Amor Por Acaso (2018)

shame about all the side stories

The main storyline is beautiful but all of the side stories are unnecessary, and I found myself skipping through so many of them.

Pete and Ae are such green flags and so sweet together, so I think it's a shame that time was wasted on a lot of weird and often problematic side stories, and they didn't get as good an ending as they deserved.

Can and Tin's story was the only enjoyable B plot for me, and if they'd paced it throughout the whole season rather than shove it all at the end, their story could've been developed more and it wouldn't need to be dragged over to a second season.

Leia Mais

Deux tiers vraiment sympas, un tiers franchement nul

J'ai bien aimé l'histoire des deux couples principaux Pete/Ae et Tin/Can. Pour les deux autres couples BL, c'était carrément inutile surtout si l'on considère le temps que le drama leur consacre et d'autres aspects problématiques de leurs histoires. Quant à celle qui concerne Pond / AimCham, elle était anecdotique et dispensable, mais elle ne m'a pas dérangée car c'était plutôt mignon.

Commençons par l'histoire principale. Pete est un étudiant fortuné mais très timide et coincé, victime de menaces et de chantage de la part d'un camarade car il est gay et craint que sa mère l'apprenne. Un autre étudiant, Ae, le percute en vélo et les deux jeunes hommes vont finir par tomber amoureux. J'ai trouvé leur couple agréable et intéressant, on a beaucoup de moments mignons et pas mal de bisous entre eux, et ce qui est vraiment appréciable (comme d'autres l'ont déjà précisé dans des commentaires), les quiproquos ne durent jamais plus d'une minute car ils se parlent et ça leur permet de régler les problèmes, Ae étant un gars direct qui n'aime pas que les choses restent en suspens. Maintenant, j'ai quand même relevé certaines choses un peu plus dérangeantes. Déjà d'après sa fiche, j'ai calculé que l'acteur qui joue Ae devait avoir 16 ans au moment du tournage alors que son personnage est censé être étudiant, et ça se voit à l'écran. Alors il est très mignon, il joue bien, (même mieux que celui qui interprète Pete à mon avis mais c'est personnel) et son personnage a un caractère plutôt affirmé donc ça lui confère une certaine maturité quand même, mais l'écart d'âge que j'ai ressenti devant certaines scènes avec son partenaire plus âgé m'a parfois mise un peu mal à l'aise. Ensuite, il a beau être tout love et protecteur avec Pete, il lui arrive parfois d'avoir un comportement un peu trop possessif et dominant. Heureusement cela n'arrive pas souvent, la plupart du temps il est adorable donc on évite de glisser vers une histoire toxique mais j'avoue que depuis ce que j'appelle ma prise de conscience féministe, j'ai du mal avec certains agissements et je les repère tout de suite dans les fictions. Concernant Pete, également, j'ai trouvé que son personnage, comme d'autres l'ont dit avant moi, était bien trop neuneu, docile, hésitant, limite faiblard, pour être réaliste. Du coup les hésitations, les silences et les regards craintifs de l'acteur semblaient faux et m'ont donné l'impression que son jeu n'était pas très bon. Mais il reste un personnage attachant et on a envie qu'il ait une fin heureuse, c'est déjà ça, mais il est vrai que le jeu de l'acteur ne m'avait déjà pas tellement convaincue dans Why R U donc j'ai du mal à tout mettre sur le dos du rôle qu'il est censé jouer. Enfin, l'histoire de l'antagoniste qui harcèle et violente Pete n'est pas résolue à la fin, ou alors j'ai loupé un épisode, donc pourquoi nous tartiner tout un bla-bla sur l'enquête que Pete demande à son ami Tin de faire à son sujet, si c'est pour qu'au final il n'exploite pas les informations obtenues ? C'est du temps gâché qui aurait mieux servi s'ils avaient consacré plus de scènes au couple Tin / Can (ou aux autres couples, puisqu'il fallait absolument qu'ils nous pondent 5 romances, autant les développer même si les autres ne m'ont pas satisfaite).

