High-res version
Torranee Nee Nee Krai Krong (This Land is Our Land) is a romantic/drama lakorn derived from a book with the same title, the second depiction broadcasted on primetime after the attempt in 1998. Unlike many remakes of its kind, the producer waited for a long time before she partook in this endeavor, until the day she met the perfect duo to cast for Athit and Darunee, the leading characters in the novel. The lakorn demanded a koo-kwan (onscreen sweethearts) that will sweep people off their feet and believably take them on a journey of social ideals, personal aspirations and author’s motives through the eyes of Athit and Darunee. She found her key pieces in Nadech and Yaya, after seeing them in Duangjai Akkanee (Akkanee’s Heart) where they played as star crossed lovers and took fangirling to another level.
After the success of Game Rai Game Rak (Evil Game Love Game), Torranee came as a compelling follow up to Nadech and Yaya’s second collaboration, inducing the fever and fire further for their fan clubs and critics alike. With any hype and anticipation, the question remains if they have done enough to live up to the expectations?
Torranee is a story about Athit, an agricultural student who volunteers to work in Grandma’s Farm to follow his dreams of being an adept farmer and to atone for his father’s transgressions in the past. Upon working in the farm, he falls in love with the vast land belonging to grandma. Athit experiences many obstacles to reach his goals and grown up years, especially ones that are fraught on by Darunee, a young girl a few years his junior, whom grandma loves and adores.
Athit’s entrance in the farm is a threat to Darunee because she presumes that he is here to steal grandma’s inheritance by creating a connection and relationship with grandma. In an effort to protect her grandma, Darunee keeps a keen eye on Athit and does her best to sabotage him. Their bickering and constant competition worries grandma to no end because deep within her heart, she hopes that they will eventually reconcile and work together to carry on the agricultural haven that she has created from the ground up.
Originally when I read the detailed synopsis from Wishy’s site, and noticed the angst and injustice brought upon Athit, I was skeptical about the remake. According to the novel (and the first adaptation on TV with Andy) Athit first gets screwed and has to marry Thongprasri, then he falls head over heels in love with Toon, Darunee’s best friend and then more strife occurs later when he avoids Darunee like the plague but eventually when she saves him from the snakebite, he realizes he loves her all along. Does that sound like something exceptionally appealing? I think not. So I was glad that the director decided not to follow the novel to a tee and puts his own spin to it. I found Athit’s devotion and utmost (if secretly admiring) love for Darunee sweet and makes for watching the events that unfurled on him more bearable. I like me a one love-one woman kind of guy.
The author injected several of her own beliefs and conjectures of how the world works into dialogues, mostly coming from grandma, without beating the viewers over the head too much with commentaries. The nuggets of wisdoms and opinions typically occur after an event, to reiterate a lesson for the leading characters. An important message imparted in this lakorn is that agricultural endeavors (being a farmer) should not be looked down upon. She utilized Athit, a handsome, capable fellow and his desire to be a farmer to inspire others to follow suit. Farming is also a very difficult job, it is a way of life: a farmer lives and breathes for his crops. For instance Athit faced some setbacks on the farm: he made the mistake of planting wild bananas instead of sweet bananas. His mistake wouldn’t have been so astronomical if Darunee hadn’t planned his demise. Also down the road, Athit went head to head with Mother Nature, who wreaked havoc on his first attempt to plant rice, but eventually he beats the odds and achieves his ambitions. Not only does this remind us to appreciate farmers and the crops that we purchase and consume, but with a good attitude and perseverance, we too can weather the storm.
The author’s motive has good intentions. She’s thinking of the big picture by giving us something much smaller to evaluate and chew on. She wants to motivate the younger generation to be more in tune to Thailand’s abundance and specialty: agriculture. The country is very much export-dependent with rice and other crops, tis important that the newer generation look upon farming as a positive contribution, instead of focusing on finance and other jobs in Bangkok. Thailand needs strong minds and bodies to cultivate the land; otherwise the economic growth will be stagnant.
