Century of Love (2024)

Not a BL nor a period drama… What even is this?

Let’s start with the title of this show – or rather with its translation to English: “ปาฏิหาริย์รักร้อยปี” means ‘a miracle of centennial love’ (according to Cambridge University online translator), which – considering the plot and script – makes more sense than ‘century of love’.

The misleading English title is just a small problem; the unspecified genre is my main concern. I wanted to watch a Thai BL – what I got instead was a mix of action, supernatural, straight romance, comedy, family drama and several other things. There is a BL aspect, but up until the end of ep. 5 (which means for at least the first half of the series) it is either entirely absent or heavily sidelined by other plot threads. Once the boy love part gets going in ep. 6, drama and obstacles emerge – but since there are only 5 episodes left, everything needs to be rushed, including the ending. Bad pacing is not helped by far too many flashbacks.

The script feels like a first draft, with plenty of inconsistencies and weird/unnecessary twists, while basic characterization and world-building are missing. I will give three examples of that.
1/ Who is the reincarnated Wat? First we are told, that Tao calculated both time and place where San and Wat will reunite – Tao even points the direction from which the reincarnated Wat will appear; San and his relatives follow Tao’s calculations and meet Vee. At this point everyone except San is convinced that Vee is Wat. This is confirmed by more calculations, this time based on Vee’s date of birth. Apparently all these calculations were meaningless, as Vee can either be Wat or someone else, but sharing Wat’s fate – whatever that means. Despite of another proof – Vee’s presence stabilizing San’s condition – Tao changes his mind about Vee once Watfah appears. Why is he so easily swayed? We also learn of another method of verifying who Wat reincarnated as: using the stone. Why wasn’t this method used before, when San was doubting Vee? And why is this method so useless? What’s the point of all this back and forth and why is so much of the series about that and not about San and Vee getting together?
2/ San’s condition and how everyone reacts to it. The present-day part of the series begins only several short weeks before the 100 year deadline – and San still has not found Wat. This means he has only several weeks to live – and yet his family does not seem overly concerned. However, when the stone is gone, consumed to save Vee, San’s family is suddenly sad and devastated – realizing their ancestor will actually die. How exactly do these two situations differ? Were they all convinced that reincarnated Wat will show up at the last moment, feed the stone to San and save him? Or have they accepted that San will die and that why they were so calm at the start of the series?
3/ San’s actions and attitude. Initially he wants to find reincarnated Wat because he loves her and wants to be with her – but also because her feeding him the stone is the only way he’ll live. Once he falls for Vee he no longer cares who is Wat reincarnated (he discovers he no longer loves her), he even parts with the stone – which basically means he will die (even if Vee is Wat, with no stone they can’t reverse the curse). Is this resignation, some weird frame of mind or just poor writing?

As for acting, I immensely enjoyed Offroad and his performance: Vee is playful, witty, cute and goodhearted; he truly cares for those he loves. Daou’s performance was less enjoyable, probably because of how convincing he was as old, inflexible San – the same performance, however, unveiled a different, much softer face of San: that of a caring, loving man. Daou and Offroad have great chemistry and the series would benefit from having more of them together on screen; together they created a handful of good scenes I’d like to rewatch – which I cannot say about the rest of this series.

I do not mind the special effects (criticized in some reviews as cheap), as – for me – the show was about something else; the music, on the other hand, is dreadful: too loud, too dramatic and poorly chosen – in general off-putting.

Leia Mais

The power of predestined love and the complete transformation of broken people into beings of light

