Release Date: January 12th, 2007 (Film Forum) by Magnolia Pictures. The Cast: Chartchai Ngamsan, Stella Malucchi, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Arawat Ruangvuth, Sombati Medhanee, Pairoj Jaisingha, Naiyana Sheewanun, Kanchit Kwanpracha. Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng. In Thai with subtitles. BASIC PREMISE: Dum (Ngamsan), a.k.a. Black Tiger, sets out to revenge his father’s murder while trying to win back Rumpoey (Malucchi), the love of his life. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Part Western, part drama and part romance, Tears of the Black Tiger blends many different genres in a very refreshing way. Dum, who comes from a peasant family, and Rumpoey, who comes from a wealthy family, fell in love when they were children and reunite years later. However, two conflicts arise: Dum goes into battle to avenge his father’s death and, meanwhile, Captain Kumjorn (Ruangvuth) has asked Rumpoey for her hand in marriage. Just like the recent re-release of El Topo, this weird film has a simple plot yet still manages to be surprising with stylized violence and bright-colored sets, most of which purposefully look fake. Writer/director Wisit Sasanatieng pays homage to the visual style of the underrated director of old Thai films, Rattana Pestonji. The style seems a bit irritating at first, but gradually becomes refreshing, funny, oddly beautiful and captivating despite many surreal, over-the-top, outrageous scenes. SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is required or desired. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None, as long as you suspend your disbelief. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0 IN A NUTSHELL: Refreshingly bizarre and oddly beautiful. A captivating, surrealistic Thai Western. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater Main Page Alphabetical Menu Chronological Menu The "T" Menu ______________________________________________________ |