Concernant le couple Tin/Can, je dois avouer que j'ai regardé Love By Chance surtout pour eux car j'aime beaucoup le thème "enemies to lovers", et leur histoire ne m'a pas déçue. Tin est un ami de Pete, très arrogant, très riche et très hautain. Il est persuadé que l'amour vrai et la confiance ne sont que des leurres, d'où son attitude méprisante envers tout le monde, et j'ai adoré voir sa carapace se fissurer au contact de Can, ce petit "singe" qui ne cesse de lui rentrer dans le lard. Je sais que leur romance reste en suspens à la fin de la première saison et qu'une deuxième est censée leur être consacrée, mais si j'avais regardé Love By Chance à sa sortie et non pas maintenant que la 2ème saison est terminée, je n'aurais sans doute pas été aussi positive sur leur histoire parce qu'une des conditions essentielles pour moi avant de commencer un drama, c'est la certitude qu'il y a une fin heureuse. Il est donc possible que je me farcisse la deuxième saison bientôt, même si les commentaires sont en moyenne plus négatifs. On verra bien.

Comme je l'ai dit précédemment, l'histoire de Pond, le colocataire accro au porno de Ae, et AimCham, une étudiante qui est également serveuse au café, est très anecdotique et très peu de temps leur est consacré, mais c'était plutôt agréable de voir ce gars qui ne prend jamais la vie au sérieux, se montrer plus impliqué pour une personne qu'il estime en valoir la peine. On n'apprend pas grand chose d'elle en revanche, son personnage n'est pas du tout développé, on sait juste qu'elle a suffisamment de caractère pour le remettre à sa place quand il le faut, mais au moins elle n'est ni stéréotypée ni evil bitch, ce qui est plutôt une exception dans les BL Thai, les personnages féminins étant souvent ridicules et/ou antipathiques (bon on a bien la soeur de Can qui est une fujoshi un peu caricaturale à certains moments, mais ça reste light donc on ne va pas en faire un fromage).

Passons maintenant aux deux derniers couples qui, à mon sens, n'avaient pas leur place dans ce drama. Je comprends qu'ils ont adapté un bouquin, mais bon sang, aucune loi n'oblige les scénaristes à adapter strictement un roman, non ? La preuve, il semble y avoir pas mal de différences entre le livre Manner Of Death et la série, donc pourquoi venir nous emm...er avec des âneries sur deux autres couples aussi mal exploités quand ils auraient pu consacrer plus de temps aux autres histoires (ou pondre moins d'épisodes, 12 auraient suffi et ça aurait coûté moins cher) ? D'un côté on a un lycéen crétin (Kengkla) qui passe son temps à négocier avec son pote pour avoir enfin l'occasion de se taper le frère aîné de ce dernier (Techno), on ne les voit jamais ensemble car il s'agit essentiellement d'une obsession de la part de Kengkla, et pof, dans le dernier épisode, on a Techno qui rentre bourré, finit par erreur dans le lit du crétin qui dormait sur place et ce dernier en profite pour abuser de lui sans qu'il y ait de consentement éclairé... Et au réveil, il ose encore prendre l'air timide et manipuler Techno pour lui faire croire que c'est celui-ci qui lui a sauté dessus ? Si encore ils avaient eu ces scènes-là au début du drama et que la suite de l'histoire nous avait montré comment une relation pouvait se construire avec un démarrage aussi toxique, à la rigueur pourquoi pas, mais là niet, zéro évolution, le drama s'arrête là pour eux... Complètement idiot et malsain. Surtout qu'on nous présente en parallèle un jeune homme (Tar) traumatisé à la suite d'un viol qui a de terribles conséquences sur sa confiance future dans les relations amoureuses et le contact physique qui le répugne, donc c'est vraiment mal géré.

