Jack and Joker (2024)

Jack and Joker: U Steal My Heart* – Beyond BL, a Thai Drama for the Ages

Jack and Joker: U Steal My Heart* is not just a high-quality BL series but an exceptional Thai drama with rich character depth, excellent acting, and captivating story development. Released in 2024, this series has been touted by many fans as one of the year’s best and potentially one of the most memorable Thai series to date.

**Plot and Story Development**
The storyline is brilliantly crafted, offering a suspenseful and emotionally resonant plot that goes beyond typical BL fare. Jack (played by Yin Anan) and Joker, aka Joke (War Wanarat), represent two men from different worlds whose paths continually cross in the most unexpected ways. While the plot may feel slightly slow in parts, this deliberate pacing allows the characters to reveal their complex motivations and personal growth, creating a deep, layered story.

**Outstanding Performances**
War’s portrayal of Joker is particularly notable—he captures the character's wit, charisma, and hidden vulnerability with skill that sets him apart as one of Thailand’s finest actors. Yin also delivers a strong and nuanced performance as Jack, balancing his character’s reserved demeanor with a magnetic intensity that draws viewers in. Together, War and Yin’s chemistry is electrifying, adding an authenticity to their evolving relationship that feels natural and compelling.

**Beyond Romance**
While the romantic tension between Jack and Joker is palpable, the series dives deeper than the typical romance arc. It explores themes of loyalty, justice, and moral ambiguity, especially through Joker’s “Robin Hood” persona as he navigates a world of crime for a noble cause. This multifaceted storytelling makes the series feel both refreshing and mature, offering an appeal that resonates with a wider audience beyond BL fans.

**Top-Notch Cast and Production**
The supporting cast, including actors like Prom Ratchapat and Mark Siwat, enhance the story, bringing vibrant performances that ground the main plot. With Tee Bundit Sintanaparadee at the helm, the production quality is stellar, boasting beautifully shot scenes and well-coordinated action sequences that elevate the viewing experience. Every detail, from the set design to the choreography, adds to the show’s high standards.

In summary, *Jack and Joker* stands out as more than just a BL drama; it’s a testament to the power of exceptional storytelling, a talented cast, and the dedication to creating a series that resonates deeply with viewers. It's a journey through love, sacrifice, and the struggle between light and shadow—making it a must-watch that will undoubtedly leave an impression.

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Greatest Storyline!!

I've been watching this for a months and no joke, this is surprisingly amazing thai drama i'd watched( because i'm kinda bored with high school Thai drama lately ). I mean, almost everything is great in this series like the OST, the acting so natural, the story is cool & good( but i don't like when suddenly "Marry" things mentioned & i'm like, nuh uh?), their comedy, their heartbroken, the meaning life itself and more scenes that angst and touching ny heart. I'm really glad that i watching this series, i can't get enough of thrm and really waiting for the next episode, because this is epic & so thunder??

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I hate it and am obsessed with it

The first two episodes were unbearable. They weren't bad per se, but just so slow. I watched them in 1.5x, otherwise I wouldn't have made it pass them. There was just a lot of unnecessary scenes that took way too long, especially fight scenes.
Someone wrote that Jack and joker is trying really hard not to be just a BL and it shows. I totally agree now.
I think if you watch the series just to see some cute ships outside of the usual school/university set up, you'll have a great time.
But don't expect a cinematic master piece. I think they tried to write characters with deep stories, but they completely missed the mark. it feels like every character is missing a deeper layer of emotion. Luckily the actors are talented and can cover it up a lot of times.
I think in theory jack and Joker could've been a lot better. The "comedy" really shows it. In theory they had a lot of great jokes, but the way they edited the series made them all land flat.
Even though if now mostly spoken bad about the series I still gave it a 7. This is mostly because of the ships and the chemistry between the actors. Even though a lot of the characters fall kinda flat, they have a good amount of interesting enough characters to keep you interested. Sadly it takes a long time to reach that point. I'd say it only starts to get really interesting at episode 5. Considering every episode is a hour long... that's just too much.

So yeah just watch the first few episodes in 1.5 speed and once you forget to turn on 1.5x, you're already obsessed and wish there are more episodes.

