pure romance with a heart of gold
I don't usually pick up titles like this, preferring my dramas to have a little bit more bite than Cherry Magic. That said, I'm glad I didn't give up on this one when it got dropped from YouTube. In the midst of a very dark seasonal line up of BLs, Cherry Magic was perfectly posed to offer a sweet, charming romance that makes you smile.-The Full Review-
STORY:
At it's strongest, Cherry Magic is a wonderful exploration of stable, adult characters facing a multitude of insecurities, lost dreams, and mundane problems. The warmth with which this show explored these themes and allowed the cast to earnestly support each other through their problems was (despite being a little bit soap-boxy) a really wonderful thing to hear. The romances were sweet and genuine, and built lasting relationships that felt earned. It is, for once, easy to know exactly why these character fell for each other.
That said, it was also just a *hair* too long. Some episodes, especially the finale, tended to drag on so long they dipped from warm and romantic to saccharine. Not *every* lesson needed a long narrated monologue about what was learned, as it really cut up the pacing in some episodes. This show really shined when it kept it simple, and I would have appreciated more moments that were allowed to end before reaching that point.
ACTING:
I wasn't familiar with TayNew before the show, but I was pleasantly surprised with their performances! It's not necessarily a secret that the GMMTV style of acting is not one that I find particularly appealing, but I felt that these two actors managed to reign in the facade to present some pretty relatable characters with delightfully understated performances. There was a wonderful push and pull between their "best behavior" when they are trying to impress each other, and their real personalities when they become more vulnerable and honest. I was particularly impressed with any moment that Achi was given a decently long monologue opening up to Karan (such as confessing he is afraid of heights).
My stand out actor from this show is actually Jan, who gave Pai such a wonderful and exciting warmth and humor. Though her personal character arc was fairly short and largely resolved by the time they returned from the retreat, I always looked forward to her scenes. She brought a really necessary energy to the show, especially when Achi and Karan were dealing with more somber arcs.
PRODUCTION:
All production departments did a wonderful job here. With such a simple framing, focusing on mundane realities, there is not much to say (and that's a good thing)! I did see a post pointing out the costuming departments attempts to make New look smaller through the costuming, and truly it was an admirable quest and I'm surprised how well they did. As always, I wish these productions were willing to put a *little* bit more funds into their idol story lines to make them a bit more believable but, I suppose that's a lot to ask for a side plot of a secondary couple. In general, this show was lovely to watch with well designed scenes and production that subtly enhanced the story without taking on life of their own.
NC SCENES:
Not truly applicable, but no dead fish either! A nice balance between an inherently romance-based plot without falling into sexless bromance tropes.
In all, I'd highly recommend this show to anyone looking for something sweet and romantic, or a pick-me-up when they're really feeling their late 20s/early 30s.
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This review may contain spoilers
Under the cherry's magic
I absolutely loved it, everything was amazing!I really like TayNew and this BL made me cherish them even more, they are actaully one of my favorites GMMTV couples.
I saw the original Japanese Cherry magic a few months ago and I liked it but I think this Thai version is a little better. I got less second hand embarassment, it was longer and they added more to the story.
In the original the side couple had more chemistry and the main couple were more like friends but here it is the opposite.
TayNew had A LOT of chemistry while JuniorMark were showing some affection here and there, which I like better since they are the side couple after all.
This took my heart, it really is a wonderful series and I hope you watch it too!
You can find it on Dailymotion.
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best bl series ever
karan y achi son literalmente lo más bello de este mundo. su relación es tan pero tan bonita ??????. no entiendo como esta serie hizo para subirme las expectativas super inalcanzables. ahora creo que nunca voy a tener una pareja ?. no me voy a conformar nunca con alguien que no me cuide como Karan cuidó a Achi siempre. es triste que la gmm no pueda solucionar hasta ahora los problemas de los derechos de transmisión porque siento que por eso está adaptación no tiene el reconocimiento que se merece. y es tan bonita, ojalá todos pudieran darle una oportunidad ❤️Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
TAYNEW SOFTCORE!!!!
