Flat Girls

Definitely worth watching! A painfully beautiful film.

/ Long personal interpretation of everything that played out, explain (?) / details will be further below.

Everything was just stunning: cinematography, the acting, locations, to the sound in the film. It's a queer, sapphic coming-of-age story that's complex, heart-wrenching, and realistic showing the complexitiy of life, people, the uncertainty of adolescence, what it means to grow up in the police flat and the societal aspects of it. (it covers topic from self-image, identity, love, dreams, social class and opportunity differences, unjust police system to difficult family/financial circumstances.

A tear-jerker filled with details to catch.
FLAT girls left a huge impression with how it was delivered. I absolutely loved how impressively detailed and layered the characters and film is for us to uncover. It felt like watching real people. Our stance frames the narratives of the film, while the characters has their perspective. The film leaves room for you to think, interpret and judge for yourself adding emotional depth and feels "human" in a way. Behind every actions, emotions and words, there are reasons which may hold a deeper meaning. Meanwhile, when feelings are kept and words are left unsaid without clarification, it's easy for misunderstandings and assumptions to occur– much like in real life.

Every scene/dialogue mean something to the characters. The more I went back, the more I understood the characters, their reasons and the possibilities– making the film special although it wasn't difficult to watch and I loved it the first time. The movie naturally aligned after viewing it through the characters lens and circumstances. Despite the layers of struggles, dilemmas, uncertainty, and the harsh circumstances beyond their control, there was still warmth, kindness, love, dreams, and resilience. I felt for the characters but also gained a lot from them. I think how the film goes may differ with different takeaways but it's extremely well done.

The actresses chemistry was so natural and endearing while the acting by the casts was incredible. Watching it on the big screen was such an experience that I kept going back to appreciate it although it had me bawling with many thoughts. Another great film by GDH, and it easily became my favourite. A movie that lingers.
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****spoilers starts here****
(personal interpretation, but to each their own way of interpreting!)
/// Please do not read if you haven't watched it!*
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/ Feelings:
Ann has feelings for Jane. When Jane felt nothing & wasn't sure how to interpret their kiss, Ann went along. I think Ann realised her feelings and her sadness knowing it wasn't mutual. Ann could have put her feelings first but she didn't. Instead, she reassured Jane who was confused and hid her feelings. Ann is clear about her wants and likes, but that's not that case for Jane.

Jane's figuring out. She might not know how loving someone feels like especially intimacy with how young she is, but Ann means a lot to her. Jane is happy around Ann but felt nothing kissing her– as Jane slowly felt comfortable and happy around Tong, it got her questioning. Everything changed once Jane thought Ann & Tong were a thing. The scenes with Jane upset, was because of Ann.

/ Identity:
- In an early scene, Ann casually tells Jane, “The clean one is in another bag.” (chest binder) Does Ann wear it too (?) I think Ann helps her with laundry to hide it from Jane's parents. Jane switched the clean one with the dirty one, made sure her dad was asleep before removing it and told Tong not to tell her mom. Even Jane's parents doesn't know, but Ann knows Jane.
- Jane “It's nothing, I won't wear it anymore” to Tong / was to cover up as she still wore it-
- Because, Tong didn’t judge her. Someone else who understands her.
- Jane may have thought she wasn't a tomboy after her kiss with Ann / removed the binder.
- Jane's finding herself.


/ Alleged relationship between Ann and Tong:
Personally, the entire relationship between Tong & Ann was built on a series of misunderstandings. Considering Tong's actions, Ann's feelings for Jane and importantly my perspective of Ann & her determination. Tong had been caring, but Ann had always worked hard for money. (Laundry/Selling food/Wanting to teach English).

Some scenes/dialogues had no clear basis & felt out of place (because the characters isn't telling us). Any interpretation lacks overall clarity as some dialogues/scenes matches with it, while others don't.
(*the movie wants viewers to draw their conclusions*)

/ Scene of Ann getting her phone in Tong's house.
- Uncomfortably in Jane's perspective.
- Had Ann seen Jane inside, she would've misunderstood as well.
What did or didn't happen—up to interpretation.

*Put on his shirt before letting Ann in (mannerism) = Removed when she left.

(Phone on the bed): Tong lets Ann sleep there instead of the couch. He returned after she left. Did Ann even stay over?

