Sawasdee Bangkok (2009)

Flavors of Bangkok

My headline sounds a bit weird but I don't know how can I describe this super long "movie", it's more a compilation, an anthology with different stories and it was an interesting watch. I'm trying to give short impressions for each stories.

Maha Nakhon; « Coming to the city to the city »
It reflects a social issue with rural people who are coming to the city, they are lovely people, they only have some hope and dream but the reality hit them hard. It’s a bittersweet feeling after finishing this.

Tussana; "Visually"
It was somehow weirdly good giving some kind of hope but at the end I still feel bitter. It’s quite sad but at the same time it has a dark humor in it. It’s funny yet, it left us with some reflexion.

Krungthep Mahasane; "Charming Bangkok"
It shows the different social aspect in the city, giving a documentary vibes with some humor in it and it also feel like a comemrcial. Sometimes it can be unserious, kind of a satire of the society. I liked it.

Long Tae Mai Luam; "Lost but not forgotten"
It’s a beautiful short story, at first I was a bit lost but then it’s a heartwarming and nostalgic story after all. It’s simple yet it gives a chilling vibes with memories. I’ve never traveled to Thailand but it still kind of relatable. When you are outside and you’ve decided to hang out around without planning anything or just, you ended up lost, you can’t help but some memories are back again or you suddenly feel nostalgic.

Silence
That was really touching and it left some strong impression ! It was short but the message was clear and well conveyed. However I must say, she was really lucky to meet such a good guy at night. I really liked the twist because we could think at first, she could be in danger or something.. Moral of the story : don’t judge people for their appearance or don’t quickly jump to the conclusion ! But for sure, you have to be careful sometimes.

Bangkok Blues
A really nice short story, simple but kind of relatable and heartwarming. I really liked it, especially the touch of the English speaking moment and the switch in thai. For bilingual, it’s kind of relatable. The meeting and the small talk between Ananda and the woman was also nice to see. It could be a bit longer to change it into maybe a love story but at the same time, it’s perfect as it is.

Krungthep teeruk ; « Bangkok my love »
Probably one of my favorite out there ! It was really interesting to get to know different people with their opinion and some of their personal experiences of Krungthep. I feel like it was such heartfelt interview, heartwarming, so real and even touching. It makes me smile and one more reason of why I should go to Thailand for once. It’s a huge pity they didn’t add english subtitles because I really wish more people see this lovely short film (it’s more a documentary / interview than an actual movie / fiction).

Phi - Nong ; "Sisters"
Despite being the slightly longest movie out of these 9, I feel like I didn’t get enough closure or maybe I’m nitpicky ? However, it was a nice and good story between sisters. Simple, cute, heartwarming but I’m still confused if the guy really like her sister or not lol
It would be quite alarming if he’s into the younger one but I hope I’m wrong. Anyway, I liked the relationship between the sisters and with her friend.

Phi Makam ; "Tamarind ghost"
I was confused and didn’t know about the meaning behind the title and how it was linked to the story. I don’t want to give some spoilers but, I was just taken aback from the turn of the event. Maybe one of the best short movie but not sure if it’s my favorite, I don’t know why. I just know it was very well done.

Conclusion:
This anthology was interesting and I got to know a different inside of Bangkok through different directors with their style. Of course, I have some stories that I've loved more or touched me more. However, every stories has its own charm.

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