The Overture

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Audience Member The Overture (Hom rong) is a 2004 Thai tragic-nostalgia music-drama film. The film is a fictionalised account based on the life story of Thai palace musician Luang Pradit Phairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng), which follows the life of a Thai classical musician from the late 19th century to the 1940s. It was directed and written by Itthisoontorn Vichailak. It was produced by Chatrichalerm Yukol and Sahamongkol Film International. It stars Adul Dulyarat. After a poor showing at the box office on opening weekend, The Overture was pulled from many theaters. However, due to interest on Internet forums such as Pantip.com, the film was brought back and become a sensation that won numerous awards and sparked renewed interest in Thai classical music. The film was embraced by Royal Family and the Thai government, which used it as a promotional tool. It was one of the most popular Thai films of 2004. In addition to being named as Thailand's official selection for Best Foreign Language Film for the 77th Academy Awards, The Overture collected dozens of awards in Thailand. Vision wrote: "the colour grading on the film was purely cinematic. Excitement around every corner, especially during the competition. True Thai excellence at stake. Admire the explosions. Advancement in Thai filmmaking. If you're a musical instrument fan, this film is a must watch. Admire the piphat. Powerful performance by Adul Dulyarat. Four fries!" Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/07/25 Full Review Miko S although it is a bit corny, i was moved to tears several times. the main theme is the importance of music, especially traditional music which is resisting bland beige modernization... music is the healing force of the universe! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/03/24 Full Review Phimphitcha N One of the best Thai traditional scores of all time. I grew up watching this movie when I was young. in fact, this is how Thai society back then looks like. Even the film is based on true story there are still so many things that can relate to how much Thai music has changed so far. I still enjoy watching this movie because of the scores and how this movie conveys genuine Thai music to the audience. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/09/24 Full Review Audience Member This movie, while competently made, was also highly formulaic. All the cliches of this kind of story were used, and the movie more than once delved into Hallmark-movie levels of cheesiness. that being said, the story being told is valuable, and is worth telling. Overture tells the story of a Ranad player in Thailind, who we follow throughout the film. This Ranad player experiences the Japanese occupation of Thailand, and uses his music to cope with the changes that are happening around him. if the film were perhaps somewhat better written, it might make more of the impact it seems to want to make on the audience, about the power of music. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member I would definitely recommend this movie if you are passionate about music and/or interested in Thai culture and history. The movie is based on the real life of Luang Pradith Phairao and follows a gifted musician in Thailand named Sorn. Throughout the movie, Sorn is on a journey to become a better musician and to prove that he truly is the best at playing the Ranad-ek (Thai equivalent of a xylophone). The climax of the story is reached when Sorn must compete head-to-head with an even more skilled, experienced Ranad player who is considered the best in the whole country. The movie mainly illustrates Sorn's growth as a young man and a musician, but it also flashes forward to show Sorn as an older man as he tries to preserve the traditional Thai instruments and music during WWII (with the help of his son). At this time, Thailand was undergoing major cultural reforms to become more modernized and Westernized. The plot is slow at some points, and there are some parts of the plot that don't add anything to the story as a whole, such as the romance between Sorn and the young woman at the palace. However, as the movie is based on a true story, this is understandable. Overall, the movie is enjoyable, and the music is absolutely beautiful. Thus, this movie deserves a four star rating :) Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member I enjoyed this movie "The Overture" because the protagonist Luang Pradit Phairoh displayed strength and determination against his obstacles of pursuing his music career. Despite the audience and his father discouraging his ability to risk his dignity of competing against his opponent, he still demonstrated his creative skills. I liked the part of the movie when the Piphat broke apart a few times, I think the instrument symbolized his confidence and nerves of performing in front of the Thai community. When he was nervous and lost faith within himself, the instrument broke down with him, but I enjoyed the fact that he kept going and changed the tune to accommodate to his music. His trainer reminded me of my grandma, seeking wisdom and encouragement when he needed it the most. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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