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Tears of the Black Tiger

Tears of the Black Tiger (2000)

A homage and parody of 1950s and 1960s Thai romantic melodramas and action films. Dum, the son of a peasant falls in love with Rumpoey, the daughter of a wealthy and respected family. The star-crossed lovers are torn apart for years, but their forbidden love survives. When tragedy strikes, Dum unleashes his rage and becomes the gun-slinging outlaw the "Black Tiger" who will stop at nothing to seek his revenge.

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Directed by Wisit Sasanatieng

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Wisit Sasanatieng
Producer
  • Nonzee Nimibutr

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Romance/Comedy/Action/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Tears of the Black Tiger distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Wisit Sasanatieng 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2000, 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 Tears of the Black Tiger took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2035 individual shots.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2000, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Tears of the Black Tiger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Way of the Gun, which focuses more on action than character development, Tears of the Black Tiger offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Jules and Jim and Small Change explore similar territory, Tears of the Black Tiger stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: September 29, 2000
  • Runtime: 1h 50m

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