THAI HISTORICAL MOVIES
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Historical movies (หนังย้อนอดีต or หนังอิงประวัติศาสตร์) often happen during the kingdom of Ayuthaya period. Ayuthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767 until it was invaded by the Burmese. Suriyothai and the King Naresuan movies were extraordinary hits in Thailand but hardly travelled internationally despite their qualities as cultural and historical gems. A film with intense action elements like Bang Rajan (2000) remains one of the best-known Thai historical films outside Thailand. Those movies are also called "period" or "heritage" films.
Year: 1940
Thai title: พระเจ้าช้างเผือก
English title: The King of the White Elephant
Rating: 3/5
Director: Pridi Banomyong
Main actor:
Main actress:
Thai historical movie พระเจ้าช้างเผือก / The King of the White Elephant was released in year 1940 and lasts 1h40mn. The movie was lost in Thailand but was hopefully found overseas. It was released under DVD in Thailand by Thai Film Archives. The movie was shot in English and features Thai subtitles. Pridi Banomyong is film director. The movie carried a message that Thailand was ready to fight a war against any foreign invaders but Thailand would remain neutral if no external invasion. After Japan attacked Thailand in 1941, Pridi Banomyong became a leader of the Free Thai Movement resistance movement. In year 1540, King Chakra is King of Ayutthaya kingdom. The King is still single. The first chambellan tries to push him to have 365 wifes per old customs. He is pushing especially his own daughter. Mogul has made alliance with King Hongsa from Burma. It is risky for Ayutthaya kingdom. Elephant hunt is needed. The King needs 365 elephants instead of 365 wives! A massive elephant hunt occurs and a white elephant is captured. A big enclosure is built to catch wild elephants. It is a auspicious event for the Kingdom of Ayutthaya to have a white elephant. King Hongsa has a peace treaty with Ayutthaya so he is looking for excuse to attack them. He asks for the white elephant but as King Chakra refuses so war is declared. Burmese troops attack Kanchanaburi city first. Help is needed. Messengers fail to arrive. Burmese fail to take Kanchanaburi and retire. Burmese king sends more troops. Kanchanaburi finally falls. Next step is to defeat Ayutthaya. The country is in danger but the first chambellan still thinks to marry the King first. War has started without any official declaration. Ayutthaya King is aware so his army is leaving to fight King Hongsa. Dozen of elephants are featured. King Hongsa likes to drink and fights for his own benefit versus King Chakra fighting for his kingdom and his people. Fightings happen while King Hongsa is drunk. Burmese army retreats. A challenge one to one with King Hongsa occurs. Hongsa is killed by Chakra. King Chakra lets Burmese army to go home as the enemy was King Honsa and not his army. He reminds them of not doing useless wars anymore.
Year: 1955
Thai title: ล้มบาง
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Taksin Jampol,Tat Ekathat,Lor Tok,Sompong Phonmitr,Banglae
Main actress:
Thai movie ล้มบาง was released in year 1955. Main actors and actresses are Taksin Jampol, มาลิน เลขะวัฒนพิจารณ์, Tat Ekathat, สวลี ผกาพันธ์, Lor Tok, Sompong Phonmitr, Banglae, สมถวิล มุกดาประกร, เมืองเริง ปัทมินทร์, สุนิภา พิศนุรักษ์, วิชิต ไวงาน, ไฉน สัตยพันธ์. Movie director is วิเชียร ฉวีวงษ์. The story was written by Sor Asanajinda. The movie is lost in Thailand but a sequence in 16mm format can still be seen. It lasts three minutes. The colorful and sharp remaining sequence shows a romance sequence between Thaksin and สวลี ผกาพันธ์ happening probably during the Ayutthaya period. ไฉน สัตยพันธ and a few armed men surround them. Thaksin fights back, then as he is outnumbered, he escapes by diving into the river. A summary of the movie is still available. Tuan (ทวน) (Taksin Jampol) and สี (Lor Tok) are servants of village leader Ouam (อ่วม) (วิชิต ไวงาน). He is leader of the village Bang Sue (บางซื่อ). Their job is to sell rice in various areas around the village. One day while returning to the village, they are attacked by robbers. Tuan kills a robber and reports it to the บ้านทุ่งเสือข้าม subdistrict headman. The subdistrict headman is negligent to manage this case as he is the one behind the robbery. The subdistrict headman อั้น and village leader Ouam work together to get rid of Tuan as Ouam wishes อั้น (เมืองเริง ปัทมินทร์) to be become his son-in-law but Jampa (จำปา) (สวลี ผกาพันธุ์), his daughter, loves Tuan. Seua Kaem (เสือเข้ม) (Tat Ekathat) travels from ทุ่งเสือข้าม and carries his wife’s treasure to deposit it to Ouam, his old friend. His wife is Jom (โฉม) (มาลิน เลขะวัฒนพิจารณ์) and is having an affair with with Plat Sak. Village leader Uam and Plat Sak plan to capture Seua Kaem and steal his belongings. Luckily Tuan is around and can help Seua Kaem. Tuan hurries back to meet Jampa but village leader Ouam and อั้น bring Plat Sak (ปลัดศักดิ์) (ไฉน สัตยพันธ์) to catch Tuan for murder (as he killed a robber before). Tuan flees (this is the short movie sequence left to be seen) and return to help สี but is not successful. He finally brings Jampa with him causing อั้น to be very upset. Ruffians release สี in order to follow him and to find Tuan. Tuan is then arrested but succeeds to escape again and prevents เพิ่ม (สมถวิล มุกดาประกร) trying to rape Jampa. Tuan kills เพิ่ม by sword. Village leader Ouam captures again Tuan. But Jampa asks Ouam not to kill Tuan as she agrees to go back to the village. Tuan is angry by Jampa‘s decision. Seua Kaem is killed by Plat Sak. In village Bang Sue, the village leader prepares the wedding between his daughter Jampa and อั้น. Ouam is surprised when seeing the ring that Champa is wearing. He is even more surprised when learning that this ring was offered to Champa by Tuan. This ring was offered by Ouam to his previous wife so he understands that Tuan is his son!
Year: 1966
Thai title: ศึกบางระจัน
English title: The Battle of Bang Rajan
Rating: 4/5
Director:
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Taksin Jampol,Ruj Ronnapop,Adul Dulyarat,Sawin Sawangrat,Preuhat Boonlong,Anucha Ratanaman
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Preeya Roongrueng
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This movie is about Bang Rajan village. This village is located north of Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam, predecessor state to modern Thailand. The village played a famous role related to its resistance against the Burmese in the war that saw the destruction of Ayutthaya city in 1767. Tap is a Siamese soldier leader. Siamese people have internal conflicts while they are also fighting with Burma (พม่า). Siamese soldiers kidnap two ladies, who are Tap's sister and Tap's fiancee. They are raped. Tap has the difficult task to choose between rescuing his sister and fiancee or leading the villagers far from Burmese soliders. They take refuge inside Bang rajan village. They help and support each other. Siamese from various villages lure a group of Burmese soldiers with the promise of young women and then turn upon them and kill the whole group. This event leads the whole Burmese army to Bang Rajan. Tap, after taking care of the villagers, goes to rescue his sister and fiancee. His fiancee is soiled (ตัวเสีย) so they cannot come back together. Tap forgives to the Siamese men as they promise to take care of the young ladies so they join his group in Bang Rajan. Burmese army starts to assault Bang Rajan. Burmese has guns but Siamese people have only swords. Women are fighting also. It is the duty for men to become soldier and protect the nation. Burmese come with elephants and big guns. Siamese people needs a big gun to fight back Burmese army. Ayutthaya king refuses to give them a big gun as Bang Rajan is a small village only. Ayutthaya people donate utensils for Bang Rajan to mold a big gun but it is fissured during moulding. Siamese are disadvantaged by their lack of firearms. As Burmese do not succeed to enter inside Bang Rajan with their infantry, they build forts surrounding the village. Siamese soldiers cannot destroy the forts built by the Burmese and suffered casualties from infantry assaults upon those forts. One of the Siamese leaders becomes drunk and furious. Upon a water buffalo, he takes a few men and attacked the Burmese. This event remains a forever legend and has been reused on poster of the 2000s Bang Rajan movie. He was killed and his men routed. Tap and his men succeed to neutralize the big gun before it destroys Bang Rajan walls. But they fail when Burmese use weapons similar to Katyusha multiple rocket launchers. Villagers are outnumbered and killed. Bang Rajan villagers and soldiers sacrifice their life for the nation. Tap and his new girlfriend are the only one to survive. They are rescued by future King Taksin, who liberated Siam from Burmese occupation after Ayutthaya fall in 1767. Such movies were very popular during nationalist era of Thailand, i.e. 1960s with communist threat risk and the 2000s folliwing the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. This movie highlights the sacrifice of villagers not supported by the official administrators. Sombat Methanee got a gold statuette award (รางวัลตุ๊กตาทอง) received from HM the King for his best actor work. In 1966 the government renovated Bang Rachan camp (ค่ายบางระจัน).
Year: 1966
Thai title: ผู้ชนะสิบทิศ ตอน ยอดขุนพล
English title: The Conqueror of Ten Directions I
Rating: 4/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Chaiya Suriyun,Man Teeraphol,Rujira Isarangkul
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Metta Roongrat,Kaenjai Meenakanit,Karuna Yuwakorn
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This story takes place during Ayuthaya period around 1530. It is about politics regarding three kingdoms, i.e. Taungoo - ตองอู (Burma), Phrae (Thailand) and Hongsawadee - หงสาวดี (Mon). It relates the fabulous destiny of Sadet (จะเด็ด) (Chaiya Suriyun). One day he will become King Bayinnaung (พระเจ้าบุเรงนอง), Burmese King, known as "The Conqueror of Ten Directions" as his empire extended up to a big part of Southeast Asia including Thailand. When he was a baby, a monk promised to Sadet a bright future. He was brought up by a royal wet nurse in Kingdom of Taungoo. Mingyinyo (พระเจ้าเมงจีโย) was the King of Taungoo from 1486 to 1531. Sadet becomes very close with King Mingyinyo's children, i.e. Mangtra, the son, and Chantra (จันทรา), the daughter. Sadet is brave, has a nice presence, speaks well so all ladies like him and fall in love with him. Sadet needs to be separated from princess Chantra. He is surprised with Chantra in his room. Their different social status doesn't allow such behavior. He leaves for Hongsawadee. Mangtra wants Sadet to speak to princess Thavadee on his behalf. Princess Thavadee loves Sadet also despite Sadet's attempts to tell how good Mangtra is. Sopinya, Princess Thavadee's brother, is angry with Sadet's behavior and would prefer to have Mangtra as brother-in-law. Khairoo, head of Hongsawadee swordmen, prepares a plan. Jewelry is stolen and found in Sadet's room. Sadet has to flee. The monk tells Sadet to take refuse at Thayaki's sword school. Sadet fights with some ruffians in a restaurant. Those are part of Thayaki's sword school. Sadet has chance to meet Thayaki, his son and his daughter Katima (Metta Roongrat), who likes Sadet a lot. Sadet has opportunity to defeat Khairoo, who was treacherous with him in Hongsawadee. In 1531, Mangtra becomes new king of Taungoo and is now called King Tabinshwehti (พระเจ้าตะเบ็งชะเวตี้). As an acquinted childhood friend to the new king, Sadet gains the royal trust and is made the royal brother-in-law. Sadet then goes to Phrae and meets princess Kusuma (กุสุมา)(Pissamai Wilaisak), whom he tries to seduce also. The movie is divided into three parts. ผู้ชนะสิบทิศ ตอน ยอดขุนพล is part 1. It is based on Thai novel "ผู้ชนะสิบทิศ" or "The Conqueror of Ten Directions" from writer Chote Phraepan (pen name "Yacob" - ยาขอบ). There are ten directions as it includes eight compass directions and it also counts heaven and hell. The Thai novel was adapted to a TV serie, a movie serie and a musical comedy. The song of the same name from the movie series, performed by Charintra Nanthanakorn (ชรินทร์ นันทนาคร) remains one of the most recognizable and popular songs in Thailand. This 1960 old movie has still colorful and clean image that allows enjoying the nice costumes. It lasts 2h30. Old Thai and royal language (ราชาศัพท์) is used during the long dialogues. Big part of the movie is shot indoor.