But this story is not all about farming lessons my friends, there are hoards of romance, unspoken emotions and kindling tension.
One of the things that was done well in this lakorn was the development of the relationship between Athit and Darunee- it was not developed over 2 months or 6 months- but it was developed over a large span of time, years to be exact. They started off on the wrong foot but over time, Athit was able to prove to her that he is worthy of being an elder in her eyes, someone she could trust and respect. But even that doesn’t end the depth of their relationship; they went on and developed full flung love rooted deep within their hearts because they both have gone through so much together over the years. It is a believable love, especially because there’s so much history and realism between them, they cannot express or convince themselves that they are right for each other. Because what if they hook up and things fall apart? Wouldn’t their work at the farm be totally awkward? There’s just a lot more at stake for them than an average relationship. So I appreciated their slow burn, because a love that burns slowly lasts forever as oppose to a love that burns quickly. It was a message buried within the story.
Hyperventilating yet?
On an individual basis, Darunee grew from being a spoiled brat to a mature, self-sacrificing adult, polar opposites it seems. While Athit remained his hardworking, honest, true self. The difference in their growth is the events that occurred in their lives concurrently. Athit had to grow up quickly when he had to take responsibility over a woman he did not compromise, being the father figure for her child as well as the all-encompassing responsibilities of the farm. Athit was the type of person who made lemonades when given lemons and because of his true character, he is easily the most loved in this drama.
My source of contention lies with Darunee. I like being worried as much as the next person when watching a drama. The suspense of whether two people will end up together always appealed to me, but when the worrying turns into frustration, that’s not a good thing. Although her transition from a perpetual brat to Mother Teresa was done pretty seamlessly over the course of the drama, her likeability factor remained low even towards the end. It just seemed that the main reason why they (Athit and Darunee) couldn’t be together is due in part to her constant internal battle and her attempt to shove her best friend down Athit’s throat. Of course Athit was at fault too, but his case of frustration is mild compared to Darunee. I would prefer a couple experiencing conflict through another source other than their own. I mean, are we supposed to feel sorry for her when she has the man of her dreams in her arms yet she finds ways to give him to somebody else? Also, for a 17 year old, Darunee is portrayed like more of a nuisance 7 year old. Methinks Yaya laid it on a little too thick. Despite it all, her chemistry with Nadech saves the day and makes her irrational behavior somewhat bearable. On a side note, is it me or has Darunee NOT uttered the words “I love you” to Athit, ever, even in the end? I mean actions speak louder than words, but could we have a verbal confession at least? If I were Athit, I would feel totally put out, jibbed.
Not that I’m complaining at the turning of the events, but a few loose strings left me somewhat confused. I realized that Paitoon served as the inciting character, the person that stirred the pot for Darunee to sabotage Athit in the first phase. But as we move to phase 2 and 3 (finale), I noticed that Paitoon repented and he adored Athit. Are we supposed to assume that Athit has earned his trust and devotion, or has grandma’s harsh penalty after the wild banana debacle taught him a valuable lesson? While Thongprasri’s purpose in the lakorn was done well, it invoked a lot of strong emotions from the viewers as well as the cast, and made Athit even more human and worthy of a follow than ever. It also changed the course of Darunee’s behavior, essentially ending her immaturity.
Towards the middle and ending of the lakorn, it is apparent where the conflict lays- Vilai, Vey and Toon- the love interest and the overbearing mom who only wants the match because she’s greedy. Their motives are pretty weak to me, and I wished their characters were more three dimensional, although Toon’s start to flesh out towards the end. I guess we can only appreciate what we are given.
Aside from the spasm worthy couple, we are also given several scenic eye candies: the director captured sceneries and locations that are simply breathtaking. If the commentaries didn’t work, the shots of strawberry farms sitting atop vast rolling hills, rice fields so green and yellow it hurts the eyes, and cabbage farm so delectable, should do the trick. Not only are we taken on a journey through the leading character’s life experiences, we also see growth and development with the land as well, a great way to showcase the time that has gone by. I hope it inspires many people to visit the farmlands!
