Back to School: Japanese Edition
Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve written an article. In fact, my last one was back in 2015 for Missing Noir M.
Today, I'm here to talk to about the world of Thai dramas, which are commonly known as Lakorns. Now my chingus (friends) might have noticed through my MDL newsfeed, that i've recently gotten very into lakorns. The series that i'm currently crazy over is actually a 4 part special called 4 Huajai Haeng Koon Kao. It aired in 2010 to celebrate Channel 3’s 40th anniversary.
4 Huajai Haeng Koon Kao (4 Hearts of the Mountain)
4 Hearts of the Mountain is a four part series featuring a set of quadruplets. Each series is about one sibling and their romance. In this article, I will give a brief description of each Lakorn and then give you my personal opinion on why I think you should give it a shot. For those already familiar with Lakorns, you may notice some familiar faces as this series was the start of a lot of our favorite actor’s/actress' careers. Let’s begin.
Thara Himalai
Thara Himalai is the first part of the series. It follows Thipthara Adisuanrangsan, more often called Nam, who is played by Voltemas Kimberley (Ab Ruk Online, Mafia Luerd Mungkum: Suer). Nam is the youngest of the quadruplets of Adisuanrangsan Farm and the only daughter. She works as a doctor at the local hospital, which is where she meets Prince Puwanes Vasuthep Srivasatava Rajaput of Parawat, played by Athichart Chumnanon (Maya Tawan, Dao Kiao Duen). Puwanes has been hospitalized due to an assassination attempt on his trip to Thailand. However, in order to remain safe from his enemies, Puwanes feigns losing his memory. Nam, his attending doctor, believes him to be a regular farm worker and gets him a job on her family's farm until he can remember who he is. The rest of the story involves Nam and Puwanes learning about one another and Puwanes trying to return to his own county.
Why watch? This was a very strong opening and did a good job laying the groundwork for the rest of the series. It gives you a good idea of what the main characters are like. The sibling rivalry and shenanigans really gives the show some comedic relief when things get too tense.
Duang Jai Akkanee
The second part of the series follows the youngest brother Akkanee (Fai), who is played by Nadech Kugimiya (Game Rai Game Rak, Raeng Pradtanaha). Fai has been enemies with Ajjima (Jeed), played by Sperbund Urassaya (Game Rai Game Rak, Maya Tawan), since they were kids due to a rivalry between their fathers. However, under all that hostility lies secret feelings of love between the two. But with the long brewing rivalry between their families, will this Romeo and Juliet be able to follow their hearts and make amends?
Why watch? I personally thought this was the cutest couple in the whole series. The pacing and writing of the story was really well done. I have never smiled so much watching a Lakorn as I did this one. My cheeks hurt by the end of it.
Pathapee Leh Ruk
The third part of the series follows the third brother Pathapee (Din), played by Suparat Prin (Ab Ruk Online, Pope Rak). Din is the owner of Thararin Resort, which he is trying to get recognized as a major tourist spot. In his quest to make this happen, he meets Cha Aim played by Vijitvongtong Chalida (Cubic, Khun Chai Ronapee). Cha Aim believes that Din is responsible for the hardship her and her mother have had to go through. In order to help her mother, Cha Aim goes to her father and asks for help. However, being the illegitimate child causes her to be shunned from the family. In order to gain her father's approval and help her mother, Cha Aim makes it her goal to destroy Thararin Resort's reputation in favor of her father's resort. Chaos ensues and the pair grow closer, but can they clear up all the misunderstandings between them?
Why watch? While Pathapee Leh Ruk was my least personal favorite of the series, this still had a lot of things going for it. There's a pretty solid story written for this part, especially considering it is the shortest of the four at 9 episodes. I also found it really nice to see just how Vijivongtong Chalida has grown since this series. Pathapee Leh Ruk was also one of her very first Lakorn's as a main lead. The side characters do a great job at making this a decent watch. You will experience a lot of laughs at the resort staff.
Wayupak Montra
The fourth and final part of 4 Hearts of the Mountain follows the eldest brother Wayupak (Lom), played by Chatborirak Pakorn (3 Noom Nuer Tong, Roy Marn). Lom is a major playboy and also the owner of Sailom vineyard. He also happens to be cursed! Tichakorn (Kati), played by Balenciaga Rasri (Roy Marn, Raak Boon), is a romance novelist and the daughter of a sorcerer. Due to her father being a sorcerer, Kati was born with a sixth sense. To research for her new novel, Kati decides to spend some time at Sailom vineyard where she happens upon Lom. Realizing that he is cursed, Kati tries to help Lom. However, Lom doesn't believe her and instead thinks she's crazy! Will Kati be able to convince him of the truth and help open his heart in order to remove the curse?
Why watch? The final part of the series is actually my favorite! I love the shenanigans that happen in this series. The paranormal aspect is actually pretty believable considering how low budget Lakorns often are. Again the side characters absolutely stole the show. They made me laugh so hard that my sides hurt. Lom and Kati also compliment each other rather well. It's also nice to see a stronger woman in a Lakorn.
Well there you have it folks. This is my recommendation for one of my favorite series of Lakorn. I thank you for taking the time to read my article. Please comment below with your thoughts on this series or simply what Lakorns you would recommend. Happy Watching Everyone!
P.S if you missed the earlier Thai Drama/Lakorn recommendations, I have added the links below.