I don't understand how other viewers could say that it's boring. Clearly you are expecting some spicy NC scenes but um im sorry, you will not get all of that from TayNew. Most of their series are softcore and pure-like aesthetic. I must applaud the cinematography, the plot development and the character development. I found it very adorable when the Achi and Karan try to figure out what's next for their relationship even though both of them knew but they take into full consideration of each other's feelings and not wanting to hurt each other. It's been a while since I watched such adorable and pure series like this and I knew this series is a good one when I DID NOT SKIP. NOT EVEN ONCE. I am a skipper so you know it is difficult for us to watch a series without skipping. Tay's voice is ADORABLE LIKE HNGHHHH WHY SO CUTE TAY??? New's acting is superb as always and I couldn't help but to keep on thinking where the part that Tay once told the fans that New likes it when people looks at him as innocent and pure but he is the real devil HAHAHHAHAH.If people ask me for recommendation of first timer watcher of BL, i would suggest this series. IT'S JUST SO FUCKING PURE!! T T . Please dont expect that there will be NC scenes and hot scenes because this series is a series about how Karan turn his puppy love to be sincere love towards Achi. I couldn't explain how much I love this series but it is a good series and please ignore other viewer with their - 'WOW THAT WAS BORING' Like... I bet you never surround your life with love before. Anyway, if you wish to take a break from watching too steamy and purely based on sex series ( like Playboyy ), you can watch this series and your cheeks will get tired from smiling too much LMAO. I also like how the series's colorist manage to adjust the scenes to have Japan core and makes it look like it's cold in Thailand. I applaud them for this. Good cast, good plot, good series! Cheers!
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Was it JinMin or MinJin?
And that was the only question unanswered.Every part of this series showed what a real and healthy relationship should be like. It had so many aspects that could get you hooked on the series itself.
My favorite ship in the entire series was JinMin. Jinta was an example of a supportive boyfriend. Karan too.
There were so many moments in which my heart felt the emotions the characters felt.
I suggest you watch the Japanese version first because the experience gets so much better!!
The main ship, KaranAchi had so much more story than the original. They dove into many more aspects of their life besides their relationship. The support ship, (MY MOST FAVORITE, LOVE IT) JinMin slayed it. Let's face it, after watching the series, we all want a series of JuniorMark as a main. Their chemistry was so good!
Let's not forget RockPai. Rock was absolutely refreshing to look at. And P'Jan slayed Pai's role. I loved it, she was so cool!
One thing that still has me tripping is P'Duj x Tanaka(boss). It was so shocking I had to take my glasses off and scream into a pillow.
Overall, the series is a fun experience. It gets you to understand the characters and have a fun time. I personally loved it <3
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TayNew Are Amazing in this, better than Dark Blue Kiss by a Mile
I laughed A LOT throughout this series. The main couple is great, but it is the return of TayNew (or Pete and Kao from Dark Blue Kiss & Kiss Me Again) on screen. Their chemistry is fantastic. I recently watched Dark Blue Kiss for the first time, so some scenes and moments remind me of the two of them in that series. However, I liked this series's more adult environment and approach to relationships.This series addresses issues of being in a rut in one's life, chasing one's goals, finding love later than is culturally expected, and being willing to learn and embrace new things. While younger people may enjoy this BL series, this one really hits home for the middle-aged crowd (or at least those of us in our 30s who don't want to be called middle-aged or uncles quite yet).
Our main couple has so much depth and emotional weight. The side BL couple also has a fair amount of cuteness and emotional heft. I kind of wish we had more time with Rock and Pai. They were utterly adorable, but that would have detracted from the main couple.
The romance between Achi and Karan is amazing and brings out the green-eyed monster in me. Karan is so caring and understanding. Achi I could connect with his shyness and uncertainty about himself. There is very little spice to this series. Honestly, Dark Blue Kiss had more spice to it than this series. Yet, this is the best project I have seen TayNew do together. I would love to see them in more of these kinds of stories.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed A LOT, got teary-eyed in a couple of scenes, loved the chemistry, and felt sad when I watched the last episode because I wanted to follow more of their story.
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1,000 out of 10--the best BL ever.
Where do I even start? This show blew every other BL out of the water and that's saying a lot as I'm a huuuuge BL fan.The acting and cast were amazing. Every single actor but especially the leads.