A radio host once played “Hai Rak Mun Toh Nai Jai” (Let Love Grow Up In My Heart) on the air and she would say sieng gor pror, kon gor lor referring to Nadech, meaning the voice is great and the person is handsome too and I couldn’t agree more! I haven’t enjoyed an OST as much as I did with Torranee, both Nadech and Yaya has done a wonderful job with their songs, all courtesy of Neung Narongvit. Even the score was poignant and sweet, them humming along to their songs, invoking the feelings that were in tuned with the story so perfectly.
Torranee Nee Nee Krai Krong, even with its flaws, has struck a chord with me. I felt a full spectrum of emotions while watching this lakorn: nostalgia, sadness, reverence, frustration as well as elated happiness- not to mention several “sighs” throughout the drama, good and bad ones. The author and director have done many things well, clearly they put in a lot of love, and we are given many things to appreciate. But the most evident is the ongoing chemistry between Nadech and Yaya, because without them, I’m not sure I would enjoy this lakorn so much. I believe they have done their due diligence and met the expectations, exceeding that of the first rendition in 1998. But drama viewing is such a personal undertaking, everyone has such different tastes.
And finally for me, if I were to choose my favorite lakorn among their three collaborations: DuangJai Akkanee, Game Rai Game Rak and Torranee Nee Nee Krai Krong, I would choose Game Rai Game Rak. The gripping tale of Saichon/Charles and Nangfah/Fahlada will forever leave a mark in my heart. Torranee gave me what I needed from a koo-kwan level- the romantic and beautiful scenes- but Game Rai Game Rak satisfied me on an epic love story level.
All in all, Torranee is a beautiful tale from start to finish, and that my friends, is not an easy feat in lakorns. It is the best one I’ve seen this year.
*Relevant Info:
17 Episodes: aired from June 29-Aug 4, 2012
No Problem Production
Cast List/Synopsis
Read Recaps Here
*thanks to Thoranee 2012 and BarryYa FB
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I very much liked this lakorn and all of the others my favorite would have to be game rai game rak too because how sweet the beginning was and how Nadech played the role of Saichon/charles very well i have been a big fan of Yadech since daungjai akkanee i hope there are more lakorns with this couple 🙂
I hope so too!
Hi Lovefia,
I haven’t chimed in a while since Game Rai Game Ruk…thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed recap of “This Land is Our Land!” 🙂 You are amazing like wishboniko to spend your generous time recapping for non-thai speakers like myself. *pat on the back* I love the idea of farming but farming as the background for lakorns never really held my interest until this lakorn. Oh my goodness, the scenery was just breathtaking and made me think of farming in a whole another level.
I think I wrote you a while back that I wasn’t going to watch this movie and lo and behold, I ended up watching it. But I told myself to wait for wishboniko to finish dubbing it because I didn’t want to like it and desperately wait for it like I did for Game Rai Game Ruk. I didn’t last long with my promise and ended up watching the lakorn and I just don’t think I can watch any other lakorn other than Nadech and Yaya! They are the perfect pair and their chemistry with one another is undeniably strong to the point where I’m always thinking, “I hope they’re a real life couple! They’re just too adorable!” Nadech conveyed his character “Athit” really well as you mentioned and I did love his character a lot as well his relationship with the “the three stooges” as you put it! They’re so hilarious! I also love the way he looked at Darunee from episode 13 and so forth…it was sad to being a sexy in episode 17th!
I’m writing this in a spur of the moment and I can go on and on but I truly enjoyed this lakorn. I love that it’s not a slap kiss type of lakorn and I love that Darunee grew up to respect and love Athit. What I didn’t like was her pushing him to be with Toon even after they slept with each other…so confusing to me!
