5 Best Thai Films Produced by GDH, There's 'NOT FRIENDS' Representing the Oscars

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Rachel Carisa Oswandi

Thai films are always a favorite among netizens, whether it's horror, romance, or comedy genres. One of the popular Thai films among Indonesian viewers is BAD GENIUS. This film, which takes the activity of cheating in school to the next level, even became one of the most popular in Southeast Asia in 2017-2018 according to seasia.co's survey.

The film is a result of GDH production house, which has produced many hit Thai films that have gained worldwide recognition. Thanks to its brilliant reputation in the film industry, whenever GDH releases a film, netizens never hesitate to watch it. Not only do they have unique stories, but GDH-produced films also have excellent cinematography and talented actors and actresses.

The production house's motto focuses more on satisfying the audience rather than the amount of profit generated. It's no wonder that GDH films are always highly anticipated by viewers, including the film NOT FRIENDS which will be released on January 24, 2024, in theaters. Let's check out the synopsis of NOT FRIENDS below and other film recommendations from GDH production house!

1. NOT FRIENDS

Poster 'NOT FRIENDS' (imdb.com)

The film, which was released in October in Thai cinemas, has become Thailand's representative for the 2024 Oscar Award before finally being screened in Indonesia on January 24, 2024. NOT FRIENDS is directed by amateur director, Atta Hemwadee, who also serves as the writer.

This 2-hour film tells the story of a transfer student named Pae who is approached by Joe, who is quite popular in school. Joe claims that everyone only has a limit of 150 friends, and Pae is the 150th friend. Although Joe has been friendly, Pae rejects Joe's invitation to become friends.

Before they have a chance to become friends, Joe gets into an accident and passes away. After the tragic incident, Pae takes the initiative to make a film about Joe with his school friends. Throughout the film-making process, Pae will face various conflicts about friendship.

2. YOU & ME & ME

Poster 'YOU & ME & ME' (imdb.com)

The romantic drama film entitled YOU & ME & ME which tells the story of twin children is also directed by twin directors named Wanweaw Hongvivatana and Weawwan Hongvivatana. Set in the year 1999, this film tells the story of twin children who always spend time together and often share many things. Then they are faced with a love conflict when both fall in love with the same man named Mark.

3. HOME FOR RENT

Poster 'HOME FOR RENT' (imdb.com)

HOME FOR RENT is a horror film that tells the story of a cult. This film is the result of a collaboration between director Jim Sophon Sakdaphisit, who has produced many successful horror films in Thailand, and talented thriller writer Cook Tanida Hantaweewatana.

This film, based on true events, tells the story of a small happy family who owns an apartment for rent. One day, they find their apartment abandoned in a chaotic state and they have to fix it.

Due to difficult economic conditions, the family intends to rent out the apartment again to potential buyers who offer fantastic prices. Over time, they realize that there is something strange about the prospective tenant. The small family experiences various terrifying terrors and becomes victims of a cult.

4. THE MEDIUM

Poster 'THE MEDIUM' (imdb.com)

Another horror film that provides an unusual experience to viewers through its documentary-style approach was a hit in 2021. Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, this film highlights Shamanism beliefs in Thailand.

THE MEDIUM tells the story of Nim, a local healer and devout shaman, who is convinced that she is the embodiment of a benevolent deity. A small documentary crew becomes intrigued by her and is committed to exploring the indigenous religion and their spiritual practices. They travel to Nim's remote mountain village in the Isan region of Thailand to capture Nim's daily life, hoping to provide explanations and evidence of unseen phenomena.

When Nim's niece, Mink, shows signs of divine intervention, Nim believes that Mink will become a new intermediary for the goddess and inherit the challenging role of a medium. However, the opposite happens, with Mink's mental health deteriorating and strange incidents shaking the community's beliefs. The question is, is there an evil force dragging Mink deeper into the dark world of possession?

5. PAST LIVES

Poster 'PAST LIVES' (imdb.com)

Romantic film genre PAST LIVES became the first to be distributed by GDH in a new international film unit called Out Of The Box. This film is inspired by the love story of the director, Celine Song, who reunited with her childhood sweetheart when she moved to Canada.

PAST LIVES tells the story of Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends who were very close but were separated when Nora's family immigrated from South Korea. 20 years later, they are reunited but Nora is already married to a man named Arthur. They are eventually faced with conflicts of love and destiny and must finally accept that they can no longer be together.

(kpl/rcl)