Tuesday, September 30, 2008

HISTERIA (2007, James Lee, A+)

--One thing I’m curious about CITIZEN JULING is if there is any interview of Sirinat Thawornsuk in the film or not. The film interviews many people but doesn’t show the names of the interviewees while they are being interviewed. I didn’t read the ending credit to see if the name of Sirinat Thawornsuk appears in it or not.

--One of the things I like very much in CITIZEN JULING is that it tells the story about the senator Fakhruddin Boto who was shot and seriously injured. I have to confess that I didn’t hear about this senator before. It’s great that the film gives us interesting information like this.


FILMS SEEN TODAY

1.HISTERIA (2007, James Lee, Malaysia, A+)
This film gives me the same pleasure that I have from watching 1970’s B-grade horror movies. I love this kind of horror films very much.

2.LITTLE MOTH (2008, Tao Peng, China, A+)
I like films which have many evil characters like this film.

3.24 CITY (2008, Jia Zhangke, China, A+)
I like the last part very much. The last part is about a woman whose gratitude towards her parents seems to be one of the reasons that can turn her into a greedy, materialistic, capitalistic person. Can “trying to be a good daughter” turn someone into an evil person? The film doesn’t ask this question, but something this woman said makes me ask myself this question.


FILMS SEEN IN BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2008

IN ROUGHLY PREFERENTIAL ORDER WHICH CHANGES EVERY MINUTE ACCORDING TO MY UNRELIABLE FEELINGS

1.MODERN LIFE (2008, Raymond Depardon, France, A+++++++++++++++)

2.NOW SHOWING (2008, Raya Martin, Philippines, 280 minutes, A+++++++++++++++)

3.YEARS WHEN I WAS A CHILD OUTSIDE (2007, John Torres, Philippines, A+++++++++++++++)

4.PAPER CANNOT WRAP UP EMBERS (2007, Rithy Panh, Cambodia, A+++++++++++++++)

5.BIRD SONG (2008, Albert Serra, Spain, A+++++++++++++++)

6.AUTUMN (2008, Ozcan Alper, Turkey, A+++++++++++++++)

7.IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA (2007, Jose Luis Guerin, Spain, A++++++++++)

8.LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (2008, Tomas Alfredson, Sweden, A+++++)

9.BE LIKE OTHERS (2008, Tanaz Eshaghian, Iran, documentary, A+)

10.FEAST OF VILLAINS (2008, Pan Jianlin, China, A+)

11.CITIZEN JULING (2008, Ing K, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Kraisak Choonhavan, Thailand, documentary, 222 min, A+)

12.JAY (2008, Francis Xavier Pasion, Philippines, A+)

13.MY WINNIPEG (2007, Guy Maddin, Canada, A+)

14.HISTERIA (2007, James Lee, Malaysia, A+)

15.LITTLE MOTH (2008, Tao Peng, China, A+)

16.A CHRISMAS TALE (2008, Arnaud Desplechin, France, A+)

17.LORNA’S SILENCE (2008, Jean-Pierre Dardenne + Luc Dardenne, Belgium, A+)

18.THE LAST MISTRESS (2007, Catherine Breillat, France, A+)

19.24 CITY (2008, Jia Zhangke, China, A+)

20.A LIFE WITH SLATE (2006, Dipesh Kharel, Nepal, documentary, A+)

21.DRUMBEAT (2007, Adolfo Alix Jr., Philippines, A+)

22.BREATHING IN MUD (2007, James Lee, Malaysia, A+)

23.LEMON TREE (2008, Eran Riklis, Israel, A+/A)

24.DAYS OF TURQUOISE SKY (2008, Woo Ming-jin, Malaysia, A+/A)

25.NERAKHOON (THE BETRAYAL) (2008, Ellen Kuras + Thavisouk Phrasavath, USA, documentary, A+/A)

26.SLINGSHOT (2007, Brillante Mendoza, Philippines, A+/A)

27.SOI COWBOY (2008, Thomas Clay, UK, A)

28.PARKING (2008, Chung Mong-Hong, Taiwan, A)

29.VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA (2008, Woody Allen, A)

30.INVISIBLE CHILDREN (2008, Brian Gothong Tan, Singapore, A-)

31.KANTAKA TAKWA (2007, Eros Djarot + Gotot Prakosa + Slamet Rahardjo Djarot, Indonesia, A-)

Monday, September 29, 2008

FEAST OF VILLAINS (Pan Jianlin, A+)

This is my comment in Bioscope webboard:
http://www.bioscopemagazine.com/smf/index.php?topic=1462.60

FILMS SEEN ON 29 SEP 2008

1.FEAST OF VILLAINS (2008, Pan Jianlin, China, A+)

Guilty pleasure. I love the main actor very much. This film seems to tell its story very straightforwardly or in a very simple way, but somehow its story makes more impact on me than the stories of artier films such as SHANGHAI DREAMS (2005, Wang Xiaoshuai, A+/A).


2.CITIZEN JULING (2008, Ing K, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Kraisak Choonhavan, Thailand, documentary, 222 min, A+)

Though I don’t like a few things in the film, I still give it A+, because there are still many things I like in the film. I find that one of the things I enjoy in the film is a little bit like what I enjoy in a murder mystery film—watching and listening to many people’s testimonies and trying to figure out if they are telling the truth, telling lies, or half truth and half lies. However, there is a big difference, because I may never find out if each of the villagers told the truth or lied, while a murder mystery film always tells us the truth in the end.


3.NERAKHOON (THE BETRAYAL) (2008, Ellen Kuras + Thavisouk Phrasavath, USA, documentary, A+/A)

I like the content of this film very much, though I think some parts of the film are too stylish.


Reply to Merveillesxx

SPOILERS ALERT

--I’m very glad that you like LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. One of the things I like very much in the film is that the film makes the hero and the heroine “morally gray” than “innocent”. The heroine seems to have killed many innocent victims in the past, and the hero also helps her kill an innocent victim. The heroine argues that she kills people because she has to do it, but the film doesn’t fully support her claim, because the film shows us that a vampire can always commit suicide, instead of keeping on killing innocent people. I like it very much that the film presents a vampire character (the middle-age woman) who prefers to commit suicide than to kill innocent people. By presenting a suicidal vampire in the film, the film reminds us that we always have a choice to commit suicide. Some people always hurt other people and claim that they have to hurt other people in order to survive, but I think they should just commit sucide. In conclusion, one of the things I like in LET THE RIGHT ONE IN is its moral ambiguity.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

MODERN LIFE (Raymond Depardon, A++++++++++)

FILMS SEEN ON 27-28 SEP 2008

1.MODERN LIFE (2008, Raymond Depardon, A+++++++++++++++)

This film makes me cry a lot. One of my most favorite films of 2008. The film is as deceptively simple as CAUGHT IN THE ACTS and THE TENTH DISTRICT COURT, but MODERN LIFE affects my feelings more than these two films.


2.BIRD SONG (2008, Albert Serra, Spain, A+++++++++++++++)
Is this film a spiritual comedy?

3.IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA (2007, Jose Luis Guerin, A++++++++++)
The film makes me want to write a hundred short stories inspired by seeing the faces of the women in the film.

4.LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (2008, Tomas Alfredson, Sweden, A+++++)
I like the atmosphere in this film very much.

5.JAY (2008, Francis Xavier Pasion, Philippines, A+)
It makes me laugh a lot.

6.LORNA’S SILENCE (2008, Jean-Pierre Dardenne + Luc Dardenne, Belgium, A+)
I like the topic of guilt in this film.

7.BE LIKE OTHERS (2008, Tanaz Eshaghian, Iran, documentary, A+)
I like the content in this film very much. I particularly like the interviewee who said he/she had killed the love inside herself.

8.DRUMBEAT (2007, Adolfo Alix Jr., Philippines, A+)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1092036/
I’m crazy for Sid Lucero and Coco Martin.

9.BREATHING IN MUD (2007, James Lee, Malaysia, A+)
SPOILERS ALERT:
At first I thought the film is a little bit boring. Later, I found myself very fond of the decisions made by two characters in the film. They decide to stay away from their own families. I have to admit that I feel very bored with characters in other films who try to be loved or accepted by their own families. That’s why I like the decisions made by characters in this film very much.

10.DAYS OF TURQUOISE SKY (2008, Woo Ming-jin, Malaysia, A+/A)
I like the modest ambition of this film.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

NOW SHOWING (Raya Martin, A+++++++++++++++)

FILMS SEEN ON 25-26 SEP 2008

1.NOW SHOWING (2008, Raya Martin, Philippines, 280 minutes, A+++++++++++++++)

2.PAPER CANNOT WRAP UP EMBERS (2007, Rithy Panh, Cambodia, A+++++++++++++++)

3.A CHRISMAS TALE (2008, Arnaud Desplechin, France, A+)

4.A LIFE WITH SLATE (2006, Dipesh Kharel, Nepal, documentary, A+)

5.LEMON TREE (2008, Eran Riklis, Israel, A+/A)

6.SLINGSHOT (2007, Brillante Mendoza, Philippines, A+/A)
Guilty pleasure

7.SOI COWBOY (2008, Thomas Clay, UK, A)

Thursday, September 25, 2008

YEARS WHEN I WAS A CHILD OUTSIDE (A++++++++++)

FILMS SEEN TODAY

1.YEARS WHEN I WAS A CHILD OUTSIDE (2007, John Torres, Philippines, A+++++++++++++++)

Strongly recommended for those who love Paisit Panpruegsachat, Chulyanon Siriphol, or Tulapop Saenjaroen—those filmmakers who erase distinction between documentary, fiction, and experimental films. Uncategorizable. Unpredictable. Untamable.



