REVIEWS - MOVIES ON
DVD
by
Rochard Doblas
Movie Critic
13: GAME
OF DEATH
on DVD March 18 , 2008
MOVIE REVIEW
As my fingers race across this keyboard I search for a better word to describe 13: Game of Death. Still nothing relevant appears. All I can think about is how amazing this movie was. Chit, a timid S-O-L business man, is forced to run through a series of games. Not just your typical frolicking through the parks game as you can imagine…a game of death. If you’re not trembling with excitement already you will be as soon as this DVD blesses your life. Although Thai is the original language in the audio setting there is an English alternative for the native folk. The story has definitely been told before, but the unique style and artistry into this picture makes it a stand out amongst the rest. Chit’s performance blew me away. The reality of this sadistic game is truly felt with the intense expression that Chit delivers. The inadequate acting of the supporting characters was drowned out by Chit’s emotional journey. As far as the soundtrack goes in producing accurate pieces to match the tone of a scene, they couldn’t have done a better job. Although music is often times the last relatable attribute of a film, it provided a ride for all the sense to enjoy. A true pleasure for a fan of the arts. The only thing that stole away from the success of the story was the language barrier. A couple key moments in the movie required the reading of the Thai language and if you’re not quick enough to read the subtitles you’re at a loss. Not that I’m pushing the sadistic point, but when dealing with a movie of this intensity better special effects would have enhanced many of the scenes. The intricate plot and subplots are quality enough to omit the sometimes "cheap" effects. Overall this is a decent movie, very entertaining and full of surprises. The dark instinct at the core of every human is an interesting one to test.
Overall: RECOMMEND.
PRESS RELEASE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THERE’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN DEPRIVED AND DERANGED
From The Producers of Ong-Bak, The Protector and Born To Fight,
Acclaimed Thai Suspense Thriller Debuts On DVD March 18From The Weinstein Company And Genius Products
SANTA MONICA, CA – An intense, dangerous and grotesque game begins on March 18 when the latest Dimension Extreme release, 13: GAME OF DEATH arrives on DVD from Genius Products and The Weinstein Company. When a desperate man loses his job and finds himself in serious debt, he receives a mysterious phone call with a tempting offer. He must complete 13 increasingly gruesome tasks as he is lured into a violent game of life and death. Adapted from the Thai manga graphic novel My Mania by director Chukiat Sakweerakul (Pisaj) and starring Thai-American pop singer and actor Krissada Terrence (Bangkok Loco, The Adventure of Iron Pussy), 13: GAME OF DEATH has garnered two 2007 Thailand National Film Awards, including Best Actor and Best Visual Effects. "An unyieldingly cynical exploration of the human heart of darkness with an oedipal climax that makes it a field day for Freudians" (The Hollywood Reporter), 13: GAME OF DEATH examines how far one would go for wealth. The 13: GAME OF DEATH DVD will include a making-of featurette and will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.97.
Synopsis
Chit is a desperate guy; he has debts, his car has been seized, he’s lost his job and his love life is on the skids. When he receives a call to participate in a dangerous underground game in which he could win enough money to solve all of his problems, how far will Chit go before he draws the line?
Basics
Price: $19.97
Street Date: March 18, 2008
Catalog Number: 81109
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 117 minutes
Language: English Dolby 5.1, Thai Dolby 5.1i
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Closed Captioned