Thank you Lovefia so much again for recapping! I always wait for your recap after the raw version of “This Land is Our Land” aired. You’re awesome!
P.S. It’s nothing new but my fondness for Nadech & Yaya has grown exponentially…they’re so adorable together and I enjoyed feeling giddy like a little girl watching them together…ahhh….
Warmly,
Mao
Hi Mao!
Long time no talk indeed! Regarding only wanting to watch Yadech’s lakorns, I can totally relate, they are just magical together aren’t they? Thanks very much for your kind words, I appreciate your feedback. I have a mind to recap future lakorns that do not coincide with the weekend, but if it’s Yadech, sigh, I shall succumb. I’m not sure if readers are aware, it takes me about 5-6 hours to recap a 1.45 hr lakorn because I like to include dialogue, but it just about kills my weekend. It is nice to know that at least you guys found it helpful 🙂
At any rate, thanks for taking the time to leave a mark and I look forward to another Yadech lakorn to spazz together down the road..
Love,
Fia
LOL! Hey LoveFIA! 🙂 I found out that Yadech will (emphasis on the will) have another lakorn together by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. If I’m not incorrect from the news that I watched. 🙂
Do tell and elaborate! What, when and how?! Heeh, thanks for sharing monisouphank 🙂
Well I heard from one of the news videos on youtube that P’Ja will be the producer and that they’ll be going to Japan to for some shots in there too. Well since I’m thinking about it, I think it might just be the production process by that time.
Very magical indeed! Even though I prefer to see both Nadech & Yaya pair with each other again and again, I do look forward to their future lakorns with other people. I want to see if they have the same magic with others…he he! I’m looking forward to Nadech’s lakorn with Kimberly and I’m very excited to read your future project of recapping Yaya’s lakorn with Aum! I think Aum will be a good mentor for Yaya because he did such a great job with Kimberly…
Again, thank you so very much for generously spending your precious time on recapping this lakorn and other lakorns before this! You’ve done such a fantastic job as always and I can tell you put your heart and soul into this with the summary, dialogues, visuals and your thoughts on the lakorn!
P.S. I haven’t comment because I didn’t watch any other lakorns after Game Rai Game Ruk! It was a nice break and I’m glad to return to “This Land is Our Land” and left with such a sweet feeling…:)
xoxo,
Mao
I’m so tempted to recap Rang Pratana because I adore Nadech. We’ll see what day of the week it falls under.. Although, I’m not a huge fan of Kimberly, she disappointed me in the last couple of lakorns she played. I’m just bleh with her acting skills, but I’m optimistic that nadech’s scene will be stellar!
I hope that if you do have time, please recap Nadech’s drama with Kimberly too. I love Yadech but I adore each of them as individual actor. I definitely wish to follow their work, regardless of whether they are going to act together or not.
Well say fai!! I total agree with u I love GrGr more but this movie is well done too. Thx u so much for the recap hopefully we will see Barry n yaya together again for 2013.
Thanks Alaina230!
Word on the street they might have another lakorn together! Whenever that happens, I’ll definitely be on board 🙂
thank u so much.i love this show .i m team yadech all the way.if they can convince an american girl like me to watch thai dramas then they av that magic on anyone
Just out of curiosity, how did you stumble upon Torranee’s drama?
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
You are amazing Fia, we really appreciate your work and effort!!! i miss looking forward to your recaps every weekend, your little side notes and thoughts always make laugh and it gives an extra dimension to the drama, I love it!!! I miss seeing yadech already, they are just so cute together that i cant seem to find anything else to match with their chemistry. I’ve never adore a couple like this before!! What I love about yadech lakorns is that they are not the typical revenge/hatred, fake marriages and love at first sight dramas. We are always taken on a beautiful journey with yadech where their characters grow and find love. I love their 3 lakorns equally because all of them are unique and cute in their individual ways. I hope the news about yadech reuniting is true because i have tnnkk withdrawal like you too!!! ps. thanks again for your hard work
Awe that is very sweet, thank you! Your feedback and support is much appreciated 🙂
Indeed, the journey, story and chemistry are important factors to a memorable drama. Apparently they are going to be in another lakorn together, so you can be sure I’ll be recapping that one, whenever that happens! In the meantime, we shall enjoy their other endeavors, separately, hopefully it will help us miss them less..
