reviews_and_ramblings | Bangkok Love Story (2007) directed by Poj Arnon

Director: Poj Arnon

Writer: Poj Arnon (writer)

Release Date: 15 September 2007 (Thailand)
6 April 2008 (London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival) (UK)

Genre: Drama, Romance

Tagline: Love is Dangerous

Plot: Steamy Thai nights provide the backdrop for unbridled romance, crime and action as two men unexpectedly brave forbidden love. Maek, a cold assassin-for-hire, is sent to knock off Iht, a police informant, when in a twist of fate the killer is shot for refusing to pull the trigger. After making their escape, an indelible bond is forged when the vulnerable assassin is nursed back to health by handsome, married Iht. But as taboo feelings of desire swell between the swarthy new lovers, their relationship is discovered. Now there s no turning back as enemies, friends and lovers are pitted against each other.

Real warmth and sensitivity --Variety

A riveting love story --AsianGayFilms.com

Awards: Grand Prize in International Competition (Brussels International Independent Film Festival).
National Film Association Award for Best Cinematography (Tiwa Moeithaisong), Best Screenplay (Poj Arnon) & Best Sound (Thailand National Film Association Awards); nominations for Best Actor (Rattanaballang Tohssawat), Best Art Direction, Best Score (Giant Wave), Best Supporting Actor (Chaiwat Thongsaeng), Best Supporting Actress (Uthumporn Silaphan).

@IMDb
@Amazon: Bangkok Love Story
@Netflix
@TLA Releasing
@Wolfe Video

Cast (in credits order)
Rattanaballang Tohssawat ... Mehk - Cloud
Chaiwat Thongsaeng ... Itt
Wiradit Srimalai ... Mawk - Fog
Chutcha Rujinanon ... Saai - Sand
Suchao Pongwilai
Chonprakhan Janthareuang
Uthumporn Silaphan
Rachanu Boonchuduang

Bangkok Love Story (2007) directed by Poj Arnon

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I wanted to thank you for recommending Shelter. I absolutely love that movie!

Thank you Cassi. I don't know if recommend you also this one, I loved it, but it's very dramatic. Instead, if you like a Shelter type of movie, with maybe a bit more angst, you should see Latter Days. I also liked very much The Houseboy, it's very tender in a strange sort of way. And another one I absolutely loved is Boy Culture.

Elisa

Edited 2008-11-24 13:30 (UTC)

Wow, this one looks great!

I love all your reviews. You know, you can always cross post these to

slashyfilm: I bet people watching the comm would greatly appreciate it.

I liked it even if it's quite sad, it has that typical tragic asian atmosphere.

I should admit that I'm not very skilled in using community... I can I cross post? I need to subscribe to the community to do that?

Elisa

I could tell it was going to be sad from the trailer.

You do need to be a member to post in the comm, but it's not moderated. You can post either a link from your LJ or reprint the whole thing. It would draw more people to your LJ, too. :)

Ok thank you. I will try! Elisa

The original title of this film is "Puen" or "Friends" and I saw this film a few months ago. Technically, the filming is gorgeous and the kissing scene is good however some parts of the film is a bit too sluggish. I felt the ending was a bit unnecessary because it seems to snatch away what was given to the viewer at the last moment.

Another Thai film which has received very good reviews is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love_of_Siam which focuses on the family of the teenage boys as well.

Many Thai viewers feel it is a film for everyone not just people who want homosexual content.

Yes, even I felt the end a bit wrong, unecessary. But often happens with Asian movies, they tend to be very angst. Elisa

Hey I already have that movie on order from Amazon, it should be turning up any day.

My favourite Gay Cinema movie of all time is 'The Toilers and the Wayfarers', the imagery in that is wonderful.

Looking forward to watching 'Bangkok Love Story', when it comes.

Lyn

The lights and setting in Bangkok Love Story is wonderful. The kiss scene in the roof of the building one of the best I saw. It would be a keeper for me if not for the very end... don't want to spoil but be warned. Elisa

Thanks for the recommendation!

Hope you will like it. It's a very powerful movie, at least for me. Elisa

Being Thai, I am quite surprised to see a Thai gay film pop up in this website.

I highly recommend another Thai film (that one of the previous comments have already mentioned) 'The Love of Siam', it is the first Thai film to ever deal with the issue of teenager's sexuality as well as homosexuality with a fair and realistic viewpoint. At first I thought it to be another teenage cheesy love story, and I was totally shocked (in a goood way) to find out that it is actually a very good film about two curious teenage boys. However, the main focus is more about love in general. It is a very beautiful film by any mean.

Thank you, I will look at that movie.

Why you are surprise to see a Thai movie on my website? I'm Italian, but I have a lot of friends in USA, Europe and Asia, so it's not so strange for me to be a melting pot.

Elisa

Not exactly surprise because I see that you review films from various countries, but it is the kind of surprise like reading an article about your favorite writer to find out that he/she likes the same local restaurant just like you. It is still quite hard to explain why I feel surprise thought. But it is still a pleasant kind of surprise since I like visiting your blog a lot.

So it's a good surprise. And thank you to read my posts, it's always a pleasure to know that someone like them. I checked the movie you say, as soon as I have the chance to see it, probably I will post about it. Elisa

(deleted comment)

Yes both guys in Bangkok Love Story are very handsome. No I haven't seen Lan Yu, but I will check it. Thank you for the advice :-) Elisa

Bangkok Love Story (2007) directed by Poj Arnon

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