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)

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.

The chemistry of the actors makes us believe in Bo and Im's love, believing that they will get through the harsh days amidst the violence. There is still goodness in people. And Bo is like an amnesiac angel who comes to help those lost people. The colors and backdrop make Pattaya look interesting. Bo is the color from the dullest to the brightest. Yaya is a very complete Im. The role of Jae Wan is a person who is greedy and takes advantage without kindness. In the society that we see in general Song Na Na Thong Very touching, very appropriate for the karaoke that Bo gave to Im. This is one very impressive movie.

It's good, so much better than expected. It's a pleasure to watch. I love it, and I really appreciate how brave it is in many ways from the idea from start to finish (but won't spoil it).

The movie tells the story of the poor, debt collectors, informal debts, and difficult lives revolving around debt. It reflectsThai society full of informal debtors, but create interesting characters, especially the male protagonist. This makes the first part both hilarious and cute.

We get to see Yaya in gloomy mode. A young woman who has to balance a life that is rougher than the waves of Pattayasea. The more you watch, the more you are spellbound and invested in the life of the ML.

The film shows the lives and hardships of people beset by assorted obstacles trying to make a living. Starting life with negative capital, life choices are limited (or almost none), enveloped by shackles that are hard to shake off, including debt, debt, and debt.

I really like how the movie takes the story of 'money' and expands it to focus on the central themes of the story (and of life). It is intertwined with love, hope for a better life, boyfriend-girlfriend, parent-child, and sibling relationships. This movie invites us to look at these through the lens of 'money.'

The movie doesn't compromise or be kind to us. It drags us through the ups and downs of the characters, as we sit tense in our seats, and our hearts drop again and again. Tears emerge multiple times.

This is the story of many people who served us at the check-out counter, serve us food, open the door, answer service calls, mop floors, work at the office next door, sharing a ride on a passenger van or stand next to us on a BTS SkyTrain ride. Stress, difficulty in finding economic opportunities, and a life of having to make money to pay off debt, especially informal debt.

I'm glad there is a Thai movie telling this story. I want the movie to be watched by many. If it's not about the livesof middle-class people, then certainly middle-lower class. So it may not be exactly the target group that will walk into a movie theater. But because of that, it is even more interesting to watch.

It is a drama film based on the truth in Thai society. The main actors performed beautifully. The dialogue, I must say, is so real. Captures my heart. Let's go and watch it. For me, the movie is ss much more intense than the trailer, title, poster, and graphics might suggest.

People who like powerful stuff should not miss it.

Thai movies are now very diverse. And this is another flavor that you don't want to miss. I'm so glad I watched it.

Translated from a review in Thai by Roundfinger (a well-known Thai author)

..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.