What Film (Movie) Have You Just Watched?

[The_Munchmaster]

As Good As It Gets.

[Coss]

Bram Stoker's Dracula

 

Num Num

[dave32]

Bang Rajan.

 

Kinda the Thai version of '300,' set in 18th (?) century rural Thailand. Small village stands up to invading Burmese Army with no support.

 

More interesting characters than 300. My favorite was the reckless drunk who turned out to be noble in spirit.

 

Enjoyed it. It's short, clocks in just over an hour.

[dave32]

Interesting.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bang_Rachan

 

Watching the film, didn't realize there was a genuine historical context (though wiki is a shaky source).

 

Eventually the village is wiped out, but it IS one hell of a story.

 

:

 

---

The Burmese forces encountered little competent resistance from the Siamese and advanced close to the capital, but refused to attack due to uncertainty regarding the strength of the forces they would have to face. There was much raiding of the surrounding country and, in addition to the general policy which required the submission of the Siamese, they began to demand the unmarried daughters of families as well, a policy which provoked the Siamese people into resistance.

 

The beginning of resistance and the first notable appearance of Bang Rajan occurred when a group of Siamese from various villages - notably Sibuathong, Krap and Pho Thale - led by Nai Thaen, Nai Choti, Nai In, Nai Muang, Nai Dok and Nai Thong Kaeo lured a group of Burmese raiders into a forest with the promise of young women and then turned upon them, killing the entire group of twenty. After this they retreated to Bang Rachan where, we are also told, most of the population of the villages of Mueang Wiset Chaichan, Mueang Sing and Mueang San had fled.

 

Bang Rajan is recorded as being ideally situated: "A place where foodstuffs were plentiful...a village on high ground and...it was difficult for the enemy to get at."

 

In addition to its ideal situation geographically and its position as a focus of those fleeing the Burmese, Bang Rajan had at this early point approximately 400 fighting men who elected five leaders amongst themselves and worked on the erection of fortifications. There was also a Buddhist priest, Thammachot, who had been invited into the village monastery where he was held in great veneration by the inhabitants, who believed him to have great knowledge and power with regard to spells, charms and other incantations.

The Burmese leaders camped at Mueang Wiset Chaichan, were aware of the slaughter of their men by the Siamese who had fled to Bang Rajan and sent a small force of about a 100 men to capture them. The Burmese were taken by surprise when they were attacked while resting and were almost entirely wiped out by the force led by Nai Thaen, who had been elected leader of Bang Rajan.

 

News of this victory spread quickly across the country and resulted in many more people coming out of hiding to join the resistance movement, swelling the ranks camped within Bang Rachan to 1,000 fighting men. This amateur force was well organized along the lines of a professional military unit but were considerably disadvantaged by their lack of equipment, especially firearms, although this was countered to an extent by their great faith in the presence of the priest Thammachot and his various magic spells and talismans.

 

Well aware that he was facing heavy resistance, the Burmese leader at Wiset Chaichanw requested reinforcements before sending another force against the village. He had underestimated them, as they managed to rout a second army of about 500 as well as a third force, again greater in numbers and under a new leader.

 

A pivotal event occurred during the fourth attack on the village by a force of 1,000 Burmese under Surin Chokhong. This force was not immediately defeated by the Siamese villagers but their commander was killed and after much fighting the villagers retreated. At this point the carelessness of the Burmese appeared once again as they lowered their guard to begin preparing food and caring for the corpse of their commander. Seeing this, the villagers quickly returned to the field and the surprised Burmese force was truly routed and lost most of its manpower due to the determined pursuit by the Siamese villagers. While victorious again, the leader of Bang Rajan, Nai Thaen, was shot in the knee - an event which would have grave consequences for the resistance as it meant he was no longer capable of fighting or leading from the front.

[Old Hippie]

I just watched "The Most Dangerous Man in America." About the pentagon papers and Danial Elsberg. Scarey when you stop to think about it.

[The_Munchmaster]

Best not to stop and think about it then.

[The_Munchmaster]

I watched Ratatouie a couple of weeks ago and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. Great animation and it's about food so good combo.

[Palatkik]

Just saw the torrent of "The Kids Are All Right". Oscar contender type of material - may not appeal to all, but well done all counts.

[Hugh_Hoy]

"The Town" a "don't miss" if you like heist movies.

 

HH

[khunsanuk]

Hi,

 

Recently saw:

 

Splice - A lot like species. Not that great though.

 

The A-Team - Rather enjoyed this one. Brought back childhood memories of watching the series

 

Predators - Just another cash-in of the original Predator. Not very good.

 

Prince of Persia - Movie of the games. Enjoyed this very much. Lots of cool effects.

 

Robin Hood (latest one) - Enjoyed this immensely as well.

 

Still to watch:

- Toy Story 3

- Animal Kingdom

- How to train your dragon

- Machete

 

Sanuk!