Films about Drug Smuggling in Thailand:
Thailand has served as a fascinating backdrop for numerous films that explore the dark and dangerous world of drug smuggling. These films often delve into the intricate webs of crime, corruption, and the human cost of the illegal drug trade. Here are a few noteworthy films that tackle this gripping subject:
“Only God Forgives”, 2012
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this crime thriller follows a drug smuggler, Julian, who is drawn into a dangerous confrontation with a corrupt police officer in Bangkok's criminal underworld.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm, Gordon Brown, Rhatha Phongam, Tom Burke, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Pitchawat Petchayahon, Charlie Ruedpokanon, Kowit Wattanakul, Wannisa Peungpa, Narucha Chaimareung, Danai Thiengdham, Wittchuta Watjanarat, Nophand Boonyai, Teerawat Mulvilai, Aratchaporn Sataed, Dujdao Vadhanapakorn, Matthew Ryder, Oak Keerati, Sasapin Siriwanij, Nuntiya Thongnoo, Byron Gibson, Saicheer Wongwirot, Alisa Wongvisut, Byron Bishop, Joe Cummings, Ron Smoorenburg;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, crime, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
“The Beach”, 2000
Director: Danny Boyle
Directed by Danny Boyle, this adventure drama tells the story of a young backpacker who discovers a hidden beach community in Thailand. As he becomes entangled with the group, he uncovers their involvement in drug smuggling and the consequences it brings.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Virginie Ledoyen, Tilda Swinton, Guillaume Canet, Robert Carlyle, Paterson Joseph, Zelda Tinska, Peter Youngblood Hills, Daniel Caltagirone, Daniel York, Patcharawan Patarakijjanon, Somboon Phutaroth, Weeratham «Norman» Wichairaksakui, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Jerry Swindall, Krongthong Thampradith, Apichart Chusakul, Sanya «Gai» Cheunjit, Kaneung «Nueng» Kenia, Somchai Santitharangkun, Seng Kawee, Somkuan «Kuan» Siroon, Victoria Smurfit, Peter Gevisser, Lars Arentz-Hansen, Lidija Zovkic, Samuel Gough, Staffan Kihlbom Thor, Jukka Hiltunen, Magnus Lindgren, Myriam Acharki, Andrew Carmichael, Josh Cole, Hélène de Fougerolles, Bindu De Stoppani, Stacy Hart, Nina Jacques, Sheridan Jones, Gunilla Karlson, Sian Martin, Isabella Seibert, Elizabeth Thomas, Michael Thorpe, Timothy Webster, Ramon Woolfe, Saskia Mulder, Simone Huber, Non Jungmeier, Irmelin DiCaprio, Ross Donnelly;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Beach” on the website imdb.com
“Bangkok Dangerous”, 2008
Director: Danny Pang, Oxide Pang
Directed by the Pang Brothers, this action thriller follows an assassin who arrives in Bangkok to carry out a series of hits. As he navigates the city's underworld, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game involving drug smuggling and betrayal.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Shahkrit Yamnam, Charlie Yeung, Panward Hammanee, Niratisai Kanjareuk, Dom Hetrakul, Tuck Napaskorn, Stephen Baldocchi, Chris Heebink, James With, Peter Shadrin, Arthajid Puengvicha, Duangjai Srisawang, Veerasak Boonchard, Joe Sakol Palvanichkul, Savaros Sriratum, Thanrada Kao-Im, Nam-Nguen Boonnak, Aratchporn Satead, Winai Thawattana, Pornpat Tipthongkum, Gonthron Bossarakam, Thanapon Parnjaroen, Jeremy Thana, Allwarin Apirakyothin, Andrew Pfeffer, Oliver Steel, Kitchanpon Apirakyothin, Chalita Chaisaeng, Chatchaya Watcharakitikorn, Arnunthaya Suksalak, Thanitar Jirapanid, Nareerat Jeanmahan, Suwatjanee Suriyapas, Pariwut Prachayanan, Tuengtanpon Thongnawakun, Keang Kunsri, Chris Lowenstein, Oliver Ackermann, Russell Wald, Laura Herold, David L. Michaels, Ron Anderson, Chollamark Chiengthong, Armondthap Limdusit, Jirakit Suwannapap, Chatchai Phuengparyun, Arkrapong Pimpajak, Songsak Sampanpim, Duangrutai Suwannarat;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “Bangkok Dangerous” on the website imdb.com
“Only God Knows”, 1974
Director: Peter Pearson
Directed by Anucha Boonyawatana, this drama explores the lives of two brothers who run a drug smuggling operation in Thailand. As their business flourishes, their relationship is tested, and they face the harsh realities of their illicit trade.
Starring: Gordon Pinsent, John Beck, Paul Hecht, Tisa Farrow, Toby Tarnow, Louis Tanno, Lawrence Dane, Al Bernardo, Nick Nichols, George Touliatos, Paul Bertoya, Bruno Angeli, Rummy Bishop, David Bolt, Sue Carling, Don Cullen, David Hughes, David Hutchison, Pam Hyatt, Robyn Jaffee, John Kerr, Cec Linder, Mary Long, Malcolm Martin, Dwayne McLean, Ruben Moreno, Noci Navarra, Robert O'Ree, Michael Rapport, Vinetta Strombergs, Peter Sturgess, Mary Williams, Stephen Witkin, Steve Meek;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: comedy;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Only God Knows” on the website imdb.com
“Shutter”, 2008
Director: Masayuki Ochiai
Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom, this horror film follows a young couple who begin experiencing supernatural occurrences after a tragic accident in Thailand. As they uncover the truth behind the haunting, they stumble upon a connection to drug smuggling.
Starring: Joshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, Megumi Okina, David Denman, John Hensley, Maya Hazen, James Kyson Lee, Yoshiko Miyazaki, Kei Yamamoto, Daisy Betts, Adrienne Pickering, Pascal Morineau, Masaki Ota, Heideru Tatsuo, Eri Otoguro, Rina Matsuki, Tomotaka Kanzaki, Jun Yakushiji, Emi Tamura, Polina Kononova, Yulia Ryzhova, Mika Kinose, Masakazu Nagakura, Shinji Furukawa, Maria Takagi, Akihido Ando, Alessandra, Tanya Allen, Takao Toji, Shizuka Fujimoto, Yutaka Mishima, Maiko Asano, Rei Sato, Homare Hasegawa, Kei Hirosawa, Michiyo Kaneko, Koichi Kase, Yasuke Kawarada, Ayuko Koyama, Konomi Moriyama, Akira Sato, Miyoko Yamaguchi, Runa Kozuki, Natsuki, Akihiro Shimomura, Gen Takatsuka, Natalia Tsvetkova, Asya, Graziela, Ami Fujimoto;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: horror;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,2;
More information about the film “Shutter” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the dark underbelly of drug smuggling in Thailand, showcasing the complexities and consequences that come with this illicit trade. Each film provides a unique perspective on the subject, making them captivating and thought-provoking works of cinema.
In conclusion, films about drug smuggling in Thailand offer a gripping exploration of the complex interplay between morality, desperation, and the high stakes of the narcotics trade. These narratives not only delve into the gritty realities faced by those entangled in the drug underworld but also reflect broader themes of corruption, survival, and the quest for redemption. From thrilling action sequences to poignant character studies, these films serve as a compelling reminder of the human cost of drug trafficking, inviting audiences to reflect on the socio-political landscapes that give rise to such perilous choices. As the cinematic lens continues to focus on Thailand's drug smuggling saga, it is clear that these stories resonate far beyond the screen, challenging viewers to confront the darker facets of society while also evoking empathy for those caught in its web.
