Johnny Anfone Movies
A fabled moment in the history of Thailand sets the stage for this lavishly mounted historical epic. In 1528, Thailand's leadership is in chaos, as the Northern and Southern factions of the nation declare their own kings; in the midst of this confusion, young Suriyothai (M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhhakdi) is forced to marry Prince Tien (Sarunyoo Wongkrachang) and leave behind her true love, Piren (Chatchai Plengpanich). In time, Prince Tien becomes the nation's sole ruler, but King Tabinshweti (Suphakit Tangthatswasd), the ruler of nearby Burma, declares his designs upon Thailand; and as the two countries go to war in 1548, Tien is lost in battle. As Thailand's independence hangs in the balance, Suriyothai stands as her nation's new champion; she rallies the Thai forces, and, traveling by elephant, leads a brave and determined campaign against the invading Burmese troops. Suriyothai originally opened in Thailand in the summer of 2001, screening in a sprawling 185-minute version, and became one of the country's biggest box-office hits. Two years later, director Chatrichalerm Yukol, a member of Thai royalty, reshaped the film for international release with the help of his friend Francis Ford Coppola; the film was shortened to 142 minutes and retitled The Legend of Suriyothai. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- 2001
A crucial moment in the history of Thailand comes to life in this epic-scale historical drama, written and directed by Chatrichalem Yukol, a member of the Thai royal family. In 1528, Ayuthaya (the nation which would become Thailand) was divided into two kingdoms, north and south, and beautiful Suriyothai (M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhhakdi), a member of the southern kingdom's royal family, loves Piren (Chatchai Plengpanich). Early in her life, however, Suriyothai comes to the realization that her duty to the people of Ayuthaya outweighs her personal needs, and she instead weds Prince Tiren (Sarunyoo Wongkrachang), whose father is the ruler of the northern kingdom. After the death of Tiren's father, the king of the southern nation makes a bid for power by seizing control of the North, but he has chosen as his consort Srisudachan (Siriwimol Charoenpura), a woman with nefarious alliances, and soon the king and his queen are battling for control of Ayuthaya. As chaos reigns at home, the ruler of neighboring Burma, King Tabinshweti (Suphakit Tangthatswasd), sees this as a perfect opportunity to conquer Ayuthaya, and he soon leads his armies in a bloody invasion. With the leadership of the twin nations in tatters, Suriyothai bravely commands Ayuthaya's troops from atop an elephant in a final battle for freedom. Filmed on a budget of 11 million dollars, Suriyothai was the most expensive film ever produced in Thailand, and went on to become a massive box-office success in that country. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhhakdi, Sarunyoo Wongkrachang, (more)
