When GMMTV announced they were going to release a Thai adaptation of the hit Japanese series ‘Cherry Magic,’ based on the manga of the same name by Yuu Toyota, fans had mixed reactions. As someone who loved the Japanese live-action version starring the charming Eiji Akaso & Keita Machida, I was both apprehensive and excited to see how Tay Tawan Vihokratana and New Thitipoom Techa-apaikhun would portray the lead characters in the Thai remake.
Directed by X Nuttapong Mongkolsawas, who is behind titles like “Vice Versa” & “Theory of Love”, the first episode of ‘Cherry Magic’ is pretty loyal to the source material, with Thai cultural elements interwoven into the plot to give it a more local flavor, which definitely works in favor of the show. The episode begins by introducing Achi (New Thitipoom Techa-apaikhun) a day before his 30th birthday, he live alone, is single, with major self-esteem issues and looks up to his colleague Karan (Tay Tawan Vihokratana) with a tinge of jealousy as both of them started their careers the same time, but while Karan is the office star, Achi is the wallflower. Achi’s mundane life takes a drastic turn when he develops the power to read minds by touching people on his 30th birthday and he is shocked to find that the dashing Karan has a crush on him.
In a direct nod to its source material, there’s a scene where Achi searches online about 30-year-old virgins gaining mind-reading powers, and the manga series by Yuu Toyota shows up as the top result. The first episode wastes no time in setting the primary plot about the magical twist and quickly introduces all major characters who will be seen through the next eleven episodes. Junior Panachai Sriariyarungruang plays Achi’s best-friend Jinta, a successful author who lives by himself, while Jan Ployshompoo Supasap and Sing Harit Cheewagaroon play Achi’s co-workers Pai and Rock. New Thitipoom is quite endearing as the clumsy Achi, who has no faith in himself, while Tay Tawan as Karan does a solid job at being the calm-cool corporate super-star with a gigantic crush on his colleague.
The first episode might not seem as comedic to those who’ve seen the Japanese series and some of it is because of the choice of background music, that doesn’t do a great job at enhancing the funnier moments. But regardless of whether you’ve seen the original Japanese series or not, the Thai series “Cherry Magic” promises to be an entertaining show for those looking for a whimsical romantic-comedy.
You can watch Cherry Magic on YouTube.
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