Cheap The Legend of Suriyothai (DVD) (M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Chatchai Plengpanich) (Chatrichalerm Yukol) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Legend of Suriyothai

This is a fascinating look at another part of the globe which most of us have not experienced beyond eating Phad Thai at the local corner chifa. The colors, the costumes, the bloodthirsty ambition, and the elephants! What amazing images are these. I was particulary enthralled with the scenes of elephant warfare and the one with the elegent river canoes thrusting into battle. And the one-eyed warrior was over the top! Even Hollywood should recognize that guy's talent. How tough was he?

For me, the only reason to not buy this right away is the hope that the longer Thai theatrical version (+45 minutes) might be even better. But I doubt its coming out any time soon, and often editing is done for a good reason (see Das Boot or Blade Runner). If you liked Lawrence of Arabia, Gandhi, Braveheart, or Elizabeth, I think you will enjoy this film. So my advice is to buy this fascinating film right now!

Amazing with several flaws
This grand film of epic proportions is a landmark in the history of Asian filmmaking. Directed by a Prince and presented by the Master Francis Ford Coppola, this movie is simply extravagant. In many ways the grandeur presented here mirrors that found in RAN by Kirosawa. This extraordinary tale is of a woman who becomes queen of Thailand due to a series of palace coups and machinations that lands her pious monk husband at the throne and sends her boyhood friend Prince Piren into battle against the invading Burmese army. Full of epic battle scenes, beautiful palaces and extraordinary scenes of Asian tranquility this film conjures up a culture and a time long gone. From swashbuckling Portuguese mercenaries to stampeding armies mounted atop elephants no expense was spared. The deleted scenes lend to the grandeur.

Yet several issues remain that take away from this films greatness and call into question the many awards it has received. First the film should have been twice as long. It is an epic and the stories and the characters deserve far more developing. This leads to the second problem, which is the documentary like feeling you get since the characters don't have time to be developed much of the film has to be walked through by a narrator and every scene has to be presaged by the ever present name of the place you are viewing. Had the film gone on for four hours one would have become used to the different palaces and cities, but due to its choppy nature one feels like they are watching something less then cinematic. But regardless of these subtle issues, this film is a winner.

Seth J. Frantzman

Severely Overlooked
What a great movie! I'll admit that it was hard at times to keep the names and places straight, but the plot is interesting, complex, and it all really happened. The costumes were catchy (should be nominated for an acadamy award), the setting was realsitic, the film quality is excellent, it was shot well, the script is appropriate, the battle scenes were exciting (cannons on elephant backs!)and the acting was decent. Admitedly, this will not appeal to everyone, as it is slower-paced. But those of us who appreciate films that truly deliver a lesson in history (a piece of history that I knew next to nothing about)will enjoy this.