Alors l'histoire de Tar et de Tum (son demi-frère ? Son frère par alliance ? J'ai pas vraiment compris mais qu'importe...) est certes touchante, mais là encore très dispensable. Déjà pour tout comprendre de son histoire il faut avoir suivi le drama TharnType, qui se situe dans le même univers et qui possède certains personnages en commun, d'autant que Tar est assez important dans TharnType. J'ai mis un certain temps à comprendre que le "Type" de LBC était le même individu que dans TharnType (ce n'est pas le même acteur en plus), et pour en rajouter une couche dans le grand n'importe quoi, Tharn n'est même pas présent dans LBC alors que c'est l'ex petit ami de Tar avant d'être en couple avec Type, donc un peu dur de capter la dynamique de ces personnages au début... Quant à ceux qui n'auront pas vu TharnType au préalable, ils seront tout simplement largués, c'est dit. Donc, vraiment inutile de nous polluer avec leur histoire qui n'apporte franchement rien de plus au schmilblik (à moins qu'ils aient absolument tenu à caser une bonne partie des stars de leur écurie en même temps, m'enfin quand on voit le résultat ils auraient mieux fait de s'abstenir). Je n'ai rien contre les couples multiples dans les dramas, le problème c'est qu'un couple secondaire est bien suffisant pour contenter les fans. Au-delà, ils ont souvent du mal à gérer le tout (on voit ce que ça a donné avec Gen Y...) et les couples "accessoires" sont en général très mal gérés au vu du temps d'écran qui leur est consacré, quand ce n'est pas carrément expédié avant qu'on n'ait compris quoi que ce soit...

J'ai l'air très négative mais j'ai quand même passé un très bon moment avec les deux couples principaux Pete/Ae et Tin/Can, c'est d'ailleurs pour ça que ma note atteint 7.5. D'ordinaire je souffle d'impatience pendant de nombreuses scènes entre les protagonistes parce qu'on a souvent beaucoup de longueurs ou d'hésitations inutiles dans les dramas Thai, là je ne me suis jamais ennuyée avec eux donc c'est assez rare pour que je le note. Si les deux derniers couples n'étaient pas venus parasiter mon plaisir, ma note aurait été nettement plus élevée.

En conclusion, ne boudez pas votre plaisir, mais n'hésitez pas à appuyer sur "avance rapide" quand l'histoire s'écarte des couples principaux.

Leia Mais

Majorly triggering elements used as tropes

Just a little note before you start reading this lengthy rant:
This review is written for the purpose of explaining why I seem to rate it so low when other people have rated it so high. There are major spoilers as I explain plot points into detail and why exactly I hated them so much.
Do not read this if you haven't watched the drama yet, you should still make your own opinion of it beforehand. Then, if you want, you can read this.
Whether or not you agree with me, I will be happy to politely discuss and debate the series with you.
Thank you.

Trigger warning: cens*red mentions of g*ng/male r*pe.

I have debated writing this review for a while now but decided to just go for it in the end because it's just on my mind all the time and I just want to move on for good.

So, where do I even start with it? I'll explain my rating in a few points below. Some little bits addressed in those points can deduct 0.5pt while the major ones deducted up to 2pts.

1. Way too many characters.

If the drama was going to address the relationship of so many different characters, why make it only 14 episodes? Even better: if the show was only going to be 14 episodes long, then why telling the story of so many characters? Plus the final episode, though very lengthy compared to the previous 13, hardly gives any closure to any pairings at all.
Sure, Tin and Can have their own season (which, I've heard, is terrible), and TharnType have their own series (which I was enjoying until about episode 3 for the same reason as my third point), but the others just felt rushed to me. Even Pete and Ae who just... live happily ever after? I was honestly hoping to see more drama happening between those two, especially since they're presented as the 'main pairing' from the trailer and plot summary.
Also I kinda wanted to see more of Pond and Cha-Am. Just because it's BL doesn't mean straights don't exist anymore.

Which can bring me to my next point. The next two points, actually, as they are slightly linked together.

2. The triggers.
3. Using those as tropes.

— Incest. Saying they're half-brothers right at the end of the show doesn't suddenly make it okay. To all people without siblings, it's time to put it in the bin-cest please!

— G*ng r*pe. And using male r*pe as a trop in many, many BL drama (I see you, fanfics, in any fandom). Here's a quick disclaimer for you: it's NOT okay. Yes, it's a very traumatic experience, and it shapes the character and gives reason for his behaviour towards his older brother and his fear of falling in love, but the reason it was explained in the drama just made it feel like a trope, which I don't find okay. And again, with all the other characters to focus on, it didn't really make me empathise with him at all.
Sure, I cried when he finally confessed it to his brother, because, as I said, it is an extremely traumatic experience and no one ever should have to go through that. But the comforting period was just way too short in my opinion. They could have made it so much better. If you want to make your characters suffer to make the viewers cry in horror and shock, at least develop the aftermath a little more.
Instead he just went back to France after a little hug and that's it. What was even the point of making him come back to Thailand? It was okay just seeing the two brothers chat online.
Earth's performance was top notch though, as usual. (No, I am not biased...)

