003. Watch/finish 20 foreign language films/shows. Manner of Death/พฤติการณ์ที่ตาย -6

 

Title: Manner of Death (พฤติการณ์ที่ตาย)
Year: 2020-2021
No. of Seasons: 1
No. of Episodes: 14
Cert: 18
Genre: Suspense, romance, crime
Language: Thai
Director: Ma-Deaw Chookiat Sakveerakul
Starring: Tul Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai, Max Nattapol Diloknawarit, Great Sapol Assawamunkong, Meiko Chonnikan Netjui

Synopsis:

When his childhood friend, Jane ("Meiko" Chonnikan Netjui), is found hanged at her home, forensic pathologist Dr Bun ("Tul" Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai) has reason to believe that her "manner of death" was murder, not suicide. The first person he suspects of the murder is the victim's boyfriend, a cram school teacher called Tan ("Max" Nattapol Diloknawarit). Bun eventually becomes less suspicious of Tan and the two of them work together to solve the mystery of Jane's death, while facing pressure and intimidation from some powerful people. Bun also has to deal with his developing feelings for Tan, whom he still doesn't trust completely.

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Overall: As I mentioned in this post, Manner of Death is loosely based on a novel of the same name by the author Sammon. The basics are the same, but the series takes a different path and adds many additional and important plot points, as well as reimagining some characters and adding new ones.

I really loved this series! The plot was intriguing, the acting was solid, the soundtrack was pleasant (though sometimes a tad overdramatic in some scenes), the cinematography and setting were gorgeous and the two lead actors had amazing chemistry. Although it was a serious show, with some very dark themes, there were also funny and sweet moments mixed in as, which created a nice balance. 

Best bits: Tan's insane and inappropriate flirting/idea of romance, Jane being the bravest person in the whole town, the way the story unfolded and was pieced together episode by episode, the chemistry between Tan and Bunn, no homophobia at all, cactus & chili, the focus being on the murder/crime plot rather than just the romance.

Worst bits: Having to watch Jane die multiple times (but it had a point, so okay). Honestly, I can't think of anything else I didn't like.

Watch it if you like: Interesting characters in a well thought-out story, stories involving police corruption, strong female characters, the BL genre in a more serious & grown-up setting, murder mysteries, crime dramas, adrenaline junkies, action, romance, love expressed in unusual ways.