The Judgement

★★★☆☆ 6.6/10
📅 2018 📺 13 episodes ✅ Completed 👁️ 9 views

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Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Judgement, which delivers a hard-hitting Thai drama that tackles the devastating impact of sexual assault and victim shaming in university culture, following a young woman’s fight for justice and dignity.

Released on November 1, 2018, The Judgement premiered on Netflix with 13 episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes. Starring Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul, Kacha Nontanan Anchuleepradit, and Thanabordee Jaiyen, this Thai drama series courageously addresses sensitive social issues while maintaining compelling storytelling throughout its single season run.

The Judgement masterfully combines social drama, crime thriller, campus life exploration, and advocacy narrative elements to create a powerful viewing experience. The series explores themes of sexual assault, victim blaming, toxic masculinity, social media harassment, and the courage required to fight against institutional and societal injustice. This Thai production stands out by directly confronting uncomfortable truths about how society treats sexual assault victims.

A College Student’s Life Turned Nightmare

The story centers around Lookkaew, a 20-year-old college student at Ekudom University who is dating Aud, a popular student. The Judgement begins when Lookkaew’s happy life is upended by a family crisis involving her father’s car accident, leaving him in a coma. Seeking comfort and normalcy, she accepts Aud’s invitation to attend a party with friends to help her unwind from the stress.

However, this seemingly innocent party becomes the catalyst for a traumatic nightmare when someone rapes Lookkaew while she’s drunk and unable to consent. As The Judgement unfolds, the assault becomes public when photos and videos of the incident surface online, transforming her from a victim seeking justice into a target of gossip, derision, and victim blaming that threatens to destroy her life and future.

Lookkaew: From Victim to Advocate

Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul delivers a powerful and courageous performance as Lookkaew, portraying her transformation from a sheltered, happy college student to someone forced to navigate trauma while fighting against an entire system designed to silence her. Throughout The Judgement, Lookkaew’s character demonstrates incredible resilience as she refuses to be shamed into silence, despite the personal cost of seeking justice.

Her character journey explores the psychological impact of sexual assault and the additional trauma inflicted by victim blaming and social media harassment. Lookkaew’s evolution from someone seeking support to someone becoming an advocate for change showcases the series’ understanding of how personal trauma can become a catalyst for broader social activism when institutional systems fail victims.

Aud and The Toxic University Culture

Thanabordee Jaiyen portrays Aud, whose response to the assault reveals the toxic masculinity and victim-blaming attitudes that pervade university culture. The Judgement uses his character and the reactions of other students to demonstrate how quickly supposed support systems can crumble when confronted with uncomfortable truths about sexual violence.

Kacha Nontanan Anchuleepradit and the supporting cast represent various responses within the university community, from those who stand with Lookkaew to those who perpetuate harmful attitudes. These characters create a realistic portrayal of how sexual assault cases divide communities and reveal the true character of individuals and institutions.

The Fight for Justice: When Silence is No Longer an Option

The series reaches its most intense moments as Lookkaew decides to fight back against the toxic culture that seeks to shame and silence her. The Judgement builds tension as she campaigns to change the university’s harmful attitudes toward sexual assault, facing escalating backlash from students, administrators, and even family members who want her to “move on quietly.”

These climactic episodes showcase the series’ commitment to showing the real-world challenges faced by sexual assault survivors who choose to speak out. The battle becomes not just about her individual case but about challenging an entire system that protects perpetrators while punishing victims who dare to seek justice.

Success on Netflix

The Judgement found meaningful success on Netflix by offering viewers important social commentary wrapped in compelling dramatic storytelling. The series resonated with international audiences seeking content that addresses real-world issues affecting young people globally. With brave performances from the entire cast, particularly Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul’s fearless portrayal of a sexual assault survivor, and its unflinching examination of victim blaming and institutional failure, The Judgement established itself as significant social drama content in Netflix’s international catalog, though it departed from the platform in November 2022.

A Vital Drama That Demands Attention

If you appreciate social dramas that tackle important issues with sensitivity and courage, The Judgement was the perfect series to experience on Netflix during its availability.

Why This Important Series Deserves Recognition

Positive Points:

  • Brave lead performance by Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul that handles sensitive material with authenticity and strength
  • Unflinching examination of sexual assault, victim blaming, and toxic university culture
  • Important social commentary that raises awareness about issues affecting young people globally
  • Realistic portrayal of how institutions and communities often fail sexual assault survivors
  • Compelling storytelling that maintains dramatic tension while addressing serious social issues

Negative Points:

  • Heavy subject matter involving sexual assault may be triggering for sensitive viewers or survivors
  • Graphic depictions of victim shaming and harassment can be emotionally difficult to watch
  • Some viewers may find the social media harassment scenes disturbing and realistic
  • The series was removed from Netflix in November 2022, limiting current accessibility
  • Thirteen episodes may feel lengthy for viewers seeking lighter entertainment content

The Judgement offered a crucial television experience that used dramatic storytelling to address vital social issues, making it essential viewing for anyone seeking meaningful content about justice, courage, and social change.

Series Details

  • Number of Episodes: 13 episodes (1 season – completed)
  • Platform: Netflix (departed November 2022)
  • Release Year: 2018
  • Current IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
  • Genre: Social Drama, Crime Drama, Campus Life, Advocacy Drama
  • Production Type: Thai Drama (Lakorn)
  • Status: Completed series
  • Main Protagonists: Lapassalan Jiravechsoontornkul (Lookkaew), Kacha Nontanan Anchuleepradit (Archawin), Thanabordee Jaiyen (Aud)
  • Antagonist: The toxic university culture and social systems that perpetuate victim blaming and protect perpetrators