- Tonhon Chonlatee End Notes -
So, I've just finished Tonhon Chonlatee - yes, that notorious bl show that everyone is upset with. I'm not one of them, though. Like, yes every bl show, unless it's a classic one - have it's set of strong points and drawbacks, and so does this show. But honestly, I've immensely enjoyed watching this fabulous bl series. I was exposed to a lot of potential in this show. So, stay with me and hear me out on this!
Below, I've addressed a few of the strongest points of this show, along with the major flaws. But overall, it was a wonderfully enjoyable bl show for me, and I'd probably rewatch it's first episodes, once again.
Ever since the first time I saw Chonlatee onscreen, I fell in love with this shy, kind-hearted, diplomatic, mature, and sassy boy. This young boy is the epitome of sweetness. Unlike most bl shows, where the bottom is often an innocent, reserved, naive, gullible boy who is constantly being taken advantage of, by others - Chonlatee is that sassy mature bottom, who knows how to stand his ground, be brave, and speak up for himself when he's treated unfairly.
Another thing I loved about Chonlatee - eventhough he seems soft, sweet and warm to everyone in his life, he is a strong person. He knows when to walk away from people, when to stop giving people another chance, or even knowing about which things to spill and which not. When he was badly treated by Amp, it didn't stop him from giving that woman a taste of her own medicine. He was firm enough to reject Tonhon when he found out about his kiss at the party, and carried that stubborness on until the last moment. He knows how to say NO, and that's the most attractive thing about him. Since, I often struggle saying no to people, this thing specifically made him so freaking cool to me. Overall, he is a gentle, warm, mature and lovely person, who also knows when to be sassy, savage and stand up for himself. I'm just sooo in lovee in with this boy.
Yes, I had to write a separate point, exclusively for his acting in his show, because I was utterly impressed and stunned by his skills. Firstly, he was extremely adorable here with beautiful round black eyes, cute coconut hairstyle and he was so charming with a complete different aura, from the Eclipse. Since, my first exposure to Khaotungg's acting was in Eclipse, I'm only used to seeing his flirtatious gazes and seductive advances, but here! Omg, this man knows how to act in a completely different role of being a sweet, warm and adorable boy. From his minor, detailed eye movements to his soft, loving, low tone voice, everything in his acting was just beautiful and so damn enjoyable.
When you see an actor performing polar opposite roles flawlessly, that's when you realize how talented and versatile of an actor he is. After watching First's shows, I've finally watched another Khaotungg show - and trust me, Khaotungg's acting and screen presence gave me constant giddiness, smiles, and happiness. I couldn't stop smiling especially on the first episodes, because the setting was a lot lighter, humorous and fun, rather than the last episodes. I have been a huge fan of First ever since Not Me, but after I watched Tonhon Chonlatee, I've become another big fan of Khaotungg's acting too. I can't wait to see both of them in many more upcoming shows, whether as a couple or individually - I'd just be so happy to watch them work!
Now, believe me when I say - the Supporting Cast of this show couldn't get any better. It's absolutely the perfect supporting cast that the show would have needed. Where do I start? Firstly, the two amazing actors Mike and Toptap, portraying as Ni and Ai, were the best ever friend group the show could ever had. I was starstruck by their exceptional acting skills. Whether it'd be Chonlatee's iconic mom, Nam or his best friend Pang, the new rich kid, Na or even their new friend Miriam. They all are just absolute all-rounders at their respective roles. What is there that you won't enjoy about them? None.
It is safe to say that the entire Tonhon Chonlatee show was basically carried out by the Supporting Cast, whereas the main leads also did a wonderful job on portraying their roles. However, the Supporting actors wins on this, I'd say. These actors were the core essence of fun, entertainment and cheeky vibe of the show. They're hilarious, joyful and bring a sweet warmth to the show, they are also the best ever people one could ever find in their lives. Everyone is a loyal friend, they are helpful and has got one another's back. I think there's nothing more positive and beautiful than that.
