"Bangkok" dwelves into the less prettier side of Thailand

Thai film "Sawasdee Bangkok" may be either a hymn or a song sung by four young directors in praise of Bangkok, the heart of Thailand.

Directors Pen-ek Ratanaruang and Aditya Assarat, known by the South Korean audience for films "Last Life Last Love" and "The Invisible Waves" starring Korean actress Kang Hye-jung, appeared at a screening of "Bangkok" on Friday at the Megabox theatre in Haeundae of Busan city where the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) is underway.

The event started with the directors saying "Sawatdee Krab," Thai for "hello", who went on to explain that the omnibus film, originally made for TV mini series, was edited to be submitted to one of Asia's largest film fests.

The four-part film included episodes "Sightseeing" by Wisit Sasannatieng, "Bangkok Blues" by Assarat and "Pi Makham" by Kongdei Jaturanrasnee.

The episode received most favorably by the audience was Ratanaruang's "Silence", about a party girl and homeless man who try compensate for everything with money -- whether it be for acts out of goodwill or kindness.

The audience applauded to the sincere response of the directors who said they would "write e-mail responses to incomplete answers" or taught viewers the lyrics for the ending song to the film.

Ratanaruang, who said he wanted to show the "structure of conflict and the gap between the rich and the poor between opposing classes" rather than the beauty of Bangkok, may be a statement which applies not just to the city known famous for its tourism.

The questions about Thailand's instable political situation and power struggle laid forth in the movie are issues which would not be awkward at all if applied to Seoul but rather be sympathized by the Korean audience.


Reporter : Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr