Le Pensionnat

While it has been generally well-received over the years, Dorm has never gained the stature that other Asian horror movies like The Eye, Ringu, and Ju-On have, even though it is well deserving of more widespread attention. It is a beautifully written, well-acted and directed coming-of-age ghost story drama, with some genuinely creepy and classical ghost story elements.

The first 1/3 or 1/2 develops as an effective ghost story in the contemporary Thai / Asian horror tradition. It then incorporates a surprisingly sensitive story about friendship, loyalty, and empathy for the emotional suffering of others. Dorm is therefore more thematically developed than most horror movies. At the same time, due to the excellent script and the consistently good judgment of the filmmakers, it manages to maintain effective ghost story elements while not giving way to maudlin or melodramatic storytelling. Highly recommended.

"Dek hor" (Dorm) has lingered on my watchlist for a good 15 years. Each time I contemplated watching it, I'd hesitate, convinced that I'd regret having waited so long. Today, I finally took the plunge, and I was right. This film did not deserve to be kept in cinematic purgatory for so long.

"Dek hor" is a testament to the fact that a good story, coupled with actors who believe in it, can transcend even the most mediocre production values. Despite its at-times cringeworthy CGI/green screen effects and occasional framing reminiscent of 90s television films, the sheer talent of the child cast - whom I'd swear possess extraordinary abilities - elevates this film to a level of genuine quality.

It's a hybrid of coming-of-age, horror, haunting, and drama, and while it stumbles occasionally in juggling these elements, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.

"Dek hor" is a film that deserves far more recognition than it has received. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be unearthed and appreciated for its heartfelt storytelling and exceptional performances.

Throughout the history of Asian horror many film makers have tried their hand at the sensitive ghost story. And the genre has been done with varying degrees of success. With Dorm, Director Songyos Sugmakanan elevates the genre to pinnacle not yet reached by previous attempts, creating a film that is simultaneously tragic, and creepy.

Dorm tells the story of Chatree, a twelve year old with family issues, who begins the seventh grade at a new boarding school. The school itself is depressingly creepy, and is run by a ambiguously macabre teacher named Ms. Pranee. Chatree soon becomes bully fodder for the other students, until he meets Vichien, another boy with similar problems. As the two become close friends, Chatree finds himself drawing nearer to a dark and terrifying secret.

The secret of Dorm's success is how seamlessly Sugmakanan juggles the creepy atmospheric vibes that are typical of Asian horror, with the tragedy of Asian dramas. One of the films creepiest -and tragic- qualities is the school itself. The sterile shots of the dormitories, dining halls, pools, and washrooms help reflect the films feelings of alienation and loneliness. Feelings that all twelve year old boys with displacement issues would be familiar with, and are represented well under Niramon Ross' expert cinematography.

Along with the cinematography the film features an excellent (and subdued) score. It features slow moving orchestral pieces and haunting piano ballads. Although, this is typical of the genre, the score helps to heighten the films dramatic sense.

Couple those qualities mentioned above with Charlie Trairat's nuanced portrayal of Chantree, and you've got yourself a damn good film. In fact, you'd be troubled to find fault with any of the actors in this film. Which is saying a lot when most of your cast is young boys. And it's not just the kids that hold their weight as thespians, Chintara Sukapatana is excellent(if not sadly underdeveloped) as the scarily sympathetic Ms. Pranee.

To be truthful, while Dorm does have it's strength's it also has it's share of weaknesses. The films first 45 minutes are incredible and touches on the universal themes of childhood fear and angst. Then the film slows down to a snails pace and doesn't come back strong until the last 20 or so minutes. Also, the film has it's share of Asian ghost story cliché's but... that being said, it remains original enough in it's initial premise and delivery that the good qualities outweigh the bad.

Bottom Line- Dorm is a well done sensitive ghost story with brilliant cinematography, acting, and score. While it does have it's clichés and faults, the premise and delivery far outweigh the faults.

If I had to see this movie over and over again I will possibly like to see this movie over and over again. Ton(Charlie Trairat)'s acting looks so real in this movie and the part which is very realistic was the part when he cried when he remembered about his family when he's eating. Although we see it's not as scary or gory like shutter, Dorm can make children watch it. Not all Asian people are liking those scary and gory movies. It also makes people in Malaysia(what i'd seen) touched when the ghost(Wichien)(Sirarath Jianthaworn) looks like he really exist and when he crashed his legs and wishing for help but no one helped him. I admit that this movie is not scary but somehow it really makes people like to see it. Another thing is this movie makes people want to solve all mysteries that happened in the movie. Some examples of the mysteries are what's Pranee(Jintara Sukaphat)'s commitment with Wichien and why Ton hates his father.

Sorry. I love suspenseful intriguing ghost stories, but this film did not contain a single chilling moment. I kept waiting for the film to become worthy of its higher ratings on this site. The sexist portrayals of females only as nurturers of boys or sex objects for males did nothing to change my mind about the quality of the film. We have Mama and the school mistress to nurture the boys, while all the other females in the film are just male sexual fantasy fodder without personalities. The music sounds like a lame video game soundtrack. The only good things I can say about this film is that the plot was mildly interesting and the acting surprisingly good. But not good enough to recommend to others, except perhaps preadolescents with liberal parents who don't mind some tame female breast exposure.