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Superstar Thai actor-model Toni Rakkaen headlines this striking debut feature from Korean-American writer-director Josh Kim. As the now grown Oat, he recalls his childhood experience of trying to rescue his gay older brother Ek (Thira Chutikul) from being drafted into military service. As Ek grapples with the gritty realities of life in Bangkok — working at a bar for male hustlers and sex-workers — he has also found love with his more privileged boyfriend Jai (Arthur Navarat). When the moment of truth arrives with the draft lottery, these 21-year-olds must draw either a black or a red slip to possibly be conscripted into the armed forces. Who will be sent off to the service and who will get to stay home?
How To Win at Checkers (Every Time) unfolds a riveting dramatic portrayal of poverty and privilege, corruption and compromises as it conveys a bittersweet coming-of-age story.
Told with an exquisite craftsmanship from the younger brother’s point of view, this beautiful drama takes a refreshingly unadorned and impartial look at an essentially loving environment where social conditions are governed by venality, corruption and false ideals.
Based on the stories from the bestselling book "Sightseeing" by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, the film is set in the economic fringes of Bangkok and examines the joys and challenges of growing up in contemporary Thailand.
Original Release
04/03/2015
US Release
05/30/2015
Links
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Ingkarat Damrongsakkul | Oat |
Toni Rakkaen | Adult Oat |
Thira Chutikul | Ek |
Arthur Navarat | Jai |
Natarat Lakha | Kitty |
Vatanya Thamdee | Auntie |
Anawat Patanawanichkul | Junior |
Warattha Kaew-on | Kwan |
Nuntita Khampiranon | Waitress / Singer |
Michael Shaowanasai | Customer |
Directors
Writers
Josh Kim, Rattawut Lapcharoensap
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Ingkarat Damrongsakkul | Oat |
Toni Rakkaen | Adult Oat |
Thira Chutikul | Ek |
Arthur Navarat | Jai |
Natarat Lakha | Kitty |
Vatanya Thamdee | Auntie |
Anawat Patanawanichkul | Junior |
Warattha Kaew-on | Kwan |
Nuntita Khampiranon | Waitress / Singer |
Michael Shaowanasai | Customer |
Seksan Suttichan | Bar Boy |
Kowit Wattanakul | Sia (Junior's Dad) |
Wutsiri Tawaugesron | Oat's Dad |
Panachai Luveeraphan | Junior's Friend |
Akaragrit Karnjanadechsiri | Junior's Friend |
Tagoon Sankasunya | Jai's Dad |
Narunee Manichote | Jai's Mom |
Kanyapak Barlee | Big Burger Clerk |
Phim Umari | Gunman |
Edward Gunawan | Moneyboy |
Producers
Name | Role |
---|
Mark Chen | Executive Producer |
Stea Lim | Executive Producer |
Kuo Loon Loh | Executive Producer |
Michael Rogers | Executive Producer |
Andrew Thomas Tiernan | Executive Producer |
Paul Wong | Executive Producer |
Edward Gunawan | Producer |
Maenum Chagasik | Producer |
Chris Lee | Producer |
Raymond Phathanavirangoon | Producer |
Pornmanus Rattanavich | Producer |
Anocha Suwichakornpong | Producer |
Arnolds Linins | Producer |