Astrophile (2022)

Absolutely Captivating!

The casting is top notch both visually and acting talent wise with the leads Bright Vachirawit and Mai Davikah as Kimhan and Nubdao who instantly captures attention both individually and as a pair with excellent chemistry along with a very strong supporting cast as well. I really enjoy how both characters have their own goals, struggles, and growth that the show begins exploring from the get go and how their paths align. The pacing is really good and always leaves me looking forward to the next episode. The ost perfectly accompanies the mood of the scene in every iteration of it's arrangement. Overall, Astrophile is a must watch!

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Cute, light Rom-Com with some mystery

Firstly, here is a translated synopsis of the story from Thai media:

"Kimhan and Nubdao first met as a freshman and a senior, respectively, at a university. When Kimhan meets her again, only he remembers her. Their relationship starts to develop with Kimhan buying every product that she as sells via a home shopping program. He pretends the products have problems in order to get close to her. Kimham is also an artist with a pseudonym "Klangmesa" but prefers to keep his identity private. His friend Pete takes advantage of this and assumes Klangmesa's identity. Nammon, Nubdao's best friend, happens to be a big fan of Klangmesa's artworks. When Nammon meets "Klangmesa," she fell in love with Pete without realizing that he was a fake Klangmesa. Soon after that, Minjun, an MC and owner of the shopping program that Nubdao works with/for, asks her to change her persona to be more sexy. This upsets Tankhun, the program producer and best friend of Nubdao. But nobody can go against Minjun so Tankhun tries to discreetly protect and take care of her. Kimhan also wants to be Nabdao's support so he disguises himself as Loong-nhuad (Mustache Uncle), a mysterious person who send messages to Nubdao giving her coaching advice and being a good friend. How will their relationships change and grow in the end?"

THE CAST:
The top leading Thai actress Mai Davikah and actor Bright Vachirawit (each has the highest number of IG followers of all Thai actors and actresses) are united for the first time in this series. They are joined by a fun cast led by Off Jumpol, Jennie Pannan, Nicky, Foei Patara, First Kanapan and more.

THE PLOT:
Astrophile is based on an award-winning story by Duangman. So I expect that it will offer something fresh or unexpected in the story.

After two episodes, the themes start to come into focus: self-love, self-worth, standing up for oneself against unfair treatment, with social commentary on how women are treated. All main characters are flawed, shaped by their imperfect families/parents. But they all strive to do their best in their careers, driven partly by money, partly by the need to win love or earn a place in the society, trying to balance integrity with job security while under the pressure of exploitative, competitive world of home shopping business.

For Nubdao (show host of a TV shopping program), can she keep it strictly professional, so she only sells products and not a piece of herself despite demands from lecherous men (including her boss)? I look forward to seeing how this issue is resolved.

One thing I found quite refreshing is Kimhan's reaction to his gf's pregnancy with another man. Instead of being angry and calling her "easy" and such, he self-reflected on his role in the failure of their relationship.

It will be hard to not root for the second ML since Tankhun is so selflessly supportive of Nubdao. If Tankhun offers genuine friendship and comfort, what will Kimhan bring to the relationship to win over Nubdao? What is he hiding in his past? How will he embrace his shadow?

As a fan of Bright Vachirawit, I already enjoy seeing him transformed from cruel, alpha-male Thyme (his previous role as the main lead in the excellent series F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers) to timid, incompetent but kind Baby Bangs. But how will this baby change into a man that earns Nubdao's trust & heart?

The series has a slice of life feel and is very realistic in the way working people are portrayed. It is a story of people who are all imperfect in themselves and are tied together through work, friendship and family. Every character is searching for the meaning of life and love in this lonely world. The series ends with a beautiful final episode with love scenes that will either melt your heart or make your nose bleed or both. (Bright and Mai really delivered on the kisses!!!)

Enjoy!

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