I pondered endlessly on how to best handle this review. Should I make a detailed comparison between the Thai and the Japanese versions? Should I compare the acting calibers of the main pairings in both versions? And ultimately, which version was better?

Seemingly confused and baffled by these questions, I realized that the best option was to review this show as a separate entity. Adapted from the manga series “Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!” (30歳まで童貞だと魔法使いになれるらしい) by Toyota Yuu (豊田悠), the Thai version is a rustic adaptation of the original work (be warned, it isn’t a remade version of the Japanese adaptation). As such, it has a flavor of it’s own and needs to be savored as the main course and not a side dish. When I first saw the official trailer starring Tay Tawan & New Thitipoom, I was slightly apprehensive. Having watched them play the main lead in “Dark Blue Kiss”, I knew they have a phenomenal chemistry. As veteran actors, you can’t condemn their acting skills. My worries were related to the fact that I absolutely loved the Japanese version. Akaso Eiji and Machida Keita left a memorable impression in my mind, and I was unsure if TayNew could recreate the same magic. Let’s address the elephant in the room as we talk about the other pairings as well!

TayNew as Achi & Karan

We have watched the Japanese version (which consists of the episodic drama and the movie), currently the anime version is also airing. So, the story is pretty much imprinted in everyone’s mind. “Cherry Magic” is the story of Achi (New Thitipoom), your everyday office worker, who realises on his 30th birthday that being a virgin, he has now gained magical powers. He can read the minds of people he physically comes into contact with. To make matters more complicated, when he accidentally touches his co-worker Karan (Tay Tawan), he finds out that Karan has feelings for him. Despite trying to be contrite, Achi slowly starts falling for Karan, as he keeps listening to Karan’s inner thoughts (which range from adorable to erotic). New and Tay portray their characters with a honesty that is commendable. It could be in the moments when Achi realises the little things that Karan has been doing for him (like closing the curtains to keep the sunlight away, getting the coffee ready). Achi never noticed these things before, because he was oblivious to Karan’s affections. Karan, though whipped is good at masking his emotions. The show didn’t dodge the intimate scenes between Achi & Karan. It was important turn of event in their relationship, as Achi is comfortable enough to give up on his powers, simply because he trusts Karan implicitly. Tay & New nailed their scenes and were endearing together. Never thought that New could act coy and shy, but he did!

JuniorMark as Jinta & Min

The greenest of flags, Jinta is like an overexcited puppy. Junior Panachai’s rendition is obviously quite different from his Japanese counterpart, Asaka Kodai. His range of expressions were endlessly endearing. Like Achi, Jinta also gains the ability to read minds on his 30th birthday. Things gets interesting when he picks up a roadside cat. His frequent deliveryman Min (Mark Jiruntanin) seems to be acquainted with the cat (whose inner monologues are hilarious). Jinta accidentally touches Min and ends up reading his thoughts. What starts as a harmless banter turns into romance, when both start falling for each other. Despite the fact that Mark’s dancing skills cannot be compared to Yutaro (from the Japanese version), I did enjoy this romance. The pairing is new, but that doesn’t affect the level of intimacy they portray. Junior and Mark seem quite comfortable with each other and that translates to some excellent chemistry onscreen!

JanSing as Pai & Rock

Perfection cannot be recreated seamlessly, and yet this show does. Kusakawa Takuya (Rokkaku) and Sato Ryo (Fujisaki) played the side roles in the Japanese version, only their characters weren’t involved in a romantic relationship. Rather, Fujisaki helps Adachi analyze his feelings for Kurosawa. Pai (Jan Ployshompoo) isn’t any different, she has been shipping Achi & Karan for a long time. Her dreams come true when her ship starts sailing. Alongside, she also helps her junior, Rock (Sing Harit) who is slightly down on self-confidence. Pai is a pretty strong character and yet quite inspiring. Their romance was sweet and the pairing was refreshing.

Is It A Worthwhile Watch

I never thought watching a guy act whipped for his partner could be this endearing; and yet, you can’t fault Karan for his affections. Achi & Karan are a perfect match; Karan’s overzealous nature compliments Achi’s cautious approach. While Karan is a go-getter, Achi prefers working behind-the-scenes. And yet, they improve each other in ways unknown. I especially enjoyed watching the wedding scene in the finale episode. With the marriage equality bill being passed in Thailand, many are looking forward to legally solemnize their marriage. It would be a big win for the LGBTQ community. I did end up comparing some parts of this show (even though, I didn’t want to). So, I would suggest you to shed your rose-tinted glasses and watch this show without any expectations. It will be a different experience indeed!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Viu

This article is a joint collaboration between The BL Xpress and Psycho Weird. You can read their thoughts on this show on their website. Join us, as we contemplate on the similarities and differences in our thought process!