FOUR (2011)

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Director: Eakasit Thairaat/Kongkiat Khomsiri/Pawat Panangkasiri/Chukiat Sakweerakul
Cast: Alex Rendell, Charn Ridulsurakarn, Nattapong Arunnet, Pattarapasit Sappasawadichote, Pakorn Chatborirak, Akarin Akaranitimetarath, Parinya Ngamwongwan, Ananda Everingham, Thiti Vejbul, Peerapol Senakun, Theema Kanchanapairin, Alice Toy, Attanan Piyaset, Sikarin Polyong, Jenjira Jamniensri
RunTime: 2 hrs 5 mins
Released By: Shaw & Clover Films
Rating: NC-16 (Some Disturbing Scenes)
Official Website:

Opening Day: 7 July 2011

Synopsis: "A Noob’s Human Holocaust " directed by Eakasit Thairaat, is the introduction with an unexpected twist to pave the way to other parts with higher degree of haunting feeling. "The Gift Shop for People You Hate" directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri, is this director’s first time with Sahamongkol Film, with the same style of dark comedy that is his specialization. "The Night to Lose Your Mind" directed by Pawat Panangkasiri is probably the darkest and most serious part which will leave the audience stunned with a shocking end. "Who R Kong?" directed by Madiew Chukiat Sakweerakul is a combination of eccentric characters plus a unique storyline that results in a very entertaining way.

These four stories with four different tastes of 4 have been written specifically for this project, under the theme of “losing your mind,” which means the horror and haunting feeling that play directly with people’s mind.

Movie Review:

Oh Thailand film industry, how we have our love/hate relationship. One minute, I'll be slamming on how awful you’ve exploited such genre in vain to as to make a quick buck. Others, i would be on all fours bowing to such majestic film making and knowing how you push our excitement button. And when i mean excitement, i meant the ability to tap into our inner most fear and scare our butts off. It’s amazing how no one else can do such horror like you do. Even when it’s almost a formulaic template, it still works every time. It’s like you’ve found the fountain of youth. And then comes new directors who wants a voice of their own. Have a spin-off from the norm and create something new to the plate. I don’t blame them for trying but some do fall flat when they fall and don’t know how to pick themselves up. Lucky for us a dish of delectable mind warp sanity was served on our screen. Introducing “Four”, a showcase of new visionaries of directors under the theme of “losing your mind”. One can always find true horror and can be in a form of every human mentality that is pushed to the edge.

A Noob’s Human Holocaust

Directed by Eakasit Thairaat, is a cautionary tale that very well can be much a reality if one factor were to be conjured. Mainly set in a one location shot, it refreshingly followed suit much of Hollywood's indie film that revolves in a small venue. Much adding to the claustrophobic nature of the film, the tension of the conversation was very well taunted, feeling every second growing its tension. You’ll doubt yourself of how normal they look but upon hearing their devious plans, you’ll realise that anything can happen to anyone. But all said, even the most perfect plan has its flaws and the director cleverly makes use of such loop hole to add to the near perfect twist that would turn us to get involved in the film. I was definitely wanting more.

The Gift Shop for People You Hate

Directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri, he tells a tale of a quirky shop, that sells nick-knacks that has a evil presence to it’s aim. With the title giving it away, it’s a shop that sells gift for people you hate resulting a bad accident to befall on him. You may find that this be a joke but what if, the owner reveals that someone has already bought for you? Would definitely mess up your mind wouldn’t it? It’s either such shocking situation and lose your mind over it or that it’s all a joke and a very clever marketing of the shop owner. But know knows. Will you take the risk?

The Night to Lose Your Mind

The weakest of the lot, directed by Pawat Panangkasiri, tells a tale of 3 thieves who are doing their last job only to be trapped and haunted in an old abandoned hospital which they took refuge in upon running into a road block. “Saw” was what came across my mind as the haunting figure put them in on a road to recovery but somehow just fell flat when it went incoherent towards the end. Plot loop holes started devouring the film and finally felt as if the director wanted to end the film upon realising how messed up the film is (ironic huh?). Even with the happy ending that ensues, the last frame was just a slap in the face which just made me throw my hands up in the air and give up because it doesn’t make any sense at all.

Who R Kong?

Madiew Chukiat Sakweerakul, the favourite of the lot was so much of a refreshing horror that we’re used to. In perspective, one can say it mimics the TV shows “Pushing Daisies” tone. Bright colours which blaringly juxtaposed with the morbid theme and mixed with humour that is over the top and fully embrace its nature. It’s rather unheard of an Asian film to mix such topic of family bickering, fulfilling an old man’s last request to be taken care of, after life, at home and dark humour. Adding to the mix the bag, grandchildren who one, is limp at the wrist, one addicted to sex, one who can’t stop messaging on her phone, one normal hardworking girl and lastly, and put plainly, an a**hole. It had the right amount of humour and horror, with a dash of vivid exterior, it was a joy to watch even if it breaks every sense of reality.

Movie Rating:

(Indulge in four stories that will touch the heart of your fear)

Review by Lokman B S 


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