Chatrichalerm Yukol's "Suriyothai" (called "The Legend of Suriyothai" in English) focuses on one of the most important figures in Thailand's history. Although much of it is conjecture due to limited information about Queen Suriyothai, it's still an outstanding movie. We see how she gets forced to be arm candy for the lecherous king while all manner of intrigue and treachery dominate the kingdom.I understand that the US release, presented by Francis Ford Coppola, is shorter than the original version. I would like to see the original version. Nonetheless, the US release is still an impressive movie. The introduction of smallpox by Portuguese mercenaries is one of many examples of the effects that European colonialism had on the rest of the world (interestingly, Thailand avoided colonization). And then there's Burma's invasion of Siam; I guess that societies have been invading each other for thousands of years.Anyway, it's a good movie. Like I said, much of the movie is conjecture, but still well done.

Visual was very good but the history is incorrect.1) After King Rama Tibodi II dies in 1529, King Boromaraja IV takes over. King Boromaraja IV is King Rama Tibodi II's son not his brother as claimed by the movie.2) After King Boromaraja IV's death in 1533 Prince Ratsadatiratkumar takes over but is overthrown by Prince Prajai. Prince Prajai is the brother of King Boromaraja IV and not his nephew as claimed by film.3) In 1548, King Kaeofa, son of dowager queen Tao Sri Sudachan, tries to do away with her lover and in turn is killed. He was 13 at the time. Film shows him as much younger then that. After Kaeofa is killed, his brother Prince Srisin is placed on the throne (not shown in film) and then is overthrown by Tao Sri Sudachan and her lover Khun Waraniongsu who makes himself King.4) Khun Pirentoratep does then kill and overthrow Khun Waraniongsu in 1548 and places Prince Tienraja as King as shown in film. Khun Pirentoratep is shown as a good person in the film. What the film does not show is that 1568 Khun Pirentoratep would betray the King and join forces with Burma to destroy Ayutthaya. He then makes himself a puppet King with Burma as his overlord. To be fair his son, who later became king as Somdet Phra Sanpet II, did become one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he liberated Siam from Burmese tributary.One funny thing in the movie is that when Khun Waraniongsu was killed, Suriyothai made sure that Prince Srisin was not killed. She was warned that he will be a threat. He was, in 1561 he led a failed rebellion.I just cannot stand incorrect history.

I was not impressed. Whether because of FFC's re-editing, or because of the basic film, I can't tell. The acting is flat, which may be a peculiarity of Thai drama and/or film-making, but the flatness makes the emotional dynamics hard to pick up on. The characters are difficult to keep straight; and the main point of the story-the self-sacrifice of the main character-is there, but not emphasized enough to give the film any real narrative drive. Perhaps it was done that way because the principal audience-Thais at home in Thailand-was assumed to know all the characters and be familiar with the story?I have seen and appreciated films dealing with essential historical legends of Asian countries, so I know that it can be done effectively, and in such a way that non-asians can "get" the story. I know I'm supposed to be impressed by the money spent on it, the great costumes, the majesty of the story, and-yes-the elephants! But, at bottom, the story simply isn't told here in a way that delivers much of a punch for me.

This review is based on the American cut of Suriyothai, apparently supervised by Frank Ford Coppola. Without benefit of a viewing of the original version, it's hard to pass judgement, but in my opinion, Coppola has done the film no favours. Additionally, the pan and scan print currently airing on cable looks seriously compromised. Western audiences will be lost by the array of characters and the film's episodic nature makes it very hard to appreciate or understand their motivations. Suriyothai also suffers from overactive cinematography, with endless tracking shots, annoying use of slow-mo, and an over reliance on slow zooms. Richard Harvey's soundtrack is paint by numbers stuff, though the contemporary pop song over the end credits is rather nice. All in all, I can't recommend this film, though the original version is undoubtedly superior.