Now, while I am of the opinion that Prachya Pinkaew's most recent martial arts film Chocolate is a deeply flawed piece of work, there is no doubt whatsoever that it's star - Jeeja Yanin - is a huge talent, one who can go as far as she wants to with her martial arts skills. But can she act? We're about to find out ...
Word is out in Thailand that Yanin has been quietly working on her sophomore feature. Already in production, very little is known about this one so far - not even the proper title - but the film is apparently deep enough into the process that a mid-2009 release date is being projected. All that is being said so far is that the film - referred to for the time being as the Jeeja Project - is an action romance featuring a mixed-race male star (a rarity in Thailand, where foreign influence can still be an issue) and that she will be called upon to show a great deal more range in her performance.
What is most surprising here is how quiet production company Sahamongkol Film has been keeping this. With the European Film Market right around the corner you would expect this to be plugged in all of their current mailings but there hasn't been a single mention of it so far. Have the extensive production delays with both Chocolate and Ong Bak 2 taught Sahamongkol to play their cards a little close to the chest this time? More details as we get them ...
You can check a Thai news report about the film below the break.
Exactly! If all I want is a string of disconnected fights I'll watch a stunt reel. But as soon as you dress it up as a film and run it through a narrative then I expect that story to be decently well told, I expect decent dramatic performances, and I expect things to be well shot and edited. Basically, as soon as you make it a film instead of a highlight reel I expect it to work as a film. And Chocolate is a great stunt reel but not much of a film. Which is a shame because, just as has been the case with Tony Jaa, if Jeeja doesn't get a decent FILM to present her to an international audience then she will never have the chance to break through and become more than a cult figure known only by those on the fringes, and she's better than that.
Regarding a mixed-race male star in Thailand, did the popularity of 13: Game of Death renew any kind of discussion or debate? - or is this suddenly a new story? The lead character there is clearly "mixed-race".
I think the mixed-race issue is far more likely over the romance angle than simply the fact he is in a leading role.
Right with you on this Todd - I'm frequently getting slapped all upside the head on these boards for wanting a little narrative with my nunchuks - why should they have to be mutually exclusive??
chocolate HAS a narrative.... there is at least half an hour of narrative before the first kick... you dont seem to understand the difference between a martial arts flick and a drama film with combat sequences. i'm guessing you loved flashpoint - but its NOT a martial arts flick.
anyway - about your journalism style - who cares about your personal dislike of chocolate? the film came out a year ago, and was widely praised by critics and audiences. what relevance does your personal opinion have to this news story?
And,yeah, James ... it's the cross-race romance that I was mostly referring to.
"And don't presume to tell me what I do and don't understand."
Even if you are the real Jeeja Yanin.
:cheese:
I love and will stand up for the story of this movie, which is setup in the first half hour of the movie, like most. and as for flawed, all movies are flawed. Bruce Lee ring a bell, i love his movies but really the story lines are mostly crap. so trying to hold a martial arts flick up to a candle of story awesomeness is tarded. some yes, most no, if your comparing this to an EPIC in the genre, than maybe. but this is a kickass martial arts flim about helping out mama, so rewatch it and think about the tard (autistic) little girl and doing what her lil mind knows and helping/protecting her family. like Bruce, Tony and Jet did in unrealistic situations.
Crap! I meant to say "The stories in Bruce Lee's films may not have been anything groundbreaking." Ignore my original phrasing. His films were groundbreaking in ways we are still discovering.
[i]"I love and will stand up for the story of this movie, which is setup in the first half hour of the movie, like most..." [/i]
I acknowledge your right to an opinion. That is fine if you don't agree or have a difference of opinion. Even my fellow Twitchers may not see eye to eye on some movies at times. What I take issue with your initial comment is your shady attack tactics. You said "sounds like someone is getting into the role of critic way to much". Its the other way around. If you don't agree, present your case and debate it with evidence or argument like a lawyer but don't resort to bashing or condescending remarks. Its childish and nonconstructive.
[i]"...and as for flawed, all movies are flawed. Bruce Lee ring a bell, i love his movies but really the story lines are mostly crap. so trying to hold a martial arts flick up to a candle of story awesomeness is tarded."[/i]
Your logic is faulty. Pointing fingers at other movie flaws still doesn't leave Chocolate off the hook with its own flaws. Its the equivalent of saying person A is a child abuser but thats alright because atleast hes not person B who is a serial killer. A flaw is a flaw, no matter how you spin it. The case your presenting is really an excuse argument. Lets keep the focus on why you think Chocolate is great. I wouldn't go as far as saying its the worst movie in the world but I won't pretend that it doesn't have any problems.