I’ll be so grateful if you do recap Rang Pratana but no pressure, of course! Alex is in the lakorn as well! I started digging into it more and I think the lakorn is going to be quite spicy! 🙂 I saw some pictures of the fittings and it’s so glamorous…if you know of some kind soul that is going to dub it, please let me know! Thanks Lovefia! xo
I believe Anonymousblue will be subbing it, so you’re in luck! And she’s as great as Wishy 🙂
Once I learn of its air date, I’ll have a better idea and will keep you posted. If I don’t end up recapping Rang Pratana, there will definitely be reflection articles throughout the lakorn, followed by a long winded review. After all, I’ll be watching it, and I simply cannot contain all of the fangirling to myself!
You are the BEST source of information! Thanks Lovefia! 🙂
I couldn’t locate Anonymousblue on youtube but I found Anemone Blue? Apparently, she’s working on Nadech & Kim’s upcoming lakorn as well…
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vpAJkcyA6YqXMSgxEMA5A?feature=watch
I believe they are one and the same person! She has her channel deleted many times so I think the final one will stick. I apologize for not giving it to you from the onset! But glad to hear that you are so resourceful 🙂
She has a blog too, let me locate that and get back with you. I think her blog serves as an update for her current/upcoming projects. Be sure to bookmark it!
Here’s her blog, I’ll also add it to my link’s list for future ease of use 🙂
http://anonyblue2001.wordpress.com
Hi Fia!
Thank you for your recaps. I’ve been keeping track of your recaps since Game Rai Game Rak as well as Thoranee. I hope you’d continue providing recaps for the Yadech couple and other lakorns too.
Regarding the “legal” wife of Athit, from how I understood it by watching the subbed videos of Wishy, Athit was just lying about his wife just so he could get Sri and his family of his back on the marriage thing. I actually looked for the scene where they mentioned that, and it’s in here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF9icyAN0kk&feature=relmfu somewhere at the 0:58 mark.
I’m guessing that this came out in the open after it was revealed that Tawan is not Athit’s son (while Darunee was in Bangkok), so Sri couldn’t really be mad since she’s more at fault. So by the time that Athit married Darunee this is no longer an issue. But that’s just my theory. 😛
Anyway, thanks again for your hardwork! I think I’ll try watching Rak Kerd Nai Talad Sode coz your earlier post piqued my interest. That is, if I find a english subbed version. 😀
Hi Abie!
Wow, thanks for the clarification! Apparently I wasn’t paying that close of an attention- attention to detail or multitasking for that matter- is not my strong suit, lol. Now that that is cleared, it opens another can of worms. Interesting that Athit could lie about such an important aspect but could go on as if he’s such a saint (behavior wise), now I feel that his character is a little inconsistent, maybe in a good way. It’s too bad that even if he possess this little cunningness in him, we still don’t get to see it played out all that much. Wouldn’t it be nice to see him use this trait on Darunee- since she’s so mother teresa towards the latter half!
Love in the fresh food market, I believe, is being subbed at Twindchannel- and I would give you a link on YT but I’m replying on my phone- albeit subbed at a slower pace. Catmadz is subbing their scenes together but she too is taking it slowly. Be patient my friend 🙂
Thanks very much for your continued support and feedback. I plan on recapping Lakorns and if I had things my way, I would recap all of the ones with my favorite actors in them!
I hope you continue to enjoy Lakorns my dear!
