The Burmese army is trying to invade Siam (Thailand). But there’s a tiny village that stops them time after time when they try to advance. And the tiny village is named Bang Rajan.
Bang Rajan is based on a true story from around 1767. You could say that this is Thailand’s answer to Braveheart. The movie is violent, and incredibly well made. The final battle towards the end of the movie oozes energy and death. The editing may be a little messy. But you feel the energy, the drama, and the hate in the big and decisive battle.
What also struck me is that Thai actors are more credible in some movies and genres than other Asian actors from Hong Kong and South Korea. Many of the actors from South Korea and Hong Kong overacts too much. It feels unnatural in many movies. The actors from Thailand are more natural in their role interpretations in bigger movies like Bang Rajan. But the problem with the movie industry in Thailand is that you have to look hard to find some great movies.
I mentioned that the final battle is magnificent. I must also mention the movie score, which is also brilliant. You know how the movie ends if you’ve read about the story. When the final battle is over, you will feel sympathy for the brave warriors coming from Bang Rajan. The movie keeps just the right pace, so we get to know the central characters. And all of them have unique personalities. So that’s great!
The villains are cartoon characters. They are just evil, and the dubbing is terrible when the ugliest of them talk and laugh! What a character!
The leader of the Bang Rajan warriors has what you call a majestic mustache! The man’s mustache had easily won over Chuck Norris and his beard in close combat. Chuck Norris and his beard had run away. And who needs fast horses when you have water buffaloes with big horns that have a top speed of 4 km/h and have balance problems because of their big horns. Or maybe the drunken warrior has replaced their water with his alcohol. I hate drunks!
Bang Rajan is an entertaining movie with tough men, water buffaloes, and a majestic mustache.