Year: 1967
Thai title: ผู้ชนะสิบทิศ ภาค 2 ตอนบุเรงนองลั่นกลองรบ
English title: The Conqueror of Ten Directions II
Rating: 4/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Chaiya Suriyun,Chana Sriubon,Man Teeraphol,Rujira Isarangkul
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Metta Roongrat,Karuna Yuwakorn
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This part of the second part of the "The Conqueror of Ten Directions" trilogy. Sadet (จะเด็ด) starts to be also named as Buren Nong (บุเรงนอง), his future name as a King. Sadet (จะเด็ด)(Chaiya Suriyun) is now staying in the kingdom of Phrae. Prince Sopinya from the kingdom of Hongsawadee is coming for an official visit to the kingdom of Phrae. Katima (Metta Roongrat) is also in Phrae. She is doing sword street performances to make a little money as she lost her purse. Khairoo, head of Hongsawadee swordmen, wishes to buy Katima's sword and has arguments with her. A soldier helps Katima. Katima is dressed like a man. Sadet doesn't recognize Katima and befriends with her. Sadet still uses sweet words with various princesses. Arguments happen between Sadet and Sopinya. Sadet succeeds to have Khairoo judged for malversation causing Sopinya's ire. The king of Phrae uses Sadet as councillor. Sadet is called under the name of Wang. Following Sopinya's bad influence, the king of Phrae finally decides to arrest Sadet. Sopinya proposes to the king of Phrae an alliance against the kingdom of Taungoo. Princess Kusuma (กุสุมา)(Pissamai Wilaisak) tries to warn Sadet and finds Katima in Sadet's room. It is too late. Sadet is imprisoned. Mangtra's help is needed. Mangtra is now the king of Taungoo. Taungoo's army besieges Phrae but needs to retreat. Taungoo's army is swapped away as night time in their encampment. Hongsawadee henchmen brings troubles during the blocus and Sopinya convinces Kusuma to follow him. Sopinya takes advantage over Kusuma while she is sleeping. Meanwhile taking profit of the mess, Katima succeeds to free Sadet and the other prisoners following fierce fights. Mangtra is angry with Sadet and claims he is a traitor (ทรยศ) as he stayed with Phrae instead of Taungoo. He threatens to cut his head following the 40 000 soldiers, who died for nothing. Hopefully the old monk can interfere and saves Sadet offering his own head as a guarantee. Sadet is ordered to seize Phrae and is offered 60 000 soldiers but he only requests 20 000 soldiers. If he fails, his head will be cut. Sadet wins a first battle over a fort on the way to Phrae thanks to a better strategy. Learning that Kusuma has been sent to Hongsawadee, he leaves the army and decides to go there. Sadet gets the confidence of king of Hongsawadee while Sopinya is away. Kusuma still loves Sadet and wishes to die as Sopinya forced her. A fire is provoked in Hongsawadee by Sadet's henchmen. Sadet steals Sopinya's boat and takes back Kusuma with him. The second opus features an impressive performance by actor Chaya Suriyun. The movie continues to mix romance and historical characters.
Year: 1967
Thai title: ผู้ชนะสิบทิศภาคสมบูรณ์ บุเรงนองถล่มหงสาวดี
English title: The Conqueror of Ten Directions III
Rating: 4/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Chaiya Suriyun,Chana Sriubon,Man Teeraphol,Rujira Isarangkul
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Metta Roongrat,Karuna Yuwakorn
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This is the last opus of The Conqueror of Ten Directions trilogy. Sadet receives armors and award from Chantra, king of Taungoo kingdom. Chantra, Chantra's sister, still loves Sadet. Kusuma, Phrae kingdom princess, who also loves Sadet, hears everything and leaves for Phrae kingdom. Despite honors given, Mantra is still unhappy with Sadet, following the former military defeats but can do nothing against Sadet as he is seen as a soldier with many virtues (ทหารบารมี). Sadet comes back officially to Taungoo kingdom. The monk mentor protects Sadet as Mantra has still not decided what to with Sadet. Recently Mantra indulges in alcohol. The two men are angry against each other. The war is still ongoing between Hongsawadee and Taungoo kingdoms. Sadet decide to ordain (บวช) to wash his sins and mistakes. Chantra visits him before ordination. They declare their love towards each other once again. Chantra refuses that Sadet ordinates as the kingdom is on war. Sadet captures Khairoo, head of Hongsawadee swordmen. Then Sadet visits Kusuma in Phrae kingdom. Sadet wishes to take Kusuma to Taungoo kingdom. Sadet wants to have both ladies, Chantra and Kusuma, as wives. Khairoo, head of Hongsawadee swordmen, flees from jail and kills the monk, who was the mentor of Sadet and Mantra. Sadet decide to destroy Hongsawadee kingdom as retaliation and defeats their army. Sopinya, Hongsawadee kingdom prince, and Khairoo make an alliance with another warlord to fight Taungoo kingdom. Sadet captures the warlord. The warlord changes alliance and Hongsawadee city is definitively destroyed. Mantra defeats and kills Hongsawadee's king (พระเจ้าสการะวุตพี). Sopinya and Khairoo pay for their sins and are killed. Sadet is also loved by another lady called Katima, who is commoner. Unfortunately seeing that there is no way she can get Sadet's love for her alone, Katima gets suicide. Mantra finally renunciates to the kingdom and Sadet becomes the new king of the three unified kingdoms. The whole trilogy is more than 7 hours long. Even if the 3 VCDs are full, the original movies were in fact cut to fit the VCD format, which means 2h30mn maximum. What a pity Lepso company never releases them in DVD format!
Year: 1971
Thai title: จงอางผยอง
English title:
Rating: 4/5
Director:
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Songthong
Main actress: Suthisa Putnuch,Juree Osiri
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A Thai Chinese community is celebrating Chinese New Year (ตรุษจีน) though dances (รำ) and songs. Even Songthong is singing a few songs before being killed as suddenly the village is attacked. Hin is the leader of the pirates (โจร) who attack the village. Many villagers are captured or killed. Four children, two boys (Phet, Chiang Ho) and two girls (Kae, Lilin), promise to revenge their parents and punish Hin. The kids get separated. Fifteen years have passed. Seua and Kae love each other but their love is endangered as it is discovered Seua is Koeb's son. Koeb has cut Kae's mother arm during the village attack fifteen years ago. Their love becomes impossible. Back home Kae finds her mother dead. Chiang Ho and Lilin are back from China and ready for revenge. They meet Kae and look for Phet, the last friend. Phet has been raised by Hin and is called Praew. Hin, following the fall of Ayutthaya, has become lord of the province. The three friends attack directly Hin's fort but are defeated as Phet supports Hin, the pirate leader, and is now a traitor (ทรยศ). The two girls are captured as Seua also betrays Kae. Seua is the one who killed Kae's mother. Phet had to lie and simulates as he is an Ayuthaya soldier (งานของแผ่นดิน). He loves the king and the kingdom. Hin is making an alliance with Burma to sell canons (โจรขายชาติ). Phet's double game is disclosed. He is captured by Hin and his fingers are broken to prevent any fighting. Hopefully Chiang Ho can help and they flee from the fort. Lin takes care (รักษาพยาบาล) of Phet. They ask support from their old teacher but he refuses to believe that Hin is a traitor. Finally faced to the truth he decides to help. Surpassing the pain, Phet fights for the kingdom (ช่วยแผ่นดิน). Elephants are used to defeat Hin’s soldiers. Despite being outnumbered, the fierce Siamese soldiers succeed to defeat the traitors and Burmese soldiers in order to save the King. Many sword fights and kung fu / Thai boxing fights typical from 1970s Hong Kong movies are featured. The King’s face cannot be seen but Thai royal music is played to indicate his presence. This movie is really typical from years 1970s when patriotic movies were shot due to the communist threats at the Thai borders. The movie features two Hong Kong movies stars. It takes two years to shoot the complete movie. It was an expensive movie to make as real soldiers were used, a fort has to be built along a mountain and then destroyed by explosives.
Year: 1971
Thai title: ดวงใจสวรรค์
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Sukon Koewliam,Anucha Ratanaman,Choomporn Theppitak,Man Teeraphol,Daonoi Duangjai,Sithao Petcharoen,Krong Kangkengdaeng
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat,Khomapat Attaya,Marasri Isarangkul
Thai movie ดวงใจสวรรค์ was released in year 1971. The movie is lost in Thailand. Only a short left colorful sequence lasts 6 minutes and the image is quite damaged. The remaining sequence is in mute state as the reel is in 16mm format. Main actor is Sombat Methanee and main actress is Petchara Chaowarat. Other actresses and actors are Man Teeraphol, Khomapat Attaya, วิน วิษณุรักษ์, รุจิรา อิศรางกูร,เทอด ดาวไท, พุทธพงศ์, เตือนใจ บุญพระรักษา, ณรงค์, Daonoi Duangjai, Marasri Isarangkul, จิตตรา, Sukon Koewliam, เสน่ห์ โกมารชุน, ถนอม นวลอนันต์, Krong Kangkengdaeng, Sithao Petcharoen, สีเผือก, ศรีสุริยา. It is probably an historical romantic movie as people wear old style clothes. Various sequences are left but main actor and main actress cannot be seen. A rampage seems to have happened in a house. A man helps an unconscious man on the floor. He then dies. A young lady finds her mother dead on the floor also. A reddish sequence shows Anucha Ratanaman in a bar talking to barman. Anucha Ratanaman is upset by two other men and leaves the bar. Another sequence shows three armed men led by Choomporn Theppitak. Three comic men including Sukon Koewliam, Krong Kangkengdaeng are running and are tired. A beautiful woman (Khomapat Attaya) is walking near them. She is a ghost! The movie features 9 songs according to the movie poster.
Year: 1976
Thai title: ขุนศึก
English title: The War Lord
Rating: 4/5
Director:
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Manop Aussawathep,Sahat Piempongsan
Main actress: Naiyana Shewanan,Duangdao Jarujinda
It deals about the opposition between two men during Ayuthaya period. One is part of aristocracy, one is a commoner but both love the same woman. The commoner is forced to live in clandestinity. But thanks to courageous performances during war, he deserves respect and title. This movie has won Three Thai oscars. A remake was done in 2003.
Year: 1979
Thai title: มหาราชดำ
English title: King Naresuen The Great
Rating: 3/5
Director: Toranong Srichua
Main actor: Pisarn Akraseranee,Kecha Plianvithee,Somsak Chaisongkram,Pumi Patanayut
Main actress: Ampha Pusit,Thitima Sangkapitak
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This movie is about King Naresuen The Great. The King Naresuan was famous for having a duel on elephants with the Burmese Crown Prince and won against him in year 1593. King Naresuan regained independence from Burma for the kingdom of Ayuthaya.
