Double Savage (2023)

not for everyone, but worth a watch

I was fully not expecting to get as invested in this as I did, despite it not being perfect, but let's get into that.

Story: The story follows three siblings, with a focus on two of them: the golden child and the outcast. Personally, Pakorn stole my heart right away, and I felt such immense sympathy for him as he struggled to get the same love from his parents that his siblings got. I always felt that something was off about Pawin, and it was so satisfying to see that I was right about that in the end. Rungtawan is our other main character here, and while she really lost much of her potential by the end, she still played a meaningful role in the sibling rivalry that took place.

Acting: I think the acting is the main highlight here with everyone doing amazing justice to their characters, including the parents and side characters. If the acting was not good, I don't think it would've been possible to create a good series with this rather cliche plot. It is what to look for here, and I think nobody would regret checking this out purely to see the acting skill of everyone involved.

Overall: I think this is definitely something to watch with low expectations in mind, as what I did. Going in like that, you may be pleased to find something you are intrigued by, or something to cry over, in my case. I think it is a nice switch off from reality, easy to binge, and worth the watch in the end. I really do recommend everyone give this at least a few episodes!

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People are not white and black, we are gray

Any kind of love rivalry is a very common theme in all sorts of works of fiction. Even love triangle and brothers going against each other, be it for love or other things. This means that the plot and story must be really good for the series to do well, for the series to really shine. Sadly, the plot and storyline are where Double Savage falls short.

Korn: His father hates him and is abusive towards him while his mother enables him to do so. I know she is supposed to really love him, but the fact that she just stood by and did nothing? Yeah, doesn’t really make her a good character in my books. His two siblings do try, but they cannot really do much unless they want the same treatment. He is an incredibly strong, smart and independent character, but his family obligations and love know no limits. Even at his own expenses. Ohm did exceptionally, he truly shined in the role of Korn. The action scenes were great, yes, but the emotional ones? He really portrayed so many emotions through his eyes. Him being calm and mad at the same time was done so well.

Win: I really wanted to like him, and I did at the start of the series. And after that, it all went downhill. I don’t even know if I can believe that he at some point truly loved Korn as a brother should. His actions in the second part of the series show his true colors and they make me question everything I have thought about him. I think his upbringing as the golden child of the family really showed. He felt the pressure his father put on him, yes, but he was also led by the idea of being better than everyone. Perth played Win so well. The scenes where Win and Korn are going against one another had be on the edge of my seat. Especially the way Perth played Win.

Rung: The girl has absolutely no redeeming qualities. She made playing the victim her whole personality. She messed things up for everyone, multiple times, and caused troubles for herself and even more to others, yet she went and blamed everyone else but herself. Boo-hoo, go cry in the corner and see if anyone cares. She was manipulative and selfish, and she only truly cared about herself. I must give it to Film, it’s hard to make me hate a character this much, but she did a great job. I really loved how she controlled her emotions and her micro expressions in many scenes.

The whole love triangle between the two brothers and Rung was done very poorly. The way brotherly rivalry was written into the plot was not exactly great either. As I said, this is a very popular trope, so it really needs to be done well. Which it wasn’t. It made very little sense how extreme Win’s reactions were at certain scenes, especially after the later revelations. And his double standards for Korn and everyone else? I am disappointed with how they decided to resolve all of this in the end too. Especially the whole Rung situation.

Li was probably my favorite character in the whole series. She truly loved her brothers, equally and unconditionally. Even when they were acting like idiots, she stood by them and supported them in any way she could. She is brave and loyal, she is caring and supportive. I could really relate to her.

I also really liked both Ah and Mek as well. The two might have been criminals, but they had good hearts. They cared not only about themselves but about everyone around them and their whole community. Even if their community turned their backs on them on certain occasions. I even liked uncle Wit. I really enjoyed how calm Korn seemed when he was around him. He is truly at peace while around him.

The rival gang – who were they? Where did they come from? What did they want? What was their end goal? No one knows because they showed up and left with no explanation. Which is another plot hole.

