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Let's Go To The Movies
by Mark Gernpy |
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New Help for Ageing Foreigners
By Colin Jarvis
There are several
thousand foreigners living permanently in his beautiful Lanna country. They
come from many different countries, America and Canada, Europe and the
Middle East, Australia and just about every country in Southeast Asia. A
great number of them are retired.
Chiang Mai and its
surroundings are often identified as being an ideal place to retire. The
golf courses, the social scene, the food, the countryside, the climate and
just about everything else is wonderful for active retired people. Some come
for the culture and lifestyle whilst others, let's face it, come here to
retire because they are told it is cheap.
For someone who is
reasonably fit and active the Lanna country is a splendid place to be.
However, as one becomes older, perhaps infirm, even demented; life can
become very hard, perhaps even scary.
A couple from
Wisconsin or Tokyo can be very happy living together here but eventually one
of them will die before the other. Is the other person capable of making a
life on their own? Quite often the answer is no.
Apart from the
normal ageing process which eventually leaves us all in a rather decrepit
state, providing we live long enough, there is always the possibility of a
sudden change in our circumstances. A sudden illness or accident can
completely change the life potential of a previously fit and competent
person.
As you know, in
Thailand there is no social service to pick up the pieces. Medical
treatment, although excellent and relatively inexpensive can still cost more
than many people can afford when they become elderly. Medical insurance
becomes prohibitively expensive if one is 80 years old and living on an
income that was fixed perhaps 20 or 30 years ago.
We should also
recognize that many people living in the area have not managed to make
sufficient provision for their old age and whilst Thailand appeared cheap
when they first arrived they are now realising, particularly as they get
older, that life can be very hard and lonely in this beautiful paradise.
It is not surprising
therefore that many foreigners find themselves in serious difficulty in
Thailand. Sometimes they become so ill, so quickly that they cannot even be
repatriated as no airline will take them. Quite often they do not wish to be
repatriated anyway as all their friends and acquaintances are here, but can
they survive?
About a year ago the
foreign consuls realised that the number of their nationals requiring
emergency or ongoing support was growing and was likely to grow in future
years. Unfortunately there is not a great deal they can do. The foreign
services say they cannot act as a social service.
To try to help these
people in need a new group has been formed called Lanna Care Net. This is
simply a group of individuals who help each other help those in need.
In the last few
months the group has helped several people diagnosed with terminal cancer
both sort out their affairs and ensure that their exit from this world was
as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Visits are made virtually every day
to foreigners in hospital to ensure that they understand what is going on
and to give them the support and companionship they need.
Some elderly people
are visited at home so that they do not become isolated and so that simple,
necessary tasks, such as shopping, can be undertaken on their behalf.
Lanna Care Net is
also building up a network of major support groups to undertake more complex
tasks. These can be giving legal or medical advice, liaising with the
medical staff, helping organise the application for funds, where the person
is eligible, even in training the partners of infirm people how to handle
them physically and in safety. In the future the network hopes to be able to
provide training, counselling and physical activities that will help foreign
residents in Chiang Mai to continue to live healthily and save lives in
northern Thailand. The network also trains its volunteers so that they may
become ever more effective. Through Lanna Care Net it is also possible to
obtain 24 hour emergency help if there is a truly life threatening
situation.
Essentially the
network exists to help foreigners who are in real need. It has discovered
that the predicted needs were not necessarily those that have had to be
faced with their clients. Every week a new problem arises and a new
solution has to be found.
There are many
foreigners living in poverty or appalling circumstances in the north west of
Thailand. They often go unnoticed as they are quite often housebound. One of
the wishes of Lanna Care Net is that we all keep our eyes and ears open so
that we may discover such people and offer them help.
It may be that you
notice someone who has a major but short term need or you discover someone
who just needs a little bit of assistance from time to time. If you do
discover someone in need, either long or short term, and you think Lanna
Care Net may be able to help them, telephone 08570 98801 during normal
office hours or if there is a real life threatening situation then call
08970 04486, this line is open 24 hours. If you wish to contact Lanna Care
Net by e-mail then the address is lannacarenet@gmail.com.
The network also
needs people to offer support, help and advice. We now have a number of
medical or ex-medical practitioners on board but it is not necessary to have
any qualifications other than that of being “Jai dee”, having a good heart.
If you have qualifications there is a need for many skills ranging from
legal and financial advice to helping people modify their homes to
accommodate the infirm.
