Overture

What are dreams if you’re only dreaming about it and not taking actions?

The Overture, a Thai movie that stories about the journey of an honoured traditional Thai music master, Sorn and how he fights through the political inference during years when music is not appreciated. Overture was filmed based on the true story of Thai musician Luang Pradit Phairao. It is one of my very few chances to get to watch a foreign language movie, as it is difficult to understand unless there are subtitles. Luckily for me, Ms lina actually picked this particular Thai movie, which I felt it is a very worth-watching as it encourages us, as students to chase after what we’re looking and never give up.

Anuchit Sapanpong

In my opinion, Itthi Sunthorn Wichailak, the director of Overture, also known as Hom Rong did a very good job in filming this movie at a low cost budget. The capture of the scene, the sound track and most importantly, Anuchit Sapanpong who plays the main character, Sorn, portrays his character really well. Anuchit learned to play ranard-ek, a wooden percussion instrument similar to the xylophone just months before the filming of the movie and he is able to perform as if he had already mastered the instrucment for years. Kudos for his hard work and professionalism in this movie shooting!

Unlike any other movies, Overture talks about the same character over two different time zones, an unique way of telling stories in a movie. One is his journey growing up discovering his passion and love for music and another one when he had already been recognised as a master at his elder age and his fight against the government for 'cultural control' at that time. Sorn's whole life has been challenge with different hurdles, time when he had to face and compete with his fear, a strong competitor Kun In, he had to overcome himself in order to truly understand how he could perform better with his ranard-ek skills. After he received the recognition from the King and the country, Sorn at his elder age realized that the government does not appreciate the music culture as much as before. The government wanted to control the 'cultural lifestyle' of the citizens as they want to modernize the society hoping it would bring the nation to a whole new different level. 

Sorn playing Ranard-Ek

Lastly, I would say that I am really impressed with the director and cameraman’s skills in this movie. From high angle shot till a close up shot of Sorn playing ranard-ek, each and every one of them presents a very impactful scene to the audience and it really tells that Anuchit is confident enough to master the music instrument. It is a 9/10 kind of movie, good shooting skills, good actors and great storyline, very worth-watching!


Ending my review with a poster of Overture, till next time!