Hey folks, Harry here... Robogeek ran a thing on this and ASIA-AICN has as well... But this is an epic epic scope film from Thailand that I'd love to get a looksee at. Beware of the spoilers and read about the Thai film experience.... here ya goes...
Dear Harry,
I am not too sure whether are you interested in this. I just came back from Bangkok, Thailand. My host took me to a Thai movie called Suriyothai. This movie is huge and I beleive Moriaty had talk about it as well. I went to a cinema called SF Cinema City. They had about 12 screens there and 10 screens are showing this movie, the other 2 is the Princess Diaries. All these 10 screens are booked full.
The movie experience in Thailand is rather unique. Before the any movie starts, the cinema will then project a short video clip of the current Thai king. everyone had to stand up and pay respect to the king of Thailand.
This movie runs about 3.5 hours without any break. No doubt the movie introduce itself as a story about how a Thai queen sacrifice herself for the king and country. In my opinion, the movie is only using her as way to start a movie and to end the movie. In between the movie, her role was kept to a minimal. It mainly talk about the political struggle and rivalry that went on in the royal family. Unless you are familiar with the Thai culture, you would be wondering what the heck they are doing with all those rituals and ceremonies. The music is great and so are the sets. No doubt the movie is very long but it has enough blood and body count to keep you awake. The battle scenes are good. There are female body guards who can kick some serious ass. A dragon boat look a like ship battle on a river. A big army battle in the thick forest. Elephant jousting. My favourite is having minuture cannon mounted on top of an elephant.
Spoilers ahead
This movie had its flaw as well. The director tried to follow the history as closely as possible. Character developments are kept to a minimal. In fact, you dont really see what really goes on in each of the character's own mind. A king behave exactly like a king should. A queen behave exactly like a queen should. There are no personal feelings here. There is practically no flaw in these character. All of these character look artificial. No doubt the movie did address the fact that the Suriyothai tried to run away before she was married to the king. But the situation was quickly resolve and we never really did see what is going on inside her heart after she had married to the king besides doing anything she could for the country. There is even a hint that the queen was in love with the distant cousin but the movie never did explore it.
As an outsider of thailand, I had problem differenciate the names of the character and the place. All their names looks the same and freaking long. I ended up watching the movie by recognising the faces. By the time the movie is over, I have no idea what is the name of the king is. Additionally, there are just way too many characters in the movie and their relatioship with each and everyone is only briefly mentioned. Unless you understand Thai history, otherwise you will be lost. The movie goes by segment by segment. I.e. the movie will start tell the audience what happened during a particular year and moved on to the next. It is like some chronology.
There are some CGI effects as well but it was rather cheesy. There was a scene where the army set the whole river/ trench on fire with some Burmese soldiers in it. That 3 second scene was in CGI and it look rather cheap.
Another major problem that I had is the final battle scene. The whole battle with the Burmese came to a grinding halt as soon as Suriyothai was killed. You see half of the soldier kneeing down for the slayed queen and the other half was trying to fend off the Burmese army. When the movie is over. You will have no idea who won the battle. Another problem is where the movie had projected the Burmese as some sort of barbarian. Their motive behind the invasion was never discussed. The movie had projected Thai characters are the macho type. I.e. good looking warriors While the Burmese is the barbarian and had a dash of feminism.
For those who are curious. My Thai host told me that the actual battle was not won at all. The Burmese retreated after realising that the queen was slayed and there are womens fighters amongs the battle field.
Spoiler end
I heard that another shorten version will be released into the international market. I have no idea what will be cut from the movie. The segments are basically, the period where she was growing up. Another segment where Suriyothai's borther in law attempt to capture the throne. It is then followe by the evil queen attempt to capture the throne and finally the big battle with the Burmese. I was fortunate to see the movie un-cut. But I beleive that if anyone who had the time should see this movie un-cut.
My final thoughts about this movie is a good watch. I would rank this movie to be one of the better ones for this year. Catch it if you can.
Best regards,
Some One.
