The Jungle Thai Series Review: First Episode was Chaotic

Out of all the GMMTV series trailers released last year, The Jungle’s trailer was particularly intriguing. The recently released official trailer was also captivating. However, the first episode did not live up to the high expectations set by its trailers or the OST “Beast Inside.” It’s still too early to make a final verdict, but here’s my initial review and take on the Thai series, The Jungle, which is currently airing on GMMTV.

The series adaptation The Jungle is based on the novel The Jungle: Pa/La/Rak, written by “Baison” Jinatcha Maneesriwong, who is also credited as the screenwriter. Maneesriwong also wrote P.S. I Hate You. The other screenwriter for The Jungle is Pratchaya Thavornthummarut.

The Jungle Thai Series – Storyline

The Jungle is about a group of mysterious, good-looking, and ‘predatory’ young men who are out on a ‘hunt’ in a secret bar called Rendezvous, the location of which nobody knows.

The group is called “The Jungle” which involves these men who have designated names of wild animals such as lion, tiger, viper, and so on. The bartender/ owner of this bar is Hunter, played by a charming Mix Sahaphap Wongratch.

Thoughts on Ep 1 of The Jungle

From the first episode and trailer, it is evident that their preys are women. These men get involved with women for one-night stands.

But, this looks like another series about men who have ‘issues’ and hence cannot form any commitments with anybody. Will it be the usual cliche of these ‘predatory’ men finding love with the ‘right’ women or will it offer something that is beyond our expectations? We will have to find out.

What is Interesting About The Jungle?

For one thing, the casting is brilliant. Not because they cast popular actors but because they chose actors who look meek and innocent, to play a predator or hunter.

The casting of Mix Sahaphap Wongratch, Nanon Korapat Kirdpan, Lee Thanat Lowkhunsombat, and Krist Perawat Sangpotirat especially is interesting. Let’s see how they would shine in these roles.

From the limited screen time that the actors got in episode one, Mix stood out the most. There is a natural ease and charm and at the same time an enigmatic quality with which he plays Hunter.

The OST “Beast Inside” probably explains the series more than anything else. The song features the actors themselves and is one of the best I have heard recently from any Thai drama. It is kind of similar to “Dancing with the Devil” by Isbanky.

The Let-Down

The first episode honestly did not meet my expectations in the sense that it was very lukewarm and did not have much coherence.

It introduces the characters but there was no wholeness for the lack of a tight script. There is so much going on and we are introduced to one character after another which makes it a bit confusing and chaotic.

Another one is the characterization itself. The characters and their mannerisms are something that we have seen before in Thai television.

The characters are so underwritten. And the female characters as always are stereotypical. Mook Worranit Thawornwong is probably playing the same character for the umpteenth time. She deserves better.

Final Thoughts on The Jungle

The Thai series The Jungle is not something that exceeds your expectations. And I don’t think there is anything unpredictable here. But, I am eager to find out if I am right or wrong.

And I am thrilled to watch some of my favorites in the cast including Aye Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol who I think is one of the most nuanced actors in GMMTV.

Also, the series is produced by Aof Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon (director of ATOTS, Bad Buddy, and Moonlight Chicken) whose productions are usually promising. So, will I watch the next episode? Undoubtedly, yes.

Update

As I had thought, the series did not exceed my expectations. I felt like a pool of talent was wasted because of a loosely written screenplay.

The climax especially was hilarious.

The only thing that was refreshing was the character Florence played so beautifully by Aye Sarunchana.

Everything else was a series of cliché.

Just a note: Just men flexing and showing off won’t cut it as good content. Even that needs an efficient screenplay.

I hope it will be better in the sequel (if at all there is one) with women playing the lead.