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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An accurate and entertaining Thai history lesson, November 30, 2003
Ok, first of all...this was a historical film. There was, for all intents and purposes,no "script". Typically when hollywood makes an historical film it has to add a story behind the actual events so that the audience has something more to follow than just the "history lesson". Kind of like they did with Titanic. Big boat hits iceberg, begins sinking and lots of people die. Of course that would get pretty boring without a fictitous love story behind it. However, with Suriyothai, this is not the case. The film was commisioned by the queen of Thailand so that the people of Thailand could have an accurate depiction of an historical event and I for one feel they did just that. All the backstabbing, treachery, heartbreak AND violence, usually fabricated to give an historical movie substance, actually happened in the kingdom once known as Siam. The director and his team did tons of research that accurately reflects the true events that occured at the time. Of course, it is not for everyone and I'm sure most people unaware of the legend of Suriyothai, or simply not interested in the Thai culture, will pass this movie by and grab The Terminator 3 so they can be "entertained". This movie was made for one real reason; to give Thai people an historical picture of an event most, if not all, were unaware of. This is a kind of "North and South" for Thailand and Thai people. However, if you simply watch the movie and take in the "story" that's involved I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and you will learn something in the process as well. About 98% of this film is true. Little things like how someone was ACTUALLY executed or how someone rode an elephant into battle may be off a little, but for the most part this is an actual depiction of Thai history. I rented this movie because I am Thai, and felt intrigued to see what a "big-budget" Thai movie would be like. I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. The imagery, soundtrack and visuals are great. The story it tells is fascinating, made even more fascinating because it's true. The acting at times seems stretched and the direction during dialogue scenes may seem a little off to most westerners used to Hollywood movies. You more than likely would not see this movie unless you are Thai, related to someone Thai or interested in anything Thai. And that's too bad because it has a lot to offer for a movie that's just an "Historical Account".
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25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating, February 10, 2004
There is no question this movie has flaws, but quite frankly I would prefer watching such flaws much more than suffering thru the miserable slop which is 98% of Hollywood films today... This is a fascinating look at another part of the globe which most of us have not experienced beyond eating Phad Thai at the local corner chifa. The colors, the costumes, the bloodthirsty ambition, and the elephants! What amazing images are these. I was particulary enthralled with the scenes of elephant warfare and the one with the elegent river canoes thrusting into battle. And the one-eyed warrior was over the top! Even Hollywood should recognize that guy's talent. How tough was he? For me, the only reason to not buy this right away is the hope that the longer Thai theatrical version (+45 minutes) might be even better. But I doubt its coming out any time soon, and often editing is done for a good reason (see Das Boot or Blade Runner). If you liked Lawrence of Arabia, Gandhi, Braveheart, or Elizabeth, I think you will enjoy this film. So my advice is to buy this fascinating film right now!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Epic Asian Film That Doesn't Depend On Choreography!, March 3, 2005
THE LEGEND OF SURIYOTHAI is as fine a study in Thai history as is available. Obviously a Big Budget film (apparently financed by Thai Royalty) this is a no holds barred look at the legend of a woman (Suriyothai) in Siamese history circa 1540s who selflessly saved her country from annihilation both from civil unrest and from Burmese invasion.
For those of us for whom this film is the first exposure to the ancient history of Siam/Thailand the going can be a bit rough in following the multitude of characters, the various kings and queens and consorts of the provinces within Siam, and the rules of lineage in the royal families. But once into the film these constrictions relax and the development of the story is fascinating to watch.
The costumes and scenery are as beautiful as any in comparative Asian films and the photography encourages the viewer to jump into the middle of the many gory battles and absorb the feeling of terror that is a running constant in this legend. Thankfully for a change the emphasis is not on highly choreographed fight sequences that crowd the screens today. The acting is difficult to access: this lengthy two and a half hour version of the original four hour film treats some characters a bit abruptly, not allowing us to see how character evolvement worked in the original. But the leads are beautiful and sensitive actors and given the scope of the film, each seems to handle the story well.
There is an odd superimposition of Western music (of the tacky Muzak, elevator sort) on this otherwise authentic appearing film. I suppose that is due in part to the fact that Francis Ford Coppola is the producer and felt that the music would enhance Western viewing. This would be a mute point if it were not for the fact that one of the most sensitive moments in this movie is when a young man is asked to sing for the king: the song is true Siamese not only in language but in notes and style and it is hauntingly beautiful!
Due to the film's length and its indulgent use of battle bloody sequences this may not be a movie for everyone, but for those who find the history of the Orient sadly lacking in our teaching, then THE LEGEND OF SURIYOTHAI is a marvelous starting point. Grady Harp, March 2005
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