Increase or decrease font size for easier reading : A+ A-
Rating 5/5
Year: 2019
Thai title: แสงกระสือ
English title: Inhuman Kiss
Rating: 5/5
Director: Sittisiri Mongkolsiri
Main actor: โอบนิธิ วิวรรธนวรางค์
Main actress: ภัณฑิรา พิพิธยากร
Thai movie แสงกระสือ / Inhuman Kiss was released in year 2019 and lasts 1h57mn. It was released under DVD format. Movie director is Sittisiri Mongkolsiri. The movie was a box office success in Thailand and reached more than 100M THB. It was released overseas in Hong Kong, Singapore… A few children including Noi, Sai and Cheut are playing at nighttime near an abandoned scary house. Sai finds something intriguing in a coffer… Many years have passed. Sai is now a beautiful young lady and is still a close friend with Cheut. She is acting as the nurse for the village. They haven't seen Noi for years. Villagers are worried as several deaths occurred recently. Elders are suspecting a Krasue ghost (กระสือ). One evening, Sai and Cheut meet with Noi. Noi is among a group of hunters looking to kill Krasue ghosts. Villagers shall close their shutters at nighttime. Strangely, Sai's home shutters are opened in the morning despite she closed them, and blood was found on her bed. Sai vomits blood. A buffalo is found dead. Cheu joins the hunters to train on weapons. Noi claimed there was a Krasue in his village in order to come back. Noi wishes to be a doctor. Cheut loves Sai. Sai is feeling unwell. A baby is stolen. Noi sees the Krasue going to Sai's house and understands Sai is the Krasue ghost that hunters are looking for. Noi thinks about fleeing so Sai is disappointed. Finally, he changes his mind and decides to help Sai to recover. Every day, he brings chicken to the Krasue at nighttime to avoid it flies away looking for food. The hunters are puzzled as the Krasue has disappeared. Meanwhile the village Buddhist monk recommends to Noi to find special herbs for Sai. One day, a little girl gets cured at the village hospital. She drinks in the same glass used by Sai and gets infected. At nighttime, she becomes a Krasue. The hunters kill it and are aware that the little girl went to hospital the day she died. They suspect Sai. Sai and Noi flee to find the medicinal herbs near the old scary house. Sai eats the herbs. Upset to see Noi and Sai kissing, Cheut punches Noi. Meanwhile Sai goes inside the home and understands how she became a Krasue before. Becoming a Krasue again, she chases the hunters away. Cheut tries to interpose against the hunters but gets beaten. Most of the people in the hunting camp are found dead. The head of hunters accuses Sai. Sai accuses him of trying to rape her. As Cheut acknowledges this statement to protect Sai, the head of hunter is banned from the village. Cheut gets punished by the head of hunters, who is in fact a Krahang (กระหัง). Sai keeps eating medicinal herbs to prevent becoming a Krasue but it runs out. Meanwhile Cheut is achieving his transformation into a Krahang. Sai and Noi are considering fleeing. On the due date, Sai's parents bring her to see outdoor movie so she cannot flee. Having no more herbs, she becomes a Krasue again causing people to flee. The head of hunters try to kill Sai but Cheut opposes. He gets killed. As Noi interposes also, Sai helps and a monk shoots the head of hunters. Meanwhile villagers hit badly Sai's body. The monk recommends them to flee as they are chased by an angry mob. Reaching a boat, Sai refuses to leave further. They both know Sai's body is damaged beyond repair. Cheut's father shoots at the Krasue...
Year: 2018
Thai title: ไม่มีสมุยสำหรับเธอ
English title: Samui song
Rating: 5/5
Director: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Main actor: David Asavanond
Main actress: Laila Boonyasak
Thai movie ไม่มีสมุยสำหรับเธอ / Samui song was released in year 2017 and lasts 1h48mn. Movie director is Pen-Ek Ratanaruang. A car accident happens as the driver tries to avoid a body on the ground. The lady driver Wee (Laila Boonyasak) is injured and ends up at hospital. She meet a man called Kai (David Asavanond) and tells him about her personal problems. Her French middle age husband, Chalom, is being influenced by a local guru (ท่าน) and is spending a lot of time in his meditation retreat. The master has bad reputation of being a butterfly man with his lady disciples. Wee doesn't believe in him. Wee talks on the phone through a toilets scene. Wee is a former Thai TV serie (ละครโทรทัศน์) star. The couple argued about this master (บ้าๆ) so she fled as her husband slapped her. While fleeing from home, she had a car accident. Kai suggests she should divorce but she is stuck as she would get nothing if she is the one initiating the divorce. Back from hospital, she stays home, and her husband is upset as the car is severely damaged. The French husband invited the master and two of his close disciples to his home. After talking religion, they ask for beer! After a while, the master asks to go to Wee's room (she is all yours). The husband tried to have masturbation while watching his wife and the guru, but he is impotent. She decides to call Kai. Kai asks for 800 000 THB. Kai needs money as his mother has Alzheimer disease. The killing doesn't end up as scheduled. Due to rainy day, he slips while going to shoot the husband. He must kill him with a heavy bronze object. In the morning, the body has disappeared. The police finds the injured body on the road. While her husband is at hospital, the master invites himself to Wee's home, but she asks him to leave. Later, buried items used during the murder tentative are found in the forest. Two ruffians follow Kai and enter in his home. He is able to get rid of them and flees with his sick mum. They take refuge in a Buddhist temple. About to steal money from the temple, he is captured by ruffians. The story moves to a movie projection on an island. A teenage girl Noi is aggressed by a man. The teenage girl is rescued and finds shelter in a young lady having a child already. They become lovers. Back home, Kai is waiting for the lady. It is Wee, who changed appearance! A fight occurs as Kai comes for revenge. The movie ends with a confusion between real life and TV series life. What is the story real or just a TV series? The movie theater release was forbidden in Thailand below 18 years old due to some troubling scenes.
Year: 2017
Thai title: มหาลัยวัวชน
English title: Song from Phatthalung
Rating: 5/5
Director: Boonsong Nakphoo
Main actor:
Main actress:
Thai movie มหาลัยวัวชน / Song from Phatthalung was released in year 2017 and it lasts 2 hours. Director is Boonsong Nakphoo / บุญส่ง นาคภู่. The movie is using local Thai southern language, so it has even subtitles in Thai and English. Pong (เทอดพงศ์ เภอบาล) is a young lad being 18 years old. He is is disappointed as his girlfriend Beer needs to leave to Bangkok to study. She then stops answering his phone calls. Pong has no interest in local young lady Mind (ยุวดา โอฬาร์กิจ) bringing him food and proposing to go to see movies together. He just cannot forget Beer. Pong is keeping cows in Phatthalung's area. He gathers with a group of friends with Phi O (ทิวากร แก้วบุญส่ง), being the leader and writing songs. Phi O is also driving a songthaew as part job. Pong has difficulties to forget Beer so it makes him singing songs. His dream is to be a singer. Noi, owner of a pub, asks for Phi O's help. The pub is having financial issues since the military coup. The concert is a failure as people fight. Rubber price go down so life is tough in South Thailand. Phi O asks Pong to be himself on the stage and to stop copying others. All the musicians are working and have small jobs. They are trying to make easy money on fighting bulls but are still losing. They are a bunch of losers but have happiness being together. Phi O wishes to release a new album but they have no money. Phi O girlfriend is a teacher and is now 30 years old already, so she cannot wait any longer for him, but O is concerned as he hasn't achieved anything in his life. Their music is a bit similar style to Carabao with engaged songs. Phi O opens a music school and they prepare their own concert for villagers and family members. Beer is back with a new boyfriend, but it ends up badly as Pong gets beaten as he was complaining too hard that she dropped him as he is a poor non-handsome lad from countryside. Pong is fed up and decides to stop being a singer. Phi O complains about his childish behavior, but Pong flees as he cannot stand being lectured. He finally comes back and the concern is a success with a limited audience. All parents and relatives understand and appreciate their children’s skills. Phi O gets an offer from a Bangkok studio, but he prefers to stay in Phatthalung having happiness with his family and friends.
Year: 2015
Thai title: อาปัติ
English title: Arbat
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Charlie Trairattana,Sorapong Chatree
Main actress:
Buy now:
Thai movie อาปัติ was released in year 2015. It lasts 1h20mn. The movie อาบัติ was censored and finally renamed as อาปัติ after removing some controversial scenes. Thai movie "Arbat" (อาบัติ) was first banned in 2015. Thai Censorship Board objected to the movie not being respectful to Thai Buddhism (novice drinking alcohol, novices fighting, novice showing disrespect to the Buddha image, novice touching the face of a girl). Finally after cutting three minutes, the movie was unbanned and released under new name "Arpatti" (อาปัติ). The movie still shows young monks smoking and playing with their smartphone but those are typical scenes that can be seen nowadays in Buddhist temples. The movie director mentions it was a way to attract attention on issues happening in nowadays Thai Buddhism. Novice (เณร) San (Charlie Trairattana) just enters monkhood. San is back from prison after 2 years and his father still does not forgive him. In this Buddhist temple, they provide food and prayers for hungry ghosts (เปรต). Not everybody can see hungry ghost (One way to to see a ghost is to bend over, stick the head between legs and look behind). San still tries to contact his girlfriend through Line but she doesn't answer. Sorapong Chatree is playing a crazy guy. San meets a young teen girl called Fai. San has visions of ghosts in his room. San is upset as his girlfriend doesn't answer. She finally tells him that she wishes to break (เลิก). Upset San drinks alcohol and is discovered by other monks. He wishes to disrobe (สึก). Issues are happening with the crazy guy, who mentions a ghost is around San's cloister (กุฏิ) and is also stealing alms offering (บิณฑบาต) food. But as the abbot takes too long time to let him go, he wishes to remove the robe by himself (อย่าถอดผ้าเหลือง). He has often discussion with another Luang Phi, who had a sad childhood. His mother Pin hanged herself in the cloister, where San is now staying. Pin used to live in front of Fai's house. Pin used to love a monk but this love was impossible (บาป). Per local superstition, she should reincarnate in a hungry ghost. San decides to flee with Fai. The crazy guy was a Buddhist abbot and had an affair with Pin (อาบัติ - offence). As she hanged herself, the abbot buried her. He also killed Luang Phi, Pin's first son, to silence him. Following the crime, he becomes crazy being tormented by Pin's ghost. San needs to choose if he wants to be a holy man (นักบุญ) or a sinner (นักบาป). Luang Phi body is finally discovered and cremated properly. His half-brother is the now current abbot. San decides to stay in the monkhood.
Year: 2014
Thai title: เพลงของข้าว
English title: The songs of rice
Rating: 5/5
Director: Uruphong Raksasad
Main actor:
Main actress:
Thai movie เพลงของข้าว / The songs of rice was released in year 2014 and lasts 1h15mn. This movie has also been registered as National Heritage per the 2016 list released by the Thai Film Archive. That is a big achievement as it was only released two years before. Director is Uruphong Raksasad. Two rice farmers see a procession from far away. A father and his two young sons are preparing the rice fields by using a buffalo. Farmers are working hard under the rain to plant the rice seedlings. Local festivals related to rice are then taking place during the year such as Chonburi buffalo race in east of Thailand or Nora dances in south of Thailand. Food preparation and dances always have a big part in Thai traditional festivals. Rice harvest and threshing do happen. Rats are caught up during harvest and are barbecued. Donation of money or rice bag is done during Buddhist festivals (ทำบุญ). There is even a rice goddess festival. Festivals do happen after the rice harvest period. Many festivals have fertility aspects related to man / woman, water / soil / rice. The movie shows the famous Rocket Festival featuring rockets launch in the clouds to bring rain to fertilize the fields. Donation to ancestors and food offering to monks are occurring during Buddhist festivals. Rice is always offered to monks as it is basis of Thai food. Rice is also offered to ancestors. The movie features great music composed by Thai composer วุฒิพงศ์ ลี้ ตระกูล. But wind going through rice fields is the real song of rice... It is the last part of a trilogy started with Stories from the North / เรื่องเล่าจากเมืองเหนือ (2005) and Agrarian Utopia. The third part of the trilogy is much shorter, i.e. 75 minutes but the movie picture remains as great as in the previous episodes.
Year: 2013
Thai title: พี่มาก..พระโขนง
English title: Pee Mak
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Mario Maurer
Main actress: Davika Hoorne
Buy now:
While Phi Mak (Mario Maurer) is fighting as a soldier, his wife Nak dies during advanced pregnancy. Phi Mak is back with his four friends to Phra Khanong area. Mak doesn't know his wife is dead, neither his friends. People in the market refuses to sell to Mak anything. His friends understand the villagers are afraid of Nak, who is now a ghost. One of the friends, Chin, sees Nak extending her arm to catch a lemon fallen from the kitchen located on the first floor of the house. Mak's friends are trying to find stratagems to inform him without raising attention from Nak. Villagers who warned Mak are found dead. Upset by his friends behavior towards Nak, Mak is chasing them away. Friends want Mak to be aware. The four friends get confused and believe Mak is the ghost (ผี) and Nak is still an human. Finally realising their mistake, they end up in a Thai Buddhist temple but the monk is unable to protect them. Finally love is stronger (รักพี่มากมากๆ รักนากหนัก). Nak did nothing wrong as she just wants to stay with Mak but everybody tries to break their love. Nak and Mak stay together despite death showing that their love is stronger (รักไม่ธรรมดา). Thai movie Phi Mak (พี่มาก..พระโขนง) is a mix of light scary sequences, romance and comedy. It got the highest revenue in Thai movies history with more than 800M bath so making it the most ever popular Thai movie. It was even released in other Asian countries such as Hong Kong or Macau. Despite having been released for 15 times already, this new 2013 version features modern jokes, Mak as central character instead of Nak, Nak not being an evil spirit and a different ending. It is done as a movie for the whole family. The ending is more surprising and more romantic than the previous versions. Normally ghosts and humans cannot stay together so a monk always convinced Nak to rebirth in another life. Past reconstitution includes black teeth for actors.
Year: 2013
Thai title: ตั้งวง
English title: Tang Wong
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kongdej Jaturanrasamee
Main actor:
Main actress:
Thai film ตั้งวง (Tang Wong) was released in year 2013. The movie takes place during red shirts protests in Bangkok in year 2010. A boy has bad scores and has a dream to join a sport class. His girlfriend suggests him to ask a vow to a local deity but he doesn't believe in spirit belief that much. Another couple in love takes a vow (บน) to keep their love forever. Two students take vow also as they are not studying well. But there is a need to promise something to the spirit in order to fulfill the vow (แก้บน). Vows are now filled. They are all reunited by circumstances. They had promised to dance (รำ) so they have to do it. To hire a troupe costs 8000 bath so finally an uncle accepts to pay for their dance lessons as he believes they cannot make it. Nut is their teacher. She teaches them Tang Wong (ตั้งวง), which is a graceful dance gesture with fingers set at 90 degrees. After a while, the early motivation disappears. The students get blamed by their science teacher for believing in supernatural things. Everybody in the school makes fun of them (ตัวตลก). One of them go to fulfill (แก้บน) alone at night time but gets recorded on YouTube. Em, one of teen student, is now father but flees his responsibilities. Nut, a lady boy, is supposed to get married but it fails. The teens' issues happen in parallel with the political protests. There is corruption in real life and supernatural life. The shrine is burnt so no need to dance anymore. There is a parallel with Ratchaprasong district in Bangkok burning following the 2010 riots. Fiang's father, taking part in protests, is finally safe. This movie also contains critics on Thai education. This is much more than a standard teen movie and it is dealing with interesting thoughts about traditional beliefs evolution between generations.
Year: 2012
Thai title: อันธพาล
English title: Gangster - Antapal
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kongkiat Khomsiri
Main actor: Krissada Sukosol,Phongphat Wachirabanjong
Main actress:
Buy now:
Chot (Krissada Sukosol) defeats Saeng (Phongphat Wachirabanjong) in a one to one knife fighting. Dang and Chot take over Saeng's illegal business (นักเลง) such as drug, gambling, gold shop and prostitution. This movie offers a great 1950s atmosphere representation including old standalone theater (โรงหนังเก่า) with live dubbing. A few historical mistakes are present as posters of Sirikwan Nanthasiri (ภาพโฆษณาสุราไก่แดง)(1972) and movie poster of คนกินเมีย (1974) are used. Piak and Tong are working in the cinema and wish to become ruffians also. Four kings are holding the business. Poo (ดังใหญ่) wishes to extend his territory. Dang wishes to ordain for his mother (บวชให้แม่) but Poo is bringing trouble as he wants his own territory (ที่). Chot is the first to use a gun so the gangster period evolves from knife to gun (ยุคมีด / ยุคปืน). Chot tries to shot Poo but fails to reach his target as the gun is defective. Police arrests ruffians and jails them. Dang dies in a car accident while going to south of Thailand. Four years have passed. The movie highlights the booming industry of Thai cinema in 1950s / 1960s by showing big billboards advertising latest film releases. Police has taken over the mafia and being the one receiving protection fee. Chot is released from prison. Piak and Tong are waiting for him. Police is also waiting to put him back to jail. Chot keeps seeing the ghost of the woman he unfortunately killed while trying to shot Poo as his gun was built with poor quality. Chot has changed and is more receptive to small shop owners’ problems. Some scenes are shot in a cinema showing “Hao Dong” (เห่าดง - 1958) famous movie. Chot is not as inflexible as before. Despite kidnapping a ruffian leader for execution, Chot gives him a last chance to fight back. Oti is a new strong ruffian. Piak defects from Chot's group to join Oti. Oti is a bloody fighter. He even shots with rifle the police leader. Through final shootings, Chot and his team attack Oti and his boss. Nobody survives. The movie Gangster - Antapal (อันธพาล) was released in 2012. The movie Gangster – Antapal (อันธพาล) is based on similar characters previously used in 1997's Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters (2499 อันธพาล ครองเมือง) but it is not a remake. The movie goes beyond Dang character and shows the real gangster era through Chot’s character. The movie includes past stories or souvenirs from elderly people.
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
Buy now:
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: 2011
Thai title: พุ่มพวง
English title: The Moon
Rating: 5/5
Director: Bandit Thongdee
Main actor:
Main actress: Paowalee Pornpimol
Buy now:
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: 2011
Thai title: ลัดดาแลนด์
English title: Laddaland
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Saharat Sangkapreecha
Main actress: Piyathida Woramuksik
Buy now:
A four members family (Kit the husband, Pan the wife, Nat and Nen the kids) are moving to new home located in Chiang Mai province. Their new house is inside a modern village made of individual houses called Lalana land. The teen daughter didn't want to quit Bangkok and his friends. No traditional welcoming ceremony for a new house (ไม่ได้ทำบุญ / บ้านใหม่) is done. Strange neighbours with an infirm mother are living here. It looks like the husband is very violent as the wife has bruises and the kid is often slapped by him. A Burmese domestic helper is found dead in a fridge in a neighboring house (บ้านฝรั่ง). In front of that house while jogging, Kit saw a young lady watering flowers the day before... The following day, another lady neighbour is taken away by an ambulance as she is screaming crazily. During a Buddhist ceremony to honour the dead memory, one of the monks collapses following a frightening vision. The ghost of the Burmese lady is around. Kit buys a gun as they got burglary by a young man with a ghost mask. The family starts to have financial problems. Family is stressed. The mother-in-law brings nuisance and Kit has issues with his teen daughter. Kit loses his job but doesn't dare to tell his wife Pan and has to accept a job as sweeper in a 7eleven. He even starts to doubt about his wife. He starts to believe in ghost stories after seeing it also (ผีลอก). His daughter finds that her father is working in the 7Eleven. Pan decides to go back to work causing Kit to be unhappy as her previous boss was always pushy. The violent neighbour kills his whole family following a factory failure. Pan doesn't want to stay in Ladaland anymore. The dead family ghosts can also be seen. Most of the people have quit the village. There is even no guard. The couple is on verge to split. The wife Pan decides to go back to Bangkok to stay with her mother. Nen is back but sent to hospital following a crisis seeing a ghost. Being alone with his son while his wife is at hospital, ghosts trap Kit. Finally following a trick of the ghosts, Kit believes he has shot his own son. He shoots himself. Tragical end for one of the biggest Thai box office success in 2011 with 110M Baht. This movie also got 6 awards during Subhanahongsa Awards ceremony 2012.
Year: 2011
Thai title: ปัญญาเรณู
English title: Panya Raenu
Rating: 5/5
Director: Bin Banleurit
Main actor: Kowit Wattanakul,Mum Jokmok,Bin Banleurit
Main actress:
Buy now:
Panya (ปัญญา), young boy, and Raenu (เรณู), young girl, are school children in an Isan village. While studying, they have issues with another student who is cheating during exams. Raenu is protecting Panya against this student! It looks like Panya and Raenu will marry together when they will be adults. This movie nicely depicts Isan village life (วัฒนธรรมอีสาน). Panya steals fish in a neighbour rice field but gets punished by catching a disagreeable worm. The teachers are preparing school performances with molam music. Panya is the school molam singer. But they are not doing well due to lack of dancers and equipment. Panya secretly promises to ordain if his school wins. The bus of a Bangkokian school is damaged near the village. They have to stay overnight in the village school. Bangkok girls (เด็กกรุงเทพฯ) have difficulties to get used to Isan food. There is a contrast between Isan boys with dark skin versus Bangkok girls with white skin. They discover Isan village life (วีถีชีวิตของชาวอีสาน) and help on some tasks such as planting rice, bugs, snakes and lizards catching. As a puppy love starts between Panya and a Bangkok girl called Miu, Raenu is very upset with Panya (คนหลายใจ). Five husbands die the same night in the village. A Shaman (แม่หมอ) is called to understand what is going on. The shaman claims a ghost is around (ผีแม่ม่าย) so all men have to wear women clothes a few days in order to fool the ghost. Raenu claims to be possessed also in order to ask Panya to love Raenu only. Ghost belief is still strongly present in Isan. The school needs to find 100 000 baht to buy music instrument to be able to join the village Molam competition. Panya dreams to be a singer. Even the Buddhist abbot doesn't have such amount of money. Hopefully a layman donates 300 000 baht to the temple so the abbot can help the school. Monks are very close to the community. The village can then participate to the contest. Miu helps to bring a Bangkok teacher to help the students to dance properly. Panya's Bangkok friends even promise to join. There is then great molam performances with dozens of dancers and very entertaining songs at the contest (วงมอลำ). Thanks to late arrival of the Bangkok friends on a tractor, Panya's team wins. Even the member of Parliament (ส.ส.) dances! After the victory, some robbers enter in his parents' home. Panya gets shot and ends up at the hospital. Panya is finally saved as he is ordained by the abbot at the last minute. The power of faith in Buddha saves him as he could fulfil his earlier promise. This movie got 13M bath revenue in 2011. A version 2 (ภาค2) was released in 2012. Lao / Isan language is used with Thai subtitles. This movie reminds of “Mon rak luk thung” (มนต์รักลูกทุ่ง) and “Luuk Isan” (ลูกอีสาน). This movie is a great homage to Isan region and features a few famous Isan actors such as comic Mum Jokmok.
Year: 2011
Thai title: ศพไม่เงียบ
English title: Mindfulness and Murder
Rating: 5/5
Director: Tom Waller
Main actor: Sithao Petcharoen
Main actress: Natalie Glebova
Buy now:
An expensive Mercedes car driven by a young couple hits a motorbike causing the driver death. A call of the father to the police inspector makes him to release the son. Police inspector seems disillusioned. A dead body is found in the temple with a carrot in the mouth. Police is called. The same police inspector is coming. The police inspector doesn't want to investigate on such case as it is only a poor temple boy (เด็กวัดยากจน) who died. A senior monk called Ananda (หลวงพ่อ), who is a former policeman, decides to investigate why this young man called Noi died. Some monks are smoking in the temple and look like ruffians with their numerous tattoos. Luang Pho Ananda gets Noi’s remaining belongings and finds a note with a name. Some monks believe Noi was involved in drugs (ติดยา) as he has an expensive brand new phone. Luang Pho Ananda finds Noi’s aunt and discovers Noi had a sad life with a mother who hang herself. The temple abbot is giving advice on lottery numbers. Luang Pho Ananda has to investigate while continuing performing his duties (prayers, morning alms round). Luang Pho Ananda finds that one of the monks has left suddenly the Buddhist temple. So this monk called Bandit Tho becomes a suspect. Luang Pho Ananda also meets a Bangkokpost journalist investigating on drug traffic in his temple. Inquiry is also going on foot prints found near the dead body and a hand writing style. Luang Pho Ananda questions many monks including a monk smoking, another monk from Chiang Rai who slept with naked Noi as he felt lonely. There is difficulty to investigate in the Buddhist temple as the secret tradition remains strong. Luang Pho Ananda has to chase from the temple compound some youngsters selling drugs. It is found that Bandit Tho was an uncovered policeman investigating on drugs traffic in the temple. The expensive Buddhist amulet found on Noi's body is coming from Chiang Rai. It is weird as Noi was coming from Isan area. The abbot was aware of drug selling but kept the secret to avoid bad publicity to his temple. Noi's body has cigarette butt scars so it looks like he has been tortured before being killed. During Noi’s body creation it is found that it is not Noi’s corpse but Bandit Tho’s body, i.e. the monk who disappeared! Noi’s body is found inside the crematorium. it looks like somebody wished to burn incognito the two bodies at same time. Luang Pho Ananda is always accompanied with a young disabled temple boy called Jek. Luang Pho Ananda discovers that Bandit Tho was not a real policeman so causing ire to the local police head who threatens the abbot to stop donations to the temple. A dangerous snake is put in Luang Pho Ananda’s room. Despite all these threats, Luang Pho Ananda identifies the killer. His life is saved thanks to the young temple boy’s dedication. It is a great thriller Buddhist movie very realistic regarding life in a temple by showing bad things but also good things. It is good that the movie was not censored despite showing bad monks behavior. It got a 15-plus rating. It is a sign that Thai movies censorship is evolving. In 2006, Thai movie “Syndromes and a Century” (แสงศตวรรษ) was censored for much less controversial parts!
Year: 2011
Thai title: อุโมงค์ผาเมือง นางยั่วสวาท
English title: The Outrage
Rating: 5/5
Director: Pantewanop Tewakul
Main actor: Ananda Everingham,Phongphat Wachirabanjong,Mum Jokmok,Dom Hetrakul,Mario Maurer
Main actress: Chermarn Boonyasak
Buy now:
A young monk Anoon goes to visit his father as wandering monk (พระธุดงค์). He recalls his life while walking home. He remembers his twin brother, Anan, whose wife died while delivering a baby. He wishes to disrobe (สึก) as he lost abilities to find answers to people regarding life. While wandering in the forest, he meets a noble couple on horse and palanquin. The husband is found later dead in the forest. Bandit Singkham is caught. Before being sentenced, he narrates the story. Bandit (โจรป้า) Singkham, seeing the beautiful lady in the palanquin, wishes to have her becoming his wife so he needs to get rid of the husband Khun Seuk (Ananda Everingham). He claims to have some golden swords to sell. It is a trick to knock out the husband and then kills all guards. He rapes her in front of the husband and she takes pleasure at it. He doesn't kill them but the lady complains the bandit doesn't give credit to their rank (เกียรติ). Singkham finally releases the husband and offers him a duel to avenge his honor. Despite being a strong swordsman, the husband is defeated by the smart forest bandit. During the trial, the wife also narrates her story. She was the daughter of a domestic servant. Khun Seuk was fond of her because of her beauty and married her four years ago. Following the rape, Khun Seuk desigrates his wife. She is no longer worth causing her heart to broken as she is not responsible of this event. Did she kill her own husband as she claims? The tribunal uses a medium to know the truth from the spirit (ผี). Khun Seuk's wife asks bandit Singkham to take her with him and to kill Khun Seuk also (ใจดำ). Singkham refuses to do so. The wife flees. Singkham releases Khun Seuk but he cannot stop crying knowing his wife treachery. He finally kills himself. Who is telling the truth? A domestic helper Prasok passing by during the event finally tells the truth. The wife denigrates Singkham refusing to go either him or glare him. To proof his worthiness, the wife Sampai asks him to defeat Khun Seuk in a fight. Khun Seuk refuses to fight with Singkham as it is below his status. He complains his wife still remains a low level woman (ลูกคนครัว) as she accepted the rape instead of killing herself avoid him to lose face (ขายหน้า). Sampai remains alone as both men refuse to take her anymore. Both of them are not real men (ไม่ใช่ลูกผู้ชาย). Following a duel, Khun Seuk impales himself. The one getting the blade was Prasok himself to sell it to get money for his poor family. Prasok and the beggar teach the young monk a lot on humanity. The young monk finally stays in the monkhood. 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. Movie อุโมงค์ผาเมือง นางยั่วสวาท / The Outrage was not chosen as it is a remake of Akira Kurosawa's award-winning "Rashomon" (1950). “Rashomon" was translated into Thai by the statesman MR Kukrit Pramoj. The movie includes Buddhist themes related to jealousy, greed for women or for jewels, lies, human behaving like animal (สัตว์), hatred, ire, lie, lazy, simulation, cowardliness, weakness towards women cries, death, unhappiness (ความทุกข์), status of high people (ผู้ดี). Greed causes to lose finally everything.
Year: 2010
Thai title: ชั่วฟ้าดินสลาย
English title: Eternity
Rating: 5/5
Director: Pantewanop Tewakul
Main actor: Ananda Everingham
Main actress: Chermarn Boonyasak
Buy now:
The story is taking place in an old palace close to Burma. The Northern house offers a beautiful setting for the shooting. It is based on Malai Choopinij’s classic 1943 novel. A visitor is coming and hears a very sad human crying at nighttime. It is an old man, who is crying in front of a grave. The intendant of the palace tells the visitor about the sad story behind. In 1933 Sammong, stepson of the the palace owner, was back from studies done abroad. His father was Nai Hang. Nai Hang met Yupadee, a beautiful sexy modern and independent young lady and they finally married. She met Sammong. Yupadee loved freedom, always spoke directly and without any taboo. She didn’t want to be linked by any ties to Thai society. She gave Sammong books "doll house" and "the prophet" that reflected her mindset. Sammong was still single and never had any girlfriend. He enjoyed the nature only. Yupadee always teased him. They started to be closer and closer (สนิท). Nai Hang realized this. He invited some important guests, who had an eighteen years old daughter, Panthip. Yupadee was expert at creating jealousy in Sammong’s heart to test his love. The mother tried to push Panthip towards Sammong’s heart but Panthip had already a love in her heart (ต้องใช้ชีวิตของนตัวเอง). Sammong caught a malaria fever (ไข้ป้า) but Yupadee took care about him and even wiped his body (อย่าบังคับความรู้สึกของตัวเอง). Nai Hang needed to go to the city to arrange for Sammong’s wedding. Yupadee simulated to be pregnant to avoid going with him so that she could stay. At the waterfall she teased Sammong utmost so that they finally became lovers (ชู้). Sammong had become lover with his stepfather's wife (เป็นเวรเป็นกรรม). They couldn’t stand to be separated anymore and always hid. Intendant Thip and servants were aware of their relationship. Nai Hang refused to believe this extramarital story or maybe expected that Sammong's own wedding would put back everything to normal. Nai Hang went for a trip again but came back at nighttime to find the lovers. They promised to each other not to be separated until end of eternity (ชั่วฟ้าดินสลาย). Nai Hang summoned them and put them a chain linking them. It was his bad karma that his wife and son loved each other. Due to the chain the love was slowly becoming hate as they were chained together all the time. Nai Hang refused to forgive as they had done a big sin. They tried to flee but it failed as Yupadee was afraid that Sammong would dump her once they were free. Love had become hatred. Nai Hang refused to give the chain key but gave one pistol. Yupadee was now pregnant. Sammong wished to kill himself so that Nai Hang forgave Yupadee and took care of his child. But finally Yupadee shot herself. Sammong became crazy and cries every night on Yupadee’s grave. A director's cut running for 3 hours and 10 minutes, one hour longer than the theatrical version, was released end of 2010. Two other Thai movies based on the same story were done in 1956 and 1980.
Year: 2010
Thai title: อินทรีแดง
English title: The Red Eagle
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wisit Sasanatieng
Main actor: Ananda Everingham
Main actress:
Buy now:
In 2013 a nuclear plant construction is ongoing in Chumphon. Elections will happen soon. The candidate to be prime minister promises to stop the plant. The Thai society is getting worst and worst with many aggression and drug trafficking. As government cannot stop this, it is time for citizen to handle by themselves. Three years have passed. The nuclear plant construction is almost finished and nuclear opponents have been chased away. Young lady Wassana tries to convince her former boyfriend, now prime minister, to do something but he refuses. He argues that destruction of country side (เสียสละ) is needed for the welfare of the whole country (ประโยชน์ชาติ). He also acknowledges that he lied to be elected. Meanwhile police is investigating on a mysterious man called "Insee Daeng" as a group of drug dealers have been found violently butchered. Insee Daeng also enters in a senator house and kills him violently. The senator was always bringing underage girls to his home. If the Thai police and the law cannot perform properly their duty, then Insee Daeng will have to intervene. Insee Daeng is a modern justiciary hero fighting against corrupted men. A policeman called Chat wishes to catch him. Rom, young man, is “Insee Daeng”. He got a bullet in the brain and needs to take morphine often to ease the pain. Wassana knows him as she helped him to escape before. A mysterious organisation, a group of masked men (การเมืองเลว), want to get rid of Insee Daeng and recruits a dangerous assassin to kill him. Chat, the policeman, is assigned to protect a corrupted businessman. It turns bad in a nightclub. There is impressive shooting in Bangkok, dark and modern city and an epic fight with the assassin on a billboard and inside a department store. On top of this Chat and SAWT forces are chasing him. The corrupted prime minister, who got his campaign paid by the nuclear plant company, needs to prevent any stop of the construction by getting rid of the opponents to the project including his former girlfriend Wassana. Rom and Chat know each other as Rom was previously a policeman but Chat is unaware that Rom and Insee Daeng are the same man. A team of bikers try to kill Wassana but Insee Daeng helps her on time. The prime minister is the head of the cabal. Despite being a violent gory bloody and modern movie, there are still funny moments such as the car chases between a taxi and ice cream motorbike. He needs to finish the job against the Prime Minister and get rid of the punisher (ปีศาจดำ). Through an epic final the punisher is defeated. In Chumphon, the peaceful demonstration is crushed by the police. Wassana is in danger. Can Insee Daeng help her on time? This movie got disillusions at box office with only 13M baht. It was released on October 07 2010, one day before the 40th anniversary of the death of Mitr Chaibancha following the tragic deadly accident in Golden Eagle (อินทรีทอง) movie. It is still unlikely if the second part of the movie will be produced. Wisit Sasanatieng had issues when directing the film as he had to juggle between his artistic wishes and the commercial producer wishes. Some contemporary political elements could easily be interpreted as the movie casts politicians as the villains.
Year: 2010
Thai title: นาคปรก
English title: In the shadow of Naga
Rating: 5/5
Director: Pawat Pawangkasiri
Main actor: Ray McDonald,Sahat Piempongsan,Somchai Khemklad
Main actress: Intira Jaroenpura
Buy now:
7 millions of baht have been hidden following a robbery. One of the robber is called Sing. His girlfriend is a prostitute. The police raids the illegal casino (บ่อน) she is staying in. They are looking for Sing but she doesn't know where he is hiding. The money has been hidden in a Buddhist temple. The three robbers come back to the temple but a chapel (โบสถ์) has been constructed on the top of the cache. They need to dig (ต้องขุด) but as it takes time, the only way is to become monk (ต้องบวช) in order to be able to stay in the temple. Sing points his gun to the abbot to force the ordination. Sing and Dang ordinate (เป็นพระ). Pong prefers to remain as a temple boy. Sing and Pong behave badly as monk, i.e. chase dog with feet, say bad words, don't follow closely the temple rules (ระเบียบของวัด), smoke, hit novice (เณร), don't pray before eating. Sing is atheist and calls the abbot as 'boss' instead of เจ้าอาวาส. At night time, they dig. The morning arrives earlier than expected. They need to hit the temple gong (ระฆัง), need to say blessings. The abbot has to justify their inexperience by mentioning they are new monks (พระบวชใหม่) from Thudong order (พระธุดงค์). Sing cannot support the food at lunch time made of alms donation (ฉันเพื่ออยู่ไม่ใช้อยู่เพื่อฉัน). The abbot is also doing tatoos. Pong asks for tatoos also (ศาสนาพุทธศักดิ์สิทธิ์เกิน ดีกว่าคุณทำร้ายได้). Sing is still complaining. His feet hurt as he is not used to walk bare foot. Life prison was easier. Food is not good. Earlier they promised to share 50% of the money with a fourth unknown man. The abbot has money on him and doesn't hesitate to touch a woman bitten by a snake. Dang and Sing hit badly robbers who were trying to steal Buddha statues in order to protect their secret digging activities inside the chapel. They lie to villagers (หลอกชาวบ้าน). They know they are wrong but still do wrong (รู้ว่าทำผิดแต่ยังทำผิด). Sing misses his girlfriend Nam Peung so he invites her to join him to Wat Pa Lom but she refuses believing it is another bad joke from Sing (ช่วยตัวเองก็แล้วกัน). Believing it can be good for her karma, she finally visits the temple and finds Sing as a monk (หลวงพี่). Sings removes his monk robe to make love to Nam Peung. Sing breaches all Buddhist precepts and brings trouble to the temple community. Pong is a good guy and explains to the abbot what happens before. They did a bank robbery (ปล้นเงิน) and hide the money inside the temple's chapel. Pong wanted to help his blind mother. He has lengthy discussion with the abbot about Buddhism (It is possible to teach some people to be good, it is more difficult with some others สอนให้เป็นคนดีบางคนสอนได้บางคนสอนยาก - Badness is easier to do than goodness / ความชั่วทำง่ายความดียทำยาก). Being discovered by other monks, Sing and Dang threathen to kill the monks if they don't help to dig. At morning time, they need to go for alms (เป็นเวลาบิณฑบาตร). If they don't go, they will have nothing to eat. Today is Makabucha day so local people are coming for offerings (บูชา) and listen to sermon (ฟังเทศน์). Dang decides to give them a poignant sermon regarding children working far away from parents to send them money and encourage parents to teach well their kids (สอนลูกดีดี - กตัญญู) to avoid becoming bad guy like him. While digging, they find a cache but no money. Sing starts to break the main Buddha statue. There is a small golden statue inside. A police inspector enters the chapel. Nam Peung was keeping the police inspector informed. He is a corrupted cop asking for his share. They shot at each other. The police inspector is hit. Dang is hit also. Nam Peung hits Sing, who was going to shoot the abbot. Nam Peung finds the money bag in the base of the Buddha statue but it is empty. She prefers to suicide herself instead of surrending to the police. The abbot takes the responsability on him (ผิดเอง). Pong is arrested. 4 years passed. Pong is doing ordination for his blind mother, who cries when holding the yellow robes (ผ้าเหลือง). The former abbot has defrocked. He has now a wife and a child. He is driving a Mercedes car. He comes back to get the golden Buddha statue. He was the one who kept the money. He is finally arrested and the statue is restituted to the temple. After 3 years waiting for the new film law to avoid a ban, this movie was finally released uncut with a Rate 18+. Making a story with bad monks is strong for the local Thai audience as faith and crime are always taboo in Thai films. There is a comparison between the four characters and the four types of lotus in Buddhism (บัวประเภทไหน).
Year: 2010
Thai title: 9 วัด
English title: Secret Sunday
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress: Penpak Sirikul
Buy now:
Nat has a blondish girlfriend Poon. She has often ghosts visions. They get an invitation to go to Chiang Mai. On the way, they stop to visit Nat's mother. Nat's mother has a bad dream. She frequently visits temples and would like her son to make merit (ทำบุญ) in nine temples (9 วัด). Nat needs to clean his karma by doing merit. There is a strong opposition between the old style mum (แม่โบราณ) and the young modern woman, Poon. Nat finally accepts his mother's request. He meets a monk, who was a childhood friend. The monk goes with them for the nine temples visit. Nat and Poon are young and modern youngsters, who don't know religion and how to show respect to monks (They always call him 'phra' - พระ - instead of 'Luang Phi' - หลวงพี่). Nat doesn't give respect to Buddha images (ไม่ไหว้พระใหญ่). They don't understand why the young man is going for the forest way of life (ธุดง) and how he can sleep in cemeteries (ป่าช้า). Nat is always hot tempered (ใจร้อน). Many warnings are given to them through visions and through the monk's remarks (ช่วยไม่ทันยิ่งทรมานเปล่าๆ). They face death, face accidents, see dead people and ghosts. Those are warnings to them. It is linked to their karma (กรรม) and they cannot escape it. Poon asks the monk's help but Nat refuses to believe up to the point they break up. They are followed up by terrible actions linked to her past. In previous life, they were linked to a young disfigured boy set prisoner in a remote forest hut by his mum as he killed her lover fearing to lose his mother. They finally get reunited and bring the monk to destination. Nat, Poon and Nat's mother share the same past and all come to the same house where the young boy was held prisoner. They need to do more merit (กุศล). The monk and Nat are born the same day. The mother tried to deceive the karma (หลอกกรรม) by interchanging the babies. Her real son is the monk. But the karma cannot be escaped. However it can be altered (กรรมเปลี่ยนไม่ได้แต่แก้ไขได้). Karma is following us (กรรมตาม). The monk is protected from karma by his yellow robe (ผ้าเหลือง) but not Nat. So he is the one to suffer. The monk pays for the past sins through redemption (ชดใช้) by giving his own life so the karma is over. Nat, Poon and the mother are being reunited as a family. The movie features a nice fresh soundtrack.
Year: 2009
Thai title: รักที่รอคอย
English title: October Sonata
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress:
Buy now:
In 2513 (1970) famous Thai actor Mitr Chaibancha dies. Saddened by this tragic event, young lady Pleun is hit by a car. The car owner, a young man called Rawee, brings her to Chonburi (Hin Hoi) as she wants to see where Mitr Chaibancha had his fatal accident. As Rawee's friend is out of town, they have to go to resort hotel. They appreciate each other and Rawee reads for her some pages extracted from Sri Burapha's novel "Songkram Chiwit" (สงครามชีวิต). It is a story of tragic romance and class conflict. Tomorrow Rawee will go studying outside Thailand for two years. In the next morning, he goes away and leaves the novel for Pleun. They promised to see each other on 8 October (8 ตุลา) in two years. Pleun decides to go to study at night time as she doesn't know how to read. She wishes to be able to read the novel Rawee gave her. She is working as sewer at daytime. A student, named Nim, likes her a lot. Pleun is accepted as tailor student thanks to her friend recommendation. She decides to change her name as Saen Chan same as the leading character from the book. She wait for Rawee's return. Two years passed. On 8 October 2515, she is waiting at the hotel. Rawee doesn't come. Nim is going to open his own shop and asks Saen Chan for wedding. She refuses as she is still hoping for Rawee return. She quits her hi-so mean boss (ใจด่า), who didn't give her any salary for two years. On 8 October 2516 Saen Chan comes again to the hotel. But only Nim is coming. She finally accepts to marry Nim and works now with him. On 8 October 2517 Saen Chan comes again. Rawee is here this time. He was in prison due to student protests (Violence broke out when students took to the streets demanding the military government to step down). Love happens again. This time she is one to leave and write a message. She is married to Nim but she doesn't love him. Nim starts to drink alcohol as he knows his wife doesn't love him. On 8 October 2518 Saen Chan goes to hotel again. Rawee is now a teacher for fishermen children. Saen Chan cannot make love with him because she is still married. She wishes to die. She leaves her home and start to write a book. On 2519 a violent crackdown on students and protestors occurred led by Thai military. She doesn't meet Rawee that year. His school is closed as he is labeled as a communist. On 8 October 2520 the hotel is now closed. On 8 October 2522 Nim is waiting at the bungalow and asks her to come back with him. Nim is a nice guy but she doesn't love him. He rapes her. On 8 October 2523 a governmental amnesty for former CPT members allows them to come back into society. Rawee can leave his forest refuge. Rawee finds Nim, who is now married and has a child. Nobody knows where is Saen Chan. Rawee stays in the bungalow waiting for Saen Chan. He has malaria sickness. On 8 October 2524 she comes back but finally leaves as she is afraid of a bad trick from Nim again. Three years passed. On 8 October 2527 Nim is here again. Rawee has died but gave a book for Nim to edit their story. This movie features a nice restitution of 1970 atmosphere and mixes a tragic failed love story with the two major historical events in 1973 and 1976.
