The Thais sure make really nice mainstream rom-coms. They kind of remind me of Star Cinema, but better in some aspects. These films are carefully calculated to appeal to as many viewers as possible. They even operate with the same tropes. Make a movie in an exotic location? Surprise, Friend Zone is all about traveling to several locations! There's product placement, and the film even lampshades it! There's even a blooper reel at the end that reminds me of several Star Cinema films. What ends up so fun about Friend Zone is that, even though its premise is super flimsy, it somehow manages to work.
Like the title says, Friend Zone is about two best friends, Palm and Gink. Palm has been carrying a torch for this lady for ten years, but part of the blame is also on him: he's content to be a friend instead of risking it all on romance, even though it's clear that he likes her a lot (and she, him.) Gink at this point in time is taken, but she always turns to Palm for emotional support.
It's a loopy relationship, and it's no surprise that this leads to all sorts of tension, some of it sexual. The film knows this too, and I wish it would have gone more into their thoughts, especially during the scene where they pour out their real feelings."Both of you, just get a room!" is basically the premise of the film, and it's stretched out a bit thin for two hours. However, it's still pretty entertaining. Of the two leads, it's Baifern Pimchanok who gets the meatier role and she does it well.
Otherwise, Friend Zone is a pleasant experience. I personally hope more Thai movies make their way to our shores (and vice-versa), because it could be an interesting learning opportunity for our two countries.
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