Year: 1981
Thai title: ดิน น้ำ ลม ไฟ
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director: เชาว์ มีคุณสุต
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Nard Poowanai,Pipop Pupinyo
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun,Wiyada Umarin,Ratanaporn Intarakamhaeng
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Thai movie ดิน น้ำ ลม ไฟ was released in year 1981 and lasts 1h40mn. It was released under VCD format by Premium company. Movie director is เชาว์ มีคุณสุต. Leu's (Sorapong Chatree) father is killed by Kam Sing (เมืองเริง ปัทมินทร์). The father dies in his son’s arms. Lot (Nard Poowanai) and Plae (Naowarat Yooktanun) come to see a village festival. Kae (Wiyada Umarin) likes Lot. Kae's father Ming (Pipop Pupinyo) likes Plae, but it is not reciprocal. Plae asks to leave, so Krot (โสธร รุ่งเรือง) takes the opportunity to defy Lot as they make Ming's face to be lost by leaving the festival so early. Krot is defeated. Ching (ผจญ ดวงขจร) is found to be watching ladies taking a bath in the river. Krot wishes to kill him. Leu helps Ching, but he is almost defeated as he is sick. Kae interposes. Mae Phan (Ratanaporn Intarakamhaeng) is Plae’s mother. Plae takes care of Leu while he recovers. Leu wishes to get revenge over Kam Sing. Lot loves Plae, but Plae considers only a relationship of brother / sister. Lot cannot love Kae as Kae's father won't accept such a relationship. Kae knows that Lot loves Plae, so she is upset. Ming asks Plae's hand to Mae Phan, but she said she cannot force her daughter. He threatens to kidnap Plae. Plae and Leu declare their love in front of a sacred altar. Lot is upset and drinks alcohol to be drunk. Krot, knowing where Lot is, wishes to kill him with the new sword given by Ming. He fails. A master builds two spades for Leu and Lot. The spade is made from the same iron piece. The two men have to promise friendship and support, but Lot is unhappy as he knows Leu and Plae love each other. Lot defies Leu as he wishes Leu to leave the village or to die. A lighting separates the two men fighting. Meanwhile uncle Kam Sing wishes to abuse Kae. Aware that Kam Sing could endanger Kae, Leu searches for her. Leu declares his love to Kae and seduces her. Meanwhile Plae misses Leu as he disappears suddenly. Leu spares Kam Sing's life per Kae's request. Ming's group decides to catch Leu and Kae. Kae still loves Lot. It makes Leu upset. Lot wishes to kill Leu as Leu makes him suffer. Plae considers Leu as her husband. Lot’s father tries to prevent him, but to no avail. The father sees a bloody moon as a tragic omen. Kam Sing and Ming find Kae and Leu hiding in a cave. Meanwhile Lot defeats the ruffians, including Krot, outside the cave. During the fighting inside the cave, Leu defeats Kam Sing and then Ming. Seeing her father dying, Kae wishes to stab Leu, but Lot interposes himself and gets stabbed. Looking for his son Lot, the father believes Leu killed his son so he stabs him with a knife. Leu tries to meet Plae a last time before dying, but it is too late.
Year: 1990
Thai title: ทวิภพ
English title:
Rating: 4/5
Director: Cherd Songsri
Main actor: Chatchai Plengpanich
Main actress: Metta Roongrat
Mainee always dreams about a man from the past time. She buys an old mirror from Rama V (รัชกาลที่ 5) era. She has a fiance, who is officer. She identifies that the man from the past time is Khun Luang (คุณหลวง) Thet, who was involved in negotiation with French officials last century, when French soldiers tried to take away some Thai territories. She has visions. The old mirror becomes a bridge between the past and the present (กลับเวลาไปสู้อดีต). Her fiance is in competition with somebody from the past. Mainee navigates between the past and present. Love emerges between Mainee and Khun Thet. The movie highlights old traditions that have almost disappeared (children sitting below adults, no singing - ผู้ดีไม่ร้อง, No black clothes except for funerals - แต่งดำใครตาย, dress appropriately - ชุดสั้น, pray before sleeping - สวด). She is an human from future (มนุษย์จากอนาคต). As usual with director Cherd Songsri, there is a strong focus on culture with shown representations from the Thailand cultural Centre. Mainee keeps staying in her room. All her relatives are puzzled because she often disappeared (ไปในอดีตมา). They believe she is becoming crazy. Khun Thet goes to a meeting with French representatives to show them that Thai culture is deep and old. A French general believes that Thai people are uneducated. Mainee needs to choose between present or past. Mainee keeps giving advices to prevent Thailand becoming a French or English colony. The mirror is damaged. She decided to marry with Khun Thet but she misses her mum. Despite the damaged mirror she takes the risk to come back a last time to see her mum. Then she decides to stay in the past as it is more useful for the Thai Nation (ประโยชน์สำหรับชาติ). The mirror is broken. This movie mixes romance, Thai culture and Thai real history.
Year: 1993
Thai title: ท่านขุนน้อยน้อย แห่งสยาม
English title: The Little Lord of Siam
Rating: 4/5
Director: Somdet Suntipracha
Main actor: Saranyu Wongkrachang,Sor Asanajinda,Sithao Petcharoen
Main actress:
A couple with 4 children (Lek, Klang, Yai) move to a new but old house that has a long history (บ้านความรัก). The old house (โบราณ) even belongs to some nobility Thai members during last century. Saran (Saranyu Wongkrachang) believes the house talks to him through an old uncle (Sithao Petcharoen) and through some dreams with old images. Some promoters want to buy the house to build a village centre. But Saran doesn't want to sell despite rumours of ghosts (ผี) and strange events. Some burglars looking for old artifacts leave the house in fear having seen a ghost. The father makes restoration work on the house (บ้านเรา). Ruffians are recruited to try any ways to have the family quit and sell the old house. A small children ghost spirit called Sin (ลูกของพระยา) helps to chase robbers away. He is the one displayed on an old picture. Only Lek can see him. His spirit (วิญญาณ) was stored inside the picture. Halloween is shown as a new tradition entering Thailand. Teen children want their father to hire a traditional healer (หมอผี), played by veteran actor Sor Asanajinda, to chase ghosts (บ้านมีผี). The father hesitates. The company offers to buy back the house ten times the initial price. Tension happens between the wife Chit and her husband. The wife believes her son is getting crazy as he is talking alone. Sin considers himself as as another child of Saran. Following Lek's plea, the traditional healer accepts to stop torturing the little ghost and explain to Lek how to use monks in order to release Khun Noi from Rama V period. Finally Noi leaves them in order to rebirth and stability is coming back inside the family. The Little Lord of Siam (ท่านขุนน้อยน้อย แห่งสยาม) was directed by Somdet Suntipracha, who is a member of Thai aristocracy. This movie reminds of other Thai movies such as “Tawipop” (ทวิภพ) or “House of the Peacock” (เรือนมยุรา) by director Cherd Songsri with a focus on protection of traditional disappearing heritage items or values.
Year: 2000
Thai title: บางระจัน
English title: Bang Rajan
Rating: 4/5
Director: Thanit Jitnukul
Main actor: Bin Banleurit,Vinai Kraibutr,Choomporn Theppitak
Main actress:
In 1766 the Burmese were moving close to Ayutthaya. But before they could reach the capital, the Burmese soldiers had to pass through Bang Rajan, a town northwest of Ayutthaya. Led by a few brave souls, the Bang Rajan villagers put up a strong fight against an entire Burmese army. During several months and many assaults, the villagers stood strong, until finally they were overwhelmed. The movie was Thailand's biggest box office hit ever until movie Suriyothai was released. Bang Rajan 2 is on the way for 2010! This historical epic is based on the theme of ancient rivalry with Burma and ferocious patriotism. The Culture Ministry registers 25 Thai classic films each year at the National Film Heritage Registry. This movie is part of the 25 films heritage list announced on 04 October 2015, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 2001
Thai title: สุริโยไท
English title: Suriyothai
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Sombat Methanee,Chatchai Plengpanich,Phongphat Wachirabanjong,Saranyu Wongkrachang,Ron Rittichai
Main actress: Mai Charoeunpura
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It is about a legendary Thai princess who died fighting the Burmese on elephant-back. The film required five years of research and two-and-a-half years of shooting. It has broken almost every record in Thai film history. It is the most expensive at 400 million baht, the most star-studded, with a cast of 2,000 extras and more than 50 elephants and 70 horses. It has the longest shooting time and the longest screening time, i.e. three hours and five minutes. In 2003, an updated five hours version was released. In 2003, the film was also released in the United States with a shorter running time. This version was edited by Francis Ford Coppola, an old classmate of ChatriChalerm Yukol. Reigning monarch Queen Sirikit instigated this movie, financed most of it, arranged for palaces and historic sites to be opened to a film crew for the first time. The Culture Ministry registers 25 Thai classic films each year at the National Film Heritage Registry. This movie is part of the 25 films heritage list announced on 04 October 2015, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 2003
Thai title: มวยไทย นายขนมต้ม
English title: NAI KHANOM TOM
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Yodchai Meksuwan
Main actress:
It is the story of a famous Thai boxer, Nai Khanom Tom, who, having been captured by the Burmese, regained his freedom by defeating nine of the enemy's gladiators in a contest witnessed by the Burmese king.
Year: 2004
Thai title: ทวิภพ
English title: The Siam renaissance
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surapong Pinijkhar
Main actor: Nirut Sirijanya
Main actress: Florence Faivre
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The movie Siam Renaissance / ทวิภพ was released in year 2004 and lasts 1h57mn. It was released under VCD and DVD format. It is a remake of the 1990 version shot by Cherd Songsri. It was also adapted for TV in 1994 as a Thai TV serie (ละคร) with Saranyu Wongkrachang. It was also adapted as a Musical and a cartoon. It took one year to make the 2004 movie. The director Surapong Pinijkhar was then sick for many years due to a blood vessel issue in the brain and was half paralyzed. It was the first movie for Thai French actress Florence Faivre. The movie had a high budget, but was not a commercial success. The movie takes place in the Rama IV period despite the real story happening in the Rama V period. This version is more elaborated on historical details than the previous versions. This movie was part of the first 25 films heritage list announced on October 4 2011, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day. The director’s cut version lasts 2h23mn. A few sequences were not added to the final movie. In one scene, Manee meets Anna Leonowens, an English schoolteacher in Siam, who became the teacher of King Mongkut's children and wives. In another scene, Anna Leonowens brings Manee to see the King’s harem. Thai lady Manee (Florence Vanida Faivre) is a Paris-based archive specialist. A mysterious French old work 'The Voyageur', written by French author Francois-Xavier, is brought to her for interpretation at the Thai consulate in Paris. Manee is agitated by the record's allusions to Siam's past. Her father (Nirut Sirijanya) is a famous professor in Bangkok. She never got real love from her parents, who were always busy. They are divorced. Her father believes "The Voyageur" is just a tale (นิยาย) as it contains many inaccuracies. When she returns to Thailand, she finds herself going back and forth in time between the present day and the time of Siam's exploitation by French and British colonialists. It started in 1855. Manee finds herself in Doctor Bradley's home, who is the former resident in her own home! Thai people are puzzled by Manee as she can read, write and speak French and English. She meets Francois-Xavier, the French writer. He names her as Marie-Ange. She explains the future to some Thai people, but they doubt and even think she is playing a double game. The British ambassador is coming to negotiate a commercial treaty with Siam. The trade treaty is unfair, but Manee argues it is better to accept instead of providing a good reason for Britain to invade Siam. Siam's secret weapon is a library as only knowledge increase will help Siam to compete with Western powers. Manee learns much about her country's history (Thai Longitude 0 was located in Bangkok at Wat Phra Kaew and set up by King Mongkut) and becomes a fighter alongside her ancestors. One of the highlights of the movie is the true statement that Thai modern people read only six lines a year! She finds valuable lessons in life and love along the way with soldier Thep. Manee wishes to help her fellow Thai friends against greedy French colonialism. She influences the past as she knows the future. Thailand was used as a buffer between English and French possessions. It was seen this way by England but France forced Siam to abandon some of their own possessions such as the Khmer kingdom by threatening to use gunships. The French consul sees Thai people as barbarian people and has no respect for their traditions. Sometimes changes are good and needed. Manee is upset that mistakes in the past cannot be changed such as the failed love between her parents, but people tried their best. 38 years have passed. Thailand is defeated at Paknam by French gunships (14 July 1893 Paknam incident). Siam lost east of the Mekong river banks. Siam has to pay a huge fee amount despite the French only losing three men versus Siam, who lost many lives including Thep. Siam kept its integrity despite losing big parts of territory and Manee lost her love. Manee has stayed in the past and her father is aware of it as he saw some pictures of Manee and Thep together.