Year: 2009
Thai title: เฉือน
English title: Slice
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kongkiat Khomsiri
Main actor: Chatchai Plengpanich
Main actress:
Buy now:
A foreigner, taking a young boy to his hotel room, is mysteriously killed by a man wearing a red cape. The body is found in a red suitcase. Police is investigating. Noi is a young beautiful lady. Her boyfriend, Tai, is in jail. Tai sometimes kills people in the jail compound to get money to support Noi. A second murder involves a middle age man bringing an university student at his home. The corpse is put in a red suitcase again. The police has no clues to progress. According to a psychanalist who did interview Tai, Tai seems to be linked to the mysterious murderer. Pa, a policeman, proposes an agreement to Tai, i.e. an earlier release versus the help to catch the murderer. It seems that the murders are linked to people having perverse behavior only. The killer then goes into a gay club and performs a killing rampage. Tai and Pa have a weird relationship. Tai was an undercover cop used by Pa to perform bad and unofficial tasks. A last task turned bad and Tai ended in prison. Following the agreement, Tai exits from the prison and has 15 days to catch the killer. If he failed, he will be back to prison and will never see Noi again (หนูตัวประกัน). Tai goes back to his hometown where he spent his youth with good friends. Tai is especially looking for his old friend Nut. Nut wished to do everything to be accepted by the local group of friends (ลูกน้อง). As he was gay, he was rejected. Finally Tai protected him. One of the victims is a former teacher who raped Nut. Tai and Nut became friends. Nut was the son of a prostitute and had a harsh life. He lived with a man, who was not his real father, and was raped frequently. One night Tai tried to helps Nut. Nut stabbed the man so they had to flee and reached Pattaya. Nut had often crisis. A local pimp tried to push them towards sex customers. One night Tai got angry with Nut as he tried to embrace him. He hit him. Nut was then kidnapped by the local pimp and put in a red suitcase. Tai and Nut were separated. Following his enquiry on Nut, Tai finds that Nut worked in a gay club (where the killing rampage happened) and was named Katoey Nat following a surgery. Wishing to know his new face, Tai finds that Nut is now Noi! Meanwhile Noi kills the policeman Pa as he tries to rape her. Noi and Tai meet each other at their youth place. As police is coming, Noi asks Tai to free her from this world...
Year: 2009
Thai title: 5 แพร่ง
English title: Phobia 2
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Charlie Trairattana,Choomporn Theppitak
Main actress: Marsha,Nicole Theriault
Buy now:
Phobia franchise is back with a new episode released on 09.09.09! This time, Phobia 2 is made of five different stories. First story is about a young rebel teen called Phae. His parents are separated following a divorce. He blames his mother for not loving him enough. He is now a Buddhist novice in order to hide as he has committed a crime. While walking in the forest, the abbot asks him to stay in a remote area as part of meditation training. The local people believe in ghosts but Phae doesn't. Phae neither likes to be commanded neither listens to advice and recommendation. He secretly eats food at night time committing a breach in Buddhist teachings. He has no respect for monkhood. He is responsable of his father death in a car accident. Pret (เปรต) ghosts are living there. He is facing death as a karmic retribution (กรรม) of his previous bad actions (เรื่องของกรรม). Second story is regarding a teen having a motorbike accident and recovering from his injuries in an hospital room shared with a dying man. At night time a ghost (ผีอำ) is roaming inside the room and wishes to kill him in order to exchange bodies. Third story is about Thai zombies. Two japanese tourists are taken in autostop by a truck. The truck is transporting mysterious goods as something is knocking from inside. There are immigrants from south of thailand. They have eaten small balls containing drug. Then the drug has leaked and they become zombies. The two tourists and truck drivers are running for their life... Fourth story is about a garage lady owner, Nut, who is selling second hand cars. Those cars already have a deadly accident. She is concealing the truth to her customers. Some customers died as the cars were nice outside but not repaired inside. Nut is looking for her daughter that always like hiding in cars. Ghosts come to have revenge of having been sold a broken car. They take revenge over her daughter. The fifth story is the most funny and Ironical. It takes place on the shooting of Thai horror movie "Alone 2" (แฝด 2). The actress playing the ghost dies at hospital. The show must go on. The team needs to finish the movie to ease the ghost. Thainess is well shown in those 5 small movies. Phobia 2 was very popular and did 113.5 millions baht revenue in 2009.
Year: 2009
Thai title: ความสุขของกะทิ
English title: Happiness of Kati
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Krissada Sukosol,Sahat Piempongsan
Main actress: Jaruwan Panyopas
Buy now:
This movie is a based on a novel written by Jane Vejjajiva. It got a S.E.A. Write Award. A family is quitting their appartment in Bangkok. Katy, 9 years old girl, is now living with her grandparents on countryside. Kati's life in the village certainly contrasts with her life in the city as countryside life is depicted as quiet and bucolic. She misses her mum (แม่เคยสัญญาว่าจะกลับมา). She tries to have a normal life and so watches Thai TV series (ละคร) when coming back from school. She notices that there is no picture from her mum (ในบ้านไม่มีรูปถ่ายแม่เลย) in the house. She starts to understand there is something going wrong (ไม่เคยมีใครพูดถึงแม่). It looks like adults want Kati to enjoy her childhood and forgets her mum (กะทิจำหน้าแม่ไม่ได้แล้ว). Tong is Kathi's best friend and she spends a lot of time with him. She heard adults mentioning that nobody can escape suffering and unhappiness. The movie shows nicely the life in the countryside (development coming in the village, football match in Buddhist temple compound, numerous pupils in classroom, first vision of a foreigner through a French cyclist visiting the village during his trip around the world). She then learns that her mother is very sick. Kati is sent to a house close to the sea. No need to hide the truth to her anymore. The mother is sitting on a wheelchair. She has no more strength. The movie shows the last touching moments of love between Kati and her mother. Kati spends a lot of time with her mother. The mother then passes away peacefully. Kati shall now decide if she wishes or not to meet her real father. She takes the decision to meet him and waits for his feedback. Meanwhile she goes back to countryside. The photography is superb. There is great picture and sensitive mood. The movie highlights the importance of family and close friends, life sorrow, change and choices that need to be taken. The last sequence on the drawers appears as a completion of Kati's life puzzle as she can learn about her mother's life and her own life amongst their contents.
Year: 2009
Thai title: สวรรค์บ้านนา
English title: Agrarian Utopia
Rating: 5/5
Director: Uruphong Raksasad
Main actor:
Main actress:
Buy now:
Thai movie สวรรค์บ้านนา / Agrarian Utopia was released in year 2009 and lasts 2 hours. The movie takes place in North of Thailand. Northern language is used. The movie director is Uruphong Raksasad. The movie got multiple awards such as 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, NETPAC Special Mention Award... This movie has also been registered as National Heritage per the 2012 list released by the Thai Film Archive. The movie picture is great such as beautiful colorful skies featured in numerous sequences. Two farmers families are featured. The movie shows their life. The farmers listen to a political meeting but are doubtful that politicians can understand their issues and help them. The farmers still use buffalo to prepare rice fields. Kids are playing in ponds and are even riding buffalo. Rice growing periods are shown. Various ways to find food from the surrounding nature are shown through hunt for birds, hunt for frogs, mushroom collection, getting fishes from river, catching big mouse for barbecue, ants eggs, honey from bees, hunting with rifle. Hand harvest is still happening in this area and villagers are helping each other. Rice is put in bags and sold to cooperative. One father wishes his son to work for government as such job offers regular salary. Farmers family are poor family. There is no money to buy games for the son and it is better to use it for studies. The father is not willing to go to Bangkok to work in factory. Animism is strongly present as offerings to local spirit do occur. One villager is living a natural and utopia life. He doesn't want to marry another time as he knows a new wife wouldn't accept such simple life. He wants to be close to the nature. Another rice harvest cycle starts again. Heat, heavy rain, storms are part of farmers’ life. Farmers must work hard every day. One of the farmers must sell his land as he needs money. The utopia farmer invites him to share his land as he has no time to take care of it by himself. No need to pay rent but need to harvest by following natural ways. The farmer finally refuses as it will be too troublesome to work with the utopia farmer (ผีบ้าน). It is not realistic when you have a whole family to feed. So, he considers going now to Bangkok as he has no longer any choice. Life is no longer heaven in สวรรค์บ้านนา. His wife has also to work on small construction sites as only doing agricultural job is not enough to survive. The movie ends up with the farmer arriving in Bangkok...
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
Buy now:
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: 2006
Thai title: 13 เกมสยอง
English title: 13 Beloved
Rating: 5/5
Director: Chookiat Sakweerakul
Main actor: Krissada Sukosol,Saranyu Wongkrachang
Main actress:
Buy now:
Chit is a busy sales guy but his performance is not good. He cannot reimburse his car (his car plate has number 13) as his sales drop. One of his colleague, Pramee, steals his customers as Chit is too slow. His boss fires him as the company is going online so there is a need for less Sales people. Only a young lady called Tong is his friend in this company. Chit has debts. His mother is asking for money. He lies to his mum regarding his financial problems. He receives a phone call from an unknown number. It is a call regarding playing games to win big cash prize. As Chit has debts, he accepts to play but has to follow strict rules (he shall not disclose that he is playing a game). First game is easy. Just got 10 000 baht by crushing a fly with a newspaper (it is worth to note that there is Thaksin Shinawatra picture on the newspaper and his face is crashed against the wall!). Second game is to eat the fly to win 50 000 baht. The final prize is 100 millions baht but there are still 11 games to perform. If one game is lost then the whole money amount is lost. Next game is to make three children cry (the games are related to Chit's own childhood). Then Chit shall steal money from a beggar. Then Chit shall eat special food, i.e. shit, in a Chinese restaurant (he used to insult other people in the past - ฝรั่งขี้นก). Then he shall worship a crazy man. At 13:13 the crazy man announced God shall come (พระเจ้าจะมา) so Chit enters a bus arriving at that time. Chit has arguments with bus passengers regarding a mobile phone and gets beaten. He needs to pay respect (ไหว้) to a ruffian's feet to get it back so starts to lose self-esteem to accept such degrading act. It degenerates to a deadly and bloody fight as Chit almost kills one guy to get the phone. He is now under high stress and accepts to do anything. During next game, he needs to retrieve a dead elderly man, who falls in an indoor wishing well (In modern society people are neglecting their elder parents) and announce the bad news to his family. The relatives were living in a house close to the father but didn't visit him. He then meets his former girlfriend Maew, who wants to become a famous singer. She has a new boyfriend called Chaleum. For the 8th game Chit needs to beat somebody, who has number 8 on his vest. Chaleum has a number 8 on his vest... Due to jealousy over Maew, Chit beats deeply Chaleum. Realizing his acts, he hits again a taxi driver to bring Chaleum to hospital. Meanwhile his crazy actions are shown on TV news and a police inspector (สารวัตร)is chasing him (ผู้ร้าย). His friend Tong, puzzled by his behavior, finds a mysterious 13beloved.com website and starts to make the link with Chit's weird acts. He reaches the hospital, needs to find assistant and to avoid the police. He finds an old lady in room 805 then escapes as he removes glasses and pushes the old lady in wheelchair. He needs to follow up the old lady where she wishes to go. By helping the old lady, he puts a thread over a road causing the death of many teens, racing on their motorbike, through decapitation. Tong finds him and asks him to surrender (มอบตัว). He is already crazy. He needs to grab sword and decides to kill Tong or her dog to stop them interfering in the game. Still having a little bit of humanity, he only kills the dog. He continues the rampage by killing a cow and cutting her guts. He is still followed by Tong. Finally Tong discovers it is an online game encouraging people to forget reality and go beyond convenances. For the last game Chit needs to kill his father, who was brutal with him during his childhood. He now behaves same as his father now. Despite the hate between the father and the son, Chit prefers to lose (ยอมแพ้). The winner is the father who kills his son, Chit. This movie got many overseas awards. It emphazises modern societies where there is less morality and more egoism, self-centerism.
Year: 2006
Thai title: เด็กหอ
English title: Dorm
Rating: 5/5
Director: Songyos Sugmakanan
Main actor: Charlie Trairattana
Main actress: Jintara Sookkapat
Buy now:
Chatree, young 7th grade pupil, is sent by his father in a dormitory in Chonburi. His father complains of his bad grades. Chatree doesn't want to go to the dormitory and be separated from his friends. The teacher Pranee (Jintara Sookkapat) welcomes him and emphasizes the strong rules to follow. Other pupils tell Chatree that the dorm is haunted as dogs howling can often be heard. Other students play jokes on him. Chatree refuses to answer to his father's phone calls. A few years ago a kid, called Vichien, drowned in the school's swimming pool. Chatree feels lonely and has only one friend Vichien. Only Chatree can see him as Vichien is a ghost. This week-end, his father cannot pick him up. He stays with his ghost friend Vichien. He escapes from school to assist to sport day and to meet the school cooker's daughter Pen. Chatree and Vichien have close relationship. At 6PM everyday Vichien jumps and drowns in the swimming pool. Vichien's father has been condemned for fraud and to 25 years of prison. Chatree wants to help Vichien to stop this infinite event and be able to rebirth again. The teacher Pranee feels bad as she believes she is responsable of Vichien's death. Vichien death was an accident. Chatree needs to risk and separates his spirit (วิญญาณ) from his body in order to be able to help his friend Vichien. Dorm movie has been nominated for 10 Thai Subhanahongsa awards. It got more than 50 millions baht revenue in Thai box office. It was directed by one of the 6 young directors from "แฟนฉัน" (My Girl).
Year: 2006
Thai title: มอ๘
English title: Mor 8
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress: Patcharasri Benjamas
Buy now:
An old grandma recalls her past when she was a teacher in year 1957 (Buddhist era 2500). Two schools (โรงเรียน) are fusioning, i.e. an all-girl school and an all-boy school. The new name is Darunee Suksa School. Boys (นักเรียนชาย) shall study with girls (นักเรียนหญิง). So the school becomes a mixed school. Some male teachers are not happy about this. Girls (ดอกไม้เหล็ก) need to show that they can be stronger than boys. The headmaster (ครูใหญ่) has to accept two female modern teachers. Both are still single. There are teacher Sompat and teacher Kaeson. One is strong (ใช้อำนาจ) and one is sweet. The two teachers are close friends (เพื่อนรักตลอดไป). They have to change the school internal rules that use women as helpers only. Teacher Malee, who has Chinese ancestors, is used to bring coffee for the male teachers... There is a very good representation of 1950s decade with nice costume and scenes. The teachers introduce mixed seating with boys and girls to improve mutual knowledge and respect.Many love letters are sent for teacher Kaeson. Many male teachers are also single so during the temple fair (งานวัด), they try to court Kaeson. Teacher Sompat gets the responsibility of the whole school after male teachers do boxing with ruffians and headmaster is caught watching sexy girls. Male teachers are fed up with Sompat as she is too strict. She even forbids love letters so other teachers have to find tricks to send letters with invisible ink. She has no love so others shall have no love also. There is a competition between girls and boys, between female teacher and male teachers. Sexism atmosphere prevails. Sompat is convinced of girls superiority and very proud of herself also. She dedicates all her life to school (ครูทั้งชีวิต), teaching without love so she expects Kaeson to do same. Work and personal life (เรื่องส่วนตัว) are two separate matters. Sompat is inflexible (ห่วงเกินไป) and does not forgive mistakes (ครูใจร้าย, กฎเป็นกฎ). Boys fight to protect the girls during a fair but as fights are forbidden according to school rules, they are punished by Sompat and cannot join next exams session. Kaeson and other teachers cannot accept such decision. Finally teacher Sompat sacrifices her position for children to be able to pass the exams. The movie highlights teacher dedication and self sacrifice. Pupils shall keep respect to their teacher. Topics are love, duty, friendship but also needs for flexibility and understanding. The feminist ex-senator, whose well-known slogan is "One Husband, One Wife", Rabiebrat Pongpanit plays a small role as the school project director.
Year: 2004
Thai title: ทวิภพ
English title: The Siam renaissance
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surapong Pinijkhar
Main actor: Nirut Sirijanya
Main actress: Florence Faivre
Buy now:
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: 2004
Thai title: โหมโรง
English title: The overture
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Phongphat Wachirabanjong,Adul Dulyarat,Somphob Benjatikul
Main actress:
Buy now:
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: 2004
Thai title: ขุนกระบี่ผีระบาด
English title: SARS Wars
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Thep Po-ngam,Somchai Sakdikul
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun
Buy now:
Sars decease spreads worldwide and reaches Thailand. The first to be contaminated is famous TV star Andrew Biggs! Andrew Biggs is television personality in Thailand. Meanwhile the daughter of a mafia leader, called Liu, is kidnapped and kept in the same building as Andrew biggs. A ten million baht ransom is requested. Police shall not be contacted to avoid the daughter facing serious trouble. The father hires a man, who recommends his best student called Nai. Nai speaks like an old style Ayutthaya soldier. Liu succeeds to escape her kidnappers and is rescued by Nai. Andrew Biggs has then become a zombie eating flesh and contaminates many other people in the building. The Thai government closes the building as the virus has spread inside. It is full of zombies. Liu and Nai cannot exit. One government doctor wishes to try her vaccin while another doctor wishes to destroy the whole building to eradicate the virus. This comedy movie mocks the infamous Thai cinema censors and OTOP products (One Tambon One Product). It features Thai classic gags including lady boys (กะเทย), flatulence, giant snake, crazy ghosts (ผีบ้า). It includes references to other foreign movies Jedi, Alien and Thai horror with baby spirits (กุมารทอง). Nai gets bitten also. His master (อาจารย์) comes to help. They suceed to defeat the giant snake and escape from the building. The kidnapper has disguised himself as Liu and so Nai has lost his virginity to a transsexual... Finally the real Liu is retrieved. The bad doctor is bitten by the zombie baby so the SARS decease is not stopped. This movie includes gore scenes with zombies and many funny gags. It really looks like a crazy sexy manga. This movie was not a big success at the Thai box office but it has become a cult movie outside Thailand.
Year: 2002
Thai title: ๑๕ ค่ำ เดือน ๑๑
English title: Mekhong full moon party
Rating: 5/5
Director: Jira Malikul
Main actor: Noppadol Duangporn,Somchai Sakdikul
Main actress:
Buy now:
Thai movie "15 ค่ำ เดือน 11" was released in year 2002. This movie is about the Naga fireballs festival happening each year in Nong Khai and Phon Phisai. Every year more than 100 000 people gather by the Mekong River on November Full Moon. After sunset, mysterious fireballs called Naga fireballs rise up from the river and disappear into the sky. This movie looks into the various theories behind the phenomenon. Some locals still believe in the traditional myth of the Naga, making a sacred offering to Buddha. One doctor called Professor Surapon thinks that the fireballs are natural and installs complex equipment to make measurements. Another wants to prove the phenomenon is a hoax. The movie tells the story of an abbot of a Buddhist temple, who is depicted as responsible for making the fireballs. A boy, called Kan, who is helping the abbot, becomes reluctant to continue as he feels the media will eventually expose the practice and gives a bad image of Buddhism. The abbot (Noppadol Duangporn) wishes to continue as he feels it perpetuates the faith of the local people. The morality is "believe in what you do / do what you believe". Part of the movie is in Isaan / Lao language. Somchai Sakdikul fails to demonstrate the phenomenon is a hoax and that it is manmade. The abbot is looking for Kan's help. Kan was raised by the abbot but went to Bangkok to finish his studies. Kan knows young lady Lit since his childhood. There is some competition between Kan and the Professor Surapon towards Lit, who is now a teacher. As Kan has decided not to put the balls under the river this year, the abbot decides to do it by himself despite the strong water current and his old age. Will there be Naga fireballs this year? The viewpoint is that both supernatural and scientific beliefs can exist side by side. This movie has received an award at the Bangkok International film festival in 2003. This movie has also been registered as National Heritage per the 2015 list released by the Thai Film Archive.
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
Buy now:
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: 2001
Thai title: มนต์รักทรานซิสเตอร์
English title: Mon Rak Transistor
Rating: 5/5
Director: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Main actor:
Main actress: Siriyakorn Pukkaves
Buy now:
It is about a young rural man's quest for fame as a folk singer. Phaen has a great love for music and always sings at temple fairs in his village. During one fair he meets and falls in love with a young lady called Sadao. On their wedding day, Phaen gives Sadao a transistor radio. Soon, Sadao is pregnant but Phaen has to leave home as he has to enter military service. While there, he enters a singing contest and wins. He spends two years in a band that never goes anywhere. After a tragic accident with his boss, he is forced to flee and work in a sugarcane plantation. But a fight causes him to lose his job. As things go from bad to worse, he is sent to prison after robbing. Finally he goes back home with empty hands and lost dreams. This movie has received many Thai awards. 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 2014, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1999
Thai title: นางนาก
English title: Nang Nak
Rating: 5/5
Director: Nonzee Nimitbut
Main actor: Vinai Kraibutr
Main actress: Intira Jaroenpura
Buy now:
Last century, during the reign of King Mongkut (1851-1868), a woman called "NAK" was married to a man called "TID MAK". They moved into a house in Bangkok's Phra Khanong district. After a while her husband was called off to war. Alas she was already pregnant. While her husband was away, she died with the baby still inside her body. So as Thai people believe, a woman who died with her baby creates a powerful spirit called "PHI TAI HONG THONG KLOM" (ผีตายโหงทองกลม). She became a ghost. As she still loved her husband deeply, she took a form of human being and waited for "Tid Mak" to return. Her husband didn't know anything about his wife's death. So when he came back home, his wife was waiting for him. Many persons did warn him that his wife was dead and that he was living with a ghost but he did not believe them. One day when "MAE NAK" was preparing the dinner and her husband bathing himself in the bathroom, a lemon fell from her hand. As the house was a Thai traditional house, it was built on piles and so the lemon fell on the ground 2 meters lower than the house's floor. So the ghost "MAE NAK" made her arm longer in order to get it. But her husband saw that, he understood that his wife was now a ghost. He managed to flee from the house and took refuge inside a Buddhist temple. "MAE NAK" terrorised the local population as an expression of her anger with them for helping her husband. Thanks to a monk, the spirit was imprisoned in an earthen pot and thrown in the river. It is one of the the biggest success in Thai cinema (it grossed more than 150 million baht in Thailand). It is the story of "MAE NAK PHRA KHANONG" (แม่นาคพระโขนง). The spirit "MAE NAK" (แม่นาก) is not a dreadful spirit. She kills only to keep her husband. The love of "MAE NAK" towards her husband is beyond death. Many scenes are shot at night time with no additional lighting so making an eerie atmosphere. This movie has won awards for the best director, best art director, and best sound at Asia-Pacific Film Festival in 1999. Since the beginning of the Thai movie industry in 1923, the story of "MAE NAK" has been made and remade 15 times over. It is a modern remaking of a traditional tale, which evokes nostalgia (traditional house, buffaloes in field, quiet river...). 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 2014, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1997
Thai title: 18 ฝนคนอันตราย
English title: Bullet Teen
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Suchao Pongwilai,Pongsak Pongsuwan
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun
Buy now:
Dong (โด่ง) is released from prison. His friend Tor (ต่อ), his brother Ta (ต๊ะ) and his girlfriend Ploy are waiting for him. Ta is mute. They work in a family garage repairing cars. Ta and Dong try to become good teens now. They also try to have happy love stories but fights often happen with local gangsters. Dong loves Ploy, sister of Kong, a local gangster leader. One day Ta’s girlfriend Ying is gang raped in front of him by four men from Kong's gang and Ta cannot help. Revenge is inevitable. They storm Kong's gambling den. Following gun fight, one of the ruffians is shot dead. It turns badly (ทางที่ไม่ต้องการ). They kidnap Kong's girlfriend as protection ( ตัวประการ) and also grab a bag containing money and amphetamine drugs (ยาบ้า). Police is involved through inspector Sarawat (สารวัตร), who is wearing amazing colorful “Luk thung” clothes. The father is disappointed by his sons (ลูกชั่ว). The teens are misunderstood but they cannot turn back anymore. Kong is chasing them for the bag not for his girlfriend. Veteran actor Sorapong Chatree is playing the bad corrupted cop. He seldom plays bad guys. Veteran actor Suchao Pongwilai is playing the honest cop Vilai. It is ironic that he plays the rightful policeman this time as normally he always plays the corrupted official role. Things get out of control. Kong and the inspector try to catch them. Following a gun fight, a policeman is shot by the corrupted inspector and the teens get accused again. There is no rightful law in this modern society. There is a 2 millions baht reward to catch them. Ta is injured. Even Ying is endangered in the hospital. They help her on time and bring Ploy as nurse to take care of Ta. Ta leaves a love message for his father (ผมรักพ่อ). Surrounded by the police, they have to jump from a Bangkok bridge. Vilai starts to notice the close relationship between Kong and Sarawat. They take shelter in the Christian church in Thonburi. Kong attacks the parents’ house. The father is injured and Ta dies. Only Dong and Tor are left but Ploy prevents them to rush for revenge (ใช้่อารมณ์). Forced by Kong, Ploy refuses to leave for Hong Kong. Relations get sour between the police officer and Kong. The police officer kidnaps Kong's young brother to get a ransom. During the exchange, Dong and Ta irrupts causing a mess and gun fights between all. The movie then features 15 last minutes of intense action and bloody scenes. It ends tragically for all protagonists. The movie song is sing by Seua Thanapol (เสือ ธนพล). Due to 1997 Asian financial crisis, the movie didn’t perform as good as it should have at Thai box office (25M baht).
Year: 1997
Thai title: ท้าฟ้าลิขิต
English title: Who is Running?
Rating: 5/5
Director: Oxide Pang
Main actor: Suchao Pongwilai
Main actress:
Kwan and Siep are girlfriend and boyfriend (แฟน). She is pure traditional Buddhist believer. She often goes to Buddhist temple (วัด). He is not a believer. When coming back from Khao Luang cave (ถ้ำเขาหลวง) in Phetchaburi, she is hurt by a car. Her body is not hurt but there are serious internal problems. She has only 20% chance to survive. Siep goes back to Khao Luang cave to ask for Buddha to protect Kwan as she has never done doing bad to others. The abbot explains to him that Kwan current situation is linked to her karma (กรรม) but Siep doesn't understand (กรรมเก่ามีจริง). Kwan was a robber in her previous life and killed 5 people. Siep needs to save lives of 5 people in exchange of redemption (ชดใช้) for his girlfriend. First he prevents a policeman to bet 300 000 baht on a horse that is favorite but shall finally lose. If he doesn't prevent the policeman to play, the policeman would have lost the money and gets suicide as it is not his own money. Siep also asks the policeman to give back the money he wrongly intended to use. Then Siep saves another life. A teen under the strong pressure of his parents to succeed his exams cannot bear it and wishes to kill himself. Another teen girl wishes also to throw herself under a train at the train station because her boyfriend wants to break up. He stops her just in time. He gives to her and the boyfriend the business card of the policeman so that he can help them to solve their problems. This movie is positive as it shows there are always solutions to problems. A robbery is going to happen in a Chinese jewelry with 5 people including bombs and shootings between robbers and police. His intervention allows to catch the robbers and avoid one policeman death. In another intervention aiming to save a running kid going to be crashed by a speeding car, Siep saves the wrong kid. So Kwan dies (เวรกรรม). Siep cannot find the abbot anymore. There is no monk since many years in Khao Luang cave... When going out of the cave, he gives some coins to an old beggar lady. So he gets another chance to save the kid (ทำดีได้ดี). This time he succeeds and Kwan wakes up. This movie got 5 Thai film awards in 1997. Director Oxide Pang is coming from Thai advertising industry so he uses different methods (fast shooting to indicate the speed and then slow movement for the last poignant seconds).
Year: 1994
Thai title: อำแดงเหมือนกับนายริด
English title: MUEN and RID
Rating: 5/5
Director: Cherd Songsri
Main actor: Santisuk Promsiri,Man Teeraphol,Ron Rittichai
Main actress: Jintara Sookkapat,Duangdao Jarujinda
Buy now:
Prior to 1865, women had no status in Thai society. They were looked down on as object with no significant value. Their parents and husbands had the right in law to pawn or sell them, just as they could pawn or sell their cattle. Hence the old Thai saying: "Women are buffaloes, men are humans". Muen was the daughter of peasants in Nontaburi Province. During a storm, she almost drown and was saved by a young monk called Rid. As she was love with the monk, she wanted to be close to him and succeeded to convince the temple abbot to be able to go to the temple school. Despite Thai society obstruction that thought that knowledge was useless for women, she learnt how to read and write. Her parents were trying to force her to marry Poo, who had alread several wives. She managed to escape and took refuge with Rid, who has left the monkhood for her. When he discovered where she was, Poo claimed under the law that Rid had abducted his wife. Muen was arrested, and suffered abuse and mistreatment in Jail. But she never gave up hope, and managed to escape and submit a petition to King Mongkut. She condemned the law as being unfair, and condemned Thai society for condoning men's exploitation and abuse of women. She faced the death penalty for her temerity; Thai society had lived by and respected the laws she attacked for centuries. The King issued a Royal Decree granting her a pardon. Based on a true story, the film celebrates an early case of a struggle for women's rights in Thailand, which resulted in a decree promulgated by King Mongkut in December 1865.
Year: 1994
Thai title: กาลครั้งหนึ่ง เมื่อเช้านี้
English title: Once upon a time... This morning
Rating: 5/5
Director: Bandit Ritthakol
Main actor: Santisuk Promsiri,Charlie Trairattana
Main actress: Jintara Sookkapat
Buy now:
Nipha and Rong have three children, i.e. a teenage girl (Oh), a seven years old boy (Onn) and a young baby. They move to a new home but rapidly the children understand that they move with the mother and that their father is staying behind. Nipha and Rong are divorcing. The children are not happy to leave the father. The movie shows the divorce seen from the children's point of view and its impact on children. The children react badly when a new man tries to seduce their mother (ชู้). Nipha tries to eliminate all traces from their father's influence (games...). She has a busy schedule and uses a nursery to keep the baby. Oh and Onn decide to flee in order to live with the father. Meanwhile some young drug dealers chased by the police hide some drugs inside the baby cradle. Oh, unaware, takes the baby with the drug inside the cradle. They reach the father's home but he is not living there anymore. He has moved to Chiang Mai. Some homeless teens are used as drug traffickers by the local mafia. The teens need to get the drug back as the mafia head is very unhappy. Noklae is the teen group leader. Oh, Onn and the baby take the train to Chiang Mai. They alert their father through pager message (no mobile phone in 1994!). The mafia follows up also to Chiang Mai as one of the teen, Noklae, recognizes the cradle in Hualongpong train station. They miss each other at Lopburi. Next stop is at Lampang. Nipha drives up to Lampang and Rong also. Finally at Lampang, the mafia kidnaps the three kids to get back the drug. Nipha and Rong cannot prevent the kidnaping in time. The drug is destroyed as the baby had peeed on it. The mafia decides to sell Oh, the thirteen years girl, 30 000 baht to a whorehouse and to sell the baby to an illegal adoption centre in order to get back their initial drug investment. They abandon Onn as they have no interest in him. They also throw away Noklae as he was trying to protect Oh. All are back in Bangkok. The mamasan tries to force Oh and wishes to be called mother (แม่) but she only gets called witch (แม่มด). Noklae is taking care of Onn and decides to help Oh. Oh succeed to flee thanks to Noklae's help. They also succeed to get the baby back also but are finally captured by the mafia. To fend a customer, Oh has to cause a fire in the whorehouse. Noklae's friends inform Rong. The mafia and whorehouse members are arrested by the police. Nipha, Rong and the three children are reunited as a family. Noklae is put in a correction centre but finally escapes hopefully for a better life. This movie was 1995 Thailand oscar submission.
Year: 1994
Thai title: กาเหว่าที่บางเพลง
English title: Kawao at Bangpleng
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress:
Loi kratong festival is happening in a village close to Sukothai on a full moon night. Everybody is making wishes (get a baby, get married after two years of work in Bangkok...). Even the Buddhist novices wish to join the festive mood. Suddenly a huge mysterious UFO appears. People are paralyzed. A strong beam hits people. The UFO disappears and nobody can remember anything. On the following day, many women including teen girls, grannies, nuns vomit and are diagnosed as being pregnant! So all the 200 women of the village are pregnant simultaneously. The temple abbot knows that the phenomena is not natural but has no explanations. A doctor and a teacher investigate. One night, a mysterious beam hit the women again. On the following day, they deliver their baby after a few months of pregnancy only. The children grow fast. After one year, they look like four years old children. They are also more intelligent. They then all go to school. After 2 months, the first year program is already finished. Their behavior is different from other Thai children. They don't play childish games and always look in the direction of the moon. The children born from the nuns want to stay in the Buddhist temple and are the leaders of the group. They become teens very fast. One night, one teacher finds the children eating raw chicken. On the following day he is found hanged. On the funeral day, everybody is crying except them. They have no feeling, no consciousness of cold, heat, rain. Their leader challenges the abbot on Buddhist precepts and beliefs. A second man looking for frogs during rain time is found dead. Police inspector authority gets challenged by the children group. Their leader can hypnotize people. The children are responsible of cows and porks disappearance in the village. A dreadful cemetery is found with all skulls. They have a plan to invade the planet Earth. One of the children has more human feelings than his colleagues. He convinced the others to help stop a flooding. Following huge telepathic efforts, some of the children start to be very sick and are sent to hospital. Some of them die. The group leader sees the parents grievance and the efforts done by the villagers to save the children. He also understands that this world of birth, suffering, death is the reality as mentioned by the abbot. The UFO is finally taking them away. It is based on a book written by Kukrit Pramoj. There were a controversy about plagiarism when it was released as a similar movie adapted from the book The Midwich Cuckoos(1957). This movie can be seen as the teenage confrontation with society, as a fight between 2500 years Budding teachings and modern concepts from outside.
Year: 1991
Thai title: มือปืน 2
English title: Salween (Gunman II)
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Chatchai Plengpanich,Ron Rittichai,Sor Asanajinda,Suchao Pongwilai
Main actress: Paweena Chareefsakul
Buy now:
After WorldWar 2, Burma got its independance from England but the Karen minority problem was left unsolved. So an independance war between Karen and Burmese started. This movie takes place around Salween river, which the border between Thailand and Burma. Aound this area, there is no law, only guns decide. Different protagonists take part: a policeman acting like a outlaw and wishing to revenge his wife killed a few years ago, a young policeman coming from Bangkok with no experience in such difficult area, a Thai deceitful merchant playing Karen against Burmese in order to have access to rich forests full of teak logs, a Burmese general wishing to destroy the Karen stronghold around Salween river, a Karen captain wishing to defend his stronghold and giving in a wrong alliance with the Thai deceitful merchant. The war between Karen and Burmese is still going on and many people call it the forgotten genocide against the Karen people in Burma.
Year: 1990
Thai title: น้องเมีย
English title: Song for Chao Phraya
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Chatchai Plengpanich
Main actress: Passorn Boonyakiat,Sulaleewan Suwanthat
Buy now:
The director ChatriChalerm Yukol had done a remake of his own 1978 movie. New actors are playing and a similar scenario is used. This movie got three Thai awards. Four members of a family are living on a sand barge (เรือทราย). They navigate between provinces. Saeng, young man, is married to Plang. They have a young baby. Taptim is the young 15 years old sister-in-law. They are boat people (คนเรือ) since generations. The barge arrives in Bangkok. Plang is fed up with her life on the boat. She is still young and wants to have fun. She threathens Saeng to choose between his sand barge and her. She would like to sell the sand barge and change their life. Saeng bought the sand at high price but the Bangkokian trader only proposes a low price. The boat is leaking and needs repair. He refuses to sell as it means losing money. Plang believes she can be an actress (ดารา). Plang meets in a hair-dresser shop a gentle lady called Mrs Aree, who proposes to help her. Due to her provincial accent, Mrs Aree understands immediately who is Plang and sell her dreams. Mrs Aree is in fact a mama-san (มาม่าซัง). Taptim refuses to join Plang as she is afraid to become a prostitute in Bangkok. Plang quits the barge. Saeng is shocked and finally sells the sand at lower cost to have money and to look for his wife in Bangkok. Bangkok is so big. He walks bare foot alone through the streets, markets and malls to no avail. Taptim has to take care of the baby as both parents are out in Bangkok. Saeng meets the taxi driver who brought his wife to the hair dresser. The taxi is his home same as the boat is Saeng's home. There is mutual understanding between the two men (คนบ้านนอก). Aree is said to be working in a Patpong gogo bar. There are dozens of bars in Patpong. Mrs Aree is now said to be a woman recruiting girls for Chao Praya massage parlour. Saeng succeeds to get Mrs Aree's address but has spent a lot of money. Being drunk, he falls in the river while boarding the boat and so loses his money. Saeng has to sell his boat for 100 000 baht but once debts are paid, there is a few money left to buy a small boat. In Bangkok, business is business. The taxi driver is not as friendly as in first opus and will not transport Saeng for free. Saeng continues to walk and walk many days around Sukhumvit area but cannot find Plang. Meanwhile Plang is still dreaming. Mrs Aree introduces an old rich man to Plang. She is the birthday gift of a movie producer. It is a financial transaction. After a diner, Plang is drunk and sent to a motel. Meanwhile Saeng finds Mrs Aree but then there is a fight with the condominium guard. He is beaten and sent to jail. Realizing that the older man is trying to rape her, Plang fights back and flees but Mrs Aree's ruffians beat her. Taptim pays for Saeng's bail so that he can exit from jail. Saeng wishes to get Taptim as new wife. They all go back to countryside. Anyway they are reunited as a family. When aims are too high, the fall is tough. Bangkok is a symbol for poor up-country people, i.e. dream of wealth. Some people dream to get rich there but many of them come back home without money. Some countryside people arrive in Bangkok and get abused by Bangkokian people.
Year: 1990
Thai title: พันธุ์หมาบ้า
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: สหรัฐ วิไลเนตร
Main actor: Phongphat Wachirabanjong,Amphol Lumpoon,Suchao Pongwilai,Morris K
Main actress: Marasri Bangchang,Metta Roongrat
Thai movie พันธุ์หมาบ้า was released in year 1990 and lasts 1h53mn. A remastered HD version was released in 2020. A few songs are featured such เจ็บเพื่อเข้าใจ by singer เป้ สีน้ำ. The movie is about friendship, love, pain, young men entering adulthood etc… Young men Ot and Chai are coming from recomposed families. Ot (Phongphat Wachirabanjong), a young man, is urgently leaving his home as his friend is waiting in his car to go to Khorat. It is a lie. His father (Suchao Pongwilai) gives him pocket money as he has no money. Police just arrive a while later looking for Ot as he is suspected to have shot somebody! Ot leaves for Choomporn. Chai (Amphol Lumpoon) has arguments with his stepfather. This one wishes Chai to enter the sales trade, but he is not interested. The stepfather gives him money to start a small business, but Chai comes back home with a guitar. Upset, Sia breaks it. The mother is Marasri Bangchang. Chai decides to leave home as he used his own money earned by selling clothes in Pratunam. Sia never listened to what he wanted to do. He decides to leave home and to continue selling clothes. But he gets abused by the stall owner being dishonest. Meanwhile Ot is back to Bangkok to clarify a misunderstanding with his father. Chai visits Sia while at the hospital. A new relationship starts but finally Sia dies at hospital. Chai is not willing to take over Sia's business and wishes to follow his dreams. Ot exits from jail after six months. Ot is now addicted to drugs, but wishes to start a new life. He asks to stay with friends (including Morris K) who have a bungalow near a beach. There are endless sessions of smoking and drinking. Ot is struggling to get rid of addiction, but finally succeeds. Chai meets them through a common friend. They still take marijuana. They have freedom. But they realize they cannot spend their whole life like this. They split and lease (เซ้ง) the shop to somebody else. Ot goes back home and meets his step-mother (ดวงตา ตุงคะมณี) and his father. Chai is also back home. Unsatisfied by their life at home, they meet again. They decide to build a small restaurant near the beach in Phuket. Ran misses his family in Bangkok, so Chai joins him for a trip. Chai meets Ran’s mother (Metta Roongrat) and Oi, Ran’s sister. Chai also meets Nitha (จริยา อุตตะระนาค), Oi’s friend. Romance starts between Chai and Nitha. Nitha finally comes to Phuket after being invited by Chai. The restaurant is working well. Nitha is upset that Chai's friends come to drink for free as goods are expensive. Nitha is pregnant and has to go back to Bangkok to deliver. Ot is building a bar and Chai helps him. Being drunk, Chai abuses the waitress working in his restaurant. Being aware, Nitha breaks up with Chai. Chai misses Nitha and goes back to Bangkok. They finally go back together. Ot's bar is not successful. Meanwhile, Chai is still addicted. It makes Nitha upset, so she leaves again. Finally Chai changes again. He has to choose between his friends or having a family with Nitha. Finally he leaves for Bangkok, becomes a caring husband and good father. Ot and the remaining friends finally split as it is time to enter adulthood.
Year: 1989
Thai title: เรือนแพ
English title: Houseboat
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Santisuk Promsiri,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Kowit Wattanakul
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak
Thai movie เรือนแพ was released in year 1989 and lasts 2h06mn. It was remastered in decade 2010s by Five Stars company. It is a remake of the 1962 version. Three young guys are living together. They are Lin, wishing to be a musician, Kaew (Santisuk Promsiri) wishing to be a Thai boxing champion and Chen (รอน บรรจงสร้าง) wishing to be a policeman. So, one uses his voice, one uses his strength, one uses his brain. They are good friends with young lady Deuan (สมรัชนี เกสร). Her mother, played by Pissamai Wilaisak, accepts to rent to them an old house on the river. Friendship starts to break as debts issue occurs. The three friends start to misunderstand each other. Kaew starts to have success with Prachuap Ruekyamdee as sponsor. Chen passes policeman exams. Lin quits his music band. A thunderstorm occurs. The house is seriously damaged. Kaew and Deuan fall in water. Deuan and Kaew then become lovers under impulsion (ความรักหรือความใคร่). Deuan has still not chosen between Kaew and Chen. Chen bought an engagement ring, but he finds Kaew and Deuan kissing together. Kaew will join important boxing match. There is an opportunity to win 100 000 THB. Lin has no success as singer. Deuan's father has debts with Chao Pho Lieng Chiang Mai so he wants her to marry him. Old traditions are น้ำเน่า but Deuan has to respect parents' gratitude (กตัญญู). Kaew's fight shall be a tricked match but Kaew finally wins as he is pushed by Prachuap to behave like a real man. Kaew gets shot and beaten by his trainer, who lost a lot of money on wrong bet. Finally, Kaew gets saved by Prachuap. Kaew comes back for the wedding of Deuan. Kaew wishes to flee with Deuan. A fighting occurs. Kaew shots a few men including the groom. Prachuap recommends him to take shelter in Han's home. Han (Kowit Wattanakul) raises ducks with friends but it is only a way to keep low profile. Kaew joins him to commit robbery. Chen is mandated to capture Kaew. Kaew threatens Chen that he will not let himself capture easily as he doesn't want to end up in jail for 30 years. Han's HQ are in a pub, where the owner trades stolen goods. Lin finds a singer job in this pub. By chance, Chen, enquiring on the robberies, meets Lin in the pub. After seeing them, Han believes Lin is an undercover cop. A few days later, Han's ducks farm is stormed by Thai police as one of Han's teammates discloses the location to get lighter punishment from Thai justice. Han's colleagues are shot. Only Han and Kaew succeed to escape. Going back to the pub to get money, a shooting occurs with owner. Seeing Lin, Han shoots him. Feeling bad after seeing his friend being killed, Kaew shoots Han and flees. He goes back to the old house on the river. Deuan asks him to surrender but Kaew refuses. Police has to shoot through the old house, where he is hiding...