2.AUTUMN (2008, Ozcan Alper, Turkey, A+++++++++++++++)

Strongly recommended for those who love lonely, passive male character such as the one in EGG (2007, Semih Kaplanoglu, A++++++++++), though I think AUTUMN is bleaker than EGG. The main characters of AUTUMN may be the sea and the mountains, not human beings.

Though the hero of this film seems to release his pent-up emotions only one short time, I think this film has done a great job in making me totally sympathize with the hero. I really love this kind of character—person who has already lost the will to live, don’t know what to live for, or has empty soul.


3.INVISIBLE CHILDREN (2008, Brian Gothong Tan, Singapore, A-)

I like the soldier story in this film very much. It is a kind of guilty pleasure.


4.KANTAKA TAKWA (2007, Eros Djarot + Gotot Prakosa + Slamet Rahardjo Djarot, Indonesia, A-)

I like the music in this film.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

MY WINNIPEG (2007, Guy Maddin, A+)

The BIFF2008 has started, and I enjoyed it a lot. What I like the most in the first day is the Thai subtitles for VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA and MY WINNIPEG. Since my English listening comprehension is very bad, I appreciate it very much that any English-speaking films come with subtitles.

FILMS I SAW TODAY

1.MY WINNIPEG (2007, Guy Maddin, A+)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1093842/

2.THE LAST MISTRESS (2007, Catherine Breillat, A+)

3.PARKING (2008, Chung Mong-Hong, Taiwan, A)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232827/

4.VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA (2008, Woody Allen, A)


FAVORITE ENDING
VICKI CRISTINA BARCELONA

Though the film is not very powerful, I still like the ending of this film, because it doesn’t make me feel cheated by giving me false promise or false hope by saying that everything will be alright or “you will find the right person someday.” This kind of unresolved ending may be more common in European films, but I didn’t expect it in this film, because at first glance this film seems to be just a lightweight romantic comedy.

Something in the plot of VICKI CRISTINA BARCELONA reminds me of Eric Rohmer’s films. I think VICKI CRISTINA BARCELONA and many films by Eric Rohmer have interesting female characters, and I wonder if there is any female director who make films which can be compared to Eric Rohmer’s.

There is one scene I like very much in VICKI CRISTINA BARCELONA—it’s the scene in which Vicky, Doug and his two friends talk about some materialistic things which bore Vicky very much. I think I understand the feelings of Vicky in that scene.

I like the character of Cristina (Scarlett Johansson). She is searching for happiness, while she still does not know what can really make her feel truly happy. I like this kind of characters—the ones who question about “true happiness”. It also reminds me of another interesting character—the heroine of ONE SEPTEMBER STORY (2008, Teekhadet Vucharadhanin, Thailand, A+). Cristina and the heroine of ONE SEPTEMBER STORY seems to lack nothing materially, but they are still not truly happy.

ONE SEPTEMBER STORY is about a woman who splits into two personalities—one is governed by the head, the other is governed by the heart. I guess this kind of contrast may also be found in VICKI CRISTINA BARCELONA and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.


--Though my most favorite film for today is MY WINNIPEG, I think I can’t write anything about it now, because of the same reasons I always find in my most favorite films—they are indescribable. So today I find myself writing many things about my least favorite film for today, and can express nothing in words about my most favorite film.

POLL 33: GRASSROOTS

My poll 33 is inspired by the word “grassroots”, which is a new word for me because I started to see or hear these words only a few years ago, maybe not more than 10 years ago. I’m not sure if I understand this word or not, but some dictionaries say that it means local common people or something like that. Lately I have heard this word much more frequently because of the political situations in Thailand and some countries in South America.

While the word “grassroots” has been mentioned frequently in Thai political news, recently I also have seen many Thai short films about people from rural areas or made by people from rural areas themselves. It is just a coincidence that I heard the word “grassroots” and saw many Thai rural films during the same time. But this coincidence inspires me to make my list of favorite films about grassroots, laborers, and common people.


THESE FILMS CONCERN GRASSROOTS, LABOURERS OR COMMON PEOPLE. WHICH ONES DO YOU LIKE?

1.BING GAI (2007, Feng Yan, China)

2.COUP POUR COUP (1972, Marin Karmitz, France)

3.DO-DEAW (ดูเดี่ยว) (2008, Danai Yoktuptim, Thailand)
I like the first part of this documentary very much. The first part is an interview of some female fabric workers who created the colorful back curtain used in a famous standup comedy.

4.ERMO (1994, Zhou Xiaowen, China)

5.FARMER FIELD SCHOOL (2007, Supong Jitmuang, Thailand)

6.I FILM MY VILLAGE (2006, Shao Yuzhen, China)
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-film-my-village-2006-shao-yuzhen.html

7.THE LAST RICE FARMER (2005, Yen Lan-chuan + Juang Yi-tseng, Taiwan)

8.LING GAI KAB PAE BAE BAE (ลิง ไก่ ขาบ แพะ แบะ แบะ) (2008, Ekawit Tomratree or Perjer Group, Thailand)
If I remember it correctly, I saw that the opening or ending credit of the film lists Ekawit Tomratree as the director of the film. But the film can also be considered the work of a collaborative group. So the brochure of the Thai Short Film Festival lists Perjer Group as the director of the film. The title of the film is hard to translate, because I don’t know what “Bae Bae” means. But the first four words in the title means MONKEY CHICKEN GOAT CENTIPEDE.


9.MAGIC (ไม้วิเศษ) (2007, Worrawut Lakchai, Thailand)

10.MANORO (2006, Brillante Mendoza, Philippines)

11.MARCH OF TIME (กาล) (2000, Uruphong Raksasad, Thailand)

12.NATIONAL ANTHEM (2008, Chai Chaiyachit, Thailand)

13.ORCHESTRA (2008, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Thailand)
You can see this film at Jim Thompson Museum.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2879774430_b29d51f86c_o.jpg

This is a photo of Jakrawal from Third Class Citizen’s blog:
http://thirdclasscitizen.exteen.com/20080915/third-class-radio-006-online-now
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2878925287_0c654bdf81_o.jpg

14.THE PROFICIENT (เออ...เองเก่ง) (2008, Phumiphat Arayathanitkul, Thailand)

15.RICE PEOPLE (1994, Rithy Panh, Cambodia)

16.SILENCE OF THE OTHER END (2007, Arunkumar HG, India, video installation)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/1776153991_05d475dec6_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/1776153951_216a4ee769_o.jpg

In this video installation, The video shows short clips of many things including symbols of consumerism and war. The installation includes the TV wrapped up in grass and two uniquely beautiful big model cows made up of hundreds of small model cows.


In the book HERE THERE NOW: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM INDIA, Arunkumar said, “By not creating a realistic image of the bullocks/oxen, that is, having them represented by many other farm animals, the sculpture becomes a metaphor for voiceless people or the masses in general. On another level the artwork refers to the large population of our agrarian-related sector which is in crises at the moment.”


17.TONGPAN (1977, Euthana Mukdasanit + Surachai Janthimathorn, Thailand)

18.WANG YUEN HAB (วังยื่นหาบ) (2008, Sompong Soda, Thailand)

19.WILL IT SNOW FOR CHRISTMAS? (1996, Sandrine Veysset, France)

20.WITTSTOCK WITTSTOCK (1997, Volker Koepp, Germany)

You can cast multiple votes.

-------------------------

Apart from the films above, there are also many interesting artworks about grassroots or common people, such as:

1.WHAT I SEE, THE FEELINGS THEY HAVE, THE THINGS THEY HAVE TO DO (2007, Pornpan Kiatparkpoom)
http://pinatho.multiply.com/photos/album/6/thesis_Open_mind_09-03-2007
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2007/06/what-i-see-feelings-they-have-things.html
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/429860486_56d58e6122_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/429859581_f9b314f0cb_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/429860484_c60ae852bf_o.jpg


2.BEING SOLDIER BETTER THAN YOU THOUGHT, RICE FIELD FROM RIPE PROJECT (2008, Sakarin Krue-on, A+)

I’m not sure if this live-broadcast video intends to say something about rice farmers or not, because it only shows rice plants in a field gradually growing in real time, but the video really reminds me of rice farmers.

When I was watching this live-broadcast from a rice field, I felt it was a little bit boring, so I gave it only “A”. However, after a few months have passed, I realized that while I got bored after watching a rice field for only 5 minutes, the rice farmers have to watch and take care of their rice fields for many months. How can they do that? How tremendously patient they are! I don’t know the real intention or purpose of this video, but now I give it A+, because it makes me admire rice farmers much more than before.


3.COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT IN THE EXHIBITION “FROM (DIFFERENT) HORIZONS OF ROCKSHELTER”

This project gave cameras to rural people in a village near an important archaeological site in the north of Thailand and let the villagers use the cameras freely.
http://www.fdhr.co.nr/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2864844087_3a9e23a0b9_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2864844083_9aab4ba93f_o.jpg


4.NATION’S BACK BONE (2007, Wootti Ratanakaosul, drawing)

5.CELEBRATING WORKING LIVES: DECENT WORK, BETTER TOMORROW (2008, Thierry Falise, photos)

--------------------


--FILM WISH LIST ABOUT COMMON PEOPLE

1.FARREBIQUE (1947, Georges Rouquier, France)

2.WOMEN WORKERS LEAVING THE FACTORY (2005, Jose Luis Torres Leiva, Chile)
This film is in Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s favorite film list. The list is in the Thai magazine FILMAX, Issue 14, Aug 2008.







