#Surapong Ploensang

[moviesandmania]

CRACKED (2022) Reviews of Thai horror with US release news

Cracked is a 2022 Thai horror film about a young woman that inherits a series of paintings from her deceased father. She hires an art restorer to repair them but they don’t know that this invaluable art came with invaluable horror. Directed by Surapong Ploensang [aka “Top”], making his feature directorial debut, from a screenplay co-written by Ornusa Donsawai, Pun Homchuen, Surapong Ploensang and…

[fearsmagazine]

CRACKED - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Film Movement

SYNOPSIS: Ruja returns to Thailand from New York with her young daughter Rachel to settle her late father's estate. Included in her inheritance are two mysterious portraits of a bewitching woman that she is told are worth a fortune, if only they weren't damaged. Desperate to sell the paintings, Ruja hires Tim, an art restorer, to prepare the canvases for sale. But the cracks in the paint have begun to reveal long-hidden secrets, and as strange phenomena begin to emerge around them, Ruja and Rachel quickly realize their lives are in grave danger.

REVIEW: A mother takes her daughter back to her childhood home after her father passes and comes face to face with dark secrets that could potentially consume her and her infirmed daughter. The film combines some classic elements, set in a great Indonesian location and captures excellent performances to deliver a haunting tale.

The story is filled with peril and captures the viewer’s interest when we are presented with Rachael’s illness. Once the mother and daughter arrive at the house it slowly begins to roll out the tension and suspense. Upon the death of the owner, one of the paintings created by Ruja’s father has been returned to the family. Apparently they are worth a small fortune, but need to be restored due to cracks in the paintings. There are restless spirits on the estate and clearly they are linked to the creation of the paintings. The story unravels from several perspectives, and those wishing to do Ruja and her daughter harm might just be ghostly. As things escalate, Ruja begins to have flashbacks and old memories begin to surface concerning her father, his studio and his model for the paintings. The plot plays upon the idea of sight and vision, and the mother/daughter relationship. Given the limited number of players and locations, the film feels like a staged play. The story has a classic gothic feel with a climax that is satisfying without any big surprises.

CRACKED has a nice ensemble cast. Ruja is played by the actress and model Chayanit Chansangavej. She is a natural as a caring mother and a daughter struggling with the mystery surrounding her. She presents a convincing performance that draws the viewer into the story. Showing up later in the tale is K-pop star Nichkhun as Tim, the art restorer. I’m not familiar with the group 2PM, but his work here is sold. He has a broad acting palette and is solid in his more grammatical moments and extremely convincing. Young actress Nutthatcha Padovan plays Rachael. She is adorable, a delight to watch and delivers an excellent performance.

I admire the production values. The estate is set out in the forest. When they arrive it appears to be monsoon season, so it is constantly raining. As such, even during the day, with the windows open there are dark connors and long shadows. As such, the ghosts can move about during the day and be just as effective as during the night. There is creepy air to the look of the film. In contrast, there are the two paintings with vibrant golds and reds. The red appears several times in the film and takes on multiple implications, but mostly dreadful. The filmmakers create a visual effect for when they want us to see through Racheal’s impaired vision. Likewise, there are scenes where they presented a limited field of vision to maintain the mystery and suspense of the film.

CRACKED is a delightful blend of different cultures' gothic themes. It’s a wonderfully woven plot that keeps the viewer on edge as it slowly puts the pieces in place. If you are a fan of the genre, literary and cinematic, you’ll enjoy the tale but I’m not sure you’ll be wowed by the ending. The film also features a great cast, fine production values and a talent cast. CRACKED is an eerie and sexually charged supernatural Indonesian thriller worth delving into.

CAST: Nichkhun Horvejkul, Pat-Chayanit Chnsangavei, Nina Nutthacha Jessica Padova, Byron Bishop, Dream-Passalak Supasiripaisarn, Pu-Sahajak Boonthanakit, Jim- Kunkanit Khumkrong, and Nualpanod Nat Khiampukdee. CREW: Director/Screenplay - Surapong Ploensang; Screenplay - Eakasit Thairaat, Onusa Donsawai and Pun Homchuen; Producer - Yeonu Choi; Cinematographer - Natdanai Naksuwarn; Score - Sriwat Homkham & Mellow Tunes; Editor - Pakpong Pomthree; Production Designer - Toey Jaruwateekul; Costume Designer - Thida Rosthip; Special Effects Make-up - Kongkrit Thongdee; Computer Graphics - NewOlder VFX. OFFICIAL: N.A. FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/34dRaHtH9_Y RELEASE DATE: On VOD & DVD May 26th, 2023

