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A decade after Look Bar, his acclaimed debut, Itthi-sunthorn Wichailak returns to directing with a landmark dramatic exploration of traditional Thai music. Inspired by the life of musician Luang Pradit Phairao, the last great master of the ranard-ek wooden xylophone, The Overture shifts the border between fiction and conventional biopic. Music becomes the pivotal character in this story of genius and passion - the proud, beautiful expression of a Thai cultural identity that has often been denied and forsaken.
Sorn (Anuchit Saphanphong) is born to play. He comes from a family of musicians and his natural talent requires little training. He understands the harmony of leaves, water and wind and can transfer it naturally to the fluid movements of his hands over the xylophone, from which he coaxes celestial rhythms. While Sorn is still a child, his older brother is beaten to death by rival musicians and the xylophone is forbidden in his family. Still, Sorn disobeys his father's orders and plays at night in secret in an abandoned temple.
When, as a young adult, Sorn is humbled after losing a spontaneous music contest with a rival, he reigns in his arrogant pride and becomes a famous musician at the royal court. His restless genius accompanies him into old age, engaging him in a fight against the obtuse Siamese government when, during World War II, all forms of autochthonous artistic traditions are banned and Siamese music is outlawed in the name of Western civilization.
Thai cinema has recently taken up the task of asserting its national uniqueness. In this context, The Overture strikes a perfect balance between creating awareness of Thailand's cultural roots and channeling the nation's new creative energy. Exquisite in all its aspects, from the lavish photography to the carefully recreated period atmospheres, the film reflects the maturity of an industry rapidly growing and establishing itself as one of the most resourceful and inventive in Asia. Deftly orchestrating its various narrative strands into a cinematic melody, this engaging work absorbs the viewer in a pleasant meditation on music, experienced here as a direct and powerful expression of a culture.
- Giovanna Fulvi, 2004 Toronto International Film Festival |
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"Exhilarating. builds a Vibrant energy
with its theme of music enriching the soul." - Russell edwards, Variety
"The genuine sweetness of the actor portraying sorn as a young man reflects the sweetness of the entire film." - Renata Poly, Pacific Sun |
THE OVERTURE starring Anuchit Saphanphong, as young Sorn. Directed by Itthi-sunthorn Wichailak. A Kino International Release. 
