The Paradise of Thorns

Raw and Brutal

This movie makes you feel empty. Not in a negative sense. In a way that makes you wonder 'What's the point?' Makes you realise the insignificance of the ego.

Set in a countryside of Mae Hong Son, the movie captures the simple beauty of ordinary life. The lush green vegetation under sun and rain throughout the movie pleases your eye. The inclusion of local traditions like the rocket festival make it feel more realistic. The movie has kept unpolished elements throughout its length, adding to the organic feel.

The story can be described with just two words - raw and brutal. The reality of homosexual love being treated as just a fling is shown in such an unfiltered way, it hurts. Even if it has been legalised in countries today, there still remains a huge population who are ignored. This movie validated their side of the story. And then there is the potrayal of the life of people at the bottom of the society. Hardships to such great extents that you'd do anything to get out of it. Only to realise, there isn't any point. This movie's an emotional rollercoaster - anger, pain, suffering, helplessness. You want more and couldn't care less about others. You could let go but choose to go back and fight. And in the process, the genuine ones become the victims. Conscience is dead. And finally, the ending leaves you asking, 'What was all that for?'

Jeff Satur! This man is from a whole different planet, I swear! The myriad of things he can do; one of the best being acting. He blew me out of water! I honestly never knew he was this good. The emotional scenes especially. Wonderful! Engfa Waraha. Another gem. This was my first time seeing her in an ordinary look, without all the makeup and costumes. And she is still so pretty! She potrays Mo so well, it deserves a loud applause. Even if it's a small role, but I loved the character Jingna played by Harit. He was the only person who wasn't driven by an ulterior motive. Harit did a good job here. Pity his character met a tragic end. That scene was heartwrenching. Srida Puapimol as the mother was also very memorable. Huge respect for your talent.

The most important point of the whole cast is the originality in acting. The natural portrayal pulls you in and before you know, you are one of the durian trees watching them in person.

I don't think there are many that outshine 'Rain Wedding', the OST for the movie by Jeff Satur. Another masterpiece of his. It's been one of favorites for so long! Loved it since day one. It's that bittersweet song, making you happy and sad at the same time. I love it so much I won't stop talking!

Finally, it's not a movie I'd go back to again and agai. Not a comfort watch; it's torture. But I'm pretty sure I'd rewatch it quite a few times more. It's a guarantee, you won't regret this watch.

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Doesn't live up to the expectation I got from the trailer.

I had so much expectation for this film, but it did not meet much of it.

Cinematography was the only thing I liked about this film, particularly the way some of the scenes were shot and how it showed the gaze of the characters, revealing each character's emotion and motive well.

Other than that, the plot was subpar, it set out to tackle the topic of marriage inequality only to be sidetracked by a jumble of badly written vomit of drama on top of drama another sob story of who is more pitiful. Exploring human desires rather shallowly, such as greed and lust.

Jingha and Thongkham relationship was rather unbelievable and just came out of nowhere.

The only thing that went as expected was Jeff's face card.

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A Beautiful Look at Desperation

I have to be honest- I've been looking forward to seeing this since it was announced, and I was so fortunate to be able to attend TIFF and go to the first public screening! Boss Kuno and One Pongsittisak were also in attendance, and did a little Q&A after the film which gave us a little insight into the filmmaking process and character motivations. They also had some freebies for some of the audience, and Boss stayed to talk to the fans after which was incredibly kind of him!

With that out of the way, let's get to the review!

If I had to sum describe The Paradise of Thorns in one word, I'd use the word "desperate." There is no such thing as good vs. bad with this movie; all the main characters are layered and complicated, and they all do objectively bad things to achieve their goals. The film focuses on Thongkam, the co-owner of a durian orchard with his husband Sek, who is left with nothing after Sek passes away since the government won't recognize their marriage due to the law. Because of this, the land passes to Sek's mother Saeng, who moves in with her adopted daughter Mo as they try and claim Thongkam's farm for their own. Thongkam doesn't take this lying down, and he plots to do whatever he has to in order to reclaim the farm and evict Saeng and Mo.

