The King of the White Elephant (1940) [N/A]
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Featuring:
Renu Kritayakon, Nit Mahakanok, Pairin Nilsen
Written by:
Pridi Bhanomyong
Directed by:
Sunh Vasudhara
Release Date:
July 27, 1940
Original Title:
พระเจ้าช้างเผือก
Alternate Titles:
Phra Chao Chang Phueak
Phrachao Chang Phueak
Genres:
Drama | War
Production Companies:
Pridi Films
Production Countries:
Thailand
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
Runtime: 100
Set in the Ayutthaya Kingdom of the 16th century, King Chakra is going about his usual palace duties, granting audiences to his advisers, including his Lord Chamberlain, who is keen to see the king fulfill his royal duty of taking 366 wives, including, hopefully among them, the chamberlain's own daughter. Based on a novel and produced by Pridi Banomyong and released before Thailand's involvement in World War II, the English-language film carried a propaganda message from anti-war interests in Thailand, that Thailand should remain neutral, and only go to war to defend its sovereignty against foreign invaders.
There's a lot to be said for THE KING OF WHITE ELEPHANT, for many reasons. If you watch it, be prepared for some culture shock as you discover just how influential this film was. It may be the most influential film no one ever heard of, and I'm sorry to say that, because this is an awesome film. One example that will strike the viewer is the music used. I won't spoil it all, but I could TELL you a hint.There is high adventure here, on an epic scale, and even with the rough translation into English, this film is very alive all the way through. There is a good comic element involved as well among some of the minor characters.A young king learns that there is a tradition of having 365 wives, but the record is now 366, so the tradition dictates that he have 366.He is a wise king, though, and throughout the film, we see an aura of coolness about him that makes a true hero. He is concerned about his people, and about an aggressive neighbor king.The aggressive neighbor king is a very credible bad guy. Not one of the modernized bad guys, but the old style Historic sacker of cities, who killed the men and raped the women. That won't go over too well with the modern crowd who don't like facts, and want it vice versa. Sorry, this film was made in the days when men still understood Nature and people.If I was to nit pick, I'd say the film may be too well photographed. When we see the elephants stomping past the cameras, it's impossible not to have our minds stray from the story and wonder if camera men were in danger, but that's a nit pick.Great characters, great story, lively sets, comedy, drama, excitement, everything. This is how to make a film.
