Bangkok Love Story

By: Lewis Tice
In-House Review - Jun 11 2008

Maek, a cold-blooded assassin-for-hire, is sent to knock off Iht, a police informant, when, in a twist of fate, the killer is shot for refusing to pull the trigger. After making their escape, they forge an indelible bond when the vulnerable assassin is nursed back to health by handsome, married Iht. But as taboo feelings of desire swell between the swarthy new lovers, their relationship is discovered by Thailand's biggest crime boss and Iht's angry wife. Now there's no turning as back as enemies, friends and lovers are pitted against each other -- with an extravagant gunfight in their future. Director Poj Arnon bathes his hunky heroes in gorgeous sepia-toned light while immersing them in equal amounts of thrilling action sequences and old-fashioned romantic melodrama. Add two male leads who are captivatingly handsome and you'll see why the film was a huge box office draw and has become known as the Thai Brokeback Mountain. (Thai with English subtitles)

By: Amos Lassen

We go to the underbelly of Bangkok in this excellent film. Set in the poor section of the city, we see none of the beauty we associate with Thailand. Yet there is beauty here and it is the love between the two leads.
Maek (Rattanaballang Tohssawat) is a hired assassin for organized crime. He supports his mother and younger brother, both of whom have AIDS. He wants to give them a nice home so that his brother can stop hustling. He receives an assignment to stalk and kill a young lawyer but he realizes that he is attracted to him. When the time comes for him to kill him, he cannot and is shot himself. The lawyer Iht (Chaiwat Thongsaeng) rescues Maek and takes him to a shelter to nurse him back to health and in the process the two men come together in a relationship of passion. When Maek is finally well, he cannot deal with his feelings and leaves. Meanwhile Iht's wife has become suspicious and discovers the two in the throes of passion. Iht is alone but Maek is arrested and incarcerated. I cannot tell you what happens next except to say that the two men are together when Maek is released from prison.
Everything about the film is excellent and the two leads are wonderful. The chemistry between them is amazing and there are truths revealed in their forbidden love. Remembering that film is fantasy, we escape to a different world, a different place and become swept up into this beautiful film. Written and directed by Poi Arnon, we get a story where two men have to face obstacles to their feelings for each other and we see how people in love face the issues that they do.
Bangkok, the city also plays a role in the film but it is the grimy and run down city that we see. It adds to the tone of the film in which grey is the dominant color. There are shortcomings, of course, like the AIDS subplot which adds nothing but I found it impossible not to love this gem of a film.

By: JANORM

I viewed a lot of tragic gay love stories, but this one is the very best of them all. This should be known as the "Romeo and Juliet" of gay love themed movies! It is a story so poignant for today, that it should be considered a true classic feature. The emotional highs and lows, take the audience on a roller-coaster ride throughout the entire film. The way this story unfolds and the presentation of the love between these, two(2) most unlikely pairing of men, is one of the most beautiful and fantastic scenarios ever developed. I was almost emotionally over-come with the tragic ending. This is a film that is destined to be a classic in this genera, and must be added to your collection! DEATH WILL NEVER END TRUE LOVE, AS IT LIVES FOREVER!! NJMJr!!

By: Musss7

If you want to compare this movie with other Thai gay movies, it is not fair enough because most of them are comedies. That's why Bangkok Love Story stands uniquely because the theme was drama and action. Maybe because gay is not a big deal in Thai, most of the producers just keep bringing out the comedies. However, at last we have one of the best gay dramas from Thailand.

I like all the characters, even the mafia gang. The atmosphere was so melodrama but I think, some scenes were too dark. The background music helps a lot to build feelings and suspenses. One thing I love about this movie is the sexual attraction between the two lead characters. They know they love each other but they just can't be together because of their background.

There are still some flaws in this movie. The mother's character is well acted but if we watch closer, we could alert that her nails were really long and beautiful. The love scene between the Maek and Iht also reminds me at Happy Together (Wong Kar-wai). Then, the story was too long... up until both of them are old. I don't really like the ending but I can accept it because at first, I thought that the ending is when Maek was surrounded by police. Luckily he put down his and caught by the police. When Maek was caught, I feel thrill because I thought at least he and Iht will be together for the ending. It is true but at last, BANG! Overall, good job guys..

By: teni

By: Paul Anthony

The characters were real in this one. Stone was exquisitely sensual and believable in his love quest for Cloud. We are getting closer to a true story about how we love.
Can't say that I wouldn't have like to see them have more than a one night stand but that would have ruined it.
If it wasn't for the special features I would have said the story wasn't complete so good work and make sure you watch the special features.
I will be watching this one again and again...
One question though: Who Killed Cloud???

See Ya
Paul Anthony