Based solely on the trailer, I would have called Mo the clear antagonist- she lies, cheats, and does whatever she has to in order to ensure the farm stays with her and her mother. But Mo's character is so much more than that: she's desperate to be accepted by her mother who only sees her as a caretaker, and she's frustrated that life has given her this hand. Because of her life (and largely due to Engfa's fantastic acting), I spent a lot of the movie thinking that she was definitely *an* antagonist, but almost all of her actions are understandable because of her past, which makes her a polarizing character: you don't like her because of her choices, but you can empathize with the situation she is in and understand to an extent why she is the way she is.

Thongkam is also a complicated character, largely because of the number of twists and turns this movie throws at him in terms of the relationships he's had and where he stands in them. He starts the movie with a simple life: he loves Sek, and they own a durian orchard. However, over the course of the movie we find out there's so much more happening than that, and it's easy to feel for this man who's had his entire life turned on its head. Of course he'd do anything to get back his durian farm- it's the only thing he has left of the man he loves, and it belongs to him as much as it belonged to Sek.

Saeng, in my mind, represented the older generation and the mentality often shared between them. Children are born to take care of their parents, end of story. One of the things I liked most about this movie was how different people interpreted Saeng's character- I have a Canadian background, and I firmly disagree with that concept, making me see Saeng as an objectively bad person. She's rude and demanding to Mo, and never thanks her for anything. But the person I watched this with is from South Asia, and they said they could think of multiple people in their life who fit Saeng's personality, so they could understand Mo's character better and the resentment she must be feeling. Not that I think Saeng is evil or anything- she was raised with certain beliefs and expects others to follow them. It creates a good conflict for the movie to explore: old vs. new.

From a visual perspective, this movie was STUNNING. I'm not by any means going to call myself a film buff, but even I could see how beautiful and rich the colours in the movie were: the dark green and brown of the orchard complemented the bright colours of the characters really well. There were a few shots in the movie which I thought were incredible from a symbolic perspective, really showing the dichotomy between Kam's character and the relationship with Saeng and Mo.

THIS PARAGRAPH HAS SPOILERS! My favourite scene from the movie was the wedding scene near the end of the film, with Mo getting married at the same time as Thongkam and Jingna. Hearing the "official" wedding steps in the background as Kam and Jingna did the same using a durian gave me goosebumps- it was such a clever way to juxtapose how Mo could legally get married while Kam and Jingna don't have that ability. The word "mockery" makes it sound very negative, but it's all I could think of while I watched that scene (and while that scene was my favourite it was also the one that made me the most upset with regards to LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand/other Asian countries). Mo gets to have the fancy wedding with guests and money, while Kam and Jingna are forced to perform a bastardization of the ceremony since they wouldn't be legally recognized as spouses.

The music in this movie was also very well done, albeit minimal- there's not a lot of "songs", but every now and then there are some violin notes/chords which emphasize character's thoughts and turning points in the movie. It honestly felt uncomfortable at times, but I think this was the best decision that could have been made, because this movie is not supposed to make you feel comfortable. The only actual song I can recall is Jeff's song Rain Wedding during the end credits.

My only problem (and I use that word only because I can't think of a different one) with this movie would be the build up to its ending. The movie did feel like it was building to a final confrontation, but I was not expecting it to go the way it did. Don't get me wrong, I don't think there's a different ending that would have made sense, but the way the characters got there was a bit difficult for me to process in the moment (I'll talk about the ending with spoilers in the next paragraph for those who don't mind them).

