King Naresuan (film)
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| King Naresuan | |
|---|---|
 The Thai movie poster. |
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| Directed by | Chatrichalerm Yukol |
| Produced by | Kunakorn Sethi |
| Written by | Chatrichalerm Yukol Sunait Chutintaranond |
| Starring | Wanchana Sawatdee Chatchai Plengpanich Intira Jaroenpura Sorapong Chatree Sompop Benjatikul |
| Music by | Richard Harvey |
| Distributed by | Prommitr International Production Sahamongkol Film International |
| Release date(s) | Part I January 18, 2007 Part II February 15, 2007 |
| Country | Thailand |
| Language | Thai |
| Budget | 700 million baht |
| Official website | |
| IMDb profile | |
The Legend of King Naresuan (Thai: ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช, Tamnan Somdej Phra Naresuan) is a two-part 2007 Thai biographical historical drama film about King Naresuan the Great, who ruled Siam from 1590 until his death in 1605.
The films are directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol and are a followup to his 2003 film, The Legend of Suriyothai. Part I, Pegu's Hostage, was released on January 18, 2007. Part II, Reclaiming Sovereignty, was released on February 15, 2007. A third part was initially expected to be released on December 5, 2007, in celebration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday,[1][2] but that release date has been pushed back to later in 2008. Filming on part III is expected to begin in early 2008, with Tony Jaa among the featured actors.[3]
Part I deals with Naresuan's boyhood, when he was taken hostage by Burmese King Bayinnaung to keep the vassal Ayutthaya Kingdom subservient. During this time, he was a novice Buddhist monk under the tutelage of a wise father-figure monk (Sorapong Chatree). Part II depicts Naresuan as a young adult prince, already a formidable military strategist, as he leads his army on exploits against breakaway kingdoms for King Bayinnaung's successor, King Nonthabureng, and eventually breaks away to declare sovereignty for Siam. Part III was to depict Naresuan's military and leadership skills and the expansion of the Siamese kingdom.
In production for more than three years, the project has an estimated budget of 700 million baht, making it the most expensive Thai film made.[4][5][6]
As King of Fire, part II was selected as Thailand's submission to the 80th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.[7][8]
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[edit] Plot
[edit] Part I: Pegu's Hostage
The Pegu forces of King Bayinnaung overrun Phitsanulok, ruled by King Thamaracha, who had hoped for help of forces from Ayutthaya, but King Chakrapadi needed the troops to protect his own city. Bayinnaung demands that Prince Naresuan, the young son of Thamaracha, be given to him as a hostage to ensure Phitsanulok's loyalty. Bayinnaung then takes Naresuan on his military campaign to Ayutthaya, schooling the boy in the ways of war. Ayutthaya falls and becomes a vassal state of Pegu, with Thamaracha installed as its leader.
In Pegu, Naresuan is treated as a son of Bayinnaung and afforded all the comforts and respect due to a prince. He rides his horse into "Siamese town" near the palace, home to Siamese refugees of the war, and rescues another boy who is being chased by a mob because he stole some food. The unkempt street urchin does not know his name so Naresuan names him Bunting. Naresuan is then ordained as a novice monk in the Buddhist temple, and Bunting is made a temple boy. The two friends then befriend a temple girl, Manechan. The three children engage in various sorts of mischief, including taking part in cockfighting, despite the orders of the head monk, Khanchong. Under Khanchong's tutelage, Naresuan learns more about martial arts and methods of war.
Bayinnaung, meanwhile, is continuing his campaign to consolidate control of Siam. Naresuan's older sister, Princess Supankulayanee is brought to Pegu to also serve as a consort to the king. With his sister now held hostage, the young Naresuan decides it is time for him to return to Siam. Already showing superior fighting skills, he attracts a band of loyal fellows and makes his escape.