If you would like to
know more about Lanna Care Net then look out for the leaflets that are being
distributed throughout Chiang Mai or check for the new website which should
be up and running by the end of March.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Feb 22.
Hugo:
US, Adventure/ Drama/ Family – We’re lucky: this masterpiece is being shown
in only four cinemas in Thailand, and we’ve got one of them! A brilliant and
magical film, nominated for eleven Oscars! I think it’s the best use of 3D
I’ve seen, which is fitting for a film which celebrates film innovation and
the magic of the whole process. It’s many things: a story of early
filmmaking in France, a boy’s adventure story, a glowing homage to the
wonder of ticking things and gears and automatons. Directed by Martin
Scorsese, with many excellent performances by a large cast. Stupendous
accomplishment in set design and cinematography. Reviews: Universal acclaim.
In Digital 3D, and at Airport Plaza only. Don’t miss it.
The Lady:
France/ UK, Biography/ Drama – This is the story of Aung San Suu Kyi, the
woman who is at the core of Burma's democracy movement. Stars Michelle Yeoh
and David Thewlis (who gives a sterling, brilliant performance as her
husband – much better than the script deserves); directed by Luc Besson.
Rated R in the US for violence, including some bloody images; 13+ in
Thailand. Mixed or average reviews. I think it’s a ploddingly conventional
tribute to the heroic Burmese activist. Besson seems out of his element
here, with the result that his film tends to be dull. But, even imperfectly
told, Aung San Suu Kyi's story remains astonishingly powerful and moving,
and the very fact of it ‘s being made is an active part of current history,
and especially in the region in which we live. English at Airport Plaza, and
usually only once a day (at 7:30 pm); Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Ghost Rider: Spirit
of Vengeance: US, Action/ Fantasy/ Thriller – Nicolas Cage is
back again as the ever-popular (!) Ghost Rider in yet another impossible
outing. Now he’s in Eastern Europe and must stop the devil, who is trying to
take human form. No reviews. In Digital 3D, and at Airport Plaza only.
It Gets Better:
Thai, Drama/ Romance – Here’s a Thai film that goes its own way. Couldn’t
help it, as it’s from Tanwarin Sukkapisit, director of last year’s banned
film Insects In the Backyard. She’s back and unbowed, with a trilogy
of stories not your usual Valentine’s fare. An effeminate high school boy is
sent to a monastery to get rid of his girlish manners, and instead falls in
love with a monk. Another tells the tale of a man and his lady-boy. A third
story deals with questions of sexual identity as a handsome young man
inherits a gay bar in Pattaya. Airport Plaza only.
The Melody:
Thai, Comedy/ Drama – Thai multi-talented pop-star and entertainment mogul
"Dan" Worrawech Danuwong plays a famous but depressed pop singer who goes
into hiding in Mae Hong Son after his career goes down the tubes. There, he
meets a talented pianist and his life takes a turn for the better. English
subtitles at Airport Plaza; Thai only at Vista.
Safe House:
US/ South Africa, Action/ Crime/ Mystery/ Thriller – A young CIA agent is
tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe
house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge. With Denzel
Washington, Robert Patrick, and Ryan Reynolds. Denzel does not play a nice
guy in this film at all; be warned. Rated R in the US for strong violence
throughout and some language; 15+ here. Mixed or average reviews, saying
there are strong performances from Denzel and Ryan Reynolds. Airport Plaza
only.
Star Wars: Episode I
- The Phantom Menace: US, Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Sci-Fi –
The recounting of the beginning of the Star Wars story, from 1999, tinkered
with by director and writer George Lucas, and recast in 3D, with
questionable results. I’d have to say you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to
see this classic again on the big screen, though you may be strongly
reminded why you didn’t particularly like it first time around. I was happy
to get reacquainted with it. This is the fourth film to be released in the
original series, as the beginning of a “prequel” series, and is generally
considered to be the weakest of the lot. Mixed or average reviews for the
1999 original and for what reviews there are for this fiddled-with version.
In converted Digital 3D and English, and at Airport Plaza only.
War Horse:
US, Drama/ History/ War – Steven Spielberg’s ode to horses and World War I
trench warfare. Fine adventure story, beautifully handled and photographed,
told by a master at engaging your emotions. But for me it’s way too pretty a
picture for a setting of such horror. Take it as a great kid’s story and
adventure film. Stars Emily Watson and David Thewlis. Generally favorable
reviews. Now shown only at Vista in regular 2D and Thai-dubbed.
