#wan man suang

[crystallinemoonlight]

some thoughts about wan and his sister, and his relationship towards khem based on that trauma

this might sound very morbid, but i wonder if part of what further drove wan to his eventual breakdown was seeing his (only) friend be used and assaulted in a similar way his sister was? because the first panic attack/episode that we see wan experience happens when khem is being sexually exploited in the room right next to him.

i don't know if it was intentional or not, but i just think it must have been awful, to know that his friend is being used in such a similar way, to be directly in the other room from where it's happening but not being able to do anything because you've been taught that that's just how the world works and you can't intervene, because intervening will only make it worse for you both. i wonder if it might have contributed to his hatred and need for revenge, that it filled his head with conviction that certain groups of people were just bad and evil and were always gonna be, until he became convinced everyone had to die.

i do think the cigarettes had something to do with it (opium? maybe?) because it seemed to trigger his panic attacks when he smoked, but there was always something else too that set it off (blood, firework, screaming), and maybe it was the thought that after the man was done, he could walk in and find khem like he found his sister, and that makes me so so sad that he never found peace to the moment he died (by his friend's own hand).

[mileapo]

Behind the scenes of the pilot of ManSuang

[heaven-is-in-your-arms-series]

Pictures from the ManSuang photobook 3 🦜

[fromperdition4]

Three lads, working together to solve mysteries 🥰

But why does this feel familia—

Oh

[chatrakhem]

Day 1

Day 2

[boysbeloving]

What is your opinion on Mansuang?

hello nonnie! hope you're doing well 💚

to answer your question, i really liked mansuang!

i've only watched it once till now (at a discord watch party) so i'll be able to fully appreciate it when i watch it again several times hehhehehehe (real life has been very hectic sigh)

it was tong who stole the show for me...his acting is BRILLIANT and he looks exquisite and OWNS every scene he's in...from the eccentric tankhun in kpts to the poised hong in mansuang i'm in AWE of tong's range....the way hong (tong;s character in the film) navigates the politics, the mystery and the lies around him...and comes into his own being in the film is noteworthy

apo's character khem JUST CANNOT CATCH A BREAK OMG POOR BABY....i think khem easily would have the maximum screentime in the film (but don't quote me on that lol) and it's through khem's life and challenges and exploitation that we get to understand the socio-political climate of that era in thailand so he IS the carrier of the film's plot and what the film on the whole tried to achieve (present the thai culture of that period to the rest of the world through an intriguing plot and really fucking pretty clothes and people)....apo in those dance costumes and make-up is a SIGHT TO BEHOLD....man they did not cut corners in that department lol...it's apo's film...there's no doubt about it

as a mile enthusiast i was a little disappointed coz i felt that there's not enough of my man in the film lol...and whenever he is onscreen, he's generally sharing the space with others...and in a way where he is not the centre of attention...but otherwise i loved his character and his acting...tbh i was VERY impressed with mile in kpts so i was hoping he could show more of his acting prowess here too (which would have required more screentime for him)...however i understand that 1. this is a film, not a series 2. mile is not playing the main character and 3. the fact that he doesn't draw attention to himself too much IS part of good acting in this case heheheehee

bas was great! his character's trauma and his portrayal of that is commendable...sad about the ending though...but i understand his motivations and that he was processing the current ongoing through the lens of his personal trauma so he was bound to make some decisions (tm) which led to the outcome....bas as wan was truly a revelation

special shoutout to all the baddies in the film....they were truly despicable....great job

so ya...overall a good rating from me for mansuang!

[perths]

BAS ASAVAPATR as WAN MAN SUANG (2023)

[nattaphum]

MAN SUANG (2023) - OFFICIAL TRAILER [THAI VERSION] A Dance of Fresh and Tears. A Theatre of Passion and Deception

SYNOPSIS

"Khem" and "Wan" were on a mission to investigate the dark case of "Man Suang, the most luxurious and mysterious entertainment club in Siam. Behind the scenes, this paradise was a meeting place for political negotiation during the late King Rama Ill's reign. The two friends had become part of the club's troupe, where they met with "Chatra", a musician of the troupe. The relationship between the three mates gradually thrived alongside the secrets of "Man Suang", including their ulterior motives that were slowly unveiled.

