Until We Meet Again - Review

Disclaimer:

My reviews will be highly influenced by my own options, experience and knowledge of bl and queer culture and shows. I'm not an expert in any regard but as a queer person and a film and media student I have some insight into the shows I like and want to review.

Overview

Details:

• Country: Thailand

• Episodes: 17

• Aired: Nov 9, 2019 - Mar 1, 2020

• Duration: 45 min.

• Content Rating: 15+ - Teens 15 or olderCast:

Cast:

• Fluke Natouch Siripongthon - Pharm

• Ohm Thitiwat Ritprasert - Dean

• Earth Katsamonnat Namwirote - Intouch

• Kao Noppakao Dechaphatthanakun - Korn

• Prem Warut Chawalitrujiwong - Team

• Boun Noppanut Guntachai - Win

table of Contents

• Show Synopsis:

• First thoughts

• Dean and Pharm:

• Korn and Intouch:

• Win and Team:

• Sexuality and coming out:

• Sex and intimacy:

• The ending:

• Music:

• Final thoughts:

• Links:

Show Synopsis:

Thirty years ago, Korn and Intouch were university students in Bangkok. Intouch entered Korn's life despite knowing that he was the son of one of the most influential people in Bangkok, the mafia. At first, Korn kept pushing Intouch away, but in the end, he couldn't resist the boy who was so full of life where he was the exact opposite and decided to let him into his heart.

However, in a time where homosexuality was unacceptable and having parents that were against their relationship and each other, Korn and In's love was bound to be doomed. Midst the chaos, while Intouch kept on fighting for their future, Korn could not deal with all the suffering his lover was facing and decided to give up. That day, two sounds of a gunshot rang through the air.

Their story ended with tragedy, but something had already tied itself between them, bounding them together even after they were dead.

Years later, Pharm (19) who is a freshman in T- University, was constantly being riddled with sad dreams that always left him waking up with a wet face, fear of loud noises, and a birthmark on his temple. Dean (21), the third year swimming club's president at T- University has spent his life searching for someone whose face he cannot remember. The red thread of fate that had tied them together in their past life once again pulls the two boys back to each other, tieing them to each other and a past that might not be worth remembering, but a love that is unforgettable.

First thoughts

This show stands out from others, the main focus not being the same old trope of LGBTQ story's where the main couple struggle to fall in love, fall in love, have some drama or conflict (miscommunication, jealousy or outside forces) then in the last 2 eps the get back together. Instead, they take a more serious approach to the typical bl romance.

This show really focused on the relationship between Dean and Pharm- how it paralleled Korn and Intouch. Nothing felt forced or out of place in the story, no random conflict just to amp up the drama. At times the show seems to slow pace and that’s good! It lets the audience process everything. With such a complex storyline there isn’t a need for random conflict between the main characters.

It handled really heavy subjects well, having such a sensitive subject at the course of the show and being the main plot point could have ruined the show if done wrong. This show doesn’t make the death light, or unsubstantial. It has weight. Even in the first few minutes of the show where the event takes place we (the audience) few a contention between the two men, we empathise and are shocked by seeing the end of their life together.

I will go into a short breakdown of the couples and characters, why their relationships were so effective and a bit on the actors.

Dean and Pharm:

Pharm slowly grows in confidence, in himself and the relationship over the show. His fear and trepidation edge away as he finds himself trusting Dean more and more. He learns about himself more as well, his friends support this and help him grow. As a character he is really interesting, he is not just shy and bashful, the confidence and straightforwardness he has is really impressive. It's nice to see how he changes around different people, Dean makes him shy but also very happy, with his friends he is louder and very caring, with a family he's more peaceful. It's nice to see such a well-rounded character.

The difference and similarities between Pharm and Intouch are also interesting. Pharm is a lot more reserved and shy, Intouch was a lot more outgoing. However, Pharm does grow in confidence and becomes more similar to Intouch in that sense.