As much as I enjoy all of Nadech and Yaya’s work, I pick GRGR as my favorite. The series kept me on my toes and I definitely rode on the roller-coaster of emotions. I could watch it over and over again 🙂
Same here 🙂 I have watched their cuts in GRGR many times over!
I would say this is the weakest out of Yadech’s lakorns. I shall dare say Paa Jaew (director) is slowly losing his magical touch since Duang Jai Akkanee. This lakorn focused too much on the supporting cast you kind of forget that Nee and Athit are supposed to be together. Thongprasri’s character look up a lot of time in the lakorn, frankly i would rather be seeing Nee and Athit bickering over the ridiculousness of Sri and her loud family. Also it also lectures you a lot about the king, they pretty much had me asleep everytime grandma daeng starts telling the story. However the last 3 episodes were the best, sadly they were the only sweetest episodes in the entire lakorn. Game Rai Game Ruk was the best, it really was worth every minute, the chemistry was fantastic and Yadech had a lot of screen time together. Compare that to here where they just look at each other and nothing is really happening. Not to mention how annoying Nee was with the Athit and Toon situation. No one gives up your man for a friend, no matter how close you are. Especially since they slept together the night before.
Point taken and I see where you’re coming from. Maybe that is why the book won an award for “society” and the director focused the lakorn about the all encompassing aspect of the farm life. And if we look at the lakorn from that perspective as well as the development of the relationship, I thought it was done well. But if one was looking for a magical love story- as we were given in GRGR- one may not find it here, unfortunately. However I still think that Yadech did their best and brought on their chemistry to this lakorn with what they’re given, so I enjoyed it for that 🙂
lol at the snooze fest you’ve encountered while listening to grandma! You would hate to watch the evening news prior to the lakorn then, where ch.3 talks about the kings efforts and what he’s doing for the country. I think, among many things, this lakorn is a tribute to the highly esteemed king and the opportunities he has brought to Thai agriculturist 🙂
Thanks for giving your two cents, Cupid Candy. What is on your radar now that a few lakorns have ended?
Nothing seems good, i’m waiting for Rak Kerd Nai Talad Sod to finish airing and i might start on that. I’m watching old lakorns at the moment.
For some reason I understand nee’s confusions, even aunt kaew thought athit was going with toon and she was upset about it asking that he would really let nee drive back herself (after giving athit and nee the ‘love’ potion and knew what they were up to lol). DJA-funny and adorable, GRGR- cute beyond words and TNNKK- beautiful and meaningful… I loved and enjoyed all yadech lakorns!!! hope we get to see them in a future lakorn..miss them already!!
I miss them too..but we’ll get to enjoy their separate endeavors and see if we like them better together or just as fine separately 🙂 thanks for leaving a comment!
Thanks for the English Sub. I like Nadech and Urassaya, they are very lovely couples. I hope to see both of them again in coming lakorns. It would be so wonderful if they are a real couples
You’re welcome about the recaps 🙂 I’m looking forward to their next collaboration too 🙂
hai fia!! thank you for all your indepths reviews..i love reading your take on a lakorns..btw, my favourite drama is also GRGR..just like you i was swept by Nadech’s portrayal of saichon/charles..i felt it was really fast passed..TNNKK indeed had a big shoe to fill in.. nevertheless, i think TNNKK is a good drama on its own.. especially all the little snippets of lessons that they subtly teach us..however, for me the lovey dovey interaction between Athit and Nee is progressing oh so slowly.. grr…have to be really patient.. anyway, there’s my rant.. thank you for you inputs!! 😀
hey you! long time no chat 🙂 I hope all is well.
I suppose we can all agree that where there is Nadech and Yaya, a lakorn couldn’t be all that bad, right? Super excited about their new lakorn together, even though it will be a long while until we see it onscreen. At least we will be able to enjoy their separate work.
I will try to do more indepth reviews, may pick up some old dramas to analyze. So far, recapping has kept me busy but I adore breaking down a drama in it’s entirety!