Ren zai jiong tu: Tai jiong

I saw another review complaining about Chinese people in Thailand and it annoyed me enough that I felt like I should write a review that actually comments on the movie itself. So here goes:

I very much enjoyed this film! And although it's not going to win an Oscar, I can see why it was so big upon release. Also, it's about time China made something in response to all the Hollywood equivalents out there.

A rather predictable storyline, but the script and the acting will keep you entertained from the get-go. Even though the stories are not exactly similar, the feeling I get from this film is akin to that of "The Hangover" - absurd situations, disaster-moviesque and vivid cinematography.

The differences between "Lost in Thailand" and "The Hangover", is that LiT is far more family friendly, and far more emotionally involved. I do feel however, that many non-Chinese, especially Westerners, understandably enough, will not appreciate some of the more China- specific humour. Fortunately though this isn't enough of a factor to stop anyone enjoying it. In fact, if you're willing you might learn something new.

Sure, the script and the acting on more than one occasion could be more subtle and artistic, but that's not what this movie is about. It's pure entertainment and if you go into it with your brain switched off and your heart switched on, you won't be disappointed :D

Seeing as this is the number 1 Chinese film currently, I had high hopes for what this movie could bring. I also heard it was a comedic film, but most of the time, the thought that often crossed my mind was, "Why am I still here watching this?" The two main characters, Xu Lang and Baobao, have an interesting relationship, but every time they argue, it's something quite expected.

For me, there wasn't much to the storyline of the movie. It was one argument, then the easy making up, and continuation of Baobao's Thailand checklist. Baobao is not a very intelligent character, yet he's kind and helpful. He's frustrating because he constantly messes up Xu Lang's plans, but he's very apologetic.

Also, the resolution of the movie, although happy, was cliché and somewhat boring.

In conclusion, take heed when you watch this movie. I suggest not going to the theaters to watch this, but if you really want to, wait till it comes out for rental.

A typical "zany" Asian comedy, with the usual overacting and mugging... It does make a bit more sense and is probably funnier if you've lived in Asia awhile and grasp the archetypes and the social situations. But it's nothing special. Western comedies work more along the lines of playing it 'straight' - the characters in a comedy are not supposed to be aware that what they are doing is comedic. Only the main character, played by Zheng Xu, handles it this way - presumably because he is the 'straight man'. You can tell that he can actually act.

The movie is an excellent travelogue for Thailand (though there are no actual Thai characters - apparently, Thailand is a landscape and a bunch of featured activities, and the people who inhabit it - indeed created it - are somewhat irrelevant.) It has sparked a craze of Chinese tourists coming to Chiang Mai in droves, wanting only to retrace the characters' steps and check the same activities off the bucket list...

Thai media reports say that the influx of hacking,spitting, bossy, blunt and stingy mainland Chinese is driving the much more natty locals a bit nuts. In response to this distaste, the Chinese government recently issued a 64-page booklet of Do's and Don'ts (mostly Don'ts), urging Chinese tourists to represent their country better by not spitting out bones on restaurant floors and flushing the toilet after taking a dump.

Expected to see protagonists in funny situations based on cultural differences and Thailand-specific activities/places. So, like any other "X goes to Y" movie. Heavily disappointed. Not nearly enough Thailand, too much Chinese over-acting. It seems that the script was written by a kid that heard a thing or two about Thailand. Weak in every aspect.

Thailand is really beautiful. It's the key to success to be able to catch up with the end of Christmas. Now domestic films can also make entertaining films. The biggest difference between this and the front is that it's not all a journey. In this case, Thai demons and temples have been brought into full play. And oh, that snake bite wound is too fake, at least apply some purple medicine... For a domestic film, I think it would be better to do this, at least everyone can laugh. The plot is reasonable, so don't go into it.