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This month's review is provided to you by favourakpofure.

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Title of Work: F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers
Adopted from "Boys Over Flowers"

Author: Yoko Kami

Directed by: Patha Thongpan, Aticha Tanthanawigrai

Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy

Duration: 16 episodes

Type: Drama

Synopsis: Coming from a humble background, Gorya lives a quiet life as a high school student. Apart from excelling in her studies, she spends her free time helping her close friend Kaning at a delightful neighborhood flower shop. However, her simple life takes a remarkable turn when she passes the entrance exam for one of the country's top high schools.

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Opening Hook

The drama began with a compelling introduction, featuring a notable approach and a distinct deviation from the storyline of the previous version.I believe the story would have been more compelling if it delved deeper into Gorya's character, exploring her determination, motivation, and backstory. Rather than primarily focusing on her role in transforming Thyme, the narrative could have provided more insight into Gorya's own personal journey and development.

Plot/Pacing

Regardless of whether you like the other adaptations or not, it's fair to say that this story is well-known, and naturally, Thailand's interpretation of the story caught my attention. However, in the Thai version, the bullying took place in a deserted stadium on the school premises, which could be accessed through CCTV cameras. This demonstrates that the F4 group isn't all-powerful, unlike in the other versions, and merely facilitates this 'dark practice' that the students subject their targets to. It was also evident that not all students supported what the F4 was doing, so the bullying occurred in an area without CCTV. This is because the students, including the F4, still have some apprehension that their actions will be revealed and that there will be repercussions.

Character Development

Even though Thyme can be difficult, we've witnessed more of his positive and kind attributes than his undesirable qualities. The supporting character is more amiable and reliable than previous supporting characters from other adaptations. F4 is less aggressive and confrontational than in earlier versions, which makes it more appropriate for younger audiences than what we've seen in the past.

Overall Impression

This iteration addresses the present challenges of school bullying, violence, and the significant disparity between the wealthy and the less affluent. The characters are notably non-toxic, with the female protagonist serving as a deserving counterpart who teaches the male protagonist never to underestimate anyone, irrespective of any biases. Additionally, she is inclined to make errors and draw lessons from them, which makes her somewhat relatable.

The main characters are all lovable, I wouldn't know who to pick. But I very much find Ren (Renrawin Aira) an interesting and lovable character.

Gorya and Thyme's strong bond played a pivotal role in their personal development and growth. Gorya's journey was largely influenced by the challenges she faced alongside Thyme and the F4, as the plot did not allow her the opportunity to confront challenges beyond this close-knit circle.

Reasons for Recommendation: I must say that I am quite familiar with the storyline of Boys Over Flowers, having seen three adaptations of the series. Although the overarching storyline remains consistent, I've noticed that certain aspects take on a new perspective with the introduction of fresh actors embodying the iconic roles. The plot primarily revolves around a resilient and financially struggling young woman named Gorya, who fearlessly confronts and navigates through a series of challenges and conflicts. Along her journey, she discovers herself developing deep feelings for Thyme, the charismatic leader of the F4, a group of the most influential young men in Thailand. Each character is brought to life in a distinct and captivating manner, making this adaptation a definite must-watch for fans of the series.

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That's it for this media review! If you enjoyed it, be sure to leave a comment and tap that star button to vote! If you have any suggestions for other media we should check out, let us know in the comment section.

In the meantime, we recommend checking out the OST for the drama.

https://youtu.be/hqg1oLD3gkk