The funny thing is that I always learn about the Thai related events in NY and what is going on in Thailand from my Thai language students. And the showing of the movie is another time that my students have enlightened me.

Uncle Boonmee received the highest award, Winner of the Palme d’Or (2010 Cannes Film Festival), and was on the spotlight in Thailand for the comment that Apichartpong made during his acceptance speech. I have to admit that his movie is a little bit too complicated for my taste. Nevertheless, based on what several Thai students say about the movie, it is worth watching. After watching several movies by Pen-ek Ratanaruang and Apichatpong and I can honestly say that I am proud to be Thai. Both directors have successfully captured the sense of Thainess in their movies. I think Uncle Boonmee is on the borderline of magical realism, yet superstition blends so well into reality in Thailand to the point that the “reality” is somehow acceptable.

If you are curious about Uncle Boonmee, it is still showing  at Film Forum.

Photo Credit: http://jbspins.blogspot.com/2010/09/nyff-10-uncle-boonmee.html