The thing with remakes is that they aren’t necessarily on par with the original!

And then there are instances, where they exceed your expectations. In recent days, Japanese- Thai exchange is happening on a whole new scale and the remakes making it to international shores are reminiscent and phenomenally intriguing. It is not only the storytelling that keeps you invested, but Japanese companies are actually quite good at casting actors that seem to be tailor-made for the roles they play. Despite the cultural exchange, the storyline is crisp & quite resplendent of the original show. Adapted from the novel “Love Sea” (ต้องรักมหาสมุทร) by MAME, “Love Sea: The Home for Lovers” stars Kunigami Masato & Nishime Shun as main leads, reprising roles clearly made popular by the Thai actors Fort Thitipong & Peat Wasuthorn. Fort & Peat are one of the most popular actors in the Thai BL industry; the hype created by their pairing is unprecedented, and it is difficult to emulate their off-the-charts chemistry. So what do Masato & Shun bring to the table alongside the supporting actresses Habu Mizuho & Kawazu Asuka? Let’s analyze the remake closely to find some answers!

The “Oomph” Factor Went Up The Roof

Kunigami Masato & Nishime Shun took a persona that catered to Fort Thitipong & Peat Wasuthorn’s sensual synergy and made it into their own. If you have watched the original, you would know that the show strongly hinges on the NC scenes between the main leads. The protagonists are a horny mess 90% of the times and their romance starts from lust, rather than love. Masato & Shun readily embody the insecurities and fears of their characters. Their NC scenes are marked with an urgency that portray the longing and yearning that their characters betray. They are so comfortable in their own skin, that playing a queer couple becomes second nature to them. It was a joy watching the haunty Ai fall in love with the sweet Kaishin. I was watching the same storyline twice and yet it seemed like an altogether new experience. Kudos to the scriptwriters and the actors who perfected the pacing for this remake, so it wasn’t a cheap, cliché remake of a popular drama!

I Definitely Preferred the GL Couple Here

Habu Mizuho & Kawazu Asuka were reprising the roles played by Chanya Amarit and Aya Orapan in the original. I wasn’t entirely invested in the secondary couple’s romance in the original, the actresses had zero chemistry and their love story was lackluster; which is definitely not the case in the remake. Especially Mizuho leaves a deep impression in her rendition of a character who is playful & mischievous and yet yearning for a close connection with her love interest. Asuka plays the shy and coy Fumi, with an honesty that touches your heart. I really loved the pairing, Himeka & Fumi were just sweet & adorable!

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

I’m going to miss watching these two make out on my screen!

Sadly enough, I’m not sure if this show will have S2, because the original didn’t. Because, I would love to watch Kunigami Masato & Nishime Shun as the lead pair in another show. It could be the sequel to this show or maybe an entirely different show; their potential needs to be harnessed. But knowing the Japanese industry, it might take a year or two to materialize. Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed & hope for the best!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Gagaoolala