Year: 1989
Thai title: คำพิพากษา
English title: The judgement
Rating: 5/5
Director: Permpol Choei-arun
Main actor: Somjin Thammatat
Main actress: Apiradee Pawaputanon
Fak is a brilliant Buddhist novice and villagers expect him to become the next village abbot but Fak decides to defrock in order to take care about his aging father, who is working as a school caretaker. Fak is sent to military duties. When he is back, his father has a new young wife, Somthong, who has mental deficiency. His father dies of a heart attack. As Somthong doesn't remember her address, Fak pities her and let her stay. During a temple fair, she brings trouble by announcing she is Fak's wife. Fak loses face and is bullied by the whole village. After the father, she takes the son!! Some bad words are even censured in the movie by a blank. Stepmother (แม่เลี้ยง) or wife(เมีย)? It becomes the local joke and villagers believe she is Fak's wife already. Nobody believes him when he claims the opposite. Fak is a nice guy that can never say no. So he is exploited by the headmaster (ครูใหญ่) and other villagers. Somthong is half crazy but nobody believes she has a mental deficiency. She is looking for Fak (เห็นฟักไหม) and shows her breast. She gets beaten by villagers as she behaves crazily and is irrespective to elders (เกรงใจหมาดีกว่า). Once again Fak pities her behavior issues with villagers. Officials keep complaining on her. Fak starts to be rejected (รังเกียจ) by villagers. For New Year Fak gives to subdistrict headman (กำนัน) an envelope with money as tradition. The story highlights the corruption of local officials. It is time to cremate (เผาศพ) his father's body but nobody wants to join despite all efforts done by the father for the community. Only one villager joins, i.e. the cremator. The headmaster doesn't join also. Same as the cremator, Fak is rejected by the villagers. Fak starts to drink heavily to forget his problems as he lost face. Society (ชาวบ้าน) did bad with him so it forces him to change his behavior. Every month he saves some money from his salary and the amount is managed by the headmaster. The Buddhist abbot tries to convince him to stop drinking (อายคน) but Fak cannot fulfill his promises. If he lies to monks, then who can trust him? One day he wakes up late as he was drunk. The school children wake him up to open the school door and tease him as Somthong has fallen asleep close to him. He is cross and throws a rock to them. One kid is hurt on the face. As the child's father has complained, the headmaster forces him to leave his job (โดนไล่ออก). He has 5000 baht left with the headmaster. His only remaining friend is the cremator. People on the margins of society stay together. Fak gets beaten by villagers so his leg is stiff forever. Modern development through electricity arrives in the village. The headmaster's wife wants a television and a fridge. The headmaster uses Fak's savings. On one side those officials look good as they collect money for the Buddhist temple, on the other side they are taking profit on Fak. Fak has become a real alcoholic. Nobody believes him when he claims that the headmaster stole his money (โกงเงิน) as he is a drunkard. He acts outside the society norms (ไม่เคารพผู้ใหญ่). As Fak keeps repeating the robbery to everybody, he becomes a nuisance. He is caught by the police. A villager group comes to put pressure on Fak. He needs to show gratitude (น้ำใจ) as the headmaster is a good citizen (คนดีฯหายาก). There is a sad music to announce Fak's coming death as strong alcohol has its toll. Somthong doesn't understand that Fak is dead. Now everybody is afraid of her in the village. The movie is about people judging the others without knowing all the circumstances, about hypocrite people (ผู้ดี), who behave well face to society but badly behind the society, about how rumours and gossiping can hurt people. This movie is based on the novel 'คำพิพากษา' by Chart Korpjitti. Chart Korpjitti was only 27 years old when he wrote this great novel in 1981. Following the success of the novel, this movie and a ten-hour television series were done but both were award-winning commercial flops!
Year: 1989
Thai title: คนทรงเจ้า
English title: Silhouette of god
Rating: 5/5
Director: แจ๊สสยาม
Main actor: Santisuk Promsiri,Somjin Thammatat
Main actress: Jintara Sookkapat,Paweena Chareefsakul
Buy now:
Thai movie คนทรงเจ้า / Silhouette of god was released in year 1989 and lasts 1h58mn. It was released under VHS, VCD and DVD format by BKP company and VCD format by Solar company. A remastered version was released by Five Star Production in the decade 2010s and shown on Thai TV cable. Movie director is แจ๊สสยาม. The movie received four Thai cinema awards. 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 2014, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day. Kam (Santisuk Promsiri) is married with one kid. As the river near their house starts to flood, he must put his livestock in a safer place. He puts them near a shrine (เจ้าพ่อ) on a land which belongs to him as he rents it. Villager Mek is upset as it is near a sacred shrine (ที่ศักดิ์สิทธิ์). Mek asks the spirit to help him to seduce Pagna (น้องพงา) (Jintara Sookkapat), daughter of Phujai. Phujai (Somjin Thammatat) asks Kam to remove his animals but Kam refuses as he does not believe in spirits (ไม่นับถือ). His son falls in the water and dies. Villagers say it is the spirit's revenge. Kam refuses to believe and decides to cut the tree. Maybe due to insolation or spirit's action, he loses conscience on the first attempt to cut the tree. Still stubborn (ไม่ยอม), he finally attaches his buffaloes near the tree. One evening as a storm is happening, his wife starts to give birth, but it does not happen well despite the local midwife's help. Unable to help, she asks him to pay allegiance to the spirit (แก้บน) to save his wife (ปวีณา ชารีฟสกุล). Kam promises to be a medium (คนทรอง) for the tree spirit. It looks like Kam still wishes the tree spirit and the villagers to pay for the bad sins they caused to him. Mek's wife, Phayia (จริยา สรณคมน์), wishes to find a way to get her husband back as he is now fond of Pagna. The spirit tells that her real-life love (คู่ชีวิต) is Kam and makes some filter for her to get back her husband. Finally, Kam and Phayia become lovers. Mek, upset that his wife Phayia (พเยีย) often visits the spirit medium, suspects a relationship between them (ชู้กับเมียเขา) but is unable to catch them. He believes Kam is lying (หลอกลวง) to villagers, indulges in alcohol and wishes to kill Kam. Meanwhile Phujai benefits from the money given as donations to the spirit medium. The spirit performs ceremony to change people’s bad luck (สะเดาะเคราะห์). Phujai wishes his daughter to win Songkran beauty contest to be an "angel" (เทพิ) and to find a rich husband for her. Phujai uses a weak-minded man to get rid of Mek. Kam's wife is happy being rich and does not care about the relationship of Kam with other women. Phujai is worried being accused that he masterminded Mek's death. Kam convinces him to hide deeply in the jungle. Then Kam selects four servants (บริวาร), i.e. Mek's former wife (Phayia), Phujai's daughter (Pagna), his own wife and the midwife's niece. All his former enemies are neutralised. This movie leaves the viewer still wondering if Kam is acting or really possessed.
Year: 1988
Thai title: ตลาดพรหมจารี
English title: Virgin market
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Kriengkrai Unhanan,Santisuk Promsiri,Kowit Wattanakul
Main actress: Jintara Sookkapat,Nardtaya DaengBunga
Buy now:
This movie takes place in the South of Thailand. The Thai title means "Virgin market". Kaem is living with his wife (Phrae), son and father. Kaem is a fisherman. He also takes care of Pia as she has no father and mother anymore. Pia is now 18 years old and is flirting with Faeng. Pia and Faeng love each other but Kaem is over protective. Kaem is drinking and gambling. He has gambling debts and needs to give back 2000 Baht within two months so he has to interact with the gambling den owner. Phrae is a good wife that Kaem doesn't deserve due to his bad behavior. Kaem's fishing selling business is getting worst and worst. He believes he needs to get a faster engine to be able to go far and get more fishes in deep sea. Kaem learns that a sick Hong Kong businessman is looking for a young virgin woman as he believes it is the best cure. Kaem is so eager to get a new engine for his fishing boat that he agrees to sell Pia's virginity to the local gambling den owner for 15 000 Baht. He gets the money, buys the engine and has to handover Pia within three days. While trying the new engine, a storm is coming. Kaem doesn't listen to Phrae's advice to go back. The engine gets stuck and the boat gets caught in the storm. Hopefully they survive but the engine is dead. But Kaem still has his promise to fulfill. He deceits Pia by sending her to the gambling den owner by bringing a letter. She is forced to stay emprisonned during two days until the Chinese man arrives. On his arrival, she succeeds to escape from her jailers and jumps into the sea. She goes back to her home but the gambling owner is waiting there. Phrae protects her by beating him with a paddle. Everybody now knows Kaem's treacherousness. For her own good sake, Phae sends Pia to Faeng's home but this one rejects her believing she has slept with other man. The gambling den owner now wants his money back with interest. He threathen with gun Kaem, Phrae and Kaem's father in front of many villagers. He shots a few time inside the boat engine making it unusable. Kaem becomes crazy and cries endlessly about his engine. Faeng now understands the whole story and goes back to search for Pia. It is unfortunately too late... Pia has jumped to her death from a cliff. Wrecked lives due to poverty... Kriengkrai Unhanan is more used to play the good guys but deliver an outstanding performance in playing Kaem role. It is a remake of ตลาดพรหมจารี realized in 1973 with Piathip Kumwong.
Year: 1987
Thai title: พลอยทะเล
English title: The Gem from the Deep
Rating: 5/5
Director: Cherd Songsri
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Witoon Karuna
Main actress: Sinjai Hongthai,Aranya Namwong,Juree Osiri,Chanutporn Wisitsopon
Thai movie พลอยทะเล was released in year 1987 and lasts 1h55mn. Movie director is famous director Cherd Songsri. Sorapong Chatree with his short haircut, killing smile and strong body really shines and plays in a great movie compared to the many average action flicks he played in 1980s. Happiness is present on a small island between Kratin (กระถิน), young lady (Sinjai Hongthai), and Rung (รุ่ง) a young man (Sorapong Chatree). They love each other but any wedding decision is linked to their parents. Kratin’s parents reject this love. Rung is a diver, collecting seashells and fishies for a living. The movie shows nicely life of island, people collecting coconuts thanks to monkeys, collecting eggs from giant turtles. Beautiful landscapes are shot. Kratin is jealous of Sangpao (สำเภา), another young woman (Chanutporn Wisitsopon) that Rung considers as a sister only (น้องสาว). As Kratin's parents cannot accept such love and wedding, they consider fleeing to the city. While diving, Rung finds a red pure gem (พลอยทะเล, น้ำดี). He plans to sell it to cure his mother (Juree Osiri) but makes the mistake to show it to another villager, father of Kratin. This one and his sons, arguing that Rung behaves badly with his daughter, try to kill him to steal the gem. Rung gives the jewel to Kratin and fights back. In front of Kratin's eyes, he is left for dead. He is only injured and succeeds to reach his mother's home where Sangpao rescues him. Kratin is sent to the city. She meets Sieng, the fishery lady boss (นาย)(Aranya Namwong), who recruits her as domestic helper. Rung recovers slowly and is still upset that the gem is not anymore with him. Sangpao takes care about Rung. A love story is about to start but it doesn’t bloom as Rung and Sangpao still have Kratin in mind. Kratin really believes Rung is dead so she is sad. Sieng’s brother, Samrien (Witoon Karuna), likes Kratin a lot and starts to seduce her. They become lovers. Kratin shows him the gem. Samrien decides to keep it until their wedding in order to avoid it is stolen by somebody else. One day, Sangpao finds Kratin in the city and informs her that Rung is not dead. Samrien refuses to give back the gem, refuses to let Kratin go and promises her that she will become the fishery owner. The movie shows the fishery work from a cultural point of view. It is bad fate (เวรกรรม) that Kratin saw Rung dead but now it is too late as she needs to have gratitude over the boss and her family. Finally Rung discovers the truth about Kratin and Samrien. Sangpao has to intervene to avoid Rung becoming violent. Sangpao and Kratin have arguments as Kratin cannot give the gem back. Rung also asks Kratin as he needs to cure his mother but she tries to manipulate him. Samrien refuses to give it back to Rung as he believes half of it belongs to him. The fisherman, who brought Rung and his mother to the city, asks for his money but Rung cannot pay him as he hasn't got the gem yet. During a fight the mother is stabbed and dies. A big storm is now happening. Samrien is endangered on a boat. Kratin asks Rung to help Samrien as his boat is stuck. Samrien encourages him not to go but Rung accepts as he is kind hearted so he releases the boat but disappears in the sea. Countryside people have often bigger heart than city people. This gem has caused many people to die. In the morning, the sea sends back Rung’s body. He is still alive and Sangpao had been waiting the whole night for him praying. Kratin finally finds Rung stranded on the beach. They promise love to each other. Kratin goes back to Samrien’s home to get the gem from a safe but it is no longer in the box. Rung doesn’t care about it anymore but Kratin refuses to follow him as she doesn’t want to live poorly on the island. It causes Rung’s ire as it shows she is more interested by the gem than Rung. He understands that only Songpao really loves him. Sangpao is the one, who gets the gem. A fight between Samrien and Rung occurs as Samrien still wants the gem. Rung defeats him and decides to go back to his island. Sangpao goes back with him. Samrien breaks up with Kratin. Rung sends the gem back in deep sea.
Year: 1987
Thai title: เหยื่อ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Ron Rittichai
Main actress: Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej,Jintara Sookkapat,Chosri Misommon
A couple has two teen boys, Long and Lit (elder brother). They don't spend a lot of time with their children as they need to work hard and late to pay back their mortgage. The father often goes on long business trips in provinces. Having no time for their children will bring bad consequences. The wife's younger sister, Sai, is staying as maid. The couple has issues with their teen boys. The boys are playing in illegal underground den, do small smuggling to earn extra money despite the pocket money given already by parents, wander with bad guys (นักเลง). The parents are worried that their kids may be caught by the police following raids on illegal casinos. The maid suggests to buy a video player so that they stay home. They wish to watch porn and violent movies. They borrow tapes from bad guys. It gives them bad ideas such as rape and they starting peeping Sai bathing. The teens are lazy and expect everything is due to them (ลูกแบบเทวดา). Watching violent movies makes Long tense. So he tortures and kills a cat. Watching porn movies arouse the teens (เกิดอารมณ์จะปล่อยที่ไหน). They think about Sai to teach them as she had a boyfriend before. Long drinks alcohol and still frequents the bad guys, who propose to bring him to prostitutes. He is always in bad mood (หงุดหงิด). Lit tries to rape Sai in the bathroom and Long hits her violently on the head. Blood flows. Sai is dead. The teens are murderers that need to hide their crime. They lie that Sai fled away with her new boyfriend in order to avoid that their mother calls the police for disappearance. They hide Sai's corpse inside the garden well. A house lizard (จิ้งจก) falls in front of Long. It is a bad omen as house lizards should never fall from ceiling or walls. A new maid is found to take care of the house. She is a young divorced lady called Sawin. They prevent the new maid to check inside the well as there is a very bad smell. Since Sai's death, Long feels bad and always stay alone. Sawin is not shy and entices Lit. They become lovers. Long becomes jealous. Long's bad friends are arrested for rape. Long starts to panic. He complains that Lit throws away brotherhood versus his girlfriend. They decide to get rid of Sai's corpse while Sawin is going out. Sawin finally discovers the corpse. Long tries to drown Sawin. A fight between the two brothers. Sawin flees and alerts the neighbours. The teens are jailed. The mother becomes crazy. The father blames the society for allowing such bad movies sales and distribution. But watching movies at home is internal affair. เหยื่อ means victim (indirect or direct). This movie is also a warning to parents not giving enough time to their children. Giving them too much freedom can have terrible side effects.
Year: 1987
Thai title: รักใคร่
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Santisuk Promsiri,Somsak Chaisongkram
Main actress: Aranya Namwong,Jintara Sookkapat
Khun Num Yao (Aranya Namwong) is a middle age lady (ผู้ดี). She is practising illegal abortion on teens or rich ladies having affair and then unwanted baby. Her son Ran is hot tempered (ใจร้อน) and is butterfly man (หลายใจ). She also pays for Tap Tim studies, who is the daughter of her domestic helper. Tap Tim is not strong in studies but always willing to (เรียนไม่เก่งแต่ตั้งใจ). She wishes to be a nurse. Ran has a bad mindset but is intelligent and always studies well. He has become a doctor. In 1980s decade, abortions were not authorized in Thai hospitals. Patients needed to bring proofs in front of the police that the unwanted baby was due to a rape. Khun Num Yao knows it is illegal (ผิดกฎหมาย) but is is necessary (ความจำเป็น). She doesn't hope for gratitude (บุญคุณ). Adults have fun in modern society without responsabilities (ผู้ใหญ่สนุกอย่างเดียวไม่รับผิดชอบ). People have fire (ไฟ). She even helped her own son's girlfriends to abort. Pa Kong, Tap Tim's mother, is always helping Khun Num Yao during illegal abortions. Tap Tim succeeds to be a nurse. She is invited to Hua Hin by Ran, who is partying with friends. She is helping her mother to arrange food in the seaside resort. Ran has a dirty mindset (เรื่องลามก) in the heart despite high studies. She hates Ran. Tam Tim needs to compensate the good deeds received (ตอบแทนความบุญคุณ) and have to help Khun Num Yao for abortion as her mother is sick. She is unhappy and she has studied nurse job to save people and not to kill them (ทำบาปฆ่าคน). There is a deranging allegory between the mother killing life and the son creating life in the hotel room with girls. Pa Kong relates old story to her daughter. Ran's real mother asked to abort when she was already seven months pregnant. The child had survived and Khun Num Yao has adopted Ran as her own child. Tap Tim is confused (สับสน) but now better understands Ran's behavior (ไม่ได้รับอบอุ่นจาก Khun Num Yao). Ran hops between girls. Tap Tim's friend, Pol, is sick and has been dumped by Ran. Ran lies to himself and to the girls. Pol is pregnant. Thap Tim, fed up, tells him the truth (บัดซบ, ไม่ไช่มนุษย์, ปัญหาสังคม) to Ran regarding his real origin. Ran cannot stand the truth and breaks everything in his room. Ran disappears. Thap Tim decides to leave Khun Num Yao's home and brings her mother to go to countryside. She helps poor villagers and works in a dispensary (สถานีอนามัย) as nurse (นางพยาบาล). One day a little girl is really sick. There is a need for a doctor's help. They go to the next big village. Doctor Ran is there. He helps the girl but refuses to talk to Thap Tim. Ran is addicted to drugs in order to forget his past. Thap Tim helps for his redemption (เป็นคนดีได้). Finally the whole family is reunited. Ran is now having confidence into himself and asks his mother to stop doing this illegal job. She accepts. Ran will spend two years outside thailand to finish studies regarding proper abortion. Thap Tim promises to wait. The movie raises the hot topic regarding abortion legalisation in Thailand.
Year: 1987
Thai title: ด้วยเกล้า
English title: The Seed
Rating: 5/5
Director: Bandit Ritthakol
Main actor: Santisuk Promsiri,Krailat Kriengkrai
Main actress: Jintara Sookkapat
Buy now:
After each annual Royal Ploughing Brahminic ceremony, farmers are rushing to get grains of rice paddy (ข้าวนายหลวง) as they believe they are sacred. Saokam, a farmer from Northern Thailand, has been to Bangkok to Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) and brings back gifts and royal rice seeds for family and relatives. Saokam takes some seeds to grow in his field. He gives some to friends and neighbours including lady Buarian, the local shopkeeper and usurer, who keeps one seed for worship. Saokam has three children including one daughter called Kaew. Saokam's house is destroyed by a storm. Saokam has only one week to pay back debts. One son, Ang, wants to sell the rice fields and go to city. The debt cycle with the usurer has no end. Saokam has to sell his buffalo but it only pays the debt interests. This year following a drought there is no rain and no more water. Only the usurer has a well. There is fight over water with villagers as Buarian refuses to sell water until villagers pay back debts. Ang, fed up by this life, goes out of home and gets refuge in hill tribes (ผู้ดอย). They trade opium between Burma and Thailand. Fortunately, Saokam's second son is working with the King's project to produce artificial rain (ฝนหลวง). Big dark clouds are created and bountiful rain happens. Everybody rejoices except lady Buarian selling water. She has no mercy (เมตตา). Some farmers have to mortgage their own fields to pay debts and Buarian takes advantage of her neighbor's poverty by increasing rate. She fires some farmers from their house as they cannot pay back debts. She doesn't want to give a delay for them to plant rice as water has been plentiful. Their son, Neung, is soldier but his salary is not enough to pay debts. Villagers help each other and Saokam accommodates them in his home. Kaew is the girlfriend of the son of the usurer but he claims he cannot help as it is his mother's decision. Ang is back but his family refuses the money got from opium trade (เงินบาป). He leaves again to see his girlfriend Nacha at the Burmese border. The rice grows well. Neung is now a soldier as Burmese-Thai border. The father has to sell at low cost his rice to pay back the debt and even has to give the small amount they keep for their own consumption. The rice trader has an arrangement with the usurer. Kaew breaks up with the usurer's son. Family members help each other. In addition, Saokam's son also persuades other farmers to join the Royal Agricultural Projects and build a cooperative. The new worry is to grab Ang from the opium traders before a clash happens with army. Neung promises Kaew that he will help. During a clash with army and opium traders, Neung protects Ang but gets hurt and is responsible of one soldier's injuries also. He is fired from Army. Ang apologises for his wrongdoings. The movie ends up on a positive way. Farmers are out of debt cycle by following Royal Agricultural project, rice is abundant, Neung receives Army's appreciation by helping to catch the opium trader ring leader. Usurer gets bankrupted having no more customers and needs to leave. This movie was made to celebrate of His Majesty's 5th Cycle Birthday. "Good" films are sometimes rejected by the audience. An example was this movie, produced to commemorate the Thai King. Although the film received many awards, no distributors would take it. 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: 1987
Thai title: คนเลี้ยงช้าง
English title: The Elephant Keeper
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Ron Rittichai
Main actress: Duangdeuan Jithaisong
Buy now:
It is about forest exploitation by rich people. Boonsong is an elephant keeper, who is having debts with a local and influent pawner. The pawner is supported by a local corrupted police officer. Kamroon is a ranger fighting against illegal loggers in order to protect the forest. Some gunmen try to get rid of Kamroon but Boonsong helps him. Boosong has to do illegal logging in order to pay back his debt to the pawner. Kamroon wants to help him but is killed by the corrupted policeman, who also wants to suppress Boonsong... This movie puts the stress on forest diminishing size due to overexploitation and illegal logging, elephants lacking work as the forest is getting smaller, corrupted policemen, influential people escaping troubles, illiterate poor people exploited by rich Chinese pawners, companies possessing official logging concessions and cheating by adding illegal logging, the helplessness of the simple people as well as the animals caught up in this struggle. The film failed at box office and lost around 7 millions baht. The long history of debate around the Chinese control over business in Thailand is one of the most deep and daring assertions in this movie. This movie touches deeply controversial issues such as the Thai state failing to protect its people against illegal interests. During the filming in the Northeast of Thailand local gangsters, probably working for illegal logging interest, attacked the film crew and one member was killed. 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 2014, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1987
Thai title: สายน้ำไม่ไหลกลับ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Apichat Halamjiak,Somsak Chaisongkram
Main actress: Sinjai Hongthai,Piathip Kumwong,Linda Khatancharoen
A young lady called Feun (Sinjai Hongthai) is working in a hairdresser shop and washes customers' hair. Khun Warut (Apichat Halamjiak), one customer, has interest in Feun. Phaen (Piathip Kumwong), Feun’s stepmother, tries to push her to go out with Warut. Feun’s father (Somsak Chaisongkram) indulges in alcohol and is seriously sick. Aniwat is Feun's close friend and wishes to marry her when he finishes his studies. Pressured by Phaen, Feun accepts a dinner invitation from Warut. Aware of this, Aniwat feels betrayed. Warut asks for Feun's hand. Phaen pushes her to accept. Troubled, she wishes to talk to Aniwat. But seeing him with another lady, she finally accepts Warut's offer. Warut starts to be more daring with Feun knowing they will marry soon. The wedding shall be a very small ceremony without Warut's parents. In fact, Warut is already married with three children. Phaen was aware. Warut and Feun don't understand each other. Feun likes to stay home but Warut likes to go to disco. Phaen is not interested in Feun's father but only in money that Warut gives to Feun. Warut doesn't come back home a few days already. While doing shopping with Warut, Warut and Feun meet Warut's wife. Feun understands that Warut lied to her (โลกลวง). She flees but is hit by a car. She is rescued by a DJ who introduces her to another lady called Luang. Feun cannot go back home as she doesn't want to be forced by Phaen again or to meet Warut again. Luang is working as a call girl. First Feun looks for normal jobs (waitress) but she still faces men harassment. She cannot find proper jobs (อยากเป็นคนดีแต่สังคมไม่ยอม). So she has finally no choice than working same as Luang as she is worried about her father. It is a difficult job as some men are crazy or violent. She enters in a whirlpool of sex and easy money. One day, one of her guest is Aniwat! Aniwat still believes Feun is a good person despite doing this job (ต้องการเงิน). Aniwat still loves Feun. Feun accepts to start a real love relationship with Aniwat. Their love is spoilt by meeting some former customers while dining and by a liver disease due to alcohol high level of consumption. Aniwat's friend tries to break this relationship. Feun's friend finds that Aniwat is already fiance with a teacher. Knowing this, she indulges in alcohol again and ends up in hospital. Despite cutting part of her liver, she will not survive long. She leaves the hospital and stays near the sea. Knowing Aniwat's wedding, she ends up in hospital again. Her friend forces Aniwat to visit her to hospital so that he can understand her real love and the pain he caused her. Feun dies in front of him. Movie สายน้ำไม่ไกลกลับ highlights society hypocrisy as it is allowed or understood that a man can have multiple mistresses but the opposite is not accepted. It highlights a society where men harassment is still excessive.
Year: 1986
Thai title: คำสิงห์
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Krailat Kriengkrai,Suchao Pongwilai,Sompong Phonmitr,Kowit Wattanakul
Main actress: Marasri Bangchang
Thai movie คำสิงห์ was released in year 1986 and lasts 1h54mn. Kam sing (ธนา สินทรัพย์) is a Thai boxer leaving for Bangkok and recalling his past while travelling by train. He is coming from a poor family. Due to debt, his father had to give the land title (จำนองที่ดิน) as compensation so they are finally expelled from their house. Her mother (Marasri Bangchang) sent him to learn Thai boxing in a Buddhist temple as he is always fighting. He befriends with Bulong (Krailat Kriengkrai). The rich local man Boon increases the interest rate so much so they have no way to pay back to get the house. They finally steal the debt recognition from him through a fight. Police is now looking for Kam Sing and Bulong. Kam Sing and the rich man's daughter Nit (อภิญญา คุ้มตะบุตร) know each other since childhood. Kam Sing finally decides to flee to Bangkok. Her mother doesn't wish him to become a Thai boxer (เจ็บตัว). Suchao Pongwilai is the heartless owner of ring. Sompong Phonmitr tries to abuse from Kam Sing. As all chances have been exhausted (หมดสภาพ), Bulong fights on a Thai boxing ring but is severely injured to the brain. While getting Bulong out of hospital, they are caught by police. Kam Sing ends up in jail as he was the one to hit Boon. Kam Sing is sent to isolation quarters (คุกมืด) as Kam Sing hits an inmate wishing to have relationship with him. His mother, tired by his behavior, becomes a nun (บวชชี). Knowing this, Kam Sing promises himself to become a good guy and to do something his mother would be proud of him. He decides to become a professional Thai boxer. Kam Sing wins all his fights as he is training very hard. He shall now face Kowit Wattanakul, Thai boxing champion. To trick the match, Suchao Pongwilai puts Kowit in a lower category so Kam Sing needs to lose weight to match 70kg causing him to become much weaker. Following an epic fight, Kam Sing finally defeats Kowit. He is back to his town and is shown as an example. He left as a pariah and comes back as a champion. He can now show to his mother that he really changed.
Year: 1986
Thai title: ครูสมศรี
English title: Somsee
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sor Asanajinda,Settha Sirachaya,Ron Rittichai,Sor Asanajinda
Main actress: Chalita Puttamapun
Buy now:
It is about a big company, which wants to expel slum inhabitants in order to build a modern complex. A young teacher called Somsri is representing the slum and is fighting against the company. This movie shows the power of big Thai companies over slums, Thai rich people power over poor people and the Thai useless bureaucracy. Hopefully a Thai official and a lawyer are helping the teacher Somsri as the slum inhabitants are fully in their rights. Unfortunately, the big company doesn't hesitate to use strong ways such a fire, threats and gunmen. The slum finally wins but the lawyer and teacher Somsri lose their life. The movie is based on an activist teacher in the Klong Toei slum area. The idea on which the movie was based is the real life of teacher Pratheep Ungsongtham. She was called the slum angel.
Year: 1986
Thai title: ร้อยป่า
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Chalong Pukdeewichit
Main actor: Bin Banleurit,Somchai Samipak,Taksin Jampol,Manop Aussawathep,Rith Luecha
Main actress: Mai Charoeunpura
Buy now:
Thai movie ร้อยป่า was released in year 1986 and directed by veteran Chalong Pukdeewichit. Luang Ta is taking care of an orphaned boy called Seua (ลูกศิษย์วัด). Seua (Bin Banleurit) sympathizes with young girl Paew but gets an enemy as Anirut (ลูกผู้ดี). Years passed. They are now adults. Luang Ta dies. Seua goes to Lampang to do forest staff studies. He meets Srinuan. In Srinuan's disco, he protects Somchai (Somchai Samipak) as พ่อเลี้ยง against a murder tentative. During studies, he finds that teck forest has few trees left (ตรวจป่า). He meets Boon Ying and presents himself as new forest staff (พนักงานป่าใหม่). He tries to prevent ruffians led by Theum (Taksin Jampol) to cut illegally trees (ทำรายป่าไม่ได้). Seua gets his degree and is sent at Thai Burmese border. He realises that Paew was the one to support him financially during his studies. พ่อเลี้ยง Ithi (Manop Aussawathep), owner of a company allowed to cut 2000 trees, tries to corrupt Seua (เก็บเงินของคุณเลย) to cut more trees. Ruffians are sent to kill Seua but Theum and Leum being around help him. แม่เลี้ยง Saenthong (Mai Charoeunpura) wishes to get authorisation for her trees. Seua has issues with Nok (Rith Luecha), leader of elephant keepers. Seua checks the trees deeply in the forest and gives approval (ราชการดีๆยังมีอยู่ครับ). Back to the village, they found that Nok has taken all elephants. Hopefully Theum lends them some elephants to ensure the company is not stuck. Seua rejects Saenthong's love as he still thinks about Paew. Ithi is the one trying to close Saenthong's company as he is joining shares (ร่วมหุ้น) with a Bangkok company led by Anirut, engaged with Paew. Leum is captured and killed by ruffians with a chainsaw. Saenthong is also kidnapped. Seua revenges Leum through a chainsaw fighting with Nok. It is time for Seua to neutralise Ithi. Hopefully พ่อเลี้ยง Somchai and Theum give a hand to Seua as he is in a bad situation versus many ruffians. All ruffians are killed. Police arrives. Theum prefers to die gun in the hand instead of surrendering. Suea leaves as a lonely cowboy saddened by the death of Theum. An earlier version with Mitr Chaibancha and Petchara Chaowarat was released in year 1963.
Year: 1985
Thai title: หย่าเพราะมีชู้
English title: The Accusation
Rating: 5/5
Director: Manop Udomdej
Main actor: Apichat Halamjiak
Main actress: Sinjai Hongthai,Nardtaya DaengBunga
The English title is the Accusation. Phan is a modern woman, teacher and writer. She is married with Phukphan and there is no love in the couple anymore (ชีวิตคู่น่าเบื่อ) but she needs to endure. They have strong arguments and her husband wishes to push her for divorce. He is an army officer. She finally receives a registered letter suing her for divorce due to adultery (ชู้). It makes newspaper headlines. She wishes to fight back and asks her friend Wan, a lawyer, to help but she refuses as Phan doesn't have strong evidences to refute the accusation. Wan finally changes her mind but has to face a famous lawyer on the other side. They start enquiries on Phukphan's past. The trial starts. The judge would like them to divorce silently to avoid noise and shame but it is too late. They both had a very busy schedule. Phukphan accuses his wife to have an affair with soldier Chayo. The trial raises issues related to sex affairs and private diseases (ติดเชื้อ). Crude details are given during the trial regarding intimate preferences of the husband such as a sadism. He blames his wife for not giving him what he wanted (อารมณ์เพศ). Real crude details are given during the trial. It was quite shocking during 1980s Thai society period. The lawyer is a woman. The defendant is a woman facing the establishment and men hostility. The accuser even tries to use fake testimony involving a policeman. Phukphan wishes to go with another woman. As Phan doesn't want to initiate the divorce, he planned to accuse her of adultery. Who wants to marry a woman who divorces her husband? it is wrongly seen as shameful by Thai society. A woman that asks for divorce is seen as a bad woman. She tried to support hoping her husband would change but he didn't. The movie exposes the horrible realities of her relations and his own sordid sexual life. Phukphan’s lawyer claims that Phan’s bad behavior is coming from the modern Thai novels she is writing. She finally wins the trial. This movie is widely admired by younger educated and intellectual Thai people. It nevertheless caused a major scandal by its sexual frankness and by the implication that a senior military figure could be guilty of socially inadmissible practices. In 1980s, Sinjai Hongthai played the modern woman in many movies (ฉันรักผัวเขา, ครั้งเดียวก็เกินพอ) directed by Manop Udomdej. She always has to fight for her rights.
Year: 1985
Thai title: สามเณรใจสิงห์
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sor Asanajinda,Pao Porapak
Main actress: Tasawan Saneewong,Piathip Kumwong
Buy now:
Thai movie สามเณรใจสิงห์ was released in year 1985 and lasts 1h38mn. It is available under VCD format. Some of the actresses and actors are ด.ช.ขุนพล ฉ่ำเย็นอุรา, สุประวัติ ปัทมสูตร, วรนุช ลุนเผ่, โชติช่วง พุทธสิน. Thai movie สามเณรใจสิงห์ is a powerful movie about Thai Buddhism and people greediness. The story was written by a Thai monk. A family has four kids. The wife Sae (Tasawan Saneewong) is managing a small restaurant selling food and drinks. The husband is a drunkard. He has a group of 4 friends (including Pao Porapak) always drinking together. He keeps asking money to his wife to buy alcohol. The grandmother is rich and keeps supporting her daughter. One son called Sing Chai is still going to school. Two other daughters and another son are not doing much except asking for money, partying, taking drugs. One day, one of the son's friend tries to steal money from the grandma by threatening her with an artisanal bomb. It ends badly as the grandma dies and the son loses his leg in the explosion. Sing Chai believes there is a waste of money and injuries as a huge and expensive funeral is organised with outdoor movies, firecrackers... Luang Ta (Sor Asanajinda) is always around. It is Buddhist lent (เข้าพรรษา) coming and Sing Chai is sad to see his family going towards this wrong path. Sae and her husband argue on money, so she gets beaten and then asks for divorce. Sae then keeps playing cards. One day one of the daughter Usa is found dead having been raped by thugs but her parents don't care. Unable to support this anymore, Sing Chai enters monkhood as novice. Sae has a new lover, i.e. the village leader, who keeps borrowing money from her. Sai, one of Sae's daughter, is also his mistress. Luang Ta keeps smoking and delivers sermons in old fashioned way. Novice Sing Chai delivers sermon in a modern way. It makes Luang Ta upset as a novice becomes more popular than him. Even Piathip Kumwong is not visiting Luang Ta anymore but novice Sing Chai to get advice. Sae, knowing that the villager leader and her daughter Sai betrayed her (คนทรยศ), wishes to get suicide. Novice Sing Chai helps her on time and the mother becomes a nun. Young teen girl Chantana is back to the village and invites novice Sing Chai to get alms everyday (รับบาตร). Sing Chai is feeling awkward caught by human feelings toward Chantana. Luang Ta tries to catch him doing improper things (ศึกแน่ๆ). Sing Chai is even accused of committing a murder. Village leader Gneun, father of Chantana, is causing troubles. Luang Ta recognizes he was wrong to try to accuse Sing Chai. Gneun is finally shot by Sai as he was refusing to recognize his paternity. Sing Chai rejects his mother due to bad feeling but recognizes his mistake. He still hopes to convince his father to stop drinking alcohol. On the way to his father's home, a fire occurs. Sing Chai saves his father but the handicapped son is unable to flee. Mother Sae (ยอมแม่) is sick and dies while listening sermon. The father (ยอมพ่อ) becomes a monk also. The movie ends up on Sae's funeral where Sae’s voice in background regrets to have led such a bad life.
Year: 1985
Thai title: อิสรภาพของ ทองพูน โคกโพ
English title: Freedom of Citizen (Citizen II)
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Suchao Pongwilai,Krailat Kriengkrai
Main actress:
It is the second opus of the movie Citizen. As the Citizen I movie's main actor has died, Sorapong Chatree was used instead. It is about Thongpoon Khokpoh, a convict going out of prison, and looking for his son. His son refuses to meet him as he was left over many years. His father was in prison and his mother lives abroad with a foreigner. Thongpoon wishes to get reunited with his son. The movie deals about the lack of freedom about ex prisoners, i.e. difficulty of reinsertion, difficulty to find a job, bad image - an old convict will always be a bad man. He sympathizes with a young girl, who is a pickpocket. People don't trust Thongpoon as he is former convict but he is also not trusting the young girl when she brings back money, thinking she has stolen it. A pickpocket will always be a thief. Thongpoon is a nice guy, never wishing to break rules, never lying or doing something against law. So people call him stupid or buffalo! Thongpoon has difficulty to find a job as he is too honest and always says he is a former convict. Once you're in jail, you're always in jail, in this society. Once you get out of jail, you are still branded by the evidence. He is still an outsider. Through a misunderstanding, he is also confronted to bad policemen (Suchao Pongwilai) who don't believe Thongpoon can seek redemption but the head of police trusts Thongpoon. When a car bumps him, he refuses to sue the car driver and blames his own careless mistake. Finally the car driver seeing his kindness recruits him in his restaurant for tourists. Unfortunately one of his former inmates abducts his son and threatens Thongpoon to hurt his son if Thongpoon doesn't kill his boss, who has an issue with local mafia. Thongpoon's choice is difficult and is put in analogy with an ongoing Ramayakian dance (Rama facing demons) in the restaurant. Finally Thongpoon simulates his boss' murder in order to be reunited with his son and has to work hand in hand with the policeman, who formerly looked down on him, to stop the gangsters. The policeman acknowledges his misjudment on Thongpoon. Thongpoon, his son and the young girl are leaving to Udon Thani. This film highlights conflicts between poor people (Thongpoon, the pickpocket girl), the government officials (policemen) and wealthy influential businessmen.
Year: 1985
Thai title: หมอบ้านนอก
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surasee Phatham
Main actor: Piya Trakulrard,Doo Dook Kradon
Main actress: Jarunee Sooksawad
Thai movie หมอบ้านนอก was released in year 1985. Directeur is Surasee Phatham. The movie was shot in Surin province. Phanom (Piya Trakulrard) became village doctor as one of his relatives died due to lack of doctor. Mountebanks (หมอเถื่อน) have no diploma so they are illegal. Some are charlatans such as Doo Dook Kradon but Phanom is useful. Such illegal doctors have their utility to the community as official doctors are often absent from remote areas. Doctor หมอผู้หญิง Kwanta (Jarunee Sooksawad) is the first doctor with diploma in this district (แพทย์ปริญญาจากกรุงเทพฯ). She asks Thai Police to stop the fake doctors selling fake medicine to villagers (ชาวบ้าน). A policeman is shot in the village. Kwanta doesn't have the right equipment so Phanom is helping to remove the bullet. Phanom wishes to stop doing this job as there is now Kwanta as official doctor. Illegal village doctors are arrested by Police. Kwanta disrupts local illegal business so some people try to kill her (ฆ่าคนดีๆ). Phanom is injured instead. Police believes Phanom is behind the murder tentative on Kwanta. Finally the mastermind is arrested. Phanom surrenders to the police and requests to help a villager a last time. He saves an elder man through a blood transfusion. In the jail, he assists to a TV show showing Kwanta receiving an award. She gives a praise to Phanom and succeeds to get an official diploma for him so that he can practice legally.
Year: 1985
Thai title: คนดีที่บ้านด่าน
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Bandit Ritthakol
Main actor: Bin Banleurit,Manop Aussawathep,Lak Apichat,Pumi Patanayut,Suchao Pongwilai,Chat Mongkolchai
Main actress: Suriwan Suriyong
Thai movie คนดีที่บ้านด่าน was released in year 1985 and lasts 1h44mn. It released in Thailand under VHS format. Movie director is Bandit Ritthakol. A few engaged songs feature justice (ความยุติธรรม). Carabao songs (such as มหาลัย) are featured in the movie. Students are coming to countryside to help villagers. The village leader is called Meui (Manop Aussawathep). Lak Apichat is one of the friendly villagers. Students offer free medical services, help to reinforce school temporary building. Nat (Suriwan Suriyong) is the local school teacher. Nat is separated for two years ago with student Chanuan (Bin Banleurit). Chanuan wishes to resume relationship with Nat but she refuses as she doesn't want to suffer again. Her decision to go in this poor remote village is linked to Chanuan's previous bad behavior. Some villagers such as Wan (Pumi Patanayut) don't welcome students (อาศัยพัฒนาหมู่บ้าน). Local influential man Boonsong is working with Wan to replace Meui. Boonsong gives free wood to build the school. Boonsong forbids anybody to go in some parts of the forest. They cut illegally trees in the forest per student Waen's discovery (ทำร้ายป่า). Arguments occur between students as they don't agree on the way to manage this. The majority decides not to be involved as it is outside their mandate. Wan of course protects Boonsong as he is supporting the villagers to keep them quiet. Meui wishes that Chanuan quits the village as arguments occur with Nat as she doesn't want to forgive him. Waen complains Thailand will become a desert (ทะเลทราย) with all those trees cut illegally. Waen wishes Chanuan to bring some pictures to newspapers. Waen and Chanuan see men led by Chat Mongkolchai and Ong Nai (Suchao Pongwilai) cutting trees. Waen dies shot by ruffians led by Boonsong (คนที่มีอิทธิพล). Mon people are working for Boonsong and get paid in medicine and weapons to be able to fight against Burmese military government (การฆ่าและการต่อสู้ไม่เหมือนกัน). Ong Nai understands Chanuan as he is also a former student, but he cannot help. During the weapons trading, Boonsong's ruffians shoot the Mon people. Only Ong Nai escapes. Ruffians storm the student's place and burn the school as they believe one of them hides the camera. As they threaten Nat, Uan interposes and gets killed. Chanuan has not enough proofs to accuse Boonsong and Wan. To avoid more deaths, students must leave by train. Chanuan decides to go back to rebuild a school as a memorial to Waen and Uan. Students follow him. School has been burnt. Nat and Chanuan resume friendship. Ong Nai has a debt towards Boonsong. He gives Waen's camera back to Chanuan and promises to manage Boonsong per the forest laws... Meanwhile Nat and the children have been kidnapped by the Boonsong's ruffians. They succeed to escape but are chased by ruffians. Meanwhile Thai army, Chanuan and Meui face the ruffians. Shootings happens and Meui is killed. Ruffians send big logs on the Thai army and children but luckily nobody is injured. Chanuan and Lak chase ruffians. Lak loses his life while protecting Chanuan. About to escape, Boonsong is shot by Wan. Wan gets the credit to have stopped Boonsong despite Chanuan claiming he was right hand of Boonsong. Thai army leader mentions to Chanuan that it is time for students to go back to Bangkok. Nothing they can do against what is good or bad here. Wan is nominated as new village leader. Nat refuses to go back to Bangkok as she needs to take care of the kids. Despite adversity, she has to stay and not flee. The only solution for Chanuan to protect Nat and the Baan Dan villagers is to shoot Wan... After shooting Wan, Chanuan is arrested but remains คนดีที่บ้านด่าน in the villagers’ hearts.
Year: 1985
Thai title: ผีเสื้อและดอกไม้
English title: Butterfly and Flowers
Rating: 5/5
Director: Euthana Mukdasanit
Main actor: Suchao Pongwilai
Main actress: Duangjai Hathaikarn
Buy now:
This movie is focusing on a poor Muslim community in South of Thailand close by the Malaysian border. A teenager boy, called Huyan, has to sell ice cream to help his father as his father is not rich enough to pay education for his three children. His teacher and his best friend, a girl called Mimpi, are sorry about this decision. The teacher asks Huyan to continue to pass this year exams as education is important for his future. He can sell ice creams in the school thanks to the teacher kindness. Huyan has one smaller brother and sister. He has no mother any more. Business competition is hard as other ice cream vendors have bicycles to go from one place to another but Huyan needs to walk. Her friend Mimpi goes to Malaysia but promises to come back. Everyday Huyan waits at the train station hoping for her return. He finally sees and goes to the Malaysian border with her as he forgot to exit the train. During the trip, Huyan meets other youngsters making a living by smuggling rice. Meanwhile his father is looking for him and gets hit by a train. He is disabled and cannot work anymore. The son has remorse. He has to take responsibility of the whole family. There is a swift change from the school protected environment to adult responsibilities. He helps to smuggle rice between Malaisia and Thailand. It is illegal as no taxes are paid on the rice. He has no choice based on family survival necessity (ความจำเป็น). To escape controllers, he has to go on top of the train wagons where youngsters risk their live if they fall. He has also to run away to escape the police. But he gets money and can send back his brother and sister to school. Following the tragic death of his friend, he decides to stop doing this illegal business and to sell flowers. Movie Butterfly and Flowers got Best Picture from the Hawaii Film Festival in 1986. It made only 5 millions baht in Thailand, most of that in Bangkok. This movie is part of the first 25 films heritage list announced on October 4 2011, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1984
Thai title: ข้ามากับพระ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kom Akadej
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Sombat Methanee,Bin Banleurit,Kom Akadej,Somsak Chaisongkram,Doo Dook Kradon,Pipop Pupinyo,Chat Mongkolchai,Dam Datsakorn,Rith Luecha,Manop Aussawathep,Note Chernyim,Thuam Thoranong
Main actress: Thitima Sangkapitak
Thai movie ข้ามากับพระ was released in year 1984. It was shown on TV CH7 (ช่อง 7) and last 1h08mn as a shortened version. It was not released on VCD but was released under VHS format. Movie director is Kom Akadej. Soundtrack from band Police is used. It was the first movie for Thai actor Bin Banleurit. A TV serie ข้ามากับพระ was released in 2015. Bin (Sorapong Chatree) is chased by three men (Somsak Chaisongkram, Note Chernyim, Pipop Pupinyo). He is rescued by Luang Pho Seua (Sombat Methanee), being a wandering monk. Bin follows the monk, who wishes to stay alone. Bin wishes to become his disciple (ลูกศิษย์พระ). Doo Dook Kradon and another man are stealing buffalos. Villagers led by Thuam Thoranong are looking for their buffaloes. Luang Pho Seua is wrongly mistaken as a robber but everything is back to normal. Monk Seua and Bin cross a lake but they are attacked by a crocodile. Bin brings bad luck (ซวย) to the monk. They arrive in a ruffian’s camp led by Chat Mongkolchai and Seua Noi (Bin Banleurit). Bin follows behind but is stopped by the ruffians. Monk Seua meets Thai Police, who ask him if he saw any ruffians campement. Police attack the camp and Bin can succeed to flee. Seua Noi is upset and promises revenge as he believes Luang Pho Seua and Bin are undercover policemen. Ruffians try to burn Luang Pho Seua but Bin intervenes. Luang Pho escapes to the flames but he is chased by ruffians. Hopefully, hill tribes, led by Kom (Kom Akadej), chase them away. Bin is injured and cured by beautiful doctor Khru Mo (ครูหมอ) (ชลิดา เสาวดี). The village head is worried about revenge by Seua Khaem. Bin meets again the three men chasing him and has to flee. While fleeing, he meets Luang Pho Seua again. Hilltribe lady Baan Su Thong (Thitima Sangkapitak) is fond of Bin. They spend the night together, but Bin flees in the morning, so Baan Su Thong is looking for him. Ut (Dam Datsakorn) enters in the hilltribe village. A fight occurs between Bin and Ut. Ut is defeated. Kom saves the honor of his younger sister Baan Su Thong. Ut requests help for another ruffians’ leader (Rith Luecha). Ruffians storm the village. Many ruffians and villagers die in the fighting. Baan Su Thong is killed. Seua Noi is seriously injured by Bin. Khru Mo is kidnapped by Ut to cure Seua Noi. Finally, Seua Noi leaves as he feels better but as he gets sick again. Seua Noi gets help from Luang Pho Suea and is cured. He realizes that Luang Pho Suea is a real monk and a good man. Seua Noi's father is Seua Khaem. Luang Pho Seua is a former policeman. While trying to catch Seua Khaem many years ago, Luang Pho Seua shot his wife, being Seua Noi's mother, by mistake. So, the policeman became a monk. Hill tribe members and Bin surround the ruffians’ camp. Seua Kaem (Manop Aussawathep) wishes to take revenge and to shoot the monk but Seua Noi intervenes and is shot instead. Devastated, Seua Kaem gives up on his revenge. Luang Pho has been carrying the wife's bones with him and has been wandering around Thailand in order to meet Seua Khaem.
