Ren zai jiong tu: Tai jiong

Sadly, this is another lame movie that passes for popular in China. It's disappointing to see that Wang Baoqing has a knack for playing a painfully annoying character; Wang is pretty good at being an ordinary guy in indie movies, i.e. the amazing Blind Shaft. Here, Wang is cartoonishly destructive and annoying, and armed with a cactus. He's supposed to be a hapless idiot, but really he seems to want to be an injurious nincompoop.

The boss is another character that seems outlandish to me, but maybe less so to Chinese audiences. I find it hard to fathom someone so stiff and smarmy. Compared to these wackos, Xu is too straight. Perhaps it's that I'm American, but I can't see past this. With good Chinese independent films, there is little lost in translation; it's a smack of reality. With this movie, I can't seem to enjoy Chinese-style wacky comedy.

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

"Ren Zai Jiong Tu: Tai Jiong" (aka "Lost in Thailand") from writers Ding Ding, Huan Shu and Zheng Xu turned out to be a rather enjoyable comedy.

When I sat down to watch this 2012 Chinese comedy here in 2022, I had never heard about it. But of course I opted to give it a chance, given it being an Asian movie that I hadn't already seen. And I am glad that I did, because I was genuinely entertained by this movie from director Zheng Xu.

The storyline is funny and nicely paced, with lots of funny moments and well-rounded characters. The plot is straight forward, and definitely takes the audience along on a good, wholesome joyride.

The movie also had a good cast ensemble, despite it being a relatively small ensemble. The movie had Zheng Xu, Baoqiang Wang and Bo Huang in the leading roles, so you are in good company. And these actors carried the movie quite well.

"Ren Zai Jiong Tu: Tai Jiong" is a good, straight up comedy, and it is well worth the time of watching it.

My rating of "Ren Zai Jiong Tu: Tai Jiong" lands on a six out of ten stars.

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.

The first half of the film is particularly wonderful, with a good laugh point, careful production and smooth editing and transition. The combination of Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang is the guarantee of Chinese comedy films.