ENDING SPOILERS! The last 15ish minutes of the movie are a lot more graphic than I had anticipated, so content warnings for lots of violence and blood and knives and such. My biggest grievance with the ending was Kam trying to sexually assault Mo because he was so desperate to get the farm back under his name. I know he was going to do it solely out of desperation, but it came out of nowhere and didn't sit great with me. Immediately after that, Mo's new husband tries to murder Kam (fine), only to be almost murdered by Jingna (made a lot of sense), and then Mo's new husband DOES murder Jingna, before robbing her and running away. I thought Jingna's death worked well in regards to symbolism- Kam is now exactly where he started, with a dead husband and no claim to the durian orchard. The same goes for Mo- they've ruined all the durians and her husband has fled with their money, so she's also essentially back to square one.

I had honestly expected the ending to just be Mo vs. Kam, so the other characters came as an absolute shock to me. But I understand why the film had to end that way, I just wish it... didn't? If that makes any sense.

All in all, I greatly enjoyed this movie from both a plot perspective and a visual one. It was an absolute roller coaster of emotions, and is absolutely worth rewatching because of all the details you'll pick up on the second time around. Like Boss said in the Q&A, the thorns talked about in the title don't only refer to the thorns on the durian- it also refers to the thorns of emotion you'll feel while watching these characters' lives unfold.

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Damn

I am at loss of word. I was not expecting THIS when I dived into this movie. I though it would be a cute movie but MAN it was definitely not. Thailand has been boring me with the same old plot and same boring actors with their series and movies lately but this, takes it to a new level. The plot was literally insane. Plot twist after plot twist. Wondering who is in the right and also if anyone could be evil enough to do all that. This movie really showed what desperation can do. When Thong was willing to show his asshole to show they fucked and him almost 'raping' ('' cus i dont think he would have actually done it)Mo just to have any sort of connection to the land and also Mo to 'killing' Saeng and Sek. But in the end, they both ended with nothing. This movie is just cruel. Just when you thought there would be a happy ending for all, it snatches the hope from you and spits it back in your face. I genuinely thought that at LEAST Thong will have a happy ending. IMO he suffered the most next to Mo. He invested stupidly everything he got into this field of thorns only to get pricked by the thorns and when he was given a hand by someone to leave this place that someone was dragged into the field of thorns. It is just so sad. You really feel for the characters as they are both so pathetic and sympathetic. That you can't just help but root for both of them but alas. The acting as well was just outstanding. Jeef and Enfa did very well. This is a really good movie. Bitter but good.

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Such a good movie.

I usually don't write reviews, but The Paradise of Thorns truly moved me in ways I didn’t anticipate. This film is a delicate yet powerful portrayal of love, loss, and societal barriers. Set in Thailand, it follows the story of a couple navigating the complexities of their relationship in a world that doesn’t fully embrace their love. The cinematography is breathtaking, with every frame capturing the raw beauty of the landscape as well as the emotional depth of the characters.

What struck me most were the performances—each actor brings a deep, authentic vulnerability to their role, allowing you to connect with their pain, their dreams, and their struggles. The film’s pacing is slow but deliberate, giving you time to absorb the weight of each scene. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of discrimination and the consequences of living in a society that doesn’t legally acknowledge same-sex love.

The emotional rollercoaster of The Paradise of Thorns stayed with me long after the final scene. It’s a film about hope, defiance, and the undeniable power of love, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. It’s not just a love story—it’s a call to reflect on the world we live in and the people who are often overlooked. If you’re looking for a film that’s both beautiful and heartbreaking, one that’ll stir your emotions and leave you thinking, this is a must-watch.

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The Paradise of Thorns: A Poignant Thai Drama That Cuts Deep

Released in 2024, The Paradise of Thorns marks Naruebet Kuno’s impressive directorial debut. Starring Jeff Satur and Engfa Waraha, this Thai romantic drama premiered theatrically in Thailand before making its international debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. Now available for streaming in select regions on Netflix, the film delivers a stirring narrative of love, loss, and resilience.

