The Overture (2004)
"Hom rong" (original title)

Based on the life of Luang Pradit Pairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng) the most revered traditional Thai music master who lived during the reigns of Kings Rama V to VIII, the movie traces the life ... See full summary »

Director:

Ittisoontorn Vichailak

Writers:

Peerasak Saksiri, Dolkamol Sattatip,

Stars:

Anuchit Sapanpong, Adul Dulyarat, Pongpat Wachirabunjong

9 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anuchit Sapanpong	...	Sorn
Adul Dulyarat	...	Elderly Sorn
Pongpat Wachirabunjong	...	Lieutenant Colonel Veera
Narongrit Tosa-nga	...	Kun In
Phoovarit Phumpuang	...	Terd
Sompob Benjathikul	...	His Royal Highness
Kiat Punpiputt	...	Master Sin
Arratee Tanmahapran	...	Chote (1880s)
Sumeth Ong-ard	...	Prasit
Somlek Sakdikul	...	Master Tian (as Somchai Sakdikul)
Lookpoo Doksedeo	...	Piak
Supaluk Uttamawetin	...	Chote (older)
Aunnop Anawat	...	Tew
Chumphorn Thepphithak	...	Tew
Krit Suwannapaph	...	Second Lieutenant

Storyline

Based on the life of Luang Pradit Pairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng) the most revered traditional Thai music master who lived during the reigns of Kings Rama V to VIII, the movie traces the life of Sorn, who picked up the ra-nad ek (Thai xylophone) mallets as a small child and played all his life. The backdrop to Sorn's life tale is the story of Thailand's classical music from its golden age during the reign of King Rama V to near extinction after the end of the absolute monarchy when the government banned it as uncivilised in the 1930s -- a time when Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsongkram tried to push the Kingdom into the modern era. The film shifts back and forth from the time when Sorn was a young man, playing in a xylophone duel with the intense Kun In, to the 1940s, when Thailand was under Japanese occupation and Sorn's playing would provide some inspiration to the oppressed citizenry of the time.

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Plot Keywords:

thailand | musician

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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Details

Country:

Thailand

Language:

Thai

Release Date:

2004 (Thailand)

Also Known As:

A nyitány

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$825 (USA) (7 October 2005)

Gross:

$2,054 (USA) (21 October 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sahamongkolfilm Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was Thailand's submission for foreign picture Oscar in 2004.

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Goofs

Although set in the 1930s and 40s, the young people all have modern hairstyles.

User Reviews

A Wonderful Movie for a Dose of Thai Culture.

I'm going to keep this comment short.

This is the best Thai movie I've seen thus far. I am half Thai, and born in the US. I often seek out Thai movies to try to get a little closer to my heritage, which is difficult in the States. This was a poignant, well-written story, which touched my heart. I have seen several Thai movies in the past three years. I won't name them, but they were filled with violence, gratuitous sex, and more than enough foul language. Yes, foul Thai language. The Overture is funny without the crude language, and is a heartwarming trek through Sorn's life. If you are a fellow Thai, or are interested in Thai culture, especially its music, this is a must-see. I'm definitely going to try to obtain a copy of this movie for my DVD library.