How to Win at Checkers (Every Time) (2015)

After the loss of both parents, 11 years old Oat faces an uncertain future when his older brother must submit to Thailand's annual military draft lottery. Unable to convince his brother to ... See full summary »

Director:

Josh Kim

Writers:

Josh Kim (screenplay), Rattawut Lapcharoensap (short stories "Draft Day" and "At the Cafe Lovely")

Stars:

Ingkarat Damrongsakkul, Toni Rakkaen, Thira Chutikul

8 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ingkarat Damrongsakkul	...	Oat
Toni Rakkaen	...	Adult Oat
Thira Chutikul	...	Ek
Arthur Navarat	...	Jai
Natarat Lakha	...	Kitty
Vatanya Thamdee	...	Auntie
Anawat Patanawanichkul	...	Junior
Warattha Kaew-on	...	Kwan
Nuntita Khampiranon	...	Waitress / Singer (as Nuntita Khamphiranon)
Michael Shaowanasai	...	Customer
Seksan Suttichan	...	Bar Boy
Kowit Wattanakul	...	Sia (Junior's Dad)
Wutsiri Tawaugesron	...	Oat's Dad
Panachai Luveeraphan	...	Junior's Friend (as Panachal Luveeraphan)
Akaragrit Karnjanadechsiri	...	Junior's Friend

Storyline

After the loss of both parents, 11 years old Oat faces an uncertain future when his older brother must submit to Thailand's annual military draft lottery. Unable to convince his brother to do whatever he can to change his fate, Oat takes matters into his own hands resulting in unexpected consequences. Based on the stories from the bestselling book Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, the film is set in the economic fringes of Bangkok and examines the joys and challenges of growing up in contemporary Thailand. HOW TO WIN AT CHECKERS (EVERY TIME) is director Josh Kim's debut feature film.

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Plot Keywords:

bangkok thailand | checker | 11 year old | directorial debut | thailand | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Josh Kim (Korea-American) learned to read and write thai in preparation for the movie.

User Reviews

Thailand's submission for the 2016 foreign language Oscar is an absolute gem

Ek and Oat are brothers in the lower class in Thailand. They live with their auntie and eek out a living. Ek also has a boyfriend who is more privileged and the story revolves around the wonderful relationships of these two 21 year olds and the bond between Ek and his younger brother Oat. We meet family, friends and their transgender friend Kitty. Eeking out a living isn't always pretty in Bangkok and nothing appears sterilized. We also witness the annual lottery for young men who must serve in the armed forces.

I loved this movie. The relationships are so real and loving and the bonds between everyone remind me of how tight knit a family can be.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Thailand USA Indonesia

Language:

Thai English

Release Date:

26 April 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hogyan játsszuk ki az ellenfelünket?

Filming Locations:

Bangkok, Thailand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Add Word Productions, Chris Lee Productions, Electric Eel Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color Black and White (opening sequence)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1