Bitter/Sweet

Syncretism: The amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought. Just what I wanted and needed to see on this particular night of viewing.

There was no lingering bad aftertaste. Throughout the movie are scenes of people briefly reflecting on, and then reconciling with and dismissing their old lives and actions, and starting completely anew. Landlocked, deep inside a continent, this attitude, way of life, world view, is so hard to relate to, that such a movie is a desperately needed breath of sea air.

Sure, there are minor weaknesses; the native (or not native? he looked like a pudgy Chinese mandarin) coffee buyer was badly handled; it doesn't effect the outcome. The efflorescence of the lush vegetation, culture and women from the sand and rain, that's what's important.

The simple production emphasizes the fragility of the relationship between the two cultures, and in a good way. Highly recommended.

The story has been on the screen at least a couple of million times. Boy meets girl... whatever. This time it's set in Thailand, which is an excellent opportunity for breathtaking areal scenes, beautiful music, weird local incidents, gorgeous food, party yeaaah... Nope. Enter a boring US doofus and an obnoxiously rude female lead (not rude as in you feel the sexual tension between both and you can't wait until it plays out, nooo - rude as in I'm 13, I don't know how to deal with myself and I hate the world). Both are accompanied by an Austrian dude of dubious morals (seriously, he has a very concerning vibe). Then the whole thing gets naturally covered in cheese.

No character depth or development, because that's too much effort. Also, no interesting story, because a twist might cause an emotional shock in the viewers. Keep it simple and predictable, and slap an American soundtrack to it, because that symbolises the McDonald's tourists are looking for when they are abroad.

It's sad really, because not every movie needs to be expensive as long as it has chemistry and soul. And somehow no one cared to give it either.

I hadn't read any reviews on this movie before watching it, as it was available on NETFLIX instant. I figured, at worst, it would be a pretty good "travelogue" of Thailand, with it's legendary scenery, especially the women. What I found was an absolutely charming love story, with enough humor and sexual tension to make it an extremely good view. Kip Pardue really surprised me; here, he comes across with the wholesome charm of a young Tom Hanks. Whenever the film begins to lag, the actor playing the brutish Austrian saves the film by doing something humorous and absolutely unexpected. While the plot contrivance involving financier James Brolin is pretty obvious,somehow the resolution seems fresh,largely due to the actress who plays the lead actresses sister.

The scenery is knockout gorgeous, even more so than some of the women, which is saying a lot. I started this one about 12:30 at night, expecting to turn it off and go to sleep after a few minutes. I stayed up until after two; because, like a trashy romantic novel, I couldn't "put it down."

Based on pure entertainment value alone, I give "bitter sweet" a 7 out of 10.

I couldn't work out if this a poor made for TV film or a Thai production. I think its the latter. On the plus side it shows how stunning Asian ladies look. On the down side, the lead character Ticha cannot act. The other girls around her could.

Spencer Garrett as Werner stole every scene he was in - which tells you a lot about the acting standards of the rest of the cast.

If only they had dropped the pointless James Brolin (a big name added for the film backers?), spiced up the love scenes then this could've been a really good film. A cynic would say this is simply one big advert for Thai coffee - certainly had me going for the instant stuff!!

A missed opportunity. Catch it on a movie channel

Brian (Kip Pardue) is quite the lucky man. He is a successful coffee executive, with a sharp palate for great java. Also, he has a lovely fiancé and a bright future. One day, however, his not-by-the-books boss, Calvert (James Brolin) sends him to Thailand to possibly contract with some local coffee farmers. At this, Brian is skeptical for he prefers beans that are grown elsewhere. Nevertheless, he makes the trip. His contact is beautiful Ticha (Napakpapha Nakprasitte) who meets him reluctantly. This is because, even though her parents are java farmers, she left their rural area long ago to become a successful businesswoman in Bangkok. Only when her parents plead with her to help convince Brian to seal a deal with their community does she get involved. Wouldn't you guess, Brian and Ticha dislike each other instantly. However, the two travel to the southern countryside, where the scenery is breathtakingly lovely. The ice starts to thaw between these two very different people, thrown together by espresso. To his great surprise, Brian does sample the coffee and wants to do business. But, Calvert himself shows up at the wrong moment and almost ruins the venture, then Brian's fiancé comes calling, too. This, just as Brian and Ticha may be casting loving glances toward each other. With the farmers of the region desperately needing a semi-permanent cash flow, will it happen? This is one of those unusual films which wanders far from any Hollywood formula and succeeds well. The cast is wonderful, with Nakprasitte especially lovely and touching. Then, wow, the setting is filled with beauty and oriental sights that few in the Western Hemisphere will ever see. In itself, it is worth seeking the movie out. Finally, the story is an attention getter, revealing a clash of cultures and the unique world of coffee husbandry. The results are very sweet indeed.