Genre: Teenage Romantic Ghost Film
Writer/Director: Wisit Sasanatieng
Cast: Ploychompoo (Jannine Weigel), Pongsakorn Tosuwan
Release Date: 03rd December 2015 (Thailand and ASEAN)
Runtime: 110 minutes
"This movie will change your beliefs about ghosts forever."
If you're looking for a film that has a different take on anything "ghost-related", then this is the kind of movie one must not miss.
Set in an old place of the royal one 50 years back, two teenagers must work together and play detective to unravel the mystery surrounding a boarding school. This pairing however, is not your usual boy meets girl deciding to save the world as Mon, the teenage girl played by Ploychompoo (or Jannine Weigel, Thai-German) has this very strange habit of smelling anything she touches - she could smell the spirits of the dead as well. Her partner on the other hand, is a mysterious boy she has never seen before. She calls him "Runpee" or "Senior" played by Pongsakorn Tosuwan . The story follows Mon and "Runpee" as they come together to solve old cases in the past. The two of them made a deal to perform a joint investigation on a murder that happened a long time ago. The princess at that time was brutally murdered and an old gardener was accused of committing the crime although he is seen pleading innocent - he was sentenced to death by firing squad. That's when spirits started to hover the building. Unusual noises and creepy feels all over. The spirits keep on crying for justice trying to ascertain the real killer. Mon and "Runpee" must search for all the evidences leading to the discovery and capture of the killer despite the twists and the turns.
The film's actors effective portrayal of their roles plays a major part as to why this film is a joy to watch. Ploychompoo and Pongsakorn blended so well like cookies and cream. The on-screen chemistry between them was as nice and as sweet as honey. I felt the connection between them that made me feel like a teenager once again together with the other youngsters inside the moviehouse. Moviegoers reacted to their precious and sweet encounters throughout the film. The supporting characters and their supporting stories moved me to tears a couple of times which proves of how well they played their parts. A ghost story that touches different aspects of human life and our connection with each other. Mostly with monologues which I find talented and clever, one could definitely relate to each of the characters as they move and grow along the film.
The individuals working behind the scenes are not to be ignored as they're as good as the actors with all of those special effects (graphics). Throughout "Senior", the effects were so cool and amazing that it was like experiencing what had transpired 50 years ago. The descriptions were beautifully and effectively illustrated that I myself got convinced to be watching a real ghost. It wasn't that artsy. It didn't strain my eyes. It was just a mix of basic computer graphics and storytelling. There was actually a scene where "Runpee" was exploring an old library on his own and by following him, I felt like I was going through those walls as well. Call it weird. Another indicator of an effective storytelling are the camera works. The film capitalized on panning and zooming with mostly medium shots to build the tension and anticipation of something to come and yet managed to be unpredictable.
This story, complete with effective performances on both acting and effects, is great for all those who need a break from their daily those of heavy drama. It's a ghost film yet packed with funny lines the Thai style accompanied by teenage take on love, friendship, struggles, and sorrow. A movie treat for every member of the family. Mon, with her relentless attitude on life despite her tragic family story, never backs down. She herself not only found a detective partner but friendship and love that transcends time - the kind that will truly last for a lifetime.
An 8/10 rating on my personal scale; go, sitback, relax, and see the movie. Definitely worth my 200 baht and yours too..8
