Nang Nak (1999)

Very best movie i ever watch

Sadly Over-hyped

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

I've seen a lot of Thai movies and about every 10 years or so they come out with a gem like this. If you have ever spent some time in Thailand, this movie offers a lot of insights into the culture and superstitions of the country. It also offers genuine insights into the history of the times. Set in the 1860s, the movie moves between two locations—Bangkok and Mak's village. All in flush forest, these two places are part of modern, high-rise Bangkok. It takes a bit of getting used to.Not so much a horror story (it's not really scary at all) as a love story, many westerners might be surprised that superstitions portrayed in the film are still alive and well. Many Thais believe in ghosts such as Nang Nak to a degree not seen in the west. And having lived here for 20 years, I have seen some things that are utterly inexplicable unless there really is a spirit world.Beautifully shot, well acted and in my opinion, very real to life, this is a good movie—not your Hollywood-style movie but something different. Well worth spending some time with this one.

It's not often you're going to see a horror film that leaves you crying. This is a beautiful movie about the undying love between a young man conscripted into the army, and the devoted and pregnant wife he leaves behind. The photography alone, under Nattawut Kittikhun, is so delicately executed that you would think the film must be printed on rice paper.Though not essential to enjoyment of the movie, it helps to understand that its basis is the Buddhist concept of "Hungry Ghosts," souls that have become so attached to this world that they cannot make the transition to their next incarnation. In fact, the whole story is suffused with Buddhist ritual and belief -- in particular that attachment to the transitory and illusory must only result in pain. Director Nonzee Nimibutr has created a work of art that I believe will stand the test of time. If "Nang Nak" is indicative of Thai cinema's potential, then I hope we see a lot more of it.

Based on a Thai legend this is the story of a man who returns to his wife and child unaware that they are long dead. Its considered a great story of ever lasting love, I call it dull. Call me cultural heathen but this movie bored me. Certainly this is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen, the portrait of life on the river and in the jungle is breath taking. If I could simply watch the visuals I would be very happy, unfortunately the story of love undiminished by death gets in the way, or rather the way its told. The way its told is very soapy. Its overwrought and gaspy with wonderful declarations of love that are repeated so frequently you'll want to scream. Its a bad romance novel come to life. I hate to be negative since I wanted to like this but I was too busy snoozing to care.Revised: The films visuals still haunt me several weeks after writing that review. A second viewing, sparked after a discussion with a friend who loves the film, made me more appreciative of the film, and while I am still no fan of the film, I can recommend it for adventurous viewers. I still find it slow but find that its worth a shot for those who want to try something decidedly non American in flavor.

There is a lot more to this film than immediately meets the eye. Most Thai historicals or ghost stories are loaded with anachronistic pop culture cliches. This one wasn't; people spoke with their mouths filled with betel (maak), the lead actress didn't have lipstick, the houses were quite realistic, etc. In addition, the rural monks switched between high-level speech and country slang. The point is that this film is a serious attempt to do justice to both the original tale and the time period it is set in. The empathy for Nak far surpassed the scariness. What stood out for me is that Nak's justification for her actions seemed quite defensible, adding to the anguished poignancy of the situation.Asian ghost stories, when done well, have a strongly moral character. This is one of the finest examples I have seen.