It is love at first lust for some people, feelings might follow later!

As I sat down to write this review, I realized that there has been too much cultural exchange between Thai & Japanese shores these days. Thai shows are getting Japanese remake & vice-versa. Added to this long list is the new release, “Love Sea: The Home for Lovers”. Adapted from the novel “Love Sea” (ต้องรักมหาสมุทร) by MAME, the show stars Kunigami Masato & Nishime Shun as main leads, reprising roles clearly made popular by the Thai actors Fort Thitipong & Peat Wasuthorn who starred in the original. It’s tough to recreate the tension portrayed by FortPeat who are veterans in the department of sensual chemistry. So, when I sat down to watch this remake, the question on my mind was- would the Japanese actors make it or break it? Frankly, they manage to pull it off and even enamor you with their risque chemistry. And it is not just the lead pair, even the secondary couple Habu Mizuho & Kawazu Asuka manage to leave a strong impression.

The “Oomph” Couple Make it Work

If you have watched the Thai version, then you would know that the storyline banks heavily on the sensual chemistry between the lead pair. It was the same for Fort Thitipong & Peat Wasuthorn in the original, so I had my own reservations about the Japanese leads. Instead of reprising these roles like their Thai predecessors, Masato & Shun embody their roles characteristically. Everything from their mannerisms to dialogue delivery is different and as such, the show renders itself in a completely dynamic way. It doesn’t feel like a pale imitation of an original product but has a life and breathe of its own. This originality can be only be attributed to the organic chemistry strumming between the lead pairing. They don’t shy away from kissing scenes or portraying intimacy in private settings. The hunger their characters feel for each other is depicted artistically. They gel well and that’s a huge plus point in my books!

The GL Couple With A Difference

Frankly, they are playing a supporting role, so there was no need to mention them separately. But I’m making an exception this time, simply because this couple click so well. Habu Mizuho & Kawazu Asuka are reprising the roles played by Chanya Amarit and Aya Orapan in the original. Frankly, I wasn’t a huge fan of Chanya & Aya, they really don’t leave a long-lasting impression in your mind. As against, Mizuho & Asuka who quickly grab your attention with their cute antics and adorable banter. Especially, Mizuho shines in her interpretation of Himeka, who is a lead actress pinning after her best friend’s secretary, Fumi. I love this pairing, love their chemistry and I’m looking forward to watching their romance!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

I’m intrigued and that’s a huge deal, because I wasn’t really invested in the Thai original!

These days, I’m not following Mame’s adaptations closely. I don’t know why, but I feel like she is losing her touch. So, watching remakes of her original shows isn’t high on my watchlist. And yet, I’m caught up with “Love Sea: The Home for Lovers”, simply because the lead pair have a natural chemistry and the storyline somehow doesn’t feel cramped. It has that Japanese touch which elevates the whole experience, so give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala