Dang Bireley's and the Young Gangsters

Ths stylish and assured first feature is based on the true story of a '50s gangster, who modelled himself on Dean and Elvis, and became famous in Bangkok after killing two men by the age of 18. The film charts his rise to power, his exile in the countryside after a martial law clampdown, and his battles with two friends turned hothead thugs. Told in flashback, from the day he's ordained a monk (to please his mum), the film seldom moralises, but never glamorises the violence either. Clearly influenced by the early work of John Woo, it's best seen as a tale of honour, loyalty and love among hoodlums.