Headshot

Buddhist Noir
Fon Tok Kuen Fah (Rain Falling Up the Sky)
Pen-Ek Ratanaruang

There are dark movies whose darkness is purposeful. Noir films that are moving more than mysterious. Sad endings that are good endings. Suffering that teaches rather then thrills. Humor that is wicked but inevitable. The dark that is beautiful, regardless it's depths of hopelessness. These are the kinds of films that Pen-Ek Ratanaruang specializes in.
Fon Tok Kuen Fah, which translates to Rain Falling Up the Sky, but is named sensationally Headshot for westerners, is the third film of his I have had the pleasure of viewing. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name written by award winning author Win Lyovarin. Pen-Ek's two earlier works that I have viewed left lasting impressions on me. Ruang Talok 69, or 6ixtynin9 as released in the US, was a dark comedy on level with Pulp Fiction, but more believable. Last Life in the Universe became one of my all time favorite films, one that still haunts me...

Very nice artsy camera work -- story no so.
Very moody, very cool camera work, very moody sound, but the story is disjointed and becomes tedious. It's better than a 2 star but I sure can't give it a three. Good action, when there is any action.

Surprising
Stumbled upon this film and found it very entertaining. I recommend watching. While the plot was a bit predictable about half way through, that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a good movie.

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