Kiss Me (2015)

Kiss Me is just one of many, many takes on Kaoru Tada's manga, Itazura na Kiss. As of this post I have watched four versions completely: the anime version, Playful Kiss (Korean), Love in Tokyo (Japan, 2013), and Kiss Me (Thai). I also kind of watched It Started with a Kiss and its sequel on TV but didn't really take it seriously because I was very young when it was aired here in the Philippines. Anyway, I have been long exposed to Thai movies, but Kiss Me is my first exposure to lakorn (Thai drama).

The base story is the same, however, among all the adaptations, this Thai version was the one that I could not predict in terms of what would happen next. Kiss Me was the most off-grid version that I really didn't know how to compare it with the others. It didn't follow the original plot blindly that it created its own charm. If you, reader, have watched all the other adaptations of Itazura na Kiss except for this one, give it a shot.

As for acting, I'd say for the series in general that this is the most serious adaptation that I have seen. Also, both main characters are given equal opportunities to show their points of view. First off, Tenten (Naoki) is given a soul by Mike Pirath and he is actually seen in a whirlwind of emotions—different from the robot-like Naoki character I have seen in the past versions. His backstory with Taliw (Kotoko) is able to back up why he is more human than the other portrayals. However, even if Tenten is now seen with emotions, I am not totally swayed by his acting in some parts (like when he's crying or he's reflecting on what he's done, for example). Second, Taliw is not the same desperate masochistic Kotoko character—she actually is stronger and has power over Tenten (see Episode 20)! Third, originally annoying characters are lovable characters now. You definitely won't hate the presence of King (Kin-chan) and Ma Kaew (Tenten's mom) also doesn't have a crazy stalker-like personality. In fact, at some point I kind of favored King over Tenten. Fourth, the cast was chosen carefully and I am confident that the actors really deserved their roles.

I am giving the music a high score because I am at loss for several days with the songs in my head! Aside from the tunes that can be remembered easily, the lyrics fit the situations of the characters so well. I am actually looking for more ways to listen to the OST aside from YouTube (I just can't find them anywhere, or maybe it's because I can't read Thai). But hearing Aom and Mike singing the songs—just wow. I fell in love with their chemistry again (besides the acting).

Because of it being TOTALLY off-grid, I am very glad to repeat watching this if I have time, to memorize all that happened. It deserves a spot in my long-term memory, just like how I lived my childhood with Hua Yang Shao Nian Shao Nu (Hana Kimi Taiwan).

Leggi di Più