If you're in the mood for a hilarious, thoughtful rom-com, try "Yes or No" (YON). It's billed as the first Thai movie about lesbians, but really it's more about that journey to find one's self and that most nerve-wracking of experiences, first love. Finding a copy with good English subtitles can be a bit of a challenge but it's worth the effort. A movie with a leading butch character is rare, but don't watch it just for that. Watch it because it'll make you laugh long and loud and maybe get you a little teary-eyed at some parts too. Though tame even by Asian standards, YON manages, with a few kisses, meaningfully clasped hands and hugs, to spin a very sweet love story.
The plot isn't all that unique for this kind of movie but it's in the way the story is told, in ways that are in turns humorous and touching, that raises YON above the usual formulaic rom-com. YON is funny but for all its humor, the movie isn't set in a happy fantasy world where a declaration of gayness is met with open arms. It manages to address several issues affecting gay youth, but mostly with a subtle, light touch.
This movie definitely wouldn't work without the chemistry of its two adorable leads, Aom Sucharat Manaying (as Pie) and then-newcomer Tina Supanard Jittaleela (as Kim). Aom is obviously the better and more experienced actor, and her ability provides a good balance for the times when Tina's acting is awkward. Despite her shortcomings though, it's Tina who provides Kim with that vulnerable charm that will have dozens of girls rushing to comfort her. YON has a few heavy, emotional scenes that tend to hit hard, and it's to both actors' credit that when one such pivotal scene comes around, they absolutely nail it.
The plot isn't all that unique for this kind of movie but it's in the way the story is told, in ways that are in turns humorous and touching, that raises YON above the usual formulaic rom-com. YON is funny but for all its humor, the movie isn't set in a happy fantasy world where a declaration of gayness is met with open arms. It manages to address several issues affecting gay youth, but mostly with a subtle, light touch.
This movie definitely wouldn't work without the chemistry of its two adorable leads, Aom Sucharat Manaying (as Pie) and then-newcomer Tina Supanard Jittaleela (as Kim). Aom is obviously the better and more experienced actor, and her ability provides a good balance for the times when Tina's acting is awkward. Despite her shortcomings though, it's Tina who provides Kim with that vulnerable charm that will have dozens of girls rushing to comfort her. YON has a few heavy, emotional scenes that tend to hit hard, and it's to both actors' credit that when one such pivotal scene comes around, they absolutely nail it.