Until We Meet Again (2019)

An Absolute Classic

"Until We Meet Again" is a poignant exploration of love, reincarnation, and the deep scars left by past lives, masterfully weaving together the present and the past through its two leads, Pharm and Dean. The story is grounded in the Buddhist concept of karma and the belief that souls that are bound by the red thread of fate, are destined to find each other across lifetimes. This thematic foundation adds a layer of spiritual resonance to what might otherwise be a straightforward romance, making it stand out in a genre often characterized by more conventional plots.

1. Story: The narrative structure of "Until We Meet Again" is driven by Pharm's gradual recollection and acceptance of his past life, where he and Dean's previous incarnations, In and Korn, faced insurmountable societal pressures that ultimately led to a tragic ending. Unlike many romantic dramas, which might rely on external obstacles like rival lovers or misunderstandings, this story delves into the internal struggles of its characters—struggles that transcend time and carry over into their present lives.

The simplicity of the plot is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the emotional journey of Pharm and Dean without being distracted by unnecessary plot twists. The juxtaposition of sweet, tender moments in the present with the heart-wrenching memories of the past creates a rollercoaster of emotions, but one that is carefully balanced. Unlike more relentlessly tragic shows like "Absolute Zero," "Until We Meet Again" offers moments of respite and joy, which helps to prevent emotional fatigue.

However, the show's reliance on the past-life suicide as a central plot device can feel somewhat heavy-handed. While it's clear that this event is meant to underscore the intensity of In and Korn's love and the tragic nature of their circumstances, some viewers might find it difficult to fully accept this as the only possible outcome. The narrative doesn't fully explore other potential avenues the characters could have taken and why they haven't taken them, which might leave some viewers feeling that the tragedy was more contrived than inevitable. Nevertheless, if one views the suicide as a symbolic act—representative of the inescapable suffering that comes from societal rejection—rather than a literal inevitability, it becomes easier to digest.

2. Acting/Casting: The casting of Ohm Thitiwat and Fluke Natouch as Dean and Pharm is one of the show's greatest strengths. Their chemistry is palpable, and they bring a genuine warmth to their characters' interactions that makes their romance feel both inevitable and deeply satisfying. Despite the limitations in some of the acting, particularly in Ohm's more stoic portrayal of Dean, the emotional connection between the leads shines through. Fluke's ability to convey vulnerability and sorrow, especially in the scenes where Pharm confronts his past, is particularly noteworthy. His tears feel raw and unforced, pulling the viewer into his emotional state.

The supporting cast, while not as central to the plot, provides a solid backdrop to the main story. Sammy's character adds a layer of lightness and humor that helps to balance the more intense moments, while Earth's portrayal of Intouch (Pharm's past self) is a standout. He captures Intouch's optimism and love for Korn with such sincerity that it makes the inevitable tragedy all the more heartbreaking. The secondary couple, although less memorable, offers a more subdued counterpoint to the main romance, catering to viewers who might prefer a less dramatic love story.

Cinematographically, the show does what it needs to without going beyond the basics. There are no particularly breathtaking scenes or innovative camera work, but the visuals are clean and serviceable, ensuring that the focus remains on the characters and their story.

3. Music: The OST of "Until We Meet Again" is nothing short of iconic. Music plays a crucial role in this show, acting almost as a character in its own right. The haunting melodies that accompany the more emotional scenes stay with you long after the episode ends, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia and longing. The music's ability to elicit tears with just a few notes is a testament to its power and how deeply it is intertwined with the narrative. It's rare for an OST to have such a profound impact, but here, it elevates the show to another level, making it unforgettable.

4. Rewatch Value: "Until We Meet Again" is one of those rare shows that doesn't lose its impact on repeat viewings. Even if you know every twist and turn of the plot, the emotional depth and the beautifully crafted moments between the characters make it worth revisiting. For fans of romantic dramas, this show offers everything one could want—intensity, sweetness, heartbreak, and hope—all wrapped up in a story that feels both timeless and deeply personal. While some aspects of the plot may not hold up to intense scrutiny, the overall experience is one of emotional catharsis. It's the kind of show that lingers in your mind, inviting you to return to its world again and again.

In conclusion, "Until We Meet Again" is not without its flaws, but its strengths far outweigh them. The simplicity of the story, the chemistry between the leads, the unforgettable OST, and the delicate balance of joy and sorrow make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. If you're looking for a show that will make you feel deeply and stay with you long after the final credits roll, "Until We Meet Again" is a perfect choice.

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Overall a cute story. Worth it if you don't have anything better to watch.

I didn't think I would like the reincarnation trope, but honestly they really made it work.
Pharm spends half the time crying tho. Really cute crying face, no doubt, but it was too much for me...
It was a cute story and I liked the actors, but they keep coming at us with the fragile "i don't want it" boy. I DON'T GET IT!! You are in love! Why don't you want your lover to kiss you??? I mean sex is one thing. Not everyone has the same timing. But kissing? These are university men. I think kissing your loved one is a given. Why do they always create this character who runs away from kissing their partner? Pls....
Really excited about the series about Win and Team! High expectations.