Monday, September 22, 2008

"THE MIST" IS THE WINNER

My poll 32 ended with 7 votes. Thanks very much to everyone who participated in it. Here is the result:


THE ONGOING POLITICAL CRISIS IN THAILAND REMINDS ME OF THESE FILMS/THINGS. WHICH ONES DO YOU LIKE?

1.THE MIST (2007, Frank Darabont)
It got 5 votes, or 71 %.


2.I’M FINE SABUYDEE KA (2008, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit)
+LETTER FROM THE SILENCE (2006, Prap Boonpan)

Each of them got 3 votes, or 42 %.


4.DIED ON 6 OCTOBER 1976 (2008, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Thai photos)
+FINAL SOLUTION (2003, Rakesh Sharma, India)+THE WAR (1994, Jon Avnet)

Each of them got 2 votes, or 28 %.


7.DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT (2006, Suchart Sawasdsri)
+HOTEL RWANDA (2004, Terry George)
+LABAN: THE MEANING OF THE EDSA REVOLUTION (2007, Sally Jo Bellosillo, Philippines)+LAND OF THE DEAD (2005, George A. Romero)
+REFERENDUM (2008, Chai Chaiyachit)
+RE-PRESENTATION (2007, Chai Chaiyachit, Chisanucha Kongwailap)
+17 MAY MY VALENTINE (2008, Sawanee Uthumma, Thai stage play)
+30:31:1-01 (2008, Piya Pornpattamapinyo)

Each of them got 1 vote, or 14 %


15.BALLOON (1997, Hamer Salwala)
+DEMOCKRAZY (2007, Duangporn Pakavirojkul)
+KHON-NAK-LOK (2008, Ponlapat Yannarat, Seri Lachonnabot)
+THE LOST CITY (2005, Andy Garcia)
+REPEATING DRAMATIC (2008, Arpapun Plungsirisoontorn)
+ROSEWOOD (1997, John Singleton)

Each of them got 0 vote.


--Filmsick just wrote about something political in Thai here:
http://filmsick.exteen.com/20080919/entry

--There will be a seminar in Thai about POLITICS IN CARTOON, FAIRY TALES, AND FILMS at Pridi Banomyong Institute, Sukhumvit 55, on Sep 27, 1400 hrs.


--Since I have no knowledge in politics and I am not really interested in politics (unless it threatens my life or lifestyle), when I accidentally hear some political news, it makes me feel as if I am listening to a dramatic fictional story. Sometimes I feel as if the political persons in the news are some interesting characters in a very dramatic film. (The word ‘political person’ here includes politicians, academicians, activists, political artists, or any people whose names are mentioned in political news.) I think many people who have been involved in Thai politics lately are very passionate people, and many of them went through very dramatic and exciting events; therefore, their lives should be adapted into films. I have to say that things happening in Thai politics recently may be much more exciting than what happens in many dramatic or mystery films. That doesn’t mean that I prefer these recent tumultuous events to calm situation. If I can choose, I will surely choose to live in a calm and liberal country. But I can’t choose, so I just try to find a way to psychologically deal with these political catastrophes by viewing them as situations in dramatic films. I think that may be 30 years from now, some filmmakers in the future may want to make a film about what has happened in Thailand since 2006. Sometimes I try to imagine what that film would be like. Will it be as exciting as DANTON (1983, Andrzej Wajda)?

Other reasons why I think these recent political events should be adapted into films:

1.It’s very unpredictable for me. For example, I had never thought there would be a military coup in Thailand again after 1992.

2.It’s full of unpredictable characters. I used to view some Thai politicians as heroes, but after 2006, I view them as villains. I also used to view other Thai politicians as evil, but after 2006, I view them as lesser evil. I seem to have to change my mind every month about some politicians. The politicians I love in a month can easily turn into the politicians I hate in the next month after some events.

3.It’s full of grey characters and round characters. There have been many political persons whom I can’t say they are totally evil or totally good. These political persons sometimes say something I totally agree with, other times they say things I totally disagree with. I can’t choose which group I should side with by deciding which group is “morally better”. All groups are morally gray in my point of view. I think if I have to choose which group I should side with, I may have to choose it by deciding which group can tolerate “different thinking”, because that group is less likely to destroy me.

4.It's full of dilemma.

5.It's full of many claims which may or may not be true.



--Talking about the relationship between political events and films reminds me of some Thai films which deal with political persons. They include:


1.THE MOONHUNTER (2001, Bhandit Rittakol, A)

2.THE ARTIST PARTY (2005, Bhanuwat Jittivuthikarn, 26 min, A-)
This documentary is about Vasan Sitthiket, an artist who often deals with political topics.

3.TOSSALIAM (2006, Ittiwat Suriyamat, A+, 3 min)
This animation is anti-Thaksin.

4.THE END OF THAKSIN ERA (2006, Natthapong Okapanom + Ittipol Ayup, documentary, 71 min, A-)

5.THE TRUTH BE TOLD (2007, Pimpaka Towira, documentary, A+)


--I wish some filmmakers make films about these Thai political persons, because I think some of them are very interesting, colorful, or scandalous. Their lives or opinions should be captured in documentary films or should inspire some filmmakers to create fictional films. Some of them are not good politicians, but I’m interested in their personal lives.


1.Teeranai Jaruwat
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2878615697_a61907c35e_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2878612631_bc2c26883b_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2878612611_f9cdc0ac0b_o.jpg

He is a 21-year-old student activist who studies history. I’m not sure if I agree with all of his viewpoints or not, but I think he is against some seniority system in universities. It reminds me that I also hate this seniority system in university very much.

His old interview in Thai can be read here:
http://www.bloggang.com/mainblog.php?id=drunkcat&month=10-07-2007&group=3&gblog=8

His group’s political statement in Thai:
http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/13385


2.Giles Ji Ungpakorn
http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=781


3.Jitra Kotchadej

Her interview in Thai:
http://www.pcpthai.org/autopagev3/show_page.php?group_id=1&auto_id=1&topic_id=200&topic_no=158&page=1&gaction=on


4.Jakrapob Penkair
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2878612579_53beeb925c_o.jpg

5.Mingkwan Sangsuwan
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2878612621_5d30e546c6_o.jpg

6.Jaruvan Maintaka
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2878612599_f75e68485d_o.jpg

7.Sodsri Satayatham
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2878612627_2a5618354a_o.jpg

8.Chaba Singhaklangpol

9.Rosana Tositrakul
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2878647895_76fbdb4c4a_o.gif

10.Tuangporn Asawawilai












JUN ICHIKAWA IS DEAD

I just knew from GreenCine Daily that Jun Ichikawa is dead. He was 59 and died last Friday.
http://daily.greencine.com/archives/006707.html

Jun Ichikawa is one of my most favorite directors. I feel very sad.
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/top_tens/archive00.html#phokaew

I love his films very much, especially the loneliness portrayed in his film. The loneliness in his film is totally in tune with my wavelengths. I prefer Jun Ichikawa’s loneliness to Wong Kar Wai’s loneliness and to Tsai Ming Liang’s loneliness.

It’s great that Japan Foundation in Bangkok showed many films by Jun Ichikawa during the past 10 years. These are his films in my preferential order:

1.DYING AT A HOSPITAL (1993, A+++++++++++++++)

2.TOKYO LULLABY (1997, A+++++++++++++++)
This film is also in Miguel Marias’ list:
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/08/46/2007-world-poll-2.html#Marias

3.BU SU (1987, A+++++++++++++++)

4.TOKYO KYODAI (1995, A++++++++++)

5.OSAKA STORY (1999, A)

6.TSUGUMI (1990, A-)
Peter Nellhaus wrote about this film here:
http://www.coffeecoffeeandmorecoffee.com/archives/2008/07/tsugumi.html

7.TOKIWA: THE MANGA APARTMENT (1996, A-)

NO PROSECUTION FOR NAWAMIN WITTAYAKUL

The information below is copied from Prachatai’s English website:
http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=805

Prachatai
21 September 2008
News

A case was filed by Mr. Chotisak On-soong and Ms. Chutima Penpak against Mr. Nawamin Wittayakul on charges concerning an act of violence not amounting to bodily or mental harm to the other person; insulting a person in his presence; mischief; an offence committed with the participation of five or more persons to compel another person to do or not to do any act; and quarrelling noisily in a public way or place. The case stems from the fact that Mr. Nawamin threw popcorn and paper at the two plaintiffs for their failure to stand up while the royal anthem was played in a theatre on 20 September 2007. Later Mr. Nawamin sued Mr. Chotisak On-soong and Ms. Chutima Penpak for lèse majesté under Section 112 of the Penal Code (“whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir Apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years”).

Revently (19 September 2008), the public prosecutor decided to drop all the above charges against Mr. Nawamin.

A statement issued by the public prosecutor mentions that the alleged offender had simply thrown a box of popcorn and a roll of paper at the plantiffs and a medical doctor found no injuries from this action. Thus, it is construed that the two plaintiffs suffered no mental or bodily harm. In addition, the alleged offender committed the act out of anger and excessive temperament and did not intend to harm the two plaintiffs. It is thus believed that he had no intent to commit the offence.

