Ungsumalin comes close to marrying her childhood sweetheart, but school and war intervene. Instead, she falls for Kobori, a commander in the occupying Japanese forces. Cultural differences, public pressure, adverse circumstances, and competing allegiances conspire to keep the two apart, but the greatest obstacle is their own hardened hearts.
The structure of this romantic film is simple, yet its impact is immense. The unsophisticated scenes of fireflies, stars, and flowers aren't technically impressive as much as they are emotionally dazzling. Sunset at Chaopraya is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting.
It is touching and encouraging to see two gentle and passionate souls from different cultures coming together. The chemistry is good. While initially obstinate, resistant to emotion, and hesitant to bridge divides, Ungsumalin and Kobori can't help loving each other and putting their lover's needs ahead of their own. "I don't care about our countries" says Kobori "I only care about you." In every situation and whatever the cost to their public standing, they take the blame for bad things that happen rather than risk sharing the hurt. There is nothing Ungsumalin wouldn't do to comfort Kobori, and vice versa. "You can sleep now," she tells him in an injured state, "sleep happily in my arms." Anything to bring a smile to his face, despite the pain.
