We continue with the list of Thai films that have left their mark on the history of Thai cinema. Discover 4 more cult Thai films to explore, watch, and revisit absolutely. It’s a chance to learn more about the history and culture of the country while getting a glimpse of what the Thai public particularly cherishes on the big screen…

The tears of the black tiger

Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng, "The Tears of the Black Tiger" has become a classic of Thai cinema. Released in the late 2000s, it was the first Thai film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival (in 2001, in the "Un Certain Regard" category). Inspired by Likay, a popular Thai theater genre, the film blends elements of western, tragedy, romance, and comic book genres. The story follows the passionate love between two children from different backgrounds who aspire to live a beautiful love story. Years later, the young man, now a feared bandit known as "Black Tiger," must navigate between love and honor.

Uncle Boonmee who can recall his past lives

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, "Uncle Boonmee who can recall his past lives" is a Thai drama that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. The film tells the story of a man suffering from kidney failure who decides to spend his final days in the mountains. One evening, he encounters the ghosts of his wife and son and decides to visit a mysterious cave. This cave turns out to be the birthplace of his first existence, and the journey through the jungle to reach it allows him to travel through his past lives. The film offers a fascinating journey through past, present, and future, presenting a unique perspective on reincarnation, a deeply held belief in Thailand.

Tropical malady

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, "Tropical Malady" is part of a trilogy (preceded by "Blissfully Yours" and followed by "Syndromes and a Century"). It received several accolades such as the Best Film Award at the Turin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. The film draws inspiration from old Thai beliefs that tell of men being able to transform into wild animals. It portrays two men in love leading a peaceful life until one of them mysteriously disappears, prompting the other to search for him in a profoundly mysterious jungle. Interestingly, parts of the film were shot in the northeastern jungles of Thailand, capturing ambient sounds of wild animals like elephants and bears.

Ong Bak trilogy

Switching gears to action films, the "Ong Bak" trilogy, directed by Prachya Pinkaew, consists of "Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior," "Ong Bak 2: The Beginning," and "Ong Bak 3: The Final Battle." The story begins in the village of Nong Pradu, Thailand, where residents discover that a sacred Buddha statue has been stolen. Ting, a young man secretly trained in Muay Thai, undertakes a mission to recover it in Bangkok. The films are renowned for their intense martial arts scenes and stunts performed without special effects or stunt doubles. "Ong Bak" became a major success in Thai cinema distributed internationally, showcasing the country's martial arts prowess.