JudithHodgson
Definitely worth a Re-watch
I’ve finished watching Episode 12 of “Unforgotten Night” and although I can understand why some of the reviews are waspish to say the least, I also think they show the dangers of attempting comparative reviews of both novel and film. The novel is one thing, and the film series is another, and neither can, or should, be judged by the other.
Take the character of Cherry as the outstanding example. She appears in the series, but isn’t even suggested in the novel. And yet in the film series she undergoes considerable character change, which Ging Areeya Pholphutrakul develops very well indeed. Without Cherry, the evil antagonist Danai, excellently played by Beam Sarunyu Prachakrit, would certainly not be as villainous.
The decision to write Cherry into the narrative can only be placed at the door of Ongart Singlumpong, classified as the “Producing Director”. This highly capable and experienced person has an unusually strong gift for cinematic narrative and continuity, which shows itself throughout the production.
Another big contrast between series and novel is the character of Kamol, impressively presented by Yoon Phusanu Wongsavanishakorn. In the novel, Kamol is a stereotypical Mafia leader, tall, hard, with a black beard, enough to send shivers along the spine of any ordinary person, whereas in the series Kamol is shown as a slightly built, baby-faced, rather introverted character, although possessing the organisational and killer qualities of a Mafia boss. As for Kim, very sensitively and intelligently presented by Ton Saran Anantasetthakul, throughout the series he changes from an unhappy and dependent young man to a loving, confident and very capable companion and tiger-lover.
The film series does show the lack of a truly supportive budget, but even so, the story comes through. With the resources provided by a wealthier backing, “Unforgotten Night” could easily have turned out to be an unforgettable series. However, as it exists, it is certainly worth paying attention to and re-watching for a number of excellent strengths and subtle flair.
Take the character of Cherry as the outstanding example. She appears in the series, but isn’t even suggested in the novel. And yet in the film series she undergoes considerable character change, which Ging Areeya Pholphutrakul develops very well indeed. Without Cherry, the evil antagonist Danai, excellently played by Beam Sarunyu Prachakrit, would certainly not be as villainous.
The decision to write Cherry into the narrative can only be placed at the door of Ongart Singlumpong, classified as the “Producing Director”. This highly capable and experienced person has an unusually strong gift for cinematic narrative and continuity, which shows itself throughout the production.
Another big contrast between series and novel is the character of Kamol, impressively presented by Yoon Phusanu Wongsavanishakorn. In the novel, Kamol is a stereotypical Mafia leader, tall, hard, with a black beard, enough to send shivers along the spine of any ordinary person, whereas in the series Kamol is shown as a slightly built, baby-faced, rather introverted character, although possessing the organisational and killer qualities of a Mafia boss. As for Kim, very sensitively and intelligently presented by Ton Saran Anantasetthakul, throughout the series he changes from an unhappy and dependent young man to a loving, confident and very capable companion and tiger-lover.
The film series does show the lack of a truly supportive budget, but even so, the story comes through. With the resources provided by a wealthier backing, “Unforgotten Night” could easily have turned out to be an unforgettable series. However, as it exists, it is certainly worth paying attention to and re-watching for a number of excellent strengths and subtle flair.
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