FEATURE FILM

Suriyothai brings 16th century Thai history to life

One of Thailand's most experienced filmmakers, Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol, is putting the finishing touches to the epic film Suriyothai, the most expensive local film ever made in Thailand. He wrote, directed and edited this landmark film with the cooperation of many people and organizations both in Thailand and overseas.

The film is set in the 25 years up to 1549 AD and takes its name from the heroine, Suriyothai, the queen of King Mahachakrapat. The royal elephant fight depicted in the final scenes gives some idea of the scale of this ambitious picture. Shooting involved 2,000 people, 80 elephants and 70 horses.

Director / Screenplay writer and Editor Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol.

The principal source material for the film was the writings of Domingos de Seixas, who lived in the kingdom during this period and, on his return home to Portugal, provided comprehensive information to his own King Johan III.

The document did not just describe the traditional practices of court life within the ancient capital of Ayuthaya, however, but also the lives of common people during both war and peace time. The filmmakers worked closely with historians and archaeologists for five years before shooting over a two-year period from April 8, 1999. Thai people are expected to greet this vivid, authentic and dramatic portrayal of Queen Suriyothai with a mixture of pride and excitement. It started to appear in cinemas from August, the month in which she was born. The film is a compelling picture of humanity with resonances for today, because of the sheer level of detail and the extreme human emotions on display.

Ayuthaya's soldiers prepare for the battle.

Lady ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi was cast as Queen Suriyothai. Playing beside her in other key roles are Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Chatchai Plengpanich, Sorapong Chatri, Mai Charoenpura and Pongpat Wachirabunjong.

	Queen Suriyothai played by Lady M.L. Piyapas Bhirombhakdi.

The need for historical accuracy determined much of this landmark film's visual style. In the night time scenes for example, the directors of photography, Igor Luther and Stano Dorsic, were careful to use lighting techniques which replicated the candle light of the time. The positioning of the camera underlined the grandeur of important ceremonies such as Queen Suriyothai's wedding, and also the tragedy of her untimely death.

Kodak Vision 250D film 5246, 200T 5274, 320T 5277 and 800T 5289 were the stocks chosen. Processing occurred at Kantana Animation and all computer graphics and editing work was done at Fame Postproduction. Both companies are situated in Thailand.

An orchestra and a Thai classical music band provided the theme music under the direction of composer Richard Harvey. The recordings were made in Hungary and Thailand, and the mixing of the soundtrack took place in the UK, although the final version was done at Zoetrop Studio in the US. A Thai and an American sound team was involved throughout.

Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol has directed more than 30 films including The Angle, The Colonel, The Yellow Sky, The Citizen, The Elephant-Keeper, Gun Man, Salween and Sia Dai. This latest film, which had a budget of 400 million Baht, was made under the Prommitr Production banner, the company owned by him and his wife Mom Kalma Yuko.

Data File

Suriyothai

Production Company - Prommitr Production
Director/Screenplay writer/Editor - Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol
Executive Producer - Kamla Yukol
Co-Producer - Somsak Techaratanaprasert
Director of Photography - Igor Luther, Stano Dorsic
Production Designer - Prasopchok Thanasertvilai, Jatchada Panarkad, Prasert Posrirat