Same Same But Different

I attended the North American Premiere of "Same Same But Different" at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Detlev Buck from a Ruth Toma script, this is a classic tale of star-crossed lovers featuring young David Kross and Apinya Sakuljaroensuk as Ben and Sreykeo, a German boy and Cambodian girl brought together by chance and destined to be together. Most won't recognize the name but will remember Kross' performance as Kate Winslet's young lover in the award-winning "The Reader." An epic sweeping love story spanning two continents, "Same Same But Different" is "Romeo and Juliet" meets "Dr. Zhivago" meets "Pretty Woman." Kross carries this film from opening to closing credits. Just as he startled the world in "The Reader," the now 19-year-old enters leading man status here. "Same Same But Different" is a must-see for lovers of romance (and who doesn't), made all the more touching because it's based on a true story. The film is visually stunning with breathtaking cinematography, costume design, and art direction all beyond compare. This is definitely one of the best films of the year.

a special mixture. romance and cultural differences, great performance and touching atmosphere, force of detail, a true story, inspired music, remarkable script and David Cross in a role who transforms the promising role from the in a certitude. a film about love and frontiers. and, more, important, about feelings and right manner to discover the other. the sensitivity and delicacy, the borders between characters, the good way to use the old theme of stranger in new world, the remarkable job of David Cross and the precision of Apinya Sakuljaroensuk work are good motifs for see it. or, more exactly, for must see it. because it has the beauty and fragility of a real useful film for remind small fundamental things who defines the life.

the theme is not new. but the grace of acting, the sides of story, the love in a special definition are the good points who defines a remarkable film. it is a real surprise to discover David Cross. because he has the inspiration to translate not only emotions but to give roots and force of a not comfortable role. the meeting between two profound different civilizations. and the fight , sacrifices and compromises to save the other. a good romantic film in a profound sense. because it has a rare form of beauty and touching manner to tell it with delicate precision, level by level. a film who becomes, after its end, a seed. for memories. and for admiration for a simple story, a simple film who pledge for profound discover of the other not only as result of noble feelings but as way to define yourself.

I have been living in SE Asia for the last two decades and I have to admit that this movie shows Cambodia how it is. It is a very realistic story with great actors. I really was very impressed.

This german movie is based on the really interesting book by german journalist Benjamin Prüfer about his real love story with a HIV-infected prostitute from Cambodia.

The camera work is amazing: It shows the real life in Cambodia. The actors especially David Kross did a great job. A really touching story with great pictures and great actors.