[luckydragon10]

Man Suang Character List

So, one of the challenges with Man Suang is... who's who?

On my second watch, I slowed down and captured names. Following is a list of named characters with brief summaries, as well as notes about their interpersonal relationships.

*** MAJOR SPOILERS ahead, as well as mentions of violence ***

I've divided these into three groups, and each group is in alphabetical order. I also attempted to include titles/labels that were used for the characters.

~~~

MAIN CAST

Chatra: (Called Khun Luang by Khem at the end of the film.) Was supposedly at Man Suang looking for his family’s treasure map. However, he was actually investigating the imported weapons and his father’s involvement in the weapons deal. He began a spying partnership with Khem. He told Khem he was from Songkhla.

Hong (Young Master/Master): Younger Master of Man Suang. He faked his own death to avoid being assassinated by Tiang. Son of Cheng.

Khem: Dancer. Friends with Wan. Forced by circumstances to become a spy and dancer at Man Suang. Was raised by monks. He’s from Paet Riu.

Wan: (Deceased) Dancer. Friends with Khem. Forced by circumstances to become a spy and dancer at Man Suang. Experienced PTSD related to the death of his sister, Waen. Wan was killed by Khem to prevent him from burning down Man Suang.

~~~

MAJOR POLITICAL PLAYERS

Phraya Bodisorn: Gave Khem and Chat the mission to find the secret documents to prove Wichiendej and Cheng were trafficking weapons for rebellion. Also is dealing arms with Europe himself. Uncle to Muen Kijraksa.

Tiang: (Deceased) Son of Cheng’s friend/business partner and sworn brother. He referred to Cheng as Uncle. Served Wichiendej. Plotted to kill Hong. Took over Man Suang after Hong faked his death. Killed Cheng. Was killed by Hong for murdering Hong’s father Cheng.

Suthinborirak (Khun): (Deceased) (Shortened name “Khun Suthin” was also used.) Registrar for the Harbor Department. He was a broker negotiating for arms dealers. Was referred to as “European dealers’ henchmen.” Turned up dead outside of Man Suang. Father to Chatra.