There were some plot twists that I did not expect. While some made sense and really fit into the story, there was also a lot of them that just didn’t make any sense. Or really lacked background information that would make us understand them better.

I think the acting was the only thing that saved this series for me. I think all the actors did an amazing job in the roles they were given. And yes, even those who played characters I disliked. I hated the characters, not the actors. The plot was… what even was the plot? I feel like the reasons behind what happened were not solid or made clear. Another thing is the ending… why? Just why? Redemption arc is something that should be given to characters who deserve it. And not everyone does.

If there is one thing that the series showed well is how people are not white and black, we are gray. No one is completely good, and no one is completely bad, but we are a mix of good and bad.

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Brothers Rivalry Done Wrong

The concept of brothers becoming enemies is such a common thing is dramaland. But if it's not done right it would make the whole drama a big flop that most of the people would regret watching it. Brothers Rivalry is anyway a risky theme to work with cause many people doesn't like this theme.

With such an interesting cast GMMTV really did some shit. The start of this drama was good but in episode 4 everyone could understand where this was really going.

I personally feel the first episode was an okay one with the proper introduction of the main and supporting characters. I liked the relations between the Li, Korn and Win. But did it last long? NOoooooooooooo
U know everything was going okay even though Korn's father was a total insane person but the main villain of their life is none other than Rung. I really didn't like her character from the beginning. Like girl was so much annoying. She gets involved with people life so much. Does she even understand the meaning of privacy and space? Like girl you aren't two years old kid. She and only she is the reason for all her miseries.


From the start till the end we don't get any character development for the characters which was annoying and stupid. Just for a stupid bitch two brothers relationship was fucked up. The conflict between the brothers were so big but the reason behind it was so silly.


Let's talk about the script writer who is none other than New. His ideas are so stupid. He really should stay away from GMMTV.


The supporting characters were the only good thing of this drama. Their stories were more logical and realistic. Let's not even talk about the father.

So this drama isn't anything special. So it wouldn't really matter if you guys skip this one. Although Ohm and Perth together could have been a big serve but it really wasn't.

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Acting was on point.

Honestly writing could have been better and there are some plot holes , sometimes the editing etc, but the story was what attracted me the most. What happened to make 2 brothers be like that, what happened in ther lives and with their bond. Showed well that good isn't always good and bad isn't bad as well how sometimes we make bad decisions in the moment or when we don't know everything. I have to say it was the acting that was kept me going , they rlly embodied the characters especially ohm and perth. 2 siblings who were taught , loved differently and 1 who was protected and 1 who had to grow up fast. I rlly liked that every episode kept me on the edge, it was intense and knew something even bigger will be happening. I have seen Film in other serieses too but was honestly suprised with her in this one , she did so well and had good chemistry with both perth, ohm.

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Definitely worth a try

Well, I’m a mess.

When I started it, I really didn’t think I would like it this much.

It has its flaws but damn I was hooked by it.

I think the story overall is great even though some parts sometimes don’t really make sense.

The acting and the cast really made it all for me.

AhLi really got my heart and I’m definitely gonna need some time to process and accept his death.

I think the thing that frustrated me the most was the numerous time lapses. You had like no chronology whatsoever (you didn’t know how much time went or what year it was) and it felt a like they use these jump in time to cover some plot holes.

I read about people being mad because Rung and Korn didn’t end up together but I think it’s better this way. Even though they liked each other, I think it would have been a bit messed up if they ended up together.

One thing I really like was how they depicted how sometimes the border between what we think is good and bad is much complicated than what we think.

In brief, I really enjoyed the time I spent watching it (literally binge-watched it in 2 days) and would certainly recommend it.

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Huge, wasted opportunity

I'm gonna be short. This show could have been much much more, especially with the pretty solid and talented cast.