(Checked outside before Ann left): Perhaps to avoid any potential misunderstandings, but Jane was inside. The environment is tight; it’s easy for neighbours to see & misunderstand.

- Ann didn't want to go home.
- The same night, Tong comforted Ann with her dilemmas about giving up her dreams so her family could have a home. Given her young age and all the responsibilities weighing on her, his words "You can be something much better," "You don't have to be a big sister all the time," & "It's okay"–
He mentioned, *"If you need help with anything, you can always tell me."*

Before, Tong was warm to the kids and treated Jane like his child because of their similarities.
- The sudden switch in the characters/dynamic was too abrupt to follow along without any doubts.
- The sequence didn't make sense.
- If anything else, I am assuming.


/ Jane and Ann's misunderstanding (bench)
There was tension before anything. But Ann doesn't know what Jane had seen. Instead, Ann did see Tong and Jane being close, and Jane, vice versa.
(What I do know is, Ann thinks that Jane likes Tong, while Jane is here thinking that Ann & Tong have some relationship.)
> Jane looking at her extra racket > She's thinking of Ann, not Tong.
> Ann meets Jane, while holding a new badminton racket from Tong, "knowing" that Jane likes him.
> Jane meets Ann, "confirms" their relationship after seeing Ann with her new racket from Tong
- Ann never took anything or the racket from Jane.
- Ann thinks that Jane is upset because of Tong.
Jane got upset & ran off; Ann chased after her.

/ More of Jane and Ann's misunderstanding (stairs)
Jane: "I thought you wouldn't date a cop?
(Does Jane knows the reason she's upset?)
Ann: "Well, he gives me money" (he probably did)
I honestly think that Ann was masking her feelings & going off based on Jane's assumptions.
Jane: "Do you know anything about love?" (Jane, who doesn't know what love is)
Ann: "Love only matters to those with money." (Jane, Tong, or both),
"How can a person like me dare to love someone?" which Jane didn't catch.

Couldn't link Ann's replies to "for money". Instead Ann was talking about herself and how she's unworthy to love Jane.
(This was after Ann realises their differences during the phone call & her witnessing Jane "having feelings" for Tong / comparison )
"Well, he gives me money" could be a figure-of-speech to how Ann thinks that only those with money to give like Tong, can love not meaning that they're dating. But, I truly wonder if Ann thinking that Jane "likes" Tong played a part in that reply.

/ Jane's mom noticed Ann with money
Jane: "She receives it from Tong because they're together."
Her mom: **"But he doesn't have money and even borrows from me."** ( *"All good cops has no money"* / was Ann's money solely from Tong?)

/ Jane collecting money from Tong.
*Ann's family is in need, he's happy to help make ANN's life a bit easier, just like how he's happy when he's able to take care of JANE.* (This highlighted he's helping Ann & Jane's misunderstanding)
But, Tong's helping Ann yet Jane is upset (?)
1. She think Ann and Tong are dating.
2. While Ann had never accepted any of Jane's help, she is receiving help from Tong who is struggling.
(Ann likely doesn't know about Tong's struggles while Jane always wanted to help Ann)

/ Tong gets emotional after Jane leaves; It could be his reality.
He doesn't have money for himself, let alone anyone else, not even his child. He's doing everything but it's incomparable to her stepdad who's rich. "Couldn't come because he had no money." (did they separate because of money? why can't he visit?)
- But he "can do something" for the kids at the flat.
- He mentioned to Jane "They have a new family" “it’s better that way”.
(How he treats the kids, spend time & calls Jane warmly would make sense, he can't do the same with his child who's away in another province.)
- He likely have his own family/financial circumstances and reasons.

/ The interaction between Tong & Ann wasn't awkward (court)
- Tong mentioned he plans to study law for a promotion & wanted to learn English from Ann
(If Ann did receive help from him, pretty sure this is how Ann would give back)
- The pan-out scene with neighbours gossiping about Ann and Tong from above the court
(It look like they were spreading rumours with the environment and their expressions. Ann, uncomfortable / *Tong, questioning*)

/ The rumours of Tong and Ann dating spread because of Jane.
- Ann exploded at Jane because her mom is now tying her already bleak situation down with marriage to Tong for money.
/ It didn't feel like they got "caught".

