Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
After watching Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri play serious matures roles in series, like that of a Forest Officer in ‘A Tale of a Thousand Stars’ or the hardworking small business owner in ‘Moonlight Chicken’, its was surprisingly hilarious to see him play a clueless manchild in Thailand’s adaptation of the Japanese comedy ‘Ossan’s Love’.
Directed by Au Kornprom Niyomsil (Theory of Love, Still 2Gether), the 2024 romantic comedy is 12 episodes long and stars Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri as Heng, a property consultant whose life turns upside down when he finds out his boss, Kongdech (Krit Shahkrit Yamnam), is madly in love with him. To add to his romantic troubles, his colleague/flatmate Momo (Mix Sahaphap Wongratch) also asks him out.
This is a goofy, unserious show that is simply hilarious in parts, despite being dragged out for 12 long episodes. Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri delivers a surprising performance as the comedic lead Heng, a lazy, game-obsessed, childish young man who, despite all his flaws, charms those around him with his cheery behavior, unwitting innocence, and kind heart. For 90 percent of the time, Earth is convincing as Heng, a sweet guy who doesn’t know how to say ‘no’, has mild self-esteem issues, and is the kind of person who is pursued by others. However, in some rarer scenes, his more confident personality slips through.
Mix Sahaphap Wongratch, as Heng’s colleague Momo, is quite cute in the show, and the onscreen chemistry between the leads is great. Momo first becomes flatmates with Heng and then turns into his de facto nanny: cooking, cleaning, and doing all the household chores for Heng. When their boss Kongdech reveals his intentions to seriously date Heng, that’s when Momo confesses his feelings too, and thus begins a competitive love triangle to see who will win over Heng’s heart.
Krit Shahkrit Yamnam is highly entertaining as Kongdech, the older boss completely head over heels in love with Heng, so much so that he wants them to get married as soon as possible. Kongdech is a weird mix of creepy and cute, and even though the show never addresses it (since it’s a comedy), Kongdech is also low-key manipulative. Actor Krit Shahkrit Yamnam brings a lot of poise, dignity, and grace to a character that could’ve easily been completely creepy. You cannot help but think several of his scenes were extended simply to justify whatever pay he took home for this role.
Among the supporting cast, Thor Thinnaphan Tantui (Wandee Goodday) stands out as Ten, who has great onscreen chemistry with Mix’s Momo, despite very few scenes together. Ten is slightly senior to Heng but is still Kongdech’s junior. Kapook Ploynira Hiruntaveesin plays Heng’s childhood friend Chicha, whose proximity serves as a source of jealousy, comedy, and some serious complications in the tale. A subplot about another colleague called Monwadee (Dada Warinda Damrongphol), the office gossip queen, and her romance with Heng’s friend was completely unnecessary and unfunny in the show. Ossan’s Love also introduces Heng’s mother, a laid-back, loving lady who is completely forgotten in the last few episodes.
The soundtrack for Ossan’s Love is pretty catchy, and instead of the usual romantic Thai pop music, the score features trot songs, which are both upbeat and funny. Although one song by singer Nanon titled “Say Yes” is a total pop track, its beats (including bells) and wedding theme will remind viewers of the Bruno Mars hit “Marry Me.” And to add some more funny moments in the series, viewers also get a few song-dance sequences, including a flash mob.
All that said, this show should’ve been trimmed to eight episodes. Regardless, ff you’re looking for a silly romantic comedy and are already a fan of the lead actors, Ossan’s Love is pretty funny in parts and delivers some big laughs.
You can watch the series on YouTube.
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