are certain expectations of him. Jom, who is still trying to return to his time, seems to slowly become content with staying where he's at, as long as it means he can stay with Yai. However, between the societal pressure they face as a couple and the complications with Jom's time traveling, they both fear that all these good things must eventually come to an end.

This show blew me away. I can't believe I loved it as much as I did, and would urge anyone that likes historical dramas to give it a try. It was perfectly executed. My biggest qualms with many Thai dramas tend to be drawn out and unnecessary conflicts, but those were never present here. Truly a wonderful drama that I couldn't recommend more.

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Time Travel Love Story

My Opinion:

- Plot: This show presents a fairly predictable tale where our protagonist inadvertently time-travels and entangles himself with the scion of a wealthy family, sparking a clandestine love affair. The narrative centers on the evolution of this relationship, but despite a promising premise, execution leaves much to be desired. In the initial episodes, the focus drifts away from exploring the nuances of their relationship, opting instead for high-stakes family drama and the protagonist's struggle to adapt to his newfound temporal surroundings. While there are interactions with the love interest, the lack of palpable flirtation or romantic chemistry weakens the emotional resonance. Then, out of the blue in the final episodes, a confession emerges and is reciprocated (but there doesn’t seem to be much joy from the protagonist), yet the absence of substantial buildup dampens its impact. Post-confession, the portrayal of genuine, mutual love remains elusive. The core source of tension arises from societal non-acceptance and the uncertainty of the protagonist's return to his own time (and when he finds out when he has to go back, he doesn’t look all that distressed about it). Despite facing challenges due to their respective situations, the portrayal falls short of convincingly conveying the depth of their emotional connection, leaving audiences questioning the authenticity of their feelings. Intimate scenes are notably tame, primarily featuring subdued moments of kissing. In the end, the show's potential for a profound exploration of love and adversity is overshadowed by its failure to authentically capture the emotional bond at its core.

- Relationship: This narrative takes the slow burn approach, with the central relationship unfolding only in the closing episodes. While some interactions between the couple carry a certain charm, the absence of emotional buildup in preceding episodes leaves the romance feeling less than heart-stirring and hardly prompts the desired squeal-worthy reactions. The show introduces subtle details that prompt speculation about the depth of the characters' love and raise questions about the durability of their relationship. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, watching their relationship becomes more draining than heartwarming. The excessive drama eclipses the potential warmth, making the overall experience feel tiresome. Instead of evoking a sense of joy, the narrative leans heavily on dramatic elements, leaving viewers yearning for a more emotionally resonant and uplifting connection between the characters.

- Acting: The acting in this show is undeniably commendable, with the lead characters exhibiting fantastic chemistry that adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Their performances contribute significantly to the overall appeal of the series. However, the same cannot be said for the supporting cast, as their acting varies. While some moments showcase satisfactory performances, there are instances of awkwardness that prevent the overall ensemble from reaching the same level of excellence as the lead actors. Despite these inconsistencies, the strong chemistry between the main characters remains a standout feature, elevating the overall viewing experience.

- Music: Forgettable.

- Rewatch Value: The depiction of their love in the writing doesn't quite resonate with me, and despite a promising concept, the lack of memorable scenes makes it unlikely for me to consider revisiting this show anytime soon. While the idea behind the storyline holds potential, the execution falls short of leaving a lasting impression, resulting in a lack of compelling moments that would draw me back for a second viewing. It’s simply too dramatic for me.

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The best drama I’ve watched

I truly would do anything to watch IFYLITA again for the first time. It made me feel so many emotions with its sentimental journey that takes the viewer to, I felt such a deep connection with the characters and the story.
I can assure that I truly loved every single aspect of it; the cinematography, acting, chemistry, setting and plot. It’s one I would and I will recommend to anyone and everyone, you can just tell how much hard work there was for it and the passion everyone in the cast gave to make us receive such a good polished and beautiful story.
I’ve seen many interviews with the director and how much he wanted to do this project so please give it much love since it deserves it, and then with hope we will be able to get a second season.

If you haven’t watched it yet, I can’t assure you will feel the same love I do for it but I can tell you, this is one of the best BLs in terms of production and quality, it may be confusing at first but everything gets explained so well so I hope you do give it a try and help spread love to this underrated gem.

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… And I hope you will linger forever

A little warning: I don’t know enough about Thai history and the historical period the series is set in to comment on the accuracy. I felt like a lot of it seemed as if it could be accurate, but I have no knowledge if that’s true or not.

I am absolutely amazed by this series! I loved the trailer and all the teasers, but the series itself… that was a masterpiece! The plot was interesting, it wasn’t something that we have seen often in BLs. And the plot twists were very well thought through. Some were expected, but a lot of them were quite surprising. The historical setting was beautiful, I really loved the house and its surroundings that we got to see. The OST is beautiful and full of emotion, just like the series.

We get to see a lot of different relationships, both good and bad ones. They did a great job portraying the differences between the rich and the poor. They also addressed a lot of important topics, but one I want to stop at is the relationship between a couple, and what is and is not okay. It was a big step in the right direction (and I truly wish this would be the standard) when it comes to validating relationship trauma. Both Ueang Peung and Fong Kaew suffered under Robert, even if they came from very different backgrounds. And I am glad that their pain was validated, that their trauma was seen.