(In a interview, the director mentioned about how women who lived in the flat tend to grow up believing the need to rely on men and that they're incapable to earn) But,

/ Ann didn't want to be like her friend, tied to the flat after marriage.
She mentioned: she's afraid that she'd be unable to leave; Her friend's life seemed to have stopped at the flat, unable to go to university or even come out for a game of badminton.

/ Jane chasing Ann, who ran away to the pier
Jane: "You won't marry him, right?" (misunderstanding)
Ann: "Do you really like him that much?" (misunderstanding) / would Ann ask if they had some relationship?
Jane: "I don't know, but he's not good enough for you to stop your life for him." "Don't you want to leave this place"?
- Jane's piority > Ann.
- Jane tells Ann she believes in her (even though Ann is doubting herself)
- Jane comforting and apologising to Ann.

/ Tong & Ann, pier scene.
- Tong telling Ann to bring the kids tomorrow; he'll bring them all to the cruise. (He brought it up out of nowhere instead of clearing up their "situation". He knew Ann was hurting with everything and wanted to make her happy)

- Ann tells Tong she'll live with him immediately if he could give her 10m baht ( Again, I don't think Ann would even ask if they already had some sort of relationship / Her mom pressured her: "So what did Tong say about the money". )

Ann asked that for her family = giving up her way of life. Her mom still blamed her for everything in a later scene.

/ How Tong looked at Ann. He probably felt terrible for her having to bring that up and knew that she's thinking of leaving.

- Tong said something like "Don't leave me ( in Thai, it doesn't indicate 'me' ); I'm trying my best, and I need time,"
/ Tong's response could stem from his complex feelings as well.

He knew that she wanted to leave, he doesn't have the money for her to stay, wanting to help but unable to. With his situation, whereby his family left (why?) , how he's unable to provide for his child as much as he wanted despite covering shifts and really "trying his best" (in a corrupted workforce), it could trigger those replies / Ann asked for money

With Ann's "I can't wait long"

/He switched/ & gave her assurance. Told her that *"She could earn as much money as she wanted.* (Also, maybe like the importance of Ann to Jane in the flat, the kids' presence was significant to Tong. He wanted to help Ann stay, but knew that with her family situation, being stucked here wasn’t what she wanted)
- Ann: "I know" (Her determination & her knowing her capabilities after the reassurance from Tong and Jane.)

/ *Ann saying they broke up to her mom* (The only indicator of a 'relationship")
But it felt like she didn’t want to explain. No point in it— her mom wouldn't listen anyway. A way to end her mom’s ideas of marrying her off for money. / *Ann's body language*

/ Jane & Nice painted all the names on the wall, including Tong.
(That made him seem significant. He got emotional seeing the names with all the changes at the end. If he's a bad person, they wouldn't have painted his name & why did he get emotional?)

ENDING! (aside from everything else)

- Ann's ending > hopeful or the worst.
I believe that Ann ran away to chase her dream. (She almost hung the scarf but let it free.)
I believe she is "stronger". The cruise scene symbolised how she didn't want to return to her life at the flat perfectly. To make sense, I just think she hid somewhere on the cruise avoiding Jane, as it was far out. I believe she'll manage and achieve anything once she sets her mind to it, like how she was determined to leave and did so. It is not selfish of her. I hope she's happy.

- *Jane holding the paper hat (Part time/Full Time).
- "I hope we bump into each other on a plane, because you have to take me to first class," indicating that Ann is around.
- Ann's family and Jane weren't that "sad" either, although Jane was.

1. Who hung the packet of food outside Jane's flat?
2. Tong started hanging out with other cops after the kids left. (The dialogue is honestly questionable... but I don't know the context. I want to believe in him & that promotion)
3. Ann mom, please change– Although it seems unlikely with Ann's sister taking over her role.
4. Amy grew up! (Ann's sis) Showed some time had passed with Jane's mom having the money to move out. Ann's mom debt / paid off? who did?)
5. What were Jane's actual feelings for Ann?
Was it just Ann's unrequited love? or was Jane hiding it from Ann as well? Or does she have feelings all along & realise it after? (Based on imdb synopsis, Jane liked Ann.)
Hope Jane still appreciates simple happiness & slowly figures it out. Hope that her mom will try to talk to Jane more.
6. Will Ann and Jane meet again?
Ann and Jane misunderstood each other and their feelings until the very end. "Love is more important than money" to "Love only matters to those with money". Although Ann almost wanted to give up everything for her family, she ended up running away to chase her dream for a change. I do feel that Ann will return once she's in a better position, at least to Jane.
7. Ann did fulfil her promise to Jane about going on the boat.

