Home
IMDb > Dek hor (2006) > IMDb user comments

IMDb user comments for
Dek hor (2006) More at IMDb Pro »

Filter: Hide Spoilers:
Page 1 of 2:[1] [2] [Next]
Index 12 comments in total 

12 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
Mysterious and Sensitive Ghost Story, 17 avril 2007
7/10
Author: Claudio Carvalho de Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In Thailand, the young Ton Chatree (Charlie Trairattana) is sent to a boarding school by his father to be more disciplined, study harder and have less entertainment with television. Once in the school, Ton feels outcast and misses his family and friends. He becomes scared with the ghost stories his new schoolmates tell about a boy that died in the swimming pool and a young pregnant woman that committed suicide. He becomes a close friend of the also lonely boy Vichien (Sirachuch Chienthaworn), and later Ton realizes that Vichien is the boy that drowned in the swimming pool, and his death repeats every night. Ton tries to find a way to help his friend to rest in piece.

When I bought "Dorm" on DVD, I expected to see another Asian horror movie, my favorite genre. However, this good movie, in spite of having a ghost, is actually a dramatic supernatural story. The solid screenplay is supported by a great direction and excellent performance of the boy Charlie Trairattana, very credible in the lead role of Ton Chatree. This film has been promoted as a horror movie and I believe that many viewers may be disappointed, expecting to see a frightening and scary story. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Dorm – O Espírito" ("Dorm – The Spirit")

Was the above comment useful to you?

5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Every dorm has a tale. But this tale, you will never forget., 24 octobre 2007
7/10
Author: Jessica Kolk de Brazil

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Thailand. Ton Chatree is a twelve year old boy who has family problems and is sent by his father to a boarding school to study more and have some discipline. The boy feels bad about his father idea, and things don't stay easier for him once he arrives the school: he doesn't have friends there and the school itself is very creepy. Every night his schoolmates tell ghost stories,specially about a boy that died in the school's swimming pool and a young pregnant woman that committed suicide. Feeling scared and out-casted, Chatree starts a friendship with another lonely boy called Vichien, who has many similar problems like he has. Very soon, Chatree will discover a secret about why his teach Ms. Pranee is so strange, and that Vichien is in fact the boy that drowned in the school's swimming pool.

When I watched ''Dek hor'', I was expecting it to be a horror movie, so I stayed very surprised when I verified that it actually is a drama who tells a tale of friendship. Even not being what I expected to be, the story worked pretty well, and the sacrifice that Ton does to help Vichien is very touching and deserves to be not only recognized, but also appreciated.

Was the above comment useful to you?

5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Always expect the unexpected., 6 mars 2006
8/10
Author: Songphon M. de Thailand

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Boarding school life has never been an enjoyable experience as you have to be far away from your home, be separated from your beloved parents and be surrounded by an unfamiliar environment. In this movie, there is no exception for a main character, a boy who was sent to boarding school in a middle of an academic year. Felling misery and abandoned, he befriended with a mysterious boy who stayed in the same dormitory with him.

In Thailand, the movie had been promoted as a scary movie. All promotional materials including movie teasers and trailers led everyone to think that way even though there had never been any exact clue from the director. There was only the speculation from an on-line community of what the movie will be like before it was released.

*** The following part of the comment contains spoiler. Please do not read further, if you want to be surprised.***

The movie-goers walked into the theater expecting to fear and scream from numerous scary scenes as shown in the trailers. The director didn't fail them in the first half of the movie, as there were enough scary elements that played with emotion of the audiences through a skillful cinematography. However, once the main plot was revealed in the second half of the movie, "Dek Hor" transformed itself from a scary movie into a coming-of-age drama which emphasized on a friendship between the main character and a lonely spirit that was doomed to haunt in the dorm. Yes, there was actually a "ghost" in this movie but not a scary type. In fact, the spirit was a former student whom was left to die in the pool because of friends' misunderstanding. The main character and the spirit shared the same feeling of loneliness and ignorance from the world around them. This might be the reason why the main character is the only person who could see the spirit. In the end, this estranged friendship teaches both the main character and the audiences how a person could go beyond one's limit to help the one he cared of.