Year: 2005
Thai title: กบฏท้าวศรีสุดาจัน
English title: The King Maker
Rating: 2/5
Director:
Main actor: Akara Amarttayakul,Charlie Trairattana,Nirut Sirijanya
Main actress:
This movie takes place in 16th century when portuguese citizen were living in Ayuthaya kingdom. Following his ship sinkage, Fernando De Gama, traded as a slave, is rescued by Maria. As he's an experienced soldier, Fernando and Tong, a Thai soldier, become the Thai King's personal guards. Unfortunately the King is poisoned by his wife, who targets to set her lover as the new King. Fernando and Tong are accused and need to fight against each other. It was produced by UK, directed by a Thai and written by an English scriptwriter.
Year: 2006
Thai title: ก้านกล้วย
English title: Khan Kluay
Rating: 4/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress:
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Khan Kluay is the son of an elephant warrior. He has never seen his father (ลูกไม่มีพ่อ) but he has the same fighting spirit (อารมณ์นักสู้). He is living with his mum and friends. The elephant herd needs to migrate as human are coming close. His father was previously captured by humans. Khan Kluay wishes to free his father, Bupha. At night time, he enters in a soldier camp to find his father. Khan Kluay meets the King's son, the future King Naresuan. Khan Kluay flees and takes refuge in an elephant cemetery. He then meets Chaba Kaew, a young elephant female. Meanwhile his mum and the elephant herd have left. Chaba Kaew has no parents and has been educated by a human. Robbers always come to take food from the village but nobody is strong enough to face them. Chaba Kaew's father has built a training centre for elephants. Khan Kluay is trained and has now become a grown-up adult. So he helps to defeat the robbers. Ayuthaya now belongs to Thai kingdom again. King Naresuan (พระองค์ดำ), the new king, needs to select an elephant to go for war. He needs an exceptional elephant (ช้างทรงคู่บารมี). Khan Kluay is selected by the King. Khan Kluay's father was not a coward and died on battle field for the nation. Being reunited with his mother, Khan Kluay has to follow his duty. Following a final battle with Hongsawadee Burmese Kingdom, Khan Kluay defeats the red eyes powerful elephant (ช้างตาแดง). Khan Kluay rams the Burmese elephant into a sharp stick. This bright and colourful animation movie features a lot of Thainess such as Loy krathong festival and Thai history. Khan Kluay was the top-grosser in 2006 with 98 million baht. It was the first animated Thai feature to be released since 1979's The Adventure of Sudsakorn (สุดสาคร). This movie is part of 2000s decade spirit when many movies were highlighting a certain return to a Thai strong nationalism and pride.
Year: 2007
Thai title: ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช
English title: King Naresuan
Rating: 4/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Chatchai Plengpanich,Phairoj Jaising,Santisuk Promsiri,Manop Aussawathep,Nopachai Chaiyanam,Somphob Benjatikul
Main actress: Paweena Chareefsakul,Deuan Tem Salitul
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This movie is made in three parts and relates the story of the greatest hero in Thai history, i.e. King Naresuan who was born in 1555. At the age of nine, he had been taken as hostage to Burma for 6 years to ensure Phitsanulok's loyalty to Burmese kingdom. In Pegu, Naresuan is treated as a son of the Burmese king, Bayinnaung, and is afforded all the respect due to a prince. Naresuan is ordained as a novice monk in a Buddhist temple under the supervision of the monk, Khanchong. There he became acquainted with sword fighting and methods of war. As his sister is also held hostage, Naresuan decided it is time for him to return to Siam. He attracted a band of loyal fellows and made his escape back to Phitsanulok.
Year: 2007
Thai title: ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช
English title: King Naresuan 2
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Chatchai Plengpanich,Nopachai Chaiyanam,Somphob Benjatikul,Kom Akadej
Main actress: Intira Jaroenpura,Paweena Chareefsakul,Deuan Tem Salitul
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Naresuan was sent back to Pegu to represent his father in paying homage to King Nandabayin, who had succeeded Bayinnaung, who passed away in 1581. Naresuan participated with his troops in a Burmese expedition against a Shan state and succeeded in taking a city after the Burmese crown prince and another prince had failed to do so. Naresuan thereby gained the jealous animosity of the crown prince, who plot various attacks against him. Naresuan proclaimed independence from Burma. When crossing River Satong, Naresuan had his forces under attack. With his army across, Naresuan is given a long rifle by his tutor, the monk Khanchong. Naresuan takes aim at the Burmese General across the mile-wide river and fires, killing the man and causing the Burmese troops to loose their morale and cease to follow. In 2009 King Naresuan 3 and 4 are being filmed with government financial support. The Ministry of Culture prioritises its financial support to films that deal with promoting loyalty to the pillars of nation, religion and monarchy. We are back to old times under Thanin Kraivichian's government (1976-1977), where Thai people were tought to be afraid of communism and that the way to survive was already to protect the nation, the religion and the monarchy.
Year: 2008
Thai title: สียามา
English title: Siyama: Village Of Warriors
Rating: 2/5
Director:
Main actor: Manop Aussawathep,Somphob Benjatikul,Than Thanakorn
Main actress:
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Two young women and one man from the present are mysteriously destined to travel back in time to an old forgotten Siamese village during Ayuthaya period. This village is blocking Burmese military troops' path to Ayuthaya. The villagers are ready to die for their land in order to protect the capital city of Ayuthaya from being conquered and overthrown. Anna, Gif, and Boat from present day Bangkok use their modern skills in order to help the villagers. As their ancestors sacrified their life to save Ayuthaya against Burma, will they be ready to sacrifice their life also to save their land?
Year: 2008
Thai title: ปืนใหญ่จอมสลัด
English title: Queens of Langkasuka
Rating: 3/5
Director: Nonzee Nimitbut
Main actor: Ananda Everingham,Jesdaporn Pholdee,Sorapong Chatree,Vinai Kraibutr
Main actress: Jarunee Sooksawad
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Langkasuka is a small kingdom in South of thailand during Ayuthaya period. A Queen is managing the city as the King of Langkasuka was assassinated. The Queen is under threat as several assassination tentatives are performed. She wants her daughter to marry the Prince of Pahang to get more protection for Langkasuka city. Her daughter is not willing to marry the Prince of Pahang but finally accepts. Langkasuka is under threat and the Queen is looking for big cannons to protect the city. Pari is a young skilled man that has been trained since his chilhood in order to swim fast under the sea, to able to breathe under the sea and listen to noise under the sea. With local villagers, he has to often confront pirate boats. In their village a Chinese cannon expert is living. One day, all villagers are killed by Black Raven pirates who kidnap the Queen's daughters coming to convince the Chinese expert to make cannons for Langkasuka city. Pari, whose wife has been killed, follows the pirates and help to free the Queen's daughters. Pari and one daughter are separated from the group and then rescued by Master White Ray, who teachs him some black magic and to be able control sea creatures. The master has a white and black personalities. Black Raven pirates succeeds to make cannons and through an alliance with other local kings decide to take over Langkasuka. A Langkasuka soldiers team tries to destroy the cannons but fails. The Master, under his black personality, helps the pirates to retrieve a big cannon under the sea to destroy Langkasuka. Hopefully the intervention of Pari will be decisive during the battle.
Year: 2009
Thai title: ก้านกล้วย 2
English title: Khan Kluay 2
Rating: 4/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress:
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This movie is computerized cartoon taking place during Ayutthaya period when war with Burma was frequent. Khan Kluay is a strong young elephant. His wife Chaba Kaew is pregnant but Khan Kluay has no time for her as he trains other elephants to be elephants warriors. Chaba Kaew decides to go back to her village to deliver. She complains to Khan Kluay but Khan Kluay's mother highlights that Khan Kluay's duty (หน้าที่) to nation shall come first. The mother takes care of her. Chaba Kaew delivers two beautiful twins. Meanwhile Burmese troops use black magic to fortify their elephants. Burmese troops ransack the village where Chaba Kaew is staying. Khan Kluay's mother dies while protecting the twins. Chaba Kaew and the children are deported to Burma. Knowing this, Khan Kluay deserts to look for his wife and children. Khan Kluay is captured by Burmese troops and brought to their palace. A Thai princess is also held hostage there. She helps to organise the resistance to help the elephants but she cannot join as her son is also taken in hostage by the king of Hongsawadee. A Burmese sorcerer prepares a ceremony for a new attack on Ayuthaya. Twins elephants shall be sacrified. Through a Nai Khanom Tom (มวยไทย นายขนมต้ม) allegory, Khan Kluay succeeds to defeat the elephants leader and prevent his twins to be sacrified on the pyre. Finally the Thai soldiers imprisoned in Hongsawadee palace and all the elephants succeed to flee. Khan Kluay is accused as deserter. As Khan Kluay helps the Thai king to defeat the Burmese zombies soldiers and the sorcered, he is graced. This nationalist cartoon puts in stress family values (We are a family, parents' sacrifice for children) and the duty to the nation (being a soldier, allegiance to the Thai King).
