Dec 26, 2018

Krut: The Himmaphan Warriors (Chaiporn Panichrutiwong, 2018)

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼(☼) out of 10☼

Based on the second fall of Ayutthaya Kingdom during the Burmese-Siamese War (1759–1760), Krut: The Himmaphan Warriors (originally, Krut Mahayut Himmaphan) transforms historical events into a spectacular mythological epic set in a fictional 'world of yore' inhabited by hybrid creatures and fire-spewing stone giants (whose inherently evil, hyper-titanic king eats nothing but molten gold).

Considering that it is created not by a huge studio, but at the digital art department of Rangsit University in Pathum Thani, Thailand, the film features pretty impressive CG animation (almost comparable to the Final Fantasy features), replete with wonderfully choreographed action sequences that are certainly not kid-friendly, i.e. not shying away from blood spilling, bodies being split in halves and swords being shoved down the throats.

Behind the curtain of violence, the themes of unity, bravery, treachery, solidarity, patriotism and self-sacrifice are woven into a simple and familiar, yet strangely engaging story conceived by Wisit Sasanatieng of the Tears of the Black Tiger fame. Although his screenplay feels a bit rushed at times, much relying on the rule of cool and archetypal characters, there's plenty to enjoy in this dark and high fantasy, especially if you haven't neglected your inner child hopelessly enamored with the campy Saturday-morning cartoons of the 80s.

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