Wednesday, February 16 2011
Thailand, 2001 (120 min)

Director: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Writers: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang (screenplay), Wat Wanlayangkoon (novel)
Cast: Supakorn Kitsuwon, Siriyakorn Pukkavesha

Boasting retro chic, likeable leads and a very hummable soundtrack that harkens to the days of famous Thai country artist Surapol Sombatcharoen (1930-1968), this quirky and bittersweet romantic melodrama charts the trials and tribulations of aspiring young Thai folk singer Pan (Kitsuwon). The film opens with him languishing in jail and is narrated in flashback by a sardonic guard. We return to first flush of Pan’s youth, when he performs triumphantly at the country fair and wins the hand of local girl Sadaw (Pukkavesha) despite disapproval from her father. The spell is broken when Pan is conscripted into the army, but he leaves Sadaw an old radio (the “magic-love transistor” of the title), and tells her to listen out for him as he pursues his dream. Despite his talent and good looks, however, all does not go to plan…sort of like the best of romantic intentions. Don’t miss this classic!

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