Year: 2010
Thai title: ซามูไร อโยธยา
English title: Yamada The Samurai Of Ayothaya
Rating: 4/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Vinai Kraibutr,Bin Banleurit
Main actress: Kanokkorn Jaichuen
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Yamada is a Japanese samurai living in Thailand during Ayutthaya period. This movie praises the diplomatic relationships between Thailand and Japan. Some Japanese and Thai soldiers assure the protection of King Naresuan. Yamada, following a feast in Ayutthaya former Japanese village (หมู่บ้านของชาวญี่ปุ่น), is betrayed and attacked by some Japanese ninjas led by traitor Kaito. He was about to be killed when Siamese warriors rescue him. Japanese sword skills are not enough versus Thai boxing skills! Injured, Yamada is cured in Phitsanulok. Traditional medicine, done by the local abbot (Sorapong Chatree), helps him to recover fast. Kaito sends his ninjas to find him as Yamada knows his betrayal. Local Thai people call Yamada as “white face” (หน้าขาว) or "I jipun" (ญี่ปุ่น)! The local abbot is very active to protect Ayutthaya and teaches to Thai soldiers the art (ศิลปะ) of Thai boxing (มวยไทย) with the support of strong warrior Aikham. Champa is the young lady taking care of Yamada during his recovery. Old Thai traditions are nicely shown such as eat betel, big protective tattoos on the body, charming scenes with boats and rivers (คลอง), representation of old traditions and old games. Yamada is very thankful for the cure received. So he wishes to help Ayutthaya kingdom to pay his debt back. A love story also starts with Champa. The Japanese ninjas finally find him but fail to kill him. The villagers now understand Yamada must have an important secret. Yamada wishes to learn Thai boxing but it is an art dedicated to Thai people only. He wish to become the abbot disciple (ลูกศิษย์) and convinces him by proving he is now an Ayutthaya citizen in his heart also. The training starts and despite difficulties, he is finally accepted by other Thai boxing fighters and wins their friendship. Nation love is not only for born citizen but for everybody who has it in his heart. He offers his samurai sword to Aikham (พี่น้อกัน). Following a sacred tattoo session, Yamada has now Ayutthaya blood in his veins. He is accepted inside the King’s private guards. 200 Burmese soldiers enter the Thai Kingdom. The King sends ten of his best fighters including Yamada to neutralize them. They succeed. Thematic regarding “Love the King, love the nation” is highlighted. Nationalism is often seen in Thai movies with historical theme. Yamada has to leave the Thai village and to go back to Japan but in fact he wishes to get revenge over Kaito. Yamada has to fight against 100 warriors to reach Kaito but hopefully Aikham helps him. Kaito uses a gun to shoot Yamada but Aikham is the one injured and dies. Yamada takes revenge over Kaito and stays in Thailand. It is based on the real historical character Yamada Nagamasa, who was a Japanese adventurer who gained considerable influence in Thailand at the beginning of the 17th century and became the governor of the Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand. This movie uses many strong CGI effects to show the bloody fights. Buakaw Por Pramuk (บัวขาว ป. ประมุข), real Thai kickboxer, starred as a Thai soldier. The movie was also shown in Japan.
Year: 2010
Thai title: บางระจัน 2
English title: Bang Rajan 2
Rating: 3/5
Director: Thanit Jitnukul
Main actor: Chatchai Plengpanich,Vinai Kraibutr,Choomporn Theppitak,Bin Banleurit,Paradorn Srichaphan
Main actress:
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After the fall of Bang Rajan, a group of Thai warriors is left and settle a remote hidden village. With the help of a charismatic Buddhist abbot (หลวงพ่อ), they decide to fight back. Burmese army is looking for them. It results in embuscades. Bloody sequences with CGI similar to US movie “300”, head cuts, blood splitting on the screen are featured. This is a nationalist trend movie as Thai people cannot let Burmese army occupies their land (แผ่นดินของเรา). They all think about their life when the war will be over. Currently food is not enough in the village (ชุม) as many people take refuge there (คนเยอะ). Chatchai Plengpanich is playing a soldier (ทหาร), i.e. Phaya. His group is overwhelmed by Burmese soldiers in the forest but he gets help from the former Bang Rajan soldiers. Ayutthaya capital (กรุงศรีอยุธยา) is burning in the background. Tensions happen between soldiers and villagers (ชาวบ้าน). Burmese use some villagers through coercion to try to kill the Buddhist abbot (บารมีหลวงพ่อ). As they fail, all their relatives are killed by Burmese. Phaya asks for a revolt to end the everyday deaths. They have to choose between hide or fight. Two profiles of collaborators with Burmese are shown, a woman (being a courtesan with the Burmese leader in order to get food for her captive mother) and a slave (being passive in front of Burmese soldiers in order to save his life). The Burmese soldiers steal a huge Buddha statue from Ayutthaya to bring it back home. Thai warriors defeat the Burmese soldiers and succeed to save the Buddha statue (so huge that CGI effects have to be used). The courtesan and the slave being deceived by the Burmese change side. The spirits of Bang Rajan fighters (veteran actors from Bang Rajan movie part 1 : Vinai Kraibutr, Choomporn Theppitak, Bin Banleurit) give to the fighters additional strength. A bigger army comes. The abbot accepts to surrender to spare the villagers lives. The monk announces to the Burmese general that they will never win as long as there are warriors like Bang Rajan villagers in Thailand. The abbot is sentenced to death. The Thai warriors seem to face a too big army to be able to win. But Bang Rajan spirit is on forever. Former Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan played in this movie. The movie lasts 2h02mn.
Year: 2015
Thai title: ผีห่า อโยธยา
English title: The Black Death
Rating: 4/5
Director: Chalermchatri Adam Yugala
Main actor:
Main actress:
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Thai movie ผีห่า อโยธยา / The Black Death was released in year 2015 and lasts 1h20mn. It deals about Zombies during Ayutthaya period. A zombie disease is coming from Portugal through the caravelle boats. Dead people don't die, they become zombies. A noble refuses the love of his daughter Mien with a young man (เด็กวัด) called Kong. Bua, young lady, is an ironsmith. She gets help from strong fighter Thep as she is harassed by a rich man called Jun. Zombies arrive in the village. Bai, a mute prostitute, gets beaten with a whip. A man called Kwan supports her. People have to move to a fort. Mien tries to flee while her parents are moving to the fort. Rich but coward Jun is protected by two colossus. The villagers take finally refuge in the Buddhist temple but the zombies storm inside and all die. Only a small group succeed to get refuge in the house of the rich man Jun as it has strong walls and doors. Kwan is bitten by a zombie in the house. People bitten also become zombie (ผีห่า). Bai prevents Kong from cutting Kwan's head. Mien is sick. They finally all go their ways as zombies succeed to enter. Mien has been bitten by a zombie. As Kong refuses to kill her, she impales herself on his sword to avoid being a hindrance for him. Bai and Bua are killed. Only Thep and Kong remain to stop the zombies... The movie provided 3000 jobs and cost hundreds of thousands of hours. This statement is shown as a plea against piracy. Film director is Chalermchatri “Adam” Yugala is the son of famous movie director M.J. Chatrichalerm Yugala.
Year: 2015
Thai title: สยามยุทธ
English title: The Dawn Of The Kingdom
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Than Thanakorn
Main actress:
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Thai movie สยามยุทธ / The Dawn Of The Kingdom / Siam Yuth was released in year 2015 and lasts 1h25mn. Heavy FX effects are featured to make battles look bloody. It is a nationalist and historical movie. Old Thai language is used. Warlord (ขุนศึก) Ram, from Kamphaeng Phet, is behaving badly and is attacking emissary from the North. He then puts the blame on others such as his opponents. He also abuses his own people. Thap, fed up by Ram’s behavior, decide to stop him before he could jeopardize the whole Kingdom. Thap’s team delivers two ladies (แม่หญิง) captured by Kun Ram. Heavy politics among Kun Ram's men is happening. Thap’s men receive tattoos. Ram sends Thap’s old girlfriend to destabilize him. Battle between Thap’s soldiers and Ram’s troupes shall happen. Last dinner for Thap’s soldiers as they know that tomorrow they may all die. They finally attack Kamphaeng Phet prince. Thap’s old girlfriend finally fights back and sends dynamites on Ram's troupes and canons. There is dissension inside Ram’s team. Heavy fighting occurs as Ram’s troupes include bodybuilder giants and a Japanese samurai. Many Thap’s soldiers die. Kun Ram is captured and blamed as he caused Thai people to fight against Thai people. Remaining fighters are spared and after admitting their mistake, they join Thap’s team.
Year: 2017
Thai title: ทองดีฟันขาว
English title: Thong Dee Fun Khao
Rating: 4/5
Director: Bin Banleurit
Main actor: Buakaw Banchamek,Kanchit Kwanpracha,Manop Aussawathep
Main actress: Sornsin Maneewan
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Thai movie ทองดีฟันขาว / Thong Dee Fun Khao was released in year 2017 and lasts 1h57mn. Movie director is Bin Banleurit. It is based on the real story of Siamese general Phraya Phichai. Cheut is the son of local noble (เจ้าเมือง). Choi, son of Thai boxer, has always issues with him since childhood. Both of them are now grown up. Cheut and his men are trying to catch Choi (Buakaw Banchamek) but he succeeds to flee. Kanchit Kwanpracha is Cheut’s father. Choi joins a group of people organising Thai boxing fights. He becomes their champion. One day, Choi is defeated by a strong opponent being a spade teacher. The group leaves Choi for dead as he is now useless to them. A drunkard helps him and tells him he needs to improve his skills such as speed. Choi renames himself as Thong Dee. He joins Manop Aussawathep as teacher (ครู). Cheut finally finds again Thong Dee. Thong Dee surrenders to avoid villagers being harassed. He is captured but then the soldiers still burn the village. The fighters and Thong Dee rebel and chase the soldiers thanks to their Thai boxing skills. Thong Dee leave the village to avoid the villagers being harassed again. A teenager accompanies him. Seeing Chinese opera performance (งิ้ว) and their master’s great skills, Thong Dee asks him to become his disciple (ลูกศิษย์). Later on, Thong Dee helps young lady Rayong (Sornsin Maneewan) and her master attacked by ruffians. Thong Dee gets a new teacher and keep improving his skills. Thong Dee has white teeth. Other actresses have black teeth as Thai people were eating betel nut at that time. At a temple fair, he meets Rayong again. A tournament occurs and the spade teacher is this time defeated by Thong Dee. An attack on the local leader ends up in a fight between the lord Phraya Tak and Thongdee. The Phraya Tak wanted to test Thongdee’s loyalty. If Thong Dee loses, he needs to join Phraya Tak’s army… Phraya Tak became later King Taksin. Later on, Thongdee became general Phraya Phichai. Thong Dee’s role is played by Buakaw Banchamek, a real Thai boxing champion.
Year: 2018
Thai title: 400 นักรบขุนรองปลัดชู
English title: The 400 Bravers
Rating: 4/5
Director: จตนิพัทธ์ สาสิงห์
Main actor: เอ็กซ์ พรเลิศ
Main actress:
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Thai movie 400 นักรบขุนรองปลัดชู / The 400 Bravers was released in year 2018 and lasts 2h37mn. It is based on a real story. Khun Rong Palat Chu is a strong fighter skilled in swords and is also teaching the villagers. Burmese army prepares an attack as they plan to destroy Ayutthaya a second time in 1767. The Burmese king nominates his three sons to lead the attack. Villagers enjoy life through festivals, trade... Kom studied with Chu but Chu won Pikul's heart. Multiple villages gather for a ceremony ไหว้ครู highlighting the teacher being venerated by numerous disciples (ลูกศิษย์). The local lord asks Chu help to slow down the Burmese army with as many men as he can. The other lords are unable to reach agreement and nobody takes leadership to protect their motherland. To ensure children have a future, Chu accepts a royal order to help the army. Chu has to gather men. Kom finally accepts to join, putting aside his love deception with Pikul. Seeing there is no resistance, Burmese army reduces their speed. 400 brave fighters gather under Chu's leadership. The 400 fighters are concerned that they need to stop the Burmese army by themselves, but they do it to protect their motherland. They receive blessings from their teacher. Meanwhile Pikul and other women decide to learn using swords as there are only kids, women and old men left in the village. They need to defend themselves if Burmese soldiers reach the village. The 400 beavers have to defend Kui Buri city until the local lord sends the royal army for support. They succeed to disrupt the Burmese army through some ambushes targeting advanced posts but the main Burmese army, made of 8000 men, is much bigger than them. People from the 'Sua Kui' clan join them. Finally, the 400 bravers have to face the Burmese army. They are pushed on a beach, then they are all killed and outnumbered by the Burmese soldiers. Their magic tattoos are not enough as Burmese soldiers use big hammer to defeat them. Despite strong resistance, Chu is captured and spared by the Burmese. The Burmese king wishes Chu to surrender officially to him and to pay allegiance to him. Chu pays allegiance to Ayutthaya kingdom. The king orders to kill him but Chu defeats his opponents. Meanwhile Burmese troops attack his village. Despite fierce defence, his wife is killed. Chu is finally crushed between two elephants. The Burmese King announces the body will be sent back to Thailand with all deserved honors. The teacher (ครู) announces resistance to invaders and the remaining men are joining Bang Rajan villagers to fight against Burmese army...