The story revolves around Thongkam (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon), a same-sex couple who pour their hearts into building a durian orchard together in rural Thailand. Their idyllic life is shattered when Sek tragically passes away, leaving Thongkam to face the harsh reality of Thai laws that fail to recognize same-sex unions. Stripped of his rights, Thongkam must fight to reclaim the home and orchard he helped create, which are legally handed over to Sek's mother, Saeng (Seeda Puapimon).

Jeff Satur delivers a deeply moving performance as Thongkam, embodying a man grappling with grief while navigating an unjust system. Engfa Waraha shines as Mo, Saeng's adopted daughter, adding layers of complexity to the family dynamics. The supporting cast, including Seeda Puapimon and Harit Buayoi, further enrich the narrative with nuanced portrayals.

Set against the lush backdrop of Mae Hong Son, the cinematography is breathtaking, juxtaposing the beauty of the durian farm with the emotional struggles of the characters. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the weight of each scene to linger, while its poignant soundtrack amplifies the emotional depth of the story.

What sets The Paradise of Thorns apart is its fearless exploration of LGBTQ+ rights, marriage inequality, and societal discrimination. It sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by same-sex couples, making a powerful statement about the need for legal recognition and social acceptance.

The film’s bittersweet ending is both haunting and necessary, reflecting the harsh realities many in the LGBTQ+ community face today. While the story is heartbreaking, it carries a message of hope and defiance, urging audiences to reflect on the importance of equality and inclusion.

Now, with same-sex marriage finally legalized in Thailand as of January 2025, this film feels even more poignant. It serves as a timely reminder of the struggles endured by many and the progress that still needs to be made.

The Paradise of Thorns is not just a love story—it’s a call to action and a mirror to society’s flaws. With its outstanding performances, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals, it’s a must-watch that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.

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i am traumatized

every actor did a great job. jeff especially. but i am traumatized. i will give this a rewatch, because... what? i love and hate it at the same time. that's why it's good. this movie is supposed to make us feel conflicted and that's exactly what it did. can't wait to rewatch and traumatize the rest of my friends. my roommate was my first victim. it had some silly moments too, i loved that. i have a hard time focusing on movies when i watch them, but I didn't look away from the screen for the entire time through this one. it was so engaging and interesting

good job, really

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SHOCKED

I have been eagerly anticipating the release of this movie ever since it was first announced, primarily because I am a huge fan of Jeff. What I didn't expect, however, was just how exceptional the film would turn out to be. The performances from the entire cast were outstanding, but Engfa’s portrayal truly stood out. She delivered a remarkable performance that brought her complex character to life with absolute finesse, showcasing her impressive range as an actress.

Beyond the brilliant acting, the film delves into profound and serious topics, particularly focusing on issues surrounding marriage inequality. I found myself completely engrossed, with my jaw dropping at several moments throughout the viewing. The film’s exploration of these themes added layers of depth that elevated the overall experience.

From the production team to the writers and all the talented actors involved, everyone played a crucial role in the creation of this masterpiece. Their collective efforts resulted in a truly captivating cinematic experience that I won't soon forget.

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I'm At Lost For Words

This is such an amazing movie, I felt so much during these 2 hours, and at first I thought I wouldn't like it too much because a lot of things in this plot weren't my cup of tea, but it all balanced itself out and it became a perfect mix of a rollercoaster of emotions, even though this doesn't have a happy ending like how I usually like or wish it had, it was still very well done, and it had its good moments and good chemistry, this is a devastating story but its beautiful regardless, it just shows so much emotion and so much realistic views on real life problems, marriage inequality, and economic issues. It depicts greed and the yearning of money so much, the actors do an amazing job expressing each character individually and being able to show across a screen how these characters were feeling. I am at loss for words so theres nothing else I can say, but in very short, I loved this movie, its been a while since I've watched something this good, I honestly recommend it with every part of me, but be warned about the rollercoaster of emotions and sadness you will experience. It's a tragic story, to say the least.

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5 stages of grief

I went through 5 stages of grief watching this movie.

Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance.

