Nak (film)

Nak
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Natthaphong Ratanachoksirikul
Written by	Saenee Jitsuwanwattana
Produced by	Prachya Pinkaew Boy Kosiyabong
Starring	Sasikan Apichataworasin Chukiet Auimsuk Supab Chaiwisuthikun Anyarit Pitakkul Nawarat Techarathanaprasert Petchtai Wongkamlao
Cinematography	Natthaphong Ratanachoksirikul
Music by	Boy Kosiyabong
Distributed by	Sahamongkol Film International
Release date	April 3, 2009 (2009-04-03) (Thailand)
Running time	100 minutes
Country	Thailand
Language	Thai
Box office	$270,308

Nak (Thai: นาค) Nak is a Thai animated film directed by Natthaphong Rattanachoksirikul, released on April 3, 2008, grossing 10 million baht.

Mythology-Thai folklore

Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Thai: เเม่นาคพระโขนง)often called Mae Nak (Thai: เเม่นาค) for short also known as Nang (Thai: นาค) (A formal title used in Thailand to address married women, equivalent to Mrs.) Nak The story of Mae Nak has been a part of Thai folklore for centuries. It is set in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok, during the reign of King Rama III. The story represents the love between Mae Nak, once known as Nang Nak, and her husband, Mr. Mak. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived as Mr. Mak was called up to serve in the army, leaving Nang Nak behind, who was pregnant at the time. Tragedy struck when Nang Nak faced complications during childbirth, causing both her and her unborn child's death. Mr. Mak was still unknowing of his wife's death and returned home to a warm reception from the villagers. He noticed that no one visited their house, but he ignored the villagers' warnings, remaining ignorant of his wife's ghostly presence. Nang Nak, unable to accept her death, manifested as a spirit in physical form, desperate to be reunited with her beloved husband. Her unnatural abilities and fierce determination to keep Mr. Mak by her side caused chaos in the community. Finally realizing the truth of his wife's ghostly presence, Mr. Mak devised a plan to escape her grasp. With the help of a monk, Mae Nak's spirit was finally gone in peace. The legend of Mae Nak is a cautionary tale about the power of love, the consequences of unresting oneself, and the enduring presence of spirits in Thai folklore. It serves as a reminder of the importance of letting go of in past and focusing on the present.

Plot

In the animated film adaptation, the plot of Mae Nak Phra Khanong, ancient spirits, including the legendary Mae Nak, seek refuge in the tranquil countryside to escape the relentless pursuit of city ghosts. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when a young boy named Thee is kidnaped by evil entities that occur from the movie screen during a village fair in the temple. After Thee's disappearance, his older sister Kaem is consumed by sadness and desperation. In a surprising turn of events, Mae Nak and her gang of spectral friends, including Khieo the headless ghost, and Thong, the dog ghost, offer their aid to Kaem. Together, Nak, Kaem, and their ghostly allies embark on a journey into the modern realm in Bangkok of spirits to rescue Thee and confront the mysterious King of Ghosts. Unrevealed to them, a sinister plot brews in the shadows, as wicked spirits scheme to unleash chaos upon the mortal world. As they navigate through the ghostly landscape and confront their pasts, Nak and Kaem must take apart the mysteries that bind Thee's fate to the impulses of the spirit realm. Only by confronting the ultimate source of darkness that can the chaos in both the worlds of the living and the dead be removed. With themes of rescue, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love transcending life and death, this animated adaptation of "Mae Nak Phra Khanong" offers a fresh and compelling twist on a beloved Thai legend. The film is full of lively characters. Exciting action and catchy songs that will appeal to middle schoolers and older audiences.

Voice cast

• Sasikarn Apichartvorasilp voiced as nak (Thai: นาค)
• Phetthai Wongkhamlao voiced as khieov (Thai: เขียว)
• Suphap Chaiwisutthikul voiced as thong (Thai: ทอง)
• Nui Chernyim, voiced as Uad (Thai: อืด)
• Anyarit Phitaktikun voiced as Thee (Thai: ธี)
• Nawarat Techaratanaprasert Voiced as Kaem (Thai: เเก้ม)

Production

Storyline

"Nak" is an animated musical adventure movie that brings Thai ghost legends to life. The story is set in the present day and follows Nak and her group of friends, such as Khieo (the headless ghost), Thong (the dog ghost), and the tall demon Uad. These ghosts are tired of their hauntings, so they move to the countryside to help humanity. However, their peaceful existence is interrupted when a 7-year-old boy named Thee is kidnapped by a ghost at a temple fair. The Ghost King plans to use Thee to fulfill his dark world domination plans. Nak is impressed by Thee's helpless situation, and Thee's older sister collaborates with her friends to rescue him. Nak's painful past resurfaces, adding emotional depth to their journey.

Music and soundtrack

Nak Animation The Movie OST is the official cartoon version of the movie Nak Animation. The release date is set for 27/03/2009. The soundtrack consists of various artists and songs including:

• "We" by Golf & Gab T-Bone
• "Rule the World" by Lek Somchai Sakdikul (Chaliang)
• "A gecko is a parrot" by Saichol Ramkit
• "Children Love" by Ratklao Amradit
• "Luk Mae" by Rudklao Amradit.

Boyd Kosiyabhong

Sahamongkol Film, in collaboration with B-Boy CG headed by Boy Kosiyaphong and Baram Yu from “Pratchaya Pinkae”, presents "Nak," a charming animated film inspired by the legendary character Mae Nak Phra Khanong. In this modern adaptation, Nak, a young ghost with striking features, takes center stage, offering an enchanting and spine-tingling experience for audiences of all ages. Joined by a cast of colorful ghost companions including Khieo, Uad, Ghost Golden Dog, Jo, and others, Nak embarks on a delightful journey that promises to captivate viewers and explore the realm of spirits in a fun and thrilling manner.

Boy Kosiyaphong, renowned for his contributions to music and his passion for animation, plays a pivotal role in the creation of "Nak." With a background in music and animation, Boy Kosiyaphong brings his expertise to the film, not only as a director but also as the composer of its captivating soundtrack.

The soundtrack of "Nak" features five original songs, beginning with "Rao," a classic tune by Boy Kosiyaphong, reimagined by Golf, Gap, Khom-Kam-Num, and Beer from the Reg band, with vocals by T-Bone. The second track, "Krong Lok," is performed by guest artist Somchai Sakdikul, known for his acting prowess and unique persona as a member of the Chaliang band. "A Gecko is a Parrot" offers a lively and humorous tune with playful lyrics sung by Sai Chon of The Innocent band. Lastly, "Look Rak" and "Look Mae" are delivered by a female vocalist whose voice echoes the style of Rudklao Amaradit.

Release

Theatrical

Released in theaters 03 April 2009 and on air TV in Thai PBS Kids.

Home Media

Nowadays, this movie is available in DVD

See also

• Mae Nak Phra Khanong
• Ghosts in Thai culture
• Thai folklore