Lee Eisenberg Chatrichalerm Yukol's "Suriyothai" (called "The Legend of Suriyothai" in English) focuses on one of the most important figures in Thailand's history. Although much of it is conjecture due to limited information about Queen Suriyothai, it's still an outstanding movie. We see how she gets forced to be arm candy for the lecherous king while all manner of intrigue and treachery dominate the kingdom.I understand that the US release, presented by Francis Ford Coppola, is shorter than the original version. I would like to see the original version. Nonetheless, the US release is still an impressive movie. The introduction of smallpox by Portuguese mercenaries is one of many examples of the effects that European colonialism had on the rest of the world (interestingly, Thailand avoided colonization). And then there's Burma's invasion of Siam; I guess that societies have been invading each other for thousands of years.Anyway, it's a good movie. Like I said, much of the movie is conjecture, but still well done.

jaichind Visual was very good but the history is incorrect.1) After King Rama Tibodi II dies in 1529, King Boromaraja IV takes over. King Boromaraja IV is King Rama Tibodi II's son not his brother as claimed by the movie.2) After King Boromaraja IV's death in 1533 Prince Ratsadatiratkumar takes over but is overthrown by Prince Prajai. Prince Prajai is the brother of King Boromaraja IV and not his nephew as claimed by film.3) In 1548, King Kaeofa, son of dowager queen Tao Sri Sudachan, tries to do away with her lover and in turn is killed. He was 13 at the time. Film shows him as much younger then that. After Kaeofa is killed, his brother Prince Srisin is placed on the throne (not shown in film) and then is overthrown by Tao Sri Sudachan and her lover Khun Waraniongsu who makes himself King.4) Khun Pirentoratep does then kill and overthrow Khun Waraniongsu in 1548 and places Prince Tienraja as King as shown in film. Khun Pirentoratep is shown as a good person in the film. What the film does not show is that 1568 Khun Pirentoratep would betray the King and join forces with Burma to destroy Ayutthaya. He then makes himself a puppet King with Burma as his overlord. To be fair his son, who later became king as Somdet Phra Sanpet II, did become one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he liberated Siam from Burmese tributary.One funny thing in the movie is that when Khun Waraniongsu was killed, Suriyothai made sure that Prince Srisin was not killed. She was warned that he will be a threat. He was, in 1561 he led a failed rebellion.I just cannot stand incorrect history.

Nai Pitim I can understand why this film received rave reviews in Thailand and among the Thais in the US. The sets, the costumes, the battle scenes are exquisite. There are many scenes that show activity of daily living in Thailand in the olden days. Many of those are quite rare these days. It's very good from a historical and cultural point of view. It's the best efforts in Thai cinematography I've seen thus far and much better than a lot of junk that comes out of Hollywood.However, as an entertainment, it's quite lacking. I agree with some comments here that the acting is wooden and the story line disjointed. I do think it will do very well on the History Channel, or as a television series. In time, I hope acting, story lines, and editing in Thai movies will improve and deserve a second look.

artzau This film should be seen, evaluated and considered in its own merit. I find some of the racist comments in this section very detracting and unnecessary. Most of the people who have slammed this epic have demonstrated little or no sensitivity to the depiction of another cultural setting. The film is historical in that it is based on recorded events; the film is traditional in that it is a story known to most of the Thai people. That it does not rise to level of X Men, Kill Bill or the Matrix slamming, moaning and groaning is certainly to its merit. For those weaned on Hollywood, it will seem too long, to drug out and too "expressionless," "Southeast Asians hacking each other up," "boring..." Ugh.When will some of the viewers take the time to consider that not every one of us love exploding cars, graphic shoot'em ups and mindless dialogue. Just consider the film for what it is: an artistic view of an epic from Thai history...and thank God, it ain't Hollywood.