Dean’s character is a bit more complex, although it could seem otherwise. He begins cold, he's strict with his siblings and seems on the outside to be moody or arrogant. However soon we see that break down and see the softer and scared side of him. It's clear he struggles with his emotions in the sense he was raised a certain way, his father only making this worse due to both of their arrogance and stubbornness. Watching him care for Pharm, learning to be a better brother and struggle with his internal guilt for what happened to Intouch was quite something. Again like Pharm, he is a well-rounded character.

The difference and similarities between Dean and Korn are also interesting. They are very different overall but that isn't only because of their character but because of the difference in situations. Dean grew up in a more accepting and open society compared to Korn. Dean is still emotionally closed off like Korn, however, he finds it easier to express his care for Pharm.

Something that I found so interesting in this couple is that they never really had to do the big confession to know they had feelings for eachother, before their first kiss the two already were aware of their feelings. This is slightly helped by the fact they are soul mates/are linked through Intouch and Korn but as themselves, they aren't afraid really to pursue it.

Also, they are one of the most healthy and non-toxic bl couples I have ever seen on screen. There is clear communion, understanding and a sense of respect between the two. They set up boundaries in their relationship and when it is cross they talk.

This couple has to go through a lot emotionally, together and separately. The progression in the series of them discovering the past and the impact it has on them now is definitely an engaging and intriguing plot. It's a hard concept to get your head around as a viewer at first, so for the two of them, it only seems to be double that.

The climax of the plot, where Pharm goes to the house Intouch and Korn died was in a word intense. The emotions and fears had built over the show beautifully. Seeing the struggle between Intouch and Pharm, the mix and confusion between the past and present were quite incredible. (I must give props to Fluke and Ohm for such an amazing scene)

The actors:

Fluke is an amazing actor. As the more experienced in the pair he had more pressure to deliver and he did. The show had such dark and emotional scenes that fluke handled beautifully. His emotions and acting definitely helped make this show as good as it is.

It’s hard to believe this is Ohm’s first role, he is naturally charming and slips right into his character. The role of a normally cold guy turned soft can be hard and a bit awkward if done wrong but he does it so well. He shows so much through his eyes, small interaction and touches. Watching interviews from before the show is clear he has grown a lot and his confidence has only kept growing.

Korn and Intouch:

We meet Korn and Intouch at the end of their relationship, it's a shocking and emotional start to the series and to the couple. It definitely sets the tone for their relationship, making it take a bittersweet overall mood.

The confidence and outwardness Intouch has is quite incredible, he purses Korn very openly which must have been quite a terrifying thing to do at a time when homosexuality was so widely hated. He is truly an optimist who tries so hard to bring Korn out of his shell and fight against the social expectations they have been placed under.

Korn is a closed-off and cold person, growing up with a mafia loan shark for a father and everyone being scared of him made his more distant from others. His relationship with his brothers is really sweet, it gives us a look into what he truly is like and how much he really cares. Him slowly opening up to Intouch and trusting him as their relationship develops is very touching. Intouch brings out a different side of him.

As a gay couple in the ’80s, the social pressure and fear the two-faced would be unimaginable. We see a small part of this from their families and from the conversation they have about not yet being free to be together.

It is heartbreaking to see them planning a future, a hopeful future together. Intouch definitely is the more optimistic of the two but as their relationship develops we see Korn also starting to talk about their future together. The non-linear style of their story, which is seen through flashbacks, makes their fate so much more heartbreaking.

Actors:

Earth is an amazing actor, he puts so much of himself into the character. It definitely helps and he and Intouch are very similar. The Sassy and confident Intouch is brought to life through Earth. However, he also gets Intouch’s pure sadness and distress across- the first scene is heartbreaking to watch and his acting definitely hooks the audience in.

Kao showed Korn’s growth from being cold and distant to more caring very well. It's a hard character, just like Ohm with Dean, but I would say Kao had a bit more of a challenge. We can see Korns struggled to actually let go and allow himself to be happy. He is under so much pressure and he never really gets past it. Kao does such an amazing job, and his chemistry with Earth definitely makes the characters come to life.

