Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)
"Loong Boonmee raleuk chat" (original title)

On his deathbed, Uncle Boonmee, recalls his many past lives.

Director:

Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Writers:

Phra Sripariyattiweti (inspired by the book of), Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Stars:

Thanapat Saisaymar, Jenjira Pongpas, Sakda Kaewbuadee

7 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Thanapat Saisaymar	...	Boonmee
Jenjira Pongpas	...	Jen
Sakda Kaewbuadee	...	Tong
Natthakarn Aphaiwonk	...	Huay
Geerasak Kulhong	...	Boonsong
Wallapa Mongkolprasert	...	Princess
Kanokporn Tongaram	...	Roong (as Kanokporn Thongaram)
Samud Kugasang	...	Jaai
Sumit Suebsee	...	Soldier
Mathieu Ly	...	Farmer
Vien Pimdee	...	Farmer
Akachai Aodvieng
Prakasit Padsena
Nikom Kammach
Chophaka Chaiyuchit

Storyline

On his deathbed, Uncle Boonmee, recalls his many past lives.

---

Plot Keywords:

deathbed | aunt nephew relationship | enchanted forest | ambiguity | apparition | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [de] Official site [jp]

Country:

Thailand UK France Germany Spain Netherlands

Language:

Thai French

Release Date:

1 September 2010 (France)

Also Known As:

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$23,540 (USA) (4 March 2011)

Gross:

$183,605 (USA) (5 August 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kick the Machine, Illuminations Films, Anna Sanders Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the book "A Man Who Can Recall Past Lives" by Phra Sripariyattiweti of Sang Arun Forest Monastery, Khon Kaen. Published in August 23, 1983.

---

Connections

Referenced in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.23 (2011)

---

Soundtracks

Princess Poem "Rewatta-Leelawadee"
Vocals by Namthip Meaungmaha

User Reviews

Elusive.

Incoherent, unpredictable, mystical, yet undoubtedly original, "Uncle Boonmee Who Call Recall His Past Lives" is a pseudo-profound cinematic venture that reeks with allegory and mythical undertones. After watching this film, I've come to a conclusion that it is certainly not for everyone.

Despite its strange recurring themes about supernatural beings, spirits, Buddhist philosophy, karma, and reincarnation, it will bathe you with its gentleness and natural ornateness. It is intimate and surprisingly elegant, though not without its flaws.

Much like Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life," this motion picture lacks a linear narrative. It doesn't have what most of us would require from a movie: a plot. It heavily relies on hypnotic images captured into still wide frames that often drag longer than the easily-bored viewer can bear.

Then there's the noticeable absence of a musical score. You never get to hear music until the last few minutes of the film; all you'll hear besides the dialogues are crickets, the rustling of leaves, a water buffalo, the sound of an electric fly swatter zapping flying bugs, footsteps, a waterfall, and a talking catfish that made love to a disfigured princess.

Simple and ambitious; primitive and modern; eerie and comforting; senseless and driven; and dull and brilliant, this Thai film gives you a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. If you are into esoteric art films, this is something I would highly recommend. If you loathe movies that seem to have no meaning, then this is not for you.

Confounding as it is, "Uncle Boonmee..." is a film that doesn't need to be understood; it simply has to be FELT.