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[clairedaring]

Netflix Thai Original Line-up Information

(updated as of January 2024)

2024

1. Ready, Set, Love (Series)

Release: February 15, 2024

Summary: In a parallel universe, female newborns vastly outnumber their male counterparts due to an inexplicable pandemic. As men become rarer, they are hailed as “national treasures,” and women must win their affections in a government-sponsored competition called “Ready, Set, Love.” An ordinary young woman named Day is unexpectedly accepted into the competition where she meets Son, the most popular guy, and sparks fly. Together they uncover a conspiracy operating beneath the surface, which threatens their love and the world they have come to know.

Director: Yanyong Kuruangkura

Writer: Rangsima Akarawiwat, Phuwanit Pholdee

Producer: Anuthida Silanarong

Production Partner: Get More Film Plus

Cast: Blue Pongtiwat, Belle Kemisara, Lily Nichapalak, Man Trisanu

2. The Believers (Series)

Release: March 27, 2024

Summary: Three young and ambitious entrepreneurs must find a way to repay a mountain of debt from their failed startup, when they stumble upon an unthinkable “business” opportunity — exploiting people’s beliefs in religion for money.

Director: Wattanapong Wongwan

Writer: Aummaraporn Phandintong, Watcharapol Paksri Asamaporn Samakphan, Perapat Rukngam, Jiraporn Sae-lee

Producer: Chanajai Tonsaithong, Somprasong Srikrajang

Production Partner: Joy Luck Club Film House, Deluxe Production

Cast: James Teeradon, Peach Pachara Chirathivat, Ally Achiraya

3. Doctor Climax (Series)

Release: May 2024

Summary: In the late ‘70s when sex talk is still taboo, the life of a straitlaced skin doctor and specialist in venereal diseases is turned upside down when he starts moonlighting as a sex columnist under the pseudonym “Doctor Climax.

Creator: Ekachai Uekrongtham

Director: Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, Pairach Khumwan

Writer: Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, Tinnapat Banyatpiyaphoj

Executive Producer: Ekachai Uekrongtham

Production Partner: GMM Studios International

Cast: Ter Chantavit, Goy Arachaporn, Praew Chermawee, Ton Tonhon Tantivejakul, Tob Chaiwat

4. Terror Tuesday: Extreme (Series)

Release: TBA

Summary: A collection of haunting hit stories inspired by the “Angkhan Khlumpong (Terror Tuesday)” radio program with terrorizing twists and turns that are dialed up to the extreme.

Director: Prin Keeratiratanalak, Abhichoke Chandrasen, Prueksa Amaruji, Chayan Laoyodtrakool, Surapong Ploensang, Chookiat Sakveerakul, Eakasit Thairaat, Alisa Pien

Writer: Prin Keeratiratanalak, Abhichoke Chandrasen, Prueksa Amaruji, Kasidej Sundararjun, Pun Homchuen, Onusa Donsawai, Chookiat Sakveerakul, Thanamas Dhalerngsuk, Eakasit Thairaat, Kanokphan Ornrattanasakul

Producer: Chartchai Worapiankul, Genwaii Thongdeenok, Duangkamol Wongpratoom, Chayamporn Taeratanachai, Chuyot Mueagyot

Production Partner: ATIME, BrandThink Cinema

Cast: Nat Kitcharit, Piglet Charada, Gee Sutthirak, Smile Parada, Earn Pattaravadee, Cherprang Areekul, Music Praewa Suthamphong, Rujira Chuaykua, Not Vorarit, Praew Narupornkamol, Poon Mitpakdee, Care Panisara, Tonhorm Sakuntala, Pat Chayanit, Point Cholawit, Bee Namthip, Sydney Supitcha, Kachapa Tonjaroen, Nina

Yarinda

5. Master of the House (Series)

Release: TBA

Summary: When a diamond tycoon dies mysteriously, a cutthroat battle over his estate erupts between his ruthless heirs and the housemaid whom their father recently married.

