Search - The Legend of Suriyothai on DVD


The Legend of Suriyothai
The Legend of Suriyothai
Actors: M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Chatchai Plengpanich, Johnny Anfone, Mai Charoenpura
Director: Chatrichalerm Yukol
Genres: Action & Adventure, Indie & Art House, Drama, Military & War
R     2003     2hr 22min

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 11/25/2003 Run time: 142 minutes Rating: R

     
3

Larger Image

Movie Details

Actors: M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Chatchai Plengpanich, Johnny Anfone, Mai Charoenpura
Director: Chatrichalerm Yukol
Creators: Anupap Buachand, Igor Luther, Chatrichalerm Yukol, Francis Ford Coppola, Kamla Yukol, Kim Aubry, Sunait Chutintaranond
Genres: Action & Adventure, Indie & Art House, Drama, Military & War
Sub-Genres: Action & Adventure, Indie & Art House, Drama, Military & War
Studio: Sony Pictures
Format: DVD - Color,Widescreen,Anamorphic - Subtitled
DVD Release Date: 11/25/2003
Original Release Date: 01/01/2003
Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2003
Release Year: 2003
Run Time: 2hr 22min
Screens: Color,Widescreen,Anamorphic
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 3
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Languages: Thai
Subtitles: English, French

Similar Movies

Bang Rajan
Director: Tanit Jitnukul
2
   UR   2005   1hr 11min
Ong-Bak - The Thai Warrior
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
   R   2005   1hr 45min
   
The Legend of the Shadowless Sword
Director: Young-jun Kim
8
   R   2008   1hr 44min
Jan Dara
Directors: Nonzee Nimibutr, Mason Goliver
3
   UR   2005   1hr 48min
Nang Nak
Director: Nonzee Nimibutr
1
   NR   2005   1hr 40min

Similarly Requested DVDs

Star Wars - Episode II Attack of the Clones
Widescreen Edition
Director: George Lucas
   PG   2005   2hr 22min
   
Star Wars - Episode III Revenge of the Sith
Widescreen Edition
Director: George Lucas
   PG-13   2005   2hr 20min
   
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Director: Sidney Lumet
   R   2008   1hr 52min
   
The Alamo
Director: John Wayne
   NR   2000   2hr 47min
   
Mongol The Rise of Genghis Khan
Director: Sergei Bodrov
   R   2008   2hr 6min
   
Ocean's Eleven
Widescreen Edition
   PG-13   2002   1hr 56min
   
National Treasure
Widescreen Edition
Director: Jon Turteltaub
   PG   2005   2hr 11min
   
Brotherhood of the Wolf
Director: Christophe Gans
   R   2002   2hr 22min
   
The Forbidden Kingdom
   PG-13   2008   1hr 44min
   
Renaissance
Director: Christian Volckman
   R   2007   1hr 45min
   
 

