Manta Ray

Manta Ray, a one-of-a-kind cinematic gem directed by Phuttiphong Aroonpheng, emerged in the cinematic landscape of 2018 with a refreshing vision and an unusual narrative. The movie centers around the seemingly ordinary lives of two main characters, offering a deeply symbolic and visual exploration of identity, human connection, and socio-political commentary.

The film follows an enigmatic friendship between two men who belong to strikingly disparate worlds, played earnestly by Aphisit Hama and Wanlop Rungkumjad. Aphisit Hama takes on the role of a mute, nameless man whose presence punctuates the silence with his captivating expressions, while Wanlop Rungkumjad breathes life into the character of a Thai fisherman. Both actors are unspeakably compelling throughout the film, bringing an intense level of emotion, authenticity, and depth to their respective roles.

The movie's narrative unfolds in the backdrop of the Thailand-Myanmar border. Here, the fisherman discovers the mute man, left for dead in a pile of bodies from an undisclosed conflict. Displaying an act of humanity, the fisherman shelters the mute man, who has no identity or past. As their friendship develops, the audience is led on a journey where they witness the intersections of their lives, unveiling the powerful bond of their camaraderie.

Phuttiphong Aroonpheng's directorial debut seamlessly combines the mythical influences and contemporary realities of Sinxay (Southeast Asian literature) to heighten the atmosphere and present the visual appeal of the movie. The director uses his experience in cinematography to provide the audience with a poetic visual experience, revealing a stark contrast between the ethereal landscape of the rural water, lush, and gleaming sequins, and the hauntingly beautiful Manta Ray with its phosphorescent glow.

The narrative subtly hints at the political milieu, bringing attention to the untold plight of the Rohingya people, a stateless Indo-Aryan ethnic group who were made to migrate from Myanmar. However, the film consciously refrains from delving into political battles, treading the path of introspection and identity search.

Rasmee Wayrana infuses soul into the movie with her mesmerizing, lilting songs. The authentic Isan music, characterized by a hypnotic rhythm, layers the narrative with an added depth of complexity and emotional resonance. The use of music constructs an atmosphere that supplements the enigmatic, dreamlike quality of the narrative, straddling the blurred lines between reality and illusion, personal and political, human and divine.

While it's not a movie with a linear narrative or traditional character arcs, Manta Ray continues to shine through its metaphoric storytelling approach. The director places enormous trust in his audience to decipher the veiled meanings behind the symbols strewn throughout the movie, an example being the shiny pebbles that the mute man starts collecting as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity search.

The reoccurring imagery of the manta ray beautifully symbolizes a divine, celestial creature visiting the human world, embodying the silence, mystery, and majesty, making the movie a deeply immersive and contemplative experience.

The film, created by a Thai crew and set on Thai soil, resonates with universal themes of companionship, empathy, and kindness amid inhumanity and uncertainty. Manta Ray embodies a mesmerizing, poetic, and elegant filmmaking technique that transcends literal interpretation.

In conclusion, Manta Ray is an artistically presented, meticulously crafted work of cinema that takes its viewers deep into a world of mystic reality. It paints a picture that will stir your thoughts even after the end credits roll, linger in your memory, and challenge you to view the world through new perspectives. This Thai movie offers movie enthusiasts an engaging and a visually stunning journey, leaving an indelible impact long after the screen has turned dark.