Syndromes and A Century (2007)

Synopsis: A soothing melody saturates the moving images of Apichatpong Weerasethakul's newest cinematic invention, Syndromes and a Century. It seems to originate from all corners of the screen and percolates through soft-spoken dialogue, Thai songs, sounds of nature and even silence. A... A soothing melody saturates the moving images of Apichatpong Weerasethakul's newest cinematic invention, Syndromes and a Century. It seems to originate from all corners of the screen and percolates through soft-spoken dialogue, Thai songs, sounds of nature and even silence. A meditation on memories recalled by the filmmaker's parents from the period before they were lovers, the film travels time and space with graceful levity and binds the viewer with the magic spell of an anti-narrative mantra. Exploring a new form of filmmaking, Weerasethakul finds in Syndromes and a Century an unconventional path, leading to the radiant rendering of daily life. Set primarily in two hospitals, the film tells two similar stories from two different periods, mirroring their respective eras' mores. At a small-town hospital, Toa (Nu Nimsomboon) is courting charming Dr. Tei (Nantarat Sawaddikul). Toa is shy and clumsy in declaring his love and Tei's standoffish attitude doesn't help. She is still questioning her feelings for Noom (Sophon Pukanok), an orchid expert she has met at the flower market. At the same hospital, Ple (Arkanae Cherkam), a dentist, is curing, free of charge, the cavities of young monk Sakda (Sakda Kaewbuadee). Through their mutual interest in music - Ple is also a singer and Sakda, before entering the monastery, wanted to be a DJ - they develop a special friendship. The second story is set in a downtown Bangkok hospital. It revolves again around the narrative of Toa's courtship of Dr. Tei, as well as that of military man Dr. Nohng (Jaruchai Iamaram), who visits the physical therapy ward in the hospital's basement. Pearls of wisdom, descriptions of syndromes and fragments of time crystallize in luminous atmospheres and dot the modern architecture of the film, creating a charming, quiet incantation. Ultimately a study of human behaviour, Syndomes and a Century confirms Weerasethakul as one of the brightest and most innovative lights in the contemporary cinema. His ability to envision and prepare for the future perfectly matches the spirit of Mozart's work. -- © Toronto Film Festival [More]