Jan Dara

Jan Dara is a 2001 Thai erotic drama film directed by Nonzee Nimibutr, based on the same-titled novel by Utsana Phleungtham. The film stars Eakarat Sarsukh as the titular character, along with Suwinit Panjamawat as his father, Luang Vissanun-decha, and Kanchit Thamthong as his stepfather, Khun Luang.

The movie follows the life of Jan Dara, a young boy who grows up in a wealthy and dysfunctional family in 1930s Thailand. After the death of his mother during childbirth, Jan's father Luang Vissanun-decha marries Khun Kaew, a beautiful but cold woman who becomes Jan's stepmother. She hates Jan and often abuses him physically and emotionally.

As Jan grows up, he becomes more and more rebellious, especially when he discovers the truth about his birth and realizes that his biological father is not who he thought he was. He also develops a forbidden sexual attraction to his stepmother, who reciprocates his feelings and becomes his lover.

Things take a dark turn when Jan's stepfather, Khun Luang, returns from a long trip and begins to exert his authority over the household. He is a cruel and violent man who rapes his wife and abuses Jan even more than his stepmother did. Jan also discovers that Khun Luang is his biological father and confronts him, leading to a tragic and shocking conclusion.

The film is full of taboo themes such as incest, rape, and domestic violence, but it is also a beautiful and visually stunning work of art. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the Thai countryside and intricate close-ups of the characters' faces. The period setting is meticulously recreated, with elaborate costumes and sets that transport the viewer back to a bygone era.

The acting in the film is superb, with Eakarat Sarsukh giving a particularly impressive performance as Jan Dara. He captures the character's emotions perfectly, from his innocent naivety as a child to his rebelliousness and sexual awakening as a teenager. Suwinit Panjamawat and Kanchit Thamthong are also excellent as Jan's complex and flawed fathers.

Overall, Jan Dara is a powerful and haunting film that explores some of the darkest aspects of human nature. It is not for the faint of heart, but for those who can handle its difficult subject matter, it is a must-see masterpiece of Thai cinema.