by Joseph Davis, Contributing Writer
Every once in a while, when I skim through films for Out of Market, I find something that I can’t help but feel intrigued about, just based on face value. In these moments, the first few moments of the film are what makes me either go all in on a movie or decide to look at something else. For this month, I decided to go with the Thai film Once Upon a Star, which released on Netflix only a few weeks ago. Set in 1970s Thailand, it follows a traveling cinema group as they show films and sell pharmaceuticals through rural Thailand; this movie surprised me in a lot of ways, and is one of the hidden gems of the year.
Firstly, I want to talk about the setting. The fact that we focus on a Pharma-Cinema group is extremely intriguing for me, especially because the method they perform the films through dubbing. It’s an interesting thing to see, because from the film history I’m used to, I had only known of films being silent with dialogue appearing on screen cards, and then the transition to sound movies. I had never considered dubbing being a necessity for films, with members of the cinematic team performing the dialogue in the film for the audience as a necessity, and that’s why I enjoy movies from outside of the usual films I come across. That, coupled with the fact the team travels through rural Thailand, makes the rest of the film hit entirely differently than I’d normally expect, because each of these aspects are occurring with the backdrop of an industry that’s leaving them behind. You’re constantly reminded of how there are other dubbing teams with better equipment and with more actors available, with the team having to make decisions to save their careers that their head office would not allow, such as adding a female dubbing artist to the team. It’s an added layer to the reminder of both the times changing in the country and the world, such as the sight of people seeing advertisements for products similar to what the group sells on Television.
The next aspect I want to talk about is one that feels a lot more subtle, until you approach the end of the film. Early on, there is a brief moment where the viewers learn of the main actor of the films that they show: Mitr Chaibancha, one of the most iconic and idolized actors of the Thai film industry in the late ‘50s, ‘60s and early ‘70s. He serves as an inspiration for our characters as an idol, which at first seems innocuous, because of the fact that it makes sense to have a person you idolize in an industry you love. However, as the film goes on, it feels more and more an ode to Mitr himself, who tragically died in an accident while filming in 1970. The film itself makes it clear that the characters truly idolize him, and take a level of pride knowing that they’re bringing his characters to life for the people of their homeland.
Finally, I do have one detraction from the film. It features are a few subplots, and while some add context for the timeframe the characters find themselves in (such as ongoing conflicts inside the country), others do make the film lag at times, specifically a romantic subplot regarding the female lead and two of the male leads which feels unnecessary to the rest of the film. It adds some conflict, sure, but ultimately, if it was taken out, I don’t think it would have much of an effect, if any.
Ultimately, this movie should be one on anyone’s watchlist if they haven’t had a chance to take a dive at it. It’s a beautiful film that is also packed with emotions, as you fall in love with the characters traveling through rural Thailand. It also makes me want to see if I can find the movies starring Mitr, because to see the adoration and respect the characters and this movie gives to the actor, it becomes something I wish to do myself. It’s why I like this series, and it’s why I dive into movies from outside my comfort zone.
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