Dek hor (2006)

Director:

Songyos Sugmakanan

Release Date:

2 February 2006 (Thailand)

Genre:

Drama | Horror

Plot:

Every dorm has a tale. But this tale, you will never forget.

Plot Keywords:

Swimming Pool | Boarding School | Ghost | Adultery | Porno Magazine

Awards:

6 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Charlie Trairat	...	Ton
Chintara Sukapatana	...	Pranee
Sirachuch Chienthaworn	...	Vichien

Also Known As:

Dorm (International: English title) (Singapore: English title)

Runtime:

Hong Kong:110 min

Country:

Thailand

Language:

Thai

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Singapore:PG (edited version) | Malaysia:18SG | Malaysia:U (cut) | Hong Kong:IIA

Company:

Hub Ho Hin Films

Best attempt at the sensitive ghost story I've seen so far.

Throughout the history of Asian horror many film makers have tried their hand at the sensitive ghost story. And the genre has been done with varying degrees of success. With Dorm, Director Songyos Sugmakanan elevates the genre to pinnacle not yet reached by previous attempts, creating a film that is simultaneously tragic, and creepy.

Dorm tells the story of Chatree, a twelve year old with family issues, who begins the seventh grade at a new boarding school. The school itself is depressingly creepy, and is run by a ambiguously macabre teacher named Ms. Pranee. Chatree soon becomes bully fodder for the other students, until he meets Vichien, another boy with similar problems. As the two become close friends, Chatree finds himself drawing nearer to a dark and terrifying secret.

The secret of Dorm's success is how seamlessly Sugmakanan juggles the creepy atmospheric vibes that are typical of Asian horror, with the tragedy of Asian dramas. One of the films creepiest -and tragic- qualities is the school itself. The sterile shots of the dormitories, dining halls, pools, and washrooms help reflect the films feelings of alienation and loneliness. Feelings that all twelve year old boys with displacement issues would be familiar with, and are represented well under Niramon Ross' expert cinematography.

Along with the cinematography the film features an excellent (and subdued) score. It features slow moving orchestral pieces and haunting piano ballads. Although, this is typical of the genre, the score helps to heighten the films dramatic sense.

Couple those qualities mentioned above with Charlie Trairat's nuanced portrayal of Chantree, and you've got yourself a damn good film. In fact, you'd be troubled to find fault with any of the actors in this film. Which is saying a lot when most of your cast is young boys. And it's not just the kids that hold their weight as thespians, Chintara Sukapatana is excellent(if not sadly underdeveloped) as the scarily sympathetic Ms. Pranee.

To be truthful, while Dorm does have it's strength's it also has it's share of weaknesses. The films first 45 minutes are incredible and touches on the universal themes of childhood fear and angst. Then the film slows down to a snails pace and doesn't come back strong until the last 20 or so minutes. Also, the film has it's share of Asian ghost story cliché's but... that being said, it remains original enough in it's initial premise and delivery that the good qualities outweigh the bad.

Bottom Line- Dorm is a well done sensitive ghost story with brilliant cinematography, acting, and score. While it does have it's clichés and faults, the premise and delivery far outweigh the faults.