Win and team:

Their relationship is less about them falling in love- though that is part of it. It is more about the trust and forming of a friendship. As a ‘side couple’ they do not get a lot of stand-alone moments in the show. But that doesn’t harm them in any way. Unlike other shows, they are present in a lot of the show and when onscreen the connection between them is clear, small interactions and moments between the two seem so natural.

It is very quickly established in the show that Win has some feelings for Team (during a discussion with Dean) and that’s it. Not over dramatic or shocking. Wins ease and confidence in his own feelings are shown in that moment, as well as the underlying implication that Dean is aware of his friend’s sexuality or preferences.

Team’s trust in Win is shown to grow over the show, from only shy glances to being comfortable with Win’s like of physical contact. At first, seeming intimidated by Win to playfully and confidently pushing back against his teasing.

The romantic relationship seems to start off-screen, what we see is small moments that hint to the closeness that has grown between the two. (Which is understandably from a plot point of view, WinTeam have their own story -Hemprope) But this makes it seem so much more natural. The playful teasing and almost casual aspect of their relationship (Win kissing Team on the forehead, them kissing under the mistletoe, the fact that Team has been sleeping with Win when he can't sleep on his own) toes the line of friends and something more very well. It's clear that they are exploring their relationship and not rushing anything.

I am very excited for their spin-off show. Seeing the relationship in more detail will be a delight and the actors (prom and Boun) have such great chemistry.

Actors:

Boun and his boyish charm really helps bring Win to life. He pulls off the charming and flirty character without being to over the top or creepy very well. He also leads Prem (Team) very well and they have great chemistry whenever on screen.

Prem is a fantastic actor. He plays into Team's naivety, making his character more comical and lovable. However he does bring forward Team insecurity very subtly in his interactions with Win throughout the series. His chemistry with Boun really brings the relationship to life.

Next, I'm going to go into a few of the moments/scenes and things that stood out to me and why.

Sexuality and coming out:

Pharm talks to his friends about his sexuality. (Episode 2) It’s brought about by Manow talking about the Facebook post Dean made and how he and Pharm had an instant click. She jokes about shipping the two together. When pharm seems a bit off she instantly pulls back the teasing to make sure Pharm isn’t upset or angry. This is important as it sets up the feeling of the conversation- though it can be easily overlooked- Manow shows she cares about Pharm if he is uncomfortable she won’t make jokes like that. For some straight guys, these jokes can be a bit overwhelming or annoying, for gay or bi guys it can feel pushy or insensitive.

Pharm openly talks about his slight confusion about his sexuality because he grew up with this feeling of their only being one person for him- someone he truly loves and is searching for- and knowing it’s a guy. He doesn’t know if he likes girls and guys, both or just guys.

Team and Manow listen carefully, even though what Pharm says is a bit odd or strange they do not dismiss his feelings. Once he admits that Dean may be the one they quickly jump to help him, wanting to help him pursue his feelings.

Pharm having a close friend that he can rely on- feeling comfortable and confident that they will be there for him and not judge him- is such an important aspect of the show. It feels natural for them to talk about this, not forced or a joke or a sudden realisation. Just facts.

Pharm is technically the only character in the show that comes out, aside from Alex who says he is bisexual. Win, Dean and Team do not go through the stereotypical coming out phase. There isn't any confusion or hang up on the fact that they like guys. Which may not be that strange or significant to some, however after watching years of shows that focus on the character coming out, struggling, internalized homophobia and regret, it's refreshing to see men so comfortable in their own sexualities before the show starts.

Sex and intimacy:

A moment in the show the particular stands out is Pharm and Dean briefly talking about going to fast (episode 10- kitchen scene) for some context Dean confesses how much he has fallen for Pharm and kisses him, beginning to kiss his neck and go a bit further. However, Pharm stops him, aka him to not do that again a dm Dean agrees. Seems simple right?

