excerpt - In 1983, Phra Sripariyattiweti, the abbot of a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, published a book telling the story of a man called Boonmee who had told him he could clearly remember his own past lives while meditating, "playing behind his closed eyes like a movie." By the time Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul had heard the story, Boonmee had died, so rather than attempt a straightforward biopic, he decided to use the idea and structure to make a far more personal film, reminiscent of the Thai horror films of his youth. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives was released in early 2010 to critical acclaim, winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and boosting the profile of its director to worldwide recognition.
A bold, dream-like piece; confusing, befuddling, but often stunningly beautiful. It definitely won't be for everyone, many will find it confusing and impenetrable, but Uncle Boonmee could well mark an eye- opening new direction for film, with Weerasethakul's direction treading a unique new path for other filmmakers to follow.
A bold, dream-like piece; confusing, befuddling, but often stunningly beautiful. It definitely won't be for everyone, many will find it confusing and impenetrable, but Uncle Boonmee could well mark an eye- opening new direction for film, with Weerasethakul's direction treading a unique new path for other filmmakers to follow.