180 Degrees Longitude Between Us (2022)

Cinematographic masterpiece full of emotions

This drama is artistic, like a theatre piece (only 3 characters)

Brilliant acting of only **two** (three) actors in story which happens in only few days. The drama is heavy on emotions, hidden or open. The scriptwriter wrote amazing lines, every sentence has more meaning and you have to think while watching this. There is lot of symbolism too. The story is slowly opening till it explodes with every episodes until the climax at the end. The development of the characters, the acting itself, amazing. These characters will be forever engraved in my heart.

The cinematography has pulled me in from the first trailer, wonderful quality, coloring, shots. The location is architecture house in the tropical Thai forest, which also supports the story and the characters. The OST and accompanying music fit the mood greatly.

Some of many quotes I loved:
Quote: "Some ppl will never see us as their equals."
Quote: "It's just tolerance, not acceptance."
Quote: "People may live in the same world, but people experience it differently. "
Quote: "Sometimes we can't change people, because some people just don't change. "
Quote: "You shouldn't force your views and think for others."

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Family is politics.

Cinematography, storytelling, casting and acting, symbolism, the simple, yet complex nature of this drama is simply mesmerizing. It will pull you in, won't let go and break your heart in the end, because nothing is more complicated than human nature. This show is about how one person influenced the lives of another three people that keep dwelling on the past and keep hurting each other in the process, leaving their scars open and gapping, instead of tending to them.

“People keep saying they are okay with you being gay - but it’s not acceptance, just tolerance.”

N O T S P O I L E R F R E E / N O M A J O R S P O I L E R S

Sasiwimol and her son Wang are influenced by the loss of their dad, husband Siam. Sasiwimol doesn't like to talk about him, since she's not able to reminisce on the good things, so Wang has to find someone, who knows his father well and is able to tell him more about the person he lost and the one turns out to be an old family friend, In. In the span of a few days, Wang uncovers more than he maybe would wish for...

180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us shows us how powerful unresolved trauma and regret can be, how expressing our feelings and being truthful to ourselves and others can hurt so much so to heal means cutting people out of your life.

The Great Sasiwimol, successful producer and mother of Wang, always energetic and with a sharp mouth, yet a carrier of trauma of her husband passing away drunk driving. Sasiwimol keeps hurting herself and her son, sending him to boarding school and seeing him only during the weekends, not really listening to him or accepting his opinions, because her own opinion is the only one that matters. Maybe she can't listen to him, as Wang resembles his father too much and it's painful for her just to look at him, or she's simply ashamed of being a single mother, not introducing Wang to any of her friends, lovers, not mentioning him during her speech. She projects her insecurities onto Wang, keeps being homophobic, toxic to her suroundings, gaslighting people into doing things she wants them to do.

Wang, who lost his closest person, his father, was backstabbed by his mother for sending him away, bullied and defending others from bullies during his school days and figuring out his own sexual preferences he could never talk about with anyone, especially not with his mother. The suddenly missing father figure pushes him closer to In, who keeps wallowing in the sadness and who doesn't want to get on anyone's bad side by playing a diplomat, which doesn't help anyone. Wang, even for being only 20 years old, is the most mature one in this doomed triangle.

Lastly In, who shut himself away from the world. He likes to say he likes his quiet, but maybe he's just running away from his problems which used to be Sasiwimol and her husband, later on his own feelings of betrayal, hurt and regret, that haunts him now in the form of Wang. Wang who is too much like his father, like In's best friend, his idol he abandoned when Siam needed him the most. When Wang's father was there for him, but In wasn't there when he realized his and his own feelings, that could tear Wang's parents apart. And now, years later, he serves as a catalyst between Wang and Sasiwimol.

There's no good way of handling the situation those three find themselves in. Someone will get hurt and it will only get worse, before it gets better. But the change needs to happen, if they like it or not.

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Loved every minute of it.

This was wild.

I surprisingly really loved that we figure out very early on what actually happened between In and Wang's parents. It's not a drama about this huge mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's about very real, human emotions and pain that still cuts so deep you can't bring yourself to say the words out loud. That being said, I was hanging on to every word being spoken, so still very much on the edge of my seat. And when I think about it, really, the ending is very much expected as well, and yet I was incredibly invested. The progression of them meeting, the intense gazes, getting to know each other, to confessing is so seamless.

Pond is phenomenal. So talented. And his smile had me kicking my feet, he's super cute, let's be honest.

[Spoiler-ish] There's honestly so much more I feel like I need to think about and digest when it comes to the daddy issues part of it all. But it was so interesting. I mean, the fact that they never address out loud how he looks just like his father, leaving us to connect the dots with the pictures of the two of them from the past with the way In looks at Wang when they first meet. That got me so good.

