As a non-Thai, I'm unfamiliar with the legend of Tee Yai. A man who, apparently, is more famous than the prime minister. A criminal who garners so much attention often becomes a legend and the subject of programs like this one. But how often are these films and series actually good? Do we watch them simply because they're based on legends and we want to know more about the truth? Legends exist all over the world these days.
However, how relevant are they to a young audience? The film is set in the 1980s. Not so long ago, until you realize that those who know this legend are already around 40 years old. Actor Apo Nattawin, known for his role in the hit teen romantic drama KinnPorsche, is certainly very popular with young people. The 31-year-old actor has demonstrated his talent, but will that be enough to spark interest in a film like this?
Director: Nonzee Nimibutr
Writer: Chanchana Homsap
Stars: Wisarut Himmarat, Supassra Thanachat, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat
The film is set in the 80s, and everything about it reflects that, except it's completely digital and looks so high-definition that I can no longer distinguish the old from the new. It's almost two hours long, but it's not the first time a Thai action film has dragged on. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of action, and when action movies forget about drama, they become especially boring (although, of course, there are exceptions).
While Tee Yai: Born To Be Bad does have an emotional component, it feels sparse and appears too late to fully appreciate it. The film focuses on the numerous robberies of the thief, who became a legend because everyone believed he had magical powers. This trope is heavily exploited in the film. Tee and his friends suddenly disappear and make it rain as if they had divine powers. Of course, they're still human, but this is supposed to add a touch of mystery to the story.
Tee Yai: Born To Be Bad primarily focuses on the friendship between Tee and his partner Rerk. While Tee is impulsive, Rerk is the voice of reason, and together they make an excellent team. According to the internet and interviews with the director, this is a fresh perspective on the story. So I suppose you could say that's what gives it an original touch, which is quite interesting. However, when it delves into the melodramatic parts, I think the film loses its appeal. In the film, this bond breaks down when Rerk falls in love, and everything gets complicated. At the same time, a police officer is pursuing them, and that's the key point of the story: he'll do anything to catch the legend who has everyone under his thumb. We see a couple of robberies and the havoc they wreak, which ultimately turns them into fugitives.
Thai films are always frenetic, and this one is no exception. There's a constant sense of urgency because it's about thieves on the run for their lives, but at the same time, their friendship is strained because the police chase puts everything at risk. In the film, Tee and Rerk are heard singing in another language whenever they're in trouble. This singing seems to be their magic trick, but I suppose it adds a different touch to a fairly typical action drama. There's not much romance in the film, though that's also a point of conflict between the two boys.
Unfortunately, my knowledge of Thai cinema is too limited to know the director, Nonzee Nimibutr, but he seems to be an established and well-liked director in the industry. He does a great job of recreating the 80s world, and the action scenes are quite entertaining. I think the scenes filmed in the dark are difficult to watch, especially at home, but that's a common problem with streaming platforms. Apo is fantastic in this role, and I think it's safe to say he's transformative. He looks like he stepped straight out of an 80s magazine, and he plays the part perfectly. The little mustache and the classic yellow sunglasses make him almost unrecognizable. Witsarut Himmarat is a good partner for Apo, and it's clear they're genuine friends.
I think the film's ending is meant to be emotional, but it doesn't quite work. I suppose the film achieves its goal: showing us that Tee Yai survived all that time thanks to his companions, and not just with his magic tricks (or powers, as you prefer). But this also relegates the protagonist somewhat to the background, giving the impression that he wasn't so legendary after all. I think Apo is an excellent actor, but this is what makes the role feel a bit limited for him: he doesn't fully realize his potential.
In short, I can only say that it's an acceptable film, and if you watch it at home, you'll probably get distracted. I suppose that, as an international viewer unfamiliar with this story, it didn't impact me as much as it would have on a Thai audience. Therefore, I give Tee Yai: Born To Be Bad 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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