Journey 2: The
Mysterious Island: US, Action/ Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/
Sci-Fi – This is an utterly preposterous piece of nonsense, with people who
don’t act like any humans you know and certainly don’t talk like anyone who
ever lived. Think real pulp adventure, but with nifty computer graphics most
of the time. It’s follow-up and similar to the 2008 Journey to the Center
of the Earth. Josh Hutcherson, reprising his role from the first film,
receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island
should exist. He partners with his mom's boyfriend on a mission to find the
source of the signal, which they think was sent by his missing grandfather.
With Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine. Mixed or average reviews. Shown in
Digital 3D and English at Airport Plaza, 2D and Thai-dubbed at Vista.
Valentine Sweety:
Thailand, Comedy/ Romance – A continuation of Bangkok Sweety which came out
the last week of last year, with stories stretching from New Year’s to
Valentine’s Day. Again, an absolute bottom of the barrel Thai RomCom,
savaged by the press and hailed by the customers, with plenty of young Thai
stars, and music and dancing. Some of it is pretty gross, having to do with
defecation and such. The movie is in Thai only at both locations.
ATM Er Rak Error: Thai, Comedy – This Thai Romantic Comedy
features a wayward ATM machine that gives out too much cash. No longer
number one in Thailand, but still considered a big hit. English subtitles at
Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
Underworld 4:
Awakening: US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – A continuation
of the epic (and noisy) battle between Vampires and Lycans. Kate Beckinsale,
star of the first two films of the series, returns in the lead role as the
vampire warrioress. Rated R in the US for strong violence and gore, and for
some language; 15+ here. Generally unfavorable reviews. In 2D now and
Thai-dubbed, and only at Vista.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Feb 15.
Reminder! For
the second year, the Alliance Française is presenting La Fete, a festival of
five French films, running from February 13 to 17 at the Alliance. Two
showings a day, at 6 pm and 8 pm. All have English subtitles; free
admission. For information:
http://www.lafete-bangkok.com/en/province/chiang-mai/
Safe House: US/ South Africa, Action/ Crime/ Mystery/ Thriller – A young CIA
agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the
safe house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge. With
Denzel Washington, Robert Patrick, and Ryan Reynolds. Denzel does not play a
nice guy in this film at all; be warned. Rated R in the US for strong
violence throughout and some language; 15+ here. Mixed or average reviews,
saying there are strong performances from Denzel and Ryan Reynolds. Airport
Plaza only.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace: US, Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/
Sci-Fi – The recounting of the beginning of the Star Wars story, from 1999,
tinkered with by director and writer George Lucas, and recast in 3D, with
questionable results. I’d have to say you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to
see this classic again on the big screen. This is the fourth film to be
released in the original series, as the beginning of a “prequel” series, and
is generally considered to be the weakest of the lot. Mixed or average
reviews for the 1999 original. In Digital 3D and English, and at Airport
Plaza only.
War Horse: US, Drama/ History/ War – Steven Spielberg’s ode to horses and
World War I trench warfare. Fine adventure story, beautifully handled and
photographed, told by a master at engaging your emotions. But for me it’s
way too pretty a picture for a setting of such horror. Take it as a great
kid’s story and adventure film. Stars Emily Watson and David Thewlis.
Generally favorable reviews. Shown in Digital (not 3D) and English at
Airport Plaza; regular 2D and Thai-dubbed at Vista.
The Lady: France/ UK, Biography/ Drama – This is the story of Aung San Suu
Kyi, the woman who is at the core of Burma's democracy movement. Stars
Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis (who gives a sterling, brilliant performance
as her husband – much better than the poor script deserves); directed by Luc
Besson. Rated R in the US for violence, including some bloody images; 13+ in
Thailand. Mixed or average reviews. I think it’s a ploddingly conventional
tribute to the heroic Burmese activist. Besson seems out of his element
here, with the result that his film is dull. But, even imperfectly told,
Aung San Suu Kyi's story remains astonishingly powerful and moving. Airport
Plaza only.