— Taking advantage of a drunk guy and then playing the victim card. Ah, yes, maybe my favourite of the lot. Raise your hand if you can't stand Kangkla! From the minute he was introduced to the show, he was just forgettable. I never bothered to remember his name (I had to look at the cast list to get it in my review) and his character in general is just... nope. I hated him just that much more whenever he was on-screen.
And Technic is just as bad, helping his friend make a move on his brother without seeming bothered. Then there's Techno. Sweet, uuhh, stupid? Yes, he's an airhead (so much better in TharnType) who agrees to be the boyfriend of the guy who practically assaulted him! Kangkla had the nerve to blame No afterwards to get what he wanted. That, everyone, is the definition of a toxic relationship.

4. The shippers. Also, Shampoo (sorry not sorry about that).
Why. Are. They. So. Hardcore! In nearly all Thai BL Drama I've watched, there will be fangirls who love shipping two good-looking guys together. And, coincidentally, those guys either end up together or are at least interested in other guys. I am generally uncomfortable when real people are shipped together (isn't enjoying the bromance enough?) so when Lay asked her brother for pictures of Tin and Pete together because they were her OTP, I got fed up with her. Pity, because I really enjoyed her character until then. And Can said nothing about that!
Chompoo refers to herself in 3rd person, and others might have found that cute. So did I the first few times. And then she was just there. Saying she loved Ae because he helped her get her bag. Kept being clueless about how little she meant to him. And then she just disappeared. We never heard of her again. Poof, gone as soon as Pete and Ae officially get together. Bye-bye, good riddance, you won't be missed. Wait, who were you again? Forgettable.

Speaking of disappearances, that brings me to my fifth and final point.

5. Trump. No, not the former president.
I thought he would be the bad guy throughout the series. Like, he wouldn't just go away after being punched a few times and then getting a little bit of money from his victim. Instead he was just there to create a little drama in the first two episodes before noping away. I get why he had to, as explained in the show, but he could have been showed more, especially in the last episode. What happened to him? Did he get caught and is in jail? Or did the people he owed money to get him first and beat him up or worse? He was just a bad character written very badly. Also he made it a point to bother only Pete while there are so many other rich kids in that school, as stated several times by Tin.

I guess I could mention a few minor points while I'm at it.

a) Stopping in front of the camera to show your sad or conflicted little face, only to say nothing and going away anyway. I get that it's done for cinematic and drama effect, but it's just unrealistic and annoying when done so many times for so long.

b) Saying all your thoughts out loud. Voice-overs are okay and used in other dramas. Why not do it there, too?

c) I've already mentioned the straights but let me do it again here: they are okay. We promise no one is going to hate them, we are a more open-minded society, heterophobes won't be too much of a problem.

I have mentioned TharnType a few times as well, but I don't think I actually like it, either. Not after episode 3, as said earlier. Let me briefly explain here. If you don't want to read about them you can just skip this section, since the review is not originally for this drama.

(Also note that this doesn't count towards the rating of LBC. This is just pure ranting about something I thought I would enjoy given how much people talk about it and how well they rate it.)

Triggers. Again. And done badly, too.

It is explained in the first episode that Type hates gays. It is also said in the first episode that Tharn is gay. Later on, you learn the reason for Type's way of thinking (he suffered abuse from a man when he was a child) and it makes sense. Then, of course, since the series is called TharnType, you kinda know they get together eventually.

But not this early, and not this way.

Wanting to overcome a trauma is one thing. Facing it by just going for it is another. Wanting to repay a debt is something else entirely. Look at Tar: he still has philophobia at the end of LBC, he doesn't suddenly overcome his trauma by hugging his brother twice.

Type, on the other hand, seems to completely forget that when he initiates the relationship (because yes, he's the one who said he wanted to have s*x with Tharn out of the blue). The first time, I let it slide, because he was still nervous, and the situation was obviously different than when he was a kid. But then they did it again? Like, Type said they'd only do it once and then he asks for it again? It doesn't make any sense at all.