The series was incredibly heavy on emotions. I felt emotionally drained after each episode, but I think that is a good way. It shows that they portrayed those scenes incredibly well. There was something that has us on the edge of the seat in each episode.

Yai & Jom: the two of them were destined to be together. Jom travelled to the past, and he struggled with adapting to the period he was thrown into. I do think his struggles, especially with things that are now seen as normal or forbidden, really made it appear believable. He is heartbroken, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a warm, caring, and loyal person. Yai seems almost trapped in his life. He’s similar to Jom in the sense that he too is very caring and soft. I liked how Jom brought out a more independent side of Yai, a side that was daring and has bit dreams. And Jai helped Jom mend his broken heart, he showed him that there’s still hope and beauty in life. Their story was a slow burn, but it was so worth the wait. Bright and Nonkul have amazing chemistry. The way they looked at each other, the small touches, how they always tended to gravitate towards one another… beautiful.

Eeang Peung and Maey are one of the side couples. I found the two adorable, I really liked their relationship and the way the two seemed to have been together for a very long time. The support they showed to one another was amazing. I also liked Fong Kaew and Khamsaen as a couple, they went through a lot and might seem very unlikeable at first (I still hate their present selves and what they did to Jom), but both grew a lot throughout the series.

I really liked a lot of the side characters. No matter if they were good or bad, the actors playing them really nailed the roles. Ming is the kind of friend we all want. James has a lot more dimension than I expected. Lek was a cutie, even if he was very spoiled.

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The perfect combination

This is without a doubt one, if not the best series of 2023.

I'm usually not a fan of historical series and when they have some fantasy and things like that (although I like the theme of time travel ) and the main reason is that they rarely have an ending that makes you feel fulfilled with the series, many end in tragedy or an open ending. and although in this series the final episodes are somewhat dramatic and have a touch of nostalgia and sadness, they do not leave you with a feeling of emptiness or that something was missing, the previous episodes, before the ending, are so incredibly well developed that it is easy for the audience to digest what is going to happen and feel like you/them ? lived what you/they had to live, so to speak.

Regarding the plot and the actors, from the first moment I was captivated with the way in which they approached the future(past) that the character was going to have, under that concept that they were destined to be together. I cannot describe how much I suffered while Jom suffered , I wanted to take care of him so bad. And they gave him the greatest Green flag as boyfriend. Yai Is just the ideal man. Both ML deserved to be loved the way they did.

The series is not only drama, it is not only romance, but it is also comedy and touches on sensitive topics in very well-addressed ways. The chemistry between the main characters is subtle at the beginning but clear and little by little it gains intensity without becoming morbid or exaggerated. The effects and production 10/10 always making you feel immersed. This series is without a doubt a masterpiece, hard to find in BL world.

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One of the most beautiful series I've watched so far!

I've never written a review on here, but I really wanted to say something about this masterpiece.

I have seen numerous BL series and movies over the past few months but none of them touched me as much as this one did.

It's just such a beautifully written story that captivated me from the beginning of the series. The acting and the remarkable chemistry between the actors is just AMAZING. I enjoyed every single minute of it!

Although the ending was a bit confusing for me, as I didn't read the novel, it was still a beautiful ending, definitely worth the watch!

I'm really happy that I discovered this gem. It's definitely worth watching, I can only recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful love story, you won't regret it! (At least I didn't :) )

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THE Thai BL for the year

this series had everything to make it good, and they went ahead to create not only one of the most cinematically beautiful series, but gave life to characters I had never heard of to a degree that they immediately felt familiar.

nonkul and bright had such electrifying chemistry in the most minor moments, it was such an experience seeing them expand on their roles as their bond grew in the story.

i cannot say I’ve felt this way about a series since ATOTS and ITSAY. truly a gem. P’Tee, we may drive you crazy saying this, but IFYLITA truly deserves another season! here’s hoping that may happen someday, but even if it does not, this series gives me the overwhelming interest to pick up the books and actually read them.

a superb series, with a star studded cast, and cinematography that puts most releases to shame. they truly outdid themselves here.

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We will be together in every universe (literally)

"The current of time always runs forward. I might already be your past, but for me, you are my future."

I love me a historical and even more so one with an intriguing storyline so this was right up my street. I love how much we go involved in the side characters and some of them went against my expectation of the stereotype which is what I love to see.

It started of sooooo good but I did think the show got a little stagnant in the middle, regardless, I can't fault any of the plot points, they were lovely. I do think there was a little too much of the cheesy lines, and I have a general distaste for the overly produced meticulously placed set and everything feeling a little too clean and polished but that seems to be a current issue with cinema.

The actor for Jom was amazing!!! I can't compliment him enough on his small stubble facial expressions and the way he played Jom was just lovely. Made me involved right away and really sympathize for his situation. The only thing I have to say, which is not his fault but the hair. I could not stop myself from being distracted at the bowl cut and the uniform bangs - a side part never hurt anyone.

The romance was very very cute and I love the lack of stupid conflicts. I think the characters communicate well within their dynamic and they were so careful and sweet with each other - love that. Also the GL side story!!! So happily surprised and I was so here for it!!!

Overall, I think it is one of the best made BLs I've watched in a while and I think the plot is great and the beginning kinda gave a thriller vibes which was fun.

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