Man on a Ledge: US, Crime/ Thriller – As a police psychologist works to talk
down an ex-con who is threatening to jump from a Manhattan hotel rooftop,
the biggest diamond heist ever committed is in motion. The previews play
heavily on the fear of falling, making one who is afraid of heights, like
me, very uncomfortable indeed. Stars Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, and
Jamie Bell. Mixed or average reviews, saying that uninspired acting and
preposterous plotlines defuse it's mildly intriguing premise. Airport Plaza
only.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: US, Action/ Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/
Sci-Fi – A follow-up to the 2008 Journey to the Center of the Earth. Josh
Hutcherson, reprising his role from the first film, receives a coded
distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. He
partners with his mom's boyfriend on a mission to find the source of the
signal, which they think was sent by his missing grandfather. With Dwayne
Johnson and Michael Caine. Mixed or average reviews. Shown in Digital 3D and
English at Airport Plaza, 2D and Thai-dubbed only at Vista.
Valentine Sweety: Thailand, Comedy/ Romance – A continuation of Bangkok
Sweety which came out the last week of last year, with stories stretching
from New Year’s to Valentine’s Day. Again, an absolute bottom of the barrel
Thai RomCom, savaged by the press and hailed by the customers, with plenty
of young Thai stars, and music and dancing. Some of it is pretty gross,
having to do with defecation and such. The movie is in Thai only at both
locations.
ATM Er Rak Error: Thai, Comedy – This Thai Romantic Comedy features a
wayward ATM machine that gives out too much cash. Number one in Thailand,
and a big hit. English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
Underworld 4: Awakening: US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – If you’ve been
enthralled by the epic battle between Vampires and Lycans, as delineated so
noisily and violently in the first three episodes, then this is for you.
Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in the lead role as
the vampire warrioress. Rated R in the US for strong violence and gore, and
for some language; 15+ here. Generally unfavorable reviews. In 2D now and
Thai-dubbed, and only at Vista.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Feb 8.
Reminder 1!
Lifescapes, a film series of Payap University, continues its
run until tomorrow night, February 5, with the final showing being held at
Vista Sunday at 7 pm – the film Hi-So by Aditya Assarat, followed by a
discussion with the director and lead actors Ananda Everingham and Sajee
Apiwong. Other films show at Payap, exploring by means of contemporary
dramatic or documentary films some regional issues within mainland Southeast
Asia: All have English subtitles; free admission. For information, check
their website
http://filmfestival.payap.ac.th/.
Reminder
2! For the second year, the
Alliance Française is presenting La Fete, a festival of five French films,
running from February 13 to 17 at the Alliance. Two showings a day, at 6 pm
and 8 pm. All have English subtitles; free admission. For information:
http://www.lafete-bangkok.com/en/province/chiang-mai/
War
Horse: US, Drama/ History/ War – Steven Spielberg’s ode to horses and
World War I trench warfare. Fine adventure story, beautifully handled and
photographed, but way too pretty a picture for me for a setting of such
horror. Stars Emily Watson and David Thewlis. Generally favorable reviews.
Shown in Digital (not 3D) and English at Airport Plaza; regular 2D and
Thai-dubbed at Vista.
The Lady:
France/ UK, Biography/ Drama – An epic love story about how an extraordinary
couple and family sacrifice their happiness at great human cost for a higher
cause. This is the story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris.
Despite distance, long separations, and a dangerously hostile regime, their
love endures until the very end. A story of devotion and human understanding
set against a background of political turmoil which continues today. It’s as
well the story of the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of
Burma's democracy movement. Stars Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis (who gives
a sterling, brilliant performance as the husband – much better than the poor
script deserves); directed by Luc Besson. Rated R in the US for violence,
including some bloody images; 13+ in Thailand. Mixed or average reviews. I
think it’s a ploddingly conventional tribute to the heroic Burmese activist.
Besson seems out of his element here, with the result that his film is dull.
But, even imperfectly told, Aung San Suu Kyi's story remains astonishingly
powerful and moving. Airport Plaza only.
Man on a
Ledge: US, Crime/ Thriller – As a police psychologist works to talk
down an ex-con who is threatening to jump from a Manhattan hotel rooftop,
the biggest diamond heist ever committed is in motion. The previews play
heavily on the fear of falling, making one who is afraid of heights, like
me, very uncomfortable indeed. Stars Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, and
Jamie Bell. Mixed or average reviews, saying that uninspired acting and
preposterous plotlines defuse it's mildly intriguing premise. Airport Plaza
only.
