Cherry Magic Thailand (2023)

Just as good in its own way!

I think it is possible to like, or love (in my case), both the Japanese and Thai adaptation of the manga. I know this is not a remake of the original series, but it is hard not to compare it with the Japanese adaptation. I loved that series, but I’m the first to admit that the script had some weak elements.

This part is about the series as a standalone without any comparison to the Japanese adaptation of the manga. This was a very good and cute series. They did a great job with the story pacing and introduction of the characters. It was also refreshing to have a more mature BL series with characters that talked to each other about their problems. Overall, the script was good with the exception of episode 8, which was ridiculous. I understand the overall idea behind it, but the execution was not good. Although Rock and Pia’s storyline was cute, this felt out of place and was added as a time filler. However, this was only a minor problem for me because their storyline didn’t take up too much screen time. As for the ending, it was perfect. All of the actors were incredible portraying their character. Great cinematography and music.

This part is comparing the Japanese adaptation. Again, I know the Thai version is not a remake but I would be lying if I didn’t compare both. Originally, my main concern was how they were going to fill 12, 45 minutes long episodes. Thankfully, my fears were relieved as I watched it. The only exceptions are the ones I noted above. The main thing I really liked was the Thai version didn’t completely mirror the Japanese version. For me, this series was able to keep the same charm while creating a way to fit into Thai culture. I really liked the added scenes with Jinta and Min that created more depth to their story and relationship. I thought it was smart, and funny, that Jinta was also able to read the cat’s mind too.

Random Note:

I like the silent nods to the manga.

The Thai adaptation incorporated story content that was used for the Japanese series and movie adaptation of the manga which I think was a very smart move.

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Thai Cherry is Magic

I’ve never watch the Japanese version nor do I plan to since Japanese BLs isn’t my thing. Something about them just doesn’t gel with me despite my many half dozen attempts to get into it. I am not going to watch the anime either.

I only gave this s a hot because I kind of like TayNew from Dark Blue Kiss. I am not a fan of their ship since I have never seen any of it. I have seen New in The Warp Effect which left me feeling meh about New. Just to give you a frame of reference to how I came into this series.

For Archi, I really want to like him and in some episodes I did and in others I was annoyed with New’s performance. Maybe it’s because New always play with this deer caught in headlights look that always take me out of his character. It’s becomes really clear he doesn’t give believable performances when he’s with Tay who is a much stronger actor. I can total believe Tay as Karan with absolute believability. The story is sweet and adorable with Archi and Karan being a couple. I just wish New won’t take me out of the show so often as he did.

I enjoyed Jinta and Min being the side couple. Is it clownish how Jinta acts, yes. But I think because he’s dating a much younger Min, he has to be this much of a clownish guy to Min’s baby face. Otherwise, the age gap would seem predatory. I like the fact that Jinta also has the 30 year old virgin gift. Jinta is such a sweet supportive green flag with Min without being all creepy about getting Min. It’s also funny how Min had to be a bit more mature with his side jobs while pursuing his dream of an idol. But still breaks down and rely on Jinta for emotional support when he didn’t get signed as an idol. I liked that they didn’t consummate their relationship because Min is still young aand pursing his dreams. This is a sweet as cotton candy couple.

Then we have a straight couple with Rock and Pai. I guess it’s a lot more common for younger guys to pursue older girls in Asian dramas than in the US because this isn’t the first time I’ve seen it in Thai series. Chinese and Korean straight dramas have this too. They has a long flirting period before they started to date. I guess this is the thing to do in straight couples in BL.

The boss and co-worker were all supportive of gay couples dating without the unnecessary drama. While Archi’s parents were supportive. Karan’s parents were less so. Especially the mom with her “what will people think” attitude. I guess this is to show that rural “hick” folks are a lot more open minded than “educated” city folks. This seems like a running theme in BLs

All in all it wasn’t a bad series. It isn’t anything special either. It was just an enjoyable series to watch if you have nothing else going on. All in all, I would say this might be my last series with TayNew. I’m personally sick of permanent ships in BL series. Whatever chemistry shippers love about TayNew is what I don’t like. Even when these actors are given different types of BLs. They give the same kind of performances. It becomes stale. Like how many times csn I watch Tay giving strong performances while New gives hit and miss performances. In comparison to Mark who is paired with Junior. Jinta and Min gave a more engaging couple performance than Archi and Karan. I want this ship to break up already so I can see a different dynamic of the stale TayNew ship.

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Cute and funny watch just not didn’t meet my expectations

Cute and funny, a lot of fluff and 0 drama. But I personally couldn’t enjoy it as much because I kept comparing it the Japanese version (Cherry Maho) So even though it’s very different I will say some of the differences I noticed for those who want to know.