Year: 2018
Thai title: ตุ๊ดตู่กู้ชาติ
English title: The Last Heroes
Rating: 2/5
Director: Poj Arnon
Main actor: Koeti Aramboy,Mum Jokmok,Suchao Pongwilai
Main actress:
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Thai movie ตุ๊ดตู่กู้ชาติ / The Last Heroes was released in year 2018 and lasts 2h07mn. Taking place during the Ayutthaya kingdom period, villagers are gathering following a call from the village leader. The village features many transvestites. The village leader requires help from villagers to help the nation against the Burmese army. They refuse as they are afraid to die. Finally, seven villagers accept to join, including Deuan (Koeti Aramboy), Feng (Mum Jokmok), Krang, Krai, ติ๊ก กลิ่นสี, จิ้ม ชวนชื่น. The village leader (Suchao Pongwilai) assigns a master to train them. After a difficult training, they are ready for fighting. They leave the village towards the jungle. They face and defeat some Burmese soldiers. Disguised as Burmese soldiers, they enter the Burmese camp. Krang loses his girlfriend being killed by Burmese soldiers. They are missing their relatives in the village. Krai, being upset, shoots a few soldiers with his arrows, but gets captured. The team arrives in the Burmese king palace. They wear ladies’ clothes. They are finally uncovered and arrested by Burmese soldiers. Meanwhile the Burmese army goes towards the Thai village to crunch it. Thanks to the help of a Thai princess and a Thai monk held in the Burmese king palace, the team succeed in escaping following a daring escape from the Burmese palace. They are back on time to save the village, but most of them die like heroes. This movie is mixing comedy and action into an historical background.
Some historical movies happen in the 20th century
Year: 1942
Thai title: น้ำท่วมกรุงเทพ ปี 2485
English title: Bangkok Flood of 1942
Rating: 4/5
Director: Tae Prakardwutthisan
Main actor:
Main actress:
This old documentary is about Thai floods, which happened in 1942 / 2485. Those floods were very serious. The movie shows Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) and Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว), Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (พระที่นั่งอนันตสมาคม), Democracy monument (อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย) and Victory Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิ) under water. Thai people are circulating by boat. Some people even put in place a business renting small boats. The Hua Lamphong (หัวลำโพง) train station is not flooded very high. Public Bus (รถเมล์เทศบาล) are still circulating on Yaowarat road. Drinking water is delivered through tanks. Member of Thai Parliament are arriving by boats. This documentary, done by cinematographer Tae Prakardwutthisan, is part of the first 25 films heritage list announced in 2011. This movie was selected on October 4 2011, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day, reminding the current situation as Bangkok was under a flooding threat in 2011 almost 80 years after the great floods in 1942.
Year: 1955
Thai title: เสือน้อย
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director: Sor Asanajinda
Main actor: Taksin Jampol,Sor Asanajinda,Phan Kam,Lor Tok,Preuhat Boonlong,Sompol Kongsuwan,Jamroon Nuatjim
Main actress:
Thai movie เสือน้อย was released in year 1955. It was a famous film during year 1955. No image or summary is left to be seen for this movie. The movie is lost in Thailand but a sequence of 10 minutes is left to be seen. Many other Thai movies used the same plot in other remakes. Main actor is Taksin Jampol acting as a pirate (โจรสลัด). Sor Asanajinda is movie director. Other actors and actresses are Sor Asanajinda, Phan Kam, Lor Tok, จำรูญ, Preuhat Boonlong. During the left sequence, the main actress is captured and kept as hostage. She is a member of the Royal family (ลูกหม่อมเจ้า) and has fallen in the hands of pirates. One ruffian (Sompol Kongsuwan) tries to abuse her but Seua Noi (Taksin Jampol) intervenes in time. The ruffian finally ends up beating another male hostage but it doesn't finish well again for him. Ruffians are all wearing red bandana. Taksin is seen kissing the main actress. Lor Tok is wearing a nice black moustache. Thai navy has decided to get rid of the pirates and attack their campement. Taksin is seen holding a baby. The remaining sequence ends here.
Year: 1965
Thai title: เกียรติศักดิ์ทหารเสือ
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director: Sor Asanajinda
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Chaiya Suriyun,Sor Asanajinda,Adul Dulyarat,Taksin Jampol,Ruj Ronnapop,Anucha Ratanaman,Sompong Phonmitr
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Kingdao Daranee,Somjit Sapsamruey
เกียรติศักดิ์ทหารเสือ is a Thai movie released in year 1965. Sor Asanajinda is movie director and actor. The film is lost in Thailand but luckily there is still a “Behind the screen” sequence lasting 20mn. It is in 16mm format so there is no sound and is in black and white color. Main actors are Sombat Methanee, Chaiya Suriyun and Pissamai Wilaisak. A few sequences are featured, i.e. Sor Asanajinda giving orders to Taksin Jampol, Sombat Methanee and Chaiya Suriyun, Pissamai crying, soldiers meeting in which Sombat is stripped of his medals by the general himself and gets slapped also, meeting between Sor Asanajinda and Adul Dulyarat. A general comes and strips himself of his medals. He wishes to kill himself but Sor Asanajinda prevents him to do so. They are all disrupted by an event. During a big assembly in full uniforms, Sor Asanajinda is repeating spade fighting. While Adul is writing, an officer is going to shoot him. Hopefully Sombat intervenes at same time to stop him. The soldier has same face as Sombat! Sequences riding horses. Fight between Sombat and Chaiya. Sequence under the rain where Sombat carries Pissamai. Chaiya helps to get a flag back to avoid Sombat to be executed. The story is inspired by the Three Musketeers from French author Alexandre Dumas. Another version was released in year 1983 and directed again by Sor Asanajinda with actors Toon Hiransap, Kowit Wattanakul, อนุสรณ์ เตชะปัญญา and Pissamai Wilaisak. Finding and watching the 1983 version would allow better understanding of the 1965 behind the screen sequences. Protagonists names are พ.ท.พิสุทธิ (Taksin Jampol), พ.ต.นิเวศน (Chaiya Suriyun), ร.อ.ภูเบศร (Sombat Methanee), หญิงใหญ (Pissamai Wilaisak), หญิงเล็ก (Kingdao Daranee).
Year: 1979
Thai title: ไอ้คลั่งทะเลโหด
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Phaophan Phongnathee,Manop Aussawathep,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Adinan Singhiran,Taksin Jampol,Dam Datsakorn,Somsak Chaisongkram,Rith Luecha
Main actress: Wiyada Umarin,Duangcheewan Komolsen,Nantana Ngao Krajang
A woman is about to deliver her baby. The husband brings his wife on a boat but it is caught in a storm. Their village on the island is wiped away by a tsunami. A boy is born on the boat. The boat is then attacked by a group of pirates (Manop Aussawathep, Prachuap Ruekyamdee, Adinan Singhiran and Taksin Jampol). The baby life is spared and is named Ai Klang. During his youth, Ai Klang is trained to use all weapons. Salai (Wiyada Umarin) likes Ai Klang since her childhood. Ai Klang (Sorapong Chatree) has a reputation of having extraordinary skills as storm child (ลูกพายุ). He is disliked by some pirates (Dam Datsakorn, Somsak Chaisongkram, Rith Luecha and Phaophan Phongnathee) on the island. During a boat attack, the father is injured and the diviner predicts a bad omen for the village (ดาวบอก). Ai Klang and Sarapat, the other son (ลูกพ่อ), keep arguing over Salai. Their pirate (สลัด) village is located on an island. Normally they never keep survivors to avoid their hidden village to be discovered. Sarapat keeps a young lady called Chom (Duangcheewan Komolsen) for his father. She becomes in fact his mistress. Salai's family members are accused of theft. In fact, their crime is to have seen Sarapat and his mistress Chom together. Through a deadly game, two are shot but the father survives as Ai Klang fails, on purpose, to hit him three times. Ai Klang rescues a young lady Malai (Nantana Ngao Krajang) whose boat is wrecked on the island. It causes Salai's jealousy. While bringing her back to her father, Ai Klang is recognized as pirate and needs to flee. Ai Klang learns from Salai's father that he is not the real son of the pirates’ leader. While the father is away, the bad pirates get rid of Salai's father despite Ai Klang's resistance. Ai Klang is attached to a pole during rising tide but Salai helps him before he gets drowned. Sarapat takes over the island while his father is away. When the father is back, he is captured. While Sarapat and his men celebrate their victory, the island volcano wakes up. Ai Klang and a number of men faithful to the father attack the renegade pirates. Fight is fierce but they win. Salai is killed during the fightings. Ai Klang ends up fighting with his father as he killed his real parents twenty years ago. He is unable to kill him as twenty years together have created strong filial bonds. To acknowledge his mistake, the father announces that they all stop to be pirates! But it is too late as finally a tsunami wipes the island. Just before, the father sent Ai Klang and Malai to take refuge on higher grounds. ไอ้คลั่งทะเลโหด was released in year 1979 and features an impressive list of famous 1970s Thai actors. Star wars movie soundtrack is used. The movie was never released officially in VCD or DVD format but a VHS telezin version can be found around. It is supposed to be one of the few Thai movies shot in 70mm format.
Year: 1980
Thai title: บูญเพ็ง หีบเหล็ก
English title: The Magic Killer
Rating: 3/5
Director: Payoong Payakul
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Phairoj Jaising,Lak Apichat,Sithao Petcharoen
Main actress: Prissana Chabaprai,Suphanee Jitthieng
Boon Peng is a famous local spirit doctor (หมอชื่อเสียง) with known skills (เมตตามหานิยม, วิชา, วิเศษ). Boon Peng can see future and destiny (ชะตา, ดูจิต). Boon Peng and his clique take advantage of gullible people. Divorced ladies (แม่ม่าย) or young girls only visit him. One of them, Mae Na, disappeared. Thiu (Sombat Methanee) and lady Prin love each other but Prin's mother wants her daughter to marry Boon Peng. Mae Na's dead body is found by Thiu in a mysterious coffer (หีบเหล็ก) hidden close to the river. There is Mae Na's dead body in the chest. A Boon Peng's sbire was seen carrying the chest. Boon Peng's ruffians (ลูกน้อง) have arguments with Thiu, who distrusts Boon Peng. Thiu surveys what is happening around Boon Peng's House. Boon Peng asks to be Prin's fiance (คู่หมั้น). Boon Peng tries to use love potion (น้ำมันพราย) to win Prin's heart. Thiu becomes an adversary (รู้มากแล้ว). Prin cannot refuse as she needs to show gratitude (กตัญญู) to her mother. Boon Peng wants to accelerate the wedding date but Thiu decides to fight back (ต่อสู้สำหรับความรักของเรา). It is Thiu's real Love (ศักดิ์สิทธิ์) against Boon Peng's bad black magic. Meanwhile another Boon Peng's follower wishes to be her wife. Boon Peng has to kill her as she was threatening to announce their relationship to the whole village. The daughter is witness that her mother stopped at Boon Peng's house. Thiu arrests Boon Peng, who is condemned to death by decapitation. According to the legend swords couldn't cut his head (ดาบฟันไม่เข้า) until he accepts remorse (ชดใช้กรรม). This movie reminds of 1960s Thai horror movies ambiance mixing comedy and slight horror with frightening owl sounds. This movie is based on a real story, which happened during Rama VI period. A spirit doctor has many followers (ลูกศิษย์), who were mainly ladies. He killed some of them for their money and was throwing the bodies away hidden in a chest. He was finally captured and killed in 1919. A version of this story was done in 1967. Sombat Methanee was already the main actor.