The power of predestined love
''Century of Love', the LGBTIQ+ romantic drama that combines elements of fantasy and action, reminds us that love inspires concepts as beautiful as the one that becomes the heart of this Thai series.
Directors Thanawat Panyarin ('Sanaeha Diary Series: Buang Sanaeha'), and Wo Worawit Khuttiyayothin ('Laws of Attraction') are behind 'Century of Love', a romantic fantasy that unfolds over more than a century.
Screenwriters Nueng Chawanon Sarapat ('To Sir, With Love' and 'Laws of Attraction'), Sorawich Pinyomit ('Laws of Attraction') and Apirat Hinkaew ('Suphapburut Sut Soi 2022'), are in charge of weaving a story with wonderful plots and eternal romances in which only predestined love will be able to save a young man from his own inner maelstrom.
The story revolves around San, a good-hearted boy who, due to the power of the Stone of Five Colors, which has turned him into an immortal being but with an expiration date, has waited for his love, Miss Wad ( Cookie Yada), for 100 years, waiting for him to be reincarnated into another person. To do this, he must face suffering, both physical and mental, all for the long-awaited reunion.
If he fails to find her within the given time frame, he will inevitably succumb to a tragic death for eternity.
About to finish the last year of the century before the power of the stone becomes his eternal curse, San meets Vee, a flighty and charming Adonis who seems connected to his life. However, San is reluctant to accept that his beloved, for whom he has waited so long and endured even loneliness, has been reborn as a child.
The creators present a story in a way where emotions pervade the entire story that is addressed in the script. Narratively, the series explores various themes, such as the conception of love, couples, the passage of time and life experiences.
Furthermore, through their protagonists, both directors and screenwriters can establish an analysis of attraction, love and desire, in addition to solving the great vital enigma of romanticism. One of the greatest virtues of its script are the different time jumps that arise, which provokes emotional introspection, but also growth and maturity in the face of the unknown. It has a striking personal force and Thanawat Panyarin and Worawit Khuttiyayothin know how to exploit it to the core of their story.
They are not afraid to show the edges and flaws that the human being hides, seen above all in the character of Vee, a boy who cares about his grandmother, who is faithful to his friends, a loyal lover, kind, smiling, but is not a waste of virtues, because he is not afraid to go against established norms and commit the occasional transgression, but not for ambitious or selfish purposes, but to help and protect the people he loves.
The series captivates viewers from its first frames not only for its interesting plot and for introducing the audience to an attractive, addictive, exciting and intricate narrative, but also for the inspiring performance of its two protagonists: the actors and singers Daou Pittaya Saechua and Offroad Kantapon Jindataweephol, members of boy group LAZ1, who play San and Vee, respectively, an on-screen couple famous for their work in the 2023 BL drama 'Love in Translation', where they played Yang Yan Feng and Phumjai , in that order.
It is a fact that 'Century of Love' conquers viewers thanks to Daou and Offroad, two actors with brutal on-screen chemistry, in addition to being very comfortable with each other. The synergy they create between them transfers to the seats and it is logical that there is so much truth in their interpretations.
Offroad has an innate naturalness, in addition to knowing how to take his character to emotional levels without falling into drama. He transmits at all times that transformation that occurs in his character. We see a metamorphosis on screen that is believable. A totally correct choice, given that he understands his character and sentimentally strips himself before the viewer.
For its part, thanks to Daou's acting work, the series does not fall into excessive sentimentality, which can occur in film and television romantic stories. It gives you San an identity and the allows to explore other horizons intrinsic to people. He steps hard, but always giving space to the rest of the performances on screen.
On the other hand, Cookie Yada plays a role that could seem to be in the background, but provides greater realism thanks to an unadorned performance. He is insightful and his presence on stage is enjoyable. It gives luminosity, mystery and suspense to the series, as well as a turn of events, which, without a doubt, the audience appreciates. A very human artistic team, which is not afraid to go to the deepest part of history.
One of the peculiarities of 'Century of Love' is the technical realization behind it. Its visual quality is outstanding. It is important to emphasize that it has its own personality and chooses scenarios that become the best staging. By using common or everyday locations, such as a hospital ward, a convenience store, a Buddhist temple, or the hallways and rooms of an old house, they could have fallen into artistic neglect, but this is not the case.
His photographic direction is careful and there are shots that are really delicate and that, in themselves, evoke beauty. Likewise, they also provide a more raw and visceral force in scenes that have a tension that needs that power.
Furthermore, the work behind the artistic direction must be highlighted. Those in charge of this aspect have known how to choose some scenarios in a special way. There is that pleasure in appreciating both the great monuments and public spaces of Thai cities, as well as small places that are more important for the protagonists.
In the same way, it stands out by virtue of its communicative power to transmit the passage of time and the processes of material decay. In 'Century of Love' a model of precise cinematographic calligraphy, whose plot shows concern for the minimum scenographic details that complement, and in some way also explain, San's journey marked by the god Cronus.
The old and dilapidated Chinese Opera Theatre, apparently a set set up for filming, once splendid and vital, which has a symbolic force in history for being the scene of dates between the two lovers a century ago, in addition to being the place where they inevitably separate, suggests a universe in disintegration, whose only possible opening would lie in the meeting and union of the two protagonists in the present.
The consortium of the plot with the musical appoggiatura, especially the main theme "Waiting to Tell You", by the talented artists Niphat Kamjornpreecha and Kan The Parkinson, and performed by the actor who plays San, tells the story of the feelings of the characters, represents another of the fortunes of the television project.
Another point that enhances the series is the handling of the influence of art itself. One of the rooms of the mansion where the protagonists live is a true art museum in which true artistic jewels hang or are stored in its display cases. This demonstrates the intention of directing 'Century of Love' to a level away from the banal and only focusing on the romantic. There is that effect of showing life itself.
The viewer will be drawn to the tender and deep characters, such as Prince Trai, Mrs. Ward's fiancé in one of the timelines, and Dr. Third in another timeline, the present, played by the attractive actor Pond Ponlawit. Ketprapakorn, who I have followed since I discovered him in the role of Wang in the series '180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us'.
The fact that this last character loves Veer is an element to consider in thinking that the young convenience store worker is the real Mrs. Ward reincarnated. Likewise, that Wada does not see Prince Trai in Dr. Third has other connotations to be discovered over the course of the series.
The cast closes with Gumpuns Koravich Sarasin as Doctor Tao, a faithful friend of San and temple official; Kae Trungta Kositchaimongkol as Rat, San's great-granddaughter; See Parattakorn Kaiyanan as Ton, Wee's friend; Xiang Pornsroung Rouyruen as Chu, San's great-great-granddaughter, Boss Natpongpon Suddee as the evil Uncle Suchat.
Also worth highlighting is the plot, full of unexpected twists, and a unique and enveloping atmosphere, which keeps you in suspense and really manages to capture you from the first moment.
The visual quality is impressive, with special effects and cinematography elevating the experience. Each episode leaves a feeling of wonder and curiosity, inviting you to reflect on the conflicts raised and anticipate what will happen next.
I recommend the series for many reasons. It's short and to the point, without unnecessary filler. Well done in terms of special effects, twists and script. Enough to develop the story but without adding straw. With deep messages, it has a certain originality (at this point it is very difficult to invent anything new). It has, in addition to the above, ethics, satire, morality, an intense drama that can make you cry, a touch of humor that will make you laugh more than once, a plot that engages.
Don't miss it.