Wichiendej (Phraya): (Shortened name “Wichien” was also used.) Lord/leader of the Harbor Department. Supposedly working with Cheng to traffic weapons from Europe.

~~~

MINOR CAST

Cheng: (Deceased) Owner of Man Suang. Stored weapons for Wichiendej but did not want to take part in planning war/rebellion. Built Man Suang to be a paradise. Was in the process of returning the weapons to Wichien. Assassinated by Tiang.

Erb (Aunt): Saw Khun Suthin the night he died and claimed he spoke with a tall person.

Jaeng: Escorted Khem and Wan into Man Suang and reminded them of their mission.

Joo (Aunt): One of the aunties at Man Suang. Got bitten by the parrot when feeding it.

Jun: Harassed a female prostitute and got scolded by Hong and his master, Phraya Wichiendej.

Muen Kijraksa: (Deceased) Assassinated while in the midst of a private tryst with Khem. Nephew to Phraya Bodisorn.

Phikul (Madam): Man Suang dance troupe leader/instructor.

Phit (Aunt): Saw Khun Suthin the night he died and claimed he bent down and talked with a child.

Ruang: Chatra’s cat, later given to Khem.

Thiang: (Note: Not to be confused with Tiang.) Member of Man Suang. Picked fights with Khem.

Thongmak (Uncle): An older member of Man Suang. Married to one of the aunties of Man Suang. Saw Khun Suthinborirak the night he died by looking in the reflection of a halberd.

Tua Hia: (Not a person.) A gang association of Chinese members.

Tubtim: Head/lead prostitute at Man Suang. Inherited wealth from her late husband. Was sold to Khun Phra as a mistress. (It's unclear whether Khun Phra was the same aforementioned husband.)

Waen: (Deceased) Was Wan’s sister. Was raped and killed, allegedly by Chinese immigrants.

Yuean (Aunt): One of the aunties of Man Suang. Claimed she saw a ghost wearing a red breast cloth who spoke with Khun Suthinborirak.

[matan4il]

Mileapo are in Jakarta today, doing the Magical Man Suang tour. They received this crocodile bread. In the Bewati culture that exists in Jakarta, this is reserved for weddings. And we got Apo filming Mile breaking this bread, with a hearts flooded emoji on top! ;)

Before the show, they did that game, where they get a letter and they have to give a word that start with it. Mile got the letter 'D' and he said, "Daddy and Baby." He could have just said Daddy, but nooooo...

During a vid they filmed, Mile and Apo's legs just... *points and flails*

Apo performed a dance as Khem, he was then joined by Bas as Wan and they danced together, but then Mile as Chat, despite having nothing to do with dancing, burst onto the scene. Was he jealous?

Pond: Man Suang is not a BL.

Mileapo: Are you sure?

Also, the way Apo kept touching and grabbing onto Mile:

Also, this happened...

Another thing we got today is pics of Mileapo in Chinese costumes as part of the Bento promos:

And just because, here's throwbacks to when Mile got his haircut and Apo was there with him, and they also had fun taking pics together right before that:

(for my daily Kinnporsche/Mileapo posts, click here)

[strategist-scientia]

Official Man Suang synopsis is out and has revealed the following:

The movie is *officially* confirmed to be a romance which also confirms the original synopsis about it being a love story between Chatra (Mile) and Khem (Apo).

The POV character that's being used to connect the audience to the story is most likely Khem, but the story overall has three major characters: Khem, Wan, and Chatra.

Khem and Wan are best friends who went to Man Suang to investigate the truth behind it, implying that they're spies. 🤯

Chatra is not just an ordinary Taphon drummer. He seems to have an ulterior motive and we'll find that out as the story progresses.

There's gonna be murder, rebellion, and betrayals so prepare your tissues folks. 😭

Here's the official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrqMcFD1osQ&t=15s

[heaven-is-in-your-arms-series]

Just What Was Wan Smoking?

I suspect, for the most part, Wan was smoking cheroots.

Cheroots are filterless cylindrical cigars, easy to hand roll and clipped at both ends.

In Thailand, they were traditionally rolled in banana leaves and as well as tobacco, the leaves of the Indian cork tree were often added, along with the flowers sometimes for fragrance.

Things like molasses, honey, rice wine, pineapple and banana were often used to sweeten the mixture.

Sometimes cannabis could be added, which was historically used for pain relief in Thailand.

It seems like Wan relies on smoking these as a way to manage his mental health issues, like many smokers, who reach for a cigarette when they are stressed, we often see him smoking when he is feeling disturbed.

We can see from the film that Khem seems very comfortable with the act of stealing but we only ever see him steal or think about stealing, cheroots on Wan's behalf.

He even splashes out on expensive imported "cigarettes," as a gift for Wan which his friend is clearly touched by. That recognition from Khem, that these are important for Wan.