As for the offence of mischief, the property damaged held such little value since the two plaintiffs had bought it just for 119 baht, and the property’s value was depreciated as a result of their consumption. During the incident, the alleged offender simply asked the two plaintiffs to pay due respect to His Majesty the King and the Queen and the Monarchy, an act which is a respectful tradition in Thai society; therefore, it was construed that the alleged offender had no intention to cause mischief.

As to the fact that the alleged offender threw paper toward the plaintiffs and shouted “get out” at them, and that other moviegoers jeered and shouted to demand the plaintiffs leave the theatre, this cannot be construed as any verbal or physical gesture or expression which showed that the alleged offender was making a threat to the plaintiffs to the point where they could reasonably fear injury to life, body and liberty. Likewise, it cannot be construed as an intention to use force while the two plaintiffs were told to leave the theatre. Thus, the offence of an act committed by five or more persons to compel another person to do or not to do any act cannot be established from the facts.

That the alleged offender said that “whatever nation, religion, monarchy (you belong to), why don’t you show love toward His Majesty? Are you Thai? See, even Westerners learn to stand up” is simply a word of warning and a reminder to the plaintiffs of the consequences of their action. It cannot be construed as libel or defamation, does not impair the reputation of another person or expose another person to hatred or contempt. And that the first plaintiff held up a mobile phone for communication and stood to obstruct the view of other moviegoers, and thus that the alleged offender said that “You have no manners. Such crazy shirts you wear. Get out of here” was simply a consequence since the act of the first plaintiff was viewed as contradicting good manners in viewing a film where the use of mobile phones or distracting other viewers’ attention is prohibited. Thus, the words uttered to the first plaintiff were made with the intention to bring such a violation of social etiquette to a halt. It cannot be construed as scolding, defaming or impairing the reputation of another, and as a result, the verbal action of the alleged offender cannot be used as a ground to establish defamation or insulting a person in the present case.

The exchange of words between the alleged offender and the plaintiffs stemmed from the intention of the former to demand that the latter stand up to show due respect to the royal anthem and cannot be construed as a quarrel. It happened that the alleged offender made most of the verbal expressions to demand action from the plaintiffs. Thus, the ground for the offence of quarrelling noisily in a public way or place cannot be established.

000000

Order to drop charges by public prosecutor

Case Mr. Nawamin Wittayakul, et al

Charge With the participation of five or more persons compelling another person to do or not to do any act

The fact has been established that the incident took place at the SFX Theater in Central World Department Store, Pathumwan Ward, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, on 20 September 2007, at around 19.45, while Mr. Chotisak On-soong, the first plaintiff, and Ms. Chutima Penpak, the second plaintiff, were viewing a film. The royal anthem was then played whilst the remaining audience stood up to show respect, except for the two plaintiffs. Mr. Nawamin Wittayakul, the alleged offender, approached them and in vain told them to stand up. Then, the alleged offender said “Damn it! whatever nation, religion, monarchy (you belong to), why don’t you show love toward His Majesty? Are you Thai? See, even Westerners learn to stand up.” And the alleged offender pointed a roll of paper toward the two plaintiffs and told them to get out. Then he threw the paper at the chest of the two plaintiffs. Then, he grabbed a popcorn box held by the second plaintiff and poured it on the two plaintiffs. His hand swept across and caused a soft drink cup to fall to the ground. The first plaintiff stood up and obstructed the view of other members of the audience. The alleged offender said “You have no manners. Such crazy shirts you wear. Get out of here”. Meanwhile, the other moviegoers jeered and demanded that the plaintiffs leave the theatre, and then the plaintiffs left the theatre.

The verdict

It was ascertained that the alleged offender simply threw the popcorn box and the paper roll toward the two plaintiffs. As for the first plaintiff, the medical doctor found no injuries, but verified that he suffered some pain in his wrist. As for the second plaintiff, the medical doctor found no injuries and recommended no treatment. Based on the evidence, it can be ascertained that the two plaintiffs suffered no bodily or mental harm. In addition, the alleged offender committed the action while being overwhelmed by excessive temperament and anger as a result of arguing with the two plaintiffs regarding the paying of due respect to the King and Queen. His action was confined just there and he showed no intention to use force to further harm the plaintiffs. It is believed that he had no intention to commit the offence and thus no ground can be established to bring the charge against him.

As for offence of mischief, the damaged property cost so little since the two plaintiffs bought it for merely 119 baht, and it was the remains after consumption by the two plaintiffs. Also, the incident happened in relation to the accusation of inflicting bodily and mental harm on the two plaintiffs which stemmed from the fact that the alleged offender pleaded with the two plaintiffs to pay respect to the King and Queen and the monarchy which is a noble tradition long observed in Thai society. Thus, it is believed that the alleged offender had no intention to cause mischief.

That the alleged offender threw paper at the plaintiffs and shouted “Get Out!” and that other viewers jeered and demanded the plaintiffs to leave the theatre stems from the discontent because the plaintiffs failed to stand up to pay respect to the royal anthem. The action cannot be construed as the exercise of verbal, physical or any other expressions to threaten the plaintiffs to the point where they would have fear of injury to life, body and liberty. And the actual use of force to harm did not take place while the two plaintiffs were told to leave the theatre. Therefore, the ground for the charge of acting with the participation of five or more persons to compel another person to do or not to do any act out of fear of injury to life, body and liberty cannot be established.

That the alleged offender said “whatever nation, religion, monarchy (you belong to), why don’t you show love toward His Majesty? Are you Thai? See, even Westerners learn to stand up” also stems from the discontent of the alleged offender to see that the two plaintiffs failed to stand up to pay respect to the royal anthem. It is natural for any Thai person when seeing such an incident, to say such a thing to warn and remind the plaintiffs of the impropriety of their action. The word cannot be construed as insulting or defaming or impairing the reputation of the plaintiffs or as exposing them to hatred or contempt. And in that the first plaintiff held up a mobile phone to speak and stood to obstruct the view of other moviegoers, and the fact that the alleged offender said “You have no manners. Such crazy shirts you wear. Get out of here” was simply a consequence since the act of the first plaintiff was viewed as contradicting good manners in viewing a film whereby the use of mobile phones or distracting other viewers’ attention is prohibited. Thus, the word uttered to the first plaintiff was made so with the intention of bringing such violation of social etiquette to a halt. It cannot be construed as scolding, defaming or impairing the reputation of another, and as a result, the verbal action of the alleged offender cannot be used as a ground to establish defamation or insulting a person in the present case.

The exchange of words between the alleged offender and the plaintiffs stemmed from the intention of the former to demand that the latter stand up to show due respect to the royal anthem and cannot be construed as a quarrel. It happened that the alleged offender was responsible for most of the verbal expression to demand action from the plaintiffs. Thus, the ground for the offence of quarrelling noisily in a public way or place cannot be established.

It was decided to dismiss charges against Mr. Nawamin Wittayakul Alleged Offender

Charges: Whoever commits an act of violence not amounting to bodily or mental harm to another person; whoever insults a person in his presence; mischief; an offence committed with the participation of five or more persons to compel another person to do or not to do any act; quarrelling noisily in a public way or place

As per Section 391 accompanied by Sections 80, 391, 326, 393, 358, 309 (2) and 372 and Section 83 of the Penal Code

Signed
(Banyong Pittayaphan)
Special Public Prosecutor, Criminal Division, Southern Bangkok Criminal Court 4

Translated by Pipob Udomittipong

Sunday, September 21, 2008

POLYMENTAL

THIS IS MY COMMENT IN BIOSCOPE WEBBOARD
http://www.bioscopemagazine.com/smf/index.php?topic=71.1770

ตอบคุณ pc

ได้ลองเข้าไปฟังเพลงของวง TAPE แล้ว ชอบมากๆเลยค่ะ ขอบคุณมากค่ะที่แนะนำวงดนตรีจากสวีเดนวงนี้


FAVORITE SONGS (I knew most of them from Mixmag Magazine)

(in alphabetical order)

1.BEIRUT BOOGIE – Sebbo

2.CHAPTER ONE (MARK SHERRY’S OUTBURST MIX) – Polymental
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-DE-QMmZ_U

3.DAYDREAM (LEMON & EINAR K REMIX) – Markus Schulz vs. Andy Moor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwZK_l8MfkE

4.DECAY – Joris Voorn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1MdXfmaUp8

5.DRUGGY – Subfocus

6.ELEPHANT’S PARADE – Minilogue
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtkgvBEEIHk

7.FAXING BERLIN – Deadmau 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnEUfeiSKt0

8.FINGERS – Tape
Thanks to PC from Bioscope webboard who recommends this band.
http://www.myspace.com/tapesthlm

9.GOD’S GARDEN – Orkidea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksx53OOBIio

10.HOW YOU GONNA FEEL – Commix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmJoSWAWR7g

11.HURT YOU – Chase & Status
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvfysP0Bhf4

12.LUMUMBA – Einzelkind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1KoAmI8A08

13.REWORK – Culture Shock feat. Brookes Brothers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9jmSJjuiws

14.SIRENS OF THE SEA (COSMIC GATE REMIX) – Oceanlab
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6QE-CIvFK0

15.SON OF RAW (Loco Dice remix) – Dennis Ferrer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz_F2F1fwXk

16.UNHEALTHY PLEASURES – Booka Shade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLTcwFYGnNs

17.VOODOO (IT’S IN THE WALL) – Peace Division
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm6q_yUNwo8

Thursday, September 18, 2008

SOME GAY FILMS IN THE FESTIVAL

This is my comment in Screenout Webboard:
http://zaa.xq28.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=79&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=300


For those who love gay films, OTTO; OR, UP WITH DEAD PEOPLE (2008, Bruce La Bruce, A+), the gay zombie film, will have a free screening at Conference of Birds Gallery on Monday,September 22, at 1900 hrs.