[edit] Part II: Reclaiming Sovereignty
Many years have passed since Naresuan returned home to Siam. Now the ruler of Phitsanulok, the adult Prince Naresuan has attracted more followers to his army. His aide-de-camp is his boyhood friend, Bunting, now christened Lord Rachamanu. Naresuan's fighters include an African warrior and a Japanese samurai. Word is received in Ayutthaya that King Bayinnaung has died. Ayutthaya King Thamaracha believes it is important that he go and pay respects, but his son Naresuan, having been raised in Pegu and who regards Bayinnaung as a second father, convinces Thamaracha to let him go.
In Pegu, representatives of nearly all the kingdoms in the realm gather to pay respects to the departed Bayinnaung and also swear loyalty to the new king, Nonthabureng. Naresuan and Bunting are reunited with their childhood friend Manechan, who is now a lady in waiting to Princess Supankulayanee, Naresuan's sister, who was made a consort of Bayinnaung. Naresuan and Manechan share an immediate romantic connection.
One of the Pegu vassal states, Khang, did not send a representative, so Nonthabureng orders three armies to attack the kingdom. Naresuan takes his army into the fight. The first two armies fail in their attack of the impenetrable fortress of Khang, which is defended by fierce archers commanded by Princess Lurkin, daughter of the Khang king. Naresuan, held in reserve, finds a way to penetrate the city's rear entrance and storms the city. Bunting trades blows with Lurkin and is enchanted by the fierce warrior princess. He chases her down and persists with his romantic overtures until she surrenders to him.
Naresuan now must look for a way to return to Siam. Nonthabureng's son, Prince Upparaja, is jealous of Naresuan's military prowess and surmises that Naresuan is going to betray Pegu. He plots various attacks against Naresuan, including sending a band of headhunters to attack Naresuan.
At a river crossing back into Siam, Naresuan finds his forces under attack. With his army across, Naresuan is given a long rifle by his tutor, the monk Khanchong. Naresuan takes aim at the Pegu commander across the mile-wide river and fires, killing the man and firing the first shot in a declaration of independence for Siam.
[edit] Cast
- Wanchana Sawatdee as King Naresuan
- Pratcha Sananvatananont as Prince Naresuan (youth)
- Nopachai Jayanama as Rachamanu (Bunting)
- Taksaorn Paksukcharern as Manechan
- Chatchai Plengpanich as King Thamaracha
- Grace Mahadumrongkul as Princess Supankulayanee
- Intira Jaroenpura as Lurkin
- Sompob Benjatikul as King Bayinnaung
- Jakkrit Amarat as Nonthabureng
- Sorapong Chatree as Mahathera Khanchong
- Saranyu Wongkrajang as King Chakrapadi
- Jirayu La-ongmanee as Bunting (youth)
- Suchada Chekly as Manechan (youth)
- Napatsorn Mitraim as Prince Upparaja
- Alif Silpachai
- Manop Aswathep
- Nopporn Chaiyanam
[edit] Production
[edit] Special effects
Production on The Legend of King Naresuan began in 2003 on a purpose-built set in Kanchanaburi Province.
Looking for advice on costuming and special effects, Chatrichalerm had met in Bangkok with director Baz Luhrmann, who advised the Thai director to get in contact with Peter Jackson and observe him making King Kong. Through Jackson, Chatrichalerm met with people from the Weta Workshop and worked out a trade of knowledge, in which the New Zealand effects artists would share techniques for making light armor while learning from Thai craftsmen about gold jewellery making.[9]
[edit] Casting
Actor Wanchana Sawatdee, in his feature film debut as Naresuan, is a cavalry officer in the Royal Thai Army with the rank of captain.[10] Chatrichalerm said he cast a newcomer in the role "to avoid any possible negative image."
"The king is also a brave warrior, so [Captain Wanchana], a professional cavalry soldier with a macho look, was a perfect fit for the character."[9]
Grace Mahadumrongkul, who portrays Naresuan's sister, Supankulayanee, was cast in the role in 2006. Previously, she was a presenter on Thai television Channel 5.
Other roles include King Bayinnaung, who is portrayed by Sompop Benjatikul, and the Buddhist monk, Mahathera Khanchong, portrayed by Sorapong Chatree. Both are veteran actors who have worked with Chatrichalerm before.