Year: 1984
Thai title: ไอ้หม่าลูกแม่
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Sor Asanajinda
Main actor: Somkuan Krajangsat,Lak Apichat,Boo Wibunnan,Sor Asanajinda,Pipop Pupinyo,Krai Kanchit,Wittaya Sukdamrong
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Orasa Isarangkul,Metta Roongrat,Apaporn Kornthip,Malee Wetpraseri,Anchalee Chaisiri
Thai movie ไอ้หม่าลูกแม่ was released in year 1984 and lasts around two hours. The TV cable version lasts 1h40mn and the VHS version lasts 1h42mn. They include various different sequences so the original movie should last around two hours. Sor Asanajinda is movie director. This movie is a drama comedy movie. This movie features many actors and actresses including ด.ช.ไอ้จุก (แห่งขวานฟ้าหน้าดำ), ศศิธร, รุ่งนภา กลมกล่อม, ศักดิ์สมุทร, วันชัย วันเพ็ญ, new actress รุ่งทิพย์ เนตรวงศ์งาม. Father Nio (Somkuan Krajangsat) is married to Yui (Pissamai Wilaisak). They have two children, i.e. a daughter called Nuan (Orasa Isarangkul) and a boy called Neun (ไกรสร แสงอนันต์). Nio is very avaricious and complains that his wife is doing temple donations too often (ทำบุญ). Another family has lady See (Metta Roongrat) as family leader. She has two children i.e. Oi (Lak Apichat) and Pae (Apaporn Kornthip). Neun is going to temple fair with Pae. See wishes her daughter Pae to marry Boo (Boo Wibunnan), a rich but old bachelor. The two families are always in conflict so a wedding between Neun and Pae is a challenge to happen. Sor Asanajinda and Malee Wetpraseri visit relatives with their daughter Kaet (Anchalee Chaisiri). Kaet (นางฟ้า) shall stay in countryside a few months as she is pregnant... Pae is also pregnant with Neun. Father Nio refuses to pay the dowry (สินสอด). See asks for 10,000 THB. Nio only offers 1 baht! Finally, Yui steals 5,000 THB from her husband. Oi steals 5,000 THB from his mother See. So, wedding can happen. But due to Nio and See conflicting, it fails and both Neun and Pae are chased away from their families as they stole money from their parents. Thanks to a recommendation, Neun finds a job by working for Pipop Pupinyo. Kaet goes back for Bangkok and leaves the child behind. As there is a need for money to pay for house windows, Neun asks Pipop for money advance. His wife agrees but she asks for endearment from Neun. Pipop comes back home and fighting occurs with Neun. The wife tries to interpose and gets stabbed by accident. Pipop accuses Neun of having murdered his wife. Neun must flee. Pae and Neun's child is born. Krai (Krai Kanchit) and Pipop commit burglary and murders under the name of Neun. See, Pae's mother, is indebted by playing cards. See and Oi arrange a wedding with Boo. They lie that Neun has a new wife to convince Pae. It makes Neun upset. Wittaya Sukdamrong recommends him to calm down. Neun needs to flee police called by Oi. Neun takes refuge in Bangkok in Kaet's family as a car driver. Kaet's husband, Anoon (อนันต์ สัมมาทรัพย์), has another wife so Kaet is heartbroken and Sor recommends her to build a new life (ตั้งต้นไม้). Oi sympathises with Kaet's husband being a teacher. หมอเสน่ห์ is hired by Pae's family so Boo fires them. A romance between Kaet and Neun happens. Grandma Malee doesn't accept it. Nio is killed by Krai following an external affair. Yui's house is burgled. Neun arrives too late but hopefully Nio's money was well hidden. Neun meets Pipop and Krai fleeing after the robbery. They finally shoot each other unable to share the money. Yui, Neun's mother, sends a parade to ask for Kaet's hand. Neun gives 100,000 THB as promised for Kaet's hand and builds a big house on the land given by Sor. During a drinking session, Anoon discloses to Oi, that Neun is a stupid countryside man as he is marrying Kaet while both of her children are from himself! Despite having university diploma, Anoon behaves badly and the diploma has no value (กระดาษชำระ) as it didn't teach him to behave correctly in life. Informed by Oi, Neun keeps drinking and meets Pae, working in a club as partner. Pae ended up as Prostitute (กะหรี่) and lost her childcare. Anoon even receives 100,000 THB from Sor to keep quiet. Anoon gets beaten by Neun but is only worried about the money. Upset that Kaet lied to him (หลอกลวงเขา), Neun burns the new house (ไฟไหม้เรือนหอ) and surrenders to the Thai Police. Before being arrested, Neun asks Kaet to give money to Pae every month so that she can stop working and take care about their child. This movie highlights poor people versus rich people. Poor people have better heart than rich people.
Year: 1984
Thai title: คนขวางโลก
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Permpol Choei-arun
Main actor: Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun,Metta Roongrat
Chun is the unique child of a rich family. His father and mother always fight. The husband is cheating his wife and asks his son to keep the secret. Nobody understands or cares about him. Chun is like a beatnik, having long hair and driving an old beetle car. Chun is studying art painting. But even judges don't understand his work. He is fed up with life and rules. Thai students are not educated to challenge rules, the system or think by themselves. Only weak people fear the settled system. Society askes him to stop involvement in politics and focus on studies. He rides a horse in Bangkok to avoid traffic jam and promote his paintings. He challenges his art teacher and makes him upset. When seeing his father doing dangerous business involving risks for the staff health in a factory, he denounces him to the press but nothing is done as they are corrupted. So he makes an union to fight for staff right. His father is disappointed that his son betrays him. His uncle has a plan to have him come back in the society standard rules and be able to take over the company as his father is going old. The uncle orders he cannot see his girlfriend Wee as he is an ungrateful son. Chun goes in gogo bar and blames everybody for the society decadence, Thai men providing young girls to foreigners, indulgence in alcohol... He is expelled by the doormen and beaten by them. He is rescued by Nao, freelance working girl, who initiates him to love. He disappears for 4 days. A love story starts between them. Nao introduces him to her younger sister, who is Wee's best friend! Chun understands that Nao is a prostitute so leaves her. Everybody is lying to him, i.e. the father indulging with young men, the mother indulging in playing cards, Nao selling her body... He gets refuge in a slum. As money runs out, he sells his paintings. Nao recognizes his paintings and finds Chun but he rejects her due to her duplicity. Nao acknowledges but she has no choice as women are puppets that men are using. She does it for her sister to study as they have no more parents. Puzzled, Chun tortures himself same as hermit (ฤาษี). He is very sick so Nao calls his parents. A fight happens between ruffians sent by his parents and slum kids. Chun is sent to visit a psychiatric doctor for crazy people. Did he receive a good education from his parents? His father tries to change him so that he can work in the family factory but to no avail. He identifies himself to Van Gogh. He is forced to live a life like a prisoner with no freedom. His father wants to put him in an hospital for crazy people. Chun is ready to suicide himself. His slum friends and Wee rescue him just on time. This movie is a criticism of Thai education system. People are not themselves. They need to follow society precepts and cannot challenge them.
Year: 1984
Thai title: ถามหาความรัก
English title: Ask for love
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak
Movie “ถามหาความรัก” relates to the difficult teen period. Axsara, young lady, decides to change her clothing style and she is not accepted in school anymore as an uniform is requested. Teens have feelings that adults don't understand and don't listen to them. Axsara's father has no time for her and her new stepmother doesn't like her. Axsara meets poor teens stealing to make a living. Dao, another young female student, is close friend with Axsara. Dao hears a conversation saying she is not the real child of her parents and about an aunt asking her mother to beware about heritage. She feels hurt and sad. Axsara makes Dao to change a lot, i.e. go to disco, wear daring clothes and challenge her parents. Axsara's father gives her room away to his new wife's family. Disappointed by this decision, Axsara decides to quit the home and invites Dao to join her. Dao's parents give 50 000 baht reward to who will bring their daughter back. Sat, an ugly pushing detective, proposes help to Dao's parents for 100 000 baht and expenses. Axsara and Dao take refuge in poor teens' home selling and repairing second hand products. Dao wishes to meet her real mum. As the police captures most of the pickpockets gang, they flee to Chiang Mai to find Dao's mother. Sat is following them closely. Axsara’s father recognizes his mistakes and to have given only love (ความรัก) and no warmth (ความอบอุ่น). Axsara and Dao need to find a job to survive in Chiang Mai. Axsara cannot stand this situation anymore as it hurts her mindset (จิตใจ) and body (ร่างกาย). She wants to go back to Bangkok. Finally Dao is the strongest one not bending in front of adversity. Dao finally finds her mother who is a mamasan in a brothel. The pure love (ความรักบริสุทธิ์) she was dreaming of is ironic. Dao's real mother rejects her as Dao's birth is an accident with a short time customer and she is not a wanted child. She is just a shit she rejected at birth. Finally Dao understands who really loves her so she wants to go back to Bangkok to stay with her adoptive parents. For Sat, people are money only as he has no feelings. Finally Sat brings her back but he refuses any money from Dao's parents as Dao was the one to decide to go home. Sat starts to understand feelings now. Famous Thai group Carabao’s songs and music are used in this movie soundtrack as this band symbolizes rebellion against establishment. This teen movie gives a lot of interesting messages about parents education.
Year: 1983
Thai title: เพื่อน-แพง
English title: PUEN-PAENG
Rating: 5/5
Director: Cherd Songsri
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Piya Trakulrard
Main actress: Chanutporn Wisitsopon
During childhood, young boy Lor (ลอ) is educated in a house where the father has two daughters already, i.e. Pheuan and Phaeng. Lor is always helping and supporting the youngest girl Phaeng (กวนตั้งแต่เป็นเด็ก). Phaeng (แพง) is always crying when Lok and Pheuan (เพื่อน) start playing games without her. Lor considers her as a younger sister. All the three friends are now adults. The movie features a nice representation of Thailand countryside life, i.e. rice harvest as a community with songs to encourage themselves and to make the work more fun, catch fishes in traditional way with a ingenious fish net, get lotus from pond, traditional way of doing rice fields with buffalo cart. Phaeng always tries to ruin Lor's courtship with Pheuan. Both start to be upset with Phaeng. Ien, another villager, tries to seduce Phaeng during the temple fair (หนังใหญ่). Lor is a perfect bachelor as he does not drink, does not play cards and is working hard. He is fianced with Pheuan and his wedding shall happen soon. Ieng asks Phaeng for wedding through his father but Phaeng refuses categorically as she doesn't love him. Finally Lor finally smiles regarding Phaeng's stubbornness. Jealousy starts between the two women especially as Lor is fiance with Pheuan. Phaeng tries to conquer Lor back by doing dishes he likes. He eats all the sticky rice not because it is delicious but because she made efforts to do it. Lok is surprised to know through Pheuan that Phaeng also loves him as he always considered her as a younger sister (น้อง). Lor promises in front of Buddha amulet to love Pheuan. If he fails the promise, he shall die! Lor cannot talk to Phaeng anymore following promise to Pheuan. Phaeng disappears and Lor misses her. Lor falls severely sick as he catches malaria. The doctor's assistant, Boontim, is a former love of Pheuan. The doctor's assistant offers gifts to Pheuan. Her heart starts to tangle. The assistant makes Pheuan discover the modern life (cosmetics, tennis, dance, car). Boontim asks Pheuan in marriage. Phaeng challenges Pheuan regarding her love towards Lor. Pheuan and Boontim represent the urban Thailand. Phaeng and Lor represent the rural Thailand. Boonpheng is a liar and a butterfly. Pheuan goes back to Lor (ปลาตัวเล็ก) and get all credits when Lok recovers from malaria. It makes Phaeng sad. Lor discovers a letter where Phaeng's friend writes the whole story about Pheuan's bad behavior behind Lor's back. Lor knows Phaeng's real value. They finally spent a night together despite Lor being married to Pheuan. Phaeng is now pregnant and refuses to say who is the father despite being severely beaten by her father. Lor decides to flee with her. Pheuan is aware of this and intentionally forgets to tell Phaeng that a ladder level is broken. During early morning Phaeng falls and finally dies due to internal bleeding while trying to find Lor. Disgusted by Pheuan's behavior, Lok finally chooses to go back with Phaeng, the only woman who loved him more than her own life, and drowns himself. The movie got many awards in 1983 (best actress, best director...). Cherd Songsri is famous for such Thai period films showing the power of love. This movie highlights feelings such as love, belief, promise, faithfulness. Cherd Songsri previously also directed the movie "The Scar" (แผลเก่า). 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: 1983
Thai title: พยัคฆ์ยี่เก
English title: The Opera Hero
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kom Akadej
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Sor Asanajinda,Manop Aussawathep,Pipop Pupinyo,Panna Rittikrai,Somsak Chaisongkram,Kom Akadej,Note Chernyim,Supakorn Srisawat,Chat Mongkolchai,Rith Luecha
Main actress: Suriwan Suriyong,Piathip Kumwong
Thai movie พยัคฆ์ยี่เก was released in year 1983 and last 1h50mn. It was released under VHS format. A Hong Kong version, also released under VHS format, lasts 1h30mn. The movie is directed by Kom Akadej. Two Hong Kong actors are featured, i.e. David Chiang and Norman Chu. On the movie poster released in Hong Kong, they are of course shown preeminently. A Likay (Thai folk traditional theater) troupe led by teacher Pong (ครู) (Sor Asanajinda) performs in Sukhothai. The main Likay actor is played by Tuan Tong (Sorapong Chatree) and gets a lot of flowers offered especially by ladies including Piathip Kumwong, wife of the village leader (ผู้ใหญ่). It makes the village leader (Manop Aussawathep) to be very upset so he storms the Likay theater with his ruffians (Pipop Pupinyo, Panna Rittikrai and Somsak Chaisongkram) to fight with Tuan Tong as he cannot accept that his wife (แม่ตัวดี) spends money on a Likay handsome actor. Both end up at the police station but the police head (Kom Akadej) finally releases Tuan Tong as he did nothing wrong. Back to the Likay theater, Tuan Tong is beaten by ruffians. A local doctor, called Thongdee, always gives free health care to the Likay troupe. Chased again by the ruffians, Tuan Tong and Note Chernyim have to steal David Chiang's jeep to flee. David Chiang, Suriwan Suriyong and Supakorn Srisawat (ดี๋ ดอกมะดัน) are brothers and sisters. Getting back his jeep, David meets Chompoo, Tuan Tong's sister, (ชลิดา เสาวดี) so he even learns Likay skills as he is enamoured. Suriwan is expert in deltaplane. A jewellery money exchange turns badly between Manop and Sothon (โสธร รุ่งเรือง). Sothon is shot by Chat Mongkolchai but he succeeds to flee. He hides the jewellery inside the Likay theater. David is also looking for Sothon so it creates a misunderstanding between Tuan Tong and David. Sothon is killed by ruffians using a deltaplane shooting harpoons but they are still looking for the missed jewellery. They burnt the Likay theater as retaliation. Teacher Pong sells one diamond to rebuild the theater. He has hidden the real jewellery through the fake jewels used in Likay costumes. As Chat failed to capture Pong and is even shot by David, he is replaced by โดม สิงโมฬี. Ruffians storm the Likay theater again during a performance. Teacher Pong is shot by the ruffians with harpoons and killed. Chompoo is captured as she is wearing half of the real jewellery. The ruffians are led by Norman Chu, doctor Thongdee (ชาลี อินทรวิจิตร) and Rith Luecha. David and others Likay male actors (Note Chernyim...) are also captured. Tuan Tong and Suriwan storm the campment. Multiple fightings and shootings happen. Most of the protagonists die except Tuan Tong, Suriwan and his sister.
Year: 1983
Thai title: สวรรค์บ้านนา
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surasee Phatham
Main actor: Piya Trakulrard,Ed Carabao,Doo Dook Kradon
Main actress:
Thai movie สวรรค์บ้านนา was released in year 1983. The movie lasts currently 2h03mn. Due to its success it was released two times. But on the second release, some sequences and Carabao songs have disappeared. A 2h15mn version was shown on VHS and cable TV. The original length is 2h30mn. Director is Surasee Phatham who directed many famous social movies. Main actors and actresses are Piya Trakulrard, แสงเดือน ดารา, แสงดาว, ตะวัน, Doo Dook Kradon, ดี๋, Ed Carabao, สุชาติ, สนธิ, อุดม, ชวลิต, ทองมี มาลัย, ดาวใต้ เมืองตรัง, เทพพร เพชรอุบล, สนธิ สมมาตร. This movie is about Isan, northeastern region of Thailand. The movie features fourteen great songs. Isan people come to Bangkok for work but then they have to go back to home when rainy season is coming in order to take care of rice fields (ทำนา). They face harsh life in Bangkok. Most of Isan workers have manufacturing job in factories, work in bar / nightclub, work as Tuk Tuk driver, toilets boy (boy ห้องน้ำ)... Teuk (Carabao Ed - แอ๊ด) is fired from the bar in which he is performing as people don't like his songs. A group of ten friends including Sitha (Piya Trakulrard) and Fai invite him to discover life in countryside (ชีวิตชนบท) as it is time for rice season. Isan people dream to go back home to build their paradise (สวรรค์บ้านนา). As there is a rice crop only once a year they have no choice but to go working in Bangkok. Souvenirs (ของฝาก) are brought by them when they come back to the village where only old people and children stay. Nang wishes to be a molam singer (นางเอกมอลำ) but her father doesn't allow. Villagers help each other and shared work happens in the rice fields using buffalo. Romances are happening. The movie is showing how the rice season is happening. The movie shows Isan culture such as "Bun Bang Fai" (บุญบ้างไฟ) festival parade. The rocket competition is ending in fightings between groups. Many men are disappointed (อกหัก) as Sitha and Nang love each other. The father wishes to choose his daughter's husband by himself (ชอบลูกเสียงหรือลูกสาว). One villager is coming back from Saudi Arabia having a big house, building a new house for his father, having latest TV, Hi Fi and listening to western music but his wife is gone (ชู). A local villager called Kaew, being jealous about Sitha, talks to Nang's father. Nang is not allowed to meet Sitha anymore. Buddhist Lent festival (วันเข้าภรรษา) is coming. This movie is showing life in Isan with rice culture (ทำนา) and its various steps, religious ceremonies, harsh life in Isan, special dishes (ลาบเลือด…), hunting... Sitha is disappointed as misunderstandings happen with Nang. Sitha's friend convinces his father (ชาวนา) to sell his rice fields to pay for the fee to go to Saudi Arabia. Nang's father sends her to the city to try to break their relationship. On the day of Nang's fiancailles with villager Kaew, Nang flees with Sitha. Nang's father, afraid to lose his daughter, promotes her as molam main singer (นางเอกมอลำ) in his band and accepts finally Sitha. Rice season is over (หมดหน้านา). A farewell to local spirits (ปู่ตา) before departure to Bangkok is done. Famous Carabao song Pu Tao (เพลง ผู้เฒ่า) is sung by Ed. Everybody is back to work in Bangkok. One goes to Saudi Arabia. Ed finally composes some famous songs following his stay in Isan. Only old people are left when young people go back to work in Bangkok. When this movie was released in year 1983, it makes Isan people working in Bangkok to wish going back to home! In 1983, people were still using mail to communicate so this movie got a huge success. Outdoor cinemas in Isan were all asking for this movie! All the films were lost as it was shown and shown until the film was damaged beyond repair. Luckily, the movie was released again in year 1993. By merging various versions of the film reels, it is possible to get a duration of 2h18mn so quite close to the original length of 2h30mn.
Year: 1983
Thai title: มือปืน
English title: Gunman I
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Krai Kanchit,Ron Rittichai
Main actress: Chalita Puttamapun,Janthana Siriporn
Buy now:
It is about the story of Sommai, a barber, who is acting as a gunman ("MEU PEUN" - มือปืน) in order to get money to cure his sick boy. He is an veteran soldier who has fought in Laos but was left behind by his superior Tanu after saving his life. Now his previous superior is a policeman involved in gunman investigations. Tanu has a reputation for killing criminals. Applying gratitude ("KATANJOO" - กตัญญู) towards his previous mate, the investigation is going slowly until a younger policeman gets involved... This film highlights conflicts between poor people (the gunman and his family), the government officials (policemen and soldiers) and wealthy influential businessmen. This movie has received 5 Thai awards. The opening scene in Gunman I, when the camera moved along and made viewers feel as though they were riding on a motorcycle with the lead character, has remained famous.
Year: 1983
Thai title: ผู้แทนนอกสภา
English title: The MP outside the Parliament
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surasee Phatham
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Doo Dook Kradon,Supakorn Srisawat
Main actress:
Buy now:
After successful studies in Bangkok, Boonchai (บุญชัย) represents his party for member of Parliament election in rural Northeast of Thailand. Many other candicates register to the election to become member of Parliament. There are candicates of important parties with impressive list of diploma they got abroad but can they understand the poor people problems? There is a candidate backed up by the government, who is spending a lot of money to have huge billboards and is offering free gifts with his voting number. There is a funny candidate that wishes to clean the political dirt with a broom and bring light to democracy with a lantern. Boonchai has left Isan many years to study in Bangkok and has gone through the 1976 revolution. He got voting number 8. He announced to his girlfriend, who is a teacher lady, that he is trying to become member of Parliament to help the local people but she is worried as politics is a difficult and dangerous matter in Thailand. Some candidates give money for people to buy alcohol, some others give free medicine to buy the hearts and votes of local people but they don't bother to discuss with them and listen to their problems. They just promise more gifts to come. The money they spend to buy vote, they will get it back when they are elected. Boonchai is visiting villagers also on his small motorbike but he has no gifts to offer. He is not coming only for one day to change farmers life by bringing gifts but with ideas for the next four years to change their life. One taxi driver, seduced by his program, offers Boonchai to drive him anywhere he wishes. The government candidate doesn't care to visit the people as the "stupid buffalo" farmers can be bought with money. Meanwhile other candidates compete on gifs and on the biggest speakers to make their voice louder. They look like more fruit sellers! Boonchai is a local child of the region so he knows the farmers problems. He eats same food as farmers, works with farmers and propose them solution to improve their daily life and revenue increase by shifting various cultures all over the year. Villagers like his project up to the point that he starts to be a real political threat to the candidate backed up by the government. This latter decides to use bad tactics, i.e. villagers are threatened that they will not receive subsidies any more if anybody in a village votes for him, Boonchai is also accused to be a communist. Finally he is beaten by 4 tough men but it makes him more popular as many villagers support him. He is comforted to fight against adversity. The evil candidate tries to use drunkards to disturb his political meetings but they are expelled by his supporters. The evil candidate plans an outdoor cinema projection in order to disturb Boonchai's meeting hoping that people would prefer entertainment to serious politics. But it fails also. The evil candidate decides to send a team to kill Boonchai at night time when he is back from late political meetings. He succeeds to escape to assassination and villagers protect him. People voice is growing against bad politicians. Villagers provide him a gun to defend him-self. The evil candidate decides to use a hitman to get rid of Boonchai. Boonchai dies but he still wins the election as local people vote massively for him. Good men disappear and corrupted men remain... This movie gives a real image of Thai politics thirty years ago. But did nowadays Thai politics really improve? Former PM and politician MR Kukrit Pramoj appeared in this movie. Mr Kukrit showed up briefly at the beginning of the film, playing a party leader who gives a talk to the candidates. Not long after that, a new law prohibited political parties from attracting votes by playing in films.
Year: 1982
Thai title: เทพธิดาโรงงาน
English title: Factory angel
Rating: 5/5
Director: Yutthana Mookdasanit
Main actor: Kriengkrai Unhanan,Lak Apichat,Somchai Samipak,Krailat Kriengkrai
Main actress: Jarunee Sooksawad,Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit,Juree Osiri
Buy now:
Oi (Jarunee Sooksawad) is leaving her village and is going to the city (กรุง) to find a work. Teum (Krailat Kriengkrai) proposes to help. After a long trip, they reach the textile factory (คนงานใหม่). Rangsan (Kriengkrai Unhanan) as factory manager (ผู้จัดการ) agrees to recruit Oi and her two friends. Rotchai is the factory controller (ห้าม, ไม่อนุญาต). Factory workers sleep in dormitory and share big bathroom. The factory manager seems to like Oi a lot. His parents are played by famous veteran actor Somchai Samipak and veteran actress Juree Osiri. Chalai is a high-so girl pushed by Rangsan's mother to marry her son. Working conditions are hard in the factory, i.e. hot and noisy environment. Japanese investors are visiting the factory. Yamada, the Japanese factory owner, wants Oi to represent the Thai factory in Japan as angel protector. Everybody is stunned by Oi's beauty when she wears traditional clothes. Molam song is used as soundtrack (สาวโรงงาน). Oi is split between her boyfriend waiting for her in Isan and the strong interest shown by the factory manager Rangsan. There is a contest in the factory similar to Songkran festival (ประกวด เทพธิดาโรงงาน or angel factory contest). Pa Chan, an old aunt (Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit), working there for twenty years, gets the title. A high society fair is organized by Rangsan's parents in their home. Oi is invited (สวัสดีปีใหม่). There is a contrast between western classical music used in high society part and Molam listened in the factory. But at the end the high society people (ผู้ดี) also push each other for the buffet. Lak Apichat is playing a house guard. The fair degenerates as Chalai denigrates Oi (คนบ้านนอก) and ends up with a bowl of food on the head. Rangsan refuses to punish Oi as she didn't behave badly in her job so the mother hires ruffians but they get pushed back thanks to the taxi driver Pen (อโนเชาว์ ยอดบุตร). Many countryside people have dreams when coming to Bangkok the first time (กรุงเทพเป็นเมืองฟ้า). Some workers end up working in sauna believing work is easier and getting fast money. Pa Chan loses conscience again while working. Despite being a worker dedicated for twenty years, she is finally thrown away like a dog (is it the reward for being a slave for twenty years?). A sign shows “Safety first” but no action is taken to help Pa Chan. Rangsan explains the gesture by being worried about syndicates and wish to avoid inspections as it could mean additional expenses. Oi rescues the old lady at her home. Oi is invited in Japan and shall be selected as factory angel representative. On the day of the announcement event, Pa Chan dies of sickness in Oi's arms. Oi makes a touching speech to the factory management complaining about their lack of humanity towards Pa Chan. She quits her job and goes back to Isan. Her boyfriend is on the way to Saudi Arabia to work there one year. She finds her father. Only family is source of trust and happiness. The movie เทพธิดาโรงงาน lasts 2 hours. It has been adapted into a Thai TV serie in year 2012.
Year: 1982
Thai title: ครูดอย
English title: Mountain teacher
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surasee Phatham
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Piya Trakulrard,Doo Dook Kradon
Main actress: Wassana Sitthiweth,Nanthida Kaewbuasai
Buy now:
Thai movie ครูดอย was released in year 1982. It lasts 1h50mn. Four new teachers (including Piya Trakulrard, Doo Dook Kradon and Wassana Sitthiweth) are sent to Loei in a remote village located on a mountain. They are welcomed by indifferent villagers busy doing gambling (การพนัน). Teacher Sompong is already in the village. Sompong (Sorapong Chatree) indulges in alcohol (สุรา) as he feels useless. Only one monk is left in the village. Villagers seem to be very strong here (ไม่ร่วมมือ). Those new teachers teach children and adults. The school is very basic. Teacher Sompong made a pond for villagers to avoid getting water from far away. One part of the village is under influence of a ruffian managing an underground casino and wishing to undercut influence of the village headman and teacher Sompong. Wan (Nanthida Kaewbuasai) is worried about teacher Sompong. New teachers succeed to have villagers working to build new school by flattering the ruffian. They also finish teacher Sompong's task by bringing water in the village through bamboo pipes. The ruffian feels betrayed as the merit goes back to teacher Sompong. Some old people die because of cold. Teachers organise a concert donation (บริจาคคนจน) to get warm clothes for villagers. It is a success and such remote village gets awareness. Their next action is to convince village men to stop gambling. Tempting the luck (การเสี่ยงโชค) is the only hope of poor people. The teachers buy cheated dices to win village men’s money and have it reused to improve the school. Having no more pocket money, the village men keep drinking alcohol. One of the teachers simulates being sick because of the alcohol to convince them to stop drinking. Teachers convince villagers to work together and to prepare rice fields on mountains slopes. Wan is sick during rainy season and there is no more medicine. It is a nightmare to go to the nearest city and roads are stuck in the mud. There is no electricity in the village. Good weather is back. The teachers go to sell their products at the city. When they are back, Wan is dead. It is time for the four young teachers to be allocated to somewhere else. Teacher Sompong stays as he is a mountain teacher (ครูดอย) and villagers need him. Thanks to the teachers, villagers are now able to take care about themselves, take decision and do not rely on external help only. In this movie, director Surasee Phatham uses Isan music as background. His movie shows the dedication of the teachers going in remote areas with cold winter.
Year: 1982
Thai title: พลฯ ทองดีใจซื่อ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: ยอด มาลา
Main actor: Porjed Kaenpetch,Tuanton Kammeesri,Somchai Samipak,Krailat Kriengkrai,Wittaya Sukdamrong
Main actress: Moeifa,Anchalee Chaisiri
Thai movie พลฯ ทองดีใจซื่อ was released in year 1982 and lasts 1h43mn. It was released under VCD format by Lepso company. Movie director is ยอด มาลา. This is a social movie about Thai police (หนังสะท้อนชีวิต). Actors and actresses are Porjed Kaenpetch, Tuanton Kammeesri, Somchai Samipak, Krailat Kriengkrai, Moeifa, Montree Jenuksorn (มนตรี เจนอักษร), Wittaya Suk Damrong, Anchalee Chaisiri. The movie took place during Bangkok 200 years anniversary. Somchai Samipak welcomes a new promotion of fresh policemen including Thongdee, Samak, Krailat. They work in parallel with experienced policemen. Three addicts kidnap a child and ask for a car to flee. Child is released and Thongdee (Porjed Kaenpetch) even saves one of the ruffians jumping from the bridge. One policeman has seventeen years’ experience but never took bribes to make additional revenue (มือสะอาด) or additional job to make ends meet. Some policemen accept bribery and let truck drivers to go even if they committed infraction. Police inspector’s wife (Anchalee Chaisiri) doesn't follow law. Thongdee and his colleague have issues with her but her husband Tuanton Kammeesri agrees with the policemen’s actions. Tuanton Kammeesri got his position thanks to his wife. She is upset and is having an affair with drug addict. Krailat Kriengkrai is a policeman drinking alcohol. Thongdee and his colleague have issues with a child of a deputy. Rich kid believes relations can help them to avoid police. His mother is Moeifa (คุณหญิง). Even Thongdee’s boss is on Moeifa’s side and is blaming his own men. The deputy finally forces his wife and son to apologize. He blames the police boss saying that people, who build the country, are not the police inspector who stays in the air-conditioned room. Thongdee and nurse Duangjai are going to marry. Unfortunately, Thongdee is shot while police is trying to catch some robbers. Thongdee cannot speak anymore due to the injury and has to leave Thai police. Policeman salary (เงินเดือนหลวง) is very low. Two policemen families are living in a slum. One policeman, Samak, is fair. The other one is corrupted and gets extra money by getting money from citizen. Samak’s wife is fed up with her poor life and is seeing the corrupted policeman enjoying good life. Thai police help citizen and ensure law is applied (ระเบียบกฎหมาย). Police catches one deputy’s wife who was playing cards. Thai police helps a pregnant woman and a birth happens in a police car. Two Thai policemen save a lady wishing to get suicide as her husband has a minor wife. Finally, the corrupted policeman gets caught by his wife as he was having a minor wife, i.e. rich people problems... Samak is shot during a last mission before heading to his wife’s birthday. Krailat is also killed in front of Thongdee while trying to stop an altercation between small ruffians. This movie shows that they are good and dedicated Thai policemen to do their duty also and not only corrupted ones.
Year: 1981
Thai title: ค่าน้ำนม
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: เชาว์ มีคุณสุต
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Porjed Kaenpetch,Chat Mongkolchai,Somsak Chaisongkram,Kanchit Kwanpracha,Pipop Pupinyo,Joomjim Khemlek
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Naowarat Yooktanun,Wiyada Umarin,Yotsoi Komarachoon,Sulaleewan Suwanthat,Preeya Roongrueng
Buy now:
Thai movie ค่าน้ำนม was released in year 1981 and lasts 1h55mn. It was released under VCD format by Solar company and under DVD format by Happy Home Entertainment. It is a remake of the movie ชายผ้าเหลือง shot in 1974. This movie has a similar scenario to the version shot in 1974 but it focuses more about the mother suffering. Previous cinematographic versions were released in year 1953 and 1960 (with Mitr Chaibancha and Preeya Roongrueng). The story is about the love of a mother (Pissamai Wilaisak) towards her two sons, Khun Thong (Sorapong Chatree) and Salika (Porjed Kaenpetch). The mother Bua is widow since her husband was killed by bandits robbing her house. Pissamai wishes to have her two sons becoming monks in order to see them with brown robes (ชายผ้าเหลือง). She needs money to prepare the ceremony. She asks to borrow 2000 THB from the local subdistrict headman but he is unwillingly. Hopefully his daughter Kratin (Wiyada Umarin) pushes him. Another young lady, named Lamduan (Naowarat Yooktanun), also helps by offering money. While Salika is away having sweet talks with Malai (Yotsoi Komarachoon), bandits including village leader Chat Mongkolchai and Somsak Chaisongkram attack Bua's house. The mother is slightly injured and bandits flee away. One of them, Na Kha, is injured to the leg by Salika. The next day, Khun Thong realises Na Kha's injury is not done when chasing bandits but when attacking his home. He now understands that Na Kha previously killed his father 10 years ago during a similar robbery. Khun Thong, in self defense, shots Na khan. The mother's love becomes painful because Khun Thong has become an outlaw (เสือ). Malee, Na Kha’s daughter, is then upset with Salika as he is Khun Thong’s brother. Malee’s mother is played by Preeya Roongrueng. In real life, Preeya Roongrueng is also Yotsoi Komarachoon’s mother. Na Khan's son (โสธร รุ่งเรือง) uses Khun Thong's name to raid other houses so Khun Thong has no way to quit. Khun Thong is a Thai Robin Wood and gives help to the poorest. Khun Thong is still a good son and keeps the money he robbed for his mother and his younger brother to enter monkhood (บวชให้แม่). Rejected by both his mother and brother, who refuse dirty money (เงินโจรต้องอยู่กับโจร), Khun Thong decides to work as a peasant and carpenter to earn money from his hard work. But fate is against him. His girlfriend Kratin is trapped by Na khan son's gang, raped and killed. Khun Thong is accused again. His mother is disappointed by his behavior, saying it was not worth to educate him for becoming an outlaw and that feeding milk to him (ค่าน้ำนม) was such a waste. He becomes an outlaw again to catch Na Khan's son. Meanwhile, Na Kha’s son is upset with his sister Malee as she is pregnant with Salika. Sulaleewan Suwanthat protects Malee against her brother’s ire. Khun Thong wants his teammates (Kanchit Kwanpracha, Pipop Pupinyo, Joomjim Khemlek) to surrender and become good people. Finally he catches Na Khan's son, who recognizes all the evil he has done under Khun Thong's name. It is too late as her mother doesn't want to talk to Khun Thong anymore. Willing to die, he misbehaves a last time to force his mother to shoot him. Before dying, Khun Thong and his mother confirm their filial love and Khun Thong can grab Salika's yellow robe as his brother has become a monk. It is certainly one of the best roles of Sorapong Chatree.
Year: 1981
Thai title: ไข่ลูกเขย
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Piak Poster
Main actor: Toon Hiransap,Sor Asanajinda,Lor Tok,Settha Sirachaya,Somchai Samipak,Noppadol Duangporn,Krong Kangkengdaeng
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun,Juree Osiri
Thai movie ไข่ลูกเขย was released in year 1981 and lasts 1h50mn. A remastered version was released by Five Star Production (ไฟว์สตาร์โปรดักชั่น) in the decade 2010s and shown on Thai TV cable. The movie was released under VCD format by Solar company. The movie director is Piak Poster. This is a social Romantic Comedy. Mother Juree Osiri wishes to marry her daughter Rose (Naowarat Yooktanun) to Jongsak (Settha Sirachaya), a rich but insipid man. Her husband is played by Somchai Samipak. Tuan (Toon Hiransap) is going to the village to bring improvements. He meets Rose as her car splashes him with mud. As her car refuses to start anymore, he forces her to apologize before bringing her by bicycle to the village. Tieng (Sor Asanajinda) is the village leader and father of Tuan. Tuan is seen as a crazy guy by many villagers. Rose takes her revenge by taking his clothes away while he is bathing in a stream. She forces him to apologize to get his clothes back. As the school headmaster has to go to the city for a meeting, Tuan is the one to help with the children. At that time, there was one teacher for all class levels! Rose realizes that Tuan is a clever man. He is hiding his real identity. Following a conference in Bangkok, Rose's mother is charmed by a young man protecting the poor farmers rights versus the rich Bangkokian society. Turn spends time with Lok Tok to understand his tricks to beat local administration. Noppadol Duangporn wishes to become the new village leader. At nighttime, Tuan hacks Rose's radio in order to sing a song. She tries to unveil him but cannot. Finally, Rose befriends with Tuan. Noppadol informs the mother Juree. Juree complains to Rose that she is coming from a wealthy family with a high status so she shouldn't befriend a farmer. The father Somchai Samipak tries to temporize his wife. Noppadol has an objective to replace Tieng so he goes to meet the chief district officer in the city, Tuan tricks them by emptying their petrol tank and puts a laxative in their drinking water. The next day, they try to get revenge, but Tuan is good at Karate. Meanwhile Rose finds papers and pictures showing the real identity of Tuan. Tuan claims he had no choice as villagers would not trust a civil servant from Bangkok. It was the only way to see the real village problems, the good and bad things done by villagers. They go for a walk and get stuck by a storm. Juree, the mother, coming to inspect her daughter, is then very worried. On the next day, she refuses her daughter Rose to come here again. Upset, Rose claims she sees people value by their achievements and not by their money. She claims Tuan and she are now wife and husband in order to stay in the village. The mother is upset as her daughter marries a poor farmer (คนบ้านนอก). Her husband, Somchai, knows the truth, but doesn't disclose it. Juree tries to bring back her daughter to her home, but she fails. As the village leader is reaching retirement, a new village leader has to be elected. Noppadol is facing Krong Kangkengdaeng. Krong is winning by far as he is more popular. There is a new bailiff (ปลัดอำเภอ) nominated in the area. It is Tuan! Through a good speech, he reminds villagers that he, as a civil servant, is here to serve them and not the opposite! Rose goes back to her home with Tuan. The mother is upset as he keeps singing. On the next day, Jongsak comes to flirt with Rose, but Tuan exits his room wearing a bailiff uniform. Tuan apologizes to the mother and discloses his real identity. The mother is now delighted that her daughter marries Tuan.
Year: 1981
Thai title: สาย สีมา นักสู้สามัญชน
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: หนุ่ม '22
Main actor: Somchai Samipak
Main actress:
Thai movie สาย สีมา นักสู้สามัญชน was released in year 1981 and lasts 1h40mn. The movie was never released on the market under any kind of format. The movie reels were still available in Thai film Archives. Thai film archives released the movie under YouTube in the year 2021. Movie director is หนุ่ม ’22. Thai actors and actresses featured in this movie are โปรยชัย ชโลมเวียง, ศรอนงค์ นวศิลป์, บัญญัติ สุรการวิทย์, เซอิจิ อุโดะ, ทาดาชิ โอโนซากิ. The Thai movie สาย สีมา นักสู้สามัญชน (1981) is based on the novel "ปีศาจ". The movie was elected as Thai National Film Heritage (มรดกภาพยนตร์แห่งชาติ) in 2021. The novel Pisat / ปีศาจ was released in year 1953. The movie takes place after World War 2. Young boy Sai Seema is going to study in Bangkok with a monk. He is leaving his family and getting the opportunity to study in Bangkok. Now being an adult, Sai Seema (สายสีมา)(โปรยชัย ชโลมเวียง) meets young lady Ratchanee at a high-so party. Ratchanee comes from a rich family. Her father denigrates the commoners and see his family as high-so (ผู้ดี). Ratchanee (รัชนี) has got a university diploma, but she is not working. She follows her father's guidance but wishes to work. Her best friend is a teacher and they studied at university together. She encourages Ratchanee to do something as not using her knowledge towards society is a waste. Ratchanee's father doesn't like his daughter to meet commoners. The teacher compares herself with Ratchanee and believes she has more happiness and freedom being poor. Pressed by his daughter Ratchanee, the father finally accepts that she works in a company as he knows the owner. Both parents are reluctant as they are rich, so their daughter shouldn't work. Sai Seema is also working there as a lawyer. Ratchanee has a small argument with Sai, mentioning high-so people cannot understand how real people are struggling beyond simple external vision (แตกต่างฟ้ากับดิน). Spying his daughter, the father doesn't want her to eat with men at lunchtime. The teacher thinks about teaching poor children in the countryside as it has more value and usefulness than teaching kids in cities. At the beach, Ratchanee sees Somchai Samipak flirting with younger ladies. She realizes that high-so people have two faces, i.e. private and public face. Ratchanee meets Sai later at the beach. There is a reflection if people's high position in society is linked to destiny or to good / bad deeds. Sai believes it can be changed. Unlike his lawyer associate, Sai is not interested in easy money. Sai meets Ratchanee's father, but the meeting doesn't go well. Following a legal case, Sai goes back to his village to try to solve it by reaching an agreement instead of going to court. His associate doesn't understand him. His former teacher asks Sai to help him to sue villagers, who own him money, but he refuses despite gratitude (กตัญญู) he has towards the teacher as the villagers are poor and are same as his family. He asks the teacher to freeze for one to two years, but he refuses. Sai wishes to bring Ratchanee so that she can see the difficult life of people in the countryside with no electricity, no water, and no hospital. It makes her father angry as high study should be used to make big money. It is not Sai's point of view, not forgetting his roots and wishing to help villagers, who get abused as they have no knowledge of the laws. Ratchanee meets a young man, Klai See, coming back from overseas study following her parents' arrangement. The teacher meets her friend there. In the countryside, older generation pay deep respect to officials (ราชการเป็นนาย). They should not… The subdistrict headman Sin claims to have title deed (โฉนดที่ดิน) and threatens to expel people living there for decades if they don't pay rent to him. They refuse and conflict happens. The chief district officer tries to find a middle solution and so is finally transferred. Sai promises to help as he is also a son of farmers. While walking along the river, Sai is shot and injured. He talks to the group of people he suspects to have shot him. He claims he has no hidden agenda and does not get paid for such a lawyer job. Ratchanee's parents are upset that Sai often visits their daughter. They call him Pisat (devil) and are worried he will corrupt their daughter with his ideas of equality, support for poor people etc... Her parents want her to marry Klai See, but she refuses. His lawyer colleague messes up a case and lies to the defendant. Later, the colleague invites Sai to meet the lawyer of the opposite side, but it is a corruption tentative. Sai refuses. The farmers were the one to transform the arid land into a garden for generations, so they deserve more than the small offering of the opposite side. The father invites Sai to a diner to announce Klai See and Ratchanee’s engagement. He also takes the opportunity to humiliate Sai, but he is the one humiliated. Sai has no wish to join a high-so family as they do represent the past. At nighttime, Ratchanee flees her home to be with Sai. She is ready to lose everything.
