2499 antapan krong muang

Saw this movie at a sleazy cinema with less than 10 persons in it. The price to pay for being a film buff! Most of the other patrons were attracted by the prospect of some sex or violence. Seekers of the former were sorely disappointed but there was much of the latter to satisfy the rest.

This is not exactly a 'high' art movie but the production was excellent, leads were charismatic, action riveting and felt uncomfortably familiar. Thoroughly entertaining and involving as one waited with hope and dread on the various characters eventual fate.

To re-emphasis, the production was truly outstanding and give Hollywood movies a run for their money. The sepia tone photography gave everything a touch of nostalgia and deceptive warmth. This film comes highly recommended!

An interesting gangster movie that tells the true story of Dang Bireley: A Thai boy born and bred in an area controlled by the "Pra Nakorn" Bangkok gangs. He is 13 when he kills for the first time, and the rest of his short life is nothing but a bloody, violent and tragic descent into hell between Bangkok and South Eastern Thailand, where these mafias turned a peaceful fishing community into a US airbase and R&R area known as U-Tapao Pattaya.

One of the best-made Thai movies I've ever seen. Excellent retelling of a fascinating events. Historical significance and timeliness of military coups in 1958 with today's 2006 events. Shows the violence as it truly existed then and as it does today. Dramatic events are kept in check and not strayed too far from the real events of the day. Above-average acting displayed by the girlfriend and various gang members, although the lead actor Dang was a bit over-the-top. Superb acting by the Headman and Dang's boss, Chien. Very good use of rare and dated props from the era. Superb cinematography and camera-work, which is the downfall of many Thai films. Editing was far above par.

An old man reminiscing about his teenage life in the 1950s, recounts the tale of his friend Dang Bireley, son of a whore, James Dean fan, and leader of a Pra Nakorn (Bangkok) gang. As Dang's empire grows, friends become enemies and violence becomes an everyday occurrence.

When there is a sudden police clampdown, and gang leaders are arrested right, left and centre, Dang flees the city and ends up working for an ex-cop named Chieng, who is setting up a brothel/bar and a casino near to an American airbase. Times are good for a while; Dang is joined by old friends Piak and Lam Sing and business thrives. The good times come to an end, however, when Chieng hires two of Dang's old rivals from Pra Nakorn, the nasty Pu and his sidekick Dum.

Inevitably, tension mounts, angers flare and people die...

From the people who brought us the wonderful Tears of a Black Tiger comes this tragic story about a group of friends whose violent destiny is inescapable; despite Dang's best efforts to save both himself and his friend Piak from a life of crime, we soon realise that these young hoodlums have nowhere to go but down the well trodden path of crime and corruption. Even as Dang tries to keep his promise to his mother of becoming a monk, his violent past catches up with him resulting in a brilliantly bloody climax.

Well written, expertly directed, and brilliantly acted by the engaging cast, this stylish movie should definitely be seen by all fans of Asian cinema and particularly those who love gangster films.

It is the best Thai movie of the year 1997.