Anyway I only wish all of them well :')

- summary of Ann, Jane and Tong
/ In the comments under this review if interested! / exceeded the word count here..

Definitely rewatch it again in your perspective of the characters!

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Social class, status, dreams, and opportunities.

Though the idea might not be groundbreaking, "Flat Girls" stands out as a solid depiction of the harsh realities faced by teenagers in a flat society marred by financial struggles and oppression. The backdrop of this film is a life marked by inequality, economic instability, societal expectations, and prejudices. Here, survival is not guaranteed, and success is a fleeting dream for many. 

A remarkable aspect of "Flat Girls" is the meticulous attention to detail in crafting the film's environment and atmosphere. Big credit should be given to Claire Jirassaya as the director for the outstanding production quality, sharp camerawork, and direction. The visual storytelling alone is already engaging. In my opinion, this film's editing and sound mixing really help in making it a well-structured one - it's not too simple or too complex. And there's almost no need for extravagant props and set design too. The flat itself has become a key representation of the lifestyles of middle- to lower-class people in society.

While this film may be slow-paced, the strong script that raises important questions about inequality in Thai society definitely compensates for it. The film's satirical tone is used effectively to criticize the Thai bureaucracy and shed light on the struggles faced by those on the lower rungs of the social ladder.

Another point for the director as she shows a remarkable talent for bringing out the best in the actors. EarnEarn Fatima and Fairy Kirana successfully carried the entire film on their shoulders. Despite being relatively new to the industry, both lead actresses deliver powerful and effortless performances that add significant depth and nuance to their characters.

Instead of focusing on sapphic romance and cute moments, the film excels at illuminating the stark truths embedded in the system and society. If you're looking for a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll, "Flat Girls" is definitely worth a watch.

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“Friendship or First Love? A Bittersweet Coming-of-Age Tale”

I am heartbroken and slightly traumatized by the ending of the movie. However, I wouldn’t place all the blame on the ending itself, because I had already sensed what was coming through the ongoing struggles in Ann’s life and Jane’s journey of trying to understand her feelings and herself throughout the film.

This movie portrays the coming-of-age theme through the characters of Ann and Jane, who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Through Ann's character, I deeply felt the suffering of an individual growing up in poverty. There was a restlessness and uncertainty in teenage Ann’s eyes that made my heart ache — even in moments when she was simply living in the present. I could feel the weight of her life in every scene, especially the constant anxiety about money and survival. The fear of what might happen if there were no roof over one’s head was ever-present. To make things worse, her mother’s gambling habits added to her misery and made life even more difficult for Ann and her siblings.

Though Jane did not face economic hardship like Ann, she experienced a quiet kind of suffering as she struggled to understand her feelings and identity. She represented a typical, confused teenager—unsure about her sexual identity and the difference between romantic and platonic love. The film doesn’t clearly show, or perhaps I couldn’t fully grasp, whether Jane’s feelings for Ann were romantic or platonic. However, it was clear that Ann loved Jane romantically, especially in the intimate scene where tears streamed down her face after hearing Jane’s confused response. But from some scenes where Jane was deeply admiring Ann's beauty and talent, her face seemed like "she was falling in love like an autumn leaf ". Not only those scenes, but also the ring scene, Jane’s concern for Ann’s future, and her painful longing for Ann revealed that Jane’s caring feelings went beyond friendship.

Overall, I experienced the playful spirit of teenage life — the mischievous moments, the warmth of having like-minded friends, and the escape into fantasy (when Ann and Jane lose themselves watching the luxurious floating restaurant from afar). The film’s gentle slice-of-life storytelling, combined with a bittersweet touch of reality, made my viewing experience truly memorable. THANKS -.-

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beautiful and touching movie ever seen

it is such a beautiful and touching movie, both the main actresses and the main actor
played their roles well! i was so immersed in the movie and felt the joy and sorrow together with the characters as the movie proceeded, and i like the interesting and thoughtful dialogue, also i like the background music and photography, worth watching again and again!

