Here comes the latest in a growing line of multi-couple romcoms from the Thai movie industry. Unfortunately, Bangkok Sweety is certainly more miss than hit and is really just a pale imitation of blockbuster Love Actually, released back in 2003, with its similar concept of following the lives of numerous different couples around the New Year holidays.
The movie starts with the break-up of Tudt (“Dan” Worrawet), a football fanatic who hates to explain his feelings to his girlfriend, Matae (“Patty” Angsumalin). He turns to Matae’s friend Ngor (“Gipsy” Kirati) for support, while she falls for a new guy, Tan (“Pae” Arak). Another love story follows Lang-arn (Koh Tee), a homely yet witty man able to win the heart of a beauty like Nangfa (“Saipan” Apinya), who has decided she will no longer go for handsome men. Friends Un (Tony Rakkean) and Jet (“Wan” Thanakrit) find themselves taken with Ngor’s emotionally-guarded sister Ngek (“Gipso” Ramita). The coupling of heart surgeon Dr. Dee (“Ja” Weeranut) and her patient Fin (“Beem” Kavee), who can’t resist the doctor’s looks or charm, provides some off-beat humor.
Apart from a few chuckle-worthy jokes, director “Yacht” Reukchai Puangpetch fails to get viewers to connect with the characters’ love stories. Many of the storylines—like that of Dr. Dee and Fin, who rarely interact with each other—just seem too unbelievable. The characters also prove bland and one-sided. Oh, and there is some blatant product placement to boot. Give us a break from the adverts please.
The movie is meant to be part of a series, so you can expect to see the credits roll with some of these relationships still needing resolutions. Brace yourself for the next installment this Valentine’s Day—or perhaps easier still, just ignore them.