Down The River (2004)What is perhaps most noticeable when one watches the Thai gay film âÂÂDown the Riverâ are two things: the elegant cinematography of Thai temples and countryside and the deep resonance of Buddhist theology in the filmâÂÂs screenplay. All of these sensual images fill the screen as a simple yet compelling story of two best friends unfold. Krit and Win have developed a meaningful friendship despite their differences: Krit wants his relationship with Win to evolve into something deeper than a platonic relationship, while Win appears to want a âÂÂnormal lifeâ â one which includes having his own family, with a wife and children.So, it appears that Win still has to accept his homosexual side, something which Krit already has. While Krit frequents gay hot spots, Win shows his preference for the straight crowd. It is shown in the movie though, that both Krit and Win have their minds (and apparently, hearts) set on each other. This is apparent despite KritâÂÂs show of homosexual promiscuity and WinâÂÂs effort to be more masculine.The two men share a liking for hiking in the woods, and while Win just considers these walks for their face value, Krit takes them to heart and keeps a book where he presses wild flowers as keepsakes of these hikes. In one of these walks, Win and Krit hike with two women. The film then juxtaposes several scenes in a non-linear arrangement, as the motives of Krit to make this hike an event where he finally gets Win becomes known. Finally, Krit succeeds against the odds in get intimate with, despite WinâÂÂs apprehensions.The most intimate scenes between Krit and Win happens against the backdrop of some of the most exquisite Thai scenery â Buddhist temples, fields and forests, making the scenes very tender and visual as they are highly homoerotic at the same time.
