New releases that hit cinemas in Thailand this week.

The Exorcism

Directed by Joshua John Miller.

Who’s in it?

Russell Crowe, Ryan Simpkins and Sam Worthington.

What’s it about?

A troubled actor begins to exhibit a disruptive behavior while shooting a horror film. His estranged daughter wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play.

Why watch it? 

Miller is son of Jason Miller, the actor who played Father Damien Karras in The Exorcist (1973).

Hellhound

Directed by Joshua Dixon.

Who’s in it?

Sahajak Boonthanakit, Ross Cain and Tanapol Chuksrida.

What’s it about?

While hunting down a brutal kingpin, one error sends an elite hitman on a downward spiral that devolves into all-out war on the streets of Thailand.

Why watch it?

Exhilarating fight scenes.

Shakespeare Tong Tai (Shakespeare Must Die)

Directed by Ing K.

Who’s in it?

Pisarn Pattanapeeradejm and Fiona Tarini Graham.

What’s it about?

A theater company stages a production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”.

Why watch it?

A Thai vision of “Macbeth” is made at a time of grievous sociopolitical uncertainty in Thailand. At times, the filming went on as Bangkok burned during the red shirt violence of April-May 2010. The Thai government initially banned the film for fear of division and possibly inciting violent clashes between rival political groups in the country.

Qing chun 18×2 tong wang you ni de lü cheng (18X2 Beyond Youthful Days)

Directed by Michihito Fujii.

Who’s in it?

Greg Han Hsu, Kaya Kiyohara and Hsiao-chuan Chang.

What’s it about?

Ami, a Japanese backpacker, and Jimmy work together at a KTV. They bond over work and adventures, but Ami leaves suddenly. Eighteen years later, Jimmy finds a postcard from Ami, sparking a journey to Japan to find closure and reconnect.

Why watch it?

Based on a real viral travelogue blog by Jimmy Lai, who has also novelised the blog to coincide with the film’s release.

52-Hertz Whales

Directed by Izuru Narushima.

Who’s in it?

Mitsuko Baishô, Daichi Kaneko and Tori Kuwana.

What’s it about?

Kiko Mishima was exploited by her own family. When she was little, her mother neglected her. After her mother remarried, Kiko Mishima was abused mentally and physically by her family that included her mother, stepfather, and younger stepbrother. She didn’t belong to this family. Somehow, Kiko Mishima disconnects from her family in Tokyo and moves to a seaside town in Oita. There, Kiko Mishima meets a 13-year-old boy named Mushi. He has been abused by his mother and does not speak due to trauma from the abuse. The boy Mushi reminds Kiko Mishima of herself when she was younger.

Why watch it?

Based on novel “52 Hertz no Kujiratachi” by Sonoko Machida (published on April 18, 2020 by Chuokoron Shinsha).