Year: 1980
Thai title: เงาะป่า
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Prince Bhanu Yukol,Piak Poster
Main actor: Jatuphol Poopirom,Pinyo Parnnui
Main actress:
Buy now:
Thai movie เงาะป่า was released in year 1980 and lasts 1h32mn. It was released under VCD format. It was remastered in full HD format by Five Star production in mid-2010s. Movie director is Piak Poster. This movie takes place in a tribe located in a forest. They have all a dark skin so are called "เงาะป่า" tribe. Sompla (Jatuphol Poopirom) is a young fearless man skilled in animal hunt with blowpipe and knowledgeable in medicinal herbs and plants. The tribe is wearing clothes like South Pacific tribes. Lamhap (ศศิธร ปิยะกาญจน์) is the daughter of the local sorcerer (หมอผี). The local sorcerer would like Sompla to become the next sorcerer as he is getting older but Sompla refuses. The tribe exchanges goods from the forest with Thai villagers at the market. Anao, the village leader’s son, is good at sales so Lamhap’s parents appreciate him. The movie highlights their everyday life in the forest, i.e. getting fruits and food from the forest, be aware of danger such as snake and tiger... It is a beautiful ode to natural life. There is a contest to shoot flowers and to win ladies hearts. Jealousy happens between Sompla and the village leader’s son, Anao (Pinyo Parnnui), as both love Lamhap. Lamhap prefers Sompla but the marriage decision is linked to her parents’ choice. The village leader wants his son to become the next leader and wishes Anao to marry Lamhap. After a misunderstanding with Sompa, Lamhap accepts to marry the village leader’s son. The wedding is beautifully shot, and it reminds about Thai movie "The old scar" (แผลเก่า), which also features portraiture of Thai culture and way of life through a tragic romance. Sompa ruins the wedding night by making noise and sending rocks on their roof. While Anao goes out to catch the intruders, Sompla kidnaps Lamhap. The movie includes beautiful ambient light shooting with torches as the village leader’s family is chasing them. Sompla and Lamhap flee. They go deep inside the forest. They are tracked down due their fire smoke. A fight happens between Sompa and Anao. The winner shall get Lamhap. Sompa wins by attracting Anao inside the deep forest instead of fighting inside a clearing. Unfortunately, another fighter shoots Sompla with a poisonous arrow. Sompla dies and Lamhap kills herself over Sompla's body. This movie was directed by the General Major His Royal Highness Prince Bhanu Yukol, a pioneering Thai filmmaker. He was the uncle of famous director Prince ChatriChalerm Yukol. Thai actor Jatuphol Poopirom received a posthumous Thai award for his performance as he died in 1981 in a car accident. The movie soundtrack mixes a traditional and entertaining music. It is based on a novel (Romance of the Sakai) by Thai King Rama 5. 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: 1980
Thai title: เจ้าพายุ
English title: Thunder Kid
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kom Akadej
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Sombat Methanee,Manop Aussawathep,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Dam Datsakorn,Somsak Chaisongkram,Lak Apichat,Choomporn Theppitak,Somchai Samipak,Chat Mongkolchai,Pipop Pupinyo,Siripong Isarangkul,Paen Pleumsachai,Pao Porapak
Main actress: Supansa Nuengpirom,Piathip Kumwong,Thitima Sangkapitak,Duangcheewan Komolsen
Thai movie เจ้าพายุ was released in year 1980 and lasts 1h55mn. It was never released in Thailand but is still available overseas in Sweden as it was sold through VHS format. Palat (Sombat Methanee) rapes Piathip Kumwong, his former wife, as he is upset she has another lover (Manop Aussawathep). A kid is born from this relationship but it has no recognized father (ไม่มีพ่อแต่ต้องมีชื่อ). Manop is said to be Yu's father. Uncle (พ่อลุง) Jaeng (Prachuap Ruekyamdee) names the kid as Thunder (เจ้าพายุ), as he is born during a storm, but his nickname is Yu. When Yu was 3 years old, Piathip left home as Palat was having a new wife called Duangcheewan. Being adults, Eum (Thitima Sangkapitak) and Yu (Sorapong Chatree) love each other since childhood. Eum's parents promise her to another man called To (Dam Datsakorn). Palat, Somsak Chaisongkram and To try everything to break this relationship. Eum and Yu flee but are chased by Palat and ruffians led by To. Yu accepts to surrender and is sent to prison. Manop Aussawathep, father of Yu, learns that Palat has been nominated as chief district. He still has a debt to pay with Palat. While Palat is resting with his family, he does attack them. Palat’s new wife (Duangcheewan Komolsen) is shot dead. Pho Seua (Choomporn Theppitak) in prison teaches Yu to master resistance and strength. Yu becomes friend with Pha (Lak Apichat) in prison. Eum, knowing that Yu's father killed Duangcheewan, cannot marry Yu anymore and accepts to marry To. Yu is devastated to learn this news. After a while, Yu is released from jail. Pha is waiting for him. Yu helps Sia Wiwat (Somchai Samipak) and his daughter Chan (Supansa Nuengpirom) Chan having issues with ruffians. He has conflicts with Chat Mongkolchai, head of workers (ป่าไม้). Meanwhile To sends some men (Somsak Chaisongkram and Pipop Pupinyo) to get rid of Yu. Siripong Isarangkul is playing the big boss. They push Manop to force his own son Pha to get rid of Yu. Pha and Yu are in fact brothers. As Pha refuses to kill Yu, To sends Paen Pleumsachai to kill him but it fails as Pha is only injured. Pha gets revenge by shooting Siripong Isarangkul. To's hidden plan is to get rid of Sia Sawat, Yu and to get the sawmill for himself and to get Chan as wife for Chat. Chat uses heavy machine to drop tree logs on the office, where Sia Wiwat and uncle Jaeng are working. Uncle Jaeng dies. Yu has to take revenge on Chat and To. Yu chases To until he can kill him. Final fighting does occur between Manop, Palat and Yu. Manop catches Yu and threatens to kill him if Palat doesn’t surrender. Yu is Palat’s real son! Piathip already lost one son so she cannot accept this and shoots Manop.
Year: 1980
Thai title: ก่องข้าวน้อยฆ่าแม่
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Piya Trakulrard,Noppadol Duangporn
Main actress: Wassana Sitthiweth
Buy now:
The story takes place in Isan region, Northeast of Thailand, in Yasothon province. Local traditions are nicely shown in this movie. Molam (หมอลำ) music is played with reed mouth organ (แคน) during the village feast. Bald men compete against each other, head against head. This traditional game is called “Bald head smashing” (หัวล้านชนกัน). Isan traditions such as dances and music are featured. A mother has two grown-up children. She is always worried about them (ลูกแม่ เป็นห่วง). Thong is her son and Boonsi is her daughter. Thong gets seriously hit on the head during a fight and it takes him a few days to recover. Typical Isan ceremonies such as Bai si Ceremony (พิธีบ่ายศรีสู่ขวัญ) are shown. Villagers techniques to get red ants (มดอดง), to get small wood, to catch tree lizard (กิ้งก่า), to capture frog (กบ) or fishing methods are nicely shown. Life was harsh in villages with no electricity. There is only one season for rice so most of the time rice fields are dry. SaiBua (สายบัว) is a young village girl. Saibua and Thong love each other. Thong needs to fight with a young man called Sao as they love the same woman. Finally Saibua becomes Thong's wife but outside a wedding. Her family has no choice than accept (ยกให้). A proper wedding is organised. Sing and Boonsi do the same thing! The grandmother wants a grandson (หลาน). Thong loses money when playing game so making his wife and mother upset. Thong has a crisis and almost hit his wife and mother. Life is ongoing through the seasons. SaiBua is now pregnant. Saibua dreams that Thong’s mother is leaving them as she saw her as a nun (แม่ชี). One day the mother is giving alms at the village Buddhist temple. Thong is in rice fields using his buffalo to work on the soil. Saibua is at home doing chores. His mother prepares sticky rice for him. But Thong starts to be upset as he has no food to eat. He is very angry. He believes a little bit of food is given to him. Losing temper and without really noticing it, he hurts his mother. As sticky rice was compacted, it is in fact a lot and Thong is not able to finish it. He realizes too late that he has hurt and killed his own mother. He is a bad son as he hit his own mother. A trial (ศาล) is organized to judge Thong. He has done a sin (ปาบ), he is an ungrateful child (ความชั่วของลูก), an evil person (สัตว์นรก, ลูกทรพี). He gets authorisation from the tribunal to build a small pagoda (พระธาตุ) to host his mother bones (เวรกรรม). He works very hard under the harshness of a guard. The small food he gets is offered to his mum. The pagoda is finished (ขออิฐ) as a way to compensate (ชดเชย) his evil part. He has difficulty to get separated from his wife, child and sister but it is time for punishment. His head is cut. During the last executor dance, the executor reminds to Thong that there is nothing personal and it is just his duty to perform. This story ensures that Thai children always respect their parents and the pagoda is said to be located in Yasothon province (ธาตุก่องข้าวน้อยฆ่าแม่ จ.ยโสธร). This movie belongs to the same movie family as “A Child of the Northeast” (ลูกอีสาน) as it gives a realistic picture of Isan region. The movie picture is quite colorless sometimes.
Year: 1980
Thai title: สุดรักสุดอาลัย
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: พันธุ์เทพ อรรถไกวัลวที
Main actor: Pisarn Akraseranee,Manop Aussawathep,Krai Kanchit,Pao Porapak,Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri,Sompong Phonmitr
Main actress:
Thai movie สุดรักสุดอาลัย was released in year 1980 and lasts 1h55mn. It was released under VHS format. This Thai movie is based on US movie "The Champ" (1979). Movie director is พันธุ์เทพ อรรถไกวัลวที. Pisan (Pisarn Akraseranee) is a former boxing champion. He has to quit seven years ago due to a brain issue. He still has a dream to go back on the ring. He is leaving alone with his son Chapan (เดชดวง อนุศาสนนันท์), being seven years old. He is divorced with Farida (ฟารีดา บุณยศักดิ์), who left him for a richer man, i.e. Nop (Manop Aussawathep) seven years ago. Pisan often drinks and gambles (พนัน). He bets 100 Baht and wins 150 000 Baht. He buys a horse for his son as a gift. The horse joins horse racing competition. The horse falls and is injured. Being also at the horse racing club, Farinda meets Chapan, her son, for the first time. Pisan is still very upset and refuses Farinda to tell his son that she is her mother as she left them seven years ago. Pisan told Chapan that his mother was dead (ตายแล้ว). Farida knows she is guilty and wishes to take care of Chapan also. She offers expensive gifts (ของแพงๆ). Krai Kanchit and Pao Porapak manage an underground casino. While betting, Pisan and Nop meet. Nop tries to convince him that Chapan still needs a mother. Pisan refuses. 20 000 Baht debt happens as Pisan gets upset. He cannot find any friends to lend him 20 000 baht. He has to ask Farinda. Krai still comes to get the horse as he doesn't believe Pisan can pay back the debt. A fighting erupts and police catches Pisan. Pisan has to stay in jail a while. Chapan stays in Farinda's home as his father Pisan forces him to go there. He would prefer to stay with uncle Sompong Phonmitr or with นภาพร หงสกุล. Chapan, learning that Farida is his mother, rejects her as she is not living with her father anymore. Pisan even asks Farida to come back. The boxing ring manager (Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri) accepts Pisan back as boxer despite the health risks as Pisan wants to gain money to build a future for his son (studies, house). They train together. Farida gives also support (กำลังใจ) to Pisan. Farinda decides to go back living with her son. The boxing match happens. Pisan wins the first part of the match but the youth of his opponent allows him to come back. Pisan's vision starts to alter as he gets hit at the head. He is knocked down twice but refuses to stop. He finally wins his match but collapses in the cloakroom. Before dying, he asks Chapan to stay with Farida, who is a good person (ต้องการพ่อ / ต้องการอยู่กับพ่อ).
Year: 1980
Thai title: หยาดพิรุณ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Yodchai Meksuwan,Settha Sirachaya,Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak
A Young lady, called Fai, gives her baby to a rich couple as her husband left her. Her husband is a rickshaw driver and both come from low fringe of Thai society. The baby is named Yat Phirun (หยาดพิรุณ) or Nam Fon as nickname. The new father loves her a lot but the mother Taisanee despises her. They have a second daughter called Nam Phet. Eighteen years passed. Takrit (Sorapong Chatree), young man, is frequenting the daughters. The mother Taisanee still believes Nam Fon is same as her real mother and so should have hot sexual temper (มีไฟ) as she is coming from a poor background. Nam Fon sometimes loses consciousness and forgets what she has just done. Takrit visits the parents' home with his friend Kiti. Nam Fon is sometimes crazy due to painful headaches as she didn't get any love from mother Taisanee (ใจร้าย). The father wishes to separate temporarily his wife and Nam Fon. Nam Fon stays at an aunt's house. Her headaches disappear but then come back. The uncle tries to take advantage of Nam Fon at nighttime. She hits him with a vase but doesn't remember. The uncle claims she enticed him but she refuses to accept a fault (รับผิด) that she didn't do. It will be same as lying (โกหก). Nam Fon is having a double personality syndrome. When she has big headaches, she speaks alone with a low society pronunciation (เสียงประหลาด). Her double personality is called Yat Fon (ผู้ดี - ผู้ต่ำ). She invites Kiti to go out willingly. Takrit meets her in a nightclub at the time Tiki was bringing her to a motel. He rescues her. As the uncle acknowledges his bad behavior, the father and Takrit know that Nam Fon has a problem. The father entrusts Takrit to cure Nam Fon as there is no help to expect from mother Taisanee. Takrit sends her to see a psychanalyst, who uses hypnotism to know the truth. Nam Fon has a split personality (วิญญาณหนึ่งดี - วิญญาณหนึ่งร้าย). Takrit thinks to marry Nam Fon so that she can be far from Taisanee, reduces her headaches and have the double personality die. One body two personalities. Nam Fon's father comes back after 18 years. He asks for 20 000 baht. Taisanee wants to send back Nam Fon to her real father (บุญธรรม). It is too much and Yat Fon beats Taisanee. Taisanee gives money to Nam Fon's father so that he can take her away. Yat Fon is back again and takes a knife to threathen Taisanee and her father. The man acknowledges he is a liar and not her real father, who died already. Taisanee loses consciousness and is sent to hospital. Yat Fon dies in order to be able to give happiness to Nam Fon. Taisanee acknowledges her mistakes and a new relationship can start with Nam Fon. This movie features soundrack from Jerry Goldsmith used in American horror movie The Omen. Pissamai Wilaisak plays swimmingly the bad mother role. This movie highlights prejudices over low society people.
Year: 1980
Thai title: ไอ้ย่ามแดง
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Chao Meekunsut
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Manop Aussawathep,Uten Boonyong
Main actress: Supansa Nuengpirom,Duangcheewan Komolsen
Buy now:
Two young boys, Tom and Palad, are close friends. Following a game, one of the kid is injured. His friend Tom has to steal some medicine. The shop owner dies while trying to catch him. Palad becomes a Buddhist novice so they lose contact. Tom (Sorapong Chatree) is now a grown up adult. His girlfriend Malee is already promised to somebody else, i.e. to the ruffian Ying (Manop Aussawathep), by her father. Tom overturns ruffian Ying's boat and then announces that Malee is already his wife. Wedding is canceled but Ying promises revenge over Tom. Tom and Malee have real happiness and are living as farmers. Malee becomes pregnant (กำลังจะมีลูก). Malee is kidnapped by Ying's ruffians while Tom is working in rice fields. Tom wishes to have his child back (จะเอาลูกของกู). As Ying is good friend with the local district officer (กำนัน), nothing Tom can do. The dictrict officer's daughter called Boonlam (Supansa Nuengpirom) is upset by this. Ying has already a wife (Duangcheewan Komolsen). Malee refuses to eat. Tom starts to believe Malee abandoned him but he needs to get his child back. Tom becomes crazy due to sadness (เสียใจถึงเป็นคนบ้า). Tom with long hair is wandering around and acts like a child. As Malee's father becomes too disturbing, he gets shot by Ying's ruffians. While Ying is away, Ying's first wife stabs Malee as she complains Malee is taking Ying away from her. Being wrongly informed that Malee has delivered the baby, Tom only finds Malee's bloody corpse. He gets accused by Ying's wife regarding Malee murder. He gets the foetus baby from Malee's tummy and flees. Tom takes refuge in a Buddhist temple. Ying asks the district officer to catch Tom as he is a dangerous crazy man. Boonlam complains that her father better arrests those who made Tom become crazy. One of Ying's ruffian, a dwarf, tries to rape Ying's wife but as she resists, he stabs her and accuses Tom. Tom has become crazy and sings lullaby to the dead baby. He takes revenge over the district officer. One day, Boonlam is also agressed by the dwarf and another ruffian. Tom, mistaking her as Malee, saves her. Boonlam explains to him that the baby is already dead. She has pity of him (สงสาร) and washes his dirty bloody clothes. Due to a storm, she spends the night with Tom. Palad (Uten Boonyong), Boonlam's fiance, is an administrative officer. Palad is Tom's former friend during childhood. Boonlam wishes Tom to surrender (มอบตัว). A crime is done again by somebody wearing same clothes as Tom. Tom is accused again but finally Palad get proofs that Ying is behind everything. A tentative to arrest Ying degenerates in shootings. Finally Tom kills Ying but also cuts his own threat, unable to support anymore a life full of deaths (ในชีวิตมีแค่ความตาย). Boonlam has no time to tell him that he was declared not guilty by administration. Ai Yam Daeng (ไอ้ย่ามแดง) is a strong movie directed by Chao Meekunsut. It highlights corruption and dark influence impact on poor people like Tom. A new DVD from Happy Home was released in year 2012 but the sound is a bit unstable in volume. Sorapong delivers again great acting performance.
Year: 1980
Thai title: อุกาฟ้าเหลือง
English title: The Yellow Sky
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sor Asanajinda
Main actress:
Buy now:
ChatriChalerm Yukol portrays environmental problems in this movie about the sea overexploitation in South of Thailand. Sam is a young fisherman living with an old man. Sam has a lazy girlfriend called Boonta. The old man has also adopted a young girl, Dookmai, 10 years ago when her parents died in a forceful storm over the sea. Such forceful storm accompanied with a yellowing sky is called อุกาฟ้าเหลือง. The old man lives in harmony with the sea and blames fishermen who uses grenades to catch fish. These grenades kill many fishes and destroy the coral, which hosts fishes. Once the coral is dead, fishes disappear. It is an easy way to get immediately many fishes but without thinking about the future impacts. It is forbidden by law but a local politician with the fishermen boss is preventing any changes. Boonta wants a better life and convinces Sam to leave the old man in order to work with other fishermen and earn more money. Sam is working hard on a big drifter with huge nets that catch big, small fishes and even species that are not edible. if fishermen catch small fishes, those small fishes can never grow and reproduce them-selves. The old man successfully succeeds to have the sea police to capture a fishboat using grenades to catch fishes. One fisherman group leader promises to get his revenge. Meanwhile the local politician and the fishermen boss have arguments. The local politician hires a hitman to kill him. The hitman knows Boonta since her youth. Boonta is seduced by the man as he is offering to her an opportunity to leave the South and go to Bangkok. They become lovers. The fishermen boss is killed but before his death tells everything to Sam. Sam repeats to Boonta, who then tells her lover, the hitman. Following a tragic chase in the mangrove, the hitman kills her and decides to get rid of Sam also. Followed by the hitman and the fisherman group leader, Sam, who is injured, take refuges in the old man's house. The old man, knowing that another forceful storm is coming, goes to face the hitman in order to slow him down. He dies but both the hitman and the fisherman group leader disappear within the sea due to forceful storm. Those who hurted the sea have been punished by the sea. It is certainly Sor Asanajinda's best role ever as an old fisherman respecting the sea.
Year: 1979
Thai title: รอยไถ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Neramit,Sor Asanajinda
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Sor Asanajinda,Somphob Benjatikul,Sompol Kongsuwan
Main actress: Nantana Ngao Krajang,Wassana Sitthiweth
Thai movie รอยไถ was released in year 1979. The movie lasts 1h48mn. Four versions were directed 1950, 1960, 1979, 1989. Same main actor (Sorapong Chatree) and same main actress (Nantana Ngao Krajang) as “The Scar” (แผลเก่า) - 1976 are playing. Other actors are สุพรรณ บูรณะพิมพ์, Sompol Kongsuwan, จำนง, จิตติน, โกร๋น บางกรวย. Movie directors are Neramit (เนรมิต) and Sor Asanajinda. Talui (Sor Asanajinda), หมอลุย, is a bit crazy but respected as a father by Leu. Leu (Sorapong Chatree) losts his two buffaloes by gambling to Plien. Phan (Wassana Sitthiweth) blames him for this. Leu is brother in law (พี่เคย) of Phan. Leu is married to Pheuan (Nantana Ngao Krajang) and is having one child. Finally Leu defeats the ruffians by fighting as they are unrespectful to Phan. The ruffians (นักเลง) are wishing to take Phan and Pheuan as wives. Oon (Somphob Benjatikul) always wanted to marry Pheuan but he was too late. Bua, the mother, is helping Oon. Bua is upset with Leu as he is poor and lost his mother's heritage by gambling. Oon tries to reignite his love (ย้อนรัก) with Pheuan, who is now considering fleeing from Leu. Pheuan has pity on Leu (ข้าวเปล่าอร่อยดี) and her son so she keeps crying. While Leu is busy repairing the roof, Oon forces her to come as she is still undecided until the last minute. Wedding is happening soon. Oon is worried that Leu will bring a mess and wants to avoid a bloody celebration (ฉลองกับเลือด). Likay is organized. Leu brings his son to Phan and promises to get revenge up to Bangkok as he suffered a lot. Meanwhile Leu hears about the forthcoming wedding. He finally escapes with Pheuan but ruffians are chasing them. He gets injured through a fight versus too many opponents. Talui diverts their attention thanks to firecrackers and helps him to flee. Oon prevents the village headman to use a gun to shoot Leu. The village headman is upset having his men injured so they are looking after Leu. Talui helps Leu same as a father towards a son. Phan takes care of Leu and his son while Leu is sick. Leu understands Phan would have been a better wife than Pheuan. Meanwhile Talui prepares some tricks against the ruffians. The movie ends tragically. Loi, Pheuan and Phan’s brother, and Talui die while protecting Leu’s house. Even their mother die also. Oon, recognizing his mistake, accepts to give back Pheuan but Leu refuses. He realises too late that Talui is his real father. Having nothing left, he finally quits the area with Phan.
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: 1979
Thai title: บัณฑิตเหลือแดน
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Chai Meekunsut
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Manop Aussawathep
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Lalana Sulawan,Nipaporn Nongnuch
A farmer couple with two young daughters quit their land to find jobs and a better life in Bangkok. Wan and her younger sister Wannee have now grown up. Their father wants them to study up to university and become บัณฑิต (graduate). Unfortunately he died before during an accident on a construction site. The mother is working in a short time motel and washes bed sheet. As Wan studies are expensive and the mother has a small salary, the mother has no choice but to accept sexual proposals from a customer called Atasit in order to get money for her daughter studies. Meanwhile Wan meets a young man called Narat and a love story starts. Following her mother disease and expensive hospital fees, Wan has also no choice than to sell her body to Atasit to get money. Atasit wants to meet her again but this transaction was only financial and based on necessity (ความจำเป็น). Narat asks to marry Wan. Meanwhile Atasit also seduces the younger sister Wannee for similar financial issues. Wan asks him to stop but he refuses. All the women of the same family have the same fate with Atasit because they are coming from a poor background. The mother tries to help her daughters. The daughters try to help their mother. The movie ends up tragically. Wannee dies due to miscarriage and heavy loss of blood. Wan decides to kill Atasit to have him pay for his sins but her mother kills him first in order to take the judicial blame and avoid ruining all the efforts done by her and her former husband to have Wan become a successful graduate. Finally Atasit was Narat's father... This damned life mixing poor people from the country side and rich Bangkokian people ends up in a wreckage for all.
Year: 1979
Thai title: คนกลางแดด
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Noppadol Duangporn,Ron Rittichai
Main actress:
Buy now:
Phlaew and Na have a small company producing ice and transporting it to customers. They share profit 50-50. They are living in a Bangkok slum where families support each other. Phaew is a nice guy. He is sending local children to school and help to send Maew, little girl having respiratory problems, to hospital. Poor children from slum have no time to do homework after school because they sell flowers, newspapers at traffic light intersections. It is a hard job to sell garlands and get revenue when it is the rainy season. Poor people has no time to study as they need to earn money to survive but get blamed by teacher when they arrive late to school or when they couldn't do homework because they were too tired. There is a contrast between rich children playing piano and poor children playing with bamboo. They dream of changing lifes, i.e. sell clothes instead of selling flower garlands. Elders are gambling and drinking. There are internal family fighting on savings. Pa, middle age woman, borrows money from local mafia den. Pa and Na lose at horse betting and Pa cannot reimburse the mafia den. Pa's husband fled away because of her gambling habit and because her daughter got handicapped by a cart while the mother played cards. Pa gets hit by mafia tough men because she cannot give money back. Phlae celebrates his birthday with all poor kids and Na. Alcohol helps them to forget their problems temporary. Phlaew discovers that Na was unfair with him since two years because he doesn't know how to read. Na didn't share the revenue honestly. Phlaew asks for 30 000 Baht to pay back Pa debts and to do good for her daughter Phae. Pa encounters Na when going to give back money to mafia. He convinces her to bet on Thai boxing following a tip he got. When he realizes that the money they bet is coming from Phlaew it is too late. Meanwhile the mafia tough guys are looking for Pa. They look after her daughter Phae to locate the mother. The local insane guy, who tries to protect Phae and Maew, is hit by a knife. Due to the fear, Maew died due to her respiratory problems. Phlaew asks for revenge. One of the participants brings them to the boss, who is getting and selling land from slums in order to build modern buildings. A deadly fight erupts in which Na gets shot. The boss gets badly hurt but survives. Slum people get caught by the Police. Before dying Maew, the little girl, has writen a text to celebrate the Bangkok 200 years anniversary. Bangkok development is done on the back of poor people. Bangkok is not an angel city anymore. People in slum are moved from one place to another following Bangkok development. To chase people from slums, their houses are often burnt. This movie highlights their difficult and poor living condition (youngsters addicted to cheap drugs, poverty, insalubrity...) but they still have a good heart towards each other in a similar way to people living in up-country villages. "คนกลางแดด" means the people under the sun. Slum people same as villagers are second class citizen. This movie has also been registered as National Heritage per the 2016 list released by the Thai Film Archive.
Year: 1979
Thai title: หนองหมาว้อ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surasee Phatham
Main actor: Noppadol Duangporn
Main actress: Wassana Sitthiweth
Buy now:
The teacher called Piya is dead but the young lady teacher continues to stay in the village. Farmers have many debts, so are forced to sell at low price the harvest before reaping. They are being cheated. The young lady teacher convinces the farmers to unite themselves in cooperatives in order to sell in common after reaping and to get the "real" market price. One hundred chariots leaded by buffaloes bring the rice into the city. But the powerful buyers don't agree... Her life is in danger.
Year: 1979
Thai title: ไผ่แดง
English title: Red bamboo
Rating: 5/5
Director: Permpol Choei-arun
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Suchao Pongwilai,Krailat Kriengkrai
Main actress: Lalana Sulawan
Buy now:
Red bamboo is a novel writen by famous writer M.R. Kukrit Pramoj in 1954. It was reprinted 19 times and translated in 9 languages. It is adapted from "The Little World of Don Camillo". The movie deals about the opposition between the new faith (Communism) and the old faith (Buddhism). It is about the conflicts that arose between traditional Thai village life and the forces of modernization that were transforming the country. It takes place in Isan region, northeastern part of Thailand. It is the hot season. Kwen is a local villager but he is seen as a communist even if he doesn't fully understand the doctrine foundations. He wants to refuse the help from government. Monk and government are working together to give food to poor villagers. Evan Luang Pho Buddha statue is magically giving advice to the abbot, Sompan, as sometimes he has also doubts ansd weaknesses. Kwen, the red communist, helps villagers and challenges the local power regarding debt cycle and the current society behavior. When Kwen was a child, he was friend (สหาย) with Sompan. Kwen believes that religion is hurt by the politics as they are too close. The government uses the Buddhist religion as an ally. Both Sompan, the abbot, and Kwen, the red communist, want to help poor people but not in the same way. The abbot is seen as a traitor (ทรยศ) by the communists. The rain finally comes. Kwen thinks that religion is only helping people when they are hungry in order that later they do donations to the temple. A Chinese moneylender, called Sia, is present in the village. The villagers believe time has arrived and that communist rebellion will happen. They plan to get weapons and arrest the monks. Kwen warns his friend Sompan but he refuses to leave. Finally the rebellion was only a falso rumour. Tom is one of Kwen's partisan. Tom doesn't want to ordain 15 days but finally accepts to ease his aging mother (ไม่นับถือศาสนา). Sompan is first reluctant to accept. Another Kwen's partisan, Thip, causes trouble. Thip’s girlfriend, Kathiem, is three months pregnant. Kathiem would like to follow up traditions but Thip refuses (ไม่ย่อมแต่ง) to follow as traditions are a threat to own liberty (เสรี). Love shall prevail over traditions. Finally the wedding happens. On top of this Tom is not willing to disrobe. So Kwen is angry with Sompan (หลอกชาวบ้าน). A fake monk raises belief into spirits in order to get money from villagers but he is expelled by Sompan. Meanwhile the Chinese moneylender gets some villagers' land and rent it to them! There is still no school in the village. Sompan and Kwen support each other to help financing the school (บริจาค). As the money is not enough, Sompan gives money from the temple to help build the school (โรงเรียนประชาชน). Tom and the subdistrict headman’s daughter like each other so Tom disrobes. Tom's mother has no land anymore as she sold it to get money from the Chinese moneylender. There is an issue to decide on the location of the school. The two villages are separated by a small bridge. A meeting is organized in the Buddhist temple to solve the conflict (โรงเรียนใหม่). The school shall be built on the bridge so it is really in the middle of the two villages. But the soil now belongs to rich moneylender Sia. Sia already agreed with the district Chief Officer to build a dam so arguments raise between Sia and the villagers. The soil transfer is found as illegal as it was not officially stamped. Ruffians come with guns. So the villagers have to flee but Kwen prepares a plan to fight back. Kwen wishes to fight against corrupted officials. Villagers capture Sia and his ruffians during nighttime. Finally a high ranking official recognizes that Sia is a dishonest man and thanks the villagers for their action towards him. The school can now be completed. Collaboration between Kwen and Sompan is finally successful as Kwen accepts to ease down his communist aspirations. In 1990, a Thai TV serie (ละคร) based on the same story was produced This movie has also bee registered as National Heritage per the 2016 list released by the Thai Film Archive.
Year: 1979
Thai title: คนภูเขา
English title: Mountain People
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wichit Khunawut
Main actor:
Main actress: Nunthawan Mekyai
Buy now:
It is about life of a highlander. Chased from his village, it narrates his struggling life. This movie shows hilltribes life (Yao, Akkha, Lao), customs and animist beliefs. It also shows the way that Thai people treat them (cheating them, corrupting them by selling them goods they don't need, encouraging them to produce opium). A VCD released by Solar Company lasts 2h05mn. A recent remastered version on VCD and DVD lasts 2h12mn.
Year: 1978
Thai title: กุญแจรัก
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Somsak Chaisongkram,Somkuan Krajangsat
Main actress: Nantana Ngao Krajang,Suphanee Jitthieng
Toon's former boyfriend, Bati, dies in a parachute accident. Her parents send her to study in France in order to forget this sad story. Doctor Sompong (Sorapong Chatree) is Toon's childhood friend. Both parents wish Toon (Nantana Ngao Krajang) and Sompong to marry but they don't love each other. Romance happens at Dusit zoo with Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in the background. Sompong tries his best but Toon is not receptive (เอาใจยาก). Toon likes music and dancing. One night a biker mechanic falls in love with Toon by seeing her in a nightclub. She still cannot forget Bati (รักเดียวใจเดียว). Thongchai, friend of Rat, coming back from USA, has same look as Bati so Toon gets confused at first. Sompong decides to learn dancing. Toon likes to play fool with Sompong. One of her friend, Rat, is sponsored by Thanong (Somsak Chaisongkram). Rat acts as a matchmaker (แม่ซื้อ). Thongchai misses the USA for its sex freedom, openness, lack of conservative society but Thai culture is different. So Toon stops seeing Thongchai as she doesn't share his view. Sompong continues his best without forcing Toon. Thongchai keeps harassing Toon. Toon's hot temper causes issues in her own family and she refuses any arranged wedding with Sompong. While going out at nighttime, she falls in a trick set up by Thanong. The biker mechanic tries to help but he gets severely beaten as he is outnumbered. Thanong can then rape Toon. Toon's father (Somkuan Krajangsat) and Sompong are looking for her. She is found unanimated in a small road. Sompong helps Toon to recover and keep high spirit through touching words (เริ่มตอนชีวิตใหม่). Toon accepts to marry Sompong. Thanong is finally arrested for prostitution incitation. The mechanic guy learns about the wedding on the newspapers. His love failure remains a defeat for him amplified by the beatings on the head including sequels. On the wedding day unable to keep his frustration he shots Toon. Toon dies. Toon and Sompong are separated a last time (จากกันเพื่อไม่ต้องจากกันอีก). This movie is a strong romantic drama from decade 1970s highlighting many social issues such as women liberalization, arranged wedding... This movie features a great soundtrack with many famous decade 1970s songs. Actors are wearing great flared (pattes d'éléphants) jeans.
Year: 1978
Thai title: เพลงรัก…เพื่อเธอ
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: เริงศิริ ลิมอักษร
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Uten Boonyong,Settha Sirachaya
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Chosri Misommon,Khomapat Attaya,Duangjai Hathaikarn,Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej,Tharika Thidathip
Thai movie เพลงรัก…เพื่อเธอ was released in year 1978 and lasts 2h10mn. It was never released in Thailand. The romance movie was lost except for a last copy of the 35mm film saved in Thai Film Archives. Thai Film Archives screened and dubbed the movie a few times on their premises and finally uploaded a remastered version on YouTube in 2021 during the Covid 19 outbreak in Thailand. Movie director is เริงศิริ ลิมอักษร. The movie features twelve beautiful romantic songs. Many famous actors and actresses from the 1970s are featured. The movie was elected as Thai National Film Heritage (มรดกภาพยนตร์แห่งชาติ) in 2017. Khomapat Attaya has a small role as guest star. Chai (Pissamai Wilaisak) is a famous singer. She is often seen with her friend Namat (Chosri Misommon), a former singer. Producer Nop (อัศวิน รัตนประชา) is married to Wida, a singer’s producer. Yot (Uten Boonyong) is a songwriter (นักแต่งเพลง). Singer Chaiyong (Settha Sirachaya) is getting famous. Who will be nominated as the singers of the year? Chai hopes to win. Yot forgets his wife Pon's wedding anniversary... Noi (Duangjai Hathaikarn), Chaiyong's wife, requests help from Wida as her husband is having mistresses. She just feels being a concubine (เมียเก็บ). Wida (Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej) asks her to keep this story low profile to avoid damaging Chaiyong's career. Yot loves Chai, but Chai refuses this love as she doesn't want to be a minor wife (เมียน้อย) again and Pon relies on Yot. Yot loved Pon because of her voice only. Chai cannot do such a thing to a friend. Chai was a minor wife to a famous producer before. Nam (Sorapong Chatree) is thinking of leaving his province and to come to Bangkok with his friend. The singers of the year’s results are announced: Chaiyong and Rose (Tharika Thidathip) are winning. Chai is very disappointed not to have won. She keeps drinking alcohol to forget her lack of success and chases Yot away as he tries to console her. Chaiyong and Rose are having an affair. Wida is fully aware, but she does let it go as she is the producer of both singers. Wida is pregnant, so her husband is so happy. The newspapers are aware of the relationship between Chayong and Rose. Nam meets Chai, who is renting a bungalow and resting in his parents' property. He is a big fan and helps her in whatever she needs. Chaiyong breaks up with his wife Noi, despite her begging him. Wida warns Rose not to forget where she comes from, but Rose mentions a big part of Wida's revenues are linked to her! Chai is sick, so Nam takes good care of her. Meanwhile Chaiyong continues to behave badly and meets girls. Rose has arguments with him. The producer Nop also warns Chaiyong. Pon leaves Yot as she knows he is not loving her. While Nop is drunk, Rose has an affair with him to get revenge on Wiyada. Wiyada, being aware, asks for divorce with Nop. Chai heard Nam has a nice voice. Yot visits Chai, but she is happy to be away from the show business system (วงการเพลง). Nop visits Yot in Pattaya as he is heartbroken. Chai wishes to promote Nam as a singer. She has lost her willingness to be a singer again. Yot believes Chai is enamoured (หลงเด็ก) with Nam. Chaiyong is finally fired as he spends too much time on girls and alcohol. The club owner asks Nop and Yot for help as a new singer is needed to attract customers. Yot asks Pon to help and gives her new songs. Pon is not willing to sing and recommends her friend Chai. Yot writes song รักเพื่อเธอ (love for you) for Chai, but Chai wishes Nam to sing it. The couples are back together, i.e. Chaiyong with Noi, Yot with Pon, Nop with Wiyada. Rose gets suicide as she realizes she lost everything and doesn't want to come back to her previous life. Finally, Chai is back as a singer. She has to refuse Nam's love as she is much older than him, so she prefers to leave.
Year: 1978
Thai title: ข้ามาคนเดียว
English title: Come alone
Rating: 5/5
Director: พร ไพโรจน์
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Dam Datsakorn,Rith Luecha,Kanchit Kwanpracha,Manop Aussawathep,Sayan Chantaraviboon,Adinan Singhiran,Thep Thienchai
Main actress: Aranya Namwong,Duangcheewan Komolsen,Khomapat Attaya
Thai movie ข้ามาคนเดียว / Come alone was released in year 1978 and lasts 2h21mn. It was released under DVD and VCD format by XxX company. Movie director is พร ไพโรจน์. Jak Khui (Sombat Methanee) is back to Khorat. He was just released from prison (ติดคุก). He receives recommendations not to come back to Khorat so he disguises in a hippy. Ruffians (Pipop Pupinyo, โดม สิงห์โมฬี, ไสล พูนชัย) follow him as they are unsure it is Jak Khui. He is still looking for his wife Kamsee (Khomapat Attaya) and his son. Undertaker Adinan Singhiran (สัปเหร่อ Sa) helps Jak Khui. Comic Thep Thienchai is part of the team. Jak Khui has to hide in a coffin to escape the ruffians. Yan (Dam Datsakorn), mafia leader (เจ้าพ่อ) in Khorat, wishes to get rid of Jak Khui. Steve (Rith Luecha), hitman (มือดี) from Saraburi, is hired. It was the first movie for Rith Luecha. A Yan's ruffian, former friend with Jak Khui, warns him. Steve and ruffians try to surprise them, but they get pushed back in a cemetery. Yan and his ruffians then storm Uncle Kiet's Thai boxing centre as they believe Jak Khui, former Thai boxer, is hiding there. Kiet's daughter (Duangcheewan Komolsen) and the Thai boxers push them back also (นักเลง vs นักมวย). Some protesters block a factory sawmill manager. Gnot (Kanchit Kwanpracha), as policeman head, lets them do. Hin (Manop Aussawathep) tries to interpose but he is outnumbered. Khaemkaen (Aranya Namwong) asks the protesters to stop. Protesters are pushed by Yan and protected by policeman Gnot. Fighting erupts between Yan and Hin, the new factory manager. Khaemkaen, Yan's fiancee, has to stop them (ต่อยเหมือนเด็กวัด). Sayan Chantaraviboon enters Yan's home to defy him. Appreciating Sayan’s boldness, Yan hires him. Jak Khui finally meets his son Simon, who is now a Buddhist novice. Jak Khui stayed five years in prison. Simon has no news about his mother. Sa brings Jak Khui to Kamsee, who is now a crazy woman. His son asks him to stop revenge, but he cannot do it. Kamsee is shot later by Steve. Yan is behind his demise and family misfortune. Jak Khui wishes to revenge (ล้างแค้น). The Thai boxing team is willing to join him. Jak Khui visits Gnot, the corrupt policeman (ตำรวจเลวๆ), but he is outnumbered and taken over to Yan's house. Yan is willing to get rid of Jak Khui as he opposed to him before when he was rising as Khorat mafia leader. They put him in a coffin and plan to throw him from a cliff. Hopefully Sayan Chantaraviboon helps him and they put the warden instead. Jak Khui then visits Khaemkaen to explain to her Yan's bad accomplishments. Hin and his men take back the wood stolen from forests by Yan's ruffians. It makes Yan to be very upset. To their surprise, during Khaemkaen's birthday, ruffians discover that Jak Khui is still alive! Seeing that Thai police starts to have proofs against him, Yan decides to flee. Khaemkaen is kidnapped by Yan. Jak Khui and his team storm the place where Yan and his ruffians are hiding. Jak Khui takes revenge over Yan. Hin and Sayan are finally undercover policemen. Romance can happen between Jak Khui and Khaemkaen.
Year: 1978
Thai title: มหาหิน
English title: Maha Hin
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kom Akadej
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Sukon Koewliam,Adinan Singhiran,Sawin Sawangrat,Pipop Pupinyo,Phairoj Jaising,Kanchit Kwanpracha,Lak Apichat,Dam Datsakorn,Rith Luecha,Kecha Plianvithee,Manop Aussawathep,Kom Akadej
Main actress: Piyamas Monayakol,Wiyada Umarin
Hin (Sombat Methanee) is a monk. One day he receives a letter from his younger niece announcing that his parents have been killed by ruffians, their house burnt and cattle stolen. Hin finally disrobes (ศึก). After so many years as monk, only a few people recognize him, i.e. Lung Kiaw (Sukon Koewliam) and his former teacher (Adinan Singhiran). Sombat Methanee shaved his head for this movie. Hin still behaves like a monk, speaks like a monk (โยม), carry his umbrella and stay calm but sometimes it is too much to endure and ruffians get smashed! Subdistrict headman Loi (Sawin Sawangrat) is now living on the land belonging to Hin's relatives. He is always protected by a bunch of ruffians including Pipop Pupinyo. Fon (Piyamas Monayakol) is the daughter of subdistrict headman Loi. Lom (Phairoj Jaising), Hin’s former classmate, is the son of subdistrict headman Loi. Phi Saen (Kanchit Kwanpracha) takes care of Neung and Sai, Hin's nephews. Ang (Lak Apichat) always follows Hin to help him. Lom’s girlfriend is called Chada (Wiyada Umarin) and is the daughter of Pho Lieng. Hin just wants to take care of his nephews and not bring trouble regarding the land (ผมมาดี). A new house is built and vegetables are planted. Hin wears colorful shirts (สีแปลกๆ). On the way to sell the corn, Hin's truck is stolen and Hin is beaten. Dam Datsakorn and Rith Luecha are the ones behind. They are Pho Lieng’s faithful lieutenants! As Hin is at hospital, Rith kidnaps Sai. Ruffians fail to kill Hin at the hospital so he is aware through Neung and Fon. Pho Lieng (Kecha Plianvithee), the big boss, wishes to marry Fon but Loi knows his daughter will never accept. Seua Tim (Manop Aussawathep) is seen with Pho Lieng but keeps his independence. Hin finds Sai but it is too late as she has been raped and killed. Hin has to forget his previous Buddhist vows (เรื่องคนชั่ว) to take revenge. Hin reuses the chain that was used to kill Sai in order to hit the ruffians. Fierceful fights happen between Hin and Rith / Dam in an underground casino. Despite Hin winning, Pho Lieng orders the ruffians to kill Hin but Seua Tim forbids as guns are not allowed in his casino. Hin kidnaps Fon to bring trouble to Kamnan Loi. Pho lieng orders to kill Subdistrict headman Loi as this latter refuses to enter in a bigger scale of corruption (แบ่งกันกินแบ่งกันใช่). Lom and Fon believes the murderer is Hin. Finally Seua Tim explains the truth to them. Justice happens and all the ruffians are killed. Hin leaves as a lonely cowboy. Movie Maha Hin (มหาหิน) was released in year 1978 and directed by famous action movies director Kom Akadej (เจ้าพ่อหนังบู๊เมืองไทย). This movie really features a big bunches of major actors during decade 1970s. Sombat Methanee got 1M baht to cut his hair and be bald as he couldn't play other movies during many months.