Year: 1981
Thai title: เสือมังกร
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Manop Aussawathep
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun,Ampha Pusit
This movie deals about a group of Chinese refugees in North of Thailand area, who are the survivors of the 93rd Division of Chiang Kai Chek's Nationalist Army, the Kuomintang, who fled from China after communist victory and settled in these mountains in 1949. They live close to the borders with Laos and Myanmar in the middle of the poppy-growing area of the Golden Triangle. In return for the Kuomintang's military help, the soldiers and their families were given Thai ID papers that permitted them to live in this area. These ex-soldiers of the Kuomintang had to find ways to survive. They grow poppy and also levy a forfeit on the opium convoys that passed through their territory. In this movie, Thai villagers are fed up with Chinese villagers behavior that grow poppy to make opium. They want them to stop to harm Thai society. A group of Chinese villagers kidnap Lannoi, a young Thai lady. Her brother, Seua, a strong Thai young man, fights and wins to get her back but finally encourages her to stay to better know Chinese customs and marry a Chinese villager. She marries Fong Fong but there is no love. She discovers some Chinese customs (concubines, smoking opium, foot binding, women doing hard chores, cemetery with tombs, Chinese food...). She finally understands that Fong Fong loves her. Knowing that an opium convoy will exit soon from the village, she alerts the Thai villagers. A fight occurs and Chinese villagers have to step back. Lannoi admits she is the one to have warned the Thai people because Chinese people should stop opium commerce that harm society. Arguing happens between pro and con opium people. Finally Lannoi is condemned to death and shall be shot by Fong Fong, who do it dejectedly. Seua comes back to Chinese village for vengeance. Many pro opium fighters are killed and even Fong Fong is killed by one Chinese fighter. Following this disaster, Fong Fong's father promises they will stop growing poppy from now on.
Year: 1985
Thai title: กัมพูชา
English title: Kampuchea
Rating: 3/5
Director: Toranong Srichua
Main actor:
Main actress:
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This story takes place in Cambodia in year 1979. It deals about the story of a young boy called Som Bak (ซอม บัค) whose life is impacted by war. Many wars were suffered by his village through French, US bombs, Red Khmer (เขมรแดง), Vietnamese invasions. Villagers are fleeing to Thailand. His father wishes to train his young son to fight and be able to kill people. The movie takes place the year Vietnam invaded Cambodia / Kampuchea to chase the Red Khmers. Vietnamese are using tanks and strong artillery so Khmer soldiers are wiped away. No prisoners are spared. Gas is used. Som Bak is now able to use a M16. As Vietnamese soldiers are coming close to the village, the family needs to flee to the border. Som Sak's parents die during the village attack. Vietnamese soldiers are shown as ruthless soldiers killing civilians and applying torture to get information from prisoners. Som Bak needs to bring his young sister at the Thai border (ชายแดนไทย) as Thailand is a land where peace is present. Som Bak and his sister are captured by Vietnamese soldiers but released as they are only children. There is an impressive reminder of the killing fields with a temple full of skulls. Som Bak then recalls atrocities told by his father regarding civil war in Cambodia and what Khmer red soldiers have done to civilians. On the way to the border he meets some children soldiers (สหาย). They are going to battle field refusing to leave Kampuchea. Feeling ashamed, Som Bak gives her sister to an aunt and goes to battle field. He helps to contact the HQ by going around enemy lines so that they can send some troops to help defending a strategic bridge. Thanks to those additional troops, the Khmer soldiers push back the Vietnamese soldiers. As a retaliation, they shell the civilians fleeing to Thailand. Som Bak's young sister is part of them. Knowing that her young sister is now out of danger in Thailand, Som Bak stays in Cambodia to fight against invaders as it is his duty to protect his own land. This movie was released overseas in few countries like Spain under the name " Kampuchea La Historia jamas contada". It is often wrongly dated as year 1974. This movie has of course some nationalist traces. This movie is often considered as Thai remake of movie "Killing Fields" by Roland Joffe.
Year: 2001
Thai title: 14 ตุลา
English title: The Moon Hunter
Rating: 4/5
Director: Bandit Ritthakol
Main actor:
Main actress:
This movie deals about the life of a pro-democracy activist and his wife, who joined the PLAT (Popular Liberation Army Thai) in remote region after the 14 October 1973 massacre. They decide to flee after the assassination of many fellow activists. In the jungle, they face harsh life, military conflicts against Thai soldiers, political conflits inside the communist party (CPT) and understand that they are toys manipulated by the Chinese external policy. China helped them in 1975 when Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia became communist but helped Thai goverment to counter Vietnamese influence after the eviction of Red Khmers by Vietnam in Cambodia in 1979. Finally their dreams of solving Thailand's ills disappear. This movie has received 5 Thai awards. This movie is based on the life of 1973 student activist Seksan Prasertkul and was the last large-scale "political film" to be made in Thailand in 2000s decade. It was a flop at the box office. The director Bandit Ritthakol was a former reporter at The Nation who covered the mass uprising in October 1973.
Year: 2004
Thai title: โหมโรง
English title: The overture
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Phongphat Wachirabanjong,Adul Dulyarat,Somphob Benjatikul
Main actress:
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A young man, Sorn, has a great passion for the ranad ek (ระนาดเอก), Thai xylophone. He was so skilled that he became a royal musician. However Sorn became too proud and was defeated in a competition by a rival. Sorn was able to learn from this failure. Sorn becomes a well-respected musical teacher in the period under Field Marshall Pibulsongkram. It was a time when the government strictly controlled the performance of traditional music, which was deemed "uncivilised". Under the policy of nationalism, the government ordered that folk artists had to have a license to perform in public. The passionate music teacher refused to obey the state's restrictions until the very last moment of his life. Despite its slow start, The overture movie became a box office success due to the attendance of one of Thailand's most prominent ranad players, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Year: 2011
Thai title: คนโขน
English title: Kon Khon
Rating: 5/5
Director: Saranyu Wongkrachang
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Nirut Sirijanya
Main actress: Penpak Sirikul
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Three kids, two boys and a girl, are close friends and have a dream. The girl, Raem, wants to be a theater actress (นางเอกลิเก), the second one wants to be painter, the third one, Chat, wants to have a high position. Children are now grown-up teens. The two boys love Raem. Chat is an orphan. Chat is working in Master (ครู) Yot's masked-dance Khon troupe. Khon (โขน) is a Thai classic masked play enacting scenes from the Ramakian (รามเกียรติ์). Lamphai is master Yot's mistress. She wishes to become a famous dancer (นางรำ). Chat has a fierce enemy, Khom, since childhood following a Thai boxing match which degenerated. Teachers Yot and Sek have strong dislike. During a 7 days festival (งานเปิดละคร), taking advantage that the actor playing the monkey Hanuman is injured, Chat replaces him and defies Khom playing the evil Thotsakan. Their animosity appears on the stage. Lamphai likes Chat a lot but Chat refuses Lamphai's advances so causing her ire. He is punished by Yot for playing Khon without being authorized. Lamphai promises him revenge as she felt humiliated. Yot's team will have a representation at Wat Ang Thong. But Sek proposes also to do a representation there so Yot's team is relegated to a smaller temple Ang Kaew with much less space. Lamphai will play Sida. Chat will be Hanuman. In Ramakian traditional epic, Sida is Phra Ram’s wife, Hanuman is the monkey general and the evil character is Thotsakan. It is nice to see old traditional Likay advertisement with huge painted billboards. Sek has a huge truck to do advertisement but Yot has only a small boat. Sek defies Yot and recommends Yot to cancel his representation to avoid tarnishing his troupe name by playing in a small temple. Khom promises a fight to Chat and threatens Raem if Chat refuses to come. Before the representation, Chat is beaten severely by Khom and his ruffians. His injuries prevent him to perform correctly and the representation is a disaster. Yot's name is tarnished and the teacher decides to stop Khon. It is time for “pay respect to teacher” ceremony (ไหว้ครูใหญ่) to take place. Yot respected his teacher many years ago but Sek didn't. Their destiny was different while Sek was having big name, big stage on city side and Yot was staying in the shade in countryside. Lamphai teases and provokes Chat. Teacher Yot finds Chat and Lamphai sleeping together so he is chasing Chat away and having a heart attack. He is now paralyzed. Chat and Raem declare their love causing their third friend’s despair. This causes the three friends to split apart. Chat is back following Narin’s request. Chat has always been considered as his son by Yot so the short adventure with Lamphai was seen as a betrayal. Khom betrays his master Sek the same way Sek betrayed his own master 40 years ago. But Khom is punished immediately. A fire occurs in master Yot's house. Lamphai decides to die with him. Chat cannot save them due to the fierce fire. He becomes crazy. It was his karma despite him. All protagonists pay their past actions due to Karmic retribution. This movie reminds of other cultural Thai movies such as “The overture” and “Nora” with a great focus on dying traditional arts. Movie "Kon Khon" (คนโขน) was Thailand's submission to 2012 Academy Awards. It was a controversial choice because of lack of critical acclaim and box-office success. Critics complain about its one-dimensional characters, heavy-handed melodrama and an unfocused plot. The movie was a flop earning just around 8 millions baht. This movie was directed by Saranyu Wongkrachang, famous Thai actor, director and also PAD leader! In year 2011 he wrote a message on Facebook to make an emotional request for viewers to watch his movie "Kon Khon". "Kon Khon" movie sponsors were Thai Life Insurance and the Government Housing Bank. The Cultural Ministry arranged for special screenings to around 20 schools.
Year: 2013
Thai title: ฟ้าต่ำแผ่นดินสูง
English title: Boundary
Rating: ?/5
Director: Nontawat Numbenchapol
Main actor:
Main actress:
Thai movie ฟ้าต่ำแผ่นดินสูง / "Boundary" was temporarily banned in year 2013. An official movie trailer lasting three minutes can still be seen. Director Nontawat Numbenchapol made a documentary movie about the Preah Vihear temple and the Thai-Cambodian border dispute about it. The movie was banned as it could "persuade viewers to falsely believe” incorrect information. The director argued that the film shows the point of view of every side and so that his movie is neutral. After one week, the Thai censors have admitted they were wrong and removed the ban. The censors also asked the director to remove two seconds of ambient sound in an early scene of the movie. That scene was during the New Year’s celebration at the Ratchaprasong Intersection during which a master of ceremonies announces on stage: “Let’s countdown to celebrate HM the King’s 84th anniversary”. The censors expressed concerns that this might lead to misinterpretation. The movie background is related to Preah Vihear temple located at Thai Cambodian border and this issue has been dragging since decades. The International Court of Justice ruled in year 1962 that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia but disputes over ownership are still happening.
Historical movies describe biographies of famous people.
Year: 1968
Thai title: 16 ปีแห่งความหลัง
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Somkuan Krajangsat,Sukon Koewliam
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat,Kantima Daraphan
It deals about Suraphol Sombatcharoen, a murdered sixties pop star. Suraphol (1930-1968) is Thailand's all-time king of country music. Suraphol died on August 16, 1968 from gunshot wounds, leaving a rich repertoire of luk thung songs that embodied the spirit of the 1960s. Suraphol's immortal song is "Sip hok Pee Haeng Kwam Lang" (16 Years of Our Past). It was his last and most memorable creation. Suraphol wrote the song to depict the 16 years of his marriage in the most heart-broken and touching way.