Journey
2: The Mysterious Island: US, Action/ Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/
Sci-Fi – A follow-up to the 2008 Journey to the Center of the Earth. Josh
Hutcherson, reprising his role from the first film, receives a coded
distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. He
partners with his mom's boyfriend on a mission to find the source of the
signal, which they think was sent by his missing grandfather. With Dwayne
Johnson and Michael Caine. Mixed or average reviews. Shown in Digital 3D and
English at Airport Plaza, 2D and Thai-dubbed only at Vista.
Rak Leaw
Feaw / Love Is: Thai, Comedy/ Romance – A handsome, highly-educated,
wealthy boy is wildly wanted by girls. He seems to be living the perfect
life, but there is a trouble in his mind that he can’t seem to get over.
Suddenly, one day, he leaves the city to roam in rural towns and in the
mountains, and runs across different people and lifestyles. Usual Thai
RomCom, at Vista only, Thai only.
Panya
Raenu 2: Thai, Comedy/ Drama
– The sequel to Panya Raenu, continuing the story of friendship between
Panya and Raenu. This time they’ve added popular Petchtai Wongkamlao (Mum
Jokmok), and Tukkie to the cast. Original Isan dialect at Airport Plaza with
Thai subtitles, and I believe Thai-dubbed only at Vista. But check.
The Devil
Inside: US, Horror/ Thriller
– In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a series of unauthorized exorcisms
during her mission to discover what happened to her mother, who allegedly
murdered three people during her own exorcism. It is in the genre of
documentary-style "found footage" and so is a movie with a fictional story
that tries to give the impression that it has filmed actual occurrences.
Rated R in the US for disturbing violent content and grisly images, and for
language – including some sexual references; 15+ in Thailand. Reviews:
Overwhelming dislike, in general calling it a cheap, choppy unscary mess,
featuring one of the worst endings in recent memory. And “It's a pestilence
of infectious claptrap.” Apparently a sizeable percentage of audiences
regularly boo at the end of the film, and there are reports of numerous
walkouts. There’s a movement afoot to dub this film the one with the worst
ending in film history. Shown in Digital (but not 3D); at Major only.
First
Kiss / Rak Sud Tai Pai Na: Thai, Drama/ Romance – In this
romantic comedy, a single girl, 25, meets a grade-12 boy student on a bus.
Fate plays trick with them when, minutes after they met, they accidentally
kiss as they both try to stick their heads out the same window to watch a
roadside accident. He is now determined to win her heart, despite his
inexperience and the age difference. Can a high-schooler court an office
girl? Will the boy have enough romantic tricks in his bag to win the heart
of the older woman? Will this movie give you the answer? Only at Airport
Plaza; Thai only.
Always /
Only You: South Korea, Drama/
Romance – A tragic love story centered on an ex-boxer and a telemarketer
slowly losing her vision. Written and directed by the popular Korean
director Song Il-gon. This was the opening film of the 2011 Busan
International Film Festival, and the 2,000 available tickets for it sold out
in a record seven seconds! Thai dubbed only; no English subtitles; at Major
only.
ATM Er
Rak Error: Thai, Comedy –
This Thai Romantic Comedy features a wayward ATM machine that gives out too
much cash. Number one in Thailand, and a big hit. English subtitles at
Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
Underworld 4: Awakening: US,
Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – To gauge from the previews, it seems to be more of
the same, so if you’ve been enthralled by the epic battle between Vampires
and Lycans, as delineated so noisily and violently in the first three
episodes, then this is for you. Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two
films, returns in the lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who
escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered
the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out
war to eradicate both species. Rated R in the US for strong violence and
gore, and for some language. In 2D here, English at Major, Thai-dubbed at
Vista. Generally unfavorable reviews.
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Now playing in Chiang Mai through Feb 1.
Reminder 1!
Lifescapes, a film series of Payap University, runs from
February 2 to 5, with the final showing being held at Vista on February 5 at
7 pm – the film Hi-So by Aditya Assarat, followed by a discussion with the
director and lead actors Ananda Everingham and Sajee Apiwong. Other films
show at Payap, exploring by means of contemporary dramatic or documentary
films some regional issues within mainland Southeast Asia: All have English
subtitles; free admission. For information, check their website
http://filmfestival.payap.ac.th/.
Reminder 2!
