A Parody of Thai BLs

I am writing this review right after watching the one episode because I am looking at so much negativity the series is receiving for calling out toxic Thai-BL culture.

The show is a parody of the Thai-BLs that takes on some of the issues that are so common in the Thai-BL industry with a cohesive, strong storyline while being as friendly as one can be to the toxic Thai-BL fanbase. Despite tackling some of the pervasive issues, the show is light and fun to watch. In a sense, they make you laugh and think simultaneously. Some of the problems the series tackles are:

- the romanticization of disregard for consent and sexual assault
- the casting preference to heterosexual to benefit from the fan-events
- using straight-passing-gay actors as token LGBTQ actor to claim they are an LGBTQ ally
- shipping actors and harassing them about if it’s real
- predominately being written by people who have little to no understanding of the gay relationship
- the pornography-inspired intimate scenes between two men.

At the same time, the series does not have unbelievable healthy characters that would have made the series more like a documentary. Instead, it has Gene who has trouble setting his boundaries, and Aey who pretends to like Nubsib to gain popularity. I will revisit this review based on how they deal with these characters and their unhealthy traits. The show is a farce, especially when it comes to the background music that seems to annoy some viewers who can otherwise appreciate the parody. But for now, I recommend that you give this show an honest try.

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Poor Casting

When there are gay actors (such as Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer) who play straight characters professionally if a straight actor pulls a ruckus for having to play a gay character which he knowingly accepted, he is unprofessional at the best, and homophobic at the worst. This reflects on the screen as well, the main couple has zero chemistry.

Watching the footage from the shooting, I feel bad for Bas Suradej Pinnirat, who had to work with an unprofessional actor. I wonder if Bas's Character Yo was supposed to look so scared or if he was scared because of God Itthipat Thanit's unprofessional behaviour.

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Entertaining Show About Healthy Relationship

While most contemporary romantic dramas romatize stalking, possessiveness, jealousy and even sexual assaults, 30sai made Dotei dato Mahotsukai ni Narerurashii stands out. My friends and I made a pact to make one of us starting a new relationship watch this show.

The series follows the development of the relationship between Kurosawa, who seems perfect and confident and Adachi, who is awkward and has low self-esteem. The story is convincing, fun and a light-watch. The characters and their relationship with one another evolve over time that adds unpredictability to the storyline.

The actors are convincing that they take you to this comical world for the whole of 25 minutes. The body language and facial expression bring value to the storytelling as dialogues are minimal.

The show is really good and entertaining that on occasions as I waited for the new episode, I rewatched the show from the very beginning. My friends and I made a pact to make one of us starting a new relationship watch this show.

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If it wasn't for the Episode 6 & 7 this show would have been 10/10 for me.

Just skip episodes 6 & 7 if you want a perfect show.

SPOILERS FROM EPISODE 5, 6 & 7 BELOW

Their emotions are raw and palpable in Episode 5, with Pat expressing his jealousy and frustration at seeing Pran perform their shared song with someone else. Meanwhile, Pran is grappling with his own feelings for Pat, feeling hurt and confused by Pat's ambiguous actions and the false hope they may have given him.

The expression of their feelings for each other is filled with a mix of pain, vulnerability, and an overwhelming desire to be more than just competitors or enemies. It's a heart-wrenching moment where they lay bare their emotions, and the weight of their unspoken affections becomes too much to bear.

The passionate and emotional kiss that follows is a powerful culmination of their shared history and the longing they've both been harbouring. It's a moment of catharsis and release, as they finally confront the truth of their feelings for each other.

In Episode 6, when Pran withdrew himself it was understandable. He realised it was no longer an unrequited feeling, but a mutual feeling with the possibility of the relationship, he had to consider the consequences of their relationship amidst the feuding families. Episode 6 wasn't bad until the very end, where they start the ridiculous game of "whoever confesses first loses."

After witnessing their raw and vulnerable expression of feelings in Episode 5, the focus on a competition to see who will confess first might feel like a step backwards in the development of their relationship. The end of Episode 5, where both Pat and Pran open up about their emotions and share a passionate kiss, was pivotal in personal growth and relationship progression. They bring a sense of closure and authenticity to their connection, allowing them and us to understand the depth of their feelings for each other.

Following such a powerful scene, it's natural to hope that the narrative would continue to explore their relationship in a more meaningful and emotionally resonant way, rather than falling back on a repetitive and less compelling plot device. While "who will confess first" dynamics can create tension and anticipation in certain contexts, using it immediately after such an emotional breakthrough might feel forced and detract from the impact of their expression.

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A Tale of Potential and Missed Opportunities

"Cutie Pie" holds the promise of a truly exceptional show, one that could have earned a perfect score with its intriguing character profiles and captivating premise. While it does boast notable strengths, a few significant missteps prevent it from achieving its full potential.

A standout aspect of the show is its unwavering stance against homophobia. "Cutie Pie" admirably challenges this harmful attitude while refraining from providing it any space, reinforcing a message of inclusivity and acceptance.

The central relationship between Kuea and Lian goes through significant growth, transitioning from a dynamic defined by Kuea's perception of Lian as a family figure to a more equitable and romantic partnership. This evolution in their relationship arc shows promise in terms of character development.

One notable highlight is Lian's gradual departure from his manipulative and scheming behavior. While this growth is evident, it's unfortunate that the show failed to consistently condemn these actions. A few lines in the final episode hardly rectify the normalization of such behavior throughout the series.

A noteworthy lesson learned by Lian is the understanding that marriage involves sharing both joy and sorrow. It's a sign of maturity when characters recognize that protecting their partner from distressing news isn't always the best approach in a relationship.

However, "Cutie Pie" struggles with pacing issues that impact its overall delivery. Rushing through the tension surrounding the unique dynamics of the central couple while dragging out generic conflicts creates an uneven viewing experience. To truly shine, the show should have found inventive ways to translate the unique tensions into relatable themes for a wider audience.

In conclusion, "Cutie Pie" showcases moments of brilliance intertwined with missed opportunities. While its firm stance against homophobia and character growth hold promise, the show's inconsistency in addressing problematic behavior and pacing challenges hinder its full potential. It's a show that could have achieved greatness, yet settles for being a mix of highs and lows.

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One of the Top Thai and High School BL Dramas to Date

A thought-provoking series that explores the idea of words being potentially deceitful or insufficient when it comes to expressing love. It highlights the complexity of human emotions and relationships, and how what is said might not always align with what is truly felt. The series delves into the realm of unspoken emotions and the power of actions and genuine connection. It's an exploration of the subtleties and nuances in human relationships, especially regarding love. The creators effectively use the delayed verbal confession to explore complexities, subtleties and nuances in the relationship between main characters, Tinn and Gun.

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