Bangkok Love Stories: Plead (TV-2019) - Thailand
Netflix Season 1 - 13 episodes (40 minutes each)
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Simple yet emotionally driven love stories are hard to come by and this Thai TV series supported by Netflix - “Bangkok Love Stories: Plead” is brilliant at what it wants to achieve and keeps the audience interested all the way till its finale. What I enjoyed about this series is the simplicity of human conditions and going back to the very basic of human feelings and relationships. It is a film about family, friendships, relationships and above all love and destiny. Some say we create our own destiny, while others may feel that destiny cannot be controlled or changed. In any case, this series remain a lovely reminder of love and the pursue of the most pure of it within the exotic and beautiful backdrop of Bangkok Chinatown which contains the perfect balance of chaotic streets and livelihood.
Chanon Santinatornkul headlines the series as the good hearted blind fortune teller whose love for Sutatta Udomsilp remains the core success of the story. Usomslip performs well as the beautiful counterpart and the duo’s chemistry manages to translate thru the on-screen story. Perhaps the best performer goes to Santinatornkul’s father (played expertly by Alex Surapol Poonpiriya) whose conflicted emotions of past and present as well as the well being of his son’s future makes the series more convincing. Ple Hattaya Wongkrachang as Hong and Poonpiriya’s long time love interest provides the perfect comic moments.
Other supporting acts, including Morakot Liu (blind massage girl), Best Cholsawas Tiewwanichkul (the best friend) and Ampere Suttatip Wutchaipradit (co-worker) all round up the lively casting.
All in all, Bangkok Love Stories: Plead remains a simple love story at its very core, highlighting simplicity of life needs within the lively and happenings streets of Chinatown Bangkok. The scenes with neon lighting and crowded streets may seem chaotic, but the two leads convinces as a love story against all odds. It could so easily have failed, but this one remains afloat with its deep genuine plot line and relatable characters. It may be about a destiny fulfilled, but this Netflix series provide a good look at the diverse Thai culture and tradition.
I rated it 7.5/10