It takes a while for some foreign films to open in the United States, but “6ixtynin9” is almost past its sell-by date. Released in Thailand in 1999, shown at the Seattle International Film Festival in 2001, the picture is just now getting a bona fide theatrical run.
Maybe it’s the stupid title. In any case, this black-comic gem is worth seeking out, especially if you appreciated the violent logic of “Shallow Grave” or “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.”
The original Thai title can be translated as “A Funny Story About 6 and 9.” This refers to a loosely fixed apartment door number, which causes problems for the movie’s heroine.
She is Tum, a young Bangkok woman laid off from work in the opening scene. Her weak-willed boss makes his employees draw straws to see who loses their jobs – thus setting the theme of randomness and back luck.
Shortly thereafter, gangsters place a box full of cash outside Tum’s door, having mistaken her apartment for an illicit drop-off site. She happily gathers in the money and hides it, but the thugs show up and threaten to kill her.
Amazingly, she kills them. This sets off a chain of incredible events that results in a great many dead bodies over the course of the rest of the day.
The director, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, never lets a lazy moment go by. The supporting characters all have their own personalities and even charms (though lots of them are trying to kill Tum). This includes the myna bird in Tum’s apartment, who somehow becomes a watchful presence.
Although “6ixtynin9” is full of mayhem, and utterly berserk at times, the director always finds moments of calm and humor. A gunman might get misty-eyed while listening to a sentimental song on the radio, or Tum might pause to gaze at her Princess Diana coffee mug, broken in a hail of gunfire. Considering how many violent deaths occur during its running time, this movie has a delicate touch.
One of the key reasons this works as a black comedy is the central presence of Lalita Panyopas, who plays Tum. As deadpan as Buster Keaton, Panyopas maintains her poise throughout the ruckus – despite being forced to change her clothes a great deal (having other people’s blood spattered all over her on a regular basis). The film would not work nearly as well without her impassive sangfroid.
Pen-Ek Ratanaruang had another film released this year, “Last Life in the Universe,” which was made after “6ixtynin9.” Quieter and more visually lush, it had the same sly humor, and was one of the best things screened at SIFF last spring. This young Thai filmmaker will be heard from again.
“6ixtynin9” HHH
Clever: A young woman finds a box of cash, then fights for her life against gangsters who want it back – as the body count steadily rises. A deadpan performance by Lalita Panyopas keeps the film alive. (In Thai, with English subtitles.)
Rated: R rating is for violence.
Now showing: Grand Illusion, 1405 NE 50th St., Seattle; www.grandillusioncinema.org; 206-523-3935.
“6ixtynin9” HHH
Clever: A young woman finds a box of cash, then fights for her life against gangsters who want it back – as the body count steadily rises. A deadpan performance by Lalita Panyopas keeps the film alive. (In Thai, with English subtitles.)
Rated: R rating is for violence.
Now showing: Grand Illusion, 1405 NE 50th St., Seattle; www.grandillusioncinema.org; 206-523-3935.
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