Thai-Burmese Historical Film Breaks Box Office Records
By Khun Sam
January 25, 2007



The first episode in a trilogy on Siamese King Naresuan, who liberated his country from Burmese rule in the 16th century, is breaking box office records and winning high praise from Thai and Burmese moviegoers.

The first of the three episodes of “The Legend of King Naresuan” grossed 120 million baht (US $3.3 million) in its first four days, breaking previous box-office records, according to the English-language daily Bangkok Post.

The film tells the story of Ayutthaya’s King Naresuan, who was sent as a prince to the court of Burmese King Bayintnaung, Siam’s conqueror. He emulates the warrior qualities of the Burmese ruler and finally wrests his country back from Burmese rule. The film has been praised for avoiding the conventional colored Thai picture of this phase of history and correcting anti-Burmese prejudices.

“Compared to previous Thais films, this one would be very much appreciated by Burmese,” said Naw Hkam, a Burmese activist living in Chiang Mai “Previously, films about Thai-Burmese history aroused anti-Burmese hostility among young Thai moviegoers. The script of this film has something to teach every society.”

“The Legend of King Naresuan” is the work of the well-known Thai-Burmese historical drama director Chatrichalerm Yukol and a follow-up to his 2003 film, “The Legend of Suriyothai,” which told the story of a Siamese ruler who died resisting Burmese invaders in 1548.

Made at a cost of 700 million baht ($19 million), the Naresuan trilogy is the most expensive film ever made in Thailand. The second episode will be released on February 15, and the final one on December 5 which is 80th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand.


source

'King Naresuan' shatters Record

"The Legend of King Naresuan" has set a new Thai box-office record, raking in Bt120 million in four days. The film is tipped to be an all-time blockbuster.

Distributor Sahamongkol Film said the first in the Naresuan trilogy broke the previous record held by action film "Tom Yum Goong", which starred Phanom "Tony Jaa" Yerum and took in Bt90 million in four days.

MC Chatrichalerm Yukol's historical epic is expected to follow the success of his 2001 "Suriyothai". That film remains the country's No-1 all time best-seller, with revenues of about Bt400 million.

At the time, "Suriyothai" set a new record of Bt75 million for its first four days.

An industry source said the first of the Naresuan trilogy could have dragged in even more if producers had printed extra copies.

Another factor against the film is its three-hour running time - limiting the number of sessions a cinema can screen.

"Only a quarter of the planned 260 copies were available during the first three days, and all prints were finished on Sunday only," said Sahamongkol distribution executive Chomsajee Techaratanaprasert.

The second episode will premiere on February 15, with the final one scheduled for December 5.

It is Thailand's most expensive film production to date, costing Bt700 million for all three.

Distributors of Hollywood films have avoided competing with the local epic. Golden Globe winner "Babel" and "The Queen" will be released on February 22 and March 8.

The second Naresuan will have to compete with the films "Charlotte's Web"; "The Queen"; and "I'm Cyborg but That's Okay", with South Korean heart-throb Rain in his acting debut.


source

Almost had a chance to see this on the opening night, but unfortunately we, that's me and a group of friends, were at the theater about 3pm and the next session was 5pm. So we decided to go eat at a certain famous Japanese buffet restaurant in the meantime.. And that costed me a fortune.. (900 baht each) I ended up not having enough cash on me to see it anymore (so were a few of my friends), so we just stay there until 8, chatting and eating, trying to make it worth the money. Anyway, this weekend for sure, and I'm looking forward to it!

Lool, i can't wait to see it.

As always i will have to wait the release here

Vol 2 is gonna rock !!!!