Nang Nak

นางนาก ‧ Movie ‧ 1999
Completed
Elisheva
1 people found this review helpful
May 23, 2025
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

National treasure of a tragic love story

The (incomplete) list of related titles will give you an idea of how popular the legend of Mae Nak, which has its roots in the 1800s, is amongst Thais. This version - the 1999 film with Inthira Charoenpura and Winai Kraibutr - has the clearest explanation of the story I've seen. If you're only going to watch one, this is the one to choose. If you're inclined to watch more, it's the best to begin with. Even one which stands alone as well as Pee Mak has additional layers if you know Nang Nak. For other subsequent adaptations, it really does help to have this as reference so you understand how each one finds its own way to move our emotions.

And as a film, it's well done. Moody, atmospheric, but also balanced with light and warmth. Some excellent cinematography (like the way the film-maker used light, shadow and Kraibutr's musculature), just enough horror, and of course the love story at its heart. If you don't know the story, just watch it and get caught up in the suspense.

I've seen this four times now. When I began seeking out all the Nang Nak/Mae Naks as I could find, it was out of interest in the different ways film-makers find to tell stories. What I've come away with, six different movies in, is how much love Thais have for the story, and this version in particular. Is it perfect? No. But that's not what matters. It's Nang Nak.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Nang Nak poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 7.4 (scored by 137 users)
  • Ranked: #42483
  • Popularity: #17400
  • Watchers: 322

Top Contributors

19 edits
13 edits
12 edits
10 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
Occult Club Masterlist
46 titles 19 loves
thai horror
43 titles 2 loves

Recently Watched By