Bang Rajan (2000)

Regarded by many as the Thai epic that was successful enough to launch a new wave of internationally-popular movies from Thailand, BANG RAJAN is similar to Hollywood's BRAVEHEART, and just as interesting. That's impressive alone, seeing as the budget is about a thousand times lower than the Mel Gibson epic, but when you consider that the bloody battle sequences are just as good as in that and the likes of THE LAST SAMURAI, you'll realise that BANG RAJAN is a very good film indeed. The movie tells a SEVEN SAMURAI-style tale about villagers holding out against an army, and that cues two hours of bloody mayhem, heartfelt speeches, strong character building and tons of suspense. The budget is low and the camera-work sometimes choppy, but that's where the negatives end; in all other respects this is an epic movie with a high entertainment value.I always feel that 'true story' movies – like this one – have an extra 'oomph' to their fictional counterparts, and knowing this really happened makes BANG RAJAN a really interesting film to watch. Some Western viewers have found problems with the villagers themselves, seeing as they all have the same haircuts, are all mostly naked, and all look pretty much the same. That's not too much trouble though, as the main characters are easily distinguishable, from the drunken axe-wielding guy (who reminded me of Ajax from TROY) to the moustachioed hero and the younger family man and his pregnant wife. Acting from the unknown cast is surprisingly strong, and combined with a workable script, you end up with characters you really care for – and shed a tear or two about – in the battle sequences.The latter are varied and exciting, and easily the best parts of the movie. This film is chock-full of action and it never lets up, delivering more and more bloodshed until the exciting, climatic showdown. Thai filmmakers don't skimp on the gore either, so there are tons of bloody arrow hits, decapitations, flying limbs and people being blown to smithereens; sure, they're all shown very quickly, almost glimpses, but somehow that makes the battles seem more realistic and more hard-hitting. Sometimes the film transcends predictability and becomes inspired, like the bit where the heroes ride massively horned buffalos into battle, or when the villagers decide to make their own cannons from scrap metal. Other images, like the husband and wife on the battlefield, or the warriors emerging from the river, really stick in the mind for days to come. All in all, this is a highly rewatchable war film that offers pretty much everything for fans of the genre; even the cheapo special effects (like the digital explosions) are good enough to convince.

Let's start with the positive aspects of this film : Firstly the baseline is rather unique and very strong. A village is opposing an invading army. Where profesionnal soldiers run, ordinary villagers are determined to make a stand, to the last man if need be.Secondly the potential of the characters is very strong. Instead of trained soldiers we see ordinary people and their family. Instead of one hero, there are several protagonists.Thirdly the final act is simply grand. The fact that heroes appear mortal ads to the realism and the emotional impact of the film.Finally the film has some very good ideas and strong images like the guard ignoring command and leaving his post, the burning of the dead or the explosion of a self forged canon.Continuing with the downsides however : The viewer doesn't get a clear view of the map of the village and its defences. It is also unclear how the birmese army command is composed and what their soldiers geographical position is in respect to the village. This makes the attack on the village difficult to follow.The characters of the main villagers should have been more developed. It would have been very interesting to see them in their everyday life before the war.The actors are all rather plain, without great facial expression or gestures. Their foreign names are hard to remember and all but the protagonists look the same. The English dubbing obviously also spoils part of the emotional impact.At first the fighting scenes are rather clinic. People are hacking away at each other but there is hardly any close up or blood and guts flying around. Mostly in the final act we see actual butchering and gore.The storyline is meandering and sometimes chaotic. Direction is not very tight and straight forward.In conclusion the film certainly has a lot of merits. However, a western remake in a medieval setting with a straighter storyline, more development of character and a better geographical picture would take this story to the absolute triumph it deserves.

I have to say I enjoyed the film even though I am one of those 'Evil Burmese' :). I am a big fan of Asian cinema being originally from the region. I am happy for the Thais for their world class cinematography and western style action films. Bang Rajan is truly a good action film. One which gets you in the spirit of their struggle and determination to fight off invading foes. However it is a dramatised, one sided, modern day 'propaganda' film. Comparisons to Brave Heart I understand. Like Brave Heart this would have inflamed past bitterness towards the neighbouring country men (and women). May have even resulted in some public disturbance and crime. Film makers should be more responsible in what they make as films do influence the way people think. I have seen this with many historical genres in films such as 'American Indian Wars' , 'The Vietnam War', 'WWI and WWII' etc. Where film makers start off with seeing the other side as the complete epitome of savagery and evil, but later films view them as humans as well. I hope that some Scots and Thais rise up from their past bitterness and see that the people who oppressed them are humans too and things have moved on since those medieval times.The action here is relentless and blood-thirsty. It does not glorify war. You will see war as it is. Crime against humanity with civilian loss and suffering and not the televised clean stikes against enemy targets like some computer game that you see today .The characterisation is however lacking. If the director had spent a little more time for the audience to get to know the main characters better the overall impact of their courage and sacrifice would have been greater. Where Brave Heart is a drama set in the background of the Scottish struggle against the English Occupiers, Bang Rajan is a merely an action film about Thai villagers bravely defending their homeland and died free against a much larger superior Burmese invading force. Ordinary Thai citizens stood their ground while the proper Thai armies ran away without even protecting their own Capitol Ciy. Ony if they had such courage as these ordinary folks. A little reminiscent of the Alamo or The Seven Samurais as someone said but not as well polished.

Exciting, full-blooded account of a small village in Siam that held off a far greater force of Burmese for 8 attacks. It may be formulaic at times, but the actors and film makers obviously believe in what they are doing, and the result is some of the most thrilling & simultaneously horrifying battle sequences in some time. The characters are broadly drawn (the stuff of legend). The actors and scenery are very photogenic. The score, filled with pounding drums, is incredible.