Film

Syndromes And A Century

Cert: 15

Description: Dreamlike Thai fable which unfolds in two parts. In the first, the businesslike Dr Toey gravitates towards handsome Noom and a Buddhist monk confesses dreams of being a DJ. In the second segment, Dr Nohng goes about his tiring work with his usual dedication and vigour, never quite in tune with the world he has pledged to nurture and protect.

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Dir: Apichatpong Weerasethakul.

Cast: Nantarat Sawaddikul, Jaruchai Iamaram, Sakda Kaewbuadee

Country: Thai/Fr.

Year: 2006.

Duration: 106mins

Difficult stuff

Syndromes and a Century: May send you to sleep

Night that never ends

Where's the straight guy?

By Derek Malcolm
20 Sep 2007

There's a retrospective of the extraordinary Thai film-maker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's films at the National Film Theatre just now, and it would perhaps be wise to taste Blissfully Yours or Tropical Malady before you see this intriguing but minimalist new film. It was made in memory of the director's parents, both doctors, and it is in two halves.

The first is set in a light and airy Thai country hospital where a lovelorn man pesters his mother, the other in a swish but depressing city medical centre where his father is a character. Not a lot happens, and some scenes are repeated differently, reflecting Weerasethakul's belief in reincarnation.

It's difficult stuff about memory, love and life's small torments, but humour does surface. Weerasethakul's eloquent film-making will either send you to sleep or exercise a hypnotic fascination.