User reviews

In the lush embrace of a remote durian orchard, "The Paradise of Thorns" unfolds like a bittersweet fruit, its story as complex and layered as the Thai landscape it inhabits. This poignant Thai film weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and legal strife, centering on Thongkam and Sek, a gay couple whose shared life is abruptly severed by tragedy.

As the fragrant durian blossoms wither, so too does Thongkam's world when Sek passes away. The orchard, once a sanctuary of their love, becomes a battleground of grief and ownership. Thongkam must navigate the thorny path of reclaiming what he believes is rightfully his, while the absence of legal recognition for their union casts a long shadow over his fight.

The film's brilliance lies in its nuanced portrayal of five key characters, each a prism refracting different hues of love and loss:

Thongkam, portrayed with raw emotion by Jeff Satur, stands as the heart of the story. His endurance in the face of hardship is as steadfast as the durian trees he tends, his love for Sek rooted deeply in the soil of their shared dreams.

Mo, brought to life by Engfa Waraha, initially appears as thorny as the durian's husk. Yet, as the layers peel away, we see a woman equally scarred by love's cruel hand, her devotion to Saeng a testament to love's many forms.

Sek, played with complexity by Toey Pongsakorn Mettarikanon, embodies the conflict between desire and duty. Like a durian split open, his character reveals the sweet and the bitter - a man torn between his true self and societal expectations.

Saeng, masterfully portrayed by Seeda Puapimon, is like the roots of the durian trees - hidden yet vital. Her journey from seeming selfishness to revealed vulnerability mirrors the ripening of the fruit itself, her love emerging too late, but no less potent.

Jingna, brought to life by Keng Harit Buayoi, serves as the film's conscience. Like a bird's-eye view of the orchard, he sees all, his perspective offering a bittersweet wisdom on the cost of blind pursuit.

"Paradise of Thorns" transcends its initial premise of LGBTQ rights, blossoming into a universal meditation on love's many facets. It reminds us that in our struggle to claim what we believe we deserve, we may lose sight of what truly matters.

Set against the rustic beauty of Mae Hong Son, the film whispers that these tales of love and loss are as universal as the seasons. From Bangkok's bustling streets to the quiet durian groves of the north, human hearts beat to the same rhythm of joy and sorrow.

In the end, "Paradise of Thorns" leaves us with a profound truth: sometimes, in life's orchard, we open what we believe to be the sweetest fruit, only to find bitterness within. Yet it's in accepting this duality that we truly taste the richness of the human experience.

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.

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.

The film's storyline is overwhelming. It will captivate you to the point that you won't be able to take your eyes off it. It has beautiful and meaningful cinematography. True to the art of filmmaking, not just focussing on inequality but the reality of life. The bittersweet of true love, grief, sorrow, and disappointment, as well as the joy of winning over something you believe in.

I love the way the film was edited. The buildup is intense with elements of surprise. Every scene is superbly done. There are no hiccups or whatsoever. Above all, the actors gave very powerful performances. Honestly, it is difficult to accept that this is Jeff and Engfa's first feature film. Kudos to the whole team 👍🏼

This movie is so incredible, the plot is very simple but the acting and the way they construct the narrative it's what gets you. I was on edge and furious through 90% of the movie, they showcase different types of injustice, helpless and pain that got me so hooked I felt completely immersed. The last few scenes are so intense and shocking I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing.

Shout out to the actors that portrayed every emotion which such detail that makes you feel in your skin what they're feeling, the director, producers and the others involved in the screenplay, that gave so many layers to the plot and the different types of injustice different people can suffer from. This movie is one of the best I've seen in the last couple of years.

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.

"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.

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.

Even when a story has important political/social significance, this was not a film that was in any way enjoyable but instead, my partner and I left depressed. The story line took us through disaster to another disaster, so much so, it was eventually impossible to relate to the characters and the events were implausible. Sure you can show how terribly unfair a system is, but better to show that even after a "bad run" there is always hope and always options. Instead, the ending, like the overall experience of this film, was depressing. Further, yet another film involving gay characters in a negative light.

The storyline is crafted with great delicacy, weaving together numerous elements that resonate deeply and evoke strong emotions, particularly as it portrays the authentic experiences of people, especially a gay couple. The narrative also provides insights into legal issues and highlights the lack of inclusivity that persists in society. Understandably, not everyone may grasp or recognize these as problems, especially if they haven't personally experienced them. However, for me, it evokes a profound sense of empathy.

I highly recommend that everyone watch this film at least once in their lifetime. It allows viewers like us to immerse ourselves in the realities depicted through its storytelling. Every scene and action in this film is underpinned by its own logic, and it can be abysmal to judge what is moral or immoral based on a one-sided perspective.

In conclusion, I believe this film is a masterpiece in numerous respects.

I have never felt such emotions during a movie. I cried for minimum over an hour of the movie, more than I ever would when sad.

This movie spoke about very important topics, and realistically depicted them. I'm so happy to hear around the time this movie was released queer marriage was finally legalised. This story really broke me

The acting was was incredible. To tie it all together, Jeff's ost "Rain Wedding" took on a completely new meaning for me. I now understand the lyrics and why they are so heartbreaking.

I really recommend this movie. The cinematography along with the quiet music/silence was so beautiful. It felt like you were there and you personally knew the characters.

This movie was full of plot twists and turns. It felt like I was on a constant emotional roller-coaster.

Overall such an important and emotional movie, with such sad but beautiful metaphors.

It is fitting that Paradise of Thorns is set in a durian orchard. The struggle and pain of each character is like the durian itself, that - if grown right - leads to delicious fruit.

Four characters experience inequality and judgment in different forms as they seek to control the fortunes of a durian orchard and each other. Questions revolve around trust, love, fairness, and differing definitions of "family" in a country that is rapidly redefining itself, as it has done since ancient history.

This emotional and character driven drama brings Thailand to life in its bright colored clothes, ubiquitous pick-up trucks, fragrant durians, festivals, and language ("subai subai," it's all good), wishes, and nicknames (the director's nickname is "boss."). Boss Kuno was present at this international premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. His film asks audiences "to be the voice for the unheard, to help each other, and make this a better place for everyone."

While clunky and awkward at times, I loved the film for its raw emotion, frequently shifting perspectives, its tenderness to each of the characters, its aim to bring people together, and how it reminded me of the beautiful, fun, and fascinating Thai people and countryside.

The Paradise of Thorns immerses you in a world where power, love, and revenge intertwine in unpredictable ways. The story follows Kittisak, a promising young man caught in a web of betrayal, societal expectations, and a desire for justice that seems just out of reach. Each character's perspective pulls you deeper into their motivations and secrets, creating a compelling, multi-layered narrative. Kittisak's journey towards vengeance against the people who wronged him is gripping, though you might expect a more explosive conclusion. Instead, the ending is more a cold, hard acceptance of the world's cruelty, which feels unsettlingly fitting. The film doesn't shy away from its critique of the era's rigid norms, and its treatment of same-sex love feels particularly timely given Thailand's recent legalization of same-sex marriage. The period drama aesthetic isn't just eye candy-it heightens the tension, making the harsh realities of 19th-century Thailand feel even more poignant as the characters navigate societal expectations and personal desires. The nuances of love, family, and power dynamics come together in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.