In Thai, sawasdee is a customary greeting that could mean either hello or goodbye. The country's capital, Bangkok, is famous for its hospitality while also notorious for its nightlife and recent political turmoil. It is the dichotomies of these two words that, when combined, make the title of this omnibus film, Sawasdee Bangkok, so fitting.
Unlike the recent Paris, je t'aime and New York, I Love You, Sawasdee Bangkok is notable in that only Thai filmmakers were commissioned for the project, giving this omnibus work a much more intimate knowledge of its city. Moreover, the directors are not afraid to show the darker side of Thai society, from prostitution to poverty.
The first segment, Sightseeing, directed by Wisit Sasanatieng (Tears of the Black Tiger, Citizen Dog), is a magic-realist tale of a blind woman who longs to see the city in which she lives. Bangkok Blues from Aditya Assarat (Wonderful Town) follows an amusing account of two buddies, both of mixed nationality, and their awkward relationships with Thai women. One scene is particularly effective: a slow pan of a dilapidated playground accompanied by the recorded sounds of children. Kongdej Jaturanrasmee (Midnight, My Love) directs the melancholic third segment, Pi Makham. The title refers both to a ghost and to the prostitutes who roam an area called Sanam Luang Park each night. Finally, Silence by Pen-ek Ratanaruang (Last Life in the Universe, Nymph) tells the funny and poignant story of one woman's drunken escapade with a friend. It leads to a chance encounter with a bizarre homeless man at two in the morning when her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
Together, these shorts by four acclaimed filmmakers form a surprisingly cohesive and entertaining whole – a rarity for an omnibus project. For those who have never been to Bangkok, this film is probably the cheapest way to experience the “land of smiles” without having to pay for a long-haul flight. And if you don't crack a grin during the shorts, wait until you see the hilarious post-credit segment.
Raymond Phathanavirangoon
Wisit Sasanatieng studied decorative arts at Silpakorn University. He has directed the features
Tears of the BlackTiger (00),
Citizen Dog (04) and
The Unseeable (06).
Aditya Assarat was born in Bangkok and studied film at the University of Southern California. His films include the shorts
Motorcycle (00) and
Waiting (03) and the feature
Wonderful Town (07).
Kongdej Jaturanrasmee is a screenwriter and director. He has made the films
Sayew (03, co-director),
Midnight, My Love (05) and
Handle Me with Care (08).
Pen-ek Ratanaruang was born in Bangkok. His features include
Fun Bar Karaoke (97),
6ixtynin9 (99),
Mon-rak Transistor (01),
Last Life in the Universe (03),
Invisible Waves (06),
Ploy (07) and
Nymph (09), which is also playing at this year's Festival.