It managed to be really captivating and suspenseful, yet there was no painfully drawn-out conflict. Everything was dealt with in such a healthy and wholesome way.
Funny and fluffy but also really touching and deep in parts.
The kisses. !!!!!!!
It's hard to even put into words. This was the most magical show I've ever seen. 1,000 out of 10!
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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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A beautiful story of two pple falling in love
this series is such heart felt one , it makes you fall in love with the concept of love and makes you realise you just need the righr person by your side to be happy in life . both karen and achi are each other motivation to be better. if you want to wacth something meaningful and heat grabbing not to sad with bunch of hidden lesson and comedy this is the go to not only the main couple but the side couples too will give you butterfly in every scene . i think this is one of the show that can help you relax with there sweet magic of love . FYI i dont think i will ever be able to see anyone as karenachi after watching taynew they are just perfect ??Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I hope Karan gets disrespectful in bed
Fangirl momentI'd like to give Tawan his flowers. He's so handsome and seeing his sweet, smiling, happy, so in love smile. How can you not fall in love with such a person? How can you not get excited everytime you see his face? His character was heartwarming to watch and I love how sincere and honest he was.
Story
A Thai adaptation of the popular Japanese series "A virgin at 30 years makes you a wizard" in varying translations. I enjoyed the original show and hoped the Thai version would be a "spicier" take on the love story. In my head I saw Thai version Karan with a secret dark side imagining all the ways he could peel achi like a shrimp and lick him all over. And achi clutching his pearls but being low-key interested. So I already had set expectations.
While the reality, wasn't a big let down, as I did enjoy watching Karan do his thing. I guess I still felt a little unsatisfied because they could have put a mature spin on the story, Just a little bit. The constant back and forth of achi's fear and karan's interest was a bit strange. He literally could read his mind and see that Karan meant no harm. But it was in his nature to be fearful after his whole character arc was being the scared "trembling virgin" trope. I rolled my eyes at that nonsense
Acting/cast
I like New, but I feel like I've seen him play this role of scared, clumsy and low esteemed virgin- soon to be not virgin many times. His character of achi was many times irritating or frustrating to watch. Quite literally the man just wants to wear matching PJs and shave in the mornings together.
Jinta is my guy. He's so out of pocket and weird. He was played so well, and provided good comedic relief with the way he nursed his crush and went after his love. I loved him
Min/Mark. Well he showed up for work
Rock/singh- pai/Jane the clueless bl fangirl and her and the guy that likes her. I wish they'd be written better to mesh better with the story. Sometimes it felt like they were stealing precious runtime. I did not like that old japanese boss man. I liked duj
Rewatch value
I'd probably never see it again. Unlike dark blue kiss, which I've probably seen a hundred times. I went in cos of TawanNew. I miss polca, and seeing them in bed together, in love was like my soul was fed and it melted away all my complaints. It ended on a high note. Everyone is happy I'm happy. I hope the pace is faster next time they do a project together so it doesn't feel like a chore to watch. I'm happy it's successful and I love Tawan. Have a splendid day everyone
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P*RN WITHOUT ANY PLOT AND WITHOUT ANY FEELINGS OF LOVE
Thai ruined another great Japanese BL after Love Stage.Those liking this trash are only obsessed stalker fans of those u*gly actors. All fans are happy that Japan intervened legally, now only waiting for this to be cancelled forever. And the actors can end in disgrace to ruin it.
U*ly actors that can't act at all, 0 chemistry, and only sly perverted kisses.
Karan is an obsessed stalker who wants to r*pe Achi, withou any fanboy love feelings from the original.
Achi is a party boy, without any antisocial skills from the original.
People are too blatant and ridiculous that can't even understand the difference between being antisocial and being shy.
second pair is so stupid i can't, without feelings from the original.
And those stupid perverted inserted touchy thing, totally unnecessary.
They say it's an adaptation of the manga, but they should explain why they cut half of the manga, without adapting it.
As always, Thai are too p*rn and too touchy to be able to adapt more delicate and pure BL like that. They have the flavor of lust and s*x, not the flavor of love.
I don't recommend this trashy thing to anyone, and i'm happy that every Japanese BL fans raised in protest.
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