Movie Reviews

An accurate and entertaining Thai history lesson
John | San Antonio, Texas United States | 12/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, first of all...this was a historical film. There was, for all intents and purposes,no "script". Typically when hollywood makes an historical film it has to add a story behind the actual events so that the audience has something more to follow than just the "history lesson". Kind of like they did with Titanic. Big boat hits iceberg, begins sinking and lots of people die. Of course that would get pretty boring without a fictitous love story behind it. However, with Suriyothai, this is not the case. The film was commisioned by the queen of Thailand so that the people of Thailand could have an accurate depiction of an historical event and I for one feel they did just that. All the backstabbing, treachery, heartbreak AND violence, usually fabricated to give an historical movie substance, actually happened in the kingdom once known as Siam. The director and his team did tons of research that accurately reflects the true events that occured at the time. Of course, it is not for everyone and I'm sure most people unaware of the legend of Suriyothai, or simply not interested in the Thai culture, will pass this movie by and grab The Terminator 3 so they can be "entertained". This movie was made for one real reason; to give Thai people an historical picture of an event most, if not all, were unaware of. This is a kind of "North and South" for Thailand and Thai people. However, if you simply watch the movie and take in the "story" that's involved I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and you will learn something in the process as well. About 98% of this film is true. Little things like how someone was ACTUALLY executed or how someone rode an elephant into battle may be off a little, but for the most part this is an actual depiction of Thai history. I rented this movie because I am Thai, and felt intrigued to see what a "big-budget" Thai movie would be like. I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. The imagery, soundtrack and visuals are great. The story it tells is fascinating, made even more fascinating because it's true. The acting at times seems stretched and the direction during dialogue scenes may seem a little off to most westerners used to Hollywood movies. You more than likely would not see this movie unless you are Thai, related to someone Thai or interested in anything Thai. And that's too bad because it has a lot to offer for a movie that's just an "Historical Account"."
Fascinating
Curtis Allan | Seattle, WA | 02/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no question this movie has flaws, but quite frankly I would prefer watching such flaws much more than suffering thru the miserable slop which is 98% of Hollywood films today...This is a fascinating look at another part of the globe which most of us have not experienced beyond eating Phad Thai at the local corner chifa. The colors, the costumes, the bloodthirsty ambition, and the elephants! What amazing images are these. I was particulary enthralled with the scenes of elephant warfare and the one with the elegent river canoes thrusting into battle. And the one-eyed warrior was over the top! Even Hollywood should recognize that guy's talent. How tough was he?For me, the only reason to not buy this right away is the hope that the longer Thai theatrical version (+45 minutes) might be even better. But I doubt its coming out any time soon, and often editing is done for a good reason (see Das Boot or Blade Runner). If you liked Lawrence of Arabia, Gandhi, Braveheart, or Elizabeth, I think you will enjoy this film. So my advice is to buy this fascinating film right now!"
Sumptuous, lavish and impressive
K. J. Hess | Columbus, OH | 08/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"We loved this film. Foremost, it was beautifully filmed, with lavish costumes, sets & scenery. The music is beautiful; I'm disappointed that it's not available; I'm a fan of movie scores.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story line also. Not being familiar with the history of Siam/Thailand/Burma, I can't vouch for its historical accuracy. Whether correct or not, it's a fascinating story.
My only criticism is that we became slightly confused by the interwoven relationships of the characters. I'd have liked a guide or "family tree" to follow so I could keep up with the many hierarchies. It was sometimes hard to keep up with who was doing what to whom & why & if they were related familiarly or only politically.
Although much of this was unfamiliar material, I highly recommend it if you enjoy subtitled films. We were never bored."
An Epic Asian Film That Doesn't Depend On Choreography!
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/03/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"THE LEGEND OF SURIYOTHAI is as fine a study in Thai history as is available. Obviously a Big Budget film (apparently financed by Thai Royalty) this is a no holds barred look at the legend of a woman (Suriyothai) in Siamese history circa 1540s who selflessly saved her country from annihilation both from civil unrest and from Burmese invasion.

For those of us for whom this film is the first exposure to the ancient history of Siam/Thailand the going can be a bit rough in following the multitude of characters, the various kings and queens and consorts of the provinces within Siam, and the rules of lineage in the royal families. But once into the film these constrictions relax and the development of the story is fascinating to watch.

The costumes and scenery are as beautiful as any in comparative Asian films and the photography encourages the viewer to jump into the middle of the many gory battles and absorb the feeling of terror that is a running constant in this legend. Thankfully for a change the emphasis is not on highly choreographed fight sequences that crowd the screens today. The acting is difficult to access: this lengthy two and a half hour version of the original four hour film treats some characters a bit abruptly, not allowing us to see how character evolvement worked in the original. But the leads are beautiful and sensitive actors and given the scope of the film, each seems to handle the story well.

There is an odd superimposition of Western music (of the tacky Muzak, elevator sort) on this otherwise authentic appearing film. I suppose that is due in part to the fact that Francis Ford Coppola is the producer and felt that the music would enhance Western viewing. This would be a mute point if it were not for the fact that one of the most sensitive moments in this movie is when a young man is asked to sing for the king: the song is true Siamese not only in language but in notes and style and it is hauntingly beautiful!

Due to the film's length and its indulgent use of battle bloody sequences this may not be a movie for everyone, but for those who find the history of the Orient sadly lacking in our teaching, then THE LEGEND OF SURIYOTHAI is a marvelous starting point. Grady Harp, March 2005"