The noncombative scenes can be melodramatic and broadly acted, but that doesn't rob the movie of a certain inherent power.
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09/03/04
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Bang Rajan (2004)
69
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:29
Fresh:20
Rotten:9
Average Rating:6.1/10
Theatrical Release:Aug 6, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: Oliver Stone presents a beautiful and violent Thai film; the true story of a rural 18th century Siamese village that managed to battle an army of 100,000 invading Burmese soldiers to a standstill... [More]
Starring: Winnai Kraibutr, Jaran Ngamdee, Bin Banleurit, Teerayuth Pratyabamrung
Director: Thanit Jitnukul
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Reviews for Bang Rajan
Top CriticYes, Bang Rajan introduces Westerners to a slice of history worth noting, but its stirring lesson is told in a way that's too long, too brutal, and too clunky to recommend enthusiastically.
08/27/04
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08/28/04
Though the effort doesn't entirely pan out, it succeeds more often than not, raising hopes for even better Thai films to come.
09/04/02
The dramatic ploy is so disjointing, it's not often clear if Jitnukul's narrative is in the past or present.
08/26/04
The story suggests a more violent Seven Samurai, full of jungle mayhem and eloquently filmed action-movie suspense.
09/09/04
The strong of stomach will be rewarded with a Braveheart tale that feels truly brave.
08/06/04
At two hours, it tests the stamina of even the most ardent action movie fan.
09/11/04
Wooden, one-dimensional epic from Thailand.
04/29/02
The filmmaking is top-notch, born more of a western storytelling sensibility than the meditative or exclusively action-oriented aesthetics of China and Hong Kong.
08/12/04
It's far too bloody for the art house crowd and too leisurely paced and obscure for more general audiences.
09/29/04
It's not easy to spend the better part of two hours with your heart parked in your mouth, but this roaring battle epic is worth the risk of your palpitations.
08/05/04
Not for a second does Jitnukul lose control of his complex and captivating epic, dynamically photographed by Vichien Ruangvichayakul and scored with a bold eclectic flair by composer Chatchai Pongprapaphan.
08/05/04
Top CriticThe buffalo are big, the battles brutal and bloody in this gritty Thai epic - but unfortunately the characters are too blank to be interesting.
02/26/05
From the first battle to the heartrending climax, you will emerge feeling dirty and scarred.
09/24/04
While co-writer/director Tanit Jitnukul's vision is unapologetically graphic and slightly marred by an artistic awkwardness, this is a rare and worthwhile glimpse into another nation's historical legend.
09/10/04
Features scrumptious-looking jungle battles, with a cast of thousands -- not to mention elephants and water buffalo.
09/10/04
Plucked from its cultural context, Bang Rajan is being offered to American audiences as another example of Asian extreme action movies, and gore hounds will find it gratifyingly full of spurting blood and flying limbs.
09/09/04
Top CriticThis Thai 'Alamo' story is superior to any of the Hollywood versions of the Texas battle and an exciting, effective film in its own right.
08/08/04
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