Year: 1968
Thai title: สุรพลลูกพ่อ
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director: Rangsee Thatsanaphayak
Main actor: Adul Dulyarat,Man Teeraphol,Choomporn Theppitak,Somkuan Krajangsat,Sompong Phonmitr,Lor Tok
Main actress: Sopha Sataporn,Somjit Sapsamruey
Thai movie สุรพลลูกพ่อ was released in year 1968. The movie is lost in Thailand but a trailer lasting a few minutes remains to be seen. The remaining film is in 16mm format, so it is in mute state as such format requires live dubbing. This movie is about Suraphol Sombatcharoen’s life. He was a sixties famous country music star and was murdered in 1968. His father had produced this movie as a homage to his dead son. Main actresses and actors featured in this movie are Sopha Sataporn, บรรจบ ใจพระ, Adul Dulyarat, Man Teeraphol, Choomporn Theppitak, Somkuan Krajangsat, Somjit Sapsamruey, Sompong Phonmitr, ทองฮะ, สุดเฉลียว เกตุผล, Lor Tok. Family members of Suraphol Sombatcharoen also played in this movie. The movie was produced by Sombatcharoen movies (สมบัติเจริญภาพยนตร์), owned by Sombatcharoen (สมบัติเจริญ) who is the father of Suraphol. Movie director is รังสี ทัศนพยัคฆ์. The movie featured 10 songs (in 35mm format) including a few hits such as สุรพลคนกล่อมโลก, 16 ปีแห่งความหลัง, สาบานรัก, ลืมไม่ลง, ดำเนินจ๋า, เดือนจ๋า. Various sequences allow to see Suraphol’s childhood with Lor Tok, teenage time, Suraphol working as mechanics and then meeting Adul, Suraphol being part of a music orchestra during army period, Suraphol meeting his future wife Sopha, Suraphol holding his newborn child during a concert, Somjit Sapsamruey playing Suraphol’s mother and scolding her son, Suraphol ending in jail for a short period, Suraphol having a new wife.
Year: 1985
Thai title: เสียงเพลงแห่งเสรีภาพ คาราบาว
English title:
Rating: 2/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress: Supansa Nuengpirom
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It deals about the creation of the famous Thai pop group Carabao. So it features many Carabao songs.
Year: 1990
Thai title: สวรรค์ชั้น 7
English title: Life's little big man
Rating: 1/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress: Darin Kornsakoon
It deals about a movie director getting crazy with women.
Year: 1992
Thai title: บันทึกรักพุ่มพวง
English title:
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress:
This movie deals about Pumpuang's love life and her tragic death in 1992. Pumpuang Duangchan (พุ่มพวง ดวงจันทร์) was a Thai singer called the Queen of Thai country music (ราชินีลูกทุ่ง). This movie focus on Pumpuang’s adult period already. While trying to be a famous singer, Pumpuang meets Pon, a saxophonist. He finally marries with Pumpuang (ผึ้ง) and they create their own orchestra. Pon likes gambling and keeps seducing girls. Oum is Pumpuang's younger sister. Pon promises Oum to transform her into another country music queen. Pumpuang starts a cinema career. The mother uses money to help for Buddhist temple construction so she is spending a lot. Pon's debts increase. One evening when going back from work, Pumpuang finds Pon and Oum together in a bed. They finally split as Pumpuang cannot accept this but Pon still stays in the familial house. A Thai leading actor (พระเอกหนังไทย) called Kraison starts to date Pumpuang. The mother is worried the actor will deceive Pumpuang. As the mother refuses the wedding, Pumpuang announces it to her fans. Kraison ends up at the police station due to some debts with his former wife Soo for 500 000 bahts. Pumpuang pays. Pumpuang is pregnant and they finally decide to marry. Due to some gambling debts and as Pon refuses to help anymore, Pumpuang's younger brother shoots Pon and ends up in jail. As Pumpuang's health continues to deteriorate, she takes a break from singing and goes to rest in Chiang Mai. Pumpuang finds that Kraison still meets secretly his former wife. Kraison asks to start a new life from scratch and to create an united family again. Pumpuang's blood disease is worsening. Money matters and potential heritage issues divide the extended family. The mother believes Pumpuang is witched (โดนของ) so she uses a black magician (หมอผี). The mother wishes to use black magic (ไสยศาสตร์) but to no avail. The mother forbids Pumpuang to see her husband. Through a final sad agony, she fails to see a last time her husband and her son. Following her death, her husband ordains as a monk. The movie really focus on Pumpuang’s private life and problems with her family / husbands due to money. There is some possibility that the movie is extracted from a TV serie.
Year: 2011
Thai title: พุ่มพวง
English title: The Moon
Rating: 5/5
Director: Bandit Thongdee
Main actor:
Main actress: Paowalee Pornpimol
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This movie relates the story of famous Thai country folk singer Pumpuang Duangchan (พุ่มพวง ดวงจันทร์) and is commemorating her death 20 years ago in 1992. The movie starts in 1972. The 11 years old young girl Pheung is coming from a poor farmer family (รับจ้าง) with numerous children in Suphanburi. She didn't have chance to study. Since being a child, she takes part to song contests. She comes to Bangkok in 1975 hoping to become a singer. Teacher (ครู) Pot, head of a country folk troupe (วงการลูกทุ่ง), takes her as a novice (เด็กใหม่). Pheung starts as a dancer. Ponthet, saxophone player, tries to seduce Pheung. The teacher starts to notice her beautiful voice. She studied up to ป.2 so she cannot read properly. Then she needs to remember the whole song by heart. As one of the female singer is fired from the group for breaking the rule, she has opportunity to demonstrate her singing skills. Finally she records her first song but is also fired for having a relationship with Ponthet. Ponthet finds a dancer job for Pheung's in a club but he cannot succeed to have her accepted in another Thai country folk (luuk thung - ลูกทุ่ง) band due to the story with teacher Pot. She is finally released by teacher Pot and can enter another band managed by teacher Mun. She is renamed Pumpuang Duangchan. She starts to have some success and appears in luuk thung magazines. She can now support her family and gives them a better life. A first tour is a failure with tickets reduced to 5 baht to attract audience. Pumpuang is the orchestra leader and Ponthet is the family leader (หัวหน้าวง / หัวหน้าบ้าน). They run out of money. A businessman signs a contract with Pumpuang and launches her new orchestra. Success is here but they take over everything. Pumpuang agrees as she has not a business mind but Ponthet is very upset. Wan is Pumpuang's old friend and helps on many matters such as answering to fans letters. The businessman and Pumpuang agree to enter Bangkok with their luuk thung songs despite Ponthet who prefers to focus on provinces. Pumpuang wishes to become the luuk thung queen (ราชินีลูกทุ่ง). She works hard to prepare a concert in Dusit Thani hotel, hiso symbol in Bangkok. Ponthet feels neglected. Success is phenomenal. Pumpuang even plays in movies. But she doesn't rest enough. She collapses on the stage while performing in Bangkok. Meanwhile Ponthet and Wan become lovers and flee away. Pumpuang starts to be weaker and weaker. She stops singing. Finally missing her fans too much, she decides to come back. She finally dies in 1992 at 31 years old. She has sung 500 songs. She was wearing 60 costumes per concert. This movie focus on Pumpuang's love for her job and fans. There is no strong focus on her two bad husbands like in the 1992 movie version. All Pumpuang songs are sung by a modern singer Paowalee Pornpimol in the movie except the final song "nak rong baan nok" (นักร้องบ้านนอก) during the movie final credits.
Year: 2013
Thai title: ยังบาว
English title: Young Bao
Rating: 3/5
Director:
Main actor: Bom Tana
Main actress:
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The movie ยังบาว (Young Bao) relates the beginning of the famous Thai music group, the Carabao. In year 1977, key members Khiaw and Ed met each other in Philippines while being students there. They were also musicians and were playing in bars / nightclubs. They decided to form a band and Ed chose there the name of their band, i.e. Carabao, meaning buffalo, being a hard worker symbol. Once their studies finished, they went back to Thailand and arrived at a time of political instability due to 6th October 1976 students massacre. Ed supported the students insurrection by providing some clothes and necessities. Ed wrote some songs-for-life / engaged songs (เพลงเพื่อชีวิต). Their first tape was launched in 1980. Success was not coming as they were not as popular as other bands (not handsome or not wearing flashy clothes). Some bars or clubs only accepted foreign music (ห้ามเล่นเพลงไทย) as Thai music was a rebellion symbol. One of the member of famous group called President, Lek, quit his band to join Carabao as he hated commercial funk music. They were looking for additional members for their group Carabao. Thanks to Lek negotiating with the President band’s producer, they got their new tape released and a tour was organized. But they also needed to play in the orchestra of a Luk Thung star. A romance was starting with the singer but it didn't succeed due to the remembrance of an old love story of Ed that ended tragically. Commercial success finally happened. Ed liked big groups. Jealousy and misunderstanding happened inside the group made of seven musicians. They finally stayed together thanks to Ed and made famous songs still popular and played 30 years after. Some famous Carabao songs (Made in Thailand…) were created by Ed following real life events. A first movie about Carabao band was released in year 1985. This movie is part of the buzz around the 30th years anniversary of Carabao band. Ed's nephew was supposed to take his role but finally it ends up to Bom Tana. This movie will be appreciated by Carabao fans even if Ed's role is not as engaged as the real character.
Year: 2018
Thai title: ขุนบันลือ
English title: Khun Bunlue
Rating: 3/5
Director: Mum Jokmok
Main actor: Mum Jokmok,Ekkachai Srivichai
Main actress:
Thai movie ขุนบันลือ / Khun Bunlue was released in year 2018 and lasts 1h36mn. This historical and comedy movie happens during Rama V reign. Thai ministers are having meetings because of the French destabilisation tentative. Bunlue (Mum Jokmok) is joining those meetings. Bunlue's wife Bua believes he has a minor wife in Chiang Rai. Multiple romances occur between slaves and masters. Bunlue's daughter, Tarin, teaches to the slaves how to read. Bunlue leaves for Chiang Rai. Young lady Leng and the family doctor like each other. Bunlue's son, Tara, also likes Leng. Leng is unable to choose between the two men. Tarin and the slave Saphan like each other. Lady (คุณหญิง) Bua likes the slave Sin and they have an affair together. Saphan ends up having more knowledge than the master himself. One of the servants finds that Bunlue has a coffer full of lady jewels. The next day, Leng and her mother see Bunlue with a young lady coming from North of Thailand. Bunlue visits khun Visalai (Ekkachai Srivichai). The domestic helpers warn the main wife Bua about the Northern young lady (ติดผู้หญิง). Bunlue has political issues with opponents to his politics. It is Loi Krathong festival. Each couple is making a promise, i.e. Saphan and Tarin, the main wife Bua and Sin, Leng and the two men, i.e. the Doctor and Tara. Bunlue is seen again with the Northern young lady. The group follows the young lady, but she is finally the daughter in law of the prime minister. She is not Bunlue’s minor wife. All get whipped by Bunlue as they mess up wrongly in his personal duties. Bunlue understands that Bua and Sin have an affair together. Khun Luang tries to shoot Bunlue, but it fails. They finally kidnap Tarin to attract Bunlue. He gets knocked out and is thrown in the water, but he survives thanks to his two monitor lizards! All slaves (ทาส) get released, receive an official letter and some money from Bunlue. The movie highlights the end of slavery in Thailand under Rama V's reign.
This Thai Historical movie page 1 contains 50 records.
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