How to Win at Checkers (Every Time)

I watched this movie at Kashish, Mumbai's annual queer film festival, and loved it. A lot of people afterwards said the movie wasn't "really gay," but what they meant was the movie didn't make being gay a big issue. The story is told from the view of a boy so it's got an innocent charm. Ten year old Oat's older brother Ek is gay and has a boyfriend from his school days, and he thinks it's perfectly natural. He's more worried about Ek being drafted into the army, which, in Thailand is through a lottery system. Ek's boyfriend Jai managed to dodge the draft, with his family paying a bribe. In a hilarious scene, little Oat tries to get money to pay a bribe by robbing from the local drug lord -- and then presenting the money back to him as the bribe. The movie is populated with many interesting characters and it shows Thai life from a different perspective. Oat and Ek live with their aunt, a superstitious old lady who frees a fish from their aquarium into a nearby pond, for good Karma. Then there's that wonderful scene where Ek takes Oat out for a cheese burger on his birthday. Oat has seen ads for cheeseburgers on TV but he's never had one. But when he takes his first bite, the cheese tastes so disgusting he throws up! I can imagine this happening in any Asian country, including India and it's so symbolic of East meets West with disastrous results. The name of the movie comes from the game of checkers the two brothers play and how Oat buys himself a book of the same title and finally beats Ek, who then takes him out with him for a night on the town. What follows gives an unexpected twist to this hugely engaging and entertaining movie.

The film brilliantly captures the harsh realities of Thai society through its clever satire, revealing the struggles that often go unnoticed. It delves deep into the complexities of social class, nationalism, and corruption, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Set against the backdrop of Thailand's southern border, the story follows a family caught in the grip of military conscription laws that leave them with no choices. The film sheds light on how these laws, rooted in a nationalistic mindset, impact lives. It portrays the intense fear of the unknown that every conscript faces, highlighting the absurdity of being told that serving the nation is a noble endeavor, while in reality, it robs them of their livelihoods and freedoms.

One of the standout elements is the relationship between the two main characters, Ek and Jai. Their love story is a poignant reflection of the unequal social classes in Thailand. Ek's struggle to provide for his family contrasts sharply with Jai's privileged upbringing. The film beautifully illustrates how these differing backgrounds shape their personalities and relationship dynamics, with Jai embodying the more reserved role and Ek taking on a braver, more daring stance.

Moreover, the film doesn't shy away from addressing the corruption within the military draft system, showcasing characters who exploit their wealth to escape the burdens of service. This corruption is not just a minor subplot; it reveals the deeper societal issues that plague the country, where privilege often trumps fairness.

The cinematography and direction effectively complement the narrative, with scenes that evoke a sense of discomfort and introspection. The film challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs about nationalism and family loyalty, leaving them questioning what truly matters when faced with such a brutal reality.

In conclusion, this film is a masterful critique of Thai society that goes beyond surface-level satire. It encourages viewers to confront the painful truths that many choose to ignore, making it a significant piece of cinema that resonates deeply in today's context. If you haven't seen it yet, prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

I watched this movie at Kashish Film Festival 2016. It's been a very long time since I have watched a movie this emotionally stirring. This is about the relationship between Ek and his younger sibling Oat, and we get an idea of the challenges faced by a family in contemporary Thailand through the experiences of the younger one. He watches his brother struggle, for him and his family. He watches Ek through the various stages of his relationship with another guy. It is interesting to see how their relationship is affected by the difference in economic class.

I would recommend this movie for anyone who wants a new, fresh take on an emotional slice-of-life story.

Ek and Oat are brothers in the lower class in Thailand. They live with their auntie and eek out a living. Ek also has a boyfriend who is more privileged and the story revolves around the wonderful relationships of these two 21 year olds and the bond between Ek and his younger brother Oat. We meet family, friends and their transgender friend Kitty. Eeking out a living isn't always pretty in Bangkok and nothing appears sterilized. We also witness the annual lottery for young men who must serve in the armed forces.

I loved this movie. The relationships are so real and loving and the bonds between everyone remind me of how tight knit a family can be.