An awesome introduction to the world of Thai ghost stories, much more so than Bangkok Haunted or Lhorn which are both mildly entertaining but nearly devoid of any true cultural significance (save Lhorn's tale of the 'paup') - not to mention their shared lack of scares.
"Nang Nak" or Miss Nak translated to English, is a brilliantly filmed atmospheric tale of love that goes well beyond this mortal world. I personally was entranced by the film, and even though it's not terrifying, there are enough chills to be had if one gives themselves over to the story. Filmed many times before, but never with the grace and power brought by director Nonzee Nimbutr, Nang Nak tells a famous Thai cautionary tale set in the 1860's of young husband Mak who is called away to war leaving newly pregnant wife Nak alone in their remote river bank village.
While fighting Mak is seriously wounded and suffers a menacing recovery lasting many months as Monks in Bangkok nurse him back to health. Returning home he joyously reunites with devoted wife Nak and their newborn son, beginning life anew as a father. But things may not quite be what they seem.
Shown to viewers using artfully done jump-cut flashbacks and disquieting imagery of Nak in labor, it becomes clear while giving birth something went horribly wrong. The mystery takes a dark turn as husband Mak begins to hear very disturbing things from close friends regarding his bride, who has become shunned and hated since Mak left to fight in the war. Ever the model husband, Mak refuses to believe or even discuss the possibility Nak is to blame for the fear holding an entire village in its grip. Is it possible even the village elders have succumbed to mass hysteria...or is there a very real reason everyone is terrified of the beautiful Miss Nak? In my opinion Nang Nak scores very high marks across the board for Cinematography, Story, Cast and even in the Chills department. Those few detracting elements I can argue are trifling at best - most focus on my want for the existing (and fully capable) scares to have been jumped up a notch or minor stylistic arguments that are best left unsaid.
"Nang Nak" or Miss Nak translated to English, is a brilliantly filmed atmospheric tale of love that goes well beyond this mortal world. I personally was entranced by the film, and even though it's not terrifying, there are enough chills to be had if one gives themselves over to the story. Filmed many times before, but never with the grace and power brought by director Nonzee Nimbutr, Nang Nak tells a famous Thai cautionary tale set in the 1860's of young husband Mak who is called away to war leaving newly pregnant wife Nak alone in their remote river bank village.
While fighting Mak is seriously wounded and suffers a menacing recovery lasting many months as Monks in Bangkok nurse him back to health. Returning home he joyously reunites with devoted wife Nak and their newborn son, beginning life anew as a father. But things may not quite be what they seem.
Shown to viewers using artfully done jump-cut flashbacks and disquieting imagery of Nak in labor, it becomes clear while giving birth something went horribly wrong. The mystery takes a dark turn as husband Mak begins to hear very disturbing things from close friends regarding his bride, who has become shunned and hated since Mak left to fight in the war. Ever the model husband, Mak refuses to believe or even discuss the possibility Nak is to blame for the fear holding an entire village in its grip. Is it possible even the village elders have succumbed to mass hysteria...or is there a very real reason everyone is terrified of the beautiful Miss Nak? In my opinion Nang Nak scores very high marks across the board for Cinematography, Story, Cast and even in the Chills department. Those few detracting elements I can argue are trifling at best - most focus on my want for the existing (and fully capable) scares to have been jumped up a notch or minor stylistic arguments that are best left unsaid.