Rahtree Reborn

Rahtree Reborn is a captivating Thai horror-comedy film from 2009, directed by Yuthlert Sippapak and starring Laila Boonyasak, Mario Maurer, and Santisuk Promsiri.

This film is the third installment of a horror-comedy franchise, following the success of the previous titles Love of Siam and First Love. The movie is a unique fusion of humor and horror, a testament to the creative acumen of the director, Yuthlert Sippapak. He masterfully intertwines the two contrasting genres, providing his audience with a roller coaster ride of emotion from scene to scene.

Bringing back the mesmerizingly beautiful but deadly flower girl, "Buppha Rahtree" (Laila Boonyasak), the viewers are taken back to the haunted apartment in Soi 3. Following the tragic incidents from the previous movies, the apartment was renovated and reopened as a hotel. The staff, however, find it hard to attract tenants as rumors of the haunted floor persist. This reputation creates a conundrum for the new owner (Santisuk Promsiri) and his staff who need to maintain the business.

Rahtree Reborn sees the return of a seemingly familiar character. The movie introduces a new tenant, "Rang" (Mario Maurer), who is oddly similar to "Ake," the boyfriend of "Buppha Rahtree" from the previous movies, played by the same actor, Mario Maurer. Rang moves into the very floor where Rahtree died, trying to uncover the truth about his own past and the sinister ghost who haunts the place. His fixation and contradictory fear of the ghostly Rahtree contribute to the gripping storyline as well as provide comic relief.

Boonyasak delivers a powerful performance as Rahtree, the specter who yearns for love and peace, lost in a world between the living and the dead. Maurer, on the other hand, successfully portrays the role of Rang. He balances the mystery and warmth of his character perfectly, making the audience oscillate between sympathy and laughter. Santisuk Promsiri adds an extra layer of comedy with his portrayal of the hapless hotel owner, who is torn between his need to keep the hotel running and his fear of Rahtree's ghost.

What sets Rahtree Reborn apart from other films in the franchise is how it revisits the narrative while bringing in a fresh, innovative perspective, via the introduction of Rang’s character. The movie offers viewers a tantalizing blend of romance, horror, and comedy, and it brilliantly maintains a balance among these genres.

The film packs in plenty of scares, often followed by hilarious reactions from the characters. The horror sequences are not too graphic, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter horror experience. Rahtree Reborn also features several comedic interludes, primarily through the antics of other tenants and the hotel staff. These scenes imbue the movie with a sense of lightheartedness, skillfully balancing out the darker elements of the plot.

The romantic angle is beautifully layered into the story, as viewers witness a haunting, yet touching subplot where Maurer's character gets attracted to the lonely ghost of Rahtree. Their strange, supernatural connection adds an element of the dramatic to the narrative and softens the otherwise grisly proceedings.

The cinematography and special effects are praiseworthy in Rahtree Reborn. Moreover, the film has been lauded for its absorbing screenplay, combined with often dark humor, and ingenious minor twists and turns to keep proceedings suspenseful yet entertaining.

In summary, Rahtree Reborn is a perfect example of how a horror film can be made entertaining with the right blend of comedy and drama. Despite dealing with themes of death and haunting, it has enough humor to lift the spirits even in the face of grave circumstances. This unique amalgamation of genres manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seat, both laughing and shrieking, a rare feat and testament to the quality of Thai cinema. Whether or not one is a fan of horror movies, Rahtree Reborn is a must-watch for its well-blended elements, talented cast, and smart direction.