The Paradise of Thorns

By and large, this is a VERY strong drama - one which begins with a harrowing look at how a simple omission in the legal letter can cause one life to be lost and another to be turned upside down, and proceeds by digging down into the very personal motivations and grievances of the main cast.

While it is not in doubt that Thongkam is ultimately in the right, you can easily see why the other characters saw the opportunity Thai law offered them to cheat him out of his inheritance and took it, only keeping him around for his expertise afterwards - in spite of knowing he would obviously do anything to win it back. After all, the film offers an unvarnished look at the hardscrabble life in rural Thailand, and if you knew nothing about the sheer effort it takes to grow and distribute durians before (and if you are not in that region, why would you?) you would walk away knowing far more.

Further, while one key character - Mo's cousin Jingna - comes across as somewhat idealized, every other character is remarkably grey - even Mo, the antagonist of the story who turns in an EXTREMELY memorable performance for a fairly new actress, can be understood very well, if not condoned. The narrative also gradually peels back layers on Thongkam's lost love Sek, whose death is the inciting incident of the story. Suffice it to say, your opinion on him will likely go through a rollercoaster of emotions with every revelation.

I was quite ready to declare this film one of my favourites of the year - and then the ending unfolded. Sadly, it is exactly the kind of an overblown showdown which cheapens much of what came before it, and wraps up the proceedings in a manner that's simultaneously formulaic and frankly ridiculous. If this film wasn't so strong before, I would have definitely rated it much lower just because of that.

As a Thai citizen who identifies as LGBTQIA+, here is my review of The Paradise of Thorns: This film is engaging and captivating throughout, with a script that is excellently crafted. I truly enjoyed and loved this movie.

The performances by Jeff, Ingfa, and Keng are outstanding, resembling a theater production-big performances that are both fun and compelling. All three actors convey their emotions deeply, allowing the audience to feel involved in the story.

The film effectively satirizes issues such as poverty, welfare, and equal marriage laws. I admire the film's understanding of Thai society and its excellent research, which gives it profound meaning and reflects real societal problems.

However, while the movie is intense and entertaining throughout, the ending is disappointing and makes the audience feel that they wasted valuable time and money watching it. The conclusion fails to wrap up the story satisfactorily (even though the film suggests that the audience should think more about the ending, I found it to be incomplete).

The highlight of the film for me is the sound mixing and soundtrack, which are impeccably done, melodious, and wonderfully seamless. I believe this film has the potential to go further than expected, with its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in the audience simultaneously.

Jeff and Ingfah delivered truly outstanding performances in their roles. Their portrayals are deeply nuanced, showcasing a profound range of emotions that breathe life into their characters. Their acting is nothing short of perfect, capturing the essence of their roles with remarkable precision. As you watch the film, you become fully immersed in the world of these characters. They feel incredibly real, as if they are genuine individuals living in a struggling rural village. The girl in the story faces the harsh reality of lacking citizenship, while the same-sex couple finds themselves devoid of any legal rights or recognition. In the context of the law, a same-sex couple is reduced to the status of mere friends, stripped of essential rights, including those needed for medical purposes. This stark legal reality adds a layer of poignancy to their story. The film's setting is in one of the poorest regions of the country, a backdrop that starkly contrasts with the luxurious and highly prized durian fruit, which is the country's most expensive export. This juxtaposition creates a powerful irony, underscoring the film's critical perspective on societal inequalities and economic disparity. The conclusion of the movie is masterfully executed, serving its thematic purpose with impeccable timing. It leaves a lasting impact, making the film not just memorable but unforgettable. This cinematic experience will linger in your mind long after the credits roll, leaving a profound impression that could stay with you for weeks, or even for a lifetime.

In the lush setting of a remote durian orchard, "The Paradise of Thorns" presents a poignant narrative filled with love, loss, and legal battles. The story follows Thongkam and Sek, a gay couple whose lives are shattered by tragedy when Sek dies, leaving Thongkam to navigate grief and ownership of their shared space, all while facing the challenges of a lack of legal recognition for their relationship.

The film beautifully explores complex characters, including:

• **Thongkam** (Jeff Satur), the resilient heart of the story, whose deep love for Sek echoes the enduring durian trees he tends.

• **Mo** (Engfa Waraha), who hides her scars beneath a tough exterior yet shows devotion to her partner Saeng.

• **Sek** (Toey Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), who embodies the struggle between desire and societal expectations, revealing both sweetness and bitterness.

• **Saeng** (Seeda Puapimon), whose hidden vulnerabilities emerge too late to save her love.

• **Jingna** (Keng Harit Buayoi), the film's moral compass, offers a wise perspective on the costs of pursuit.

"Paradise of Thorns" extends beyond LGBTQ rights, reflecting on universal themes of love and loss. Against the backdrop of Mae Hong Son, it illustrates how these emotions resonate across cultures and landscapes. Ultimately, the film conveys that in life, we often find unexpected layers to our experiences, reminding us to embrace both joy and sorrow as part of the human journey.

This film is highly intense with a rather heavy storyline. For a Thai viewer who understands the social and economic disparities in certain areas, it is even more moving. The performances are impressive despite having only 4-5 actors. The plot is intriguing, and the visuals are stunning. The film's lighting and sound are reminiscent of *Parasite*, but it is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the director of *Poor Things*. The story is not boring but constantly creates a sense of discomfort. Some scenes and dialogue are so well-written that they provoke an audible reaction. Kudos to GDH for producing a film of this nature.