There's always a pervasive sense of sadness and loneliness in even the most uplifting and heartwarming Thai BL. It's what separates the cultural style of Thai Yaoi from the aggressive -almost disturbing - Chinese versions or the fluffy rom-coms coming out of Taiwan. This Thai film is no exception with the cliched stepbrother love-line of Golf and Bank being underpinned constantly by a need for connection and family from two very lonely young men. In that, this film is not that different from several others in this category. It is somewhat salvaged by the strong group of friends surrounding the brothers-to-lovers and the cut-price minimalist tone.
The plot is far too sparse; acres of character development being leapt over in large Superman-like bounds. I can understand why this was later slated for a televisual adaptation. Far more time needed to be spent on characters and background to make this work. In some cases, as with the boys' absent parents, this lack of insight worked as it further highlighted the boys' isolation and feelings of abandonment. But in others, it made people's behaviour inexplicable and led to some confusion.
Others may find the ending tragic (and it is). I just find it bemusing and somewhat random. Overall, this is a sad film about very sad people. But that's Thai BL.
The plot is far too sparse; acres of character development being leapt over in large Superman-like bounds. I can understand why this was later slated for a televisual adaptation. Far more time needed to be spent on characters and background to make this work. In some cases, as with the boys' absent parents, this lack of insight worked as it further highlighted the boys' isolation and feelings of abandonment. But in others, it made people's behaviour inexplicable and led to some confusion.
Others may find the ending tragic (and it is). I just find it bemusing and somewhat random. Overall, this is a sad film about very sad people. But that's Thai BL.
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