It's as if he recognises that they are something Wan needs, we never see Khem smoke himself although they were both clearly fans of betel chewing before they were forbidden to do so in ManSuang.

Hence their black teeth.

Betel nut is a stimulant and many people describe the act of chewing betel as giving them a bit of a high. It is certainly addictive but was also a standard part of socialising for a very long time in several parts of Southeast Asia and India.

As Khem and Wan are forbidden from chewing betel while they stay at ManSuang, it is likely that they both would have experienced some withdrawal symptoms and this probably made Wan rely on the cheroots even more.

Cheroots originated in India along with beedies which historically were made from leftover scraps of tobacco and rolled into leaves.

Cheroot smoking was very traditional both in India and Myanmar.

[artpo]

!Man Suang spoilers ahead! Just spilling some of my brain's nonsense. I touched on sensitive topics as well so please beware

I will start by saying that in no way we can know the extent of how a worldview affected a person in the 19th century, I'm purely going off of what we have seen in the show.

In different parts of the movie we can see how Khem's beliefs impact his reaction or serve as one of the motives for his behavior.

In the conversation with Chatra on the tree, we get the glimpse into what Khem wishes for himself: freedom to exist as a person, as a dancer. Social inequality and his previous experienced push Khem to the realization that people see the world following a strict social structure, in which his value is merely measured by what he has to offer from the material or physical perspective. This motivates Khem to put everything at risk in Man Suang because he sees the chance for the at least a bit of the freedom he yearns for.

Khem jumped the second Jun, one of Whichiendej's men started attacking and belittling the courtesans. He identified with them due to similar circumstances he went through. Khem sees their job as what they do in order to make a living and also critiques men who sleep around, cheating on their wives. Intentional or not, he also presented the issue of gender inequality with rich, noble men as the main villains yet again. Ultimately, this indicates Khem would "want" the freedom and basic respect for courtesans.

His relationship with Wan is both intriguing and tragic. He tries to keep Wan safe and shows care for him in little ways and he picks up on his episodes as he recalls his sister's death. They're thrown in the mess together, and while Khem does wish for a better life for Wan as well, somewhere along the way the resolution of the mission becomes different in both of their eyes, for their own reasons.

Now, I really want to analyze their relationship more and I probably will, but coming to the tragic part of it, their ending. Khem's reaction is motivated by the moment and he didn't hesitate to save everyone and prevent Wan from burning Man Suang. Of course, many things which we can't begin to imagine could constitute such outcome. It was heartbreaking and it shouldn't be simplified.

The reason I'm bringing this up is that it really stuck out to me how Khem tried to reason with Wan that he can't label the whole group of people based on a small fraction of them who wronged him. Khem came to Man Suang because he had to, because his life was at stake, but he knew if he succeeded, he could only go up from the rock bottom he was at. During his journey, he met and lost people, and his interactions with them showed he tried to be on the side of humanity (even though the himanity failed him before) no matter the gender, nationality or social status.

All in all, it's very interesting how Man Suang provides a critique of the society through Khem's character, showing us many vices humanity is still trying to fight and rid itself off after all these years.

[tina-hale]

I‘ve seen Man Suang. If anyone wants to be spoiled, hit me up

Here a few thoughts/spoilers cause I have no one to talk to

- it’s pretty much a historical political thriller

- i did not expect Khems sexual trauma. Apo acts so well you wanna cry with him

- loved Thongs character

- There is no romance between ChatKhem. I can’t help but feel like MikeApos chemistry got waisted here

- and it’s not cause of wanting to avoid „the gay“ and keep the movie PG or something since the movie was government sponsored. Cause Khem prostituting himself to men is very explicit

- and absolutely surprised me. I did not expect that at all. And Khem suffering from it. Apo suffering/crying it just something else (see the short glimpses of Porsche in ep 5)

- though I guess if you try very hard you could interpret some of their scenes as romantic coded (or it’s just friends being friends)

- i went to the toilet in the middle of the movie. So I might have missed some big romantic ChatKhem gesture in the five minutes I was gone (I went after the scene where Chat/Wan/Khem start to work together)

- ChatKhem are cat dads. The cat is cute. I want it

