Rak haeng Siam

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!

Needless to say that so many people have been touched by the movie. But why? I can't even remember which was the last movie that touched me for years...

I would say it's due to "purity". Nothing but love in the movie, all kinds of love, family, friends, lovers... everyone in the movie loves everyone else in the movie in their own ways, almost, but very tragical at the same time...

There is not much contrast used in the movie, unlike other love movies, e.g. love vs. war, or love vs. religion etc... even the boy-boy love looks so natural...

They are just common people, common family, common school, common boys and girls, you cannot say anything from their material lives that you don't have, but i bet you may not have their love.

And some thinks the movie is too long... but i would say, this is why the movie is so depictive... i recall a flavour of famous Shanghai female writer... the very old song played by the granny is from Shanghai singer, Wu Yingyin, who's still alive and singing. :)

I remember that when this movie released the trailer ,it convinced many people to misunderstand that it was a cute teenage movie like many blockbusters from GTH like Seasons change ,Dear Dakanda,My girl.Until they saw this movie,many audience felt very upset because it was a gay movie.

Nevertheless,I think this movie is surprisingly great I've ever thought.It's more than a gay movie.It also portrays family problems as well as teenager's.It is a story about two boys Tong and Mew who confront losing.Tong lost his sister so his parents is down falling while Mew lost his grandma who was only his love in all his life. Everyone in this movie needs something vital to fulfill all life. Something is called Love.This movie can show how powerful love is. Love can inspire Mew to write and sing a lovely song.Love can make this movie enjoyable and impressive easily because the powerful love for making this movie.So I admire Madaew,the director who is able to prove how to make effective movies from a social criticizing horror like 13Beloved to a powerful love story.

Besides that,the performances in this movie are excellently outstanding.Especially,the veteran SinJaI as Tong's mom who must encounter several problems bravely such as losing her daughter,alcoholic husband even having realized a shocking truth about her son.She looks inconsiderate and fussy but actually she still love her husband and son deeply. When she is sad,she will cry naturally but makes me hurt so much meanwhile the other actors were able to act very well.I hope that the teen actors in this movie will be promising stars soon.

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!!

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!!!