Director: Sivaroj Kongsakul

Writer: Nut Nualpang, Weerasu Worrapot, Vatanyu Ingkavivat, Sita Likitvanichkul, Athimes Arunrojangkul

Executive Producer: Kulp Kaljareuk

Production Partner: Kantana Motion Pictures

Cast: Yada Narilya, Bie Teerapong, Chai Chartayodom, Gap Thanavate, Nus Nusba, Claudia Chakrabandhu

6. Don’t Come Home (Series)

Release: TBA (Series)

Summary: A mother and her young daughter flee to their family’s abandoned mansion but soon find themselves haunted by paranormal incidents that lead to the little girl’s mysterious disappearance.

Director Woottidanai Intarakaset

Writer Woottidanai Intarakaset, Aummaraporn Phandinthong

Producer Thananuj Ebrahim

Production Partner: Hub Ho Hin Bangkok

Cast: Noon Woranuch, Pear Pitchapa, Cindy Sirinya, Ploypaphas Fonkaewsiwaporn

7. Tomorrow and I (Series)

Release: TBA

Summary: This anthology series explores the intersection of futuristic technologies and Thai culture, and the unimaginable tensions and moral dilemmas that arise out of their inevitable conflict

Director: Paween Purijitpanya

Writer: Paween Purijitpanya, Pat Pataranutaporn, Jirawat Watthanakiatpanya, Abhichoke Chandrasen, Tossaphon Riantong, Panuwat Inthawat, Eakasit Thairaat

Producer: Surawut Tungkarak

Production Partner: Jungka

Cast: Violette Wautier, Aelm Bhumibhat Thavornsiri, Ray Macdonald, Phuak Pongsatorn, Boy Pakorn, Ink Waruntorn, Poyd Treechada, Tangkwa Chananticha, Wanichaya Pornpanarittichai

8. Bangkok Breaking: Heaven and Hell (Film)

Release: TBA

Summary: When a dedicated rescue worker inadvertently gets caught up in the kidnapping plot of a mogul's tween daughter, he must save her from the clutches of rival gangs hunting them down with unpredictable dangers around every corner.

-> Note: Film sequel to 2021 Netflix Thai original series Bangkok Breaking

Director: Kongkiat Komesiri

Writer: Kongkiat Komesiri

Producer: Kongkiat Komesiri, Piyaluck Mahatanasab

Production Partner: Kongkiat Production

Cast: Weir Sukollawat, Duu Sanya, Mind Atitaya

2023

1. The Lost Lotteries (Film)

Release: November 16, 2022

Synopsis: A heist-comedy film about 5 losers united by a crazy mission to retrieve their 30-million-baht winning lottery tickets from a mafia gang headquartered in a firecracker factory.

Director and Writer: Prueksa Amaruji 

Producer: Ekachai Uekrongtham 

Starring: Wongravee Nateetorn, Phantira Pipityakorn, Napapa Tantrakul, Somjit Jongjohor, Thanaporn Wagprayoon, Padung SongSang 

Production Partner: GMM Studios International

2. Hunger (Film)

Release: April 8, 2023

Synopsis: Aoy, a woman in her twenties, runs her family’s local stir-fried noodles restaurant in the old quarter of Bangkok. One day, she receives an invitation to leave the family business and join team ‘Hunger’, Thailand’s number one luxury Chef’s table team led by the famously ingenious, and infamously nasty, Chef Paul.

Director: Sitisiri Mongkolsiri

Producer: Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, Soros Sukhum  

Writer: Kongdej Jaturanrasmee 

Starring: Aokbab Chutimon, Peter Nopachai Jayanama, Gunn Svasti 

Production Partner: Song Sound Production

3. The Murderer (Film)

Streaming date: July 27, 2023

Synopsis: When an English man is accused of murdering his Thai in-laws, his wife is the only witness that stands between guilt and freedom.

Director: Wisit Sasanatieng

Producer: Transformation Films

Writer: Abishek J. Bajaj

Starring: Mum Jokmok, Oom Eisaya Hosuwan, James Laver

Production Partner: Transformation Films

4. Once Upon A Star (Film)

Streaming date: October 11, 2023

Synopsis: Join the crew of a traveling pharma-cinema troupe as they go on the road to spread the joy of live-dubbed movies, all while overcoming difficulties, deceits, and reaching for their dreams.