Year: 1978
Thai title: เมืองในหมอก
English title: A Town in Fog
Rating: 5/5
Director: Permpol Choei-arun
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree
Main actress:
A young woman, Fong, is taking care of a small misty hotel in the countryside with her mother. It is Thailand rural area with buffalo carts. Fong is handicapped and cannot walk properly. Her mother with the help of a domestic helper drugs and kills the customers to steal their belongings. Fong feels very guilty (เราไม่บาป). The parents had a son, Siaw, also but he left home many years ago following a conflict with his father. As robbers stole their savings, the family needs to continue their sins. The new victim is a medicine salesman. They put poison in his drink, then rob his money, throw the body in a canal and burn his belongings. Fon recalls the day when the robbers attacked the hotel. They were crazy and violent similar to the movie “A Clockwork Orange”. The father was shot and killed. Fon was gang raped and the mother was hurt. Fon is handicapped since that day. They have paid for their sins. But where is the son? Right now Siaw is a successful engineer working in aeronautics. The mother wishes to stop but the daughter is willing to continue as her dream is to see the sea so they need more money. They have arguments but Fong is now used to it (ชินแล้ว). Meanwhile the son, enjoying seaside, wishes to go back home after 20 years to see his family. The son has decided to go back to see his mother but will not tell his real identity first (จะเล่นละครกับแม่). Seven bodies have been found recently around the village. The local marshal has no clue. Fong is always afraid of three local women, who participate in cursing rituals as only evil can kill so many people. A modern couple comes to the hotel. Fong is jealous of the girl. At nighttime the couple is drugged but only the man drank tea. Realizing their mistake, the cruel family needs to kill the young lady but she resists. A tragic chase happens in local Khmer temple ruins. The lady is finally killed by wild dogs. Siaw, the son, and his girlfriend arrive in the small city. As his girlfriend is sick, Siaw finally goes alone to the remote hotel. Having left his home so long ago he doesn't dare saying who he is. Still under the failure of the previous killing, the family doesn't want any other customers but he makes the mistake to show that he has a lot of money. He wants to be friendly (กันเอง) with the family. There is an impressive actor performance from Sorapong Chatree playing the son. At nighttime they give him the deadly tea and throw his body in the local river. Meanwhile the young lady is not dead and reaches the small town. She warns the sheriff. When keeping the dead’s belongings and his ID card, the mother realizes he was Siaw, her son. Saddened, she eats the same drug and throws herself in the river. The sheriff comes to arrest them but it is too late. Muang Nai Mok movie, directed by Permpol Choei-arun, is adapted from Jean Paul Sartre's play. There are reminiscences of Western spaghetti scenes atmosphere.
Year: 1978
Thai title: ไอ้ขุนทอง
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Charin Nantanakorn
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Lak Apichat,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Krai Kanchit,Boo Wibunnan
Main actress: Piyamas Monayakol,Petchara Chaowarat,Rewadee Pattaphong
Buy now:
Kun Thong's mother is Mae Kaew (Petchara Chaowarat) but he has no father. Mae Kaew refuses to mention who the father is. Kun Thong's mother is very religious oriented (ทำบุญ). Other children such as Saen (Lak Apichat) scold him about the lack of father. Only young girl Phikun (Piyamas Monayakol) protects him. Years have passed. Phikun is the village headman’s daughter (พ่อกำนัน). Saen is the son of a local rich influential man. Kun Thong (Sorapong Chatree) is a poor farmer. Romance is happening between Phikhun and Kunthong. Phikhun believes in kindness (ทำดีได้ดี). Kunthong helps Phikhun during the sacred cloth ceremony around the village chedi (ผ้าห่มพระธาตุ). Saen is jealous about Kunthong. Petchara recommends her son not to have hope about a wedding with Phikhun as he is poor. One day Kunthong helps a young lady called Than being aggressed by ruffians. As Than has no place to go as being sold by her family, Mae Kaew shelters her in her home. At night, while Kunthong and Than are away, Mae Kaew is aggressed by Saen and his ruffians. She losts her sight. She only remembers her aggressor wears a big specific ring. She doesn't have any enemies except Seua Yoi who killed her husband twenty years ago following cards debts. Kunthong wishes to buy eye medicine to a local doctor but pricing argument degenerates into a fight with the doctor's son, who is killed by accident (Krai Kanchit). Kunthong has to flee. Saen wishes to arrest Kunthong. Meanwhile Kunthong is looking for Seua Yoi to kill him. Nowadays Seua Yoi has become a solitary monk in a cave to expiate his past mistakes. He is not the one who hurts his mother. Kunthong misses his mum but finally becomes a thief (กรรมของเขา) but a Robin Hood like as he is only stealing from dishonest people. One day Kunthong has to kill a son in front of his mother to protect himself. He has hard feelings thinking about his own mum. Than has leper (โรคติดต่อ). Kunthong decides stopping being a thief. He gets smacked by Phikhun as he doesn't care about his mum. The one taking full care is Than despite Mae Kaew is not her mother. An engagement is arranged between Phikhun and Saen (ขันหมาก). Phikhun's father forbids her to visit Mae Kaew anymore. Mae Kaew recovers sight thanks to the eye medicine given by Kunthong (แม่มองเห็นแล้ว). Kunthong is aware of the engagement. On the evening, Phikhun disappears with Kunthong. Farmers including Mae Kaew are then expropriated. Their houses are burnt. Than is left behind due to her decease. Than dies in Kunthong's arms but has time to relate the ring story. Through a suspense final, Kunthong and Phikhun surrender to the village headman but Kunthong gets shot by Saen. Only injured, Kunthong shots back Saen. The village headman's thugs shot deadly Kunthong and Phikhun is caught in the crossfire. They die in each other arms. Both Mae Kaew and the village headman feel the pain of losing their child. This movie is really about love for mothers. It is also a tragedy as in real life Petchara Chaowarat became blind a few months after this movie released in 1978. It was her last movie.
Year: 1978
Thai title: กาม
English title: Kama
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Manop Aussawathep,Sorapong Chatree,Dam Datsakorn,Nirut Sirijanya,Adul Dulyarat,Somsak Chaisongkram
Main actress: Piathip Kumwong,Monrudee Yamaphai,Wiyada Umarin,Metta Roongrat
Buy now:
Chet (Sorapong Chatree) performs love scene with Manvika (Piathip Kumwong) in front of cameras. Manvika (ดาวโป้) is a sex movies star. Veena (Monrudee Yamaphai), her teen daughter, feels ashamed. Manvika draws a line between public life and private life. She works hard to pay her daughter’s studies. There is a crazy painter called Marut (Manop Aussawathep) living near their home and drawing big vagina, i.e. his vision of a mother, or big penis (พระเจ้า), i.e. his vision of the humanity creation. The art critic doesn't understand him and sees him as a sex maniac only. The artist is seen as obscene (ลามก) by his neighbours. Veena gets interest in this artist and also starts to draw similar vagina during school art lessons. She is studying in a catholic private school. Next week is Veena's birthday. Veena has feelings that her mother doesn't spend enough time with her and more time with other men while playing movies. A journalist called Surasak keeps harassing the mother. As a vengeance as Manvika slapped him, the journalist publishes picture of her daughter Veena presented as a new star (ดาวรุ่งดาวใหม่). Despite not being aware, Veena is threatened to be expelled if it ever happens again as her school can only accept good mindset lady (สุภาพบุรุษสตรี). Society doesn't make a difference between a job and real personality of people. They all believe Manvika can only be an easy woman. The artist is also despised as sexual representations cannot be art according to society prejudices. While going back from restaurant, Veena's friend car hits the artist. Veena helps to bring him back home safely. The journalist is still angry and writes devastating reviews about Manvika. He is also a corrupted guy accepting money to write good reviews. Veena understands the artist motivations and doesn't believe what he is drawing is dirty as it is the origins of our world. People start to gossip, including Surasak the journalist, as Veena visits him every day. Neighbours believe a sex maniac artist and a daughter of porno star can only do bad things together. Veena wishes the artist to draw mountains or sea and he follows her advice. Following Surasak’s pressure, Manvika is downgraded to second role by movie director (Adul Dulyarat). One evening, the artist wishes to draw a nude painting of Veena. Afraid she starts shouting and fighting back. Surasak following them secretly takes pictures to be published on Thairat newspaper’s first page and pretending a rape. The artist is beaten by the mob. Nobody talks anymore to Veena (คนเลว) at her school. Manvika tries to get help from other newspapers but with no avail. Veena is fired from her school. Surasak’s wife (Metta Roongrat) asks him to consider how he would react if his own daughter was tarnished the same way. Nobody comes to Veena’s birthday (รังเกียจหนู). Newspapers can shape belief of people as even Manvika doubts about her own daughter. Only the artist understood her, so she leaves her home to find him in Koh Samet (เข้าใจกันดี). Following Manvika's tearful pleas, Surasak recognizes his mistakes and promises not to write about her and her family anymore. Being recognized on Koh Samet island, police and her mother are coming to get Veena back. Veena doesn't want to go back with her mum and be called as sex star daughter (ลูกสาวดาวโป้) again. Marut, the artist, gets shot by the police. Only the crazy artist was understanding Veena. This movie กาม includes strong critique of newspapers living on scandals (ข่าวเป็นข่าว), strong critique of society preconceived opinions on art and people public life. Many famous Thai actors have a cameo appearance in this movie.
Year: 1978
Thai title: น้องเมีย
English title: Sister-In-Law
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Thuam Thoranong
Main actress: Lalana Sulawan,Wiyada Umarin,Chosri Misommon
Four members of a family are living on a barge and carrying goods between provinces. Saeng, young man, is married to Plang. They have a young baby. Taptim is the young sister-in-law. Taptim is working hard but her elder sister is lazy. Saeng shouts after Taptim but remains silent with his wife. The barge arrives in Bangkok. Plang is fed up with her life on the boat. She is still young and wants to have fun. She sees herself having no future with Saeng. Taptim believes Plang doesn't love Saeng but married him to go away from her parents. Saeng doesn't believe Taptim. Saeng needs to sell 5000 watermelons. He only gets an offer of 20000 baht only. He refuses to sell. Plang believes she can be a country music (ลูกทุ่ง) singer. Plang meets in a hair-dresser shop a middle age gentle lady, who proposes to help her. Taptim refuses to join Plang as she is afraid to become a prostitute in Bangkok. Plang quits the barge. Saeng is shocked and finally sell the watermelons 12000 baht to have money and look for his wife in Bangkok. The trader knows that Saeng needs money urgently so he gives him a very low price (ขี้โกง). Bangkok is so big. He goes in every singing entertainment places to find her the whole day and night. Hopefully a taxi driver helps him (คนบ้านนอก). Saeng doesn't know how to read. He drinks too much and leaves his 12000 baht in a restaurant. Taptim has to take care of the baby as both parents are out in Bangkok. The taxi driver is a nice and honest guy as most of the taxi drivers come from Isan (อีสาน). Saeng sells his boat for a small amount and buys back a smaller boat. He finally finds Plang when she was ironically singing "chai dio rak dio" (ใจเดียวรักเดียว - one heart one love). Plang is performing in a drinking joint which offers live entertainment. Customers can invite singers to chat with them. Saeng and the taxi driver get beaten by the guards. The old woman introduces an old rich man to Plang. It is a financial transaction. Understanding that the man brings her to a hotel, she flees. Saeng loses his money again. Saeng stops looking for Plang having lost everything. The only money that is left is from Taptim as she forces the trader to give a higher compensation for the watermelons. Finally Saeng regrets not to have married Taptim as she has a better mood and behavior than Plang. Saeng wishes to get Taptim as new wife. It happens... When Plang decides to come back, it is too late to get back Saeng. She comes to get back her child. Nobody wishes to stay in Bangkok. They all go back to countryside. Bangkok is a symbol for poor up-country people, i.e. dream of wealth. Some people dream to get rich there but many of them come back home without money. Some countryside people arrive in Bangkok and get abused by Bangkokian people.
Year: 1978
Thai title: ครูบ้านนอก
English title: The Rural Teacher
Rating: 5/5
Director: Surasee Phatham
Main actor: Piya Trakulrard,Noppadol Duangporn
Main actress: Wassana Sitthiweth
Buy now:
A new teacher, Piya (ครูปิยะ), is sent to poor Isan (อีสาน), northeastern part of Thailand, in a remote village called Baan Nong Ma Wo (บ้านหนองหมาว้อ). There are still carts with buffaloes there. An old and derelict bus is the only link to the bigger provincial city. On the way to the village, the old bus needs to give priority to big logging concession truck. The headmaster (ครูใหญ่) shares classrooms with Piya and Phisit. Dao (ดวงดาว), young lady, is the third teacher. They teach two classrooms with many children at same time. Those are outdoor classrooms with basic roof. Children have no shoes and wear old clothes. The headmaster tries his best but he is not smart. There is a welcome ceremony for the teachers. Phisit is a butterfly with ladies. The headmaster likes playing cards. There is a puppet allegory of fighting together against evil makes us stronger. Rural teachers’ job is tough. Phisit just comes here as he couldn't find another job but Piya, who is also coming from Isan, wishes to transfer his knowledge to pupils. He is an idealistic man. The village is poor and there is a need to get water from a remote pond. Piya sees many children don't have enough food to eat so he decides to plant vegetable (ปลูกผัก) in the school garden to provide them additional food. The headmaster needs to go to the city to get rural teachers’ salary but every month the salary is cut by various fees (birthday gifts to high ranking teachers, donation to temples, visiting bordel...). Local villagers use a chaman to cure people as poor people cannot afford modern doctors (หมอรักษา). Piya is pushing for an expansion of the school. All villagers like him (เป็นคนดีไม่พ่อต้องมีเงินด้วย). Khun Mongkhon, local magnate, always makes donations to the school. Dao wishes to make a local newspaper for villagers. The village head is concerned as villagers shall not become too intelligent! During a welcome party, teacher Phisit and Piya have to box some officials to protect Dao. Phisit has to leave the village as rural teachers have no value. Dao loves this place (ยากจนแต่ใจดี). Piya wishes to be a boat for children to cross the sea between poorness, wealth and knowledge. Piya witnesses some illegal tree logging. Those people have big bad influence but Piya decides to investigate. He finds the place and takes pictures to send to local newspapers. He even takes the risk to shoot the responsible leaders. Khun Mongkhon is the leader. Newspaper is published and Mongkhon suspects Piya immediately as he is infusing social ideas into the kids. Even villagers start to challenge the ruffians. The ruffians cut trees (ตัดไม้เถื่อน) so soon there will be no forest and no water for the trees. Villagers decide to protect teacher Piya as the ruffians try to shoot him. His life is in danger. Dao wants him to leave (คนที่ทำประโยชน์ให้). There is undeclared love between Dao and Piya. Piya takes refuge in a Buddhist temple. Ruffians recruit a hitman. Piya decides to go back to teach the children as it is his duty. During a moving and sad scene where the children rush out of the school to welcome Piya, he is shot to death. This movie highlights many themes such as corruption, bad influence, rural teacher dedication, education and knowledge for children in order to fight against corrupted people. There is molam (หมอลำ) music as background music as it is the symbol of poor Isan (อีสาน), northeastern part of Thailand. The movie succeeded to reap 9M Baht in year 1978 and got two awards for best scenario and best director. Surasee Phatham has directed a remake of his own movie in 2009 as he was never happy with the number of details that were edited out. Thirty years ago too, many young people were involved in social and political activities so many filmgoers found it easy to identify with the teacher. In 1978, everyone wanted to watch action movies but when the movies "The Rural Teacher" (ครูบ้านนอก) and "The Old Scar" (แผลเก่า) were released, they were successful.
Year: 1978
Thai title: เทพธิดา บาร์ 21
English title: The Bar 21's Angel
Rating: 5/5
Director: Euthana Mukdasanit
Main actor: Suchao Pongwilai,Krailat Kriengkrai
Main actress: Chantra Chaiyanam
Buy now:
In Bar 21, customers can forget their problems thanks to the beautiful ladies and alcohol (มาเที่ยว). Hostess Thida quits her job to stay with her four years boyfriend, Parn. Parn is younger than Thida about five years. She leaves her job to stay in Chiang Mai. Girls working in Bar 21 are called "Partner". Their dream is to be a normal person also but they are often denigrated (ดูถูกผู้หญิง). They need to get money (เกิดมาจน) but can enjoy a certain kind of freedom (เสรี). All are waiting for a new life (ชีวิตที่ดีกว่า), waiting for the day they will quit Bar 21 (ชีวิตใหม่). Linda arrives in Chiang Mai just on time for Parn’s university diploma ceremony. She offers to him a beautiful watch and cash money but Parn seems to have forgotten his promise to marry her when he gets the diploma (จบแล้ว). He refuses to fulfill his promise. He is now a diploma university holder so he cannot marry a “partner” as he has now a certain status (เกียรติ). Despite she pays for his studies and now stops working for him, he refuses this love saying he cannot (ไม่มีบุญคุณ). He took advantage of her during many years. Marrying a “partner” would stain him for the whole life. He doesn't want to offer her a chance of redemption. In the train back to Bangkok, Linda is harassed by three young men taking advantage that she is a “partner” so an "easy" lady. She meets in the train two other young farmers (ทำนา), Sing and Rot, coming from countryside (บ้านนอก) and going to Bangkok to find better jobs. Sing and Rot have arguments and fight with the three young men to protect Linda. Rot is shot. The three young men cannot escape punishment despite one of them, Akom, is a son of parliament member. Linda is back to work in Bar 21. Sing is lost in Bangkok (เมืองหลวง). Sing is hungry and has no money. He meets a little girl living in a slum (สลัม). She is a small robber. Sing helps them to sell opium in the slum. Sing and the family are caught by the police (ผมไม่ผิด). There is analogy between countryside people coming to Bangkok and Linda, the “partner”. They are all doing low cast jobs. Linda meets a son of a rich family, Thanong. He is really nice to her and invites her to his birthday. Linda starts to dream again (อาจเป็นคนนี้). She has a lot of fun (ดื่มเหล้าเก่ง) and happiness during this evening. After the party, Thanong asks her to help his brother Akom, who is now in jail. She should wrongly testify in front of a trial. She understands that everything was a lie. Thanong, ผู้ดี, just tries to use her. As she refuses to lie, strong arguments between values of poor people, “partner” and rich people are bitterly raised. She refuses money offered to her in order to lie. Back home, she is attacked at nighttime by two ruffians. An old man (ท่าน) helps her but he is in fact Akom's father. He succeeds to convince Linda by playing on her motherhood feeling, the possibility to do a good action and become Angel (เทพ) Thida. In the police station Linda accuses Sing. Poor people are in hell and rich people are in heaven because of money difference. Akom's father gives money to thank her but she doesn't want money but social recognition. Sing flees from police station and goes to see Linda so that she tells the truth at the trial. Sing is poor but kind hearted. She accepts as knowing she has been deceived by rich people. As Thanong just visits Linda to abuse her, Thanong and Sing fight. Sing is shot by the police. It is a dark and sad movie about poor and uneducated people abused by rich Bangkokian people. Of course Thanong stops visiting Linda. It is more a showpiece than a social study, the film is nevertheless remembered for its undaunted subjects. The film was not successful at box office but received good reviews and two awards (ตุ๊กตาทอง). It is a drama social move mixed with a musical comedy as many songs are featured. A Thai TV drama serie based on the same story was released in 1990.
Year: 1977
Thai title: แผลเก่า
English title: The old scar
Rating: 5/5
Director: Cherd Songsri
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Sor Asanajinda,Settha Sirachaya
Main actress: Nantana Ngao Krajang,Sarinthip Siriwan
The movie is built same a theatrical "Likay" (ลิเก) with traditional music. It portrays the Thai culture and way of life though a romance. Peasant Riem loves Kwan but the love is not reprocical. He loves singing Likay. Traditional peasant way of life, watching over buffalo, rice planting, getting fish from rice fields, ceremonies where young men invite girls they like to dance, Songkran ceremony with small pagoda made of sand are gracefully shown. They finally love each other with a promise in front of the local deities tree. But Riem family refuses this love story. Choi, local gangster, injures Kwan with his sword making a scar. This scar is the symbol of their love that nothing can break. Riem's father wants to sell her to the local gangster Choi. Riem's father is local "Kamnan" (กำนัน) but has many debts with Choi as he likes to gamble and drink alcohol. Riem is enslaved with chains. Kwan infliges a scar to Choi also but when he tries to free Riem, it is too late. Her father and Choi have brought her to Bangkok. There she is integrated to a rich Bangkokian family as she has the same face as their deceased daughter. A young man called Somchai is courting her. Riem discovers high society Bangkokian life with balls and European orchestra. The contrast is flagrant with village life and Kwan playing flute on his buffalo. Kwan arrives in Bangkok and searches for Riem. He cannot find her. He chases Choi to know where he sent Riem but during a sword fight, Choi is killed. Three years have passed. Knowing that her mother is sick, Riem goes back to visit her. Kwan has chance to meet Riem but Kwan also understands that she forgot him. He asks again for the support of the local deities. Riem misses her home and Kwan. She finally comes back as her mother is dying. In the past, her mother marries her husband for money in order to be secure but was never happy with him. So she advises her daughter to listen to her heart as love is more important than money. Riem promises to tell Kwan her decision in front of the local deities tree. On the same day, seeing that his father is getting older and older, Kwan promises him to honor his wish to see his son in yellow robes (ชายผ้าเหลือง) as a monk. Learning that Riem is forced to go back to Bangkok, he decides to help her but faces opposition from Riem's family and Somchai. Finally Somchai shot Kwan fatally and he drowns in front the local deities tree. Riem stabs herself and drowns with her beloved Kwan. Kwan's father will never see his son in yellow robes (ชายผ้าเหลือง) as a monk. Historically, Cherd Songsri's movie is a classic tale of star-crossed lovers and was one of the first Thai films to be a success internationally due to the precise representation of rural Thailand. It got Top award at Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, France in 1981. This movie is part of the first 25 films heritage list announced on October 4 2011, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1977
Thai title: ลุย
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Ruj Ronnapop
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Sorapong Chatree,Kanchit Kwanpracha,Pipop Pupinyo,Somsak Chaisongkram,Uten Boonyong,Paen Pleumsachai,Dam Datsakorn,Adul Dulyarat,Boo Wibunnan,Sahat Piempongsan,Manop Aussawathep
Main actress: Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej,Duangjai Hathaikarn,Aranya Namwong
Thai movie ลุย was released in year 1977 and lasts 2h03mn. It was released under VCD format by company Solar Marketing. A remastered version was released by Five Star Production in the decade 2010s and shown on Thai TV cable. Movie director is Ruj Ronnapop. Lui (Sombat Methanee), Nai (Kanchit Kwanpracha), Lui's Father, Pipop Pupinyo, Somsak Chaisongkram, Deuan (Uten Boonyong) are part of a secret mafia organization. Paen Pleumsachai and his men attack Deuan. Lui and other colleagues arrive to help but his father dies in the fighting. Lui is a hitman in the organization. Lui is married to Sai Nam (Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej). Fed up to be a hitman for 10 years, Lui has decided to stop in order to take care of his wife Sai Nam and his son. He informs his friend Deuan. The secret organization (องค์การ) is not willing to let him go so easily as he knows all the internal secrets. They send two hitmen to kill him. They fail but, before being shot, one of them lies that Deuan is the one who disclosed Lui's location. Another three hitmen led by Somsak are sent but are also killed by Lui. The organisation asks Nai to manage but he refuses as he believes Lui has done nothing wrong. The organisation decides to send Nai to Hong Kong as they lose some trust with him. Ruffian Tio shall be the one to manage Lui. Kanchai Insree (Dam Datsakorn) is hired by Tio (Adul Dulyarat) to kill Lui as Deuan refuses to do the job. A bomb is put in his car. Unfortunately, his wife and son are killed. Lui shoots Deuan as revenge as he believes he is the culprit. Lui takes Boi, Deuan's son, to raise as his own son. Aunt Dou (Duangjai Hathaikarn) is helping. Boi reveals the truth to Lui, i.e. Deuan was beaten as he refused to kill Lui. Pipop and others are killed by Lui. Kanchai is also killed but before dying, he shouts to Boi that Lui is the one, who killed his father Deuan. Lui meets Prakasit (Sahat Piempongsan) by luck in a mall. Chasing happens but Lui spares his life as Prakasit hides behind his daughter. They take refuge in Kanchanaburi. Boi grows up there and learns how to shoot. He is played by Sorapong Chatree. Lui is now having a moustache. Ruffians led by Tio are still looking for Lui. Tio is having good time with girls managed by แม่ Soi (Aranya Namwong). Tio is killed by Lui. They invest in a Pattaya hotel by buying shares in order to prepare a future for Boi, Aunt Dou and Soi. Boi meets a young lady Not (เดือนเต็ม สาลิตุล) looking for a hotel room with her friend Metta. Nai is back from Hong Kong. Three ruffians’ leaders are left. Metta is Sakdan's son trying to identify where Lui is hiding. Lui is warned by Soi. Lady Not is Prakasit's daughter. Lui takes care of Sakdan. Kamphet (Manop Aussawathep) kills Soi as she refuses to disclose where Lui is hiding. Nai arrives at the hotel. Boi hears Lui and Nai talking together and that Lui killed his father Deuan through a misunderstanding. He wishes to kill uncle Lui as revenge despite Aunt Dou explaining to him. Thanks to Metta, ruffians now know where Lui is hiding. Boi is willing to shoot Lui and Lui accepts it. He uses an empty gun to shoot the man, who killed his father, but cannot shoot the uncle, who raised him. Ruffians storm Lui's place. Both Nai and Lui are injured. They chase Boi away. Boi faces Metta and is knocked out by him. Nai is shot by ruffians. Lui is shot multiple times by ruffians. Ruffians are celebrating their victory. On his last breath, Lui shoots at the explosives he put under his house. Ruffians are wiped out. Lui dies in Boi's arms.
Year: 1977
Thai title: ชีวิตบัดซบ
English title: Damned life
Rating: 5/5
Director: Euthana Mukdasanit,Permpol Choei-arun
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Pinyo Parnnui
Main actress: Piathip Kumwong
Buy now:
Teacher Tom and his hairdresser wife Reusi are living in a slum. They have a daughter. Tom is very dedicated to his job and study books every evening. His wife is bored and wishes to have a more exciting life. Following a friend invitation to a high society party, she goes alone as Tom believes it is not his world. There she meets a rich man and becomes her lover. She starts to go back home very late and doesn't go to her daughter's school activities. Following arguments between Tom and Reusi, they finally agree to divorce and Reusi announce to him that he is not the real father of their daughter! The slum is also full of robers and drug sellers. By unfortunate incident, Tom contributes to the arrest of one drug seller. This latter wishes to take revenge on Tom. Reusi is finally dumped by her rich lover. Tom and Reusi finally stay together for the good sake of their daughter and start to have hapiness again. One stormy night when Tom is out for working late, 4 drunk men lead by the drug seller enter in Tom's house, rape his wife and kill his daughter. Tom chases them and kills them one by one but his life is wrecked. What a damned life... This movie about slum dwellers earned Bt1 million at the box office. In 1977 this movie was almost a clone of the popular newspapers' front pages as it dealt with drugs, rape, divorce, violence. Virtue is not rewarded. Sorapong Chatree got his first Thai cinema reward thanks to this movie (ตุ๊กตาทองตัวแรกของพระเอกสรพงษ์ ชาตรี).
Year: 1977
Thai title: ทองพูน โคกโพ ราษฎรเต็มขั้น
English title: Taxi Driver (Citizen I)
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Jatuphol Poopirom,Pinyo Parnnui,Somsak Chaisongkram,Boo Wibunnan
Main actress: Wiyada Umarin,Marasri Isarangkul
Buy now:
Thai movie ทองพูน โคกโพ ราษฎรเต็มขั้น / Taxi Driver (Citizen I) was released in year 1977. Thongpoon (Jatuphol Poopirom) is a Thai farmer coming from Udon Thani and going to Bangkok. Thongpoon sold his rice field in Udon and has spared money during five years to buy a taxi. This taxi represents the future for him and his young son. It is his dream to have his own taxi. Thongpoon is gullible. Rich Bangkok people cheat him by claiming having no change but Taen, a kind-hearted prostitute, gives him a note without asking change back. Her name is Taen (Wiyada Umarin) and she has issues with Somsak Chaisongkram (แมงดา) as she is pregnant. Thongpoon helps chasing Somsak away and becomes her regular taxi driver. He picks up her at her working place (อาบอบนวด). Thongpoon proposes to Taen to take care about his son but not easy to stop such job well paid. Thongpoon meets also Pinyo Parnnui, who claims to be a Thai soldier having fought in Vietnam and now being paralyzed. When his taxi get stolen by bad boys, his life alters. As they also steal his money, he is expelled from his home by his landlord (Marasri Isarangkul) as he cannot pay the rent. He ends up working on a construction site. His goal is to get back his taxi by all means. Pinyo brings him where the ruffians mingle but he gets beaten again. A business card lost allows to identify Boo Wibunnan as garage owner. He then forgets Taen and son. He refuses money from Taen to buy a new taxi as he doesn't want to be a pimp (แมงดา). He storms Boo’s garage and kill the ruffians trying to stop him. This madness leads him to prison. This movie highlights the impossible fight between poor and rich influential people, the analogy between the buffalo and the taxi for poor Isan people in Bangkok. Jatuphol Poopirom got a Thai award for his performance. It was his first movie. Sorapong Chatree was supposed to play the main role of Thongpoon but he was not available for the shooting so new comer Jatuphol Poopirom replaced him. As Jatuphol Poopirom died during a car accident in 1981, Sorapong Chatree played the main role in Citizen II. ChatriChalerm Yukol drove around Bangkok for weeks with cab drivers gathering anecdotes for "The Citizen".
Year: 1976
Thai title: เงาราหู
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Piak Poster
Main actor: Jirasak Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya,Manop Aussawathep,Adul Dulyarat
Main actress: Naowarat Yooktanun,Piathip Kumwong,Kantima Daraphan
Buy now:
A young girl called Tong, living in a slum, is going to stay with her aunt (น้า) Malika (Piathip Kumwong). Many years ago Tong's mother helped Malika who was 6 months pregnant but her boyfriend refused to take care of the baby. As the mother dies of disease, Malika promises to take care of Tong. Malika is Khun Boontaeng's minor wife (เมียน้อย). Khun Boontaeng is avarious so is not so happy to see Tong (หลานสาว) with Malika. He wishes to put her in board school (โรงเรียนประจำ) in order to have full time happiness with Malika. Next week a doctor friend called Tiu will come at their home. Alcohol is needed as he is inconsolable since his wife's death (พ่อม่าย). They finally meet Tiu (Manop Aussawathep) at the golf club. Tiu has a 15 years old son. There is reflection about true love and purchased love (ซื้อความสุข). Many years have passed. Tong (Naowarat Yooktanun) is now a grown up beautiful student wishing to become a a graduate (บัณฑิต). Relation has turned sour with Boontaeng due to his major wife (เมียหลวง). Tiu offers Malika to open a business. Malika wishes Tong to study accountability (เรียนบัญชี) to help take of the company finances. Finally as Boontaeng dies, his wife wants to get back the house! Malika asks Tiu's help who then accepts to host them. Malika manages later to have Tiu signing documents to have her responsible of his fortune. Malika doesn't want to face same fate as with Boontaeng. Even Tiu's son (ลูกชาย), Tom, shall get nothing but he anyway never visits his father. Maybe he is ashamed to have an alcoholic father (ขี้เมา)? Tom gets a monthly salary from his father but sends somebody to get it on his behalf. Tiu continues to indulge in alcohol (ลูกไม่รักดี). Malika doesn't believe in true love. They come to rest in Cha Am in their seaside resort. His son Tom is a rebel with tainted blond hair and hanging around with hippie students. He is staying in a tent with his friends near his father house and denigrates Tong. Tiu is found unanimated on the floor during the night. As Malika is gone with the car, Tong has many difficulties to convince Tom to get a doctor. Tiu remains handicapped and almost paralyzed. He cannot speak properly anymore. Malika refuses to take care of him as she is too busy with her business. She has money but wants now society reconnaissance (เกรด). Tong has to take care about Tiu. Malika gets full power to manage Tiu's asset with the son's approval as he doesn't care about heritage anyway. A rich man Namkeun (Adul Dulyarat) wants to do a join business with Malika. Malika makes many social donations (บริจาคมากเกินไป) so starts to have financial problems. So she pushes Tong to marry him. Tong accepts not because of love but because of gratitude towards Malika (กตัญญู). Tong moves to Phuket (ความรักเกิดยาก). Tong doesn't want to be compared with her aunt Malika as she has studied high enough to take care about herself so she doesn't dream about the heritage of Namkeun. Namkeun has a secret, i.e. following a car accident he cannot perform husband duties anymore. Wiphat is the manager (ผู้จัดการ) taking care of Namkeun's Business activities. It is Tom! Tom believes Malika and Tong are professional experts to grab older rich men. Tom is not upset about his father's heritage but about the house as it is coming from his mum. Being denigrated by Tom and raped by her husband, Tong decides to go back to Bangkok. Due to her foolish expenses, Malika has fired many domestic helpers and sold home furnitures. In fact Malika even sold the house to Khun Namkeun as wedding fee with Tong. Tong promises to Tiu to get the house back in order to give it back to Tom. Malika dreams to become Khun Ying Malika (คุณหญิง) and spends a lot of money on various donations. Tom puts Malika in hospital as she has become crazy with her nobility wishes. He knows that the house now belongs to Tong. Following a drunken evening, Tong gets hurt by her sadistic husband again. Falling from the stairs, Tom brings her to a doctor. During her delirium, she talks to Tiu announcing she succeeds to get the house back. The only solution to save her is to have Namkeun finding a sadistic partner like him. While being cured by the doctor, one of the domestic helper takes benefit to start a relationship with Namkeun. She is sadistic also. Finally Namkeun offers divorce with Tong. She can go back to Bangkok to live happily with Tom, Tiu and even Malika released for mad house. This interesting 1976 movie deals with various modern society themes such as minor and main wife, reconnaissance and status. Main actor is Jirasak Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, who played only a few movies during 1970s decade. Movie เงาราหู directed by Piak Poster is 2h23mn long. A Thai TV serie with Pete Thongjure was released in 1995.
Year: 1976
Thai title: มนต์เรียกผัว
English title: The Spell
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Somsak Chaisongkram,Somchai Samipak
Main actress: Naiyana Shewanan,Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej,Sirikwan Nanthasiri,Sulaleewan Suwanthat,Phong Lada Pimolpan
Thai movie มนต์เรียกผัว was released in year 1976 and lasts 2h16mn. It is a Five Star Production and a remastered version was released in mid-decade 2010s. Previously it was released under VCD format by Solar company (2h12mn). Movie director is ชุติมา สุวรรณรัตน์. This is a romantic family drama movie putting focus on couple life. Plak (Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej) doesn't trust her husband Cheut (รักงาน) as he is working always late having meetings with Somchai Samipak and manager Sak (Prachuap Ruekyamdee). Ram (Somsak Chaisongkram) and aspiring model Rose (Sirikwan Nanthasiri) have a relation. Ram promises to visit her parents to officialise their relationship. Plak remains very upset as for his job, Cheut (Sombat Methanee) has to meet models. She believes he is having affairs, but she cannot catch him. It makes Cheut’s life miserable and they often quarrel. Cheut is drunk one night and meets waitress Deuan (Naiyana Shewanan). On the following day, she is aggressed and raped by two ruffians. It is a strong scene and probably one of the first movies where the main actor is unable to help the main actress. Another movie was Thon (โทน) where Chaiya is unable to help Aranya on time. It was a new trend from 1970s movies being more realistic than previous decades. Deuan's mother is played by Sulaleewan Suwanthat. Plak’s mother is played by Phong Lada Pimolpan. Rose is pregnant with Ram but he refuses to take responsibility of the baby (คนใจสัตว์) and hits her. He forces Rose to trick Cheut in order to accuse him about the pregnancy. Another day, the ruffians threaten Deuan again but Cheut and Prachuap are luckily there. They help Deuan and a fight occurs with ruffians. Cheut brings back Deuan home. Deuan's mother takes care of eight poor children and raises them so Deuan's work is important to have money for all expenses. There are children from poor prostitutes, who cannot raise them. Cheut finds a job for Deuan in Sak's company in order to work daytime instead of nightime. Plak brings trouble to Deuan so she wishes to change job. Cheut wants to have a child but Plak keeps eating birth control pills. Deuan continues to bring troubles at Cheut’s office. He gets closer to Deuan as she has everything he wishes Plak had. By hazard, Plak is present in a shop where Sak buys dresses for Deuan on behalf of Cheut. Sak organises a meeting between the two ladies to ease the tension. Deuan acknowledges she loves Cheut but gets pity from him (ความสงสาร) and not real love (ความรัก). She doesn't wish to break his marriage and mentions that Plak is a bad wife not taking care properly of his husband. Plak wants to take revenge over Cheut and goes out with Ram. Ram brings Plak to a short time hotel. He tries to abuse her but hopefully Sak, passing by, helps her. The next day, Cheut gives a lesson to Ram in a bowling alley but Ram promises to get revenge. Deuan visits a doctor and finds she is pregnant with Cheut. She has a worrying heart disease. The doctor warns she could lose her life by giving birth. But she is willing to take the risk as she knows Cheut wishes a child and she wishes to thank him for all his kindness towards her family. Plak changes her behavior and tries to be a good wife caring about her husband. On the opposite side, Cheut becomes harsher. Plak feels that Cheut changed a lot and that his love has moved to another woman. Cheut comes back home very late even on her birthday. Plak is at hospital and Cheut takes care about Deuan being sick. Ram tricks Cheut by mentioning to Rose's brother that he is one who refused to take responsibility. Cheut is kidnapped while going to Deuan's home to bring her for child delivery. Meanwhile Plak prepares to leave home for UK knowing she has lost Cheut due to her continuous jealous behavior. As Cheut is still not coming to bring Deuan to hospital, Deuan calls his home and talks to Plak without being aware. Decided to do a last good thing for Cheut, she brings Deuan to hospital and then goes towards airport. Cheut gets beaten by Rose’s brother but finally Rose confesses Ram is the father. General fighting occurs and Rose shoots Ram going to stab her brother. Cheut arrives at hospital before the delivery. Reading the letter that Plak left for him, he rushes to airport being puzzled by Deuan’s sentence that it is probably the last time they meet. He brings back Plak to hospital mentioning that such hasty departure decision should be discussed with cold heart. A child is born but Deuan has died. Plak promises to take care of all children. This movie highlights the difficulties of life for main wife (เมียกลาง) and mistress (เมียน้อย), their place in society, the choice for the husband between two wives and the way some Thai men can abuse women in Thai society (Deuan feeling ashamed of having been raped and not going to police to fill a complaint, Ram refusing assuming Rose’s pregnancy).
Year: 1976
Thai title: ไผ่กำเพลิง
English title: Killer Elephants
Rating: 5/5
Director: Kom Akadej
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Yodchai Meksuwan,Kanchit Kwanpracha,Pipop Pupinyo,Dam Datsakorn,Sayan Chantaraviboon,Kom Akadej
Main actress: Aranya Namwong,Naiyana Shewanan,Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej
Ruffians are chased by police officer Ching Ming (Yodchai Meksuwan) but he failed to catch them. He meets his old friend Kau Fei (Sombat Methanee). Ruffians are hiding in a Surin timber yard. A big fight happens as Ching Ming wishes to jail them. Hopefully Kau Fei helps Ching Ming but there is no way to know where is the big boss behind. Local police is trying to catch Kau Fei but elephants prevent police to follow up Kau Fei. He has been accused of murder but he was framed. The head of ruffians (Kanchit Kwanpracha) framed him as Kau Fei refuses to sell his farm land to him. Ruffians burn the houses on the farm land. Ching Ming and Kau Fei help people stuck in their home. Ching Ming likes a lot a local lady Shao Feng (Naiyana Shewanan). Kau Fei decides to take revenge by entering in the boss home. He is not here so he captures madame Shu (Aranya Namwong). Ruffians try to rescue her by entering the farm through the forest but they are welcomed by guns and elephants. Kau Fei still loves Shu despite she was forced to go with the boss. Ching Ming tries to arrest Kau Fei but to no avail. Kau Fei comes to town to make trouble inside the boss’ favorite nightclub. Shu is now pregnant with Kau Fei. As Shu is about to deliver, Ching Ming helps to bring her to hospital. The boss aware of this wants to use her and the baby as a bait. Taking profit of Surin elephant carnival (เทศกาลของเมืองสุรินทร์), Kau Fei sends a few elephants and villagers to pick up Shu. Kau Fei does a rampage in the boss’ house and even injures him but Mau Tien, another ruffian, finishes him. Mau Tien (Dam Datsakorn) becomes the boss and decides to kidnap Shu and two nurses to attract Kau Fei to the plains. Kau Fei and the villagers rescue Shu and the two nurses. Then a crazy rampage of the elephants on the ruffians’ camp happens. They are pushing huts and cars with real people inside. Big explosions and houses in fire happen. Even Ching Ming intervenes and helps Shao Feng. He finally lets Kau Fei go to Cambodia. The Thai movie "Killer Elephants" - ไผ่กำเพลิง was released in Thailand in 1976. Main actors are Sombat Methanee and Aranya Namwong. The movie director was Kom Akadej, who got the “international name of Som Kit in the credits, which is a version of his middle name, Somkit. All the other actors got Chinese style names, probably to cash in on the Hong Kong market and the rest of the worlds wish for more Kung Fu movies. The Killer Elephants cannot be found anymore in Thailand except at the Thai Film Archive, the original Thai version. Joseph Lai and his IFD Arts and Entertainment prepared this international version, which is the most common version outside Thailand. This DVD was released by Swedish company Attackafant Entertainment directed by Fred Anderson, a well known lover of Thai cinema. This DVD is the first official ไผ่กำเพลิง DVD release ever. The "Killer Elephants" movie rights in Thailand belongs to Coliseum film (บริษัท โคลีเซี่ยมฟีล์ม), company from Kom Akadej. Up to now no VCD / DVD was released in Thailand with correct rights according to Thai law. Only a video tape was released long time ago. Coliseum film company would sell the rights for all Kom Akadej’s movies and not only for 'Killers Elephants' movie. Thai Company XxX (Triple X) was only interested in 'Killer Elephants' movie so up to this day Thai people are still waiting for a Thai version of ไผ่กำเพล to be released again. The movie also includes also famous supporting actors such as Yodchai Meksuwan, Naiyana Shewanan, Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej, Kanchit Kwanpracha, Pipop Pupinyo, Dam Datsakorn, Sayan Chantaraviboon. The finest batch of Thai actors during 1970’s! Only Sorapong Chatree and Krung Srivilai are missing. Pipop Pupinyo, Kanchit Kwanpracha and Dam Datsakorn were the regular bad guys in Thai cinema and so of course even in The Killer Elephants! The same story was also released as Thai TV lakorn in 2004.
Year: 1976
Thai title: วัยอันตราย
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Krung Srivilai
Main actress: Tanyarat Lohanan,Duangjai Hathaikarn,Moeifa,Neranchala Thaleungsak
Husband Rat is butterflying outside (รักกินขโมย) with mistress singer (นักร้อง) Na while his wife Potchanee is at home with two children, Tik and Tup. He spends a lot of money on his singer and comes back late every night (แม่ใหม่). A friend warns the wife Potchanee where is her husband (ผัวชั่ว). Potchanee surprises them together. Arguments are raised (วิชาผูกชาย) sharply. One of the daughter, hiding in the car, hears everything. The wife shoots the singer, her husband and her daughter by mistake so she kills herself. The movie introduction sets the tone. It is about love, crave and death (ใคร่, ตาย, รัก). The daughter Tup finally didn't die. She is now an adult and living with her younger sister Tik, who is studying at university. Tup is a doctor in order to help other people. She also wants her younger sister to do activities useful for the society (ประโยชน์สำหรับสังคม). Tup has a boyfriend called Krienkrai. Krienkrai’s younger brother, Kong, likes Tik a lot. The two brothers love the two sisters. Krienkrai wishes to marry with Tup but she is always delaying as understanding (ความเข้าใจ) is important for her as she is afraid of being married and facing same issue as her mother. If Krienkrai wants love, Tup will give him. If Krienkrai wants crave, he shall go somewhere else (ไปหาที่อื่น). So Krienkrai is going out with Moeifa (กะหรี่) to have crave with another woman. She wishes to train his younger brother (เด็กน้อย) also! Ruffian Yot (คนจิงจกสังคม) is leading a prostitution ring. One of his prostitutes, Kathin, flees but she is caught back. Luckily the two brothers pass by and help her. She has syphilis. The doctor gives an educational description of all sexual deceases with crude and real pictures. Pat, young lady, has issues with her parents. Her mother is sick as her father doesn't have mood to do his bedtime husband duties so she is depressed. Pat leaves home and is kidnapped by ruffians. Luckily Pat is rescued in time by Kong. Kong helps to bring happiness on her face. if parents are not happy, children will behave badly (ไม่อบอุ่น). Passage to teen age is dangerous (วัยอันตราย). Tik is ready to lose Kong so that Pat can have happiness. During a storm Pat and Krienkrai have a short time sexual relation. Krienkrai still wishes Tup to stop being a doctor after their wedding. Pat is now pregnant. Who is the father? Kong is suspected by Tik. Pat's mother suggests abortion. Krienkrai is drunk everyday but refuses to marry Pat. Pat refuses to abort. Kong knows the truth (เลวกว่าหมา). Kong decides to recognize the baby as his brother is too coward. Kit understands Kong's decision. Pat refuses that Tik or Tup sacrifice themselves and promise not to kill herself. The ruffians lead by Yot notice Pat and Tik in a mall. They kidnap them. Hopefully Kathin, the lady that Krienkrai helped before, is still working there again (สังคมไม่รับ) and promises to help Pat and Tik. Pat is raped and hurt in the tummy by Yot. Tik succeeds to escape thanks to Kathin. She calls Kong, Krienkrai and the police for help. They neutralize the ruffians. Finally Krienkrai accepts to recognize the child. He blames Tup for refusing to give him some lust before so causing all this mess to happen as he needs to go outside (ระบาย)! Tup still loves Krienkrai especially after such sacrifice and continues to dedicate her life to medicine. The movie features great music from 1970s. The movie highlights that lust (กิเลส) and desire (ตัณหา) are present in all people. Impact will depend on how each individual can succeed to control himself. It also features academic educational messages on sexual deceases, birth control (correct use of contraceptive) and basic sexual teaching about unique father conception. “Wai Antarai” is really part of the new kind of movies that appear during 1973-1976 freedom era. It was the first Thai movie about sex education (เพศศึกษา).
Year: 1976
Thai title: ทองปาน
English title: Tong Pan
Rating: 5/5
Director: Euthana Mukdasanit,Surasee Phatham,Isan Group
Main actor:
Main actress:
Tong Pan is a poor peasant from Isan, Northeast area of Thailand. He has three kids and his wife is sick. He is now living in Chiang Khan as he has to move earlier from his former home flooded due to a dam construction. He is invited by a student to partipate to a seminar regarding the contruction of a new dam in Pak Chong area. He is going there hoping for changement into peasants' life. He is only a hired peasant, he has no more land. He got only 2000 Baht a year and cannot even get a forward payment from his greedy landlord to cure his sick wife. Following the October 1973 uprising, government wants to add more democracy in the decision making. Foreign engineer, professors, governmental agency officials, local inhabitants including Thong Pan join the seminar. The foreign engineer explains the great advantages of the dam from an economic point of view. But local inhabitants cannot understand spoken English! They use local Isan dialect. The governmental agency officials complain that nobody thinks about Thailand's future. It is good for the country for selling electricity abroad and anyway it is difficult to find advantages for all. The minority shall sacrifice it-self as long as it good for the majority. There is a parallel between the theory discussed at the seminar and the reality that local peasants are experimenting (houses and land flooded, no more water in rice fields during dry season and flood during rainy season as water is released from dam, no more fishes to catch, no trees to build house as forests have been cut, sickness, poverty, electricity for the rich not for the poor...). Finally participants remind that it should be good to get the feedback from locals. But Thong Pan is already gone as he knows nothing can change. One local raise that they want fertile land but also complains about officials corruption, thieves, illegal sawmills that cut forests, missing healthcare for them as they can never visit doctors. When Tong Pan reaches home, his wife is already dead. Tong Pan movie was banned following the 1976 demonstrations. Participants and directors were sent to jail or exiled following this 1976 uprising. 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 2011, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1976
Thai title: สัตว์มนุษย์
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Krung Srivilai,Jamroon Nuatjim
Main actress: Aranya Namwong,Piathip Kumwong
Chot (Sorapong Chatree) and his sister Choi (Aranya Namwong) are children of poor farmers. Chot loves Soi, who is the subdistrict headman's daughter (กำนัน). They love each other but Chot cannot have any hope as he is too poor (เด็กเรียนควาย). Chot helps his sister Choi as she was going to be raped by three ruffians (สัตว์นรก!) that are protected by the local subdistrict headman. Saeng, son of the subdistrict headman, requests a young lady called Bua as a payment for her mother's debt. Bua takes refuge in Chot's father home. Meanwhile Chot is arrested as he hit earlier the three ruffians. It is unfair and the family has no money to pay the bail (ประกัน). The father needs to ask a local Chinese moneylender for 10 000 baht to pay the bail. There are always issues between Saeng and Chot. Saeng would like to kill Chot. One night, Saeng's ruffians rob the 10 000 baht reimbursement and kidnap Bua. The subdistrict headman and village headman are not helpful to poor people. The village headman prevents Chot and other men to look after the ruffians as Chot shot one of the robbers. Bua is then found dead. Choi is very upset as Bua's death is due to the village headman (ผู้ใหญ่บ้าน) inactivity and his refusal to take responsability (ไม่รับผิดชอบ) as he prefers to help rich people only. As the headman hits her sister, Chot, in full anger, shots him and then needs to flee. Chai is the local Chinese moneylender's son. He is no respect for others. Chai (ลูกเศรษฐี) tries to shoot birds in a Buddhist temple despite the abbot's request to stop. Chot, who took refuge in this temple, prevents him to do so as a temple shall remain a peaceful haven. If we accept human sins, what kind of future will Buddhism have? (ถ้าเรายอมให้มนุษย์ทำบาป ศาสนาจะมีอนาคตอะไร). Pliu, future lawyer, promises to marry Choi. Chot succeeds to get back the 10 000 bath from Saeng (ตอบแทนความชั่ว). The father refuses the money believing his son is now a brigand (โจร). Heavy floods happen. All crops are devasted. The father has no more money to invest in new crops. Be good and there is nothing good happening to them (ความดีไม่เอาแล้ว). The father receives 3000 bath to plant new crops but Choi must accept to be the moneylender's domestic helper (เป็นขี้ข้าดอกเบี้ย). As Chot was injured, he cannot help. Only the Buddhist abbot helps him. Choi is drugged by the moneylender and raped. Then she is forced by Chai. She fell in hell (ตกนรก). She supports this situation as respect to her father (กตัญญูสำหรับพ่อ). Tia, the moneylender, likes Choi very much and decides to take her as minor wife. She accepts in order to remove her father's debt but this one doesn't understand his daughter (sent her to be a maid and not a wife - ส่งให้เป็นแม่บ้านไม่ได้ส่งให้เป็นเมีย) and decides to stop any relationship with her (ไม่มีลูกสาวแล้ว, คนอยู่ละโลก, ผู้หญิงขายตัว). Money has destroyed his world and family. The father has a heart attack and dies. Choi is now pregnant. Most likely the father is Chai and not Tia, the father. Tia's wife puts everybody under his own responsibility. Wishing to do good one time in his life, Tia promises to give a house and one million bath for Chai to marry Choi (ฮี่ควาย). Saeng then threathens to kill Tua if he doesn't handover a bus line. Rich and influent people are sinful (สัตว์มนุษย์) behaving worst than animals. Finally Tia asks Choi to convince Chot to give a lesson to Saeng versus a promise to help Chot against authorities. During the fight Saeng accidentally dies. Chot surrenders (มอบตัว) and is finally forgiven by the tribunal thanks to lawyer Pliu. Choi continues to behave badly with no respect, no care for anybody except himself. He finally has a business conflict with Tia and dies, being shot by Soi. This movie has a deranging question regarding karma. People who do good and follow up Buddhist precepts are the poor losers. The moneylender, the subdistrict headman's family do not follow the law and are the one reaping the profit. Is it worth to be always good people when injustice prevails? Actor Sorapong Chatree got a best Thai actor award for this movie.
Year: 1975
Thai title: ข้าวนอกนา
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Piak Poster
Main actor: Uten Boonyong,Adul Dulyarat,Suriya Chinaphan
Main actress: Sulaleewan Suwanthat,Marasri Bangchang,Khomapat Attaya,Namgneun Boonnak
Thai movie Khao Nok Na (ข้าวนอกนา) was released in year 1975 and directed by Piak Poster. It lasts 1h38mn. An aunt (Sulaleewan Suwanthat) is raising two children, the elder called Deuan is 5 years old and the youngest is called Dam (หีดำ). Both fathers are different. Dam's father is a black man so she is called Dam (ดำ – black) as a reference to her skin color. The children were temporarily given to the aunt by the mother. Unable to raise them, the aunt wishes to sell them to a rich lady. The rich lady (Marasri Bangchang) doesn't want Dam (ไม่ชอบเด็กดำๆ) and buys only Deuan for 3000 baht. She is renamed as Deuan Krai Saen (บุบผารัตน์ ญาณประสิทธิกุล). Father is veteran actor Adul Dulyarat. Finally Dam (ช่อเพชร ชัยเนตร) is sold to a family to become a helper (คนใช้งาน) and to be the puppet of the daughter. Veteran actress Khomapat Attaya is part of the other helpers. Dam is always stubborn (ดือ) as people dislike her skin color. Phi Pan (Suriya Chinaphan) is the son of a taxi driver, who always supported Dam but died earlier in a car accident. The house is becoming a mess with the daughter being pregnant with one male driver and the son spending like crazy on music instruments to build a band. The real mother is back and is asking for her two daughters. The aunt gives the address but the rich lady (คุณผู้หญิง) refuses to let Deuan go. The real mother, always seen smoking, goes to the police to get her rights respected. She finds first Dam. Adul refuses to give back Deuan and proposes 50 000 baht. She accepts and has to sign a contract. Having the money, she also rejects Dam and asks her to go back to her home. Disappointed by her own mother, Dam is looking for a job. She becomes a singer in a nightclub and sings her difficulties as being black in Thailand. Meanwhile the rich family watches Deuan playing in a ballet representation. Dam finds Phi Pan in the street and brings him to her home. They become lover as Dam believes he would be a caring man like his father but Pan is a lazy boy taking profit of girls' money. Pan is using Dam's money to entertain another lady. Adul finds that Deuan goes back home late and is wearing a ring given by a young boy Pop (เลือดแม่ของแค่มันแรง) (Uten Boonyong). Dam is finally dumped by Pan so indulges in alcohol and becomes a short time prostitute. She is surnamed as ลิง (monkey) or สกปรก (dirty) and being rejected by Thai society (equally by rich and poor Thai people). Dam meets people having problems also and starts indulging in drugs to forget daily problems. Pop tries to bring Deuan to a short time motel but finally changes his mind as she keeps crying and mentioning her father's pressure. Dam meets finally Deuan. Deuan is in paradise (สวรรค์) and Dam is in hell (นรก). Finally Deuan ends up with Dam indulging drugs as her paradise is also a hell being the daughter of an easy lady. Police captures the whole group. Deuan's parents bail her, forgive her mistakes and accept her relationship with Pop. A US black man bails Dam from jail and brings her to USA with him. The movie highlights racism in Thailand. Following Vietnam war, many similar cases of children born from Thai prostitutes and black US soldiers did happen in Thailand. A TV serie on the same story was released in year 2013. Khao Nok Na (ข้าวนอกนา) is an interesting title. Normally rice is white so Dam is the rice “outside” the field, i.e. being black and different from the majority of Thai people. The movie got 4 awards (รางวัลตุ๊กตาทอง), i.e. best actress, best song, best story, best supportive role.
Year: 1975
Thai title: การต่อสู้ของกรรมกรหญิงโรงงานฮาร่า
English title: The Factory Workers of Hara
Rating: 5/5
Director: Jon Ungpakorn
Main actor:
Main actress:
This documentary is about the struggle of Hara workers factory. Hara was a factory producing jeans at low price and selling them at high price. Jeans were advertised as being imported from abroad to justify high selling price but they were produced in Thailand! The owner was a Taiwanese citizen and he had factories in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Workers only got 25 baht a day (minimum imposed by working laws) but the factory deducted rice meals cost (1.5 baht per meal). Most of the 200 workers were coming from various Thai provinces and were women. Even some teens about 14~15 years old were working. The factory offered no social benefits (สวัสดิการ), no water, no medicine box and only one toilet for 200 people. Most of the workers chose to be paid by piece manufactured in order to be able to get 150~200 baht a month thanks to overtime. Salary was often paid late or delayed. A dormitory was provided but it looked like a shack. Fed up by their working conditions, workers entered a strike in October 1975. As negotiations failed, workers were beaten once but continued to occupy the factory. The local police didn't help as they received bribe money from the employer. The workers finally sold some 20 baht shares to the public to be able to relaunch the factory and to sell cheap clothes (60~70 baht instead of 200~400 baht) to the public. It was called the United Labourers Factory (กรรมกรหญิงโรงงานฮาร่า). The “The Factory Workers of Hara” movie is a 55mn documentary about a struggle over control of a garment factory in Nakhon Pathom. The film consists of interviews with workers directly involved with the conflict. Finally women workers at Hara Jeans occupied their factory and ran it as a cooperative until it was destroyed by the police and workers put to jail. The documentary ends up on the legal fighting between the workers and their employer, who refused to hire them back despite agreement with labour department. This was illegal. If they lost, workers should go to jail. If the employer lost, he would have to pay a fine as wealthy people cannot go to jail according to the workers accused to be communists. This documentary, done by cinematographer Jon Ungpakorn, 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. การต่อสู้ของกรรมกรหญิงโรงงานฮาร่า remains a major political film with a strong leftist view. John Ungpakorn is now a senator and AIDS activist. This movie was shown around factories and encouraged labor workers to stand up and fight against injustice.
Year: 1974
Thai title: กังหันสวาท
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Sukon Koewliam,Krai Kanchit
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat
Buy now:
It is the last movie fully completed by Mitr Chaibancha before his death. The movie was shot in 1970 but only released in 1974 as the team was not in the mood to complete the movie after Mitr Chaibancha’s death. The movie features Thai superstars Mitr Chaibancha / Petchara Chaowarat and also Margareth Lin, Hong Kong actress. Lit (Mitr Chaibancha) is Lin’s boyfriend (แฟน). He is coming from a well-off family (ลูกผู้ดี) but Lin is coming from a poor family (คนจน). Lin's mother is worried as she doesn’t see any future to this relationship. Her friend Tiu also tells her this love is impossible. Lit's parents introduces Duangporn, a young lady from Hong Kong, to him. They often played together during their childhood. She is perfect (สวย, เรียบร้อย, มีความรู้). Lin is informed by Tiu, who saw Lit and Duangporn together but Lit loves Lin so he is not willing to marry Duangporn despite his parents’ pressure. Duangporn is aware of Lit's hidden love. At evening time, she makes him drink alcohol so that he has no strength to go out to see Lin (เด็กสมัยนี้ไม่อายหรอก). Lin waited whole night. Lit has to go back to Bangkok without seeing Lin in order to bring Duangporn back home. He simulates a car engine issue so that Duangporn has to go first. He then can see Lin freely. They spend the night together but Lin's mother doesn't trust Lit as she believes Lit only plays with a countryside girl (เด็กบ้านนอก). Lit is too shy to say the truth to his parents and only tells the truth to Duangporn. She is so sad so she tells the truth to Lit’s parents also. Lit's parents pressure Lin's parents to forbid any more meeting (ติดต่อ) together. Duangporn goes back to Hong Kong to finish her studies. But Lin is pregnant. Lit's mother refuses any wedding but Lit's father accepts that Lin can stay in their home. Lin needs to become a high society (ผู้ดี) lady in a short time but it is not an easy task due to the pressure put by Lit’s mother. During a party Lin meets her friend Tiu, working as waiter, so being very happy and causing Lit to lose face. Lit goes during 6 months to Hong Kong with his father to open a company. Lin's mother is very sick. She dies while Lin is giving birth. Lit's mother makes a deal with Lin's father. She gives him 20 000 bath to get the baby and to never see again them again again (ดูถูกคนจน). Lin is hit by a car and sent to hospital. Meanwhile her father spent all the money gambling. Lit comes back to Thailand late and is is not aware of anything. Only Tiu helps Lin at the hospital. Lin's father lies to Lit saying that Lin flees away with Tiu and abandoning her baby. Duangporn tries to comfort Lit who keeps indulging in alcohol to forget Lin. They finally marry. Tiu is having issues with ruffians as he needs to reimburse Lin’s hospital fees to them. Lin needs to sing to earn money to reimburse them. Many nice old songs are sung by Lin. By luck Lin meets an old friend of Lit. The truth is now known and all the evil done by the mother uncovered. Lit’s father arranges to pay back the debt but during a fight with the ruffians, Lin is injured at the head. It takes time for her to recover. Duangporn welcomes her back home. One night, Lin hears Lit and Duangporn discussing. She hears that Duangporn has decided to go back to stay with her father in order that Lin and Lit can have happiness. She leaves their home unwilling to break Duangporn happiness with Lit as she has been so kind to her. She learns that Tiu has been killed by ruffians. Seeing no future to her life she wishes to die. Finally a nun convinces her to enter Buddhist nuns' community to find happiness and inner peace. Despite Duangporn's request she confirms her final decision. Strong compassion and gratitude feelings happen in this movie.
Year: 1974
Thai title: เทพธิดาโรงแรม
English title: The Angel
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree,Somphob Benjatikul
Main actress: Wiyada Umarin
It is about Malee, a Thai country girl, coming to Bangkok and forced to prostitution. She is the hotel angel as she is very kind to everybody. This movie shows the difficult life of prostitutes, i.e. being beaten by pimps, visiting unofficial abortionist in order to terminate unwanted pregnancy, committing suicide, being forced and humiliated by customers, fearing Police, difficulty to have a stable relationship with a man, getting deadly diseases, being denigrated by Thai society. Three girls are depicted. One girl, Malee, all you have to do is give her one smack and she's willing to be a prostitute. She said it's better than working in the fields. The phrase "มาลีเป็นกะหรี่ที่สวยที่สุด" (Malee is the most beautiful prostitute) remains one of the most famous iconic sentence from this movie. It is said by Malee's pimp (Sorapong Chatree). Another girl, you have to beat her up quite a bit before she's willing to be a prostitute. And the last one, the third girl, no matter what you do she won't be a prostitute. She'll jump down, kill herself, but you can't change her. Malee continues to stick to this life because she can have a place to live, food, money to send to her parents in order to build a house. In a famous movie sequence, Malee opens her blouse many times to show her nudity to customers and then her father in the same gesture opens his new home windows paid by Malee hardship. But Malee understands that she has no future as her youth is rushing away. She is not interested by becoming a pimp and grab younger girls so she decides to study tailoring. Being cheated by her boyfriend but having her diploma, Malee can hope for a brighter life and quit this job. Finally she reclaims her dignity. ChatriChalerm Yukol lived for nine months in a brothel when he was writing "The Angel". During the popular uprising on October 14 1973, ChatriChalerm Yukol was shooting this movie, then took the camera out and filmed the demonstration on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The footage was inserted in the film and was a big success when the movie was shown. This movie has also been registered as National Heritage per the 2016 list released by the Thai Film Archive.
Year: 1973
Thai title: น้ำเซาะทราย
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wichit Khunawut
Main actor: Nard Poowanai,Sayan Chantaraviboon
Main actress: Mayurachath Muarnprasitivej,Wandee Sritrang,Marasri Bangchang
Buy now:
This movie about two couples interaction. Pim (ภีม), a white-collar, and Wan (วรรณรี), a teacher, are married. Pukrong (พุดกรอง) is a rich and lonely widow (ว้าเหว่). Pong (พงษ์), a bachelor, tries to be Pukrong's sweet heart boyfriend but he is a butterfly. Pim often argues with his wife and Wan feels neglected (น้อยใจ) with Pim. Pim and Pukrong love each other secretly (รักกัน). Wan is too well-mannered (เรียบร้อย) and strict (เคร่งครัด) so Pim is fed up despite she gave her two beautiful children and takes well care of the home. They still use the polite word “ค่ะ” at the end of each sentence. Life is scheduled as a clock with Wan so Pim is fed up. Pim is a frustrated husband and arguments occur with Wan. Pim and Pukrong continue to see each other secretly in Bangkok. Pim needs to lie to Wan (ของขโมยอร่อยกว่า). As Pong continues to be her faithful admirer, he becomes annoying as Pukrong doesn't have full freedom to see Pim. Pukrong has to involve her well-off friend (ผู้ดี - คุณผู้หญิง). It highlights that Thai high society people also plays cards and have same sins. Her friend has to be involved in the lies. Pim rents a house for them to see each other freely (ความสุขของเรา) in order to avoid busy hotels and frequented restaurants. Pukrong spends a lot of money to decorate the house as she wishes a forever love. Pong knows that Pukrong flees behind the house. Pukrong wishes to see Pim every day. Wan knows her husband went out as his clothes smell perfume. Wan and Pong starts to notice. Pong is informed about the truth through a friend who saw them in a bar (เล่นรัก). Wan refuses to believe that her best friend (สุภาพบุรุษ) steal her husband love. Pukrong doesn't want a hidden love. Wan fights back to keep her husband. Can money buy everything including love? There is insinuation (พูดประโชด) between the two women and then a real verbal fight (บาปตื่นเต่น). Wan knows the truth now (ใจเป็นทรายศ). Pukrong is the bad rich high society girl versus Wan, the good teacher worried about position girl and strict mother / wife. Pukrong tells the truth to Wan. Pim has to go back to Wan due to the children. Pakrong feels left over. But it is not as easy. Wan wishes to divorce with Pim and chases him away. Finally Pim goes back to Pakrong. It is now the main wife versus the minor wife (เมียน้อย / เมียหลวง). Pong pushes Wan to fight (สู่). Pong tries to break the relationship as Pim is fed by Pukrong. Wan refuses to see a shaman (หมอผี) to help her to have Pim back. Meanwhile Pim and Pakrong are enjoying their romance. Pukrong is pregnant. Pong presents a military officer Neephon to Wan. If Pim can have a new love, why Wan cannot have one? It creates jealously on Pim’s side as he doesn't want his kids to have a new father. This time Pim refuses to divorce. Pukrong has another child in America from a previous relation. She understands Pim's feelings towards his previous family and also understands he will never be able to choose so leaving things unsettled forever so Pukrong decides to go to America with her new born baby. Pim tries to resume relationship with Wan but it is too late. Wan refuses. Pim ends up alone. It is a long movie as it lasts 2h37 with a dubbed soundtrack. This movie highlights Thai society hypocrisy, i.e. Thai men can have a minor wife but the main wife cannot do anything except to complain in silence. Classical music is used in tragic moments. The scenario is inspired from a book written by author Krisna Asokesin (กฤษณา อโศกสิน), who has won the SEAWRITE prize for literature. Another movie remake was done in 1986. It was adapted as Thai TV serie many times also.
Year: 1973
Thai title: เขาชื่อกานต์
English title: His name is Karn
Rating: 5/5
Director: ChatriChalerm Yukol
Main actor: Sorapong Chatree
Main actress: Naiyana Shewanan
Buy now:
Dr. Kan gets married with a Bangkokian lady called Areutai. They go to countryside in Phitsanulok where Dr. Kan has been assigned. Areutai knows that her husband is poor but appreciates his maturity despite having the same age. Areutai's mother complains that in province Dr Kan will become rich slowly (รวยช้า). How can poor people find money to pay medicine? There is no way to become rich. On the oppositive in Bangkok, he could be rich in one day. Anyway it will be a lesson of life for Areuai (ชีวิตบ้านนอกมันเป็นอย่างไร). They arrive in Amphoe Babadan through oxcart riding. There is no doctor in the district so local people need to go to provincial centre or to contact a local shaman (หมอผี) or someone unaccredited as a doctor (หมอเถื่อน). There is at least a dispensary (สถานีอนามัย). Areutai is a romantic lady and able to do many things by herself but she doesn't want to be poor her whole life. Before Dr Kan, she met Moon, who is a rich man. He wanted to marry Areutai but was too slow to ask. Dr. Kan faces his first serious case when a man is bitten by a snake. It is too late to cure so the patient dies. Some local people complain on modern doctors (หมอสมัยใหม่) believing that any medicine injected can cure. Dr. Kan decided to come to the remote area to help poor people (คนน่าสงสาร). Dr. Kan and Areutai are having happiness (ชีวิตเป็นสุข) the first months but then Areutai wants to work. She is lonely. They don't have enough money to bear a baby. Dr. Kan is very busy (งานยุ่งมาก). Areutai is fed up. She decides to takes a break and goes to Bangkok. Moon still misses her. In Phitsanulok, it is already the rainy season (น้ำท่วม) so there is more work for Dr. Kan. Areutai is hoping for a letter from her husband to go back. Meanwhile she is out (เที่ยวทุกวัน) every day with Moon. She has a car accident with Moon as he doesn't want to let her go back to Phitsanulok. The district officer doesn't like Dr. Kan as he refused to give some free medicine stock for the district officer relatives' personal usage. Dr. Kan discover that a casino (บ่อน) is running at night time. The district officer is using his influence (อิทธิพล) to protect it (คลุม). Police cannot interfere. A fight happens inside the casino. A relative of the district officer is injured. Dr. Kan cannot help (ช่วยก็ไม่ได้) as the patient needs urgent blood transfer in hospital. He is not a god (ไม่ใช้หมอเทวดา). Some local people think that Dr. Kan refuses to help relatives of the district officer. The relative dies. Learning that Areutai is at hospital, Dr. Kan needs to go back urgently to Bangkok. Dr. Kan is confused. He thinks about opening a cabinet doctor in Bangkok. Moon wishes to talk with Dr. Kan. There are harsh words between the two men. Dr. Kan needs to choose between offering happy life to his wife or helping poor people. Moon tries to have Dr. Kan sent abroad. Dr. Kan goes back to Phitsanulok and faces death intimidations threats from the district officer's relatives (หมอกานต์ในบ่อน่ไม่ยอมลงให้กู - คนเก่งอยู่ไม่ได้). As Areutai's memory is back, he decides to go abroad to gain more money to make his wife happier. He goes back to Phitsanulok a last time to wrap up his activities. His police friend can do nothing against the district officer. He drinks alcohol to forget his uselessness (this was a taboo in Thai movies before). The district officer is under investigation and will likely be condemned to jail. Dr. Kan is witness of the district officer's illegal activities. His relatives belief that Dr. Kan is the one who discloses the whole story to authorities during his trips to Bangkok. Dr. Kan is shot dead by them during a storm. He was a good person (เขาเป็นคนดี). ChatriChalerm Yukol criticized the Thai bureaucracy and presented the problems of rural area. The film was successful at box office and received good reviews. As the district officer was a corrupted character, the movie has difficulty passing the film censorship committee. ChatriChalerm Yukol showed the film to Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and then the film passed approval. It is likely that if ChatriChalerm Yukol were not the great-grandson of King Chulalongkorn, the film wouldn't have passed the censorship committee as he couldn't have met the Prime Minister. The movie is based on a novel from Suwannee Sukontha written in 1970. The movie "เขาชื่อกานต์n" actually threw away all the main characters of the Thai classical drama (clown, maid of honor...) so it was an unconventional movie compared to the 1960s Thai movies standards. Main actor Sorapong Chatree got a golden statuette (ตุ๊กตาทองดารานำชาย) for his interpretation as Doctor Kan.
Year: 1972
Thai title: ระเริงชล
English title: Ra Rueng Chon
Rating: 5/5
Director: Chalong Pukdeewichit
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Songthong,Rujira Isarangkul,Lor Tok,Pan Borapet,Taksin Jampol,Paen Pleumsachai
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat,Somjit Sapsamruey,Marasri Isarangkul,Orasa Isarangkul,Wassana Chalakorn
Thai movie ระเริงชล was released in year 1972 and lasts 2h07mn. It was released under VCD format by XxX company in year 2001. Director is Chalong Pukdeewichit. The movie was found overseas and the picture is sharp and colorful. Unfortunately the first part of the movie (around 20 minutes) was missing. So in order to be able to release the movie, a remaining 35mm film was digitized. As the film reel was almost 30 years old, the colors were gone and scratches could be seen. But at least the first 20 minutes were recovered and VCD was released. Eight songs are featured including the group “Impossible” (วงดิอิมพอสซิเบิ้ล), Songthong and เพลิน พรหมแดน... Petchara wears extraordinary hats in this movie. Pak (Sombat Methanee) is back from overseas. Per his parents' arrangement, he needs to marry a young lady called Rareung (Petchara Chaowarat). His father (Rujira Isarangkul) and his mother (Somjit Sapsamruey) have a debt towards Thon (Lor Tok) and his wife (Marasri Isarangkul), who helped them financially. They must have gratitude (บุญคุณ) towards this family. It is the overseas student versus the upcountry lady (เด็กบ้านนอก). Pak is not willing to marry Rareung and wishes to break the engagement (ถอดหมั้น) as he has a fiancee, called Sopha (นงลักษณ์ โรจนพรรณ), still being overseas. The young lady, Rareung, is behaving like a hippy. If no wedding, Pak's father has to pay back the debt but he doesn't have the money. Pak agrees to work for Thon one year in order to pay back his father’s debts. The engagement is maintained. They have to move back to Rayong. Pak met Pleun (เพลิน) as local architect and Sang (Songthon). Plaem (Orasa Isarangkul) is aggressed by ruffians including Pan Borapet. Pleun and Rareung help her on time. Sopha is back from USA and is willing to pay the 1M Baht debt. Pak refuses as he is not a thing that can be purchased. Rareung calls him “golden pimp” (แมงดาปิดทอง)! Pak is authorised by Thon to go to Sopha’s birthday. A fight occurs during Sopha’s birthday. Bouleu (พ.ต.ต.ประชา พูนวิวัฒน์) hires ruffians to beat Pak as he sees him as a rival. Rareung and his friends help him. Sopha's mother (ประพิศ พราวพรรณ) wishes her daughter to marry Bouleu, a rich businessman. Bouleu has a mistress already (Wassana Chalakorn). Den (ปรีดา จุลละมณฑล) has a car accident with Sopha so he tries to seduce her and comes to her house. Rareung's mother is suddenly dead. Thon has a mistress. Her brother Chu (Taksin Jampol) pushes her to become official wife. Pak refuses that Rareung's breaks her debt contract. Rareung is aggressed by three ruffians but Pak helps her on time. Bouleu hires Chu to recover some drugs fallen in the sea. A party (งานฉลอง) is organised to celebrate new bungalows opening so many families are gathering. Sopha knows she lost to Rareung. Bouleu proposes to help her by damaging the parachute. While Rareung is parasailing, Paen Pleumsachai shoots the parachutes and ruffians kidnap the ladies. They ask for 1M baht ranson to Thon. Bouleu is the mastermind behind. The ransom fails as the police intervenes. Chu is involved but he is doubled. Plaem (sister of policeman Den) and Thon’s mistress are also captured. Police is about to storm the island where Bouleu and his team is hiding. Wassana is disappointed that Bouleu still loves Sopha. She warns Pak and the police regarding mines hidden under the beach. Bouleu shoots her. Police led by Den and Pak succeed to storm the HQ and to release the ladies. They have to flee as a time bomb shall destroy the HQ. A final fight occurs between Pak and Bouleu. Wassana harpoons Bouleu. Happy romance can happen between Pak and Rareung, between Den and Sopha, between Pleun and Plaem.
Year: 1972
Thai title: แม่อายสะอื้น
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Chutima Suwannarat
Main actor: Sombat Methanee,Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri,Sahat Piempongsan,Jamroon Nuatjim
Main actress: Naowarat Watchara,Tasawan Saneewong,Metta Roongrat,Viphavadi Triyakul,Malee Wetpraseri
Buy now:
A subdistrict headman is almost blind but still performs traditional arts. His daughter Dao Lin (Naowarat Watchara) can do traditional spade dance. They are living in a Northern village specialised in making traditional colorful umbrellas. Mem (Malee Wetpraseri) recommends Dao Lin to a Bangkokian lady for a job in Bangkok (เสริมสวย). Dao Lin accepts as she needs money to cure her father's eyes. The second daughter is played by Tasawan Saneewong, who is acting for the first time. No further study for her as they are too poor. In Bangkok, Dao Lin realises the job is in fact acting as a prostitute (โสเภณี / ฉันไม่ใช่สินค้า). Dao Lin cannot send news. She ends up in pregnancy and succeeds to flee the brothel (กลุ่มนรก). She delivers a baby, who is unfortunately disabled. The hospital doctor (Kamthorn Suwanpiyasiri) finds her a job as a model (นางแบบ) but she needs to hide her baby (สังคมทุกวันนี้จำเป็นต้องสวมหน้ากากเข้าหากัน). She gives her baby to her sister lying it is a friend's baby. Dao Lin meets Songpon (Sombat Methanee) in Penang. They finally get engaged (หมัน). Dao Lin discovers that the doctor is Sombat's brother but he promises to disclose nothing. She forgets her family so her father decides to come to Bangkok with her sister Chaeung and disabled son to find Dao Lin. Ten (Metta Roongrat) becomes Chaeung's friend in Bangkok. Chaeung recognises her sister on TV. When meeting together, Dao Lin is ashamed (ลืมตัว) as she doesn't want anybody to know her poor background so she chases away her younger sister. Disappointed, Chaeung runs away and is hit by a car. She is cured by the same doctor, who cured her elder sister. Having pity on her, the doctor recruits her as domestic helper. Dao Lin is surprised to see Chaeung in the doctor's house and asks her not to reveal their family links until she is married with Songpon. Pi (Sahat Piempongsan) is having an affair with Songpon’s mother. He always asks for money. They all go to Southern island to help poor children. Songpon's brother called Songyut lives there and takes care of the family domain. Songyut falls in love with Chaeung. Songpon also loves Chaeung but just got engaged with her sister... The mother asks Songyut to stop seeing her as she is a poor girl. Chaeung is kidnapped per the mother's orders. Ten asks Songyut for help. A boat chase is happening in Phuket near the James Bond island. Pi, wishing to get the family domain, shots Songyut through a long range gun but falls from the cliff and dies. The mother is horrified and crossed against Chaeung (เด็กเวร) but she is indirectly responsible of her lover’s acts. Meanwhile Dao Lin warns Songpon who finally rescues Chaeung after an impressive car chase. Songyut’s mother asks Dao Lin to get rid of Chaeung as she takes her as responsible of her son’s death. Dao Lin accepts. Chaeung hears this conversion and arguments happen between the two sisters. Dao Lin’s father hears his two daughters arguing and now is aware that Chaeung hides the reality about Dao Lin forgetting her own family. Chaeung, the father and the disabled son leave for Mae Sai. Da Lin follows them there but her father is already dead. He got suicide because of disappointment with his daughter. Songpon is here also blaming Dao Lin not to have told him the truth about her background as he is comprehensive and it would have saved her father’s life. Nobody in the village wishes to talk to Dao Lin. To pay respect to her father a last time, she performs the traditional spade dance and finally cuts her throat during the dance. She entrusts Chaeung and her son to Songpon. It is a sad family drama with a rich mother causing her son’s death and a poor daughter causing her father’s death. The DVD แม่อายสะอื้น (1972) lasts 1h55mn but some parts are missing as it is a copy from U-matic tapes.. Famous director is Chutima Suwannarat (ชุติมา สุวรรณรัตน์) well known for sad movies.
Year: 1970
Thai title: แม่ย่านาง
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Sor Asanajinda,Sithao Petcharoen,Lor Tok,Preuhat Boonlong,Rong Kaomulkadee
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Sopha Sataporn,Kaenjai Meenakanit
Buy now:
แม่ย่านาง is a 1970 movie in VCD format featuring a still colorful picture and lasting 1h54mn. An additional 30mn reel (the reel number 2) is available through a Thai collector. Young lady Prang (Sopha Sataporn) is waiting for Jiaw (เด็กวัด) to give alms (ตักบาตร) to the monks but he doesn't come today. Jiaw (Mitr Chaibancha) is a temple boy with a kind heart (ใจบุญ) so seeing Jom and his friends trying to steal money donated to the temple, he tries to prevent them to rob money to buy alcohol. Unfortunately he gets accused by Jom so the abbot believes he is the robber. Jiaw is chased from the temple. He decides to sell food (ขายของ) with his two friends by navigating on a boat on river and canals. A mysterious spirit Mae Ya Nang (ผีหลอก) (Pissamai Wilaisak) on the boat bow helps them to get business. Jae (Kaenjai Meenakanit), a shop vendor, likes Jiaw a lot but he is not interested. Sithao Petcharoen has issues with his wife as she doesn’t accept he has mistresses. Prang is seen as a young sister (น้องสาว) only by Jiaw. Jiaw seems to love his boat more than anything else despite strong interest from Jae and Prang. Jae is under a charm (ถูกเสน่ห์). A local villager has recruited a black magician (Lor Tok)(หมอผี) to make a love philter to seduce Jae. As uncle Man (พฤหัส บุญหลง - Preuhat Boonlong) breaks the spell, the black magician tries to kill uncle Man. As it fails, he sends Jom and his team protected by magic tattoos. Once again the spirit Mae Ya Nang (แม่ย่านางเรือ) protects Jiaw. In a previous life, the mysterious lady and Jiaw knew each other. The mysterious lady was a princess (ลูกหญิง). As the King's boat (พระองค์) was attacked by pirates, the King ordered Jiaw to take away the princess and to protect her. Jom, who was the head of soldiers, was treacherous to his King and killed him. Sor Asanajinda is the father of Jom. Before dying, Jiaw's friend succeeded to reach him and told the truth about Jom. Spade fighting happened between Jom and Jiaw. Jiaw won and Jom died (ทรยศ). The princess didn't trust the uncle Sor and asked Jiaw to organise their escape. Jiaw was split between his love to the princess and the love to the kingdom. The uncle Sor asked him to leave to preserve the princess. As he finally refused, he was killed by a guard. Knowing his death, the princess got suicide. Back to the present, the black magician sends Jom to kill Jiaw and the uncle Man. Prang and Jae are kidnapped by the black magician (อาจารย์). Jiaw shall avoid any bad actions (จ้องเวร จ้องกรรม) to hope being reunited with the princess one day. Jom kills the black magician as he made a love philter for himself to seduce Jae and Prang instead of doing it for Jom. Through a final fight with Jom, Jiaw is killed while protecting the abbot (in fact the king in a previous life) with his own body. Jiaw failed to protect the King in his previous life but in this life, he saves the monk. Jiaw and the princess are reunited in heaven. The 1h54mn movie is really great but the additional 30mn reel reveals additional details of the movie: Jae is upset that Jiaw prefers to sleep on the boat than with her. Jiaw helps to prevent a kidnapping of Jae. Sithao suggests Jom to visit the black magician to get spells. He is a bad guy always trying to abuse for his own purpose people asking for love philter. Through a sexy scene with an unknown veteran actress, the black magician makes a love philtre to seduce her instead of doing one for her to seduce back her husband Sithao. It is highly probable that this scene would have been cut on any VCD release. Seeing the power of love filters, they recommend the black magician to the villager trying to seduce Jae. As old movies were long, each actor / actress always had the opportunity to have his own long scene to please his fans. It is also very frequent to see Thai people onlookers in outdoor scenes such as market. It was additional potential customers to come watching in cinema to see if they were in the movie! The original movie features 5 songs but the DVD only features 1 song.
Year: 1969
Thai title: ละครเร่
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Prince Bhanu Yukol
Main actor: Manop Aussawathep,Dokdin Kanyaman,Charin Nantanakorn,Sompong Phonmitr
Main actress: Suthisa Putnuch
A local troop plays traditional theater (เล่นละคร) in front of a pleased audience. The actors sing and dance well (รำดีดี). Middle age women give flower garlands (ดอกมาลัย) to the handsome main actor. Manager (ผู้จัดการ) Thongdam supervises the troop. Thongdam is fond of a young dancer called Maram but the love is not reciprocal. An old master is always teaching constantly the dancers and singers to look for perfection. Before representations actors pay respect to their master and spirits (ไหว้ครู). The two leading actors are handsome actor Boon Ek (พระเอก) and young lady Kathin (นางเอก). A high society young woman from Bangkok, called Waew, likes the handsome actor (เสียงดี - รูปหล่อ). She has a fiance called Prachalin already. Waew's father wishes to take Boon Ek to Bangkok to become a famous singer in nightclubs. Boon Ek refuses as he cannot leave his master but he falls under Waew's charm (ถูกเสน่ห์). It is the opposite of standard scenario as this time the rich lady seduces the poor man. The troop (โรงละคร) always moves from one temple to another. Beautiful representations with colorful costumes are shown. Manora (โนราห์) dance is like a bird dance. Waew brings Boon Ek to old style nightclub with singers and couples dancing. There is an opposition between traditional arts and modern songs, between Lakorn (ละคร) actors and Bangkok singers. A few beautiful 1960s romantic songs are featured in this two hours movie. Following a trip to Bangkok Boon Ek comes back drunk. He never missed a performance. His performance is a disaster (คนอะไร!) as he is too drunk. He has big hope (มีหวัง) for a career (ดารานักร้อง) in Bangkok and wishes for good money. Katin gives back to him her fiancee ring. The old master is very sick. Almost no spectators are paying to view the theather performances since Boon Ek left. The troop is out of cash. Vaew's heart balances between two men, her fiance and Boon Ek. The old teacher will not ask Boon Ek to come back (ยอมตายดีกว่า). Waew's fiancee, Prachalin, is a former singer and compositor. He prefers to lose Waew than a good singer! Thongdam is selling his own gold jewelry to simulate customers renting the troop. He even takes a life insurance (ประกันชีวิต) as he knows he is very sick. Waew doesn't love Boon Ek as he is a countryside guy. She is just having fun. Thongdam dies. He legates his money to the troop. To thank him, Malam decides to learn to dance to try to replace Boon Ek. Boon Ek is now a TV star (ดารา tv) and comes back to his province for singing. He declares his love again to Kathin through a song while she is the audience. She leaves the concert crying. He comes back during a lakorn representation and promises not to leave again. The Bangkok buzz is not for him. This is veteran actor Manop Aussawathep's first movie. It has a few similitudes with Cherd Songsri's movie Nora (โนห์รา) regarding traditional arts protection and conservation. It still features a very nice color picture for a 40 years old Thai movie. This movie was directed by the General Major His Royal Highness Prince Bhanu Yukol, a pioneering Thai filmmaker. He is the uncle of famous director Prince ChatriChalerm Yukol.
Year: 1968
Thai title: อีแตน
English title: E-tan
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Sawin Sawangrat,Sukon Koewliam,Man Teeraphol,Thuam Thoranong,Lor Tok,Kokheng,Sompol Kongsuwan
Main actress: Aranya Namwong,Chadaporn Wachirapranee,Yaowaret Nisakorn,Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit,Malee Wetpraseri,Chosri Misommon
Thai movie อีแตน was released in year 1968. The movie lasts 3 hours. This movie has a very colorful image and a DVD was released by Thai film Archives in year 2014. Five songs are featured. Kalong (Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit) is married to a chief district officer. Her father is Sawin Sawangrat. She is pregnant. While chasing traffickers, the chief district officer is injured and finally dies. Before dying, he asks his mum to send Kalong to Bangkok in order to have his child raised by his father. The baby has a scar around the ear. The father has a new wife (กันฑรีย์ นาคประภา), who is upset about losing heritage, and she prepares a plan with her lover Nipon (Man Teeraphol) to get rid of Kalong and her child. Mien (Malee Wetpraseri) hears their plan, takes the baby and flees. Shocked, Kalong has a brain attack. Tam, Mien’s husband, names the baby E- tan. E-tan (Aranya Namwong) is now a grown beautiful young lady. E-tan meets Rungroj (Mitr Chaibancha) being a lawyer responsible to expel people from a slum to build a new building. E-tan, Tam (Sompol Kongsuwan) and Mien have to leave. Mien goes back to her hometown to work and to send money. Being sick, she is cheated and no money reaches E-tan and Tam. So E-tan decides to quit school in order to work. She tries to find a job as domestic helper in a rich house. But she gets issues with the owner accusing her to have stolen her necklace. She is a fighting with the daughter called Supatra. E-tan meets Phaka (Chadaporn Wachirapranee). She is a mamasan but E-tan is not aware. Tam is the old boyfriend of the mamasan Phaka so he sells E-tan for 5000 baht. Thuam Thoranong, as a customer, is severely beaten with E-Tan. Mien is back and threatens to kill Tam if E-tan is not back within seven days. As the grandfather is getting old and sick but refusing to transfer his heritage to his younger new wife, Nipon has the idea to find a 19 years old girl to pretend being the lost granddaughter. He hires E-tan from Pakha without knowing that E-tan is the real granddaughter! She is recognised by the grandfather thanks to the scar. Rungroj is engaged with Supatra (Yaowaret Nisakorn) but he doesn't love her. He thinks about the young lady beggar but doesn't realise that she is the same lady as the new granddaughter. Supatra is jealous as Rungroj spends a lot of time with E-tan as the grandfather asks him to be a teacher for her. Aware that Nipon and the mother plan to kill them once heritage has been transferred to her, E-Tan prepares a plan with her friends from the slum. A social event is organized to present E-Tan to Thai society as the official lost daughter. Nipon prepares poison for the grandfather. Mien is wishing to announce the bad plans of the new wife and Nipon but she is is killed before by Nipon. Upset by Mien’s death, E-Tan shots him with a gun without knowing that he is already dead having drunk the poison by mistake. E-Tan is accused of murder by the new wife and is sent to jail. Rungroj is the lawyer for E-tan. Tam, recognizing that E-Tan has always been good with him, relates the real story to the judge and E-Tan is spared from prison. She then can marry with Rungroj.
