The Jungle (2023)

Strong cast and interesting plot, but it felt choppy and rushed

GMMTV knew what they were doing when they put all of these actors and actresses together. They all have a good following and loyal fanbase, so the series was in for a lot of attention. However, knowing what the cast is capable of with a solid plot, I ended up a bit disappointed.

The plot had some interesting twists and surprises, but I feel like it wasn’t really well executed. With most of the characters being in focus for 2-3 episodes and with a lot of other things going on, their relationships appeared very rushed. It felt like they simply weren’t given enough time to deepen the connections between characters, and for the viewers to see their love for each other truly blossom. On one other hand, I actually liked how we had focused only on one or two couples per episode, as it made it easier to follow and the episodes didn’t feel as choppy. But on the other hand, this made the series as whole feel a bit choppy.

I did find it annoying how one couple got a lot more attention and screen time in comparison with others. It does make sense why, because a lot of attention was paid to their past and how their story was connected to how The Jungle boys met one another. But I also think it could have been done and over quicker. It made it seem like they were one of the few (if not the only) couples that was given enough time to kind of develop their relationship. It also made the rest of the couples’ plots look even choppier and even more rushed. Certain things also lacked proper closure and were left feeling unfinished.

The Jungle are rich playboys with some honor. Sadly, their code of conduct is something they don’t always stick to. I liked how they addressed the importance of consent, both clearly and implied in multiple instances. I didn’t like how some of them didn’t follow it. There were at least two times, a different member of The Jungle each time, where consent was not given.

The idea of each character representing an animal was intriguing. I was curious to see how they will incorporate that into the storyline. It was both a hit and miss for me. They did really well with some characters (e.g. Gale as a rabbit), while they completely screwed up some others (e.g. Irin as a butterfly). I think it could have been done much better and taken more into consideration story and personalities wise. They were matching animals to how a character is, made it a big part of the plot with the narration as well, but then dropped the ball when it came to the execution.

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I know the review is already long as it is, but there is a little bit about each couple and Hunter written below. It just expands on what I have already addressed above.

Pentai & Gale / Jaguar & Rabbit: I think the two of them are a great pairing. They are the first couple we are introduced to, and I must say it was a cute story. They are two estranged childhood friends who get to meet again. I like how the conflict between the two of them was resolved fairly quickly, but it also felt a bit rushed at the end. Lee and Mook had great chemistry and I really liked how they portrayed their characters’ emotions through their eyes.

Nanfah & Pladao / Tiger & Gazelle: They first appear as more of a background couple, but their story progresses constantly until we get an episode that is focused on the two. They are the couple I was the most confused about, I was never sure if I wanted them to be endgame or not. I just think the two started in a very weird spot and I don’t think they really made it out of it. The lying at the start, keeping secrets, making a fool out of her… I don’t think any of those were addressed appropriately. Nanon and Punpun had good chemistry, and Punpun showed a lot with her facial expressions.

Nannam & Nithan / Viper & Squirrel: I honestly expected Nannam to be the bad guy, to be the worst member of The Jungle. I was mistaken. I loved how sweet he was with Nitham. She might not be someone who can lie, but she is still brave and daring. That is something that enabled her to match with Nannam so well. I loved how the rest of The Jungle treated Nannam as the baby of the group. Nanon and Mild were adorable together, I really liked their playfulness and how it translated through the screen.

Nannon played both twins perfectly, I loved how easy it was to tell them apart based on their mannerism. I know there were other differences, like their hairstyles and the way the two dressed, but that’s part of the styling. It was the way he stood, the smiles and grins… little things that really added up.

Hack & Irin / Tarantula & Butterfly: the two were on fire. I love a good enemies to lovers story, and theirs started so good. They don’t bother hiding their dislike for one another, even if certain scenes make me question if Hack really hates Irin or not. We don’t really get a lot of background information on Hack, but we do learn a bit about Irin. I personally found Irin to be not very likeable character. She annoyed me. A lot. But Hack also had his moments that made me want to shake some sense into him. Krist and Lookjun had great chemistry though, and made a cute couple.

Nathee & Florence / Wolf & Flamingo: I love a strong and confident female character, someone who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. I also really love Nathee’s duality between his daytime self and his nighttime self. This is one of those instances where I actually liked the fact that the two characters know each other from before. It added to their story, it wasn’t just something that was there to be there. Florence being the one to pursue Nathee was just a cherry on top. Luke and Aye were great together, I really enjoyed the looks they gave one another.

Pine & August / Lion & Lioness: Pine is probably the character I dislike the most. I thought that his past would give us a reason for why he is such an awful person, but knowing what has happened made what he did to Irin even worse. At least in my eyes. He is closed off but loves playing the hero. To be honest, I think it’s the attention he likes. August is an interesting character. She has her flaws, but I loved how true to herself she was. Always. If I said I was surprised by the bad guys in their story, I would be lying. I think Off and Pat were great together, it showed that they are comfortable with each other off screen too.

Hunter: I swear he is everywhere! He knows everything, hears everything, and remembers everything. I loved how attentive he was and that he took care of those who entered his bar. I liked the mystery around his character, it added to his charm. I do admit that what we do get to know about his past makes it easier to understand why he likes The Jungle boys. They are very similar. Both in good and bad ways. Mix did absolutely amazing in the role!

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Somewhat mysterious...

To be honest, I decided to watch it because Lee is in it and I've liked what I've seen him in so far. The story is intriguing, sweet, cheesy, funny and annoying - seriously, all of those. I had heard of all the male leads, but only seen a few of them in dramas - I didn't know what one of them (Off) looked like! Generally, the acting is good and characters believable.

What I liked: I was impressed with Nanon's acting - interesting part. Krist was really good and some of his facial expressions were hilarious/impressive. I'll look for more of his stuff. Mix - 3rd drama I've seen & this is my favourite character so far.

What I didn't like: some of the female characters were just annoying!

I'll watch to the end because I think the 'secret bar' idea has been cleverly done and now I want to know more about it. If you want to watch something that's not too complicated and can keep you intrigued, this might be one to watch.

Update: I felt that the ending was rushed , but there were explanations for some of the Jungle's behaviour. There was a (micro) scene (with Off) near the end, which felt like it wasn't in the script and made me laugh out loud.

Overall, I'd recommend watching it. It was fun.

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