Man of Vengeance is an unfortunate attempt at a Thai drama that seems to have missed the mark on almost every level. From the cringe-worthy music choices to the excruciatingly exaggerated acting, this series embodies a perfect storm of bad decisions that result in a viewing experience that's painful to endure.
Let's start with the cast. Who thought that casting a very young skinny boy as the tough mafia guy pimp/pub owner Sila was believable needed to think it over. It was not fitting for the character at all and nothing about the actor ( not even his voice) could tell you otherwise, it was such a shame.
Continuing with the music. Whoever was responsible for selecting the soundtrack for this drama must have had their headphones on backward. The music choices are bafflingly mismatched with the tone of the scenes, creating a jarring dissonance that takes viewers right out of the moment. Dramatic scenes are accompanied by overly peppy tunes, and moments that should evoke emotion are marred by oddly upbeat tracks that completely undermine any intended impact. It's a head-scratching choice that only adds to the overall awkwardness of the show.
The acting is nothing short of a masterclass in overacting. Every line is delivered with a level of exaggeration that feels like a parody of a telenovela, rather than a genuine attempt at creating engaging characters. It's as if the actors were given the directive to perform as though they were playing to an audience seated in the last row of a massive theater. The facial expressions are so extreme that they border on cartoonish, leaving viewers wondering if they accidentally stumbled into a slapstick comedy instead of a drama. The lack of subtlety in the performances further diminishes any hope of emotional connection with the characters.
Speaking of telenovelas, this series was made in 2019!!! But seems to be channeling the worst aspects of the genre from the 90s. While nostalgia can be a powerful tool, this series leans into it to a fault. The sets, costumes, and even the cinematography all seem to have been plucked directly from a bygone era, and not in a charming way. Instead of modernizing the telenovela format to suit a contemporary audience, the show clings to outdated aesthetics that come across as more laughable than endearing. It's a puzzling choice that alienates viewers who are expecting a drama that feels relevant and relatable.
And then there are the plots - or perhaps I should say, the melodramatic circus that is supposed to pass as a storyline. Man of Vengeance takes over-the-top to new heights, and not in a good way. Every plot point is delivered with such exaggerated drama that it becomes exhausting to watch. Characters go from moments of tranquility to hysterics at the drop of a hat, and conflicts are escalated to absurd levels without any semblance of nuance. It's as if the writers are competing to see who can concoct the most preposterous turn of events. Unfortunately, this penchant for overindulgence only serves to alienate viewers who are looking for a story that is grounded in some semblance of reality.
In the end, the drama falls victim to its own misguided attempts at emulating telenovelas from the past. The poorly chosen music, cringe-inducing acting, outdated aesthetics, and excessive melodrama combine to create a show that is not only difficult to watch but also difficult to take seriously. This drama seems to have forgotten that successful storytelling requires a delicate balance between engagement and authenticity, elements that are sorely lacking in this unfortunate production. If you're looking for a Thai drama that offers substance and quality entertainment, Man of Vengeance is a series best left untouched.
