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The Legend Of Suriyothai Scene: Becoming A Royal Consort (2003)
Released By: Sony Pictures Classics   Rating: R   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Genre: War
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Chatrichalerm Yukol
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Johnny Anfone, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Marisa Anita
Published ID: 821575
UPC: 043396013636,
Plot: A fabled moment in the history of Thailand sets the stage for this lavishly mounted historical epic. In 1528, Thailand's leadership is in chaos, as the Northern and Southern factions of the nation declare their own kings; in the midst of this confusion, young Suriyothai (M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhhakdi) is forced to marry Prince Tien (Sarunyoo Wongkrachang) and leave behind her true love, Piren (Chatchai Plengpanich). In time, Prince Tien becomes the nation's sole ruler, but King Tabinshweti (Suphakit Tangthatswasd), the ruler of nearby Burma, declares his designs upon Thailand; and as the two countries go to war in 1548, Tien is lost in battle. As Thailand's independence hangs in the balance, Suriyothai stands as her nation's new champion; she rallies the Thai forces, and, traveling by elephant, leads a brave and determined campaign against the invading Burmese troops. Suriyothai originally opened in Thailand in the summer of 2001, screening in a sprawling 185-minute version, and became one of the country's biggest box-office hits. Two years later, director Chatrichalerm Yukol, a member of Thai royalty, reshaped the film for international release with the help of his friend Francis Ford Coppola; the film was shortened to 142 minutes and retitled The Legend of Suriyothai. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Interesting for its historical overview
Added 3/6/2009

This was a really interesting film, sort of an eastern take on the tale of the sacrificial queen. I enjoy learning about different cultures and their stories and traditions, and I'm glad I decided to watch this. The film does have a few abhorrently violent scenes of beheading though, so be forewarned. I am not exactly a fan of brutal scenery of war, but the historical aspects of this I found unique and complex.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great movie
Added 1/29/2009

I have to give this one 5 stars because I enjoy it so much. The picture is very sharp and clear even om my DVD xbox player but on to my 720p HD TV. I wathched this show be for on Thai version that is 3-1/2 hours on some VHS tape that not so clear. Wow what's a deferent. I am Thai so I under stand the story well, but on this DVD there are a few explaination to make it better under standing. So if you want to see how Thai history in compare of Japan, Korea, Chaina, history movie this movie will take you in to very deferent of culture of Asian. It is the wonderful way to enjoy, and see how the Asian culture are not really the same.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Edited Version?
Added 1/31/2007

I am a little annoyed that the version released in the US appears to be so heavily edited for time. Although I admit I haven't seen the Coppola produced release, I have been told that most of the editing was done to "character development" scenes. Unfortunately, the US audience needs this development much more than the Thai audience would (i.e., US audiences have no institutional memory of the histories involved). Too bad.

I loved the version released in Thailand; a beautifully filmed movie with a great combination of action, drama, and intrigue. The elephant battle scenes were fantastic.

The subtitles were not perfect though. I must say that such a beautiful film deserved better subtitles, which seemed to be an afterthought. (Typos, and the English subtitles occasionally conveyed different meaning than the sound track.)

2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
Excellent film
Added 12/9/2005

Must say that I did not watch this film in DVD format so I am not sure if the version I have is the full film or the shortened one. The VCD I bought was from [...] which ships direct from Bangkok. My product was intended for home viewing in Thailand, not for mainly export/international audience. I really enjoyed the film, Thai culture is complex and Royal culture much more so. The Prince of Thailand made this film,it is a film not so much a movie, so yes, it can be slow at times and painfully detailed but it should be. This is a film to learn some of Thai history and culture, not just to be entertained. I really loved it.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful.
Sumptuous, lavish and impressive
Added 8/25/2005

We loved this film. Foremost, it was beautifully filmed, with lavish costumes, sets & scenery. The music is beautiful; I'm disappointed that it's not available; I'm a fan of movie scores.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story line also. Not being familiar with the history of Siam/Thailand/Burma, I can't vouch for its historical accuracy. Whether correct or not, it's a fascinating story.
My only criticism is that we became slightly confused by the interwoven relationships of the characters. I'd have liked a guide or "family tree" to follow so I could keep up with the many hierarchies. It was sometimes hard to keep up with who was doing what to whom & why & if they were related familiarly or only politically.
Although much of this was unfamiliar material, I highly recommend it if you enjoy subtitled films. We were never bored.

8 out of 8 people found this helpful.
Interesting for its historical overview
Added 3/6/2009

This was a really interesting film, sort of an eastern take on the tale of the sacrificial queen. I enjoy learning about different cultures and their stories and traditions, and I'm glad I decided to watch this. The film does have a few abhorrently violent scenes of beheading though, so be forewarned. I am not exactly a fan of brutal scenery of war, but the historical aspects of this I found unique and complex.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great movie
Added 1/29/2009

I have to give this one 5 stars because I enjoy it so much. The picture is very sharp and clear even om my DVD xbox player but on to my 720p HD TV. I wathched this show be for on Thai version that is 3-1/2 hours on some VHS tape that not so clear. Wow what's a deferent. I am Thai so I under stand the story well, but on this DVD there are a few explaination to make it better under standing. So if you want to see how Thai history in compare of Japan, Korea, Chaina, history movie this movie will take you in to very deferent of culture of Asian. It is the wonderful way to enjoy, and see how the Asian culture are not really the same.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Edited Version?
Added 1/31/2007

I am a little annoyed that the version released in the US appears to be so heavily edited for time. Although I admit I haven't seen the Coppola produced release, I have been told that most of the editing was done to "character development" scenes. Unfortunately, the US audience needs this development much more than the Thai audience would (i.e., US audiences have no institutional memory of the histories involved). Too bad.

I loved the version released in Thailand; a beautifully filmed movie with a great combination of action, drama, and intrigue. The elephant battle scenes were fantastic.

The subtitles were not perfect though. I must say that such a beautiful film deserved better subtitles, which seemed to be an afterthought. (Typos, and the English subtitles occasionally conveyed different meaning than the sound track.)

2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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