Wiman Nam

This movie is so incredible, the plot is very simple but the acting and the way they construct the narrative it's what gets you. I was on edge and furious through 90% of the movie, they showcase different types of injustice, helpless and pain that got me so hooked I felt completely immersed. The last few scenes are so intense and shocking I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing.

Shout out to the actors that portrayed every emotion which such detail that makes you feel in your skin what they're feeling, the director, producers and the others involved in the screenplay, that gave so many layers to the plot and the different types of injustice different people can suffer from. This movie is one of the best I've seen in the last couple of years.

By and large, this is a VERY strong drama - one which begins with a harrowing look at how a simple omission in the legal letter can cause one life to be lost and another to be turned upside down, and proceeds by digging down into the very personal motivations and grievances of the main cast.

While it is not in doubt that Thongkam is ultimately in the right, you can easily see why the other characters saw the opportunity Thai law offered them to cheat him out of his inheritance and took it, only keeping him around for his expertise afterwards - in spite of knowing he would obviously do anything to win it back. After all, the film offers an unvarnished look at the hardscrabble life in rural Thailand, and if you knew nothing about the sheer effort it takes to grow and distribute durians before (and if you are not in that region, why would you?) you would walk away knowing far more.

Further, while one key character - Mo's cousin Jingna - comes across as somewhat idealized, every other character is remarkably grey - even Mo, the antagonist of the story who turns in an EXTREMELY memorable performance for a fairly new actress, can be understood very well, if not condoned. The narrative also gradually peels back layers on Thongkam's lost love Sek, whose death is the inciting incident of the story. Suffice it to say, your opinion on him will likely go through a rollercoaster of emotions with every revelation.

I was quite ready to declare this film one of my favourites of the year - and then the ending unfolded. Sadly, it is exactly the kind of an overblown showdown which cheapens much of what came before it, and wraps up the proceedings in a manner that's simultaneously formulaic and frankly ridiculous. If this film wasn't so strong before, I would have definitely rated it much lower just because of that.

This film is highly intense with a rather heavy storyline. For a Thai viewer who understands the social and economic disparities in certain areas, it is even more moving. The performances are impressive despite having only 4-5 actors. The plot is intriguing, and the visuals are stunning. The film's lighting and sound are reminiscent of *Parasite*, but it is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the director of *Poor Things*. The story is not boring but constantly creates a sense of discomfort. Some scenes and dialogue are so well-written that they provoke an audible reaction. Kudos to GDH for producing a film of this nature.

The film's storyline is overwhelming. It will captivate you to the point that you won't be able to take your eyes off it. It has beautiful and meaningful cinematography. True to the art of filmmaking, not just focussing on inequality but the reality of life. The bittersweet of true love, grief, sorrow, and disappointment, as well as the joy of winning over something you believe in.

I love the way the film was edited. The buildup is intense with elements of surprise. Every scene is superbly done. There are no hiccups or whatsoever. Above all, the actors gave very powerful performances. Honestly, it is difficult to accept that this is Jeff and Engfa's first feature film. Kudos to the whole team 👍🏼

The movie, especially near the ending, had me wanting to yell at the screen, which I suppose means it did a great job of getting me invested. The cinematography is impressive, and the film tackles important underlying subject matter. It's a unique Thai movie, one that we haven't seen in a long time.

On the other side, The script can be frustrating for viewers to watch, perhaps intentionally so, but it's annoying not to see the protagonist "win" even a little. There are many cliché moments, and the direction is somewhat convoluted. The female antagonist is poorly developed; she comes across as simply evil and greedy. While there is some attempt to explain her motivations, it ultimately feels like she's just evil for the sake of it. That said, people like her do exist in real life, but they are just as annoying to interact with as they are to watch on the screen.