How to go to Conference of Birds Gallery
http://www.conferenceofbirds.com/contact.html

OTTO; OR, UP WITH DEAD PEOPLE will be shown again in the Bangkok International Film Festival. You can see its schedule here:
http://www.bangkokfilm.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=6&tmpl=component&format=raw&Itemid=31&lang=en

Other gay films in the festival:
1.JAY (2008, Francis Xavier Pasion, Philippines)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/jay-2008.html

2.BE LIKE OTHERS (2008, Tanaz Eshaghian, Iran)
http://www.bangkokfilm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147%3Abe-like-others&catid=11%3Afilms-by-title&Itemid=84&lang=en


The information below comes from Conference of Birds Gallery:

http://www.conferenceofbirds.com/Otto
http://www.ottothezombie.de/



Conference of Birds Gallery
presents
Bruce LaBruce :Otto ; Or Up With Dead People

อ็อตโต : ฟื้นมาฟัด ฮึดฮัดกับศพ
จันทร์ที่ ๒๒ แรม ๘ ค่ำ เดือน ๑๐๑๙.๐๐ น.
Only Monday 22 September 08 7.00 PM
Free !!ครั้งแรกในไทย ที่เดียวรอบเดียว วันเดียว ชมฟรีในรอบพรีเมียร์ กับมหากาพย์อันลือลั่น ร้อนรุ่มและสุดแรงผลงานล่าสุดจากผูกำกับหนังคัลท์ บรูซ ลาบรูซ
ผู้ผลิตหนังคัลท์พังค์ No Skin Off My Ass [1991]
หนังชีวิตเก๋เกย์ Super 8 1\2หนังร้อนสุดๆ
Hustler White [1996],
และหนังแรงได้เรื่อง The Raspberry Reich [2004]

แกลเลอรี่ Conference Of Birds ขอเสนอ
บรูซ ลาบรูซ ,
อ็อตโต : ฟื้นมาฟัด ฮึดฮัดกับศพ
เมื่อผีเกย์หนุ่มฝื้นขึ้นมาตามหาปูมหลังกับความทรงจำอันแสนหวาน เมื่อนั้นเรื่องหลายเรื่องก็บังเกิดขึ้น เมื่อการเมือง หนังโป๊ รักร่วมเพศ เกย์ นาซี ผี ศพ ซอมบี้ ทอม ดี้ โคจรมาเจอกัน อะไรๆ ก็ต้องมาดูเพราะที่มีที่นั่งจำกัด

Directed By Bruce LaBruce
94 Minutes
Germany/Canada -2008

A young zombie named Otto appears on a remote highway. He has no idea where he came from or where he is going. After hitching a ride to Berlin and nesting in an abandoned amusement park, he begins to explore the city. Soon he is discovered by under-ground filmmaker Medea Yarn, whobegins to make a documentary about him with the support of her girlfriend, Hella Bent, and her brother Adolf, who operates the camera. Meanwhile, Medea is trying to finish "Up with Dead People," the epic political-porno-zombie movie that she has been working on for years. She convinces its star, Fritz Fritze, to allow the vulnerable Otto to stay in his guest bedroom. When Otto discovers that there is a wallet in his back pocket that contains information about his past, before he was dead, he begins to remember a few details, including memories of his ex-boyfriend, Rudolf. He arranges to meet him at the schoolyard where they met, with devastating results.








Wednesday, September 17, 2008

FROM (DIFFEREN) HORIZONS OF ROCKSHELTER (A+++++)

FROM (DIFFERENT) HORIZONS OF ROCKSHELTER: BREAKING THROUGH THE LINES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHODS, PHRASES IN ANTHROPOLOGY, AND MYTHS IN ARTS (2008, A++++++) is an art exhibition I saw on June 27 at National Gallery. I love it. It is something I have never seen before—an art exhibition inspired by an archaeological event. You can read the details of this exhibition from the website below:
http://www.fdhr.co.nr/

The exhibition is curated by Surakarn Thoesomboon.

This art exhibition includes:

(in alphabetical order)

1.THE CIRCLE (Chol Janepraphaphan)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2864844079_d7aacaedf0_o.jpg

2.COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY (Vipash Purichanont)

3.ETHNIC FACE (Children in Highland Pang Mapha)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2865670132_259df71218_o.jpg

4.FROM (DIFFERENT) HORIZONS OF ROCKSHELTER (2008, Suporn Shoosongdech, video documentary, A+)

5.GLASS COFFIN (Prokpan Ponngam)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2865670158_00b2c376e0_o.jpg

6.THE LAST SKETCH OF PERNG PA BAAN RAI (Bannarak Nakbunlung)

7.THE PATH (Natawa)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2864844061_cb27e7101b_o.jpg

8.PAINTINGS FOR THE PANG MAPHA HIGHLAND ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT (Valentina Dubasky)

9.PHOTOGRAPHIES (Herve Robillard)
I love these photographs. Robillard shot some photos of garlic plant, but made them look like photos of ancient human bones. This series of photographs reminds me that some parts of “history lessons” are only based on assumptions, not fact or truth. When we first see these photos, we assume that we see ancient human bones, and try to guess about the lives of these men who lived a thousand years ago. But in fact we just see only photos of garlic plant.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2865727032_a3afffd157_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2865670142_8879d7241a_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2865670140_bbe67b9324_o.jpg

10.SAWAN BAAN RAI (Amrit Chusuwan)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2864844073_70081b0668_o.jpg

11.SEQUENCE (Chalermchon Jitjindar)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2865670152_13dc256868_o.jpg

12.TRACES OF LIFE FROM THE URBAN TO THE LOCAL (Tawee Sereewas)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2864844063_83dc27933b_o.jpg














POP PEE FAH (1975, Thai TV series, A++++++++++)

This is my comment in Filmsick’s blog:
http://filmsick.exteen.com/20080917/entry

พออ่านแล้วก็ทำให้อยากดูละครทีวีเรื่อง “ปอบผีฟ้า” อีกครั้ง จำได้ว่าเคยดูตอนประมาณปี 1980 (พ.ศ.2523) มันน่ากลัวพอสมควรและมันดูขลังอย่างมากๆ คิดว่า “ความขลัง”แบบนี้ เป็นสิ่งที่ผู้สร้างหนัง/ละครยุคปัจจุบันแทบไม่สามารถถ่ายทอดได้อีกแล้ว แม้ว่าจะใช้เงินหลายสิบล้านบาทก็ตาม แต่ปัจจัยหนึ่งอาจจะเป็นเพราะว่า ชนบทไทยในยุคปัจจุบันนี้ มันอาจจะไม่ได้ดูน่ากลัวและเต็มไปด้วยอำนาจของภูติผี เหมือนชนบทไทยเมื่อ 30 ปีก่อน ถึงแม้เราได้ดู “ปอบผีฟ้า” ที่น่ากลัวมากๆ ในยุคปัจจุบัน เราก็อาจจะลืมความกลัวนั้นไปได้อย่างรวดเร็วเมื่อเราดูหนัง/ละครจบ เพราะเราคงไม่คิดว่าเราจะมีโอกาสตกอยู่ในสถานการณ์ชนบทที่เวิ้งว้าง, จำนวนประชากรไม่มากนัก, ต้องพึ่งพาแต่เพียงแสงตะเกียง, ไม่มีไฟฟ้าและโทรศัพท์ เหมือนในหนังยุคนั้นกันได้อีก

รูปของดาราที่เล่น “ปอบผีฟ้า” (1975, A+++++++)
(เอามาจาก http://www.thaifilm.com )



THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN 2008 AND 1976

The information below is copied from Prachatai’s website:
http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/13665

“ตามที่รายการ "มุมมองของเจิมศักดิ์" ซึ่งออกอากาศทาง FM 92.25MHz เมื่อวันอังคารที่ 11 กันยายน ที่ผ่านมา ได้กล่าวพาดพิงถึงนักวิชาการที่ออกแถลงการณ์ในนามกลุ่มสันติประชาธรรม โดยผู้ดำเนินรายการ คือ ดร.เจิมศักดิ์ ปิ่นทอง ได้กล่าวในตอนหนึ่งว่า นพ.สุรพงษ์ สืบวงศ์ลี และ นพ.พรหมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช เป็นผู้ไปเกลี้ยกล่อม "กลุ่มนักวิชาการที่เป็นสายอ่อน" ให้ออกแถลงการณ์ในนามกลุ่มสันติประชาธรรม และถึงขนาดใช้อดีตอธิการบดี เพื่อที่จะช่วยให้ข้อเสนอในแถลงการณ์ดังกล่าวดูน่าเชื่อถือ ทั้งนี้ ดร.เจิมศักดิ์ อ้างว่านี่คือเบื้องหลังที่ตนเอามาเล่าให้ผู้ฟังรับรู้นั้น

ดร.ชาญวิทย์ เกษตรศิริ อดีตอธิการบดีมหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ และหนึ่งในนักวิชาการที่ออกแถลงการณ์ในนามกลุ่มสันติประชาธรรม ได้มีจดหมายเปิดผนึกเผยแพร่ทาง "เว็บไซท์ ดร.ชาญวิทย์ เกษตรศิริ" (http://www.charnvitkasetsiri.com/) ชี้แจงถึงเรื่องดังกล่าวแล้ว