Story: Weakest point of the show. Incoherent: Childish, serious, childish, serious. Weak story makes the whole show pretty boring, and also curses the characters into not to be interesting at all. 2.5/10
Characters: Could be decent with a good story and better direction. Characters are quite one-dimensional, and also the script doesn't help. It's only the actors non-verbal skills that somewhat save the characters. 4.5/10
Acting: The strongest aspect of the show. The leading actors and the side actors are doing a pretty solid job, they try their best, some very nice emotional moments, in my opinion they could have done even better with a better direction/production. 7/10
Direction: I really can't decide if the bad direction made the show go sideways or the weak story. 5/10
Music: I can't even remember it sadly but it couldn't be terrible, otherwise I'd remember it as well. 4.5/10

To sum it up: I adore the leading cast members having already seen them in other productions, but this story is so lame and boring, no suprises, no uniqueness...
I almost dropped Double Savage around EP 5-6.
______
4/10

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It's About Brothers

The story is about three siblings, but the main focus is on the two brothers, Korn (played by Ohm) and Win (played by Perth), it starts with the brothers being very close to each other despite their father constantly bullying and bellitling Korn for believing he is cursed, but obviously everything is about to change. The brothers befriend their new neighbor’s daughter Rung (played by Film), it is clear both brothers are infatuated by her, but Korn denies his feelings as to not get in his brothers way, but it’s in vain since Rung also has feelings for him.

It’s obvious from the moment that Rung is introduced that she will serve as a tool to build up the brothers’ rivalry, which may explain why so many people seem to dislike the character, but particularly I think most of the hate is unwarranted. I was pleasantly surprised when her character finally showed some agenda and wasn’t only used as a plot device, Film continually delivered a solid performance

The father, on the other hand, is an absolutely despicable character. It has been a very long time since I disliked a character so much, for that I think I should congratulate the actor for his commitment to the role and the writers for coming up with the worst father in a fictional setting winning the award straight from the hands of Vegas’ dad (KinnPorsche). Everytime that man spoke I wanted him to get killed off instantly, while understanding the importance of the character, he overstayed his welcome very quickly.

I really hated the convoluted way they brought up the main drama, it was in a way that if one single thing didn’t happen as they showed, if the character didn’t do exactly what they were supposed to, no matter how nonsensical it was, it wouldn’t have worked and because of that it felt very fake and forced.

Now I don’t want to sound like I hated the series, because I didn’t. I actually really liked the brothers' relationship, I thought Perth and Ohm worked really well together, in a way I didn’t expect, I really believed these two were brothers and that they cared for each other as I needed to in order to be involved with their story. Their fallout, even if convoluted, as I said, still pulled my heartstrings.

Baotoei brought the perfect air of maturity to the older sister character, Li unconditional love for her brothers is the glue that keeps the family together making her the unsung hero of the story. Ohm’s acting is a highlight for me, I feel like he really found himself in the character and was able to play it in a very believable way. Perth suffers from extreme baby-face, which is not his fault, but his acting is also growing, despite that he held his own on the more emotional scenes.

Light Spoiler

The ending felt a little rushed as if they were in a hurry to tie all the loose ends and not really let any moment breathe. Thinking over it I didn't like how the story painted Rung as in the wrong for seeking revenge, what made her arc not so satisfying. I also think they pushed a lot by having several years go by while only changing the characters' hairstyles, but I will let it pass. Overall, an enjoyable watch with good performances, an interesting story and an unexpected twist.

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Guns n' Cringes

Don´t judge the drug dealer by the drugs in his trunk,.. or is it by the bullets in his gun?
Anyway this is a well casted story that has some pretty fun moments and a lovely cast, that starts odd a tad cringe but fun and then becomes more and more twisted before it goes back to cringe as we get up close and personal with:

Our first male lead the jinx/criminal too kind for his own good, smart, charming and fun in every single way. This guy refuses to get his hands dirty but come on, you are still kind of involved... He keeps having a lot of bad luck. this is actually due to having a father that should have been thrown in jail long ago for the way he treated his son, yet no one seems to do something about him teaching us that the patriarch is indeed still going strong.

