| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Thanapat Saisaymar | ... |
Boonmee
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Jenjira Pongpas | ... |
Jen
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| Sakda Kaewbuadee | ... | ||
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Natthakarn Aphaiwonk | ... |
Huay
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Geerasak Kulhong | ... |
Boonsong
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Wallapa Mongkolprasert | ... |
Princess
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Kanokporn Tongaram | ... |
Roong
(as Kanokporn Thongaram)
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Samud Kugasang | ... |
Jaai
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Sumit Suebsee | ... |
Soldier
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Mathieu Ly | ... |
Farmer
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Vien Pimdee | ... |
Farmer
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Akachai Aodvieng |
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Prakasit Padsena |
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Nikom Kammach |
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Chophaka Chaiyuchit |
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Suffering from acute kidney failure, Uncle Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave - the birthplace of his first life. Written by Lament
Viewed at the Festival du Film, Cannes 2010
I saw this film with two friends at the evening, red carpet screening in Cannes. Lucky us, right? Well, no. The walk-outs began about six minutes in and continued unabated. My two companions both fell asleep! I managed to stay awake, although I tried otherwise, and when A and B both woke some 45 minutes later, we also joined the line for the exit.
I realise a film is always a personal experience, but there is absolutely no story on show here, no character establishment or development. The camera lingers and busks to the point that you are mentally screaming "CUT!! CUT!!"! Whole interminable scenes do nothing to drive a non-existent narrative forwards.
Visually, it often looks like it was shot on mini-DV and mastered through an unwashed milk bottle. As for the characters, especially Uncle Boonmee, do we get to know him? What do you think? Do we even care? What do you think again?
The best thing about this film is, I kid you not, an electric fly swatter! Now that's something I want!
It won the Palme D'Or, of course.