Wiman Nam

This movie is so incredible, the plot is very simple but the acting and the way they construct the narrative it's what gets you. I was on edge and furious through 90% of the movie, they showcase different types of injustice, helpless and pain that got me so hooked I felt completely immersed. The last few scenes are so intense and shocking I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing.

Shout out to the actors that portrayed every emotion which such detail that makes you feel in your skin what they're feeling, the director, producers and the others involved in the screenplay, that gave so many layers to the plot and the different types of injustice different people can suffer from. This movie is one of the best I've seen in the last couple of years.

In the lush embrace of a remote durian orchard, "The Paradise of Thorns" unfolds like a bittersweet fruit, its story as complex and layered as the Thai landscape it inhabits. This poignant Thai film weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and legal strife, centering on Thongkam and Sek, a gay couple whose shared life is abruptly severed by tragedy.

As the fragrant durian blossoms wither, so too does Thongkam's world when Sek passes away. The orchard, once a sanctuary of their love, becomes a battleground of grief and ownership. Thongkam must navigate the thorny path of reclaiming what he believes is rightfully his, while the absence of legal recognition for their union casts a long shadow over his fight.

The film's brilliance lies in its nuanced portrayal of five key characters, each a prism refracting different hues of love and loss:

Thongkam, portrayed with raw emotion by Jeff Satur, stands as the heart of the story. His endurance in the face of hardship is as steadfast as the durian trees he tends, his love for Sek rooted deeply in the soil of their shared dreams.

Mo, brought to life by Engfa Waraha, initially appears as thorny as the durian's husk. Yet, as the layers peel away, we see a woman equally scarred by love's cruel hand, her devotion to Saeng a testament to love's many forms.

Sek, played with complexity by Toey Pongsakorn Mettarikanon, embodies the conflict between desire and duty. Like a durian split open, his character reveals the sweet and the bitter - a man torn between his true self and societal expectations.

Saeng, masterfully portrayed by Seeda Puapimon, is like the roots of the durian trees - hidden yet vital. Her journey from seeming selfishness to revealed vulnerability mirrors the ripening of the fruit itself, her love emerging too late, but no less potent.

Jingna, brought to life by Keng Harit Buayoi, serves as the film's conscience. Like a bird's-eye view of the orchard, he sees all, his perspective offering a bittersweet wisdom on the cost of blind pursuit.

"Paradise of Thorns" transcends its initial premise of LGBTQ rights, blossoming into a universal meditation on love's many facets. It reminds us that in our struggle to claim what we believe we deserve, we may lose sight of what truly matters.

Set against the rustic beauty of Mae Hong Son, the film whispers that these tales of love and loss are as universal as the seasons. From Bangkok's bustling streets to the quiet durian groves of the north, human hearts beat to the same rhythm of joy and sorrow.

In the end, "Paradise of Thorns" leaves us with a profound truth: sometimes, in life's orchard, we open what we believe to be the sweetest fruit, only to find bitterness within. Yet it's in accepting this duality that we truly taste the richness of the human experience.

Jeff and Ingfah delivered truly outstanding performances in their roles. Their portrayals are deeply nuanced, showcasing a profound range of emotions that breathe life into their characters. Their acting is nothing short of perfect, capturing the essence of their roles with remarkable precision. As you watch the film, you become fully immersed in the world of these characters. They feel incredibly real, as if they are genuine individuals living in a struggling rural village. The girl in the story faces the harsh reality of lacking citizenship, while the same-sex couple finds themselves devoid of any legal rights or recognition. In the context of the law, a same-sex couple is reduced to the status of mere friends, stripped of essential rights, including those needed for medical purposes. This stark legal reality adds a layer of poignancy to their story. The film's setting is in one of the poorest regions of the country, a backdrop that starkly contrasts with the luxurious and highly prized durian fruit, which is the country's most expensive export. This juxtaposition creates a powerful irony, underscoring the film's critical perspective on societal inequalities and economic disparity. The conclusion of the movie is masterfully executed, serving its thematic purpose with impeccable timing. It leaves a lasting impact, making the film not just memorable but unforgettable. This cinematic experience will linger in your mind long after the credits roll, leaving a profound impression that could stay with you for weeks, or even for a lifetime.

This film is highly intense with a rather heavy storyline. For a Thai viewer who understands the social and economic disparities in certain areas, it is even more moving. The performances are impressive despite having only 4-5 actors. The plot is intriguing, and the visuals are stunning. The film's lighting and sound are reminiscent of *Parasite*, but it is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the director of *Poor Things*. The story is not boring but constantly creates a sense of discomfort. Some scenes and dialogue are so well-written that they provoke an audible reaction. Kudos to GDH for producing a film of this nature.

By and large, this is a VERY strong drama - one which begins with a harrowing look at how a simple omission in the legal letter can cause one life to be lost and another to be turned upside down, and proceeds by digging down into the very personal motivations and grievances of the main cast.

While it is not in doubt that Thongkam is ultimately in the right, you can easily see why the other characters saw the opportunity Thai law offered them to cheat him out of his inheritance and took it, only keeping him around for his expertise afterwards - in spite of knowing he would obviously do anything to win it back. After all, the film offers an unvarnished look at the hardscrabble life in rural Thailand, and if you knew nothing about the sheer effort it takes to grow and distribute durians before (and if you are not in that region, why would you?) you would walk away knowing far more.

Further, while one key character - Mo's cousin Jingna - comes across as somewhat idealized, every other character is remarkably grey - even Mo, the antagonist of the story who turns in an EXTREMELY memorable performance for a fairly new actress, can be understood very well, if not condoned. The narrative also gradually peels back layers on Thongkam's lost love Sek, whose death is the inciting incident of the story. Suffice it to say, your opinion on him will likely go through a rollercoaster of emotions with every revelation.

I was quite ready to declare this film one of my favourites of the year - and then the ending unfolded. Sadly, it is exactly the kind of an overblown showdown which cheapens much of what came before it, and wraps up the proceedings in a manner that's simultaneously formulaic and frankly ridiculous. If this film wasn't so strong before, I would have definitely rated it much lower just because of that.