Director and Producer: Nonzee Nimibutr

Writer: Ek Iemchuen

Starring: Weir Sukollawat, Noona Nuengthida, Kao Jirayu, Samart Payakaroon, Nat Sadaktorn 

Production Partner: 18 Tanwa

5. Delete (Series)

Streaming date: June 28, 2023

Synopsis: The story of a complicated relationship with secrets to hide, and a grim question to ponder: who do you want to delete from your life? 

Director and Producer: Parkpoom Wongpoom

Writer: Parkpoom Wongpoom, Jirassaya Wongsutin, Tossaphon Riantong

Starring: Nat Kitcharit, Ice Natara, Fah Sarika, Aokbab Chutimon, Jaonaay Jinjett 

Production Partner: GDH

6. Analog Squad (Series)

Release: December 7, 2023

Synopsis: At the turn of the millenium, a group of misfits is hired to play the part of estranged family members in order to fill in the cracks of one broken family.

Director: Nithiwat Tharatorn

Producer: Nalina Chayasombat

Writer: Nithiwat Tharatorn, Aummaraporn Phandintong, Chanathip Amonpiyaphong, Sopana Chaowwiwatkul

Starring: Peter Nopachai, Jaylerr Krissanapoom, Namfon Kullanut, Primmy Wipawee

Production Partner: Jungka Bangkok

[fimomovies]

Official US Trailer for Thai Haunted Paintings Horror Thriller 'Cracked'

Official US Trailer for Thai Haunted Paintings Horror Thriller ‘Cracked’ by Alex Billington May 5, 2023Source: YouTube “Do you want to see what’s underneath?” Film Movement has revealed a new US trailer for a Thai horror film titled Cracked, from a filmmaker named Surapong “Top” Ploensang. This already opened in Thailand last year, along with other Southeast Asian countries, but is just now…

[alethia000]

CRACKED, Nichkhun’s first Thai horror movie, will be released on February 24, 2022.

(cr: Surapong Ploensang)

[fearsmagazine]

CRACKED | Trailer, Poster & Images

Ruja returns to Thailand from New York with her young daughter Rachel to settle her late father's estate. Included in her inheritance are two mysterious portraits of a bewitching woman that she is told are worth a fortune, if only they weren't damaged.

Desperate to sell the paintings, Ruja hires Tim, an art restorer, to prepare the canvases for sale. But the cracks in the paint have begun to reveal long-hidden secrets, and as strange phenomena begin to emerge around them, Ruja and Rachel quickly realize their lives are in grave danger.

Directed by Surapong Ploensang from a screenplay by Eakasit Thairaat, Onusa Donsawai, Pun Homchuen, and Surapong Ploensang, CRACKED stars Chayanit Chansangavej, Byron Bishop, Nichkhun, and Nutthatcha Padovan.

CRACKED, a bone-chilling Thai horror film is premiering via VOD & Digital on MY 26TH, 2023, from Film Movement.

[fearsmagazine]

FEARS’ Favorite Films of 2023

Theatrical

LORD OF MISRULE (Magnet) Released: Friday, December 8, 2023 Director - William Brent Bell Screenplay - Tom De Ville Review – HERE

GODZILLA MINUS ONE (Toho International) Released: Friday, December 1, 2023 Director/Screenplay - Takashi Yamazaki Review – HERE

DO NOT DISTURB (Dark Star Pictures) Released: Friday, November 17, 2023 Director/Screenplay - John Ainslie Review – HERE

SUITABLE FLESH (RLJE Films) Released: Friday, October 27, 2023 Director - Joe Lynch Screenplay – Dennis Paoli Review – HERE Interview with Dennis Paoli – HERE

IT LIVES INSIDE (Neon) Released: Friday, September 22, 2023 Director/Screenplay - Bishal Dutta Review – HERE Interview with Bishal Dutta – HERE

SATANIC HISPANICS (Dread) Released – Thursday, September 14, 2023 Director/Screenplay – Five episodes, five directors and five screenplays. Review – HERE

TALK TO ME (A24) Released: Friday, July 28, 2023 Directors – Danny & Michael Philippou Screenwriters - Bill Hinzman, Daley Pearson & Danny Philippou Review – HERE

THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER (RLJE Films) Released: Friday, June 9, 2023 Director/Screenwriter - Bomani J. Story Review – HERE

UNWELCOME (Well Go USA Entertainment) Released: Friday, March 10, 2023 Director - Jon Wright Screenplay - Mark Stay & Jon Wright Review – HERE

Animated

UNICORN WARS (GKids) Released: Friday, March 10, 2023 Director/Screenplay - Alberto Vázquez Review – HERE

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (Paramount) Released: Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Directors - Jeff Rowe & Kyler Spears Screenplay - Brendan O’Brien - Was not reviewed by opening date.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (Universal) Released: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Directors – Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic Screenplay - Matthew Fogel - Was not reviewed by opening date.

