After having watched the Japanese anime, the question I should be answering is whether the Thai live-action version meets the same standards & the anticipation!

Adapted from the Japanese manga “Dakaichi: I’m Being Harassed by the Sexiest Man of the Year” by Hashigo Sakurabi, “Top Form The Series” is intriguing, innovative and has a charm of its own. If you have watched and enjoyed the Japanese anime, you will immediately feel the compulsion to compare both versions. There is nothing wrong with it; as one of the most popular anime adaptations in the history of Japanese BLs, “Top Form” has huge shoes to fill in. The chemistry between the main leads is breathtakingly addictive, something that lead pair Smart Chisanupong & Boom Raweewit had to recreate. Having watched them both in different BL dramas, I was quite awry of the comfort they share while portraying these entirely new characters. Frankly, they nail their roles; from embodying the finer nuances of their characters to leaving a deep impression in the audience’s minds, Smart & Boom make a formidable team. There is something eclectic about watching them together on-screen. It is exhilarating, exciting and entirely sensuous.

Storyline & Characters

The storyline is centered around the evolving relationship between Akin (Boom Raweewit) & Jin (Smart Chisanupong). While Akin is a seasoned actor who has held the title of “Sexiest Man of the Year” for five consecutive years, Jin is inexperienced and quite unfocused. He is drifting through the motions, just to please his over enthusiastic managers who want the best for him. He is there but not entirely invested in the act; not until he is paired alongside Akin in a crime thriller. As a veteran actor, Akin has an inexplicable aura and an experience that puts most actors to shame. When Jin fumbles during one of his scenes, Akin coaches him on how to emote. Since then, Jin becomes fixated on Akin; starting from watching Akin’s old dramas to slowly falling for him; Akin becomes the center of his universe. Smart excels in his portrayal of Jin; Jin seems like a people’s pleaser, but underneath that veneer, he is a loner. That is until he meets Akin and suddenly his days brighten. He is inexplicably drawn to Akin’s kindness and falls in love irrevocably. Boom as Akin is enigmatic yet softhearted. The interesting contrast between them strikes a perfect balance for the ensuing romance!

The Blazing Hot Chemistry!

If you are wondering about the chemistry between the main leads, then we have spoilers. The show perfectly recreates the angel wings scene where Jin safeguards Akin from a falling railing stump. The emotions, yearning and redressal are depicted in a manner that is resplendent of the anime version. Smart seems to have perfected the act of expressing his feelings through his eyes; you can actually feel his emotions from the way he looks at Akin. On the other hand, Boom has this sophisticated air that helps him render his act exceptionally well. Akin underestimates Jin’s acting talents and decides to school him personally; at first, it is a simple exchange of trade secrets, until Akin starts feeling the surge of emotions from Jin. It leads a slight gay panic followed by intrigue and curiosity in a man who is set to become his rival. Only Jin doesn’t want to beat Akin, he simply wants to find a way to stay beside his love interest. Beating all speculations, Smart & Boom weave a beautiful tapestry of longing, craving and desire, I haven’t noticed such an addictive chemistry in a long time!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

The dynamics between the two characters is so offbeat and refreshing, the scriptwriters have given an entirely new spin to this popular tale!

If you are looking for similarities, you might find some; but you need to declutter your mind, forget the original and fully immerse yourself into the live-action adaptation to experience the true flavors of sensuality and romanticism. I really don’t have words to commend Boom & Smart on their excellent interpretations of two global icons, who have a mass following. Go ahead, give this a watch without comparing the original with this adaptation. You will be left surprised!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- WeTV