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My top 3 now

It hasnt even ended yet but I'm so in love with this series it is now in the top 3 of my favourites. The story line is so interesting, actors and their interpretations of characters are top tier proffesional. I don't even finish one episode and Im already thinking about the next one - what will happen, what will be another Joker's alter ego, what will happen between them, and between other actors as well. The moements we know werent scripted are making it even more addictive and real. Huge congrats and thank you to Yin and War since they've invested in this show themselves, we wouldnt have it without them and I wish them the profit they deserve.

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Wish it was better written

The cinematography is beautiful, most of the actors did a good job, Jack's actor did an excellent job. It's good they tried a different type of story but it needed better writers.
As an action series
Ep. 1 is rushed, some scenes are so badly written they make no sense, later episodes have too many filler scenes they become boring.
Fighting scenes and action scenes are poorly written and executed. There is no tension, it does not matter how much a main character is hurt a min later they act like it never happened, side characters are made of eggshells, touch them and they drop immediately. It does have a few good comedy scenes, one good sad scene.
Had a lot of potential and could have been really good if the story was written better.
As a BL
In my opinion they added the romance just to attract a certain audience but did not hire someone who can write a love story. In 4 episodes it barely has a few minutes of romance, there are more scenes where characters talk about a possible romance between Jack and Joke then actual romantic scenes. Unfortunately the main couple has no chemistry so it's not really a BL.

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Fresh air in 2024 BL era. Looking raw outside, but actually not.

Jack & Joker might be a one of the most awaited BL for 2024. Yin and War will served us by their talent again on screen in this year and we all really anticipate with their another artwork.

Disclaimer, i'm not in Yinwar fandom but i watch Love Mechanics and i don't really eyeing for that one. But Yin and War ability in acting is no joke and they are super talented.

I will give you my opinion based on 5 important things that should be in a good series. Plot, Acting, Cinematography, Music and Setting.

Plot:
+ Jack and Joke is a WELL WRITTEN characters. The characters has layers and depth of emotions, it makes both of main lead are shining. Jack written as a good boy with tragic background family somehow related to how fucked up background family that Joke has. It's all connected in interesting way, and ended being a good harmony of chemistry. The simple details of both Jack and Joke characters interwined their bond and make them super related to each other, like yin and yang, but in very human and realistic way. The wr⁸iters really put so much effort to make both of the main lead slowly building their bond without any rush. It's blended perfectly and smoothly, very satisfying.

+ The big idea? SO GOOD. A love story with slowburn paced between a very human characters and an anti hero. The main lead as anti hero is rare to find in Thai BL so this is very genius. Story paced are normal, not too rush, but not too slow. But there's a disadvantage of how the "Big Idea" will deliver in just 12 eps.

- THE PLOT HOLES. Holy shit this almost ruining the fun of the story. ALL OF THE THINGS that maybe important aren't included in the story and i feel very uncomfortable with this. I will give you some point:

1. The way the writers forgot to give us a clue how Joker IS A REALLY BADDY THIEF. Like they not showing the flashback story of Joker is A BIG thief in underground circle, and not showing to us how he managed to be that baddy. After he imprisoned, he just walking casually to that underground area and getting attention. He being super populer underground for being anti hero isn't highlighted in a few first episodes. It make me wondering why they cut how people in underground are "idolizing" him as anti hero. This is very important part. Yeah i know it presented by just a dialogue in the series, but it is not satisfy me personally. I want a compact flashback with flamboyant vibes to introduces "JOKER".

2. That little story of Rose, Jack and Joker. It's fucking cringey i can't help that it was too embarrasing to watch.

3. The way Tattoo and his friend introduced. There's a lot of plot holes and their characters are not strong.

There's so many plot holes in 1 to 5 episode i can't tell you more. An illogical story that could be better if they have more episode/budget to make the story more realistic. Also, the unimportant and irrelevant comedy with bad timing. Ughh.

Rating for story: 7.5/10

Acting:
+We all agree that YinWar is one of the most talented actor in Thai BL industry. The quality of acting that they served to us is incredible. I have NO complaint at all for their chemistry, acting, mimic, micro expression on screen. They ate.

-Unfortunately, the acting of the support roles are doing otherwise. I don't expect that Mark Siwat's act are super rough and not delivering. His acting was super cringe idk why i think he need more strict director to lead him to play this role. Some of his dialogue are deliverd in a weird way, and his voice intonations is like a rookie. I don't like his acting in this one, but i hope he can gradually improving in the next project or in the next episode. Other than Siwat, is a super standard level of quality. Somehow it annoyed me, somehow isn't.

Rating for Acting: 7.5/10

Cinematography:
+It's very Thai BL classic. Not disturbing but not impressive. They shoot a good angle and their cut scene is smooth, no awkward cut scene and the transition from scene to scene are clear. Satisfying enough for me.
+Grading was good. It's on themed, not too greenish/sephia looks, but not too bright. It makes the vibes of the drama are on point. Good Job!

Rating for Cinematography: 8.5/10

Music Design:
+Ok. Just ok, no loud or disturbing music.
-Ugh personally i hate comedic sound in every Thai BL series.
-The OST are out of themed. I personally don't like it.

Rating for Music Design: 7/10

Setting/location/property:
+Everything looks good and believeable. Jack house are my favorite. The mansion of Boss are classic and i love the interior. I love the outdoor space, the parking lot, even the bar that Jack and Joke met for the first time.

Rating for Set: 9/10

So my total score for Jack&Joker; U Steal My Heart!:
7.9/10

It's worthy to give it a try.

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The first thai bl in years I have been invested in

Yinwar is single-handedly the industry we all cheered? If you're like me and read reviews for highly praised thai bls or start bls that are promoted all over your fyp and drop pretty much all of them cause the plot doesn't engage you or the acting/writing is just too far gone from your standards of the amount of cringe or disrespect you'll allow as viewer, YOU AIN'T GOTTA WORRY NO MORE. Know I say this without previously being a fan of Yinwar or knowing their past projects but they deliver in every scene. The plot is brilliantly entertaining and carefully thought out arcs like the first three episodes is one arc, it's so simple but at the end of the day I need good writing along with representation. I am completely in love with War, his character is so charismatic and his eyes are so expressive.I love that in an angsty bottom. Yin completely sells me on Jack and his motives and morals, it's amazing to see moments where his persona breaks. Since I discovered thai bls a couple of years ago I watched a handful of good ones and have been disappointed time and time again I took a break and Jack and Joker pulled me back in. All I can wish for is that you give this show a chance like I did cause I can guarantee you'll stick around. My only regret is watching this show when three episodes so I have to keep coming back every week lol. I fear I must watch their other bls to sustain myself. I am so excited for what comes next.

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drama of the year goes to…

Another highly anticipated drama that thankfully I can say is delivering! It is even going over the delivering and serving to me on a nice silver platter... let me explain..

So I have been going through a BL drought. Heck, a drama drought. K-dramas at this time have sucked the life out of me with their uninteresting and predicable plots, poor execution, and the fact that I watch and wonder.. why does something like this need to be made? What purpose is there other than to make money? Have famous leads in it to lure people in to end up being a total heaping pile of garbage.... so.. this drama COULD have been that. I mean the lead couple is famous and have starred in another successful project. The plot is darker and a bit of a niche in the BL industry. To do something outside of the classic romantic comedy genre of high school or college. Let me just get this straight. This drama is one of those that I think serves a purpose. I am glad it is made wonderfully and it clearly isn't pandering to its audience with chalked up fan service. So this drama is one that deserves to be made, it also is respectful to its audience and that is clear with the production level.

Other than that, production is one thing. Plenty of dramas look good but don't have the story to back it up. This one has witty dialogue that is just smart. Each character is written differently and it is believable they are different people. The people behind the screenplay are amazing, as even in scenes of just talking, the actors are giving the script to play off each other to look like they are having fun portraying their given roles. Some of the drama is a little unbelievable, but not to the point it is distracting or god awful. The plot gives it room to have fun, and the fact that there is a romance hidden somewhere in here leaves room for intrigue. I don't really care about the technicalities here, because the story just hasn't been done before. It is completely brand new to me as I have maybe read some concepts here and there that are similar to the story, but as a whole I haven't watched anything like this.

