Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Kiss Me, which brings the beloved manga “Itazura na Kiss” to life with a charming Thai twist that captures all the sweet awkwardness and romantic tension that made this story a global phenomenon across multiple adaptations.
This Thai romantic comedy-drama premiered on True4U on October 5, 2015, consisting of 20 episodes with approximately 45-minute runtime each. Kiss Me is available on various streaming platforms internationally and has found audiences on Netflix in select regions, making this delightful adaptation accessible to fans of classic romantic manga stories.
The series masterfully combines school romance with comedy elements, creating a narrative that explores themes of unrequited love, personal growth, and the unpredictable nature of relationships. The show follows the familiar story structure that has made this tale successful across Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean, and now Thai adaptations, each bringing its own cultural flavor to the timeless romance.
From Confession Rejection to Unexpected Cohabitation
Kiss Me centers around Taliw, a cheerful but academically struggling high school student who harbors a massive crush on Tenten, the school’s brilliant new transfer student with an IQ of 200 who recently returned from Japan. The story begins with Taliw’s bold confession of love, which Tenten coldly rejects in front of their entire class, creating immediate humiliation for our determined heroine.
The central plot takes an unexpected turn when Taliw’s house is destroyed, forcing her and her father to move in with an old family friend who turns out to be Tenten’s father. This forced cohabitation creates the perfect setup for romantic comedy gold as Taliw must navigate living under the same roof as the boy who rejected her while trying to win his heart through daily interactions.
Taliw’s Journey from Clumsy Dreamer to Determined Lover
Sushar Manaying delivers an endearing performance as Taliw, showcasing her character’s evolution from a naive romantic to someone who learns to stand up for herself while maintaining her optimistic spirit. Taliw’s character embodies the classic shoujo manga heroine: kind-hearted, persistent, and willing to face rejection repeatedly for the chance at true love.
Taliw’s development throughout the series demonstrates how unrequited love can actually strengthen someone’s character when they refuse to give up on themselves or their dreams. Her journey shows viewers that persistence in love, while sometimes painful, can lead to personal growth and eventually mutual affection when combined with genuine care for the other person’s wellbeing.
Tenten: The Genius Who Learns to Open His Heart
Mike Angelo portrays Tenten as the classic cold genius whose emotional walls gradually crumble under Taliw’s unwavering affection and genuine kindness. Initially dismissive of Taliw’s feelings and annoyed by her persistent presence, Tenten slowly begins to recognize her positive qualities and the sincerity of her devotion.
Tenten’s character development focuses on his gradual realization that academic intelligence doesn’t automatically translate to emotional intelligence. His evolution from someone who views relationships as distractions to someone capable of deep emotional connection provides the series with its most satisfying romantic progression, showing how love can transform even the most guarded hearts.
When Opposites Finally Attract: The Romantic Climax
The series reaches its most emotionally satisfying moments when Tenten finally acknowledges his feelings for Taliw and begins actively pursuing her affection instead of merely tolerating her presence. This role reversal creates delightful dramatic irony as viewers watch the previously confident Tenten struggle with romantic uncertainty.
The climactic episodes explore how both characters must learn to communicate honestly about their feelings and expectations. The resolution demonstrates that successful relationships require both partners to be vulnerable and willing to grow, moving beyond the initial dynamic of pursuer and pursued to become equal partners in love.
Supporting Characters and Family Dynamics
The supporting cast includes family members and school friends who provide both comic relief and emotional support for the main couple’s journey. Taliw’s father and Tenten’s family create a warm domestic atmosphere that grounds the romantic comedy in believable family relationships and cultural values.
The school setting allows for typical high school romance elements including jealous classmates, academic challenges, and social dynamics that add depth to the main romance. These supporting elements help create a fully realized world where the central love story can develop naturally within familiar social structures.
Success on Streaming Platforms and Cultural Adaptation
Kiss Me achieved success both in Thailand and internationally through various streaming platforms, introducing audiences to the Thai interpretation of this beloved manga story. The series demonstrated how universal themes of love and persistence can be successfully adapted across different cultures while maintaining the essence that makes the original story so appealing.
The show’s success contributed to growing international interest in Thai dramas and helped establish the country’s television industry as capable of producing quality romantic content that appeals to global audiences. Its faithful yet culturally specific adaptation showed how classic stories can be refreshed for new generations and markets.
Perfect Binge for Classic Romance Lovers
If you love sweet school romance with persistent heroines, Kiss Me is the perfect series to binge on streaming platforms. The combination of classic manga storytelling, Thai cultural elements, and genuine romantic development creates a viewing experience that satisfies fans of traditional romantic comedies and newcomers to Asian drama alike.
Why This Classic Tale Never Gets Old
Kiss Me succeeds because it honors the timeless appeal of its source material while adding Thai cultural authenticity that makes the familiar story feel fresh and engaging. The series proves that some romantic stories are truly universal, capable of touching hearts regardless of which culture adapts them, as long as the core themes of persistence, growth, and genuine love remain intact.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 20 episodes
Platform: True4U, various streaming platforms, Netflix (select regions)
Release Year: 2015
Current IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: Romance, Comedy, School Drama
Production Type: Thai Drama (Lakorn)
Status: Completed series
Main Cast: Sushar Manaying/Aom (Taliw), Mike Angelo/Mike D. Angelo (Tenten)
Primary Antagonist: Social expectations and personal pride rather than individual villains