Rak haeng Siam

I enjoyed tremendously this coming-of-age Thai film.

It could easily hit the world market if it is wisely edited: 2 hours and 10 minutes is too much for a non-Thai public; the story drags for too long. The script tries to touch some issues that derive the plot from its center. Some scenes are too slow and even reiterative. The casting is good enough as the two boys are cute and the rest of the cast fit their roles with different success. The acting is very credible for the two main characters and also the mother of Tong and the granny of Mew, not that much for the others. The music is an important feature in this film and it is very nice. The placing and moving of the camera is very fresh and helps to enhance the situations. Lighting and photography are good enough. I wish the best to this film and its director.

I am not a Thai...so I watched this movie with English subtitles...

I love this movie and from last weekend, I watched this movie at least twice.

After I watched this movie, I wanted to share my feelings, and I was confused because some people say this movie is a gay movie...

I strongly disagree with that.

I am living away from my parents. I am going back to my country in about a month.

In this movie, there are many love cases. Family love, Friends love... and so on...

Even though it was sad when Mew cried after Tong said to him that he can't be his boyfriend. But for me, my tears flowed when Tong's mom was in desperate situations. Her husband was alcoholic and she found out that Tong may be homosexual. She was so realistic. I could see her love for Tong, her son.

After I watched this movie, I missed my family and friends. I felt like whether I can take this being-alone thing... What if all these things turn out to be nothing...the things that Mew said about love were really touching to me... Especially I miss my family and friends.

This is not a gay movie. I did not feel like this is a gay movie except for the part when Tong and Mew kissed. But I understood that the director wanted to emphasize that point which means that Tong and Mew finally expressed how each one feels about the others.

This movie is about LOVE in our life. I agree that this movie does contain a gay-theme, but that is just a part of it.

I saw this movie on the first day they showed in Bangkok.I didn't pay attention that it will turn to be the good movie like this. As they promoted to be like any normal teenage love story but it's not all true. 2.30 hours spending for this movie , I never get bored.Also surprised that they are brave to present the different kind of love story in Thai movie market nowadays.I never seen the reaction of the audience in the cinema like this for a long long time.Many comments in the web board, love or hate it.But the "hate comments" came from the personal attitude against the sexuality of the character in the movie.I have nothing to against it , so I LOVED this movie like many people who watched it and have the open mind.There will be another extended 4-hour version soon and I will keep my eyes on it. Another best "coming of age" Thai movie in a decade. Brilliant!!!

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!

Love hope sadness and joy !! I love this movie,not simply because its pure feelings but the love goes through it. You will love it no matter whether you are bent or straight!! After finishing this movie I cannot help crying, not fr sad, though it is a little sad in the end, but because those words and the whole press feelings in the duration of it. I am bent too, so I know how bitter it is for a gay to love a straight boy, and most of all, with a boy that cannot live with me but still says loves me!! Even in the straight world,it is unfair for both persons!! Wish you love it!!Cause it really exhibits a new world of your impression of Thailand!!