User reviews

Mekong Full Moon Party focuses on the mysterical event on the Nong Khai province of Thailand on every October, where unidentified fireballs pops up from the Mekong River. To the locals, it is believed to be the fireball made from naga, a holy creature in Buddhism; while to the scientists/modernists, it is done by the force of nature.

The movie is well-researched, focusing on different arguments from different sides. However, one thing that makes the movie less realistic/lack the originality is the leading character is not from the Northeast of Thailand and lack the skills of speaking from the Issan or Lao accent.

To the Thai, this is a big flaw, but to the non-Thais this might not be the case.

But to conclude, it is one of the best films focusing on this event. Beautifully made!

This film came out at a time when there was much public controversy in Thailand over the nature of the fireballs. It was in the papers for several years, with arguments spanning the range of beliefs. This is a film for anyone who wants to come to a better understanding of the facets of Thailand and Laos. It places the views of shamanism, Buddhism, and modern rationality gracefully together in a manner that informs while it entertains.

The film work is interesting, moving between set piece work to "live" shooting, keeping elements of documentary interspersed with a human storyline, in keeping with the ongoing controversy at the time.

The characters are well developed, if a bit stock - the returning native, the girl left behind, the big city doctor come to the countryside - but this doesn't distract. Rather, it provides common reference points for we foreigners to hold onto. (And there's an extremely good line from the elder monk, but I won't give that away).

The overall effect is much one of engagement, as in Local Hero or other such films that take you somewhere "different". And Nong Kai is "different".

I quite enjoyed watching Full Moon Party on an imported DVD from Thailand. I was surprised to see independent film director and movie star, Jonathan Morrill (The Left Side of My Brain, The Brides of Johnny in Monsterland) make a cameo appearance in the film eating grasshoppers! That is just one more little accolade to this truely unique film, which tells the tale of the annual full moon party, and the celebration of the illusive payanak. The director of photography was certainly on top of his craft, as one capitivating scene is followed continuously by another. Funny, spiritual, and universally humanistic, this wonderful film is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VIEWING for anyone who has a heart and a conscience. Congratulations to the cast and crew of this artful, insightful, and just plain entertaining piece of art from beautiful Thailand.

I was lucky enough to be at the world premier of Mekhong Full Moon Party in Vancouver. The director and producer were there and joked that the reason the theatre was packed was because most people thought it was a movie about the famous full moon parties held on the beaches of Thailand! He invited those disappointed that it's not about this to exit the theatre, he won't be insulted LOL! Well, this movie had a lot of charm, as well as laughs and some sad moments too. There is some really beautiful cinematography when they show the river at night when it's raining, and also when the fire balls come shooting out of the water. I've seen at least 30-40 Thai movies, and this one is my favourite. It deals with a rather serious matter in the publics faith in religion, and at the same time keeping it light in true Thai fashion.

I've seen this movie last night after I heard that it's the best movie in Thailand 2002. Anyway, I can't believe that this is the movie made by the young new wave director because it's really awesome and amazing. The acting is very powerful and convey the story smoothly. Moreover, I believed that DP of this movies must be the very professional long time experience. It's showed in so many scenes such as the scene in the temple on Lao. That is the great lighting!! .. All scene in the movie also feeling the same look .. keep the continuity along 2 hours. The script and the way director chose to direct is also the most strength of this movie too. I think this is the best movie ever made in Thailand since I was born. Congratulation!!