Proof that a bland script with inexperienced leads when directed with cinematic craft can manage to turn a plain storyline and characters into an enjoyable thriller with a suspenseful and ultimately satisfying payoff.
Likes:
Dislikes:
Overall, it started slow but builds up decently enough, with the cinematography and Lynn's father saving the movie by adding the touch of class and emotional relevance the movie needed to make you care. Probably would've been a better movie if shortened by about 20 minutes. If you're looking for a Thai popcorn flick that's not half-assed, this is a good candidate.
Likes:
- It doesn't shy away from Thailand's problematic traditions of school "sponsorship fees" and class differences without having to make a big deal out of them.
- While I was critical of the leads' acting in the first paragraph, Bank (Chanon) does get to show his capabilities in an intense stand-off and Lynn (Chutimon) does well in the scenes that require subtlety despite being a stick stiff when she's supposed to be a normal schoolgirl.
- However, they all pale in comparison to Lynn's father who delivers the role so well you want to join Lynn in every tearful hug.
Dislikes:
- Needed variety and realism to the cheating techniques in the movie. Shouldn't have been that hard to research, really.
- The Thai illogical-for-entertainments'-sake style strikes here too like the motorcycle fleets and Bank's sudden change in character in the end.
- In every scene where she's required to show any type of emotion or be a normal schoolgirl, Lynn is basically just a talking stick.
- I'm tempted to dock off a half star for the STIC testing chief's style of speech alone.
Overall, it started slow but builds up decently enough, with the cinematography and Lynn's father saving the movie by adding the touch of class and emotional relevance the movie needed to make you care. Probably would've been a better movie if shortened by about 20 minutes. If you're looking for a Thai popcorn flick that's not half-assed, this is a good candidate.