The Overture

Official Movie Poster

I've always believed that with patience and compassion will let you achieve whatever you want to achieve. The first Thai Movie I've watched, The Overture is another movie that reminded me the true meaning of passion. This movie depicts love, courage, determination, and patience towards obstacles. 

It was a story directed by Ittisontorn Vichajlak in 2004. It was set on the 19th Century, that follows the life of a Thai classical musician.The story begins with the elder Sorn, he was a classical musician that plays "ranad-ek", a Thai classical instrument. He was so gifted that many people were envious of his talent. A rivalry with other musicians caused his death. Sorn's father then didn't let the younger Sorn have anything to do with playing the ranad-ek any more. However, it has always been his passion to play the particular instrument since he was a child. He has been secretly playing the instrument and practicing at an abandoned temple. After a period of time, Sorn's father had a consultation with a monk and he adviced him that he should not keep his son from doing what he wants. 

After Sorn has gained more intelligence about his art, he became famous among other musicians and he has been a popular topic around many people. He has become arrogant and started missing practices. This led to his loss against a very skilled musician. However, Sorn worked hard after his defeat, started learning more, gaining new experience, asking for other musicians' guidance, and basically focused on what he really is ought to do. In the end of the movie, Sorn went against another anonymous musician. This time, he was ready and had learnt many things through the help of Master Tian. Everyone was incredibly impressed on how Sorn played the ranad-ek that he eventually won against his competitor. 

Anuchyd Sapanphong who played as the younger Sorn

Just like a lot of young people, Sorn's attitude towards his incredible talent was expected. He became arrogant and didn't think about others but himself. At a young age, when we thought that we are already the best in whatever we do, we start to ignore everyone around us and we start to ignore possibilities of getting better. However, his defeat and the result of his actions made him realize that he would not achieve his goals if he continues to act that way. He decided to change and to learn. He became more determined about his passion, and in the end he got the results he wanted. Sorn's portrayal in this movie could be better, but it was still believable so I would say that the actor Anuchyd Sapanphong had still done a good job.

Another factor that I liked about this movie is that the setting was during the olden age. It shows the real Thai tradition that I've never learnt before. What I truly like about watching foreign movies is truthfully to know more about a certain culture. As I mentioned that it was my first time watching a Thai movie, it's very enlightening for me to find out more about their ancient times and their pure culture. They had such a lifestyle that everything was controlled in the society, how women used to be in the olden society, the traditional clothes they wear were also very interesting.

Behind this movie had a good lesson to learn from. It shows how arrogance and too much confidence will somehow bring you down no matter how good you are in what you do. Looking down on others and looking up on yourself too much is not a good way to be thankful to God by giving you such a talent. Sorn's bad actions made him realize that change is the only way for him to succeed. At least he had learn something from the wrong he has done. However, he also showed the true meaning of hard work and patience. His determination led him to succeed in the end. I have to say that although I normally don't enjoy movies that are being spoken in a language I do not understand, I still liked it because it had a lot of culture in it and as well as lessons to keep in mind. I would give it a 8/10 if I was to rate it.