Love You to Debt

"In debt, you must pay back, but in love, there's no need to return the heart."

Han Dong-Wook's 2014 Korean film "Man in Love," gets remade into Taiwanese (2021) and Thai versions, the latter titled "Love You To Debt" in 2024.

The narrative consistently follows a debt collector who falls for a debtor struggling to care for her terminally ill father while trying to settle her debts. This leads to an unusual proposition: dates in exchange for debt reduction. Their relationship, sparked by financial necessity, slowly blooms into genuine affection.

Directed by Wa-Wasuthep Ketpetch, known for his work on the Thai teen series "The Gifted," this film marks his directorial debut. The screenplay, crafted by Malila and Onthakarn, features Bright-Vachirawit Chivaaree and Yaya-Urassaya Sperbund in leading roles.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Pattaya, the film captures the essence of this bustling tourist hub and its hidden, sleepless underworld. Despite its serious undertones about debt, the Thai adaptation infuses the story with a distinctive local flavor, blending comedy, action, and charming dating scenes. However, as the narrative deepens, the weight of debt brings about profound struggles, casting a shadow over the blossoming romance.

Bright-Vachirawit, portraying the protagonist, brings depth to his role as a lovesick debt collector. His performance is a seamless blend of intensity and vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Yaya-Urassaya's character, Im. Their chemistry transforms every scene they share into a vivid depiction of conflicted emotions-joy in love contrasted with the harsh realities of their lives.

In a remarkable commitment to authenticity, Bright performed all his stunts, bearing both the physical and emotional weight of his character. His transformation into the scarred, tattooed Bo involved an extensive makeup process, adding layers to his portrayal of a man navigating the harsh world of debt collection while harboring a tender love.

Yaya Urassaya's portrayal of Im reflects a woman burdened yet resilient, adapting her vocal tones and demeanor to authentically convey a spectrum of emotions. This nuanced performance ensures that viewers feel the weight of her struggles and the strength of her spirit.

The film's aesthetic, from the vivid Hawaiian shirts worn by Bo to Im's modest flea market attire, visually represents their worlds and personalities, mirroring Pattaya's colorful landscape.

"Love You to Debt" is not just a film but a cultural dialogue tailored to resonate with Thai audiences, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes of love and financial hardship. Wasuthep and his team have skillfully adapted the original story's essence to engage local viewers, making it a reflective and entertaining exploration of life's burdens and beauties.

Recommended.

(Translated and edited for brevity and readability from a review in Thai by @PooChaiKonNun on FB)

A romantic drama that is so fierce, so real, and so weighty, pushing up the bar of Thai movies by a notch. It's a GMMTV creation that takes a daring step to break from the mold.

Bright Vachirawitproved himself as a lead actor with onscreen bad boy image. Yaya Urassaya is undoubtedly a leading actress.

I like Bright's performance from the 1stscene. I believe he was truly "Ai Bo," who is romantic, cute, annoying, playful and alsodark, savage, raw. His performance "hits the mark." Next year, I believe "Bright Vachirawit" must appear on the roster of Suphannahong(National Film Awards) Best Actor contenders for sure.

• (Eng translation of review by @EarthCDVD on X)

Kudos to the directer Wasuthep to deliver this good for 1st movie after a few hit series such as Gifted, Good old days etc.

This year Thai movie comin' back to top chart in Thailand.

. Bright and Yaya chip their all in for the role. Watch out Mama Benz for really steal the scene. Salute for using Pattaya in another vibe to be location. People lives day by day out there with the best and mess scenery. Watching local movie when you visit Thailand and experience the luxury vibe of their Cinemas is also recommend. Eng sub available. Bright & Yaya interfans wait a bit they may come near you after.

..interesting and leading role Bright & Yaya are matching so well. Movie represent so comedy in Trailer but its will surprise you after . ..its well combination of comady action romactic drama ..and its slowly leading you to tears.fighting secne is look so real ..i like how Bo show im how much you love her and live how Bo tried to fill im dream I laughed and cry which i didn't expect even i watched on the 2nd i still cry for their love ,the unexpect story line will lead to deep and deep till tge end. After watched i miss them already ,i watched 2 times and i want to watch again ,hope it will be on app with un cut secne..looking forward to that.

This is the GMMTV's best remake!

Not only about love story, this movie can highlight social issue, how difficult it is for people from lower classes to improve their level.

The cinematography, acting, script, song, everything perfect.

I'M BAWLING SO HARD LISTENING BO'S SINGING FOR IMM. He's raw, precious, and genuine. I'm going to gmmtv's youtube to listen Bo's singing again. Bright is really versatile actor, he makes you forget his last character (Thyme from F4). So different from Thyme, he has no power here, I'm sad.

I want to see BoImm again. I want longer version. Maybe 10 episode will be enough.

Bright Yaya should win best couple of the year, they really played their character so well.