As a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and someone who has experienced my fair share of family dramas, I found “The Paradise of Thorns” to be a riveting, poignant, and timely exploration of love, loss, and the struggle for recognition in the face of societal prejudice. The film’s ability to weave together a gripping narrative with a powerful message about the need for same-sex marriage protections is nothing short of remarkable.
Boss Kuno’s “The Paradise of Thorns” offers a darkly charming depiction of betrayal and family secrets within a soap opera setting. This tale also serves as a subtle yet powerful endorsement for same-sex marriage in Thailand, given that while the law permitting gay unions was passed in June, it is still awaiting royal approval. Thus, this film’s exploration of the importance of such legal protections becomes even more pertinent.
In “The Paradise of Thorns,” we follow the story of an unconventional couple, Thongkam (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), who are legally unmarried but share a deep bond akin to marriage, living harmoniously on a vast orchard. However, when Sek meets with tragedy by falling from a durian tree while working in the orchard, his demise puts Thongkam at risk of harsh inheritance laws, and relatives hungry for what the couple have cultivated over time seek to claim it.
Despite being owned by both men spiritually, the orchard was officially registered under Sek’s name. This causes issues after his death, as his ailing mother Saeng (Srida Puapimol) and her adopted daughter Mo (Engfa Waraha) appear to claim their supposed inheritance. Along with these family mysteries yet to be resolved, the film first lets the raw sorrow on both sides simmer, making it clear that both parties are deeply human before the property dispute escalates.
By portraying the situation from Thongkam’s perspective, we aim to avoid overly stereotypical portrayals, given that a significant part of the narrative is shaped by his viewpoint. Through his eyes, Saeng and Mo appear as intrusive and malicious entities, reveling in their perceived ownership of such a large expanse of land. However, it’s important to note that Saeng often needs to use Thongkam’s bed because of her disability, and unfortunately, she has an accident while using it. To add empathy to the story, behind Thongkam’s back, Kuno subtly generates sympathy for both women, Saeng and Mo.
Throughout most of the movie, they remain antagonistic, even going so far as to force Thongkam off his property. To reclaim what’s rightfully his, Thongkam devises a cunning plan to win their favor: a subtle, gradually escalating revenge strategy that proves surprisingly engaging, considering how deceitful Thongkam becomes. He almost embodies the archetypal Disney villain, with a kind heart and a legitimate grievance, and Satur skillfully portrays these complexities in Thongkam’s character – making him as slippery as he is touching.
As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but mourn the harsh reality that humanity is often defined by documentation. Yet, in a strange twist, I seem to contribute to this narrative by delivering high-drama elements that make these tough topics more palatable for a broader audience, even reaching those who might still be on the fence. However, my subtler themes sometimes take a backseat to the main storyline of the script. At one point, Thongkam engages in a tender heart-to-heart conversation, which underscores the film’s exploration of queer oppression. But this straightforward, thoughtful approach – with its visually functional style – comes at the cost of some of the most vibrant and intense conflicts.
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that striking the right balance between the film’s political stance on LGBTQ issues and its flamboyant, over-the-top narrative style can be quite a challenge at times. One might expect these elements to seamlessly complement each other given their shared focus on queer culture. However, Kuno’s film never quite manages to fully merge these approaches. Yet, the result is a delightful melodrama that coexists harmoniously with its more profound tribute to equality rights, making “The Paradise of Thorns” an engaging watch overall.
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2024-09-13 11:46