Having seen the latest news on the Tony Jaaa fan site, I decided to find out a little about the new project Pannas of Rittikrai called Kru Bann Nok. More precisely, about the remake of a classic of Thai cinema - the original 1978 film called "The Village Teacher" (translated from Thai).
To begin with, I’ll tell you a little about the plot of the original:
This is a story about a teacher named Pia. It depicts the life of a teacher in the remote village of Isaan, the poorest district in Thailand. While teaching young children, he dreamed of giving knowledge to the village people, started a small garden to feed poor children, wrote to the newspaper about influential officials who cut down trees in a protected area, thereby causing a shortage of water in the village. A young teacher supported him. Unfortunately, the teacher's actions against illegal logging led to his death - high-ranking officials hired a professional killer.
The original title of the 2010 version was Kru Baan Nok Baan Nong Hee Yai, which translated from Thai means “village teacher from Ban Nong Hee Yai”. The main role went to actor Pichet Kongkarn, while the role of the school principal went to famous comedian Pettai Wongkamlao (Mam Jokmok). Guru Panna Rittikrai played the role of a rural hermit.
Note: knowing Pannu Rittikrai and his passion for the roles of all kinds of zombies, maniacs, bandits and murderers, I dare to suggest that he may well be that very same hired killer.
The film, dedicated to the hard work of rural teachers in the northeastern region of Thailand, premiered on January 14, 2010.
Interesting Facts:
- Film rating +13 (90 min.). The script was written by the film's director Surasree Padham.
- The film is based on a book by Kamman Konkai, a writer living in the province of Amnat Charoen.
- People living in Isaan are often subject to racial discrimination. These relationships are in some ways reminiscent of early American attitudes toward the African American population. I hate people from Isaan who are ashamed of their culture. “I am proud of my Motherland. Our dialect is very similar to English. A lot of people use it.”, said Mam Jokmok.
- The 1978 version grossed 1 million baht and won awards for best director and best inspirational film at a film festival in Russia.
- The production of the film was supported by the Thai Ministry of Culture, providing funds for advertising. The Ministry's logo can be seen on the film's posters.
- In early January, with the participation of Pettai Wongkamlao and the cast and crew, a promotional event was held along Silom Highway to sell postcards for charity.
- Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva was invited to the premiere of the film.
- The film was shown in the Isaan dialect, with Thai and English subtitles.
- The English version of the name, to put it mildly, is not entirely adequate - To Sir, With Love.
Trailer for "The Village Teacher from Ban Nong Hi Yai"
Source: ethaicd.com, Wise Kwai, thailandoutlook.tv, nationmultimedia.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
Drama/Comedy. I didn't notice Panna in the trailer.
Apparently, JokMok is their most popular actor. Stars in every second film.)
It's difficult to understand the genre of the film. Some kind of drama? Panna decided to take a break from BI?