- the brothel lady is beautiful and smart and I enjoyed all her scenes

- Khem is queer. And he stands up for different people and protects the Man Suang prostitutes from men bad mouthing them

- the dance teacher is a way better character then the trailed suggested her to be

- I didn’t like the ending. Khem stays at Man Suang. Chat leaves. I thought it would have been more fitting if Chat also decided to stay, after everything that happened

- Wan is a hurt baby. His character arc makes sense. I was sad for him how from his POV Khem absolutely betrayed him (even while Khem really didn’t)

-there was a bit to much jumping between scenes in different time lines. I found that confusing at times.

-Also couldn’t keep up with who is who when names were mentioned in important conversations. But that might be cause I’m European and the (for me) foreign names were harder for me to remember

- it is a beautifully shot movie. Can keep up with any big budget Hollywood ones

-Apo in full Make-up is just beautiful. And I really loved that for the finally (where the big bad is revealed) he is being a badass in full makeup (Apo really should try drag like he says he’d like to. We would all simply perish)

This all is just my opinion. Guess different people will have viewed it from a different POVs and would have a different experience

[iveneverdoneanythingwrong]

Liveblogging Man Suang

First things first - outrage at Not-Mile who dares put his hands on Apo. Who the fuck do you think you- oh good, he's dead. Though, this is obviously something Khem expects and is used to. The touching, not the murder.

Wan, leave that knife in. Wan, don't take that knife out. Okaaaay, he took the knife out. Khem, at least don't be holding the murder weapon when- *sigh* never mind. Jesus fuck, Khem and Wan are not the sharpest crayons in the box, are they?

"You were caught red handed next to my nephew's body!" Only literally! I mean, technically correct. And in this instance, not the best kind of correct. :(

I love the costuming

Ohh hellooooo. Also, girrrl what are YOU doing at the devil's sacrament?

You met him thirty seconds ago and you're already showing him your pussy? Chatra, you slut.

Hey. HEY! Lord Not-Chatra. Stop looking at him like that. I swear, Khem is to higher-social-standing men like Will Graham is to serial killers. Where's the Chesapeake Chatra when you need him?

Montage time!

Khem. Sweetie. Honey. You need to be more subtle if you're going to be a spy....

Apo is so pretty when he cries. 😭

YEAH YOU TELL HIM KHEM! Calling out the double standards! Also, that dude is totes jealous he didn't catch Lord Not-Chatra's attention...

Chatra gives you one warning and then it's a FIST TO THE FACE.

Are they on a date? They're totally on a date.

This is a very important secret. So I'm telling you, a guy I've spoken to four times, on our first date, at a table at the corner of an intersection with open doors and people all around. Very important. Top Secret.

I love the sheer disappointment and disbelief in Khem's voice. Khem: A treasure trove? Really? That's what you're going with? Chatra: Why are you laughing?

Khem, you're such a hothead. You got into a KITE FIGHT. But it is a great excuse for Chatra to grope your waist. Well done.

At least Khem tells his secret up a tree and not on a LITERAL STREET CORNER.

Can't rid yourself of being a lowborn? *looks at the camera like it's The Office*

Me: I'm laughing with Khem cause a treasure map is stupid. Me five minutes later: wait, you bought that??? Chatra: Wait, he bought that? Oh man, this pretty idiot desperately needs my help...

Me (And Chatra definitely): My god, look at his face transform into a smile... do it again! again!

Khem: I have something to tell you... .... ... I've invited Chatra to join our missionWAN:ARE YOUFUCKING CRAZY???

I love the reconstruction sequence. That's some good storytelling.

HAHAHAHAHA "If you don't believe me, feel free to search my rooms!" Wan: Oh...I don't think that's nec- Chatra: DON'T MIND IF I DO. "Maybe you need to search me. I'll undress" Khem: NO THANK YOU WE'RE GOOD.

Ok... do you think that's enough food for three people? I think we might need to get another table of food in here...

What.... what are you doing Chatra. Like... my man has to have a good reason to point a gun at Khem... but there are no good reasons to point a gun at Khem.... but my man has to have a good reason to....KHEM LET HIM EXPLAIN

Ahhh Hong, I knew he wasn't dead. I knew it! I did! Oooh an assassin's teapot. Nice.

Yeah, old man! I agree!

Goddamned Apo is so goddamned pretty.

Oh damn. Risking your life to save your friend... and ending up having to kill him yourself. What a gut punch.

Aww Chatra. I'm not crying, you're crying!

Where's the series? I need the series now! Where is ittttttt???? 😭😭😭😭😭 You can't leave my boys like this!! 😭😭😭

[geekyhistoriansunite]

Man Suang is a pretty good and solid movie!