There is something so relatable about the plot even though it is set in a village. The complications of relationships, the repercussions of Sek's indecisiveness which caused Mo and Thongkam coming head-to-head with each other. I have seen it happened in real life and I have had the experience of being the receiving end of people's indecisiveness that I totally understand the reasons behind Mo and Thongkam actions. The characters grieving in the own ways, trying to make sense and making their own path in life.

Jeff & Engfa deserves awards for their acting. The subtleness of their emotions plays across their faces clearly and I could instantly understand the pain behind it.

Considering that this is Keng Harit's first acting job (based off his MDL profile), I'm really impressed that he is very natural and engaging in front of the camera and love his chemistry with Jeff.

I was honestly hoping for a happy ending in some form but the ending is exactly how reality is. That's how life is. No matter how much you fight for, most of the time, things are just as it is. Everyone wants their happy endings but how many actually get their happy endings.

Truth be told, I'm not sure what I feel about this movie. I love it but I hate that it is the reality of countless people around the world.

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Portrait of the legal and social marginalization suffered by LGBT+ people in Thailand

What are "rights"? Are they something that all people are entitled to, regardless of age, origin, culture and any other circumstance, or do we earn it? Does the law have the power to dictate them or can we simply assume that we are entitled to enjoy the rights due to circumstances or tradition?
These questions arise in my mind from the opening scenes of 'The Paradise of Thorns', Boss Naruebet Kuno's feature debut, which takes viewers on a gripping emotional journey to address love, loss and the harsh realities of inequality legal in a compelling and visually impressive way.
Thongkam (Jeff Satur) and Sek (Pongsakorn Mettarikanon) are a gay couple who are married in every sense except the legal formalities, and who have spent five years building a durian orchard and the house they live in in the area rural Mae Hong Son.
But when Sek has an accident and goes to the hospital, the doctors refuse to recognize Thongkam as his partner, insisting that only Sek's elderly mother, Saeng (Seeda Puapimon), can sign a consent form for a surgical operation. An accident means that Saeng never makes it in time and Sek dies, revealing the harsh reality that same-sex marriage was not legally recognized in Thailand at the time of the film's release.
Sek's death leaves Thongkam vulnerable to draconian inheritance laws and family members eager to take away what the couple has built.
These scenes alone, in which men are unable to make decisions on behalf of the other when one is incapacitated, should be enough of an example of why marriage equality is so important everywhere.
The house and durian orchard, which belong to both men in spirit, turned out to be in Sek's name. This generates complications after his death, when the invalid mother and her adopted daughter Mo (Engfa Waraha), in charge of pushing the wheelchair, arrive to claim what they believe is theirs.
Thongkam will challenge the intentions of mother and adopted daughter, but since equal marriage is not recognized, the courts side with them, forcing the young man to ask Saeng to hire him as staff to manage the orchard, along with Mo's brother, Jingna (Harit Buayoi).
And right at this moment I ask myself other questions: Would Thongkam have had a happier fate in Thailand today, after becoming the first country in Southeast Asia, the third in Asia and the thirty-seventh on a global scale on January 23, 2025 in allowing legal unions for homosexual couples, and granting adoption and inheritance rights to same-sex couples? Is this a rare case where real life might be better than the movies?
Precisely, this is the theme explored in the film, which aims to paint a compelling and comprehensive image of how marginalized LGBTQ+ people have been legally and socially in that nation for decades.
The melancholic music, especially the song "Rain Wedding", performed by Satur himself, in collaboration with Vichaya Vatanasapt, who is also responsible for the heartbreaking musical themes of 'I Told Sunset About You', adds nuances to the plight of Thongmak, while he watches helplessly as the beloved garden that he raised with tooth and nail with Sek slips out of his hands.
But as the film shifts into a black comedy as he tries to overcome the situation he finds himself in, so does the music, which borders on suspense, preparing the audience for what awaits them.