โดย ดร.ชาญวิทย์ ระบุว่า ตามที่ ดร.เจิมศักดิ์ ปิ่นทอง และนักวิชาการ "สายพันธมิตร" ได้กล่าวพาดพิงตน และนักวิชาการ "เครือข่ายสันติประชาธรรม" นั้น ตนรู้สึกเศร้าใจอย่างยิ่ง แม้ว่าจะไม่ประหลาดใจนัก เพราะเคยถูกโจมตีโดยนักการเมืองทั้งในและนอกเครื่องแบบ ตั้งแต่เหตุการณ์ 6 ตุลาคม 2519 และรู้ดีว่าเป็นเกมการเมือง เพียงแต่ในคราวนี้ การโจมตีแบบโกหกพกลม กลับทำโดยนักวิชาการหรือผู้ที่อ้างว่าเป็นนักวิชาการ ซึ่งตนนึกไม่ออกว่าจะร้องไห้หรือหัวเราะดี เพราะในบั้นปลายนั้น กรรมทั้งหมดก็จะตกอยู่กับสังคมไทยและประชาชนคนไทยส่วนใหญ่อีกเช่นเคย

"… เมื่อ 6 ตุลา 2519 เราก็โดนกันมาถ้วนหน้า ไม่ว่าเป็น อ.ป๋วย อ.เสน่ห์ และผมเอง โดยไม่จำเป็นจะต้องพูดถึงนักการเมือง (ประชาธิปัตย์) และนักเรียนนิสิตนักศึกษาอีกจำนวนมาก (ที่ต้องหนีตายเข้าป่าไป) แต่มาคราวนี้ การโจมตีแบบโกหกพกลม กลับทำโดยนักวิชาการ หรือผู้ที่อ้างว่าเป็นนักวิชาการ

“ดังนั้น ทุกอย่างก็กลายเป็นทั้งโศกนาฏกรรมและสุขนาฏกรรมครับ เป็นทั้ง tragedy and comedy ที่เรานึกไม่ออกว่าจะร้องไห้หรือหัวเราะดี แต่บั้นปลายนั้น กรรมทั้งหมดก็จะตกอยู่กับสังคมไทย ตกอยู่กับประชาชนคนไทยส่วนใหญ่ นั่นแหละครับ คนระดับบนๆ ที่เราเห็นๆ กันอยู่บนเวที ในจอทีวี และทางวิทยุ ก็จะรอดตัวไปอีก ครั้งแล้วครั้งเล่าครับ …"

ทั้งนี้ ในจดหมายดังกล่าว ดร.ชาญวิทย์ได้อ้างอิงถึงความเห็นของ ดร.อุบลรัตน์ ศิริยุวศักดิ์ ต่อกรณีดังกล่าวด้วย ซึ่งในตอนหนึ่ง ดร.อุบลรัตน์ได้ตั้งข้อสังเกตว่า สถานการณ์ในขณะนี้คล้ายกับช่วงที่เกิดเหตุการณ์ 6 ตุลาคม 2519 เพียงแต่วิธีการนั้นเปลี่ยนไปบ้างทำให้ดู "เสมือนหนึ่ง" ไม่ได้ใช้ความรุนแรง

"...แต่ไม่ได้ใช้วิธีแบบเดิมเสียทีเดียว เป้าหมายสำคัญน่าจะเป็นการกดดันให้รัฐบาลต้องออกไป (เหมือนรัฐบาลเสนีย์) และจัดตั้งเป็นรัฐบาลในโอวาท ก่อนนี้ใช้ความรุนแรงปราบปรามนักศึกษา แล้วจัดการกับรัฐบาล แล้วจึงเปลี่ยนรัฐบาลด้วยวิธีรัฐประหาร คราวนี้ให้พันธมิตรทำหน้าที่นี้แทน จึงดู "เสมือนหนึ่ง" ไม่ได้ใช้ความรุนแรง แต่ใช้วิธีการ "ประท้วงอย่างสันติ อารยะขัดขืน" มีบทความในประชาไทเสนอว่าเป็น civilian coup ซึ่งก็ใกล้เคียงกับสภาพที่เป็นอยู่"

ดูจดหมายเปิดผนึกทั้งฉบับได้ที่
http://www.charnvitkasetsiri.com/RecuingSiamSSAp.htm

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

MY SCHEDULE FOR BKKIFF 2008

MY DREAM SCHEDULE FOR BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2008
http://www.bangkokfilm.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=6&tmpl=component&format=raw&Itemid=31&lang=en


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FILM

--OTTO; OR, UP WITH DEAD PEOPLE (2008, Bruce La Bruce, A+++++)

I like many things in this gay zombie film, especially the part about Maya Deren.
http://filmsick.exteen.com/20080910/otto-or-up-with-the-dead-people-bruce-labruce-2008


TUE 23

1200 VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA (96 M)
1415 MY WINNIPEG (80 M)
1645 PARKING (106 M)
1915 THE LAST MISTRESS (116 M)


WED 24

1200 KANTATA TAKWA (95 M)
1400 AUTUMN (106 M)
1600 YEARS WHEN I WAS A CHILD OUTSIDE (100 M)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2007/08/voices-tilted-screens-and-extended.html

1915 SERBIS (90 M)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/06/serbis-2008.html


THURSDAY 25

1200 A LIFE WITH SLATE (59 M)
1330 NOW SHOWING (280 M)
http://unspokencinema.blogspot.com/2008/06/raya-martin-in-cannes-08.html
http://unspokencinema.blogspot.com/2008/06/now-showing-2008martin.html
http://unspokencinema.blogspot.com/2008/06/now-showing-3.html

1945 SOI COWBOY (117 M)


FRIDAY 26

1145 PAPER CANNOT WRAP UP EMBERS (90 M)
1330 LEMON TREE (106 M)
1630 SLINGSHOT (86 M)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/tirador-2007.html

2000 A CHRISTMAS TALE (150 M)


SAT 27

1030 DRUMBEAT (90 M)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/tambolista-2007.html

1230 BIRD SONG (98 M)
http://notebook.theauteurs.com/?p=171

1500 JAY (96 M)
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/jay-2008.html

1815 MODERN LIFE (Raymond Depardon) (88 M)
http://notebook.theauteurs.com/?p=172
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2863062640_740fc46e98_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2863062644_c64c7c1d4c_o.jpg

I want to see this film very much, because I love CAUGHT IN THE ACTS (1994, Raymond Depardon, A+) and THE TENTH DISTRICT COURT: MOMENTS OF TRIALS (2004, Raymond Depardon, A+).


2000 BE LIKE OTHERS (74 M)


SUN 28

1050 DAYS OF TURQUOISE SKY (76 M)
1315 IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA (84 M)
http://www.rouge.com.au/11/sylvia.html
http://filmsick.exteen.com/20080820/in-the-city-of-sylvia-jose-luis-guerin-2007

1530 BREATHING IN MUD (78 M)
1830 LORNA'S SILENCE (105 M)
2045 LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (114 M)


MON 29

1200 FEAST OF VILLAINS (85 M)
1400 MILKY WAY LIBERATION FRONT (100 M)
1610 CITIZEN JULING (222 M)


TUE 30

1200 HYSTERIA (90 M)
1430 LITTLE MOTH (99 M)
1700 24 CITY (107 M)
2000 NANAYO (90 M)

------------------------

LET'S HOPE THERE IS NO CIVIL WAR HAPPENING IN BANGKOK BEFORE OR DURING THIS FILM FESTIVAL.





CRIME ON SILOM STREET

I got the message below from a forward mail. I don't know if it's true or not, but I think it is interesting.

