wiseman-4

I did, in fact, expected the film to be in a style that it was in. However it lacked a conclusive point which is the biggest shortcoming. A film without much of a purpose or anything interesting to show is not a good film.

Yes, it does depict the secondary school life rather accurately and very realistically (this is a plus without a doubt) but is that enough? Is it enough to make a documentary-like movie about the life in a classroom? Sorry, but this is not the art of film-making.

It is not a very bad film. Far from that. The acting is 100% superb and so is the school realism. These are the best points of the film. Unfortunately these were the only good points about it.

Overall it's an OK film but rather pointless. The only reason I could think of why it should be interesting to some is because some of the older generations (say 40+) may not have a good idea of the contemporary school life which this film shows very well. But for those who still remember their school days in the not so distant past, it just looks senseless and so it does to me.

In fact, I am more more disappointed by the jury decision of the Cannes Film festival then the film itself. By awarding their top prize to this average movie they are simply lowering down the image of the award and in a sense marginalize the Cannes film festival.

Having been taking photos and videos of the places I travel to (not least Thailand and Bangkok which is one of my favorite cities on earth) I can assure you that anyone who is capable of holding a camera in a hand and can speak and is not an alien from Mars can make a similar 'documentary' about pretty much anything and 'prove' any point or hypothesis. Having observed the sex scene of Thailand (and other countries) from a close-up myself I can express nothing but a sad smile looking at this 'documentary' which is nothing about even a fair attempt to depict the scene and the industry that has taken so many women (men as well) in Thailand. I would suggest the authors of this 'documentary' to get into some books (or Wikipedia at the very least) and have some read about Thai culture and history before putting 'farangs' anywhere near the center of the issue. I could write a lot more but I guess it's just not worth it. My recommendation to those willing to watch this: don't bother. Better buy a ticket to Bangkok and see the amazing city and amazing country for yourself. And there i no need to be afraid to get to the places where those girls are doing their business. They won't bite. Perhaps they could even tell you their own story.

All in all this is a piece of an amateurish documentary film-making which perhaps could not get it any worse.