The slow-burn was going well in the beginning, when Tharn got too close to Type and he freaked out when he was touched. That is an expected reaction from someone who suffered from a traumatic experience. I was expecting them to take things super slowly, and for Tharn to teach Type that it was okay to touch, that not all gays were the same and that he was supposed to be at ease and feel good from it.

Nope. Not at all. Not only do they go at it as early as episode 3, but they go at it again in the next episode and it's just completely unrealistic. Healing from a trauma takes years, and even though it must have been at least 10 years, Type was obviously not over it judging from his reaction towards Tharn's touch and his hatred towards gay men.

I might give it a second chance later, hoping it improves, but I have very little expectations for that. And I want to focus on other series I started a little while ago, as I'm really enjoying them so far.

Leia Mais

Story : The beginning of watching this series feels good, they built the story well, but somehow the next episode (Pete and Ae section) is no longer interesting! Unattractive, because they offer fansservice too much more than the story ! A few days ago the LBC director said: 'The series was made so that peoples have a positive mindset about LGBT!' But I don't feel like that! This series is like a porn series! How do they want to change people's mindsets with scenes like that ?! You must see comments on social media! They made comments like 'Want to have sex with Pete or Ae and other pornographic comments', after watching this series. This series does not teach a positive mindset towards LGBT, but teaches free sex among young people!!!

Acting/Cast : Their acting is good even though it's a bit stiff

Music : Their music is like Make it Right the series! Are their teams the same? Looks similar

Rewatch Value : Nope

Leia Mais

This is by far one of the BEST BLs I have ever seen. The talent, the storyline, the director, the music and most importantly the attention to detail. The first episode was amazing and I fell in love with AE & Pete and then Perth and Saint. The biggest complaint I have read or heard is there is no Season 2 but no one thought Love Sick would have a Season 3 or 2 Moons would return. I have not given up and I will be there when it returns. My hope is that everyone involved find great jobs because their introduction was amazing. I appreciate the effort that P New went through to get Season I made and I ask that he doesn't give up on Season II. I know all of you have wonderful things in you future. To Perth and Saint remain friends and work together. You have great chemistry and we would like to see you together again. One more thing, "Life does not over give us happy endings even though we want them desperately. It is not always about the destiny but I can honestly say I have enjoyed the JOURNEY." Thank You

Leia Mais

“Love by Chance” is perfectly portraited BL drama. I've watched every episode twice and am currently watching for a third. The characters are so good with their acting and most important the chemistry between all the characters is what you can actually feel. Ae and Pete look good together, I wish we will see more of romance between them. Watching every episode gives me butterflies. Love by Chance also really got me into Thai music. The music in it is incredible and opened a whole musical world for me. Though I don’t understand the language, the English Subtitles is enough to understand the song. Am really hoping for a happy ending and season 2. I think this is a must watch BL drama for BL lovers.
You will love it!

Leia Mais

Love By Chance is really great. I love how the story goes fast and very makes you bored. I also love how the perspective switches per person but also per couple. I do think that there is a lot of affection but it gives the viewer what they want. Some scenes would be unnecessary tho. One of the couples I really don't understand and their story confuses me. There are some inappropriate parts tho so please watch out. Its worth watching overall. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to watch a fast-pace drama and a boy love drama. I cant wait for the next episode!!!!

Leia Mais

When I watched the first episode I knew it was a good series so until now I'm still waiting every episode and it never disappoint me....each episodes make my heart beat faster and faster... This is the first bl series I love and excited to watched the character pete and ae is my favourite couple in this series....the story of this series is different it's shows love never choose who u will love as long your heart want it...listen to your heart not your brain ..your happiness is in your choice and true love is always destined....every time I watched this series it give me hope not to give up that love come by chance. So thank you for making this series ...

Leia Mais

As a watcher of many BL series I will admit this straight out, it's the greatest BL drama I have ever watched. Though many actors are new they are certainly not left behind by those faces we have seen in previous BL series. The most notable, Saint (Pete) and Perth (Ae), the two new acting faces who lead this drama. Their chemistry is undeniable on and off screen, providing viewers with all the "feels". On the other hand our second leads Mean (Tin) and Plan (Can), two faces you may be familiar with from BL series such as Make it Right, take on a more pivotal role in LBC. I won't deny that Mean (Tin) had me taken aback multiple times during intense discussion scenes with Plan (Can). I could literally hear the exact thoughts in his head by the expression on his face, and honestly I was crying inside for most of it.

