Cherry Magic Thailand (2023)

Pure Escapist Sweetness

I don't usually write reviews but I also don't usually rewatch dramas either and I rewatched this entire drama right after finishing it the first time. First, the negatives (they are very minor): Some weird edits/cuts, music was mediocre and the secondary couples didn't hold my interest at all. But the positives! Wow! The chemistry between the leads was amazing (I did some research afterwards and can see that they have acted as a couple several times before). Maybe that is why they seemed so comfortable with each other. I found myself squeeing even from the hugs and eye contact. The snogging was next level even though there really wasn't enough of it for my taste. The romance is soft and sweet and the overall 'feel' of it was like having a cozy blanket thrown over you on a rainy day. Also, there were nice, kind and strong female characters (no annoying female antagonist which is way too common in BL dramas). I highly recommend watching this (and rewatching). I will be looking for more dramas featuring these two leads.

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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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Sweet and cute, but has strong message about equality

Since it is an adaptation, people will definitely compare it to the original (which is the manga, not the JDrama). However, for me, the adaptation is well-formed, well-produced, and well-be delivered. The Thai context is so strong without eliminating the Japan characteristic. The story it self has the proximity aspect of majority middle office worker, especially for the job with no career path. Achi characteristic is well portraited by New Thitipoom, with the way he talks, walks, movements, his expression. Karan's role is also fit to Tay Tawan including his anxiety regardless his perfectness that always be seen by others. Cherry Magic Thailand (CMTH) also the momentum of the coming back dynamic duo TayNew so that many fans were so excited to watch it. Moreover, P'X also is not a newbie in this industry.
The equality in this series is shown in several scenes, one of the strongest is the proposal scene in the last episode. Even in gay romance, society often see there must be someone who acts as "man" and the other as "woman". So, usually "the man" will do the propose. But in CMTH, after Karan proposed to Achi, Achi get on his knee and also propose to Karan, with the dialogue, 'let's take care of each other'.

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Quick and Honest Review

Im just going to be quick and honest, as the title suggests.

Cherry Magic was a big hit when it came out, so obviously the expectations were set high when they announced a Thai version. Despite what some people might say, in my personal view, Thailand did a good job in remaking a show in a way that makes it feel new and refreshing. I felt like this version was lighter and less serious. On the other hand, the lack of real "depth" is probably what made some people not really enjoy it.
The pros:

- I liked that Karan was a type of "revamped" and improved Kurosawa. To be honest,in the japanese version, when people commented about Kurosawas beautiful face and looks, i really couldnt see it. But with Tay playing his character, i could DEFINETLY understand the fangirling. I mean, he IS stunning. He also plays the "hardworking,beloved,hot,charismatic,caring,mature" role very well. It was like it was made for him.

- Jinta was a blessed addition to this show. I actually really disliked his Japanese counterpart, and had to skip most of his scenes. For me,he always came off as this creepy old guy, but in the Thai version he is absolutly hilarious. His comedic timing is on point, has great delivery and his chemistry with Min is spot on. I love you Jinta.

- Compared to other GMMTV works,the director did a great job. The scenes actually came out fluid and less "choppy".

The cons:

- Achi. Not completely. Starting off, New did manage to share that "im in love with you" chemistry with Tay, and their shared glances were ITTTT. That being said, i dont think he actually understood Adachis character. Maybe it was a problem with the script or....something, but in this version Achi is just way less...funny. And honestly,not that relatable. You see, Adachi is supposed to be this insecure overthinker but in the japanese version we get these funny moments where he is stuttering, shaking, nearly falling down....he has nervous breakdowns and goes kind of insane, and thats because the actor just gives him a variety of emotions that make him more human, and takes him out of that restricted "im just an insecure guy" box. We kind of get to see him with Kurosawas eyes : a cute, caring, hard working man. But in the Thai version, all we get is that insecurity. The moments where he is actually having a good time are limited and it gets a bit tiring. What im trying to say is that Achi is too one dimentional.

- Limited skinship. Im far from being a NSFW BL fan but COME ON. When you realise that the japanese version has more touching than this, you realise theres a problem. I mean, how do you get an established bl couple like NewTay and only get them to hold hands two times in 9 episodes? Okay, that kiss was actually slay, but i just was expecting more cute moments. Cuddling maybe??? Please, i beg of you....Karan deserves more appreciation.

Overall it was a good and fun show to watch, and doesnt deserve some of the low marks presented here. I think that if you remake a show that big and are capable of making many people still enjoy it,you did what you had to do. Also,forgive my spelling mistakes as im not a native! Objectively i give it an 8.5, but emotionally i think its a 9. Hoping to see more of NewTay in the future!

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Me encantó♡

La comencé a ver por una recomendación y la verdad se terminó convirtiendo en mi nuevo BL favorito💕.
Es super fácil/rápido de ver porque es muy entretenido y por momentos super cómico!
La pareja principal es re linda desde los primeros momentos y tienen mucha química entre sí, no se ven besos "pobres" o como "si se tuvieran asco" lo cual me parece super importante 😅
Tal vez lo que no me gustó mucho fueron las parejas/historias secundarias pero como no tienen tanta relevancia en la historia no le quitan "valor" a la serie😊
Tiene un final hermoso, así que YO la super recomiendo💕

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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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A very cute watch.

To be honest when I first watch this drama I was a little bored so I dropped it for a while. A couple months later I came back and tried to rewatch it, and I ended up loving it, though the original cherry magic was definitely better. In my opinion Thailand’s version of it is still very good I really liked the casting of Tay and New And I also loved seeing some new faces. Those some parts are cheesy and hard to watch that just made it all the better. There was one plot at the end that did make me rule down my review just a little bit, The no office romance plot. It didn’t really serve any purpose or really do anything to the story so I found it kind of meaningless but nonetheless it out a little bit of drama into the end if you’re looking for something cute and easy to watch this would definitely be it, but if you’re looking for something with a long plot This probably wouldn’t be it. To be completely honest if Tay and New weren’t in the cast. I probably wouldn’t have went back to rewatch it. but still, I give this drama an 8 (To compare I gave the original cherry magic a 9.5)

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Sweet and soft like a cherry

It was my first TayNew series. I couldn't wait to experience their dynamic. Before that, I only watched series where one of them played a role, but not both together. TayNew did not disappoint me. I enjoyed their couple and Cherry Magic TH in general very much.

I have to say that I neither know the manga nor have I seen the Japanese series adaptation, so I can't make a comparison as to which version I like better. Overall the plot is veeeery sweet. It's stress-free, happy, without angst and with many wholesome moments.

Karan and Achi are very cute together. At first they were colleagues and then slowly became more than that. While Karan had a crush on Achi for a long time, Achi was surprised and overwhelmed by it. But Karan's smile and charm quickly became irresistible. The kisses were so soft, I'm still spellbound.

Besides I like Jinta a lot. He is loud, overdramatic and can be annoying, but that's exactly what I find charming and very entertaining. Such a sweet and chaotic dork. I want a bookstore date like JinMin. It looks like so much fun.

And I really like Tanaka! Sometimes I thought he was going to have some kind of nasty surprise for his employees, but in reality he is just funny, nice and understanding. Best boss!

I'm looking forward to more TayNew content in the future!

[finished watching on 3 May 2024]

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