4. A Simple, Humorous Show
To be precise, I'd describe this show as a simple, sweet, and humorous bl series. There are a few aspects of the show which aren't appealing, with complex ideologies and actions, however - this show still shines bright overweighting those flaws. The introduction of the first episode is hilarious, one of the best I've ever seen in a bl series. I was only half a minute into it, and I was giggling, smiling and laughing on my bed. Like seriously, the first few episodes were wholesome, adorable and endearing, despite a few disturbances, which could be ignored because of the stunning acting skills and vibe of the show.
The last episodes got a bit angsty, with a lot drama to overcome, but I cannot just forget all the warmth, happiness and joy this show gave me, when I was just starting out in the beginning. Many people have rated this series really low, because of how ending turned out. But for me, I believe it was a believable, sorta happy ending, which was needed for the peace of everyone. I was never a watcher who just rates stuff low because I didn't like the ending. I rate shows based on how much I enjoyed watching it. So here it goes, this show certainly over 8.7 for me, out of 10. I would highly recommend this bl to others who have backed out from watching it because of the scary reviews, but it is actually a lovely show.
Isn't it ironic how Chonlatee's character is in the Strong points list and I'm adding Tonhon's character here? Well, yes because he deserves it. Eventhough he is one of the main leads of the show, he is not a likeable character, due to several reasons. He is a tough, raunchy, macho dude ( atleast pretends to be ), who is too possessive over Chon, who is gaining lots of male attention in his University. He claims Chon as his brother but still obsesses over him like a psychotic jealous boyfriend. He doesn't like any male approaching Chon, atleast that's how he pretends, until someone sane put some wisdom into his brain that he actually likes Chon, more than like a brother.
Later on in this show, we realize Tonhon is always pressured by his family, especially his father to bring grandchildren to be an heir of his legacy - which constantly puts Tonhon in an uncomfortable position. I also hated how Tonhon forced Chon to hook-up with women, eventhough he showed absolute disinterest towards it. Tonhon even kissed his ex-girlfriend Amp, while dating Chon, which was really infuriating for me. I hate seeing my baby boy Chon crying like that, I swear. Eventhough the kiss was planned and tricked, Tonhon did that to satisfy his ego and show others that he is not afraid of women, eventhough he loves Chon now. So, basically - there are plenty of factors why Tonhon's character was not a good one, instead it caused a lot of drama and pain, but we got to know his secret feelings at the end of the show, and everything was sorted out peacefully.
The worst part of the show is definitely the Villains, without a second doubt. In my eyes, the actual villains are Tonhon's ex-girlfriend Amp and her friend Neung. Technically, both of them are seniors at Chon's Department of Food Science, and that's why they get exceptional advantage for picking up on Chon in every way possible. Let's face it; they are the worst kind of people. Amp is a popular girl but with zero friends, funny huh? Her personality sucks, because she only focusses on how to create drama with Chon, how to give Tonhon a harder life, while damaging the peace of the show, so effortlessly. Neung is a side-kick of Amp, follows her plans basically, but worse because he tried to harm and force himself on Chon, after making him and his friends drink too much at the freshers party. But, it was Amp's plan though. I don't who is worse here.
But that's not all. When Tonhon actually starts dating Chon, she even dares to tell his family about Tonhon being gay, or tries to break their relationship apart by that kiss trick. She is rude, and disrespectful - she threw water at Chon, thinking as if she has the right of it, because she is his senior. I cannot even explain how much I hated Amp and Neung. I was glad that Neung stopped listening to Amp later on, because they both together are the worst duo ever. Amp's character is very under-developed and never evolved in the series. She constantly strategize new plans to tear apart Tonhon & Chonlatte. I'd have liked it if we could witness a little realization on her side, that what she did was wrong and felt guilty for that, but unfortunately we didn't get to see it. So, basically these two villains are pure evil, nasty and annoying, without any hint of humanity.
Tonhon Chonlatee is a quirky, charming thai bl series, showcasing the bloom of an exceptional love evolving from the unrequited phase. The show features strong loyal friendships, lessons on unconditional love despite any gender, and showcases messages on LGBTQ with a flawed yet beautiful storyline, and legendary acting skills from the actors. I wish this show was more popular, because it certainly deserves more recognition than it gets.
