I so desperately wanted this movie to work. It boasts a very interesting theme of Buddhism and crime-minded ones who defy it. Three criminals force their way into a temple to retrieve stolen treasure buried hurriedly during a police chase. An old abbot and few other monks are dragged into the situation and the darkness of human mind. So seldom is a Thai film with confined plot and physical restriction, instead of some ambitious idea and the failure to deliver. Even rarer for me as a Buddhist to see Buddhism challenged at its core: how a religion faces an absolute devil. Having said all that, the film turns out to be rather disappointing. Unrealistic script and acting. Unsteady flow of emotions. And a poorly-crafted plot. I gave 5 out of 10 for these filmmakers' courage to tell a daring but controversial story. The other 5 is kept at the combination of points aforementioned. The film could have been much better if the storytelling was kept simple and less pretentious. Study the likes of "Fargo" and "Deliverance", and one will see the strength of unyielding, unblinking, and powerful storytelling. You don't have to yell to get attention. Say it with clarity and determination, and you will be heard.
