Thai Expat Oriented Movie Is Not New

[Jingthing]

The film Elephant King will soon be released in Thailand. It is about hedonistic young American expats in Chiang Mai. I had never heard of this film but it turns out it was made in 2006 and has garnered very bad reviews.

That said, I will probably go see it anyway because of the subject matter.

Just know what you are getting.

[thithi]

yey heard that.

i'm gonna see it neway.

[wayfarer108]

Positive reviews in Variety and New York Times. Popular on the film festival circuit, premiered at Tribeca which isn't the easiest jury screening, several awards (Best Film, Sacramento International Film Festival; Best Actor, Brooklyn International Film Festival; Best Film, Oxford Film Festival; Best Impact of Music in a Feature Film, Park City Film Music Festival).

I attended the press preview a couple of weeks ago and reckon it's worth a whirl. Premieres for the general public 15 Jan at Paragon and Esplanade, will run 1-2 weeks.

[Jimjim]

I think Ellen Burstyn is in it and she has won an Oscar and a Golden Globe and been nominated several times for more. Of course Oscar winners have been in crap movies before but she was stellar in Requiem for a Dream.

[PeaceBlondie]

It could not be much worse than Leonardo in The Beach. Walked out of that one about halfway through.

[Jingthing]

OK, I did see the movie and I am happy I did. I it is not a great film but it was fun to watch. I think most of the thaivisa crowd will find something to like in this movie. There are many makes you groan moments though. I think Thais might like this movie also, Thailand from a stereotyped expat perspective, might open their eyes a little (for example, seeing an American farang working as a dishwasher). Overall, if I didn't have an interest in Thailand, I would have to grade it 3-4 on 1 to 10, but for us Thaiphiles I would give it a 6-7.

[sabaijai]

The film is now playing at EGV Esplanade, Paragon Cineplex, Major Sukhumit Ekamai, Major Ratchayothin, Major Pinklao, Major Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

www.movieseer.com has showtimes.