Leia Mais

Okay, so I recently watched thai BL but I have been a BL fanfic and manga fan for the last 10 years, so I'm really choosy for what I read & watch, I have watched the famous thai BL such as Kinn Porsche, My School President, My Love Mix Up, Bad Buddy Love in the Air, Until We Meet Again, My Stand and most recently We Are (which I believe is one of the best BL series as Im just in love with Phuwin & Pond so much), but believe me, none of thoses series have made me written a review about them. Century of Love is my first review.

Okay so let me explain what I love the most:
1. The on point story telling, I mean come on, its really straight forward, easy to digest
2. The relationship between San's family. I love them so much, and they are really funny & supportive to San & Wee
3. The comedic feeling, I laugh out loud on ep 4 when San dreamt of meditation after Wee gets flirty with him and instead get seduced again by Wee the cunning fox in his dream hahaha
4. The chemistry between San and Wee, I mean, have you seen them?!
5. Positive energy of Wee, this guys is really rays of sunshine

Im so glad that this series come out twice a week, because what would I do if it only comes out one ep per week???

If you haven't watched this, just go & watch them, I swear you wouldnt regret it at all

Leia Mais

Cringe and cliché and highly overrated!

OMG, what a crap story. ? Yes, yes, many will disagree with me but I'm sick of the "but I'm a man" lines and the 180° turnaround two episodes later...

The story was weak, the over-acting cringe. Why did it have to been Ms. Wad and not Mr. Wad? To be gay is not a new thing.
Happily I could got through with it with lots of skipping the BS.

