The Netflix original film “Once Upon a Star” is a tribute to both life and filmmaking and was directed by Nonzee Nimibutr. This film is a must-see for anyone unfamiliar with Thai cinema or who believes that Thai cinema consists mainly of action comedies. It will provide a superb cinematic experience. The movie pays homage to 1950s actor Mitr Chaibancha, his commitment to his craft, his unwavering fandom, and voice actors as the means of disseminating movies to the general public.
This film explains why Thai cinema is more than just comedies and Muay Thai movies. The movie honors Mitr Chaibancha’s continuing popularity as well as the rich tradition of Thai filmmaking. For movie buffs, Once Upon a Star is a must-watch.
Famous Thai actor Mitr Chaibancha had a relatively brief but illustrious career and made a lasting impression on the Thai cinema industry. Particularly following the devastation of the Second World War, the actor was one of the primary individuals responsible for introducing the Thai audience to cinema. Mitr’s motivational life narrative (a real-life example of rags to riches). Because he had an ordinary man’s look, he was likable to Thai people.
The movie depicts a voice actor who subs for Mitr’s mesmerizing movies and is head over heels for the star’s aura. He became a well-liked character in Thai cinema thanks to his charisma on screen and superb acting abilities. The movie demonstrates Mitr’s versatility as a character actor, including romantic leads, action heroes, and comedic roles. The story’s central concept is on the lives and struggles of the voice actor.
Mitr Chaibancha’s career was sadly cut short in 1970 when he perished in a catastrophic helicopter accident while a movie was being filmed. The sad event gives the film a highly moving moment, and “Once Upon a Star” writers turned the moment of sorrow into a foundation for optimism.
Mitr and other prominent actors of the day acted in and produced mostly silent films. In those circumstances, the speech and sound for the moving pictures were provided by live actors. These vocal performers or dubbing artists would give their all to elevating the images. In the movie, Mitr is seen recognizing their clear influence.
One of these voice actors travels with a film crew, and the story of “Once Upon a Star” centers on him or her. Through the sale of some medications and pharmaceutical advertising, the film company makes money. An artist named Mitr Chaibancha battles his star worship and love of movies. The performer, who goes by the moniker “the man with five voices,” eventually needs to include a lady in his ensemble in order to survive. This results in a nice friendship and lovely pure-cinema moments. Manit (Sukollawat Kanaros), a group made up of 4 people, also has Kao (Jirayu La-ongmanee), Man (Samart Payakaroon), and Rueangkae (Nuengthida Sophon).
The ensemble had a fifth member, according to Rueangkae, who exclusively provided dubbing for Mitr Chaibancha’s films. Thus, Mitr is a group member who holds a special place in their hearts. The artists broke down when Mitr’s awful accident occurred, and the tragedy put their passion of cinema to the test. However, the movie ultimately offers a message of optimism because to the wonderful storyline and lovely acting by the performers.
The ensemble had a fifth member, according to Rueangkae, who exclusively provided dubbing for Mitr Chaibancha’s films. Thus, Mitr is a group member who holds a special place in their hearts. The artists broke down when Mitr’s awful accident occurred, and the tragedy put their passion of cinema to the test. However, the movie ultimately offers a message of optimism because to the wonderful storyline and lovely acting by the performers.
This straightforward but endearingly endearing premise propels “Once Upon a Star” on a gorgeously visual voyage through rural Thailand. The filmmaker Nonzee Nimibutr opens the door to a brand-new cinematic universe. It is an inclusive, elitism-free form of filmmaking. You can call this one a biopic, if you like. But the This is the pure art of cinema.
