Love in Translation – Series Review & Ending Explained

Yang is a Chinese immigrant living in Thailand. He moved to this country with his family during childhood. His dad aspired to run a successful store. Unfortunately, he failed in his business venture. Now an adult, Yang wants to honour his father's entrepreneurial spirit. He plans on opening a mini supermarket selling general goods. Due to his background as a foreign national, Yang cannot be a sole proprietor. He must find a Thai citizen to be his business partner.

Yang doesn't have any connections in Thailand. Nobody wants to go into business with him. He consults with an advisor, Antoine, who has a poor track record of helping startups succeed. Regardless, Antoine promises to help Yang find a suitable candidate to be his business partner. Ideally, Yang wants a young, hardworking, and tech-savvy entrepreneur with a flair for marketing. However, he sets his criteria too highly. Still, nobody wants to be his associate.

Antoine is friends with Phumjai and Tag. Phumjai is an unemployed drifter. His older brother, Phojai, chastises him for lacking ambition. Phumjai is obsessed with Tammy, a Chinese influencer with many followers. Phumjai and Tammy met once years ago while she was touring Thailand. Since then, he has become one of her most committed fans. He watches her every livestream. Tammy once stated her ideal boyfriend must speak Chinese and have a successful career. Her words motivate Phumjai to learn the language.

Phumjai goes to sign up for a language class. However, he has an accidental encounter with Yang. Due to a misunderstanding, Phumjai accuses Yang of stealing his cell phone. Their feud escalates so much that they get into a physical brawl. Later, Phumjai's mom and dad ask him to work for their family business. Phomjai makes a snide remark about how his brother always depends on their parents for money. Phumjai insists on independence and wants to start his own company instead. He asks his friend Antoine for help.

Antoine introduces Yang and Phumjai to each other, unaware they had met before. Antoine suggests they become business partners since their objectives align. Under the contract, Phumjai will own 51% of the company shares, while Yang occupies the other 49%. Even though they dislike each other, Yang and Phumjai reluctantly agree to the business deal. They begin working together and operate a mini-mart called "Little Sun". In addition, Yang offers Phumjai language lessons so he can communicate with Tammy better.

I like Love in Translation more than I can justify. From a critical standpoint, it has glaring flaws. The unsophisticated story exceeds my threshold for stupidity in a narrative. Typically, I can tolerate some nonsense in BL dramas. Yet, this series is so outrageously illogical that it challenges my suspension of disbelief. Despite the idiocy, I enjoy the couple's budding romance. They have charming relationship scenes with comfortable chemistry. I'm absorbed by their rapport, even if the plot often leaves me dumbfounded.

Love in Translation has creative ideas. I like the quirky circumstances that led the protagonists to work together. However, the series neglects the practical logistics of running a store. Many business-related plots seem naive and out of touch, exposing the writer's inexperience with entrepreneurship. Other storylines suffer from gaping plot holes, implausible developments, or egregiously dumb resolutions. A staggering lack of common sense is prevalent throughout the drama. It hasn't thought carefully about the details, resulting in a goofy, unrealistic narrative.

The series makes up for its shortcomings with an engaging romance. Yang and Phumjai have cute bonding scenes that build steady momentum. The relationship peaks around the middle, particularly during their adorable practice date in Episode 4. While navigating their uncertain feelings, I genuinely feel giddy about the couple's growing connection. The later episodes lose steam due to prolonged drama. Regardless, the leads still have sexually charged encounters with exciting climaxes. Their passion in Episode 6 is an iconic moment that will leave fans howling!

Love in Translation features two precious protagonists with memorable personalities. Phumjai's performer (Offroad) stands out due to his warm smile. This role allows him to be bright and cheerful as his infectious enthusiasm radiates in every scene. Likewise, his costar (Daou) is skilled at conveying subtle expressions behind his stoic demeanour. He portrays Yang's sadness and sensitivity authentically, like they are natural emotions from his inner core. The series has thoughtfully customized each character to highlight the actors' best qualities, endearing them to the audience.

I have a positive impression of the acting. The only times I'm skeptical about the performances are during the crying scenes. All of them are too hammy. Otherwise, everyone portrays the roles sincerely and energetically. The best part is the immense on-screen chemistry between Offroad and Daou. The leads work well together, exuding an easygoing familiarity when they flirt. The intimate kisses are further proof of their compatibility. Offroad's lively charisma also doesn't overpower Daou's subdued charms. They complement each other instead of outshining their costars.

Love in Translation has a happy ending as the leads resolve their financial crisis. Phumjai & Yang learn valuable lessons emphasizing their character growth. Sadly, the last few episodes succumb to outlandish drama. I wish the plot would've explored complex themes, like Yang's family history, cultural barriers, or immigrant experiences. Instead, it wastes the opportunity for meaningful storytelling on foolish shenanigans. Despite the clumsy narrative, Love in Translation still tickles my heart with a sweet romance. The couple's sparks translate into a captivating BL series.