I wasn’t expecting to be so thoroughly entertained by a Japanese remake of a Thai live-action adaptation and yet this show checked all the right boxes!

When the promotions for this show started, I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about the remake. Most remakes end up being pale imitations of the original, so I wasn’t expecting much. Also, remaking the live-action adaptation of a popular show isn’t a mean feat. Mame’s “Love in the Air” pitched two new pairings in 2022- Boss Chaikamon- Noeul Nuttarat & Fort Thitipong- Peat Wasuthorn. The adaptation skyrocketed them from newbie actors to those having a formidable fandom in the past two years. I wasn’t sure if the Japanese casting could reprise their fantabulous chemistry and live upto their reputation. Strangely enough, Nagumo Shoma & Hamaya Takuto managed to hold the fortress; Suzuki Asahi & Nagatsuma Reo not so much. I have divided opinions about this remake and rightly so; it isn’t an easy job to concise material from two different novels that spans across 13 episodes (Thai version) into 8 episodes for the Japanese remake. The cast & crew did their best, their efforts were commendable but there were some cliches in the base concept that we need to address!

Synopsis-

When clouds in the sky and falling rain tease the two close friends in trouble, Rei and Kai, it takes them to meet Arashi and Fuma, who are not only cunning saviors but also guys making storms in the two best friends’ hearts. The war of love is about to take place in the warm spring, hot summer, lonely autumn, and cold winter. How would the atmosphere of love be? Which way would their hearts wave, and the air full of love take them?

(Source: BLUPDATE2022 X)

Shoma & Takuta Were The Highlight, Obviously

These two became my very reason to watch this show. I was so charmed by Nagumo Shoma’s interpretation of Payu, that I almost forgot he was the third angle antagonist in “At 25:00 in Akasaka”. Shoma breezes into his act while adding his own mark, as he embodies the arrogant attitude that is so resplendent of Payu. He is rich, street smart, accomplished, and yet he never falls back on his achievements. Instead, he endeavors to improve; something that inspires Rei. Hamaya Takuto’s rendition wasn’t any different from Noeul Nuttarat. Rei is brash, lazy and naive. He is also exceedingly annoyed by Arashi until they grow closer, and he starts falling for his senior who is a class apart. Shoma & Takuto had a sizzling hot chemistry, their NC scenes were quite close to those of Boss & Noeul. In short, I loved watching them, they lit my screen on fire!

Asahi & Reo as Prapai & Sky, Not So Much

Fort Thitipong & Peat Wasuthorn are one of the hottest BL pairings in the Thai BL universe. Their act in “Love in the Air” catapulted them to stardom and their chemistry isn’t easy to replicate. And that is the very thing that Asahi & Reo fail at. Their individual depictions are quite close to their characters, both act and emulate Prapai and Sky; especially Reo embodies the pain and suffering from the trauma caused by Kai’s ex-boyfriend. Asahi does his best to reenact Prapai’s rebellious streak as Fuma; but obviously they aren’t that GOOD in the NC scenes. Fort & Peat are a class apart and it’s impossible to reach that kind of camaraderie and sensual chemistry. Unfortunately, Asahi & Reo failed to touch base with the most popular couple in the BL industry!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

Most of the times, I question the necessity to remake a popular drama/movie. “Love in the Air Koi” lives upto the expectations, half way through!

I really looked forward to watching this show every weekend; simply because of Shoma and Takuta. They quickly became my favorite couple, watching Rei fall for Arashi was a beautiful experience. As against Asahi & Reo, they weren’t bad but I didn’t enjoy their interpretations much. Simply put, the remake is equal parts similar and different from the original live-action; it retains imperative portions and adds its own unique distinctions. All in all, “Love in the Air Koi” is a decent watch!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala