OF GODS AND MEN

Directed by: Xavier Beauvois

Original title: Des hommes et des dieux

As I read the title, it makes me frowned, 'Was it just another over the top movie with preachy messages?'. However I was wrong, although the pacing is slower than the fastest snail on a race, but it was good, in fact a bit amazing and not preachy at all.

Based on the true story of nine French monks who lived peacefully among the majority Muslim population in Algeria in the 90s, it adds an element of 'reality' into the film. If you happen to google what happened there, the story is scary, seven of the monks were captured and beheaded by a group of religious extremists.

It could be a movie about blood and over dramatic scenes but director Xavier Beauvois dives into the psychological aspect of the monks. Here we can see how the monks and the majority Muslim population lives side by side respecting each others faith and there are lengthy scenes of the monks praying, giving new perspective for the viewer. The monks also provide free health care for the villagers, something the villagers really appreciate.

Beauvois has successfully made a clear distinction between the peaceful Muslim villagers and the extremists on the difference of the level of their tolerance and the way they treat each other.

Trouble comes as the so called extremist ruin the peace and the monks are faced with difficult choices; to leave the village they loved or stay there and be true to their mission at any price.

The tone of the film is very peaceful and the acting is just okay by not focusing on just one character, but if you pay close attention you can get the message of this film.

For action movie lovers, this film which close French Film Festival in Indonesia will make you snore, but for those who wanted to watch something meditative and different, this one is a must.

SUCKSEED

Directed by: Chayanop Boonprakob

Original Title: SuckSeed Huay Khan Thep

I'm in the mood for romantic comedy and anything lighter than wafer, so I stumble upon this. First I have seen the trailer and judging from that I have a feeling that this one will be hilarious, and I am right.

This is the sort of film that will remind you about your younger days, that is if you were young and nice.

Coming from GTH, a successful production house from Thailand which has given South East Asian viewers with Shutter, Alone and Phobia this one will make you laugh and realize that our neighbor Thailand has better story to tell than most if Indonesian film.

Look at the simplicity of the story, a boy who fell in love with a girl but keep the feeling for himself. In the hand of mediocre Indonesian filmmaker it will be one boring Jakarta centric story, but here, it is down to earth. No overly handsome loser who dreams of a perfect girl, they are just ordinary people with daily problems.

Ped had fallen in love with Ern since he were just a kid, he even try to sing his own song and send the tape to Ern. But one phone call at night to Ern's house make Ped change his mind, Ped lies to Ern's parents that he is Koong, Ped's best friend. It happened as they were kids and it lead to future complication.

Flash forward to 2006 as they are already in high school, Ped (Jirayu Laongmanee) still keep his feelings for Ern (Nattacha Nauljam) deep down inside. Ped still hang out with Koong (Pachara Chirathivat) who lives in the shadow of his successful twin brother, Kay who plays lead guitar in a better rock band called The Arena.

Trying to have his own spotlight, Koong try to form a band consisting of him as the lead guitarist, Ped as the bassist and a new kid, Ex (Thawat Pornrattanaprasert) as the drummer. Guess what, who Koong will ask as another guitarist? Ern.

First Koong just want to attract girls by forming a band, but as they spent time together he too have feelings for Ern and that make things more complicated for Ped. Will the unity of the band destroyed by a normal love triangle?

Accompanied by so many Thai music I am not familiar with (lucky for me even the songs has subtitles!) I am entertained to the maximum. Aside from the music and the incorporation of what seem to be Thai's famous musicians whom I do not known at all, the acting is believable and Pachara Chirathivat steals the scene.

As for the story it is just a so-so teen rom com but the deliverance is very successful and can make you lough out loud plus reminding you of the glorious days of your time in high school. As for me this is more fun to watch than that pseudo artsy fartsy Uncle Boonme who can recall his Past Lives.

I know it is not a fair thing to put these two films on the same table, but we watch movies to enjoy it right? Regardless whether it is just a simple rom com or some dialogue heavy court room drama.