[edit] Reception
[edit] Part I
King Naresuan Part I: Hongsawadee's Hostage, grossed more than 100 million baht on its opening weekend, despite some production problems with the film. After a world premiere screening on January 16, director Chatrichalerm Yukol continued to edit the film. On opening day, January 18, 2007, prints of the film were still not ready for wide distribution, and were delivered late in the day in Bangkok cinemas and screenings were canceled in the provinces.
Part I received mixed reviews in the local media. The Bangkok Post said the film was "torn between the need to be a serious historical movie and popular entertainment for the masses."[1] But The Nation called it "a beautiful movie, planned to meticulous detail with the exotic designs and colors of the royal dresses, golden palaces and exotic temples."[2] The Nation also hosted a forum for readers to comment on the film.[11]
[edit] Part II
King Naresuan Part II: Reclamation of Sovereignty, premiered in a wide theatrical release in Thailand on February 15, 2007. The #1 film at the Thailand box office for several weeks, it earned US$7 million.[12]
Critical reception was more favorable than the first installment. Kong Rithdee of the Bangkok Post said: "Surprise, surprise: Naresuan II is good fun. The pacing crisp, the acting passionate, the warfare intense."[13]
Jeerawat Na Talang, columnist for The Nation, wrote on her blog: "This is simply the best Thai film I have seen in years ... Compared to the first one, the sequel is better such as in terms of cast and editing."[14]
Submitted as King of Fire, Part II was Thailand's entry to the 80th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.[7]
Part II was also the opening film at the 2007 Cinemanila International Film Festival, and both films were screened out of competition in the Thai Panorama section of the 2007 Bangkok International Film Festival.
[edit] References
- Rithee, Kong. July 14, 2006. "Siamese Saga", Bangkok Post, Real Time, Page R1 (retrieved via Buzz Net on October 28, 2006).
- Ahantharik, Chaiwat. January 17, 2007. Review: King Naresuan, Monsters & Critics (retrieved on January 18, 2007).
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b 'King' reigns Thai box office, Variety, January 21, 2006.
- ^ a b Kanthong, Thanong. January 18, 2007. "The greatest Thai hero comes to life", The Nation (retrieved on January 18, 2007).
- ^ Jaa collaborating with royalty, Hollywood Reporter; retrieved 2007-11-01
- ^ Na Talang, Jeerawat. January 16, 2007., "Naresuan should be great", The Nation (retrieved on January 18, 2007).
- ^ Rithdee, Kong. November 24, 2006. "Twin films", The Bangkok Post, Realtime, Page R5 (print edition).
- ^ Rithdee, Kong. 'King Naresuan' expands to trilogy, Variety (retrieved on December 21, 2006).
- ^ a b Rithdee, Kong, August 24, 2007. Naresuan II reigns in Oscar race, Variety (magazine) (retrieved on August 26, 2007)
- ^ 63 films qualify for foreign Oscar category, Hollywood Reporter; retrieved 2007-10-13
- ^ a b Phatarawanik, Phatarawadee. January 19, 2007. Weekend highlight: An epic for a King, The Nation, retrieved on January 25, 2007.
- ^ Rithdee, Kong. November 10, 2006. Call in the cavalry, Bangkok Post, Realtime, Page R1.
- ^ King Naresuan, the movie,, The Nation, January 22, 2007.
- ^ Gershon, Joel. February 27, 2007. Thai prince's trilogy looks to make history, Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Rithdee, Kong. February 27, 2007. "Quick Takes", Bangkok Post, Outlook section, Page 6 (print edition; online articles of the Bangkok Post are archived for subscribers only after seven days).
- ^ Na Talang, Jeerawat, February 23, 2007. What do you think about Naresuan Part II?, The Nation Web.
[edit] External links
- www.kingnaresuanmovie.com
- The Legend of King Naresuan Part I at the Internet Movie Database
- The Legend of King Naresuan Part II at the Internet Movie Database
- Synopsis at MovieSeer
- (Thai) Production photos at Deknang
- The star of Siam's history at Asia Times Online
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