Dek hor

"Dek hor" (Dorm) has lingered on my watchlist for a good 15 years. Each time I contemplated watching it, I'd hesitate, convinced that I'd regret having waited so long. Today, I finally took the plunge, and I was right. This film did not deserve to be kept in cinematic purgatory for so long.

"Dek hor" is a testament to the fact that a good story, coupled with actors who believe in it, can transcend even the most mediocre production values. Despite its at-times cringeworthy CGI/green screen effects and occasional framing reminiscent of 90s television films, the sheer talent of the child cast - whom I'd swear possess extraordinary abilities - elevates this film to a level of genuine quality.

It's a hybrid of coming-of-age, horror, haunting, and drama, and while it stumbles occasionally in juggling these elements, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.

"Dek hor" is a film that deserves far more recognition than it has received. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be unearthed and appreciated for its heartfelt storytelling and exceptional performances.

OK 9 stars may be a little high for this movie but I did like it a lot. one that makes you very glad to have it accessible by streaming as who would really bother to rent it "genuinely chilling" at the beginning I did get a genuine chill, I can report, at the first spooky scene.

As everybody is saying it's not scary much thereafter, instead it's a tender depiction of a loving relationship between 2 preteens one living the other dead, chaste of course.

It was kind of a relief that certain clichés were not used. You get the idea that certain of the peripheral characters will fulfill classic subsidiary roles but they don't in fact. Another plus! Nicely shot, edited, written, acted, cast, costumed and made up. Lovely!

Sorry. I love suspenseful intriguing ghost stories, but this film did not contain a single chilling moment. I kept waiting for the film to become worthy of its higher ratings on this site. The sexist portrayals of females only as nurturers of boys or sex objects for males did nothing to change my mind about the quality of the film. We have Mama and the school mistress to nurture the boys, while all the other females in the film are just male sexual fantasy fodder without personalities. The music sounds like a lame video game soundtrack. The only good things I can say about this film is that the plot was mildly interesting and the acting surprisingly good. But not good enough to recommend to others, except perhaps preadolescents with liberal parents who don't mind some tame female breast exposure.

While it has been generally well-received over the years, Dorm has never gained the stature that other Asian horror movies like The Eye, Ringu, and Ju-On have, even though it is well deserving of more widespread attention. It is a beautifully written, well-acted and directed coming-of-age ghost story drama, with some genuinely creepy and classical ghost story elements.

The first 1/3 or 1/2 develops as an effective ghost story in the contemporary Thai / Asian horror tradition. It then incorporates a surprisingly sensitive story about friendship, loyalty, and empathy for the emotional suffering of others. Dorm is therefore more thematically developed than most horror movies. At the same time, due to the excellent script and the consistently good judgment of the filmmakers, it manages to maintain effective ghost story elements while not giving way to maudlin or melodramatic storytelling. Highly recommended.

It was 25 years ago and Adrian Cronauer had a thing for Trinh. The movie was, of course, Good Morning Vietnam. Here she is, much older. Who would have guessed they cast a Thai in the role of a Vietnamese woman. At least Chintara Sukapatana has the opportunity to be more than eye candy this time.

Some may have grabbed this film expecting a horror film or, at the very least a ghost story. You will be disappointed, as it is more of a coming- of-age tale.

The young cast is very good, and Chintara Sukapatana is brilliant as the teacher.