With a tagline that reads "the land of love and resentment" it is evident from the beginning that the film is not feel-good cinema.
Quickly, the narrative jumps right into the action with death, which is the catalyst for all the events of the film.
Soon Thongkam will understand that the world will not be kind to him, which leads him to plan revenge, and he transforms into the antihero.
Similarly, Mo and Saeng offer an image of malevolent characters, to later show that things are not so black and white.
Although the film gets dark at times, the rivalry between Mo and Thongkam keeps it entertaining. While they are opposites of each other, an opportunistic and selfish woman versus a desperate and romantic farmer, when they start playing each other's games, we realize that they are quite similar.
Through Thongkam's eyes, Saeng and Mo are invading, malevolent forces coming to steal what is his. Saeng even evicts the young man from the bed he shared with Sek, and, to make matters worse, urinates in it. The consequences of her motor disability are used by Kuno to, behind Thongkam's back, also create a feeling of sympathy for both women.
However, the two evil women will even go so far as to expel Thongkam from his own house and his own land. To get back what is his, the young man invents his own plan to please them: a cunning and slow revenge plot that will captivate the viewer, considering the two faces that Thongkam comes to have.
On the one hand, he is practically a classic Disney villain, with a heart of gold and a justified grudge, and the actor who plays him completes the contours of the character with grit and ductility.
The actors bring great passion to their work: Engfa Waraha's performance as Mo is complex and formidable. It reminds me of Cersei Lannister, the fictional character from 'Game of Thrones'. Deeply narcissistic and ambitious, Mo will stop at nothing to take over the house and orchard, and shows little to no regard for others. She is filled with bitterness for having pushed Saeng's wheelchair for 20 years, an effort with which she hoped to be rewarded with Sek's love and recognized as the invalid matriarch's heir.
Since much of the story takes place from Thongkam's perspective, Mo is initially portrayed as a villain, but the very well-rounded performance of the actress who brings the character to life shows us that there is more to her.
Jeff Satur as Thongkam is sympathetic and desperate, a character you can really root for even when his methods of staying on the farm are morally questionable. Her encounters under the mosquito net with the Jingna eventually develop into a tender romance, and you soon find yourself rooting for them both to live happily. Unfortunately, a third act breaking point for Thongkam puts an end to that fantasy.
The colors also define the moods and moments of the film. Warm, romantic tones accompany Thongkam's honeymoon scenes, taking on a harsh tone as Mo and Saeng's true colors come to light. At these moments the lighting becomes harsh and yellowish, as a sign of the rupture of the happiness that reigned in the past in the house and the garden.
The colors perfectly characterize the characters: Mo switches between muted and bright shades of pink, representing her emotional journey. For his part, we see in the young farmer how his out-of-place aesthetic predominates, with leather jackets and shiny dresses, in the same way that society does not accept relationships between two men.
After directing several television series, such as 'I Told Sunset about You' and 'I Promised You the Moon', Boss Kuno applies what he learned on the serialized television set, delivering very high-quality images, an attractive young cast and high dramatic tension, to bring us a story divided into equal parts of revenge thriller, LGBTQ+ drama and social commentary.
The plot, written by Kuno and his collaborators Naron Cherdsoongnern and Karakade Norasethaporn, paints a picture of homophobia, seen primarily through the verbal battles between the mother and Thongkam; the social inequality faced by homosexual couples, while also shedding light on the plight of women like Mo, who have no chance of moving up the social ladder except marrying into a rich family or resorting to crime, manipulation, lying...
A film with many symbolisms: the scene of the moth sitting on Thongkam's nose is a great metaphor for the transformation when Thongkam decides to take justice into his own hands to avenge the damage caused, not so much by the mother-in-law and Mo, but by the Thai laws that deny you the right to what is yours as property.
The cultural richness of Thailand shown in the film should also be highlighted, with events such as monastic ordination, the first rain and traditional weddings, but also consciously used as a determining factor in the conflict.

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