East Meets West: Two Reviews of ‘The Judgement’ (I FAK)
Two Reviews Demonstrating Diverse Cultural Perspectives
By Rebecca Redshaw and Sutthasiree Sukontharat
Attending the 2005 Bangkok International Film Festival offers a unique opportunity for the readers of NotesFromHollywood.com. The Judgement, a Thai film screening at the festival and in release in Bangkok, is reviewed from an East and West perspective. Welcome, Sutthasiree Sukontharat.
Rebecca Redshaw and Sutthasiree Sukontharat, a volunteer with the Bangkok International Film Festival, on opening night of the 2005 festival.
THE JUDGEMENT [I FAK]
By Rebecca Redshaw, USA
There are many differences in cultures of the world – different foods, different clothes, and different customs. But the essential qualities of life – love, honor, respect, understanding are universal.
First time director Pantham Thongsang from Thailand shows how difficult it is to respect those essential qualities in an unconventional love story, The Judgement.
Fak is a much loved young man in his village. After serving in the army, he returns home to be with his father and enter the priesthood. Much to his surprise in his absence, Fak’s father has married a beautiful young woman, Samsong, who is crazy. This act of kindness changes the direction of Fak’s life. He struggles (and succeeds for a while) to rise above the rumors and lies that question his intentions and integrity toward the young woman after his father dies.
The shortcomings of human nature become more apparent as every member of the village turns his back on the young man and his struggle to live an honorable life.
The Judgement successfully crosses international borders because of its portrayal of human frailty. Bongkot Kongmalai, as the impetuous Samsong, portrays the girl with an engaging charm, cute, like an adorable puppy that misbehaves but doesn’t understand. Pitisak Yaowananont’s Fak embodies all the frustrations of a young man coming of age. Together, this odd couple living in a tiny village demonstrate both the shortcomings of man and his ultimate goodness.
Rebecca Redshaw is the Arts & Entertainment Critic for www.NotesFromHollywood.com. She can be reached at r2redshaw@hotmail.com
The Judgement [I FAK]
By Sutthasiree Sukontharat
While we usually tend to judge things or people by the probability of situations, be aware that judgements can’t be a hundred percent correct since probability is not a fact.
After the death of his dad, Fak has to take care of his dad new wife, Somsong. She is still young and beautiful, but mentally ill. While desire is tempting, Fak not only has to try to overcome it, but also to make the villagers believe that he isn’t having an affair with her.
What make normal people so different from those who are mentally ill? Is it the ability to distinguish and analyze or the ability to distinguish between fact and fantasy?
There’s a scene when the villagers hurt Fak so seriously that he can’t get up. Somsong comes to help him and ironically, she says that “we should go and keep away from these insane people.” Somsong also says that “those who hurt a good person who hasn’t done anything wrong must be insane.” This movie reminds us that if we who are normal do not use our discretion carefully, we may be no different from those who are mentally ill, who live their live in their own fantasy, or in what they choose to believe which is not factual.
Color also takes part in the movie. Since red represents something ardent and enticing, the director uses the color very harmoniously to the story. Everything about Somsong is red which represents her lust and desire Fak has to face when he is with her. And every time Fak has to deal with his desire, red appears in the scenes.
By the way, the dog’s role is really fabulous. I don’t know if dogs can get an Oscar, but you know what? The dog is this movie deserves it!
Rebecca Redshaw is the Arts& Entertainment Critic for www.NotesFromHollywood.com. She can be reached at r2redshaw@hotmail.com.