The Legend of Suriyothai
by Chatrichalerm Yukol
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Chatchai Plengpanich, Johnny Anfone, M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Mai Charoenpura, Sarunyu WongkrachangDirector: Chatrichalerm Yukol
Brand: Sony
Cinematographer: Anupap Buachand
Cinematographer: Igor Luther
Writer: Chatrichalerm Yukol
Producer: Francis Ford Coppola
Producer: Kamla Yukol
Producer: Kim Aubry
Writer: Sunait Chutintaranond
DVD: Region Code 99
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Thai (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: AC-3, Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen, 1.85:1
Running Time: 142 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-11-25
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Movie Reviews of The Legend of Suriyothai
Movie Review: Flawed, But Worthy
Summary: 5 Stars
The Legend of Suriyothai is the most expensive movie ever made in Thailand, the production funded by royalty itself. Visually, Suriyothai must be the most enthralling film I've ever seen. The dead-on and awesome costumes, the superb cinematography and sets (which were filmed at the real historical sites) are just tremendous, worthy of the Academy Awards. The scale is so huge, that the movie needs to be viewed at least twice.
However, Suriyothai is flawed for many reasons. First, is that the original version was actually 4 HOURS LONG (!), and had to be scaled down to just 2 and 1/2, understandably to suite Western audiences. I've seen the original version in Thailand and must say though it did drag, it's MUCH better and has more depth that the version released in the West. However, this skeletal version has a consequence of having been scaled down, so in fact, HALF the movie is missing in other words. Pretty unfair, in my opinion.
Secondly, I would have expected more well-choreographed fight scenes. To say the least, the collosal battles are pretty clumsy and ill-directed. So, don't expect much of a Braveheart-style combat. A movie of such extravaganza deserves more than just uninspired battle scenes.
Basically, the initial flaw would come as a result of the movie having been scaled down. Characters appear and dissapear. Most of the main characters have paperthin development and we sometimes forget who is who at times. I had to watch the movie three times to understand the movie entirely. Nonetheless, if you have patience and an interest in seeing into history of a nation far away, this is the definate movie to check out. I would advise watching the movie first before you buy it, since Suriyothai is definately a "like-it" or "hate-it" camp. I personally love this movie, since I can see it's potential and having seen the original version. The story is epic in proportions and if understood correctly, I would even say it's one of the best. Better than Hollywood by far.
Summary of The Legend of Suriyothai
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