Year: 1968
Thai title: รักเอย
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Sukon Koewliam,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Adul Dulyarat,Choomporn Theppitak,Adinan Singhiran,Joomjim Khemlek
Main actress: Metta Roongrat,Petchara Chaowarat,Chadaporn Wachirapranee
Buy now:
A young lady called Wannee (Petchara Chaowarat) gets suicide in Passakorn's home and this latter (Mitr Chaibancha) gets accused of murder (ผู้ตาย). Adirek (Adul Dulyarat), lawyer, explains the whole story to the police inspector (Choomporn Theppitak). Oi (Metta Roongrat) and her sister Wannee were students. Wannee failed her exams despite being a good student as she didn't want to bring extra financial burden to her parents as they have already the younger sister's studies to support. Wannee found a job in a Bangkok dancing club directed by sexy directress Ratree (Chadaporn Wachirapranee). Pon (Prachuap Ruekyamdee) and Passakorn often party. Wannee met Passakorn in the dancing club. He liked her immediately (ผู้หวังดี). Passakorn is the son of a rich company owner but he is not really hard worker, spending a lot of money and going in clubs. Passakorn asked a few days to Wannee before talking to parents about their relationship. Wannee still had doubts on Passakorn's real feelings. Wannee got pregnant but Passakorn still didn't inform his parents about their relationship (ไม่ชื่อแล้ว, คนโกหก). When talking to his father, this latter shown him a photo of Adirek and Wannee together. He believed Wannee had betrayed him (ทรยศ). He went for London leaving Wannee puzzled and believing Passakorn refused to take his responsibility (ใจชั่ว). Passakorn stopped his friendship with Adirek also. Knowing that Wannee was pregnant and her difficult situation, Adirek proposed his help. Wannee and her mother went on countryside to deliver the baby quietly. Meanwhile Oi continued her studies and got closer to Adirek. As his father died in an accident, Passakorn had to flight back from London. Passakorn still couldn't forget Wannee and was drinking heavily every day. Oi got highest grade in her school and got a tuition for Japan offered to the school by Passakorn! Passakorn started a close friendship with Oi causing serious despair to Adirek and Wannee. Wannee's child was a born dead baby. Passakorn was still upset with Wannee believing she betrayed him (นางกากี. คนทรยศ). Passakorn had to marry with Urai following heritage arrangements. Wannee's father was upset with her (ลูกช่ัว) and only Oi was seen as a good girl. Wannee went to meet Passakorn to ask him stopping meeting her young sister and to move away. He refused. Being denigrated by her father and sister, Wannee organized Oi's kidnapping and got suicide in Passakorn's home so that he could get accused. Pon finally claims that he is the one who took the picture with Adirek and Wannee but he didn't think it will degenerate like this. Passakorn and Adirek resume friendship. Adirek and Pon look for a letter proving that Wannee died through suicide and not murdered by Passakorn. Uncle Wong (Adinan Singhiran) refuses to give it as he believes Passakorn is responsible of Wannee's death. During the trial, Passakorn, knowing he was unfair to Wannee, agrees he killed her. His friends succeed to get the letter and can show Passakorn innocence. Released and back home, Passakorn gets reunited with Wannee by using the same knife inhibited with poison to quit this world. This 1968 movie is 2h24mn long and still features a very colorful image. it is one of the best role of Mitr Chaibancha playing a bad guy. The real movie is longer as a trailer of 3mn48 is also available. It includes sequences in the jail that are not present in the VCD.
Year: 1967
Thai title: ไทรโศก
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wichit Khunawut
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Adul Dulyarat,Adinan Singhiran,Choomporn Theppitak
Main actress: Boosara Narumit,Namgneun Boonnak,Marasri Bangchang,Sopha Sataporn
Thai movie ไทรโศก was released in year 1967. It is directed by Wichit Khunawut. It lasts 2h06mn. Yen (Boosara Narumit) is being raised since childhood by a stepfather but was never officially adopted. Bai (Mitr Chaibancha) is a dumb and a bit retarded adult (เด็กวัด) accompanying the monk during morning alms. Kitty (Adul Dulyarat) is the real son. Adinan Singhiran is helping for everything in Thorasok domain. The father is sick. Urai (Namgneun Boonnak) is pregnant with Kitty. Usa (Marasri Bangchang) is Urai's mother. Bai is named as ผีทะเล. Kitty is always upset with Yen. The father finally dies and the testament is opened. It is a shock for the family to learn that no money is given to Kitty if he doesn't marry Yen and have a child with her! The mother and Urai are upset. The mother prepares the wedding of Yen and Kitty to follow the testament. But it is a forged plan. They drunk Bai so that Bai enters in Yen's bedroom at nighttime. Yen becomes pregnant. Kitty goes to live with Urai in Bangkok. A child is born from Yen. The mother names it as Ying Yong and takes it to Bangkok to raise it. Meanwhile on countryside, some ruffians shot a couple and a baby is left behind. Yen decides to adopt and raise the baby. Many years have passed. Kittikorn, son of Urai and Kitty, tries to seduce Dao (Sopha Sataporn), Yong Yot’s daughter. Ying Yong (also played by Mitr Chaibancha) is younger brother (น้อง) of Kittikorn. Kittikorn is insolent (ทะลึ่ง) and lazy. The daughter of Yen, called Srai Gnam (รักชนก จินดาวรรณ), is now a doctor. The man who killed the two parents many years ago is now released from jail. His son is Thep (Choomporn Theppitak). He spent 20 years in jail. He wishes to get revenge over Yong Yot who sent him to jail. Dao sees that Srai Gnam is wearing same pendant as her. Ying Yong and Dao are close together so Kittikorn realises he has no chance with Dao so his parents think about Srai Gnam who is a doctor. Thep befriends with Kittikorn. Ying Yong meets Bai but doesn't realize Bai is his father. Kitty wishes his son Kittikorn to marry the daughter of Yen. Yen refuses. Kitty loses his nerves so hits both Yen and Ngam Sai. Before Ying Yong can do anything, Bai intervenes and punches violently Kitty. Kitty becomes half paralyzed due his fall. Ngam Sai as doctor treats him. Ying Yong realises the kindness of Ngam Sai. The grandmother now wants to have Ying Yong to marry Ngam Sai. Urai cannot support this and tells the truth about Ying Yong to her son Kittikorn. She then quits Kitty and goes back to Bangkok. With the help of Kittikorn and Thep, the ruffians wish to storm Thorasok domain and gets the 200 000 baht stored there. Kittikorn wants them to kill Ying Yong also. Kittkorn hits Dao (หลานสาว Yong Yot) and kidnaps her. Meanwhile ruffians attack the house at nighttime (ถูกปล้น). Bai is killed by Kittikorn (ชาติชั่ว). Kitty is shot during the fighting and discloses the truth to Ying Yong before dying. Ngam Sai is identified as second daughter of Yong Yot. As it turns badly, Kittikorn escapes and wishes to flee with Dao. Dao shots Kittikorn and becomes crazy. Peace can finally happens in Srai Sok domain. Some mute sequences lasting 16 minutes haven't been released on the DVD. Maybe because the dubbing was missing for those parts? Maybe the VCD and DVD versions had to last the same time? Those sequences show the baby found by Adinan, Kitty having heated discussion with his mother and Adinan, Yen treated as a domestic helper by Kitty and Urai, Bai carrying big jar, Urai and Kitty showing their son to the mother, Kitty and her mother in front of the father’s corpse, Kittikorn punching Ying Yong.
Year: 1966
Thai title: เพชรตัดเพชร
English title: Operation Bangkok
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wichit Khunawut
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Luechai Natnat,Adinan Singhiran,Choomporn Theppitak,Kecha Plianvithee,Adul Dulyarat,Sompol Kongsuwan,Chao Klaewklong,Lor Tok,Tat Ekathat
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat,Regina Pai Ping,Chadaporn Wachirapranee,Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit,Kaenjai Meenakanit,Malee Wetpraseri,Yaowaret Nisakorn
Buy now:
Movie Operation Bangkok / เพชรตัดเพชร was released in year 1966 and lasts 1h50mn. It is a HK Thai co production managed by three film directors including Wichit Khunawut. Mitr Chaibancha meets Yot (Luechai Natnat). An exchange of suitcases happens over a bridge. Adinan Singhiran is Yot’s acolyte. Yot betrays Mitr and tries to keep the two suitcases. Shooting happens and Yot flees. Choomporn Theppitak is part of a gang led by Kecha Plianvithee. Yot belongs to the same gang also. Luechai arrives in Hong Kong. He meets Adul Dulyarat on a boat to exchange drugs against money. The drug is fake and he steals the money by punching Adul. He flees to Bangkok and escapes to Choomporn, who tries to shoot him with a long range rifle. Yot has betrayed (ทรยศ) Kecha. Yot meets singer Pai Lu (Hong Kong actress Regina Pai Ping) in the plane and sympathizes. Mitr disguises himself as Chat, a tough ruffian, to infiltrate Kecha’s gang. Chadaporn Wachirapranee is Chat’s old wife so he punches Sompol Kongsuwan to show he is back. Chao Klaewklong introduces Chat to Kecha. Kecha is looking for a new right-hand man (แขนขวาคนใหม่) as Yot betrayed him. Kecha wishes Chat to get rid of Yot. Ratsamee (Petchara Chaowarat) loves Yot but Yot also loves Pai Lu, who is in fact an undercover policewoman from Hong Kong. Ratsamee warns Yot that Adul is around looking for him. Pai Lu and Ratsamee escape from Adul but get arrested by policeman Lor Tok, who ignore they are from Interpol Police (ตำรวจสากล). A painting called เพชรตัดเพชร is purchased by Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit bidding against Kecha. Miss Boran (Kaenjai Meenakanit) is the sexy painter. Adul wishes to buy the jewel hidden in the painting but this one is now always worn by Miss Boran. The jewel contains a password (รหัด). Choomporn kills Miss Boran to get the jewel but Yot and his team steal it from him also. Pai Lu is surnamed HK 16. Mitr is surnamed BKK 38 (ตำรวจไทยเจ้าชู้อย่างนี้ทุกคนหรือค่ะ?). Mitr helps Pai Lu chased by two ruffians including Choomporn. Chat brings Pai Lu himself to Kecha. Understanding that she is an enemy (ศัตรู), she is condemned to be shot by Choomporn but Chat succeeds to charge the gun with blank bullets. Yot falls in a trap prepared by Adul to steal the diamond but it fails and Adul dies. Yot wishes to make peace with Kecha. Kecha wants only one right-arm man so both Chat and Yot have to fight against each other. Pai Lu and Petchara ask them to stop fighting. They are all captured by Kecha. Part of the movie is then lost here. Wilaiwan shots Ratsamee. Hopefully Pai Lu shots Wilaiwan and can help Ratsamee on time. Thai police attack the ruffians. All are killed or captured but Kecha succeeds to flee. Kecha refuses to surrender to the Thai police and prefers to explode his boat. The movie ends up on a sad note as Pai Lu has to leave Chat to go back back to Hong Kong, Ratsamee is separated from Yot as he has to go to jail. This movie is still available in Hong Kong under title 諜海蛟龍 and was shown on cable TV. The famous song of this movie is ดวงใจ by singer สวลี ผกาพันธุ์. This movie is one of the best confrontations between Thai superstars Mitr Chaibancha and Luechai Natnat. As it is a HK Thai co production, it is interesting to find that the Chinese version poster features Chinese actress Regina Pai Ping’s head in big size. Mitr Chaibancha and Petchara Chaowarat are displayed in small size. But the Thai poster displays more prominently Mitr Chaibancha and Petchara Chaowarat. In the Chinese synopsis, Mitr Chaibancha is written as mi-tsai- wan-chai (Thai detective No 78) and called as Ah Tsai in the movie. Regina Pai Ping (Hong Kong agent No 113) is called as Pai Lu in the movie. Petchara Chaowarat is written as Pi-chai-la and called as Sha Mei in the movie. The movie was so famous that it was released once in year 1966 and then reshown again in year 1975. The original version lasts 2h20mn but the 1975 version was reduced to less than 2 hours as both movies เพชรตัดเพชร and คนเหนือคน were shown together. The DVD released by company Pantamit is based on the 1975 version. It took five years for company Pantamit to convince the film owner to lend it in order to make a digital copy. Another film copy remains in the Thai Film archives.
Year: 1966
Thai title: เสน่ห์บางกอก
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wichit Khunawut
Main actor:
Main actress: Pawana Chanajit
เสน่ห์บางกอก (Charm of Bangkok) is a Thai movie released in year 1966. It has still a colorful image. It was never released officially in any video format such as VHS, VCD or DVD. So luckily in year 2013, it was released on Thai TV CH7 during the program อมตะหนังไทย. It lasts 1h35mn. Originally the movie lasts 2h20mn. It remains famous as one of the first song movies (หนังเพลง) in Thailand. It featured 8 songs. It received three golden statuettes during Thai cinema awards. The main actor is a real Thai singer (นักร้องลูกทุ่ง พร ภิรมย์). A Thai collector still has the full length movie but in mute mode as it is a 16mm movie so it needs to get dubbed. He shared an additional 19 minutes extract with songs on Internet. Too sad that the movie from director Wichit Khunawut (วิจิตร คุณาวุฒิ) cannot be seen in its original state. Sabai (สไบ) (Pawana Chanajit) is riding bicycle and gets hit by Plae's (แพร) car. Animosity happens immediately between them (เครียดกัน). Sabai is friend with Tong, Plae's sister. Plae wishes to continue his studies but his father Kamnan wants him to ordain as a monk and then to marry Sabai! Dance (รำวง) happens in the village. The dancing ends up in a fighting between Plae and a ruffian trying to seduce Sabai. Plae is bitten by a snake. While he is recovering, his father already asked Sabai's parents for her hand through a procession ceremony (พิธีแห่ขันหมาก). Sabai claims she doesn't love him (แต่งแล้วจะรักกันเอง). Later on they even argue strongly (คนผีทะเล). Ordination ceremony happens. Plae's father intends to have a lakorn to entertain guests. Some guests from Bangkok are coming. Khun Luang and a star (ดาราละคร) are coming. Plae falls under the charm of the actress. Khun Luang wishes to rent the Buddha image (พระองค์งาม) but Kamnan refuses as it protects the family happiness. Still under the charm, Plae hits his own brother to steal the Buddha and flees to Bangkok (หนีบวจ) hoping to become rich (ความเจริญในเมืองบางกอก). Losing face, the father decides to look for his son in Bangkok. Many comic situations happen as Kamnan has never been in big city like Bangkok (บ้านนอก). There are amazing sequences showing Bangkok and its famous tourist spots 50 years ago. Plae goes to Khun Luang and the actress house. He meets Sabai there as she knew he will come here! The actress already forgot him. Disappointed, he leaves. Khun Luang (หัวหน้าร้าย) sends thugs to find Plae. Meanwhile Plae befriends with a Thai boxing ring owner and leaves the Buddha statue at his home. Plae gets kidnapped by the thugs. Kamnan needs to give the Buddha statue in exchange. Finally Kamnan, the Thai boxing ring owner and the police neutralise the ruffians. Through a thrilling Thai boxing match, Plae beats his opponent and wins enough money to bring everybody back to the village. He will fulfill his promise to ordain and then marry Sabai. Many Thai movies are about the theme of the up country guy coming to Bangkok and hoping to become rich but only facing disillusion. This story has been readapted a few times, i.e. in years 2011 and 1996 for Thai TV series and in year 1981 for a Thai movie with Sorapong Chatree and Naowarat Yooktanun.
Year: 1965
Thai title: เงิน เงิน เงิน
English title: Money Money Money
Rating: 5/5
Director: Prince Anusorn Mongkolkarn
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Charin Nantanakorn,Lor Tok,Sukon Koewliam,Adul Dulyarat,Sawin Sawangrat,Daonoi Duangjai,Dokdin Kanyaman,Man Teeraphol,Ruj Ronnapop,Thuam Thoranong,Banglae
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat,Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit,Orasa Isarangkul,Chadaporn Wachirapranee,Mom Chan Phuangwan,Chosri Misommon,Sulaleewan Suwanthat
Buy now:
The movie starts by a small introduction highlighting that everybody fights for money (เงิน เงิน เงิน). This introduction features many actors or actresses with cameo role such as Daonoi Duangjai, Dokdin Kanyaman, Man Teeraphol, Chadaporn Wachirapranee. Tu (Mitr Chaibancha) comes back to Thailand after overseas studies in USA. Tum (สุมาลี ทองหล่อ) is his sister. They are orphans. Their uncle Hirun is a creditor. Mom (Mom Chan Phuangwan) is Hirun's assistant. For Hirun, money is work and work is money. He has no feelings for his customers personal problems. Tu’s uncle wants him to take over his duty but Tu doesn't like such job bringing suffering to people (สงสาร) so that is why he has done artistic studies as it can bring happiness to people. He meets Kingkaew (Petchara Chaowarat), a vagabond. Wishing to help poor people and teased by Kingkaew, he proposes to bring the A-ram boys band (เด็กวัด) in Bangkok to play music in a nightclub. His uncle chases him away as he cancelled all debt contracts. Tum is chased also. Teacher (ครู) Rangsun (Charin Nantanakorn) will help writing songs for the band. There is a crazy lady (Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit) in Hirun's house looking for her children. Tum wonders if she is her mother or not. They arrive in Bangkok but have little money. They met a restaurant owner’s daughter (Chosri Misommon), willing to join them as a singer. Pa (Sulaleewan Suwanthat) is their house owner. They borrow 300 000 baht from Pa but Tu has to promise to marry her daughter (Orasa Isarangkul) Nataya. Pa knows that Tu is a potential rich heir. Lor Tok proposes ideas for their nightclub promotion. Tu’s concept is that art belongs to everybody. Hirun wants to be sure his nephews will fail so he hires ruffians to destroy their nightclub. The ruffians steal their money so Tu and his friends decide to serve and cook by themselves. Hirun comes on the opening day with a bunch of tough ruffians to make noise and also kidnap the performing girls. Indian actor Banglae (บังเละ) is acting as nightclub guard. Kingkaew always find solutions to problems occurring. The ruffians drunk the cook and waiters to delay orders. Hirun takes the teacher (ครู) Rangsun’s piano as he didn't pay his rent due to sickness. Adul Dulyarat is a doctor trying to save the teacher Rangsun. Hirun sends his ruffians to create a brawl in order to destroy the nightclub. Artist should be protected. The Thai King giving cinema awards inspires them not to stop fighting (ศีลปินไม่เคยตาย). By hazard, Tum and her friends have chance to release the crazy woman called Nat. Another uncle of Tu called Sompong is released from prison after twenty years. He narrates to Tu the story of his father betrayed by his own brother Hirun and who finally committed suicide. Nat is reunited with her two children, Tu and Tum. All the money of Hirun is coming from the one million baht that the father gave him to raise his children. They promise to take revenge on his 60th birthday coming soon. Hirun has to face the truth on his birthday turning to be a nightmare for him. He finally lost his whole fortune. The nightclub featuring arts becomes a huge success. This movie features 14 songs. A double DVD (3h20mn) including the 35mm movie fully restored was released by Thai Film Archives. The whole movie should even be a bit longer as the song หญ้าโลมดิน sung by Mitr and Petchara is missing. It is present on the VHS version and on a 16mm version left. Another movie version was released in year 1983. Two TV series were released in years 1997 and 2007. The producer is Prince หม่อมอุบล ยุคล. This movie includes more than 60 Thai actors, actresses and singers. Petchara got a Thai cinema reward for this movie. This movie is part of the second 25 films heritage list announced on October 4 2012, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1965
Thai title: อ้อมอกดิน
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Lor Tok,Somkuan Krajangsat
Main actress: Petchara Chaowarat,Malee Wetpraseri,Somjit Sapsamruey,Sulaleewan Suwanthat,Chadaporn Wachirapranee
Buy now:
Thai movie อ้อมอกดิน was released in year 1965. The DVD lasts 2h12mn. It features a sharp and very colorful image. A father is having financial debts. The father (Somkuan Krajangsat) has three kids (Oum, Ann, Oi) and his wife is sick. The father disappears while trying catching fish in the sea. The mother dies. A debtor claims back his money and seizes the house (บ้านถูกรื้อ). So local teacher (Lor Tok) takes the three children (เด็กกำพร้า) in his house. The teacher's wife uses them as her small slaves. Malee (Malee Wetpraseri) from Bangkok claims she wants to raise children so buys Oum and Ann from the teacher. She in fact uses them as street beggars. They flee and take refuge in a neighbouring house where the owner (Somjit Sapsamruey) and the domestic helper (Sulaleewan Suwanthat) receive them (เมตตา) despite opposition of the husband. The mother also brings the younger daughter to join them. 20 years passed. Oum is Mitr Chaibancha. Petchara Chaowarat is a doctor. Oum is still hoping his real father is alive. Ann likes parties (ไปเที่ยว) and meets bad people such as Krai and Kanya wishing to take advantage of rich people. Oi has a bad mindset and everything shall be due to her (ทำใจ). Oum is the only child working hard and helping the father in his company. The real father is back after 20 years passed in prison. He meets the local teacher. The teacher recommends not to disclose his real identity in order not to destroy the children's happiness. The father still wants to see his children. In Bangkok, while spying the house where the children live, he is mistaken as a beggar and mistreated by his own daughter. Only Oum has kindness for him. The stepfather welcomes him as gardener as he is nowhere to go. Ann is framed by Krai with Kanya in order to force a wedding. Krai and Kanya frames another man, Chai, who is Chadaporn's boyfriend. Chadaporn (Chadaporn Wachirapranee) and Krai are part of the same dishonest group of people. Oi chases her own father as he tries to prevent her seeing Chai. Oum hears the gardener praying so now knows he is his own real father. The real father tells Oum not to disclose his identity. Oum and the doctor shall marry. The doctor's father is the debtor, who took their home twenty years ago. Oum flees during the engagement ceremony. Ann tries to get big amount money from his mother but she refuses as no explanation is given by Ann. So Ann disappears. Oum is still upset and chases the doctor and her brother from his home. He slaps Oi lacking respect to the gardener, her own father. Seeing that issues between his children happen since he hired the gardener uncle Tam, the stepfather fires him. Uncle Tam helps Oi aggressed by Krai. Krai tries to steal money from the doctor's father by involving Ann. Shootings happen and Tam gets injured by protecting the doctor's father. The doctor saves his life. Seeing his children happy with the current family, Tam decides to ordain as a monk.
Year: 1965
Thai title: ไฟเย็น
English title: Fai Yen
Rating: 5/5
Director:
Main actor:
Main actress:
Thai movie ไฟเย็น - Fai Yen was released in year 1965. This propaganda film is happening during Cold War. Fai Yen is a children Thai game name. A burning match needs to be extincted before it is too late. Teacher Pol is living in an Isan village. He is well respected by all villagers. He is always giving advices and help to local people. He is having a teenage daughter. Boon Nam is a young teenager, who has never caused harm to anybody in the village and is taking care of his elderly mum. But Boon Nam is worried about his future. It just seems blank to him, remaining poor and unable to marry the teacher's daughter. He listens to a friend Vichai telling him that other countries are rich and taking good care of their citizen. He shares his thoughts with the teacher. The teacher is also worried about communist influence trying to destroy Thailand through Isan region being a poor area. He encourages people to love nation (รักชาติ), Buddhism (under jeopardy as communism hates religions) and monarchy. Government is working hard thanks to the taxes money but it takes time as Isan is a big poor region. Boon Nam shall avoid taking the wrong path (นาทีต่อบ้านเมือง). สหาย Vichai is discussing strategy with Thai communist guerilla. Teacher Pon, ผู้ใหญ่บ้าน, the abbot are main obstacles as villagers are listening to them and explaining that the government is investing in Isan development. American government is helping a lot. Communist guerilla relies on lies (new roads are built for easier access to army and police, more productivity means more taxes to the government...), fear to get food from villagers and additional young men to join them. The guerilla attacks the village and requests food. Boon Nam joins them expecting to change his life. But he is disappointed seeing they even rob and kill innocent merchant to get food or kill each other if orders are not properly respected. A relative of Boon Nam already present in communist guerilla recommends him to flee as communists are liars, have no belief in family ties and are traitors to the nation (คนขายชาติ). Meanwhile Thai police investigates on the village attack and arrest Vichai. Communist guerrilla leader is upset that villagers warned the police. He wishes to teach a lesson (สั่งสอน) to villagers and get rid of the teacher. Boon Nam flees from the guerrilla per his relative's advice. Guerilla storms the village and sentences teacher Pol to death. Hopefully police warned by Boon Nam arrives on time and kills the communists. This movie was shot for Thai people to realize the dangers of the communism. 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 2011, which is Thai Movies Conservation Day.
Year: 1963
Thai title: จำเลยรัก
English title:
Rating: 5/5
Director: Wichit Khunawut
Main actor: Mitr Chaibancha,Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Preuhat Boonlong
Main actress: Pissamai Wilaisak,Amara Asavananda,Sulaleewan Suwanthat,Manat Boonkiet,Malee Wetpraseri
Thai movie จำเลยรัก was released in year 1963. This movie features Mitr Chaibancha as main actor and Pissamai Wilaisak as main actress. The movie is lost in Thailand but a succession of sequences lasting one hour and 20 minutes is left to be seen. It is remaining out take sequences session (หลุด). The remaining film was dubbed and shown in Thai Film Archives in year 2017. Another version of จำเลยรัก was released in year 1978 through a DVD still available. It features Phairoj Sangwaribut and Naowarat Yooktanun. Two brothers, Narin and Narit (Mitr Chaibancha), are arguing. The youngest brother Narin loves a woman called Satsanee. As the love is not blossoming, he gets suicide. Satsanee (Amara Asavananda) and younger sister So (Pissamai Wilaisak) are part of a rich family. Her parents are played by Preuhat Boonlong and Manat Boonkiet. Her aunt by Malee Wetpraseri. Domestic helper is played by Sulaleewan Suwanthat. Believing So is Satsanee, the elder brother Narit blames So and announces to her that Narin is about to die. It is her last chance for her to see him. She follows Narit without warning her other family members. She understands too late that Narit kidnaps her. Narit wants her to pay for her sins (การใช้บาป). She claims she is not Satsanee but So! He doesn’t listen. Satsanee meets Wat (Prachuap Ruekyamdee). Narit doesn’t want to release So as he is concerned she would lie to other men again. Ruffians led by Khun Wiset threatens Narit to sell his tin mine but he refuses. On the way to the city, Narit helps Wat, whose car has a flat tire. While having a drink, he learns that Narit just engaged with a young lady called Satsanee! Lady Boonkrai tries to frame So by pushing Bai to rape her. Narit is very upset with So as he believes she keeps seducing men such as his brother Narin, Bai and Wat so he keeps her captive so that she pays her moral debts (ชดใช้). Narit knows the truth as So speaks while having a nightmare. Narit excuses himself about his behavior. So asks him to give pardon (ขออภัย) but Narit refuses as he lost his brother. Love emerges between Narit and So. Ruffians attack the tin mine. Narit defeats their leader and confronts the owner of another mine, khun Wiset, that tried to steal his belongings. So cares for Narit, who was slightly injured during the fightings. Narit offers a pendant to So. So is back to her home. Satsanee wants to know where So has disappeared. Satsanee is engaged with Wat. Narit finally meets Wat and the real Satsanee. Satsanee borrows So’s pendant. Bai realizes that Boonkrai was lying to him. Boonkrai also lies to Satsanee about Wat having an accident. Boonkrai and Hin have a plan. Narit and Wat storm the ruffians’ place to release Satsanee. Narit defeats Hin. Satsanee wishes to stay her whole life with Narit. Wat and Narit go back to Bangkok by train. Satsanee breaks up with Wat and gives back her engagement ring (ถอดหมั้น). Narit buys an engagement ring. Narit visits Satsanee’s parents and Satsanee believes Narit is asking for her hand. Narit asks for So’s hand causing Satsanee’s despair! It was a trick for Satsanee to suffer and understand the suffering she caused to others. Narit doesn’t want to meet Satsanee anymore and chases her away. Satsanee finally goes to see Wat back at the hospital and they engage again. Narit and So can have happiness. Three songs are featured in the movie.
Year: 1961
Thai title: เรือนแพ
English title: Houseboat
Rating: 5/5
Director: Neramit
Main actor: Sor Asanajinda,Chaiya Suriyun,Jin Fong,Preuhat Boonlong,Jamroon Nuatjim
Main actress:
Buy now:
Four friends are living together, 3 men and one woman, Pen (เพ็ญ). They rent an old boat from Pen’s father and repair into a boat house to live on it (เรือนแพ). Kaew (แก้ว) wishes to become a Thai boxing champion (นักมวย). Lin (รินทร์) wishes to become singer and songs compositor. Chen (เจน) wishes to finish first grade his studies and become a policeman. Pen is the lady. All three friends secretly love Pen. Many songs are featured in the movie. Kaew wishes to participate to real Thai boxing competition instead of only doing trainings. He is very hot temper. A local ruffian head, Ekarat, finds a fight for him and he wins. A song master hears Lin's beautiful voice and wishes to recruit him. A thunderstorm wrecks their home and they nearly escape to death. Kaew saves Pen from drowning so winning her heart and love (หนูเป็นของเขาแล้ว). Kaew wants to win big money to take care about Pen but he needs to do illegal things such as losing a match. He refuses to do so causing Ekarat's ire. He meets another Lopburi influant man. He gives 40 000 baht for his wedding with Pen. On the way to Chiang Mai for the wedding, Kaew discovers that Pen's father is preparing the wedding with somebody else! Upset he disturbs the ceremony and shots the groom. He has to flee and becomes an outlaw (ผู้ร้าย). The four friends have gone different paths (ตามดวง). Kaew gets friend with another ruffian. They rob banks and barges together. Chen, who is now a policeman, needs to catch Kaew as it is his duty. He tries to convince him to surrender but no to avail as Kaew is afraid to go twenty years in jail. Kaew and Pen still meet together. Pen wishes Kaew to stop robbing (หยุดปล้น). Even if Kaew wishes to stop, his ruffians friends discourage him saying no woman will wait for him so long in jail. On top of this they are still chased by the police so no time to rest and think. During a singing performance, Lin is shot and killed by one of the ruffians. Kaew cannot help on time. Chen believes Kaew is the one who shot Lin. They all meet on their format boat house. Kaew accepts to surrender but other ruffians shot him and Chen. The movie ends tragically, Kaew dying while sending the boat on the ruffian to smash him. Only Pen survives. The friendly happiness is no more. เรือนแพ is the first officially restored Thai movie by USA in years 2006-2007. It is a 50 years old movie and the VCD from “Phanmitr" (พันธมิตร) collection company includes a copy in very good condition. It was the first Thai movie in 35mm with songs and not dubbing like 16mm movies. Even the Thai King went to watch the movie in 1961! Chaiya Suriyun was the first star to win three consecutive Thai oscars (รางวัลตุ๊กตาทอง) in years 1962-1964. His first Thai oscar was thanks to this movie “เรือนแพ”. The movie got 3 oscars (best actor, best supporting actor, best movie). It was adapted many times as Thai TV series and another time for cinema in 1989 with Santisuk Promsiri.
Year: 1961
Thai title: แพรดำ
English title: Black Silk
Rating: 5/5
Director: Ratana Pestonji
Main actor:
Main actress:
Seni is a manager of a nightclub. Two men, Sin and Wan, come to visit him and ask him to pay back his debts but he has no money! He refuses to pay and threatening words are exchanged. Young man Tom is used by Seni as odd job man. Phrae, a young widow, is working on clothes confection. She has a baby. Her surname is “Phrae dam” (แพรดำ) as she is mourning for two years. Tom wants to bring happiness back to her but she always refuses to go out with him arguing it is still too early. Sema, Seni’s twin brother (ลูกแฟด), just dies of malaria. Seni decides to bury the corpse there and not bring it back to Bangkok. He has a hidden plan. Since years Seni wishes to buy Wan's land but knows Wan will never sell to him due to the debt issue. Seni asks Tom to bring Phrae in order that she pretends to be the buyer. Things turn wrong as Phrae is not aware of the role she is expected to play and Wan refuses to sell. Seni strangles Wan and Tom shots Sin. Seni disguises this as a crime, i.e. Sin having killed Wan and then fleeing away. Phrae has a temporary loss of consciousness. Tom forgets Phrae's shoes there. Seni then simulates his death in a car crash. A burnt corpse is found in the car. It is in fact Sin's corpse. Seni takes Sema’s identity, his own brother, in order to get life insurance payment following the car accident. Tom shall get a part in order to marry with Phrae. Seni has a reputation of good man but he is in fact evil. He is now the new owner of the nightclub under Sema's identity and gets the money from insurance company. Meanwhile Phrae is always sick. Phrae chases Tom from her house as he is a murderer. Sema is worried that Phrae could disclose the whole truth so he suggests Tom to stop seeing her. He gives Tom 20 000 bath and a car. Sema has a plan to control Phrae without killing her. Her baby is kidnapped. Sema sets up a plan pretending Sin's father has killed Tom and kidnapped Phrae's child as retaliation. If she dares going to police, the baby will die. Lost, she consults the temple abbot who advices her to become a nun (แม่ชี) to find inner peace. She has already been punished by losing her child by mingling with those two crooks. From black clothes (ดำ) she now wears white clothes. Tom still takes care of her child and wishes to find her as the baby is very sick. He finally finds her. She quits the nunnery to look after her baby. Tom dreams of a new life with Phrae and the baby but Phrae refuses as he lied to her so many times. Sema, aware that Tom brings Phrae back home, rushes to find them. To protect Phrae from Sema, Tom has to shoot him. Police catches him and Phrae. The baby dies while they are in jail. A trial happens. Tom denies any wrong doing but the shoes left by Phrae are the missing proof. Tom is sentenced to death. Phrae is spared and becomes a nun again. People may believe Karma (กรรม) doesn’t exist but this movie highlights its impacts and results on people actions. Bad deeds and sinners have been punished. It was a 35mm movie released in 1961. Phrae is played by Ratana Pestonji’s own daughter. It was shot in 35mm so that it could participate to overseas movies competitions such as Berlin 1961 festival. The movie got a photography award in Thai cinema yearly awards ceremony in 1961. This movie has also been registered as National Heritage per the 2016 list released by the Thai Film Archive.
Year: 1957
Thai title: โรงแรมนรก
English title: Country Hotel
Rating: 5/5
Director: Ratana Pestonji
Main actor: Prachuap Ruekyamdee,Chana Sriubon,Sompong Phonmitr,Tat Ekathat
Main actress: Sarinthip Siriwan
The hotel bar caretaker Noi is a brave guy (Prachuap Ruekyamdee) but he is a bit gullible and too nice to customers. The hotel is used as rehearsal hall by choral or a Philippine artist such as miss Flora or Chinese opera (งิ้ว) or even a boxing match. The hotel is often used for arm wrestling competition. The caretaker Noi can often beat men much stronger than him. This strange hotel has only one room and it is already occupied by Mr Chana (Chana Sriubon). Issue arises when a young lady called Riem (Sarinthip Siriwan) asks for a room also. Chana renames the hotel Paradise as hotel Hell (โรงแรมนรก) as it is too noisy. Chana and Riem keep arguing for the room and even fight for pillows (ใจดำ). Chana is getting mad as he cannot sleep properly. Rumors about bandit Seua Din reach the hotel. Taking a bath in a nearby river, Riem needs to borrow Chana's gun to protect herself in case Seua Din is around. As Chana refuses, she bets with him and wins a shooting game. Three ruffians including a fierce guy called Krai are looking for Chana as he is an accountant. They wish to rob his money before he pays company salaries. Noi's uncle is shot. Riem is back when they start to beat Noi and Chana to know when the money arrives. The ruffians are quite polite (เสือสุภาพบุรุษ) but determined to get the money. Noi tells that Riem is Chana's wife. To make Chana speaks, the ruffians threaten his wife’s integrity. Chana finally accepts to tell that money will arrive at 4am. Love emerges between Riem and Chana. One of the ruffians helps Noi as he was looking for honest job and not a thief job. Krai shoots his two friends at nighttime as he believes they betrayed him by protecting Chana. Seua Din enters in the hotel and wishes to get the money also with no sharing. So a Russian roulette game is organised between Krai and Seua Din. Seua Din is very polite (เสือสุภาพบุรุษ) also but not Krai who breaks the game rules and shoots him. Chana and Noi capture Krai. The agent sending the money was Riem, daughter of the company owner. Chana and Riem cannot marry as Chana believes he is a small accountant only. Riem succeeds to convince him. There is a great performance of Prachuap Ruekyamdee who is playing a major role here instead of being a second role in a movie with leading actor Mitr Chaibancha. The movie scenario is very witty. Country Hotel (โรงแรมนรก) is a 1957 black and white movie lasting 2h19mn. It was filmed in 35mm format (using real actors voice) at the opposite of mainstream Thai movies using 16mm format (using dubbers). The movie received 3 awards in 1959 (best director, best image, best sound). The bar can still be found at Thai Film Archives museum. Western classical music is used. There is a great soundtrack used to create special ambience when fighting is happening. It is an indoor movie shooting.
Year: 1954
Thai title: สันติ-วีณา
English title: Santi-Vina
Rating: 5/5
Director: Ratana Pestonji
Main actor:
Main actress: Rewadee Siriwilai
Thai movie สันติ-วีณา (Santi-Vina) was considered as a lost movie during many years. It was finally discovered again, restored and available in full length of 113 minutes. In year 2016 it was shown during Cannes Classic section of the 69th Cannes Film Festival. It was the first 35mm Thai movie ever realised. It was produced by หนุมานภาพยนตร์ and directed by Ratana Pestonji in year 1954. Movie Santi-Vina entered Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Tokyo and got three awards. It was the first Thai movie to participate to overseas movies competition and to get award. When back to Thailand, the film couldn't enter due to tax issue. So it was sent to England and got lost! Luckily it was found again in year 2014 in England in the British Film Institute and also in Russian and Chinese Film archives. Santi-Vina was the first Thai movie to be shown in mainland China. A film researcher found that the movie "Santi-Vina" had been sold to Russia and China in the 1950s and was released in those countries. Thai Film Archives kept also a poor quality copy. The restored movie has a colorful and crisp HD image. Santi-Vina movie was released by Thai Film Archives in year 2017 under DVD format. Santi, a poor 10 years old blind boy, is living with his father. Vina, a young girl, takes a pity on him and tries to protect him from the harassing of another boy called Krai. Vina brings Santi to school. Santi’s father sends him to stay with Luang Ta, a respectable monk, hopefully that he would learn the Buddhist lessons and by doing good deed, he could regain his eyesight. When they have grown up, Santi and Vina (Rewadee Siriwila) become lovers during Loy Krathong festival. By seeing the flower given by Vina in Santi’s hand, the monk understands there is no ending to human suffering. If Santi regains sight one day, the monk wishes he would join the monkhood but in his mind, Santi is thinking about Vina only. Seeing Vina and Santi together, Krai feels jealous because he also loves Vina. Krai asks his parent to arrange a marriage proposal to Vina. Vina’s parents are convinced as Krai’s father is the village leader. The love story with a blind man (ไอบอด) is impossible as he will not be able to care about his wife. Nevertheless Vina doesn’t love Krai so she decides to run away with Santi. Krai tries to stop them at the temple cave but during the fighting, Santi defeats him. However, they are finally caught as trackers are using horses and Santi is severely beaten by Krai. On the day Vina gets married with Krai, Santi feels very sad and decides to get suicide by heading to the cave where big rocks often fall. Luang Ta loses his life in order to save Santi’s life. Santi’s eyesight is miraculous cured but he realizes that life has no more meaning as he lost Luang Ta. Reminding Luang Ta’s comments, Santi reaches real happiness in life is by entering the monkhood. He knows that love together with Vina is no longer possible. In 1976, Pestoni's son Santa remade "Santi-Vina" as a tribute to his father. This remake is currently in poor condition.
Year: 1954
Thai title: คำสั่งคำสาป
English title: Dead Man's Voice
Rating: 5/5
Director: เบอร์เน็ตต์ ลามอนต์
Main actor: Sukon Koewliam
Main actress: Marasri Isarangkul
Thai movie คำสั่งคำสาป / Dead Man's Voice / The Command That Doom was released in year 1954. It was found in the year 2019 by Thai Film Archives in the USA (National Archives and Records Administration - NARA). It was produced by "ยูซิส" (United States Information Service – USIS) as part of efforts to stop communist propagation in Southeast Asia. Most of USIS movies were lost in Thailand after the cold war was over. Thai actors and actresses featured in this movie are วสันต์ สุนทรปักษิน, สวลี ผกาพันธุ์, Marasri Isarangkul, อารี โทณะวณิก, อุโฆษ จันทร์เรือง, Sukon Koewliam, ประหยัด ศ. นาคะ นาท. Movie director is เบอร์เน็ตต์ ลามอนต์. A short trailer lasting 1mn21s can be seen on Thai Film Archives Facebook page. The full movie lasts 1h42mn. The movie is in Black and White. There are two versions, i.e. 1951 (138 minutes) and 1954 (102 minutes). The 1951 version was never released officially in theaters. It is an early anti-communist propaganda film. Both versions were shown in Thai Film Archives in 2020. This Thai movie was shot in a similar way as Hollywood movies from the 1950s. So, it was very different from other Thai movies produced locally.
Year: 1953
Thai title: สาวเครือฟ้า
English title: Sao Kreua Fah
Rating: 5/5
Director: Tae Prakardwutthisan
Main actor: Chalit Susewee,Sompong Phonmitr
Main actress: Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit
สาวเครือฟ้า - Sao Kreua Fah (1953) is produced by Tae Prakardwutthisan. Tae Prakardwutthisan’s second movie is featuring actor Chalit Susewee (ชลิต สุเสวี) and actress Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit. It was shot in Chiang Mai (including Doi Suthep) in year 1952 and released in year 1953. It is a sad romantic movie (ชีวิตรักโศก). Famous veteran comic actor Sompong Phonmitr is also acting. Officer Roitree (ร้อยตรีพร้อม) meets Kreua Fa (Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit) the first time and falls immediately in love. Kreua Fa is a traditional dancer (ฟ้อน) and is the daughter of a mahout. He goes to her home and meets an old lady raising Kreua Fa since she is a child. Love emerges. Roitree and Kreua Fa have a son. World War I happens. One day Roitree learns that he has to move to Bangkok. He goes to Europe as airplane pilot. He is injured. Back to Thailand, he gets awarded by a higher military rank but has lost memory about the past. He doesn’t remember Kreua Fah and his child. His parents force him to marry a girl from a high lineage. One day, he goes with his wife in Chiang Mai for a plane exhibition. Kreua Fah, aware, is waiting for him. Disappointing that Roitree is married and doesn’t remember her, she gets suicide. Roitree finally recovers memory but it is too late... The 1953 movie is lost in Thailand but hopefully a 16mm behind the sequence of ten minutes is still available. It was given by Tae Prakardwutthisan himself in year 1988 to the Thai Film Archives. It is pure happiness to see sharp pictures of Chalit Susewee and Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit more than 60 years after the movie was shot. In year 1957 Wilaiwan Watthanaphanit got a Thai cinema award (ตุ๊กตาทองนำหญิง) for this movie for the first opus of the Thai cinema awards. At that time, most of the theaters had contracts to use foreign films the whole year so it was difficult for Thai movies to get slots. As Thai movies were not numerous at that time, Sao Kreua Fa was even shown the same year a few times during different months (shown 5 times in 4 different theaters level 1 – โรงหนังชั้นหนึ่ง). Even the Thai King and Thai Queen saw it. Many remakes were released, i.e. Thai TV series in 1971, 1991, 1996 and Thai movies in 1965 (Mitr Chaibancha and Pissamai Wilaisak), 1980 (Nirut Sirijanya and Supansa Nuengpirom). Movie สาวเครือฟ้า was going to be sold to Russia but the Russian distributor realised it was a 16mm movie so needing live dubbing for each projection! The plan foiled. Tae Prakardwutthisan nevertheless recommended to use 35mm format for next movies.