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Viewer Discretion but LOVE

I love this series. I will say it starts off pretty hard and has many trigger warnings. If suicide is a hard topic for you, steer clear. Otherwise go watch it! Its an amazing show that had me in tears many times. Though it is emotional, it also has some pretty funny moments as well. And if you feel confused while watching it, just have patience. They explain everything in time and its actually really well done. Also pay attention to Prem and Bouns characters because you will see them again in "Between us", which is a spin off show that takes place at exactly the same time but focusing on their relationship. I actually like Between us even more but you have to watch this one first.

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I'm not crying; you're crying.

I had the chance to watch this during its initial airing, but after seeing the first 10 minutes it was an instant-no for me. Years later, I circled back and saw how beloved the drama was. For me, the topics approached in the drama, particularly in that opening scene, are especially sensitive.

I am glad I gave it another go and pushed past that initial gut response. First off, it hits one of my favorite tropes (which isn't done often, and when it is done, it's not usually done well)--reincarnation. I thought they handled that beautifully, pairing in the layers with family. It aligned the elements of food to have a common thread (hah), but I do wish some of the other scenes had a more fluid alignment (like mirroring the past, but different).

I've commented in other reviews I don't usually care much for music in dramas, but this one was actually pretty good and did add to the scenes usually (though the doom song, as I call it, did feel overused at some points).

I think my biggest gripe with the story is actually the interaction with Dean and Pharm in the last episode. It felt unnecessary to me and that they could've handled Pharm's concerns differently. I also got annoyed with Pharm's reactions to intimacy. It often felt dub-con-y, even though it isn't meant to be at all.

Outside of those things, the acting was really great and they did emotional scenes beautifully. It may have been cool to see the families come together, but I can live without that.

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Really good story but I didn't get into the main couple

The story line is something new and outstanding what you haven't seen before. It is well written and makes sense. My biggest problem with this whole show was that I didn't feel anything about the main couple (Dean and Pharm). I didn't see much chemistry and at some points I even found it a bit cringe. For me the best thing were Win and Team. With their first scene together I started shipping them and in my opinion they had the best chemistry. They saved this series for me and without them I might even have dropped this series. I loved them and their scenes and was very sad, that they had not much screen time (I'm really looking forward to their own series).
So all in all: If you like the main couple this is an amazing show, but if you don't like them you will maybe not feel with them and the whole story, but the side couple is amazing.

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Beautiful Drama full of substance and tears.

Wow I’m blown away, I had not cried that much since I watched, Eternal Yesterday. It shows that suicide truly has no winners and everything we do comes back eventually. I’ve always believed in reincarnation so this drama resonates in a deeper way for me. On one hand I say just let people be happy no matter who they choose to be with while on the other I realize it was the late eighties so a different time. This drama was about an impossible situation that destiny sorted out in the end. It’s tough to rewatch because of how emotionally charged it is but I certainly will in the future.

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Had potential

Okay, so, I won’t lie, this is probably my least favourite BL I’ve ever seen. I stuck with it and watched the whole show, and whilst it did have moments where I felt emotional, maybe shed a wee tear or cheered, but I think I spent at least 85% of my time just wishing the show would just get on with it.

This series is S L O W; and I don’t just mean a slow burn, I mean everything. I literally counted the time during the many, many scenes of random staring, pausing or just sheer nothing. A few times I thought the screen had frozen, but no, it was just another overlong shot of someone’s face doing nothing.

The concept of the series is a fantastic one, which is of course its major draw, but the lead characters were just…gosh, I don’t know how to even describe it. I didn’t dislike them; Intouch was just a bit irritating to me; Pharm was more like a nervous 12 year old boy; and Dean had one facial expression for the entirety of the show. (These are all my personal opinions; I mean no shade to the cast or anyone who likes the show!) I also felt super uncomfortable with how Dean could be with Pharm? Like, it felt like he forced him to come out to his mother, and would often push Pharm’s boundaries a little too much so that it didn’t feel cute, it felt like bullying. However, I do admit that some of these feelings could be from poor translation from Thai to English; of course there’s a language and culture barrier for me, so perhaps things I interpreted as unusual or uncomfortable was just my own cultural issues (if that makes sense?).

I also felt like other than the reincarnation thing, there was no real connection between Dean and Pharm, which kinda made the whole relationship feel a little hollow to me.

I’ll be honest, by the end I was only watching for the crumbs of Win/Team and the queen that is Manaow. I actually originally watched the show because I’d came across Between Us and wanted to watch its parent show before checking it out.