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (Sony) Released: Friday, June 2, 2023 Directors - Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers & Justin K. Thompson Screenplay - David Callaham, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller - Was not reviewed by opening date.

NIMONA (Netflix) Released: Friday, June 30, 2023 Directors - Nick Bruno & Troy Quane Screenplay - Marc Haimes - Was not reviewed by opening date.

Platform

THE SACRIFICE GAME (Shudder) Released: Friday, December 8, 2023 Director – Jenn Wexler Screenplay - Sean Redlitz & Jenn Wexler Review – HERE Interview with Jenn Wexler & Sean Redlitz - HERE

WE HAVE A GHOST (Netflix) Released: Friday, February 24, 2023 Director/ Screenplay – Christopher W. Landon - Was not reviewed by opening date.

BROOKLYN 45 (Shudder) Released: Friday, June 9, 2023 Director/Screenplay – Ted Geoghegan Review – HERE Interview with Ted Geoghegan - HERE

THEY CLONED TYRONE (Netflix) Released: Friday, July 21, 2023 Director – Juel Taylor Screenplay - Juel Taylor & Tony Rettenmaier - Was not reviewed by opening date.

EL CONDE (Netflix) Released: Friday, September 15, 2023 Director – Pablo Larraín Screenplay - Guillermo Calderón & Pablo Larraín - Was not reviewed by opening date

NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU (Hulu) Released: Friday, September 22, 2023 Director/Screenplay - Brian Duffield - Was not reviewed by opening date

CRACKED (VOD Platforms) Released: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Director – Surapong Ploensang Screenplay - Ornusa Donsawai, Pun Homchuen, Surapong Ploensang, & Eakasit Thairaat Review – HERE

APPENDAGE (Hulu) Released: Monday, October 2, 2023 Director/Screenplay - Anna Zlokovic - Was not reviewed by opening date

SISTER DEATH (Netflix) Released: Friday, October 27, 2023 Director – Paco Plaza Screenplay - Jorge Guerricaechevarría & Paco Plaza - Was not reviewed by opening date

Major Studio

MEGAN (Universal) Released: Friday, January 6, 2023 Director – Gerard Johnstone Screenplay - Akela Cooper Review – HERE

KNOCK AT THE CABIN (Universal) Released: Friday, February 3, 2023 Director/Screenplay - M. Night Shyamalan Review – HERE

EVIL DEAD RISE (Warner Bros./New Line Cinema) Released: Friday, April 21, 2023 Director/Screenplay - Lee Cronin - Was not reviewed by opening date

RENFIELD (Universal) Released: Friday, April 14, 2023 Director – Chris McKay Screenplay - Ryan Ridley Review – HERE

THE BOOGEYMAN (20th Century Studios) Released: Friday, June 2, 2023 Director – Rob Savage Screenplay - Scott Beck, Bryan Woods& Mark Heyman Review – HERE

COBWEB (Lionsgate) Released: Friday, July 21, 2023 Director – Samuel Bodin Screenplay - Chris Thomas Devlin Review – HERE

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER (Universal) Released: Friday, August 11, 2023 Director – André Øvredal Screenplay - Bragi Schut Review – HERE

THE NUN II (Warner Bros./New Line Cinema) Released: Friday, September 8, 2023 Director – Michael Chaves Screenplay - Akela Cooper - Was not reviewed by opening date

SAW X (Lionsgate) Released: Friday, September 29, 2023 Director – Kevin Greutert Screenplay - Pete Goldfinger & Josh Stolberg - Was not reviewed by opening date

THANKSGIVING (Sony) Released: Friday, November 17, 2023 Director - Eli Roth Screenplay - Jeff Rendel & Eli Roth Review – HERE

[alethia000]

CRACKED, Nichkhun’s first Thai horror movie, will be released on February 24, 2022.

(cr: Surapong Ploensang)