The film describes historical events in the life of the heroine, Suriyothai, the queen of King Mahachakrapat. from the age of 15, ranging from love and attachment, royal wedding, resettlement in the capital, court life, intrigues, and sustenance of royal dignity. During the 16th century, as Thailand contends with both a civil war and Burmese invasion, a beautiful princess rises up to help protect the glory of the Kingdom of Ayothaya. Based on the life of Queen Suriyothai. This summer I was visiting Thailand and I have seen the movie in Bangkok. Lucky it was also available with english subtitles, or else its very hard to follow. I must say it was impressive. The fighting scenes on the elephants, very good. It's a little hard to understand thai history and their kings, but it's worth seeing it. At that time it was a real hype in Bangkok, you good get merchandising really everywhere.<br/><br/>I think it has good chances for an oscar. Finally someone mentioned movie Anna and the King.<br/><br/>Anna and the King and Suriyothai have resemblances in many aspects. They both talks about history (put a question mark here. both claimed they are based on the 'true story') of theThai royal family and their members' relationships, love, hatred, rivalry, interactions with other contemporary people. Both movies put so much effort and money on the grandiose royal court setting, costume, and props. And both have the similar tone you can feel (though Anna seems to be a bit more romantic-dramatic thing). <br/><br/> However, it seems to me the comparison of the two movies are nearly non-existence in both Thai and western media. Was it because of lack of access to the movies? Yeah, we know that Anna and the King has been banned in Thailand and probably few Thai critics had seen it. And Suriyothai is until now still virtually unknown abroad. <br/><br/>But I can't help thinking that there are some people out there who have seen both movies. Haven't heard a comparison comment from them !! Was it a kind of ignorance or somewhat ? Where are all those people with loud noise who just love to be heard ? <br/><br/>Although personally I think Suriyothai definitely rules Anna in most of the ways, I know myself I am not a good critic (either professional nor amateur). So I would rather not give much comments on it. But still interested to hear some from you people out there. The characters are flat creatures of duty, and the film is more a tale of the collective will of a state than of the rugged individuals behind it.
Wasbarde replied
345 weeks ago