ขอเล่าเรื่องจริงแบบไม่ต้องผ่านจอแก้วด้วยตัวเราเองเป็นภัยสังคมที่เกิดกับคนใกล้ตัวแบบไม่คิดว่าชาตินี้จะได้เจอะได้เจอ
เหตุการณ์เกิดกับพี่สาวของเพื่อน (ขออนุญาตนำมาเล่านะคะ)วันที่เกิดเหตุ วันที่ 9 สิงหาคม 2551 เวลาประมาณบ่ายหน่อยๆ ครอบครัว พี่สาวเพื่อนไปทานอาหารที่ร้าน ซิสล์เลอร์ สาขาอาคาร ซีพี ทาวเวอร์(สถานที่เกิดเหตุ - ขอเน้น กลางกรุงเลยเพื่อน)
ตัวพี่สาวทานเสร็จก่อนก็เลยปล่อยให้สามีและลูกทานกันต่อโดยที่ตัวเองจะลงไปซื้อของที่ร้านวัตสันที่อยู่ชั้นล่าง
ระหว่างที่ลงบันไดเลื่อนก็มีชายหญิงคู่หนึ่งอยู่ข้างหน้า แต่งตัวดีสักพักพี่สาวเพื่อนรู้สึกได้กลิ่นเหม็นเหมือน กลิ่นตด มาจากข้างหน้า
(เค้ายังนึกด่าในใจว่าแต่งตัวดีแต่ดันตดมาได้)
พอลงจากบันไดเลื่อนก็เดินตรงไปเข้าร้านวัตสัน
สักครู่ก็รู้สึกง่วงนอนมากเหมือนจะหลับให้ได้(ปกติจะเป็นคนไม่ชอบนอนกลางวัน)
เลยคิดว่าโดนดีเข้าแล้วเรา(เวลามีเมล์เรื่องภัยสังคมมอมยาแบบนี้ เพื่อนมักจะแฟ็กซ์ไปให้พี่สาวอ่านบ่อยๆ )
พี่สาวเพื่อนรีบหยิบมือถือโทรหาสามีกับลูกให้รีบมาเจอกัน
เดชะบุญเก่ายังดีอยู่ สามีกับลูกเช็คบิลเสร็จแล้วและกำลังจะลงไปหา
เลยรีบตามมาสมทบ แล้วพากันกลับบ้าน
เพื่อนเล่าว่า ขึ้นรถปุ๊บ พี่สาวก็หลับปั๊บทันที เลยสรุปกันว่าเจอตดมหาภัยซะแล้ว
ก็เล่ามาเพื่อเตือนเพื่อน ๆ พี่ ๆ น้อง ๆ กันไว้(ช่วยกันส่งต่อเตือนพี่น้องเพื่อนฝูงของตัวเองด้วยนะ)
เพราะสถานที่เป็นที่ ๆ เราคุ้นเคยเดินเล่นกันบ่อย ๆ จนอาจจะไม่ระวังตัว
เปิดช่องให้พวกมารสังคมมาทำมิดีมิร้ายกับตัวเราและทรัพย์สินได้
วันที่เกิดเหตุเพื่อนเล่าว่าพี่สาวเขาใส่จี้เพชรอยู่
แต่ก็ไม่ใช่วูบวาบใหญ่โตขนาดจะนำภัยมาหาตัวได้ เพราะแต่งตัวก็ธรรมดาไม่ฟู่ฟ่าอะไร มีกระเป๋าตังค์ติดตัวไปด้วยใบหนึ่ง
หากเราไปเดินคนเดียวและเจอเหตุการณ์แบบนี้ ขอแนะนำเพื่อน ๆถ้าได้กลิ่นแปลก ๆ ให้รีบกลั้นลมหายใจแล้วรีบออกมาให้พ้นแถวนั้น
พยายามฝืนตัวเองหาพนักงานขายของ (อย่าเอาคนแถว ๆนั้น เพราะอาจเป็นพวกมันรออยู่ก็ได้) แล้วรีบบอกพนักงานก่อนเลยว่า เรามาคนเดียวเพราะพวกมารสังคมอาจจะทำเนียนเห็นยาออกฤทธิ์แล้วอ้างตัวว่ามากับเราได้...
เฮ้อ... ทำได้แต่เตือน ๆ กัน เมื่อไหร่พวกมารจะหมดไปจากสังคมกันซะทีขอให้ปลอดภัยกันทุก ๆ คนนะคะ

Monday, September 15, 2008

WISH LIST FOR AUGUST 2008

WISH LIST FOR AUGUST 2008

A.FILM WISH LIST

1.L’APPRENTI (2008, Samuel Collardey, France)
Collardey directed SUN IN WINTER (2005, A+)
http://cineuropa.org/newsdetail.aspx?documentID=86448
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2859197445_2ac15df9d7_o.jpg


2.COLD LUNCH (2008, Eva Sorhaug, Norway, 90 min)
http://www.indiewire.com/people/2008/09/toronto_08_disc_4.html
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2859197455_f8af4c5d81_o.jpg


3.DOT (2008, Dervis Zaim, Turkey)
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938044.html?categoryid=31&cs=1


4.FINAL STOP (HULING PASADA) (2008, Paul Sta. Ana + Alvin Yapan, Philippines)
Oggs Cruz wrote about this film here:
http://oggsmoggs.blogspot.com/2008/07/huling-pasada-2008.html


5.GLASS LIPS (2007, Lech Majewski, Poland, 100 min)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0963977/
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935367.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0

You can see photos of this film from the website below:
http://outnow.ch/Movies/2007/GlassLips/Bilder/



6.LIFETIMESHORT (2008, Gesine Danckwart, Germany, 90 min)

Synopsis from the website below:
http://www.german-films.de/app/filmarchive/film_view.php?film_id=1830

"A film about talking as a means of survivial. Six people, who happen to be women, in search of something. Fleeing forwards. Work that is speech, and speech that is work. HB has not checked her emails, although she talks about doing so. But her worries and statements are excellent. Faria Kuehne has to go to a reception in order to ... keep talking... do deals... sell things. Emske waits. Waits for someone to call back, to knock, someone from the outside, so that she can shoot and talk and call back herself. Diamond Oil is on course for Better Home's and Gardens furniture. Ludwigsholm gets into arguments, alone in a director's booth. Esther, on the other hand, wrestles physically with men in hotels. No, it's not a hobby, and it's not a job.

Life is (as nice)... as you believe. Sing a song. Maybe it will come true some day. This call. And then don't answer it."


7.OUR BELOVED MONTH OF AUGUST (2008, Miguel Gomes, 147 min, Portugal)
I knew about this film from Girish’s blog.
http://www.osomeafuria.com/aqma-en.html


8.TA PU (2007, Wang Wei, China, 93 min)
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/festivals/08/48/udine-ff-2008.html


9.UNREQUITED LOVE (2006, Chris Petit, UK, 77 min)
http://www.dvdoutsider.co.uk/dvd/reviews/u/unrequited_love.html
http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/56/eufest.htm


10.YODOK STORIES (2008, Andrzej Fidyk, North Korea, 81 min, documentary)


B.ART WORK WISH LIST

The art works of Rivane Neuenschwander
http://www.frieze.com/issue/review/rivane_neuenschwander/
http://artintelligence.net/review/?p=264
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2859197473_cb2f614705_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2859197461_2381a8c53d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2859197457_336e3987d6_o.jpg



C.TRIBUTE WISH LIST

Tribute to Udo Kier
Films starring Udo Kier:


1.THE LAST WORD (1975, Robert van Ackeren, West Germany, 96 min)

2.GOLDFLOCKEN (1976, Werner Schroeter, West Germany, 163 min)

3.CAN BEL CANTO OR A BITCH HICCUP? (1977, Robert van Ackeren, West Germany, 94 min)

4.HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY (1979, Miklos Jancso, Hungary, 103 min)

5.NARCISZ ES PSYCHE (1980, Gabor Body, Hungary, 4 hours 21 min)

6.LULU (1980, Walerian Borowczyk, France, 95 min)

7.PRISON CAMP GIRLS, JAILED FOR LOVE (1983, Peter Kern, Kurt Raab, West Germany + Philippines, 88 min)

8.EGOMANIA – ISLAND WITHOUT HOPE (1986, Christoph Schlingensief, West Germany, 84 min)

9.100 YEARS OF ADOLF HITLER (1989, Christoph Schlingensief, West Germany, 60 min)

10.SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY (1993, Michael Brynntrup, Germany, 73 min)

----------------------------

WISH LIST FOR JUNE 2008
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/07/wish-list-for-june-2008.html

FILM WISH LIST FOR MAY 2008
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/06/film-wish-list-for-may-2008.html

FILM WISH LIST FOR APRIL 2008
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/05/film-wish-list-for-april-2008.html

Film wish list for March 2008
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/04/film-wish-list-for-march-2008.html

FILM WISH LIST FOR FEB 2008
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/03/film-wish-list-for-february-2008.html

FILM WISH LIST FOR JAN 2008
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/02/film-wish-list-for-jan-2008.html

FILM WISH LIST IN 2007
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/02/film-wish-list-for-jan-2008.html


















CUTE ACTOR IN "THE INNOCENT FRESHY 2"

CUTE ACTOR

Pongsathorn Puangthong (if I remember his name correctly) in THE INNOCENT FRESHY 2 (2007, Nitchapoom Chaianun, A+)

His website
http://dekpepe.hi5.com/


You can buy the DVD of THE INNOCENT FRESHY 2 for 300 baht from this website:
http://www.wayufilm.com/






THE PEN (2008, Weerasak Suyala, A++++++++++)

This is my comment in Bioscope webboard:
http://www.bioscopemagazine.com/smf/index.php?topic=1317.30

Reply to Merveillesxx

I also love THE PEN (2008, Weerasak Suyala, A++++++++++) very much. I’m glad you also love it. I still can’t stop laughing everytime I think of this film. Has Weerasak accidentally or unintentionally invented a new film language by making this film? Maybe not. But I still think this film is totally unique in my point of view, because it is something I have never seen before in my whole life. Weerasak may intended to make just a narrative horror film, but somehow I think this film ends up going farther than most Thai experimental films do. What I love very much in this film includes the scene in which a guy can’t finish his sentence because the film suddenly jumps into the next scene while he is still speaking, and the soundtrack which seems to be interrupted every ten second. This film is not art. This film is not mass entertainment. But it is the cult film of the year, if ‘cult film’ means a film which is worshipped by a specific small group of audience.

What I also love in THE PEN:

1.The scene in which the boy hugs the TV

2.The intonation pattern of the father’s voice, which is totally unique. The father’s manner of speaking can turn every boring sentence into a classic sentence.

3.Some scenes which seem to be documentary, such as the scene in which a group of students move around, because I think the director may have secretly shot these real scenes while the students didn’t know about it. These secretly-shot scenes remind me of some scenes of women in the street in LONELY NIGHT IN TRUAD ALLEY (2008, Weerasak Suyala, A+).