Or other male lead the so called cop is adorable in the beginning but experiences character deterioration. Written without logic the guy goes from sweetness and spice and everything nice to... bland, tasteless goo. A true shame.

Other criminals: sweetest guy ever, make you wanna join their family even if you risk a finger or two..

Sister to the male leads: Is the best sister in all of dramaland.

Best friend/love triangle female character: Has the most characters to her of them all, not all are lovable but the actress is gold.

The rest of the characters are more or less predictable, some will offer fighting scenes other offer cringe and then there are those who show up with food... brave, week, impulsive but besides out father of the year and so called cop male lead no one annoyed me.

All in all a decent show, just mind the cringe and you will be fine!

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Story

I rather enjoyed the Series as my two favourite actors
Perth and Ohm were in the cast.. Both good actors and extremely good looking. It wasnt perfect by any means but it wasn't bad either. I felt for Korn who was treated badly by his father and the rest of the family didn't seem to support him when he was beaten and treated like an outcast. Its no wonder he took to crime. His brother was also against him after he found out Ruge fancied him but she was just a manipulator. I have watched much worse series where the acting was very amateurish but the acting in this series was great..the script was fine.... the rest of the cast were professional and played their parts well. All in all l its worth a watch.

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Grudges and Guilt

So Acting - The acting was great! The emotions the were able to express made you almost feel it too. Perth and Ohm are amazing actors and seeing them together going through a whirlwind of emotions from happy and ambitious for the future, to hurt, betrayed and vengeful was fantastic.

The Story - The story and plot was good too, obviously we knew the brothers relationship would be good in the beginning and then turn bad and back to good, so no surprise there. The plot twists were good too which I enjoyed watching unfold until the very end. Obviously there were a few annoying things such as the father's behavior towards Korn and Rung just being annoying in general. But I feel that adds tothe story, and it stirs emotions within the viewer. In the end the series was great, bonds fixed, people reconciled, happy family. It gives that wholesome vibe at the end making you think of life differently and appreciating the little things.

I also liked what they did with the flashbacks in this series, it was different and I liked that. Although I was a bit confused in the beginning.

One thing I would have liked to see more of was the relationship between Ahlan and Li, I shipped them from the beginning and I would have like their story to have ended a bit differently, but they weren't the focus of the series so I get it. Loved them though!

Overall a good series to bindge, would definitely rewatch all the good parts again.

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Double Savage, more like double jinx

Double Savage, more like double jinx

I originally watched episode one and then began episode two but found it boring so I put the whole series on hold for a while. After watching more shows with Film in it, and gaining more appreciation for her as an actress I decided to revisit this series and ended up binging episodes 2-12.

Pros:
- The whole cast is amazing and their chemistry is what you’d expect in real life
- The characters’ personalities, interests, hobbies, and dreams are pretty diverse
- Ohm, Perth, and Baitoel are the perfect siblings—the oldest sister with two loving, respectful younger brothers. Their relationship and intimacy were something to envy.
- The plot is intriguing, thought-provoking, and entertainingly messy. A criminal and cop as brothers, it’s like having two siblings who support different sports teams.
- The story of Korn being a jinx was consistent throughout the whole show so viewers were able to sympathize with his frustration of being blamed for anything and everything that goes wrong.
- Ah and Li’s loveline, and their child
- The order in how certain twists were revealed and parts were filmed was satisfying.
- The twist on Rung’s revenge. She was trying to avenge both her and her parents and not just herself.
- The revelation of Uncle Wit and Ah’s father-and-son relationship was the biggest plot twist the show saved for the finale and though I had a notion they were father and son, the hints that led up to it were subtle yet beautifully done. I.e. Ah always wins when he plays chess against Mek, then when he plays with Korn he’s defeated by a move that was taught to Korn by Uncle Wit, Ah’s father. In the finale, we see Uncle Wit and his grandson playing chess. Uncle Wit mentioned having a son twice.
- The instrumentals in serious and emotional scenes were great!
- I love that whenever Korn or Win fight or grab each other’s collars, it’s slightly awkward and not neat/rehearsed. There was authenticity there and it truly showed how inexperienced Win is and it added into his character as the adorable younger brother who had nothing but affection for his older brother.
- I was just complaining in another review about GMMTV’s misuage of guns. In this series, it was watchable. It’s not the best but by far it’s better than a lot of the other series that had guns in them.