Overall the story is realistic and genuine, providing us with various situations and events of those in amidst of a relationship. There is no "fantasy" as such, it doesn't skip over all the nitty gritty topics that those new to a relationship discuss, or situations they may encounter early on. For that I have a very deep respect for the script writers, producers and director. LBC goes beyond what is considered just a BL drama. They show us not only the dynamic of those in the relationship, but also the dynamic between their friends, and family, whilst attempting to endeavour on their journey of love.

To those who watch BL series on the regular, you cannot go past this one. For those who just want a good drama, add it on to your "Plan To Watch" list right now.

Leia Mais

ok my english sucks so sorry XD
i really liked this serie, it was so adorable!! haha
sometimes i just couldnt keep watching bc of the awkwardness and i had to stop myself from screaming omg
i just love can x tin pairing! it's so cute and good, too bad they dont have this much screentime but thats ok! pete x ae is also very good! ae and tin are so handsome, and all the boys are so cuuute!! i love how can is getting mad haha
about other pairings... they were ok. i feel so bad for tar!
the music was really cool, accurate for the situation
i hope there will be a second season!
actors played brilliant, especially these kisses... i got goosebumps;;
i would highly recommend love by chance to anyone who likes adorable series and hot actors lmao

Leia Mais

I went into this show with high expectations as I had seen a lot of positive reviews about and, overall, I enjoyed it. There were a few moments where I lost the suspense of disbelief, but the story was pretty solid.
There are obvious problems, as there is with every story, but all can be easily ignored and forgotten about.

My main problem was with the acting. (This is constructive criticism! I like all of the actors!) I’ve seen Saint, Pete’s actor, in other things and I just feel like he wasn’t able to capture this character. It felt awkward most of the time and they had him change his voice. Before I watched the show, I Shaw a few people complain because one of the main actors was underage and they were uncomfortable with him having sex scenes. While watching I immediately assumed they were referring to Saint simply because he seemed to be the weaker of the two in the Pete/Ae couple. They were actually referring to Perth, Ae’s actor. I am a really big fan of Perth’s acting. I think Perth has a special talent that all the best actors have as he brings emotion to his roles and makes me feel connected to his characters in a way that other actors can’t manage.

Mean and Plan were also amazing. I love seeing them act together! Mean is a very diverse actor and I always enjoy the way he can bring such different characters to life. Plan is just fun to watch.

Leia Mais

Returning to an Old Fave

Writing this review after a rewatch in preparation for Love by Chance 2.
This was hands down my favorite BL for a hot minute and, while it no longer is, it still holds a special place in my heart.
Ae and Pete are still a rockstar coupling two years later. It’s honestly kind of devastating that we will likely never see them together again after the drama between Saint and Perth’s manager. External drama aside, their relationships is healthy and supportive and there is little time spent on miscommunication. They talk through their problems which is more than I can say for a lot of dramas.
I was also a massive fan of TinCan. What can I say? I’m a sucker for the cold, rich boy that falls for the spunky cinnamon roll trope. Bonus points for enemies to lovers. Double bonus points for Tin being totally Whipped for Can. I’ll be excited to see where they go in season 2.
Now, this drama is not without issues. My rewatch definitely had me reflecting on some of the more prominent flaws and plot holes. There are actually 4 couples in this but the two less prominent couples aren’t often talked about (for a good reason). Definitely my biggest concern surrounds Techno and K*ngkla’s relationship, which is toxic at best and an outright crime at its worst. The pseudo incest plotline isn’t great either and it’s literally been done twice.
That being said, I can ignore these flaws for the sweetness that the main story provides. While it’s not the most unique or interesting concept, Love by Chance thrives on AePete and TinCan’s great chemistry.
The OST is also pretty solid, and I believe there’s continuity between season 1 and season 2’s music, which is pretty nice.
There was a great balance of humor to drama, which makes this a fun watch. After all, I considered this my favorite for a long while (we’ve just been spoiled with so many good BL’s, it’s difficult to keep up). Highly recommend to anyone that wants to see great chemistry amount to a satisfying ending.

Leia Mais