The Overture

The Overture is a boldly conceived story bursting with color, energy and music. Inspired by the life of maestro Luang Pradith Phairao, the story follows Sorn, a gifted player of the renard-ek (Thailand's wooden xylohphone), who longs to compete in the musical competitions of the late 19th century. The film deftly braids parallel narratives, documenting Sorn's musical rebirth and coming of age in turn of the century Siam with his adult struggle against the Thai government's ban of the art he masters in post-WWII Bangkok. The Overture is an victoriously entertaining saga and passionate historical biography.