WONDERFUL TOWN

Year: 2007
USA: Kino International
UK: Soda Pictures
Cast: Anchalee Saisoontorn, Supphasit Kansen
Featuring: Dul Yaambunying, Sorawit Poolsawat, Prateep Hanudomlap, Chatchai Sae-aong, Panumas Sae-bae, Piyanut Pakdeechat, Noppong Sae-aong, Aroon Uisakul
Director: Aditya Assarat
Country: Thailand
Language: Thai (English subtitles)
USA & UK: 92 mins
USA Release Date: 18 July 2008 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 13 March 2009 (Limited Release) - London, ICA

Synopsis

A subtle, atmospheric tale about the rebuilding of lives in the wake of devastating tragedy, set in a small south Thailand town that felt the full force of the 2004 tsunami.

Ton, an architect from Bangkok, arrives in Takua Pak to oversee the building of a new resort block in an area that, according to rumour, is haunted. He begins a cautious affair with a local girl, Na, the owner of the hotel where he's staying - a romance that sparks disapproval for some of the town-folk and in particular, Na's brother. The mood of the film is transformed as they conspire to destroy the love affair it raises the question of whether the bitter town can ever be wonderful again.

Bristling with mystery, WONDERFUL TOWN is a delicately handled, terrifically assured debut from director Aditya Assarat.