Love Of Siam

Love Of Siam is an exceptional romantic drama set in downtown Bangkok (Siam Square, hence the title) and directed by Chukiat Sakweerakul. It's exceptional for a variety of reasons, though unfortunately its advertising campaign highlights none of them.

This is one of the longest and most ambitious films in recent Thai commercial cinema. Although on the surface it's a teen romance, the film also portrays the gradual breakdown of a marriage, a surprisingly mature and emotionally deep sub-plot considering that Chukiat is less than thirty years old. It is also one of the first Thai films to portray a gay relationship sensitively and realistically, following the coming-of-age of two childhood friends who develop stronger feelings for each other in high school. The film never resorts to melodrama, and (at least in my opinion) it does not have a conventional, happy ending.

It's a shame that this wonderful film is so misrepresented by its trailer and poster, both of which present it as a story of two heterosexual relationships. Apparently, this strategy was approved by the director, who did not want to limit the potential audience - it is being marketed as a love story, not as a gay film. In commercial terms, the scheme has paid off, as screenings are sold-out and it's the latest hot topic in Bangkok. But surely if you want a mainstream audience to accept a gay narrative, you should not pretend that it's something else just to lure them into the cinema.

I hope that, before too long, a film like this can be marketed as what it is - a deeply affecting portrayal of contemporary relationships, emphasising the complexities of friendship, family, and gay first-love.