Bang Rajan - A Brilliant Battle Epic
John Pettibone | Ma. | 11/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bang Rajan won over eleven film awards including Best Picture and Best Director. This hard hitting true story of a group of villagers pitted against the entire Burmese army in 1765 will keep you on the egde of your seat. Never quiet even in its quiet moments you will follow these villagers as they plot, defend and ultimately sacrifice their lives to keep their homeland free. The lush tropicalness of Thailand, the savagery of battle is brilliantly captured, and the final fight with characters you have come to care about is heartwrenching to watch, and extremely graphic! This is not your average war film so be prepared, but do see it. You will NEVER forget Bang Rajan!"
Dark film, good ending
Patrick D. McWilliams | 10/06/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Bang Rajan is an exciting tale of heroism on the part of ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances and carrying off the task of resistance to invasion better than the Thai Army apparently was able to do. My only fault with the film was the use of ambient light only, leaving most of the action virtually invisible, as the battles seem to have taken place primarily at night or in rainstorms. The final battle is watchable and most graphic. Story was easy to follow. Good use of subtitles, introduction and wrap-up. Just a few floodlights for the night scenes and this would be a truly grand film. But maybe that's not what the producer's wanted. Real war, in the dark, is no doubt chaotic.
In a way this film reminded me of the Northern Ireland drama "Bloody Sunday" where the lack of a tripod or Steadicam made the picture almost nauseating to watch. There was no excuse for that. The budget and possible need for the actors to work day jobs likely forced the producers of Bang Rajan to shoot in the dark."
Great Patriotic Film
Sal V | CT, USA | 11/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The emotion this film captures breaks all language barriers. Dramatic, Action packed, and Powerful. Everyone will love it."
Asian "300"
musiclover | MO, USA | 06/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"if you like "300" (the movie), you will like this one. Same story line. I actully think that "300" director got inspirayion by "Bang Rajan"."