To keep it short I just have to praise the main leads, their acting capabilities, the camerawork, direction.. nothing is out of place. The camera work is shot beautifully that even when a set isn't too extravagant, the lighting goes a long way to bring atmosphere to the scene.

War is the standout actor here for me. He has so much charisma and is the guy that looks like he's having the most fun with his role. What a fun role it is too. Joke is by far my favorite characters, and his counterpart isn't lacking anywhere by the way. Jack is more reserved and Yin plays that wonderfully as well. Their dynamic is not only fun, I can sense some desire between them only a few episodes in. It makes me want to see them get to know each other and have a fallout and all that drama. I can't wait to watch it all unfold...

Getting back to this I must say, I am really aw struck by everything this drama has to offer. Knowing that the leads invested their own money confirms the fact that care is put behind this. THAT is why it is special. The people behind the show clearly care for the end result and have done it for their fans. Yet the show doesn’t flash fan service or pander, it is smartly written and honestly fantastic. I am enjoying all aspects and that definitely includes the comedy. All the way around this drama it has something to offer. Complain about it not being what you expected or not, but Yin and War offered the end result as a love letter to fans and you can tell they are having fun doing so. I can’t believe those who criticize such an honest effort. Like seriously, if you want a serious dark drama, go watch a kdrama. The humor adds to the story and it literally is a part of Joke’s character and his inability to take his own life seriously. The guy literally believes all he is good at is stealing.

You can really tell competent people are behind this with all the attention to detail and foreshadowing. It’s not a drama that forces things at you and tells you exactly what is going on. The actors portray their feelings to get across an excellent slow burn with amazing action scenes. Seriously the choreography is beat for beat as well as knowing the actors do it themselves. The time and energy behind this work is insane and I was interested to read up on it to confirm the fact that Yin and War really cared for this project and their fans. More than a love letter it is an amazing drama.

What this drama is good at is everything. I enjoy it all with earnestly and look forward to each episode. That is a gift to me; as this isn’t a cheap product made for money. It is a great drama even. I will go on and on when I can type to my hearts content.

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CINEMA IS BACK !!!

It's incredible when you watch a show with no expectations and end up falling in love with everything about it. I don't know how they will pay for my therapy because I’ve already had a few breakdowns watching it, and now I'm almost having an anxiety attack because there are still 6 days left until the new episode.

Wow, this is the best premiere of September and the second-best premiere of the year. I’ve never watched any BL from YINWAR before, but now I’m thinking about checking them out because, damn, what chemistry is this??? I was rolling in bed and smiling when they looked at each other, and when they both smiled, it was everything for me.

THE PROTAGONISTS!

WAR ( JOKE)

Starting with the War, wow, I’m floored by how he managed to convey so much emotion in just one episode. First-class acting; I cried with him when he asked, “Even saving a kidnapped woman isn’t enough to be proud of me?” I wanted to hug him and protect him from everything ? He’s truly a great actor, and his strongest point is definitely drama; he was born for it. The strongest moment was when he cried—none of the moments he spent with his family made him shed a tear.

YIN ( JACK )

I also just wanted to hug him. Both of them practically had the same fate, and just thinking that he’s going to stop being that sweet kid breaks my heart. One of my favorite scenes was with his grandmother; I could feel the maternal love between them. Another thing is how he’s changed; in this pilot, we saw him as more youthful, innocent, with a smile on his face like a sweet child. Now, in the next episode, we might see him in a darker light ?

STORY

So far, it’s been great! Even in the first episode, many things happened without being vague or rushed—everything was just right. I don’t know how it will be from here on, and I really enjoy this feeling of being surprised by the story at any moment. But one thing I’m sure of is that I’m going to love this BL a lot.

OTHER CHARACTERS

Some of the cast members were introduced and did very well in terms of acting. Honestly, I don’t care—everything Deep Hub is incredible.

What I Hope For

The pace of the plot is excellent, and I hope it continues like this.

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