Highly recommend.

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Underrated and wonderful

I don't usually write reviews for shows but I had to after watching the last episode. There's no doubt that this show tells a story differently. It can be difficult to get into if you don't like quieter, carefully paced shows. There are entire episodes which consists of just one scene and dialogue between two characters (similar to that of the book "The Symposium" that Int gives to Wang). Not to mention, many parts of the acting and scenes feels more like watching a live play rather than a tv show. And many aspects (geographical lines, affection and attraction, loneliness) are spoken of metaphorically. All of which gradually builds up until the final episode where everything is so clear in who the characters are, what their "lines" are, and how they go about living. The only score is the song sung by the actor who plays Wang. It complements the show beautifully.
It is a very cathartic and special watch. Highly recommend.

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My babies?‍??

First time leaving a review but this show was too good not too. Pond(Wang) in fact they all deserve all the awards in this world for this show.
The ending might not be for everyone but to me it was perfect the only person out of all of them who won in my opinion was WANG because he chose himself and decided to fight for his happiness
Inn such a relatable character for someone who had been in such a confined space for a long time it was really difficult for him to step out of his comfort zone so I’m not surprised with his actions but I think In his own way he deeply lived Wang

Wow!!! Masterpiece ❤️❤️

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A Perfect Blend of BL And Gay Drama

180 Degrees Passes Through Us" is an absolute masterpiece that captivated me from start to finish. This series is a mature and profound portrayal of complex emotions, not intended for the typical fluffy BL fans. Instead, it delves into the realm of gay drama, with Wang courageously pursuing his childhood crush, who also happens to be his late father's unrequited love.

The heart of the story revolves around Wang's journey to connect with his deceased father. A fateful trip with his narcissistic mother leads him to In, the man who once loved his father deeply but eventually distanced himself after Wang's father married Wang's mother. In an intriguing twist, In becomes a mysterious figure, akin to a 52-hertz whale, signaling to Wang in an inexplicable manner. During his short stay at In's house, we bear witness to the profound flaws that exist within each character, stemming from their unique perspectives and entwined with the memory of the departed father. This thought-provoking drama explores the complexity of human nature, reminding us that nobody is perfect, yet life goes on with all our flaws.

Despite the absence of explicit NC scenes, the series manages to deliver the sensuality of an enthralling tale. The sensual undertones make it a remarkably sexy tale that doesn't rely on explicit content to captivate its audience. Surprisingly, there isn't a traditional happy ending, but oddly enough, I found solace and contentment in discovering this raw and authentic portrayal of life's intricacies.

The cinematography of "180 Degrees Passes Through Us" is nothing short of breathtaking, with stunning visuals that enhance the emotional impact of every scene. Moreover, the dialogues are deeply engrossing, drawing us into the characters' minds and hearts, and making us ponder on life's deeper meaning.

In conclusion, "180 Degrees Passes Through Us" is a must-watch for those seeking a compelling and thought-provoking drama that goes beyond conventional BL narratives. Its exploration of human complexity and the imperfections of life will leave you with a profound sense of awe and appreciation.

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Simply a masterpiece

I am at a loss for words... Just finished this show and I am a sobbing mess. I usually hate slow series with unusual/weird plots but this is just phenomenal, the cinematography, atmosphere acting and soundtrack are all on point... the last sentences that appeared on the screen is what broke me. I actually learned a lesson on life through this series, I really do feel like it has changed me as a person and my perception/ideology of life. I feel like there shouldn't be a season 2, it should have this bittersweet end. Watching this series was such a nice change from the funny, sweet dramas which I tend to watch. Instead, I got the truth of reality, with a complex and intricate story beautifully performed. I would not recommend his series for someone who doesn't want to go through a lot of emotions. This show will make you cry, clench your fist, be mad, sad, happy and so many more unexplainable emotions. This show is a piece of art. Everything about it is so beautiful.

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deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps because of it

What is this? Tension replacing chemistry?

I was underwhelmed by this drama. Let me get it straight, the reviewers, you guys, I trust you and you really sold this one to me. ? I was ready to give money that's how well this drama was hyped. ?

It was a slow drama that hardly kept my attention. Son and a father and a friend of a father and mother. It is very messy and in my understanding, ultimately none of it feels real. Or healthy.

Love? Hell, they are traumatized, all trying to heal themselves in another.

How do I feel about that? Not well. I cannot but feel some ick when heavy topics are badly executed to seem real and genuine for the sake of entertainment. It did not even feel real. I mean how did Wang fell in love so quickly with Inthawut? Trauma, I tell you, he said himself that In fills the gap in him.

And do not think I did not notice all the attempts to simulate Call Me By Your Name. From the music to characterization to scenery to way their bond is portrayed. Really? Wang has my props as an actor, despite bad writing of his character. Wait, let me go give him some flowers...

