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Not Friends

Not Friends (2023)

Oct 26, 2023 2h 10m Drama Comedy

A group of high school students, fueled by their shared passion for filmmaking, sets out to create a short film based on the life of their beloved classmate. Little do they know, their endeavor will lead them to uncover their friend's hidden secrets that could change their perspective on their passion forever.

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Directed by Atta Hemwadee

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Atta Hemwadee
Producer
  • Nattawut Poonpiriya
  • Vanridee Pongsittisak

Reviews

drkenchao

i watched the movie again

Thanks to the director who is also the film scriptwriter, the brilliant screenplay has interesting & touching twist and turns and great (sometimes even humourous) dialogue/movie lines.

it is really a great film about joe, the ingenious screenplay gradually reveal how the ordinary but sunny character guy is loved and missed by his friends and deeply by Bokeh around him

The main characters are all acting great. Tithiya shines in her acting as lovely Bokeh in the movie who has deep and subtle feeling for Joe.

Also tributes to the other supporting cast: the movie team, ohm, liew, moms of pae and joe, and the principal in the movie.

Dec 4, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Not Friends examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Atta Hemwadee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Not Friends took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 387 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Not Friends shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Everything's Jake, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Not Friends offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Evita and Casper explore similar territory, Not Friends stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 26, 2023
  • Runtime: 2h 10m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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