1. Characters
So first obviously we have to talk about the big change in personality of the characters, now of course not all had a big change but some of them did.
•Kurosawa-Karan
Karan is overall, a more expressive character mostly since we got to hear his crazy thoughts which clashed with his cool personality but I also feel we didn’t get to know the real Karan not the mind Karan. Also I felt that Karan wasn’t as much of a green flag, as much as people like to think, Karan was jealous but jealous really jealous and since he is more expressive it came across as invasive, Karan also was pretty obsessed with Achi by waiting outside his house and all, then him going to visit that much when Achi was working made the then climax of Achi loosing his powers loose the build up and longing
•Adachi-Achi
Achi generally just really didn’t struggle as much as Adachi did, If he ever really was which made me feel like he could’ve gotten with Karan even without the powers, also since the problems got solved very quickly which thanks to that we got less angst and drama but it also took a big part of the depth of the show.
•Side Couple(s)
The Thai version did a better job developing the side characters and their relationships considering they had more time to give them; like Jinta Min which was alright but at least 10 times better than the JP ver. I personally didn’t like the RockJoi pairing though it was just kinda not interesting and had too much screen time for my taste but considering the long time they had, it was kinda necessary


2. Main relationship progression
Weirdly even though this drama is longer it felt like things were going too quickly, KaranAchis relationship was very fast I didn’t feel like there was enough progression and time, which just made it feel fake, and as much as I like TayNews interactions and interviews (I have seen many) I don’t know if I felt like they were a believable relationship, and it definitely has a lot to do with the story and the pacing I mentioned before


Conclusion:
So even though I personally prefer the JP version I also feel this one is pretty different and overall not bad I would recommend it

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boa versão

a primeira vez que eu vi o anúncio sobre o remake de cherry magic eu odiei, não fazia sentido nenhum pra mim um remake de uma obra que era relativamente recente. por este motivo, não acompanhei a série conforme foi saindo semanalmente, e lembro que ao tentar ver o primeiro episódio eu achei algo legal mas nada mais, então, não continuei a série. após ver muitas pessoas elogiando eu decidi dá uma nova chance e valeu a pena.

é complicado não fazer uma comparação entre as versões existentes mas honestamente eu acho que ambas tem seus pontos fortes e valem a pena serem assistidas. o casal principal é perfeito em ambas as versões, impossível não vibrar com eles. sobre os personagens secundários o da versão thai me agradou muito mais, são personagens mais divertidos e tem uma história mais interessante, o casal secundário me vez vibrar mais com eles (apesar de ter ficado decepcionado com o "apagamento" deles no final de série) de um modo geral eu recomendaria a versão japonesa primeiro, ela tem uma duração muito menor e conta muito bem a história, mas também recomendaria a versão thai pois ela conseguiu ser um bom remake.

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SUPERIOR A VERSÃO JAPONESA

Assisti Cherry Magic na versão japonesa e logo em seguida iniciei essa para comparar, particularmente eu já tenho tendências a gostar mais dos programas tailandeses e aqui não foi diferente.
O sentido da minha nota baixa é que eu não gosto dessa história desde a primeira versão, essa é superior então eu dei uma nota maior mas ainda é uma história ruim pra mim.
Não gosto do nível de infantilidade que Cherry Magic tem, pelo menos nessa versão tivemos beijos e uma cena sexual entre o casal (o que deveria ter na versão japonesa também já que o conceito de ler mentes vem através do sexo).
Gosto de como os problemas são resolvidos mais facilmente aqui deixando uma vibe mais leve e gosto de como adicionaram um pouco mais de textura no Karan, mesmo ele ainda sendo um personagem extremamente negligenciado em conflitos próprios e que gira ao redor do Achi (assim como na versão original).
O excesso de passividade e falta de atitude do Achi irrita tanto que muitas cenas eu tive que pular.
Não existia a necessidade de um terceiro casal na trama e o casal coadjuvante é mais fofo nessa adaptação.
Essa é uma versão melhorada da japonesa mas ainda não faz o meu tipo, eu definitivamente não gosto de Cherry Magic como um todo e não entendo porque as pessoas gostam tanto.

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Excellent BL...!!!

I watched the Japanese version and fell in love with that series. Then this came out and MY GOD it hit me emotionally like a brick. The acting was excellent, a bit quirky in parts but managed to squeeze out being cute. I loved the side story of Jinta and Min. Jinta was over the top excellent in his facial expressions and acting the part out very well. The main characters were VERY well paired and rightfully so. As they are business partners and real friends in real life. So their chemistry was spot on. These are the types of BL's i like love stories that develop. Not cutesy comedic parodies of what falling in love and being in a serious relationship is all about. I've watched FAR to many BL's that do this and it's extremely frustrating. Especially, as a gay man whose been out for over 35+yrs. And seen more changes in my LGBTQ+ community then many kids have been alive. It's nice to see BL dramas or movies that take relationships seriously. I applaud the director and his passion and i want to see MUCH more of his work with these types of dramas/movies. In many respects this was even better than the Japanese version. And i tend to favor Japanese BL's over other Asian BL'S. But Thailand never leaves me disappointed either re-doing a series like they did here. Or having something completely new. I encourage everyone to watch this and how good acting and chemistry comes together. Very well done...!!!

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Best COMFORT, SWEET SIMPLE DRAMA...FULL OF LOVE

I usual don't write...this is my second time that I am writing a review.
I found this drama really sweet... NO OVERACTING, NO EXTRA DRAMA, NO TOXICITY, NO FORCE OF THINGS TO HAPPEN ...just pure emotions...and understanding for each other.


