The Overture

Despite the international acclaim afforded to directors such as Pen-ek Ratanaruang (‘Last Life in the Universe’) and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (this yearís LFF selection ‘Tropical Malady’), Thailand remains underrepresented on the festival circuit, so this old-fashioned musical Bildüngsroman is a welcome entry on the LFF slate. The film follows musical prodigy Sorn, who remains dedicated to his xylophone-like ranad through the wages of rivalry, romance, and world war. The result is plodding but warmhearted; the music is enchanting and so is the scenery.