Ok, putting out there. I got involved in Thai drama due to Kinnporsche the Series, no I have no shame about it. It was fun, it had good looking dudes, and even though it initially seemed over the top in acting effort, the actors started to flow into their characters better and it was a fun show. Kinnporsche had amazing behind the sceens stuff that actually got me interested in the actors, especially Apo and Mile, who are freaking cute together. But all good things must end and so did the series.

But then there was a ray of hope! A glorious teaser was released.

Please note: Absolutely none of this teaser was in the movie, which I find both exasperating because I love every bit of it and the music, but also hilarious, because they caught your attention.

Please note pt. : All the BL lovers from Kinnporsche were salivating hard and if they said they weren't they're lying liars who lie.

So attention was given. And it took a long while, but then they released on official trailer at the Cannes Film Festival! Oh shnap, we got some extreme legitimacy here. This was not going to be cheap film, this was going to be quality. And all the BL lovers are still crying in anticipation at seeing their boys back together again.

Please note pt. 3: We still have NO idea what this movie is about. Just have the visual, which are gorgeous and a couple written lines teasing, but still no actual plotline. That's ok, the interest is still strong.

And one thing Be On Cloud does VERY well, is know how to advertise and keep people's interests. And it finally releases almost a year later. And lots of people cry. Not because it's a bad movie, but because there's no blatant BL storyline. There are hints, teases, looks, but that is not the main storyline. People are crying online, they've been deceived, there's no BL!

Please note pt. 4 (I'm having way to many please notes): Be On Cloud NEVER said it was BL. It was inferred since both Apo and Mile were pared in a movie together and the fact that Bo On Cloud only had the one series with mega BL plotlines.

The only reviews I could read (In English, which is all I read. I know, I should try other languages but I legit have tried 4 languages and I just can't) mostly complained about the lack of BL storyline and that it was slow at times. No synopsis, no breakdowns. Full stop. I was sad. I kept checking on my tried and true Tumblr, which normally doesn't disappoint, but nada, bupkis. I was sad. Again. There was no release date I could find with English subtitles. Again, sadness ensued.

But finally, glory be, it was announced that Man Suang release on Netflix. Today. Yay! And after work I sat and watch it all, and here is my review...finally.

Man Suang is actually a pretty good movie. Most of my knowledge of Thai culture comes from BL shows, which helped a little but I did have to pause occasionally to look something up (the betal nuts for example) and I'm sure I missed a lot of things, but I got a pretty good understanding of everything. The pacing was a bit different from movies in the US, and that could be jarring, but I got used to it. Overall it was a good movie. I'd watch it again (which is a big deal for me, I watch once and then remind myself with fanfiction).

Thoughts (spoilers below):

Everyone was in a fucked up position. Except, Tiang, fuck him.

Khem: Sweetheart, just trying to take care of his friend. The finale probably fucked him up a bit. I like to consider Chatra comes back and gives him some comfort.

Please note (Please don't ask me what number this is): There's now going to be a BL series called Shine which is going to follow their relationship. See? Just had to be patient.

Chatra: Yeah, I'd be concerned if my father was a traitor and my whole family was going to pay for it. (On a side note: What is the Thai repercussions for that? Ancient China had death of the whole family for so many generations, but I'm not sure what they are in Siam.)

Wan: Baby...honey...that was fucked up. I get where you were coming from with your severe PTSD but trying to blow everyone up is not the answer. But I do hate that he felt betrayed by Khem.

Hong: Look at my sheltered little man turn into a Bossman! I see good things in his future.

All the aunties and women in the show: Couldn't have done it without you and I love seeing all of you. Especially auntie who put the mean boss in his place while trying to feed the two newcomers. (Boss: Don't flirt with my woman! Auntie: I flirt with who I want to, go sit in the corner until you're repentant! Boss: Yes, ma'am).

And finally: Absolutely gorgeous set design and costumes. Like, super wow. Loved it all! It was interesting to see the crossover of Thai and western design, like Chatra's suit and cravat top/traditional pants combo at the end. Jarring, but I imagine that time period was jarring with all the different influences happening as well. Much like the differences in hairstyles which helped you identify Chinese descent from Thai descent (using the Queue hairstyle instead of fully or partially grown out hair).

Overall, solid job on Man Suang, I recommend it to anyone who is interested in new cultures, pretty people, and just an interesting storyline.