I live in Bangkok and go to cinemas regularly. Beginning of November I saw the trailer for Rak haeng Siam - Love at Siam, referring to Siam Square in downtown Bangkok where major scenes of the movie were filmed. I thought it to be a regular teenage love story. I was in for a pleasant surprise. At its centre is nothing less than a gay love story between teenage boys, tastefully handled, with Thai cultural standards faithfully observed. Amazingly the final message is "It's OK to be gay." No kathoeys (Thai gay stereotypes who abound in local movies and on TV) in sight, just two regular schoolboys who happen to be gay.
Of course this movie is mainly for Thais. Non-Thai people will enjoy it more if their knowledge of Thai culture is up-to-date. The most amazing scene in the movie has the boys sharing a prolonged kiss, surely a first for Thai cinema. The reaction of the mostly teenage audience was worth the price of admission alone. The movie is still running at this time and seems to be critically successful, too.
I enjoyed it very much and don't hesitate to designate it as the best Thai movie of 2007.
Go see it if you are interested in Thailand and Thai culture. Definitely go see it if you are gay. You won't be disappointed.
Of course this movie is mainly for Thais. Non-Thai people will enjoy it more if their knowledge of Thai culture is up-to-date. The most amazing scene in the movie has the boys sharing a prolonged kiss, surely a first for Thai cinema. The reaction of the mostly teenage audience was worth the price of admission alone. The movie is still running at this time and seems to be critically successful, too.
I enjoyed it very much and don't hesitate to designate it as the best Thai movie of 2007.
Go see it if you are interested in Thailand and Thai culture. Definitely go see it if you are gay. You won't be disappointed.