We continue with the list of Thai films that have shaped the history of Thai cinema. Discover 4 more essential Thai films you absolutely must watch and rewatch. A chance to learn more about the country's history and culture while gaining insight into what the Thai general public particularly loves on the big screen…

Tears of the Black Tiger

Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng, 'Tears of the Black Tiger' has become a major classic of Thai cinema. Released in the late 2000s, it is even the first Thai film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival (in 2001 in the 'Un certain regard' category). Inspired by Likay, a Thai popular theatre genre, the film is a blend of western, tragedy, photo novel and comic book genres. The story recounts the passionate love affair of two children who seem opposed but who aspire only to live a beautiful love story. Years later, the young man, now a feared outlaw nicknamed 'the Black Tiger', must juggle between love and honour…

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, 'Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives' is a Thai drama. It received the Palme d'Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2010. The film tells the story of a man suffering from kidney failure who decides to settle in the mountains to spend his final days there. One evening, he sees the ghosts of his wife and son appear and decides to make his way to a mysterious cave. This cave is none other than the cradle of his first existence, and the journey he undertakes through the jungle to reach it will allow him to travel through his past lives. As you can imagine, the film offers us a fabulous journey through past, present and future and provides another perspective on reincarnation, a deeply rooted belief in Thailand.

Tropical Malady

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul with Udom Promma, Huai Deesom, Sakda Kaewbuadee, Tropical Malady is part of a trilogy (the first film in the saga is 'Blissfully Yours' followed by 'Tropical Malady' and 'Syndromes and a Century'). It received numerous accolades including Best Film at the Turin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. The film draws inspiration from ancient Thai beliefs that tell of men transforming into wild animals. It features two men in love leading a tranquil life until one of them mysteriously disappears, prompting the other to search for him in an increasingly mysterious jungle… As a fun fact, some parts of the filming took place in the jungles of northeastern Thailand. These forests also allowed the crew to record the sounds of wild animals such as elephants and bears!

The Ong Bak Trilogy

Now we shift gears with an action-packed Thai film like we love them! Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, Ong Bak is in fact a trilogy: Ong Bak, Ong Bak 2: The Beginning and Ong Bak 3: The Final Battle. The story begins in the village of Nong Pradu in Thailand when residents discover that a sacred Buddha statue has been stolen (Ong Bak). Ting, a young man secretly trained in Muay Thai, takes on the mission to retrieve it in Bangkok. What follows are intense fights and settling of scores… An opportunity to learn more about martial arts, with scenes and stunts performed without special effects or stunt doubles! In any case, it's one of the major Thai box office successes distributed internationally. And we never tire of it!