(note: i find the ending is ingenious, you can think ann has left the old friend and flat to
freely pursue her life goal or she succumbed to her fate and lost the will to do so, depends on whether you like/tend to think positively or
negatively)

i watched the movie multiple times, and most likely you will agree with me the two pretty young actresses are so lovely and acted so well and natural as if not in a movie

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A delicate moment

This film truly moved me and even made me cry. The delicacy and depth of the characters Jane and Ann left a strong impression on me, especially in how their dreams, perspectives, and ways of interacting with the world are so different.

Ann has a more realistic view of life. We see it in her desire to leave, in her complicated relationship with her mother, and in her connection with Tong. She seems fully aware that life won’t necessarily give her what she hopes for, so she’s trying to carve out her own path.

Jane, on the other hand, is much more idealistic. She doesn’t yet know what she wants to do with her future, but one thing is certain: she wants to stay by Ann’s side forever. Unlike Ann, she refuses the idea of moving forward, changing, or leaving — and that contrast between them creates a beautiful emotional tension.

Their relationship is so touching and profound. They genuinely love each other, but there’s a delicate ambiguity surrounding their feelings — we never really know if one of them is romantically in love with the other or if it’s the opposite. I truly appreciated this intentional “blur,” as it makes their bond even more powerful.

The arrival of Tong adds another layer to the story. His actions could even be interpreted as a form of grooming, which also works as a subtle critique, especially since he was fully aware of Ann’s situation.

In the end, I really appreciated this film — not only for its beautiful coming-of-age narrative but also for its subtle critique of capitalism and human relationships. It’s a sensitive, nuanced, and deeply emotional work that stays with you long after it ends

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Film Festivals worthy

Incredible story on how poverty steals, robs, constrains and shatters dreams. As an outsider looking in, we were taken through the world of the Thai civil servants' private lives and how the police service affects their families.

Had my heart from the trailer, and I knew I was going to cry and be heartbroken. They delivered with a powerful storyline, great dialogue. Direction, set choices, cinematography, and wardrobe all enriched the story, whilst the acting was the golden thread that tied the story beautifully.

Looking forward to seeing more projects from the lead actresses in the future. And I still think about the little sister and Ann (hoping they are ok wherever they are)

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Another Emotional Triumph from GDH

I don't understand why this is labeled a comedy, it's way more emotional than that. Yes, it has lighthearted moments and warm humor woven throughout, but at its core, this is a deeply emotional story about friendship, identity, and the quiet heartbreaks of everyday life. GDH never disappoints. Their films always feel close to real life, and Flat Girls is no exception.

The cast did an amazing job bringing their characters to life. I felt every moments, laughs, tears, and quiet heartbreaks. What I especially loved was how intimate and real the storytelling felt. The pacing is calm, almost meditative at times, allowing the audience to really live with the characters. There are no exaggerated plot twists, no forced drama, just life unfolding with all its awkwardness and beauty. It's this honesty that makes the emotional moments hit so hard.

Without giving away spoilers, I'll just say this, it left me hanging, but in the best way possible. It didn't try to wrap everything up neatly or give us a perfect conclusion. It felt more like life. Open-ended, uncertain, and real. Some viewers might find it frustrating, but I found it honest and even comforting. It left space for the audience to imagine the future of these characters, which made it even more powerful.

Another high-quality, beautiful film from GDH. I loved it.

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Un magnifique portrait de la réalité

Délicat, dur et réaliste, Flatgirls nous plonge dans la réalité des cités thaïlandaises où vivent entassées des centaines de famille dans des appartements délabrés. Racontant l'histoire de deux adolescentes issues de d'une de ces cités, ce film vient prendre le spectateur aux tripes par sa narration fluide, subtile et parfois silencieuse, laissant alors le vidéo spectateur seul avec son imagination et son interprétation.
Ce long-métrage vient se distinguer dans son réalisme éprouvant pour traiter des sujets tels que l'avenir, les émotions, l'amour et les difficultés socio-économiques du point d'une adolescente. Et c'est en ça qu'il se démarque d'autres films du même genre. Rien n'est acquis, rien n'est inné, tout n'est questionnement en suspend, rêveries puis confrontation à la réalité.

Bref, un film qui mérite d'être plus connu selon moi tant il est fort dans sa manière de transmettre ses intentions.

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