Cons:
- If it’s true that you can get out on temporary bail, flee, and return after your charge has expired after committing a crime then that's extremely worrisome and needs to change. I mean, with that kind of loophole, how is it that more people aren’t committing crimes?
- The timeline--there’s a lack of exposition. In the beginning, we know Win and Rung were in their first year of high school. Then after some time, they were accepted into the colleges/universities of their choice. There was mention of Korn being a few years older than 20 and then Ah and Li’s kid came along in the end. It’s nice to show rather than tell but sometimes a timeline is necessary, especially in the case of Ah and Li’s relationship and Korn claiming to have completed school. And how long before everyone's charges expire?
- As mentioned above, Ah and Li’s relationship. Although the show was building attraction, we never got to see them being lovey-dovey until Ah was dying and in flashbacks. Mek’s death was similar, the show dumped flashbacks on us. I assume it’s to indicate that when people are dying, they tend to see images of all the happy moments in their lives but the flashbacks weren't necessarily theirs as they all involved the main characters and didn’t give us insight into their own past lives. I would assume Mek’s most memorable times would be with his mom and not just with his current gang members.
- Ah, Mek, and Korn tend to practice hand-to-hand combat but most of the time they used guns so we never got to see them apply their training.
- For a drug dealing den, the security sucks. How is Li able to waltz right in on multiple occasions unsuspected? And Win, who I would assume took precaution sneaking in, was easily detained? Is Li really a witch???
- Korn’s line “I only shoot those who deserve to die” was so out of character. Did he not learn from his first mistake? Dude shot a cop thinking it was the criminal who needed help. Besides, who’s to say who deserves to die and who doesn’t deserve to? Korn was a righteous character and that line was a major disappointment.
- Korn is the cliche main character who appears to have flaws and/or made mistakes but in the end, is revealed to not be at fault for anything.
- Kriangkrai’s commander never got what was coming to him
- The relationship Rung has with Korn and Win is plausible on camera but in real life, it would be extremely awkward how anyone could maintain a brother-sister relationship after all that's happened
- Except for Win, no one seemed to take Rung’s future being ruined seriously. Even her parents were lukewarm and very accepting, approving of her being a fugitive on the run. Given their closeness, I thought they would drop everything and move with her.
- How did Korn know Win caused the accident with Rung’s parents? Although I don’t condone Win running from the scene, I don’t see it as him ‘killing’ Rung’s parents. He cut in front of them, people do that when driving, but because Rung’s father wasn’t paying attention to the road he panicked and swerved. I would consider that an accident, not manslaughter.
- I hate that after Win asks to take back the promise he made about Rung and confesses his feelings AND asks Rung’s parents for permission to date Rung (while Korn was also a witness to this), Korn takes Rung to a room and proceeds to pet and kiss her. That part just boiled my blood, primarily when Korn’s romantic feelings for Rung are nowhere as strong as Win’s. Rung demanded an answer for her feelings but what about Win's?
- I don’t know why, I mean I know why because we wouldn’t have a series otherwise but why Korn or Li never bothered to tell Win the truth lost me. “The gang used Rung as a scapegoat, it wasn’t Korn’s doing or decision”. “I’m staying here because dad doesn’t want me home and though I’m a criminal, I’m refusing to do anything illegal.” Win’s hatred towards Korn was justified when Korn refused to tell Win anything and cut him off first.

The bottom line is, there wouldn't be a series if Rung's family never moved into the neighborhood. Their families were each other's jinxes.

This is for sure a highly recommended watch and rewatch.

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