I was on the Hmong section at asianfuse the other day and saw someone post up Suab Hmoob Radio's interview with Wisconsin-based Hmong filmmaker/director Pov Hwm Vaj about his new 2012 film project, Hmong Blood For Freedom. I watched the interview clip, although not thoroughly because there was a lot of talking only and no previewing of the film. My reaction was that it was great to see this Hmong guy making another film and he's collaborating with folks from the Thai entertainment business as well. I just hope that the film isn't draggy like Vaj Tuam Thawj (I don't care too much about overloaded fight scenes) nor weak in plot like Hlub Tshaj Txoj Sia.
From the same interview, we are also informed that the film will focus on a conflict between the ethnic Thai and the original Hmong of Thailand. My thought was that it was not a very exciting nor appealing topic. In my limited comprehension of the history of the original Hmong of Thailand, they seemed to have a rather more stable political atmosphere compard to the Hmong Lao and one of their prime issues often conveyed through the media was their growing of opium during the Vietnam War era. To me, I feel like the subject of a drug war is redundantly portrayed in Thai films/lakorns.
Then, my sister e-mailed me a link to the trailer (below) and after watching it, I am more enthusiastic about the movie now (although Vaj Tuam Thawj's trailer looked promising too when I first saw it, but after purchasing the film, I couldn't bare to sit down and watch through the 3 hours or so of gruelsome fight scenes). But so far, Hmong Blood For Freedom seems to be on a higher-quality level (even the English subtitles are more grammatically correct) so let's hope for the best in terms of its ability to carry itself as a poignant film that can convey it's message well.
Based on the trailer and what I saw/heard of the HBC interview of the lead actress, I pieced a rough synopsis of the film together (below). [Sorry if it's not accurate] The film is being shown today, May 2, 2012, at Saint Paul's International Film Festival so maybe whoever is lucky enough to watch it can shine some light on the actual storyline.
(I will do a better review of the film once I see it...which probably won't be until later this year when the DVD format is released. But everyone, give your support to this film in spite of its outcome so that more quality Hmong films may continue to roll in our direction.)
Synopsis:
In 1968, the Hmong living along the Kaokor Mountains of Thailand were recruited by communist insurgents to join their effort to overturn Thailand into a communist nation. For the next 14 years, the Hmong waged bloody battles against the Thai government. Some Thai officials believed that the Hmong's mobilization and patriotism to communist posts no great threat due to their limited number while others (including the character played by Suraphon Chatree) believed in the potential of the fierced Hmong warriors to possibly achieving their goal. He sent his adopted son, Kaeng (the pra-ek played by Akarat Nimitchai; his latest lakorn is a supporting actor in the lakorn Dok Soke), on a disguised mission to follow the moves of a Hmong communist lieutenant (played by Keeb Yaj). Kaeng, who was born Hmong but raised by a Thai family, later believes that the lieutenant is his biological father--creating emnity between him and his brother (who was sent to spy on Kaeng to ensure that he does not switch loyalty after learning of his true heritage?). Not only is Kaeng involved in a love entanglement with a Thai doctor (the nang-ek played by Atthama Chiwanichaphan) who goes up to the highland to help the injured Hmong civilans, but he is pitted against the Hmong and has to decide whether to honor and fulfill his duty as a Thai soldier or rally and spill blood with his Hmong people for freedom.
He started out his singing career performing covers from other non-Hmong artists like most other Hmong artists from Thailand/Laos but I think since his sophomore album, Xab has found his place in the Hmong music industry. His subsequent albums have contained more original and unique music with elements inspired upon some aspects of Hmong culture or life. I never knew that music can be comedic until I stumble upon Xab. But besides his rather comedic songs he also produces a couple of more serious and meaningful lyrical pieces (despite the humorous music videos) like the song I've chosen for this week, "Kuv Yuav Nrog Koj Nyob Ua Kev." The song shines some light about being faithful and loving to one's spouse no matter the situation.