For the second year, the Alliance Française is presenting La
Fete, a festival of five French films, running from February 13 to 17 at the
Alliance. Two showings a day, at 6 pm and 8 pm. All have English subtitles;
free admission. For information:
http://www.lafete-bangkok.com/en/province/chiang-mai/
The Phantom of the Opera:
US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – A special video showing of The
Phantom of the Opera once a day at 8 pm at Major Cineplex, Airport Plaza,
now through February 1. This is the same presentation that has been showing
in Bangkok the last few weeks. It shows off the capabilities of Major’s
Digital system to present live events from around the world. Strictly
speaking, of course, this is not a live event, but a delayed broadcast of a
live event that took place on October 2, 2011, and was simulcast live
throughout Europe. We get what was actually presented to the audience on
that night, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the gala 25th Anniversary
fully-staged presentation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s worldwide musical hit.
Most viewers think this is as accurate a staging of the original show as
could be done in that place, and much more accurate than the 2004 movie.
Shown in Digital (but not 3D). Only at Airport Plaza.
Panya Raenu 2:
Thai, Comedy/ Drama – The sequel to Panya Raenu, continuing
the story of friendship between Panya and Raenu. This time they’ve added the
almost too-popular Petchtai Wongkamlao (Mum Jokmok), and Tukkie to the cast.
English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
The Devil Inside:
US, Horror/ Thriller – In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a
series of unauthorized exorcisms during her mission to discover what
happened to her mother, who allegedly murdered three people during her own
exorcism. It is in the genre of documentary-style "found footage" and so is
a movie with a fictional story that tries to give the impression that it has
filmed actual occurrences. Rated R in the US for disturbing violent content
and grisly images, and for language – including some sexual references.
Reviews: Overwhelming dislike, in general calling it a cheap, choppy unscary
mess, featuring one of the worst endings in recent memory. And “It's a
pestilence of infectious claptrap.” Apparently a sizeable percentage of
audiences regularly boo at the end of the film, and there are reports of
numerous walkouts. There’s a movement afoot to dub this film the one with
the worst ending in film history. Shown in Digital (but not 3D); at Major
only.
First Kiss / Rak Sud Tai
Pai Na: Thai, Drama/ Romance – In this romantic comedy, a
single girl, 25, meets a grade-12 boy student on a bus. Fate plays trick
with them when, minutes after they met, they accidentally kiss as they both
try to stick their heads out the same window to watch a roadside accident.
He is now determined to win her heart, despite his inexperience and the age
difference. Can a high-schooler court an office girl? Will the boy have
enough romantic tricks in his bag to win the heart of the older woman? Will
this movie give you the answer? Only at Airport Plaza; English subtitles.
Always / Only You:
South Korea, Drama/ Romance – A tragic love story centered on
an ex-boxer and a telemarketer slowly losing her vision. Written and
directed by the popular Korean director Song Il-gon. This was the opening
film of the 2011 Busan International Film Festival, and the 2,000 available
tickets for it sold out in a record seven seconds! Thai dubbed only; no
English subtitles; at Major only.
ATM Er Rak Error:
Thai, Comedy – This Thai Romantic Comedy features a wayward
ATM machine that gives out too much cash. Number one in Thailand, and a big
hit. English subtitles at Airport Plaza, Thai-only at Vista.
Underworld 4: Awakening:
US, Action/ Fantasy/ Horror – To gauge from the previews, it
seems to be more of the same, so if you’ve been enthralled by the epic
battle between Vampires and Lycans, as delineated so noisily and violently
in the first three episodes, then this is for you. Kate Beckinsale, star of
the first two films, returns in the lead role as the vampire warrioress
Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans
have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are
conducting an all-out war to eradicate both species. Rated R in the US for
strong violence and gore, and for some language. In 2D here, English at
Major, Thai-dubbed at Vista. No reviews yet.
Meung Gu: Thai,
Action/ Drama – A transfer student at Chiang Mai University becomes friends
with another student, the leader of the Sperm Gang, and gets drawn into gang
warfare, learns about the dangers of life, and thereby achieves manhood.
It’s apparently based on a true story about a fight between a gang called
the Sperm Gang and another called The Night Bazaar Gang, which terrorized
Chiang Mai some 40 years ago, although this film takes place in the present.
Heartthrob Mario Maurer (The Love of Siam), is the gang leader. But,
so I’m told, he's a gang leader filled with virtue: Loyalty, love of his
friends, respectful treatment of girls. "The Sperm Gang is stronger than all
the other millions of sperm," he says. "We're fighters, not gangsters."
Well-known spots in Chiang Mai are darkly photographed, making our town look
quite ominous. Now only at Vista, Thai soundtrack only.
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