If there is one filmmaker in Thai Television who keeps experimenting with his style, it’s Jojo Tichakorn Phukhaotong. I have been a fan since I watched Friend Zone. He solidified his position as a formidable filmmaker with The Player, Never Let Me Go and Only Friends. Here is our review of his latest, The Heart Killers.
As a literature major, nothing excites me more than seeing multiple references to Shakespeare in a film/ show.
Even better, if an entire series is adapted from one of his plays.
The Heart Killers is based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Created in a retro Hollywood style, characterized by songs, and actors randomly breaking into dance sequences.
It has the rigour and the peppiness of Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Despite the heavy themes, a delightful watch — the humour serves the purpose.
Yui Kanokphan Ornrattanasakul, Issaraporn Kuntisuk and Fleur Irene Insot are co-writers of the series.
A significant aspect of Jojo’s storytelling is the perfectly flawed characters. This sets him apart from his contemporaries as he intentionally steers away from the BL stereotypes, providing the most authentic queer narratives.
In The Heart Killers, the characters are more than just their sexuality or romantic relationships.
He brings an actor’s best performance and I often see a different version of their talent under his direction.
For example, Namtan in The Player, and Dunk as the hilarious, carefree Style in The Heart Killers.
The point of fascination is undoubtedly the casting of First and Khaotung, who brilliantly fit in whatever roles they’re assigned.
Their chemistry, as always, is off the charts. First perfectly captures the vibe of a tattoo artist in his mannerisms. He shines in moments when he tries to hide his true nature.
Khaotung, one of the best young actors in GMMTV, is in his element. Though a bad guy, the kind of ‘bad’ he plays here is the polar opposite of his character in Only Friends. Versatile at best.
The real surprise though was Joong who plays the brooding, dark Fadel with a careful nuance, ease and precision. He is a discovery in The Heart Killers.
A testament to his true potential. His crime partnership with Khaotung is convincing and flows organically.
Joong Archen Aydin as Fadel in The Heart Killers (Via Mydramalist)
The Heart Killers features engaging, upbeat music that complements the storytelling beautifully.
If I didn’t know the series is Thai, I would have taken the setting for some American city.
It’s interesting because it’s like how Wong Kar-wai brings in the Hollywood pop element to Chungking Express, as we see Faye Wong dance to California Dreaming.
The cinematography by Rath Roongrueangtantisook and Surasak Sakunrueang meticulously captures the most interesting close-up shots of the actors—sometimes during their most mundane moments, such as when they take a bite of the Heart burger.
At other times, the camera moves through and around them as they go about their activities.
The Heart Killers is a perfect addition to the best of GMMTV this year along with the currently ongoing The Pluto. Could become the series of the year.
Hope you liked this review of The Heart Killers.
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Arya is a books and movies-obsessed Literature Major who more often than not finds herself writing about them. You can read her stories on Medium.
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