Movies and Edged Weapons Pt. 2

[Kamil]

A thing wortrh of seeing - "The Pharaoh" - one of the best movies on Ancient Egypt ever done (and I know what I say, as Egyptology is my job). It is Polish movie from 1965 (Oscar nominee of 1967), available on DVD and VHS. A lot of Egyptian weapons, battle scenes etc. The action is fictitious, but the scenography has been prepared by Egyptologists.

[Battara]

And don't forget "The Legend of Suriyothai" with lots and lots of dha! (mentioned in an earlier thread).

[zamboanga]

check out the temple scene. brutal showdown of bladed weapons vs. firearms.

[Naga Basuki]

Originally Posted by Battara

And don't forget "The Legend of Suriyothai" with lots and lots of dha! (mentioned in an earlier thread).

Just saw this movie. It has become one of my all-time favorites. For those who have not seen it, I highly recommend. Press relaease below.

Chatrichalerm Yukol's The Legend of Suriyothai (2001), produced by Francis Ford Coppola.

When a movie is clearly intended as its country's national epic, it carries interest for more than its entertainment value or artistry. The Legend of Suriyothai, the highest-grossing film in the history of Thailand, was directed and co-written by a prince of the royal Thai family (Chatri Chalerm Yukol). It was also lavishly funded by the queen of Thailand, based on a famous historical tale of intrigue, romance and war among Thai royals in the 16th century. And it was shot on the original locations with a cast that included dozens of speaking parts, 3,500 extras and 160 elephants. It's the equivalent of our Gone With the Wind, Russia's War and Peace or, to take a more modest example, South Korea's Chunhyang. Sheer ambition and grandiose make the film interesting.

Beautifully designed and photographed, Legend of Suriyothai centers on brave Suriyothai, Thai's national royal heroine (played by M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi). In the course of the film's tale, Suriyothai sacrifices herself again and again for her beloved Thailand. First, in youth, she abandons her passionate lifelong love for handsome soldier Pirenthorathep, or "Piren" for short (played by Chatchai Plengpanich), and instead marries the monkish Prince Thienracha, or "Tien" (Sarunyoo Wongkrchang). Tien and Suriyothai lead a sumptuous but unexciting life, raising children and posing before royal gardens, as Thailand is plunged into both civil and external war - often with its incredibly obstreperous neighbor, Burma.

Then, however, the country falls into the scheming hands of beautiful but evil ex-courtesan Srisudachan (Mai Charoenpura), who poisons her lover, King Chairacha (Pongpat Wachirabunjong), and installs yet another lover, perfidious Lord Warawongsa (Johnny Anfone) from the House of U-Thong, in his place - temporarily ending the reign of the Phra Ruang dynasty, to which Suriyothai, Tien and Piren all belong. Fearlessly, Suriyothai and gallant warrior Piren strike back, settling Srisudachan's hash, retiring the U-Thong gang and bringing back Tien from the monastery. But just as the heroes try to calm things down a little, the pugnacious king of Burma comes roaring across the border again with his army and his elephants, setting the stage for one last incredible Suriyothai sacrifice.

Obviously, they love this stuff in Thailand. And you can see why. Suriyothai is Scarlett O'Hara, Queen Elizabeth, Jackie Kennedy and Wonder Woman rolled up in one.

As it is, the movie's luscious design and rich cinematography make it worth watching - though you'd be well advised to study a synopsis (like this one) carefully before trying to watch it. It is possible to have a good time seeing Suriyothai's legend, even if you can't spell her name. ? Michael Wilmington, CHICAGO TRIBUNE"

And a big thanks for Jose "The DHA" for bringing it to my attention!

[Battara]

You're quite welcome Naga Basuki. It has become one of my favorite movies and the main character is in the royal court herself, never acted before and did a superb job. Glad someone else has had a chance to appreciate it.

Also congratulations on your recent PI eBay acquistions (envy, envy, grumble, grumble.....).

[moose]

Got to see this movie the other day. I highly recommend it. Thanks to those who pointed it out as I would have whoosed right by it channel surfing. Saved it to the hard drive.

Lot's of Dha!! A couple of questions?

Has anybody seen in person one of those big ones wielded from the back of an elephant? Ever got to hold one?

I was suprised to see all the smaller dha used in a two-handed chopper / slasher style.
Where was the krabi-krabong two swords two hands supposedly of the royal guards?

I realize as a student of the Philipine martial arts and bladed weapons in general that in the heat of the battle all drills can go right out the window.

I still thought we would have seen at least someone like the scar-faced dude wielding two if in fact it's supposed to be decended from thai royalty guardsmen.

Just asking,

moose

[Federico]

Watched the Legend of Suriothai a while back as well, was wondering if anyone knew where they got their sword props. Alot of them looked nice, and not egrigious touristy junk. Amazing assortment of lavishly decotrated dha. Very well done visually, the interview with director (a royal prince himself) was real cool, and would be interesting to see his other movies (well non-weapon related, still sounds like interesting stuff). Would have been amazing to see what could have been done with better trained actors (as has been stated the lead is not an actress but a courtier). Though the deleted scenes are awesome as well, a shame that they were cut.

[Rick]

Suriyothai , yes !
I've got that DVD , a wonderful film .

Speaking of films , has anyone seen The Ring of Fire a documentary series on Indonesia that was made in the '70's by the Blair brothers ?

I first saw it on PBS and loved it .

It is now available on DVD ; my lovely Wife bought it for me at Christmas (five hours long).

[Battara]

I'm so pleased that everyone is enjoying "Legend of Suriothai". Here is another movie by one of my all time favorite directors, Kurosawa: "Ran". It takes place in medieval Japan and the story line itself is an adaptation of Shakespear's "King Lear". Actually I recommend all of his films like "Kogamusha", "Seven Samurai", and "Sanguro", etc. More recently I like the action and true sword play in the "Kill Bill" series.

Rick, yes I saw the Ring of Fire series and I thought it wonderfully done.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by moose

Has anybody seen in person one of those big ones wielded from the back of an elephant? Ever got to hold one?

Hi Moose,

I've not seen the end of the movie yet ( ), but I have seen some very large dha. One in my collection measures 58", and could easily be late Ayutthaya/early Ratanakosin period.

[Rick]

Possibly it may look similar to this piece Artzi sold recently ?

This sword being seemingly socketed in construction could be configured as a short pole arm , no ?

http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=1461