The only highlight was Vee's grandma. Also the martial arts scenes started strong, but in the end even their quality declined. The "bad guys/gal" were one-dimensional and from a pennybook without any depth. But all characters were a lot like that, one-dimensional. There is some growth for both Vee and San but only on a minuscule scale from a bad outset imho.

I personally prefer "Lost in Translation" as the much more enjoyable show, even when this show was not perfect either. If I were you, I would skip this show and watch the former outing or when you like fancy costumes and an historical/fantasy vibe I would recommand "Meet You at the Blossom" as a much better experience.

Leia Mais

A heartwrenching and beautiful story

It was kind of refreshing to see Daou and Offroad in this kind of serie, it's clearly a lakorn style but I like it a lot.

I know, it's not really perfect however, it's almost a perfect one because it has everything that I appreciate in general. The story was a bit absurd but still really entertaining. It got me hooked from the begining to the end and I even wanted more but looking back, 10 episodes was enough but wish it was a bit longer in terms of the duration of each episodes. But it successfully made me going through several emotions such as sadness (as I mentioned in the headline, it was heartwrenching but I won't spoiled anything, I just want to prevent if you read this to prepare some tissues or be mentally prepared lol), frustration and happiness (and a bit more) LOL

The acting was also great and convincing, shout out to Daou for his first action scenes without a Stand-In! I also like all the support characters, espcially Joo / Chu who is really adorable and bubbly and the grand-parents (I thought they were her parents?) are also lovely. I just want to complain about the villains, they lacked some depth but again, it was still entertaining.

I also would like to mention that the cinematography was pretty nice and again, I love the settings and the sino-thai vibes with the mixed of superstition and supernatural / fantasy elements.

In addition, I also appreciate the OST and instrumental songs that are used are simply beautiful / nice to listen especially the Chinese version, sung by Daou, of theme song.

To put in a nutshell, "Century of love" is somehow an easy watch that keep you entertaining, not only with its interesting plot and cultural background but also the chemistry of the main leads that won't disappoint you.

Leia Mais

Goblin of the Stone?

This drama has a little bit of everything and nothing at the same time. some moments of sweet, some moments of predictable oh so predictable and some moments of oh these affects are so bad they give it a retro feel...

I find myself loving the godess a bit more than I probably should and probably enjoyed some of the side characters more than the actual leads but all in all the chemestry is decent, the story is fine and the found family friendships are all top, top, top.

The vilanis however are just lazy writing at its best, bad directing at its worst.

An okay watch but not much more...

P.S. there may be a plot hole or ten so beware and do not expect everything to make sense...

Leia Mais

A Century of Waiting for Your Love!!

Love is a powerful thing. It is powerful enough to bridge generations, erase hate, and overcome prejudices. If we let it. Love is powerful enough to bring two people together so intimately that it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.

Thus is the story that the Thai BL Century of Love tells.

Starring Daou Pittaya (San) and Offroad Kantapon (Vee), Century of Love follows a devoted man named San who spends a hundred years waiting for the woman he loves to reincarnate after she died to protect him only for her to return as a man named Vee. This begins an unforgettable love story that becomes much more about who we are and less about the bodies we’re born with.

While I’ll admit I initially had trouble becoming immersed in San and Vee’s story, I found that, with time, San’s love and his interactions with Vee aged well. Ironically, a story about a man who spends 100 years not aging and trying to rediscover his first love becomes a love story that ages slowly on screen before suddenly capturing the heart.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/08/13/century-of-love-series-review-ep-3-to-10/

Leia Mais

Review after waching until ep 10

after watching ep 1 my first impressions is this series really good. every ep they will give u cliffhanger ?, until ep 10 damn i hate it but at the same time love it caused this wasnt made me bored. so the story overall is really interesting. for acting , daou offroad are really improve alot in their acting than before. especially daou , for offroad also made it, but still he should pactice in cry scene caused sometime a little bit awkward, i believe he can do it more. i will wait for his next project

for music overall oke but some part too dramatic hahahahah, but drama ost is best lahh , i think many people should notice this

Leia Mais