How is make you comfortable?
KARAN:-
A loves someone for years secretly... without any expectations...
though he waited for this for long time since he respect your emotions, your discomfort, don't force yourself on you, love you the way you are, make you feel special... understand you in every possible way.

ACHI:-
A person who is never been in relationship try to figure out things how he will good in a relationship...
how will not disappoint another person.
Try not to take advantage of another's emotions and feelings.

The thing I love about ACHI AND KARAN relation is they.... RESPECT eachother, they GIVE SPACE to eachother THEY SUPPORT eachother...they try to UNDERSTAND eachother emotions and feelings... THEY DON'T FORCE one to another....
The thing I LIKE THE MOST IS.... is not necessary always you to kiss after your confession...you should give yourself and another time to adjust and adapt the things ( may be most of the people don't like this) you don't have to touchy and have intimacy to show your love...
Your small gesture always show love towards eachother other...

THEY SHOW HOW A RELATIONSHIP GROW SLOWLY...HOW TWO PEOPLE TRUST EACHOTHER AND PROVIDE COMFORT TO EACHOTHER.

MIN & JINTA
they are cute , sweet, a good understanding realation.... ( But I just find a little bit lack of chemistry between them)

ROCK & PAI
they are cutest... Their relation is sweet and spicy.... Even PAI knows Rock feelings are genuine...but she still needs her time and ROCK has no problem in that.


OVERALL THIS DRAMA IS SIMPLE, SWEET, COMFORTABLE...
FILLED WITH LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, UNDERSTANDING, SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE.

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Best watched without seeing the original

The is a decent, enjoyable BL from GMMTV - not a stand out but far from the worst.
The years that Tay and New have been working together and their friendship shows in the natural chemistry and New gets plenty chances to use his trademark confused/shocked expression!
Where it falls down is when comared to the Japanese original with the comdey seeming more forced than natural. . Ok this is an extended version with more of the story covered but much in the same way that happens when there are american remakes of european series/movies it's ended up being more polished and slick (I'm deseprately trying to avoid saying bland which would be a little too harsh) which causes it t lose character.

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¡Increíble y maravillosa adaptación!

(Voy a hacerla corta porque lo bueno si es breve es dos veces mejor.)

Como amante de la adaptación japonesa, vine a esta adaptación con dudas, miedo e incredulidad.
Me pone muy contenta el poder decirles que esta serie me pegó unos buenos cachetazos y me hizo ver que podían hacer una muy buena adaptación con cambios muy positivos, con música hecha para vibrar con las escenas, con personajes interpretados magistralmente por dos actores que tienen una química aplastante (y sonrisas cautivadoras) y, en general, con un amor y aprecio por una historia de amor simple y tan enorme a la vez.

No soy buena reseñando cosas, pero necesitaba expresar mi felicidad ahora que la serie terminó. Yo, por mí, que la serie durara toda la vida y no me cansaría de verla.
La voy a rever de seguro próximamente. ¡Es una joyita, sin dudarlo! Se ganó un lugar al lado de su contraparte nipona. No puedo decir que esta sea mejor que la otra versión, como así tampoco puedo decir que la versión japonesa sea mejor que esta. Ambas son muy buenas y tienen sus puntos positivos y (un poquito) negativos. Me siento como una madre, no puedo elegir entre uno y el otro porque ambos son especiales en mi corazón. No hay manera de elegir, si debo elegir algo, sería reverlas a las dos. Sí que sí. Todos los años, al menos 1 vez cada una. ¡Jajaja!

En conclusión, háganse el favor de ver esta serie. 100/10.

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Candid Charms of TayNew

"Cherry Magic," the Thai adaptation of the popular Japanese BL series, introduces Achi, an ordinary employee who discovers an extraordinary power on his thirtieth birthday – the ability to read minds through physical contact. Portrayed by Newwie, known for his role in "SOTUS" since 2016, it's evident that he has grown as an actor, delivering a commendable performance. His chemistry with Tay, who plays the charming colleague Karan, brings freshness to the screen, particularly for me who's accustomed to seeing Newwie with Earth (my last BL with Newwie starring on it)

Tay's portrayal of Karan is engaging, although lacking a point of comparison since I haven't seen him in previous dramas. The storyline follows Achi's struggle to navigate his newfound ability, especially after unintentionally uncovering Karan's feelings for him. While the Thai adaptation stays faithful to the original premise, there are moments where the pacing feels sluggish, making some parts of the series less captivating.

One aspect that stands out is Newwie's handling of intimate scenes. Despite his experience, there's a noticeable awkwardness that detracts from the authenticity of those moments. However, it's worth acknowledging that this could be a result of various factors, including character dynamics and personal comfort levels.

Overall, "Cherry Magic" offers a decent adaptation for fans of the BL genre, with strong performances from its leads. While it may falter in pacing at times, it's a refreshing addition to Thai BL dramas, showcasing both familiar faces and new talent in the genre.

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