All that said, I still did actually like the show, but it could have been edited down to ten episodes or less if you take away the long stares and pointless moments. I would like to congratulate whoever was in charge of product placement, though, because it gave me a right giggle whenever Win pulled out a bag of Lays or Manoaw needed ‘a makeup break’.

I think the over all theme, the meaning of the show is very powerful. Showing the generational trauma caused by homophobia in the way it did is something quite different to what I think we’re all used to, and it was very good. It’s just a shame that it wasn’t as polished as it could have been.

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I RECOMMEND IT ?

Believe me when I say, I am perhaps the most discerning individual you will encounter. My preferences are distinct, and my tastes are specific. By a stroke of luck, I stumbled upon this BL series. The comments were mixed—some viewers had abandoned it repeatedly, others had fast-forwarded through episodes. Yet, there was an indescribable allure that captivated me, compelling me to give it a chance. I looked it up, eagerly downloaded the episodes and immersed myself in the narrative. Far from dull, the plot was captivating. As someone who subscribes to the notion of reincarnation, I found the portrayal of the theme deeply resonant. The actors’ performances were stellar, their on-screen chemistry, utterly enchanting—I savored every moment.

In most dramas, I find a connection with a single character, but in an amusing twist, I related to two in this series—P’Dean and P’Pharm. They are, in essence, a reflection of myself.

P’Pharm, with his radiant smile and maximum cuteness, exudes an innocence akin to that of a child. His expressions were flawless. Were I in Dean’s shoes, I too would seize every opportunity to tease him, just to witness his reactions. His laughter was infectious, his demeanor, endearing—who could resist his charm?

P’Dean, on the other hand, was like gazing into my reflection in a mirror. His initial interactions with his siblings, his reserved demeanor among others, and the warmth he reserved for his beloved were all too familiar. Despite appearances, Dean was quite the charmer. The intensity of his gaze when it fell upon P’Pharm was transformative—a testament to the actor’s skill.

Manaow was a revelation—always accompanied by her makeup bag, she epitomized the ideal friend. Her reactions to the central couple’s romance were priceless. She was a delight.

Win and Team added their own sweetness to the mix.

Korn and Intouch’s journey was fraught with challenges, but fortunately, destiny favored them, reuniting them in the end.

The drama was anything but monotonous.

It was a viewing experience I wholeheartedly endorse.

I highly recommend it.

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So I've got mixed feelings

I'll start out with the things I really enjoyed about this series.

Firstly, the side characters were delightful and their actors all did a fantastic job. I appreciated how much everyone felt like actual friends/family and that they got to have scenes together that didn't necessarily have anything to do with the main romance. It feels a little rare to get to see such a well fleshed-out friend group, not just people who you're told are friends. While I'm not personally a fan of the whole "female friend is into BL" trope, it wasn't handled terribly and I really enjoyed Manow and I was glad that the characters actually hung out with women sometimes lol.

I enjoyed the flashback scenes (for the most part) and thought In and Korn had a compelling and believable relationship. I think their story was handled very well, as were the heavier topics (although it did feel a tiny bit victim-blamey at the end, it was mild enough that I can let it go). It's hard to depict these events sensitively and I think they did a pretty good job.

As others have mentioned I also liked how they handled the differences between the characters in the past and future, I liked how different they were and how their personalities were shaped by their difficulties in their past lives. I'm also glad they addressed the concern that their past lives were the only thing keeping them together, though I think that could've been handled better, Pharm was being very reasonable IMO, even if it was due to his anxiety I think he had a point.


As for what I liked less... I really just did not buy Dean and Pharm as a couple at all unfortunately. Before they started dating it wasn't too bad, but once they were actually together... I get that Pharm didn't want to rush into things but it was handled in a way that made me feel really uncomfortable, it always seemed like Dean was pushing him further than he wanted to go and he didn't get to assert his boundaries. It just never seemed like he really wanted Dean to be kissing or touching him at all, which could have been a really interesting conflict if it had been handled better but in the end it just wasn't and because Pharm looks so much younger than Dean it made it feel a little gross. This was honestly a major issue for me and it really brought down the rest of the show because I found it difficult to enjoy most of their scenes together (which is of course 90% of the show).

Regarding the plot, I thought it was interesting, just slow. I don't mind a thinner plot in romance, character-driven stuff can be very fun! But it really started to drag, especially as I had figured out the plot twists episodes before the characters did, it really started to lag in the second half and I started to get a bit bored. The whole thing could've been a few episodes shorter if they'd tightened it up a bit and not repeated flashbacks so many times and I think that would've helped. It did a disservice to what otherwise could've been a really solid story, I really like a lot of the ideas but the execution could've been better.

I will also say, the music challenged me, it was always a weird volume and felt like it was interrupting a lot of the scenes and it got kind of annoying. The songs were fine it was just the way they were used.

Overall I don't regret watching it, and I had a decent time with it, but I wish it had lived up to more of its promise.

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