Wiman Nam

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.

The movie, especially near the ending, had me wanting to yell at the screen, which I suppose means it did a great job of getting me invested. The cinematography is impressive, and the film tackles important underlying subject matter. It's a unique Thai movie, one that we haven't seen in a long time.

On the other side, The script can be frustrating for viewers to watch, perhaps intentionally so, but it's annoying not to see the protagonist "win" even a little. There are many cliché moments, and the direction is somewhat convoluted. The female antagonist is poorly developed; she comes across as simply evil and greedy. While there is some attempt to explain her motivations, it ultimately feels like she's just evil for the sake of it. That said, people like her do exist in real life, but they are just as annoying to interact with as they are to watch on the screen.

"The Paradise of Thorns" is a powerful depiction of Thai society's deep-seated issues, with a particular focus on marriage inequality. The film excels in its storytelling, blending intense drama with cultural commentary. The acting is superb, bringing the characters' struggles and emotions to life in a way that feels both genuine and compelling. Coupled with some of the best cinematography in recent Thai cinema, the film creates a visually stunning yet thought-provoking experience. It's an exceptional piece of filmmaking that resonates on multiple levels, making it the best Thai film for me. Lastly the ost is addictive, i can't stop listening to it.