Rak haeng Siam (2007)

Director:

Chukiat Sakveerakul

Writer:

Chukiat Sakveerakul (writer)

Release Date:

22 November 2007 (Thailand)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Two young boys are best friends living quiet family lives in Bangkok. Their lives are disrupted when...

Plot Keywords:

Boy Band | Siam | Gay Relationship | Musician | Catholic

Awards:

5 wins & 15 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Sinjai Plengpanit	...	Sunee (as Sinjai Plengpanich)
Songsit Roongnophakunsri	...	Korn
Pimpan Buranapim	...	Grandmother
Laila Boonyasak	...	Tang / June (as Chermarn Boonyasak)
Jirayu La-ongmanee	...	Young Tong (as Jirayu Laongmanee)
Artit Niyomkul	...	Young Mew
Kanya Rattapetch	...	Ying
Aticha Pongsilpipat	...	Donut
Mario Maurer	...	Tong
Witwisit Hiranyawongkul	...	Mew
Pongnarin Ulice	...	Pee Aod
Jarunee Boonsake	...	Physical Education Teacher (as Charunee Boonsek)
Nattapong Arunnate	...	Earth (as Natthaphong Aroonnet)
Taveesak Pehtpraneenukul	...	Jeng
Atirat Praseartburanakul	...	Kao Sai

Also Known As:

The Love of Siam (International: English title)

Runtime:

Thailand:150 min | Thailand:154 min | Thailand:178 min (Director's cut)

Country:

Thailand

Language:

Thai

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:M18

Filming Locations:

Thailand

Company:

Sahamongkol Film International

Trivia:

Thailand's 2009 Academy Awards official submission to Foreign-Language Film category.

Pithy and Plentiful

Just some general commentary as a U.S. viewer watching this movie: It's beautifully directed. I can't comment much on the writing, but as a gay viewer in particular, I really appreciate that the script interweaves two stories: coming out and the coherence of family in a time of grief. The reason I appreciate this is that, even in the U.S., when movies deal with homosexuality, it is generally treated as a singular issue that is separate and distinct from all others. In reality it is one part of the fabric of family and love that comprises everyone's life. Without this key insight, I think the movie would deal with the issue in too patronizing or shallow a manner, as many gay-themed movies do.

Prior to watching I was acutely aware of the commentary that the movie is overlong and not focused enough. There is some truth to this; it is a very long movie for its subject matter. But I think the movie's main strength is in its characters and central subject matter. With too much editing, I could easily see how the core of the movie would be lost. For me personally I was glad the director erred in favor of too much immersion in the interplay between his characters.

As to acting -- clearly I don't speak or understand Thai. But I think some things are universal, like the mother's strength and resolve in times of crisis. And of course Mew's smile. The connection is there.

I loved the movie and I hope it finds its way to broader distribution. If nothing else, the soundtrack should -- it's truly great.

Cheers!