Film Reviews

Tears of the Black Tiger

• Rating:
• Director: Wisit Sartsanatieng.
• Starring: Chartchai Ngamsan, Stella Malucchi, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Arawat Ruangvuth, Sombat Metanee, Pairoj Jasingha.
• Details: Thai / 100 mins / (No Cert).

Written and directed by Wisit Sartsanatieng, Tears of the Black Tiger is a visually opulent but occasionally confusing film. Dum (Chartchai Ngamsan) and Rumpoey (Stella Malucchi) are childhood lovers, whose relationship is destroyed by a series of circumstances based on class. After his father is killed, Dum joins a gang of outlaws to seek his revenge. Quickly proving his mettle, he becomes nicknamed the Black Tiger, and is the most wanted man in the east. His former lover, however, is now engaged to the man who must bring him in, Kumjorn (Arawat Ruangvuth). Tears of the Black Tiger is beautiful-looking film- colourful, charming and nostalgic. Problem is, it doesn't extend much past this gorgeous veneer, thanks to the deficiencies of the script. Not quite as tight as it should be, Tears of the Black Tiger leaves the viewer wondering exactly what the point was.

Review by Garreth Murphy