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| The Overture (Hom Rong) |
It is always a good experience to deal with the immense feeling of satisfaction, knowing you have watched something truly spectacular. The Overture managed to stir some of those emotions through its brilliance as a a great story. Directed by Ittisontorn Vichajlak, The Overture (Hom Rong in Thai) fictionalizes the life-story of a Thai palace musician Luang Pradit Phairoh in the late 19th century.
The story starts out with the elder Sorn (played by Adul Dulyarat) in bed recalling his childhood-fond moments. Sorn was from a family of musicians. From a young age Sorn has always been intrigued by the Ranad-ek. His father however forbids Sorn to play the instrument as he fears his family's dark history would repeat. Sorn's older brother was a skilled and gifted Ranad-ek player. His talent however caused him his life as he stirred some dissatisfaction and rivalry among other musicians. Despite this dark past, Sorn was determined to play the instrument and retreats himself to an abandoned temple in the jungle to familiarize himself with the Ranad-ek.
As time passes, Sorn's father lets him play after being consulted by a monk who advised that it is Sorn's right to play the Ranad_ek. Sorn (now played by a younger actor, Anuchyd Sapanphong) as a student of the art excelled tremendously to a point where he became the topic of talk for other bands. Sorn then starts to miss practice and becomes somewhat arrogant which lead him to be stunned by another mysterious matured Ranad-ek player. Post experiencing defeat, Sorn struggled to come to terms with himself but eventually he was fortunate enough to be offered a position in the palace's royal music entourage. Under the guidance of Master Tian, Sorn was able to learn and master various Thai classical instruments. Granted with astonishing musical skills, Sorn surprised many, including the King in the kingdom's musical competition. He dueled once again with the mysterious Ranad-ek player, only this time, Sorn triumphed.
The story starts out with the elder Sorn (played by Adul Dulyarat) in bed recalling his childhood-fond moments. Sorn was from a family of musicians. From a young age Sorn has always been intrigued by the Ranad-ek. His father however forbids Sorn to play the instrument as he fears his family's dark history would repeat. Sorn's older brother was a skilled and gifted Ranad-ek player. His talent however caused him his life as he stirred some dissatisfaction and rivalry among other musicians. Despite this dark past, Sorn was determined to play the instrument and retreats himself to an abandoned temple in the jungle to familiarize himself with the Ranad-ek.
As time passes, Sorn's father lets him play after being consulted by a monk who advised that it is Sorn's right to play the Ranad_ek. Sorn (now played by a younger actor, Anuchyd Sapanphong) as a student of the art excelled tremendously to a point where he became the topic of talk for other bands. Sorn then starts to miss practice and becomes somewhat arrogant which lead him to be stunned by another mysterious matured Ranad-ek player. Post experiencing defeat, Sorn struggled to come to terms with himself but eventually he was fortunate enough to be offered a position in the palace's royal music entourage. Under the guidance of Master Tian, Sorn was able to learn and master various Thai classical instruments. Granted with astonishing musical skills, Sorn surprised many, including the King in the kingdom's musical competition. He dueled once again with the mysterious Ranad-ek player, only this time, Sorn triumphed.
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| Sorn performing in the kingdom's competition. |
In all honesty, I would not have known that this is a movie with minimal budget. I appreciate the fact that the actor playing Sorn actually learnt how to play the Ranad-ek which reflects how realistic they want to make this movie. I also like how this movie flourish with genuine classical elements; the music, the wardrobe, the culture. All in all, The Overture has been a pleasure to watch as it lets viewers learn and be absorbed into a foreign culture.
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