In the fluorescent-happy Bangkok Dangerous, Oxide and Danny Pang transform Bangkok into ready-made speed for the raver sect. This hit-man epic (think Fallen Angels as helmed by the junkie who’s just left the club) emphasizes its hero’s deaf-muteness via pumping techno and fidgety film stock. Showgirls bump and grind against sweaty poles as Aom (Patharawarin Timkul) arranges death via gun-for-hire Kong (Pawalit Mongkolpisit). A sentimental flashback establishes Kong’s childhood angst; once stoned by the local boys, he mends past wounds via his cold, trigger-happy gaze. Aom is raped Perfect Blue-style, sending boyfriend Joe (Pisek Intrakanchit) into a bloody rage that Kong must later negotiate. The Orange Music score is marvelously libidinal, covering the full spectrum from acid house to trip-hop; a shot rings out, blood pools and a tinkly piano version of “Jingle Bells” gets the ominous techno rewrite. Decha Srimantra’s lascivious cinematography does wonders with bathroom tile cracks, slow-mo raindrops, bullet sprays and everything in between. The film’s heart lies in Kong’s failed love affair with a sheepish pharmacist though their romance only manages to slow down the film’s otherwise fierce pace. As far as hard-boiled yakuzas go, Bangkok Dangerous is derivative. As a techno phenomenon, though, none come better than this speedy anthem to crippled antiheroes.
Since 2001, we've brought you uncompromising, candid takes on the world of film, music, television, video games, theater, and more. Independently owned and operated publications like Slant have been hit hard in recent years, but we’re committed to keeping our content free and accessible—meaning no paywalls or fees.
If you like what we do, please consider subscribing to our Patreon or making a donation.