For some further context, I’ll talk about how other shows have handled similar situations. In a lot of shows, the more submissive person in the couple will often resist, act shy or push off the more dominant person being too intimate. However the more dominant will convince, coerce or just carry on. Now most of the time the submissive person will give in and it becomes romantic and a moment of giving in to their desire. And this isn’t necessarily wrong. It happens, getting caught up in feelings and slowing yourself to let go. But in a wider sense, it’s a dangerous trend that can be pushed too far at times. The line between consent and coercion in bl has been towed a lot.

The scene between Pharm and Dean is important because of the past mistakes and faults of other queer shows and bl’s. Pharm isn’t comfortable going any further, he pushes Dean off him to stop and he does. Dean recognised his mistake and instantly apologised. His guilt is clear in that moment. Pharm sees this, trying to cheer him up and show he is fine. He smiles and holds his hand- but makes it clear asking Dean to not do that again. Which he agrees to.

This scene shows a lot about the characters- Pharm isn’t just a shy and cute guy, he knows when and how to stand up for himself. He values his own self and knows he isn’t ready for anything more. His quiet yet sure approach to Dean shows she also understands that Dean isn’t going to push him, he won’t force him to do anything. Dean’s level of maturity is shown here, he sees his mistakes and seeks to fix it quickly. The genuine fear he has of a hurt or upset pharm is clear.

The ending:

For most Bl’s there are 3 ways an ending can go.

1. someone dies, it's the most emotional and definitely most heartbreaking of the endings. Its also the most hated by fans.

2. the breakup/don't get together. This can often be the most frustrating, sometimes it’s setting up a season 2 but if not it can seem like a cop-out (unless done for the right reasons).

3. They live happily ever after (and have sex of course) it the most common, the last episode or special episode acting as mostly fan service and showing skinship and the couple showing their love.

Now there isn't anything wrong with 3, it’s nice to have the payoff and I believe that for some couples sex is an important aspect of confirming their relationship, taking the final step. But I don't believe it should be the standard or expected of all couples. I believe that's a whole other conversation to have but for now, let's talk about the ending of UWMA.

Some people have had a bit of a problem with the ending. Mostly that Pharm asks to have space and then we get a time jump, only for them to get back together in the last few moments of the show. Now that could seem strange or off, something to just make the audience tense. But in reality, it is very clear why this was done.

Throughout the show Pharm and Dean have been together- their closeness grows quickly and they fall fast. With the pretence that they are destined to be together because of Intouch and Korn, it could have been all had a fairytale ending. But the emotional and physical strain they both went through, especially Pharm, requires them to step back for a moment. Even if Dean at first is shocked I believe he would also understand. And this how’s how emotionally mature they both are, they understand that time apart will let things settle. And in the end, they realise that yes, they do love each other- it isn’t just because of the past.

If they had more time, it would have been nice to see a more in-depth and introspective look at Pharms and Dean’s thoughts during their time apart. However, due to the series length, there isn’t time. But I dont think takes away from the show at all, Dean and Pharm have already been shown to have a healthy and respectful relationship- allowing the audience to think about how they would have spent that time apart and knowing, in the end, they come back together with a better understanding of their relationship- which is the most important part.

Music:

The music in the show is amazing, I had to say that as I’ve watched a lot of shows that have repetitive sound tacks and title songs. The music for this show doesn’t get old, it’s all beautifully composed and definitely adds to the amazing qualities of the show.

https://youtu.be/HOhP7-jJiGI - Official OST MV

https://youtu.be/5COtwZs2WFM - OST Boy Sompob

https://youtu.be/u8JouUTNj9U - OST MV

https://youtu.be/jgb1oYpGeWM - OST I Found You MV

Final thoughts:

UWMA has set the standard for Bl and queer shows, It’s more serious tone and well thought out characters that don't stray into serotypes set a president for how proper representation should be handled.

I can’t wait to see what they do for Between Us, the side story about Team and Win. If it is anything like the main series I’m sure it will be as fantastic.

Links:

https://mydramalist.com/33506-until-we-meet-again-the-series (Information on the show)

https://youtu.be/QG3Oya32MoQ (Official Youtube upload - Ep 1 part 1)

https://www.youtube.com/c/StudioWabiSabi/featured (Studio Wabi Sabi Official Youtube channel)