4.The maniacal acting of the father

5.The wig of the father

6.The product placement in the film. The product here is the book written by the director. In most films, the product placement is a bad thing because it makes us feel as if we are forced to watch advertisment while we don’t want to watch it. But in this film, the product placement is so totally obvious that it becomes a great thing. In the scene in which a boy and a girl should have flirted with each other, we see a girl try to advertise this book to the boy instead. In a scene after the main problem is solved, we see the boy seriously stare at the cover of these books and the logo of the bookshop which sells this novel.

7.I feel as if many things in this film are anti-aesthetic rules, anti-standard filmmaking rules, anti-logic, anti-“what we have (wrongly) believed that a good film should be” . What is great is that Weerasak may have not intended to break any rules at all when he made this film. He just makes films according to what he believes. The result is that his films become unique, and his films make me realize that many things I used to think are essential for a good film are actually not essential at all.

Weerasak Suyala’s filmography:
http://celinejulie.blogspot.com/2008/07/weerasak-suyalas-filmography.html

A QUARTER DEMOCRACY

The opinion below belongs to Charnvit Kasetsiri. I copied it from the website below:

http://www.charnvitkasetsiri.com/Q&A2.htm

30:70 = การเมืองใหม่ = อประชาธิปไตย = ความไม่เสมอภาค = ความรุนแรง/ปฏิวัติรัฐประหาร/อำนาจนอกนิติธรรม

A Quarter Democracy: New Politics-Thai Style

(1)
ข้อเสนอ 30-70 นี้มองได้จาก “ชนชั้น” (class)
มองได้จาก “ชาติพันธุ์” (ethnicity)
หรือแม้กระทั่ง “เชื้อชาติ” (race)

(2)
ข้อเสนอเช่นนี้ส่วนหนึ่ง น่าจะมาจาก
ความเชื่อว่า "คนไม่เท่าเทียมกัน"
เช่น "กฏุมพีชาวกรุง" และคนในเมือง เชื่อว่า
"คนเหนือ" หรือ "คนอีสาน" (โดยเฉพาะคนในชนบท)
มีค่า = ngo หรือ "โง่"

(3)
ดังนั้น การที่มีสิทธิมีเสียงเลือกตั้งในระบอบประชาธิปไตย คือ
"หนึ่งคน ต่อหนึ่งเสียง" จึงไม่ถูกต้อง
ไม่สมควรแก่ “ความเป็นไทยๆ”
ยังไม่ถึงเวลา
ใจร้อนเกินไป
เป็นการชิงสุกก่อนห่าม
จึงทำให้มีการ "ซื้อสิทธิ ขายเสียง" กันได้ง่าย

(4)
ดังนั้น ทางออกที่เป็น “ไทยๆ” คือข้อเสนอ 30-70
หรือ "ประชาธิปไตยหนึ่งสลึง"
a quarter-democracy หรือ ¾ dictatorship
ในอดีตก็เคยใช้มาแล้ว เช่น "ครึ่งใบ"
ดังที่ปรากฏอยู่ในรัฐธรรมนูญหลายๆฉบับของอำมาตยาเสนาธิปไตย
หากจะให้ได้ผล คราวนี้ต้องขอเพิ่มมากกว่า 50-50

(5)
ความเชื่อของ "กฎุมพีชาวกรุง" และคนในเมือง
เมื่อไม่เชื่อว่า
คนเท่าเทียมกัน
(นิ้วสิบนิ้ว ยังไม่เท่ากันเลย)
ก็เกิดความรังเกียจ และดูถูกเหยียดหยาม

(6)
การใช้ศัพท์แสงทาง "ชาติพันธุ์" หรือ “เชื้อชาติ” เช่น
"ลาว" หรือ "ขะเหมน" (แต่ก่อนเคยใช้คำว่า "เจ๊ก" ด้วย)
ที่เราได้ยินจาก "ตลกคาเฟ่" (โจ๊ก) ราคาถูกและรสนิยมต่ำนั้น
เราจะได้ยินจากเกมส์การเมืองของการ "โค่นรัฐบาลสมัคร" กับ
"ล้มระบอบทักษิณ" โดย "ลัทธิพันธมิตร" ในขณะนี้อยู่ตลอดเวลา
(โดยเฉพาะเมื่อปลุกระดมด้วย “ปราสาทเขาพระวิหาร”) รวมทั้งจาก
สื่อมวลชนกระแสหลัก

(7)
ดังนั้น วาทกรรม "ลูกจีนกู้ชาติ" จึงเกิดขึ้นในบริบทของ
ความเชื่อในเรื่อง "ความไม่เท่าเทียม" กันของ "คน"
"ความไม่เสมอภาค" กันของ "คนบ้านนอก" ในภาคเหนือและอีสาน
กับคนกรุงและเครือข่ายของคนในเมือง
กับความเป็น "ลาว" เป็น "ขะเหมน"
กับความเป็น "ไทย" และความเป็น "ชาติ"

(8)
เรื่องนี้ลึกล้ำ ซับซ้อน และยุ่งเหยิง
และน่าวิตกอย่างยิ่ง
เป็นทั้งเรื่องของ "ชนชั้น" กับ "วรรณะ-ชาติพันธุ์" หรือแม้กระทั่ง "เชื้อชาติ"
เป็นทั้ง class และเป็นทั้ง "ethnicity" หรือแม้กระทั่ง "race"
อันจะนำไปสู่การใช้ “ความรุนแรง” อนาธิปไตย การจลาจล
ซึ่งไม่เป็นผลดีต่อ “ประชาธิปไตย” ของชาติแต่อย่างใด

(9)
Father Forgive Them, They Know Not What They Do
(or rather: They Know Exactly What They Are Doing?)

ชาญวิทย์ เกษตรศิริ
ธนบุรี สยามประเทศ(ไทย)
9 กันยายน 2551

Friday, September 12, 2008

VOTE FOR DUTCHIE BOYS 2008

Since our rights to vote are usually destroyed by military coups and are now threatened by some Thai political groups and many Thai people who support them because they think they should have more say than us when it comes to voting, we may as well vote for favorite Cleo Bachelors and favorite Dutchie Boys in the meantime.


You can pick your favorite Dutchie Boys 2008 from the link below:

http://www.dutchieboyandgirl.com/dutchie2008-16final/DU2008.html


My favorite one is no.14. His name is Tanawut Sriwattana. His nickname is Day.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2850627732_0c01a7ed62_o.jpg



Thursday, September 11, 2008

CLEO BACHELORS 2008

You can vote for Cleo Thai Bachelor 2008 at this website:
http://women.impaqmsn.com/cleobachelor2008/


My favorite bachelors are

Supakorn Chaiyo
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2848199432_147d482807_o.jpg

Pakorn Chatborirak
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2848199436_05d1c58914_o.jpg




POLL 32: WILL THAILAND BE LIKE RWANDA?

My poll 32 is inspired by the ongoing political crisis in Thailand. I have no knowledge in politics, but the crisis somehow reminds me of some films that I like very much.

You can read about the similarities between Thailand and Rwanda in this Thai article here:
http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/13590


THE ONGOING POLITICAL CRISIS IN THAILAND REMINDS ME OF THESE FILMS/THINGS. WHICH ONES DO YOU LIKE?

1.BALLOON (1997, Hamer Salwala)

2.DEMOCKRAZY (2007, Duangporn Pakavirojkul)

3.DIED ON 6 OCTOBER 1976 (2008, Manit Sriwanichpoom, Thai photos)

4.DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT (2006, Suchart Sawasdsri)

5.FINAL SOLUTION (2003, Rakesh Sharma, India)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3829364588351777769&q=&hl=en

6.HOTEL RWANDA (2004, Terry George)

7.I’M FINE SABUYDEE KA (2008, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit)

This film is about a Thai person who is incarcerated in a cage near the democracy monument. Someone asks her, “If I open the cage, will you come out?” She replies, “No, I won’t come out, because I’m Thai.”

8.KHON-NAK-LOK (2008, Ponlapat Yannarat, Seri Lachonnabot)

9.LABAN: THE MEANING OF THE EDSA REVOLUTION (2007, Sally Jo Bellosillo, Philippines)

10.LAND OF THE DEAD (2005, George A. Romero)
I feel as if I am now living in that city in the film, trying to lead a normal life, uncertain if any violence is going to happen or not.

11.LETTER FROM THE SILENCE (2006, Prap Boonpan)

12.THE LOST CITY (2005, Andy Garcia)

13.THE MIST (2007, Frank Darabont)
The situation in Thailand may make this film my most favorite film of the year 2008.

14.REFERENDUM (2008, Chai Chaiyachit)

Chai broadens the topic of his film by his writing here:
http://agonisticfilm.exteen.com/

15.REPEATING DRAMATIC (2008, Arpapun Plungsirisoontorn)

16.RE-PRESENTATION (2007, Chai Chaiyachit, Chisanucha Kongwailap)

17.ROSEWOOD (1997, John Singleton)

18.17 MAY MY VALENTINE (2008, Sawanee Uthumma, Thai stage play)

Now I understand why the heroine of this stage play, who used to participate in the BLACK MAY uprising in Bangkok in 1992, wants to commit suicide now.

19.30:31:1-01 (2008, Piya Pornpattamapinyo)

20.THE WAR (1994, Jon Avnet)


You can cast multiple votes.

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Some interesting persons:

1.Narendra Modi in FINAL SOLUTION
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2848662238_985d832e9e_o.jpg

2.Mrs. Carmody in THE MIST
(The photo is from outnow.ch)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2848662232_12019c3781_b.jpg

3.Sondhi
(The photo is from NEW MANDALA website)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2848662226_e8a5743a7e_o.jpg