Ok, I am back. Wang did quite well, mother was not bad either. Inthawut was lacking for me, he was like a shell.

The chemistry between the leads is only in intense staring. Their convos held zero chemistry despite heavy topics I was bored out of hell. And what is In falling in love with, again? Immature and impulsive emotionally neglected son of his friend. Why would he though? Unresolved trauma.

You may say, JXP, this one is not about love but healing. But honestly I do not know these characters. And I never got to know them. This was irrational punch that was supposed to be intense but ended up boring. Again props to Pond, he did a wonderful job as a young actor.

Ah.. perhaps it was well intentioned project but for me...deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps deceitful because of incomplete execution.

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Not your usual BL

Fair warning if you're looking for the steamy BL with all the tropes this isn't for you.
If you're looking for a gorgeously acted heartbreak, ding ding ding!
Thoughts after finishing:
This one will stick with me. It was beautiful, the long stretches of dialogue, the sets, the lighting, the music, the acting, the story itself. Immaculate vibes. And yes I am currently ovulating so my emotions are all over the place, but any other day of the month this show would still have had me bawling my eyes out.
I hate Mol. I get that the person she loved didn't love her, that's awful, and she has a lot of emotional trauma because of his death and the part she played. But the fact that she first hurt her child by sending him away, then replaced her dead ex-husband with her son was truly horrific and takes away any pity I would otherwise have for her. The damage she's done to her sons mental health, first by creating this horrible dependency where he has no freedom to choose his life, then her homophobia, her complete denial publicly that she even has a son, and her manipulation of Inn to further hurt everyone around her. It's just so cruel. She knows exactly how much they are hurting, and yet her only concern is herself.
Wang is by far the most mature person on the show and he proved that over and over. My heart breaks for him and I wish somewhere in storyland he went to therapy, healed, abandoned his mother, and found someone worthy of him.
My heart also hurts for Inn, but less so. He's clearly got a lot of self loathing around his sexuality, fear of going against the grain, self hatred for the loss of the person he loved, and heaps of guilt (both warranted and unwarranted). But it makes me so angry that he acquiesced to Mols cruel demands. Maybe if he thought Wang was too young, or his feelings were confused, and he was muddying up his love for Siam with that of Wang. But he knew how he felt, but was too much of a coward to act on it. Like okay maybe 20 years ago when he was still out in the world the fear of societal pressure got to him. But not here. The man is in self imposed exile, there's literally noone to judge him. He doesn't even have internet. Those few steps across the bridge are probably the bravest thing he's ever done, and I'm so happy they showed him making that conscious decision himself. I like to think he too went to therapy, and healed the guilt he'd been carrying for so long (throw away thought that he's only that ripped because of the weight of all the trauma he's carried for 20 years).
I hope Inn and Wang get therapy and find love in themselves (Inn) and in a partner who deserves them (Wang) and I hope Mol dies alone surrounded by her trophies and when they announce it on the news everyones like "whoa I never knew she had a son" and judges the hell out of her in her grave.

Plus: Acting, story, directing, lighting, music, cast, crew, everything.

Minus: That I can't climb through my screen and strangle that woman. I'm not sure if I'd call this rewatchable. It's beautiful and worthy of seeing again, hence my rating. But I don't think my mental health can handle another run though.

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Overall feeling about the series

I would say, lately am adopting a system of watching BL dramas. Maybe bcoz am interested in finding out how best the directors have challenged the society.

180° longitude is one in a million with a unique plot compared to other cliche dramas I hv seen before, set inside one major house fir most of the episodes, clear reasonings, great visuals/ cinematography

I have to say, many drama fans hate sad ending but it is what it is, aren't directors supposed to bring us such stories because we always have interest in twisted plots that have happy endings?
Society needs to admit that these stories exist and someone somewhere would like to hear about them and be informed
Well done cast and crew if 180°

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Above and beyond all other shows in it's genre.

This is my first review of a BL. Why? Because never before have I felt compelled to write a review, but after watching this I feel obligated to.

In a room full of generic fluff, this show is a true masterpiece. It is not simply a BL, but a poem that through it's masterful use of language touches on many complex themes, such as: youth vs maturity, trauma and lose, the pain that comes with confronting the past, first love, the conflict between parents and their children, self
acceptance, ect...

It does not have to rely on being cute to grab it's audiences attention, because it stands on it's on two feet as a superbly crafted narrative. In fact, it's not cute at all, but rather it is soul wrenchingly beautiful.

It's leads were phenomenal in their roles. The cinematography was lush and symbolic. Most of all it's writer/director is at heart a true playwright, and a master of his craft.

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