The Boys’ Love world might be undergoing a transformation, but there are some classics that remain forever. Their popularity transcends boundaries and as such, these days, we get to see a consistent production of remakes. Remakes mostly attempt to clock the beauty of the original masterpiece while infusing their own flavors!

Cherry Magic Thai

When the “Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!” first swept through the Asian subcontinent, it turned the main leads Akaso Eiji & Machida Keita into global icons prompting a movie sequel. Everyone studied this masterpiece and without any overtly sexual undertones, the show managed to draw everyone’s attention. Thai veteran actors had their work cut out for them, when they were chosen to play the main leads in the Thai remake. Did they click? Yes, and they managed to add their own distinct mark to the Thai version. New Thitipoom managed to play the underdog embodying Achi’s shy nature and subdued personality while Tay Tawan adds his own signature charm to Karan’s endearing demeanor. TayNew are a dream team, no matter the project. In this case, Cherry Magic became more sweeter because they weren’t re-enacting their characters roles; they played their roles with a gusto!!

My Love Mix-Up!

When this project was announced, it received a lot of attention, simply because the Japanese original had a cult following. Again, another show without subdued sexual overtures, Michieda Shunsuke & Meguro Ren became recognizable actors after starring in this show. There were reasonable doubts if Gemini Norawit & Fourth Nattawat could emulate their predecessors. Sadly enough, they couldn’t because of the abysmal storytelling. The loosely enacted script turns against the main leads and the supporting cast who try their level best to live upto the original’s reputation. Gemini & Fourth have a commendable chemistry, but trying to embody their predecessors turns against them. I couldn’t enjoy this show, as much as I did with the Japanese original that was better scripted and had an awesome casting!!

Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan

It all began with “Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan”. Adaptations based on Thai BL author Mame’s novels are the current rage in the Asian subcontinent. So much so, that they are being remade in Japanese. The first hit was obviously “Love in the Air”. The original show kickstarted the careers of Thai actors, Boss Chaikamon & Noeul Nuttarat. A similar trend followed with its Japanese kickback. Nagumo Shoma & Hamaya Takuto were officially introduced as an onscreen couple in this remake. Shoma’s candor and demeanor suited his character well, while Takuto embodied the innocence and naivete pertaining to his role. This was one of those remakes that choose to be daringly rebellious and the actor’s chemistry was the chef’s kiss. A true mark for an actor’s calibre is when they leave a deep impression on the audience’s minds.

Love Sea: The Home for Lovers

Since Fort Thitipong & Peat Wasuthorn became global icons with “Love Sea”, it was the second obvious choice for the remake industry. The actors choosen to reprise FortPeat’s caricatures were Kunigami Masato & Nishime Shun. The show has unspoken sexual tension driving the narrative forward. FortPeat’s sensual chemistry is legendary and unmatched. And yet, Masato & Shun were able to script a more nuanced and deliberate romance, full of sensuality. Their NC scenes were tastefully done and Shun’s expressions spoke volumes. The story describes two people, each carrying a wound in their heart, finding a place for love. Especially Shun, who suffers from childhood trauma & doesn’t believe in love. The actors were able to redefine the storyline in a manner that was befitting of the original content.

The Boy Next World: My Destiny

The latest entrant in the remake world reunited the “Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan” couple, Nagumo Shoma & Hamaya Takuto. As against the earlier editions, “The Boy Next World: My Destiny” failed to evoke the kind of reaction as its Thai predecessor. The script choose to be strictly build on the original content, sticking close to base. As such, it seemed like a lackluster remake and not a thoroughly entertaining potboiler. Some scenes were cut short and as such, the show failed to trend or break through the records set by the Thai original. Shoma and Takuto try their level best to tide over with their chemistry, but there was only so much that they could do. Sadly, this remake was the least impressionable of the lot!!

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