Charlie "Nak" Trairat, a young actor who starred a leading role in an critically acclaimed nostalgia Thai movie called "Fan Chan" ("My Girl") two years ago, made his comeback as a main character in this movie to work with his familiar director, Songyos "Yong" Sugmakanan – one of six co-directors from "Fan Chan." The director told a story from his own childhood experience of years in boarding school and added up some spices of horror to create this drama/thriller movie. Moreover, former superstar Jintara "Mam" Sukkhaphat (or Chintara Sukapatana, depending on how you spell her Thai name, who used to star with Robin Williams in the 1987 movie called "Good Morning, Vietnam") also joined the cast in the role of a dormitory mentor. In fact, this is a reunion of Jintara with Charlie who both stared in a Thai movie called "Karnlakrung Nueng Muea Chao Nee" ("Once Upon a Time ... This Morning") a decade ago when Charlie was only one year old. There is also a noticeable new-comer in this movie. Another young actor, Sirachuch "Michael" Chienthaworn who is not a new face for Thais as he used to star in a number of local TV soap operas, made his debut in the role of a lonely spirit. He did a great job in this challenging supporting role.

All in all, I enjoyed the movie, even though the ending is too predictable. The change of genres of the movie, intentional or not, is an element of surprise in this movie. At least, it's unexpected to feel good after you realized that you came to the theater for a horror movie but ended up watching a drama.

Was the above comment useful to you?

2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
"coming of age" story mixed with a ghost story, works pretty well!, 9 juillet 2007
8/10
Author: TheatreX de Louisville, KY

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This is a pretty mild film for Tartan Asia "Extreme", because there's really not much in it that would prevent it from maybe a PG or PG-13 rating. A young boy is sent to boarding school, which he hates, and he is befriended by a young man there who may or may not be real. He also has his head filled with ghost stories of things that may or may not have happened around the boarding school by some new friends. As time passes by Chatree realizes that his new friend is a ghost, and that strange things seem to be happening, like passing from one world to another and then back. Chatree does some poking around and finds some things that were stashed away years ago. Seems like this new friend of his, Vichien, drowned in a swimming pool years ago & one teacher held herself responsible, as she tried to keep some bad news from him which he saw anyway. But the drowning was not a suicide and now Chatree must try to convey this to Mrs. Pranee and also set Vichien free from his earthly bondage, or some such thing. To do so Chatree must separate his soul from his body which he does with ether, in probably the most heart-stopping moment of the film. This is a rather entertaining and well done film, and also contains some footage from an old Hong Kong Vampire movie as well, which is being shown in a patio area for the boys at the school. Very enjoyable but not without a few spooky moments. 8 out of 10.

Was the above comment useful to you?

3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Best attempt at the sensitive ghost story I've seen so far., 11 juin 2007
9/10
Author: massaster760 de United States

Throughout the history of Asian horror many film makers have tried their hand at the sensitive ghost story. And the genre has been done with varying degrees of success. With Dorm, Director Songyos Sugmakanan elevates the genre to pinnacle not yet reached by previous attempts, creating a film that is simultaneously tragic, and creepy.

Dorm tells the story of Chatree, a twelve year old with family issues, who begins the seventh grade at a new boarding school. The school itself is depressingly creepy, and is run by a ambiguously macabre teacher named Ms. Pranee. Chatree soon becomes bully fodder for the other students, until he meets Vichien, another boy with similar problems. As the two become close friends, Chatree finds himself drawing nearer to a dark and terrifying secret.

The secret of Dorm's success is how seamlessly Sugmakanan juggles the creepy atmospheric vibes that are typical of Asian horror, with the tragedy of Asian dramas. One of the films creepiest -and tragic- qualities is the school itself. The sterile shots of the dormitories, dining halls, pools, and washrooms help reflect the films feelings of alienation and loneliness. Feelings that all twelve year old boys with displacement issues would be familiar with, and are represented well under Niramon Ross' expert cinematography.

Along with the cinematography the film features an excellent (and subdued) score. It features slow moving orchestral pieces and haunting piano ballads. Although, this is typical of the genre, the score helps to heighten the films dramatic sense.

Couple those qualities mentioned above with Charlie Trairat's nuanced portrayal of Chantree, and you've got yourself a damn good film. In fact, you'd be troubled to find fault with any of the actors in this film. Which is saying a lot when most of your cast is young boys. And it's not just the kids that hold their weight as thespians, Chintara Sukapatana is excellent(if not sadly underdeveloped) as the scarily sympathetic Ms. Pranee.

To be truthful, while Dorm does have it's strength's it also has it's share of weaknesses. The films first 45 minutes are incredible and touches on the universal themes of childhood fear and angst. Then the film slows down to a snails pace and doesn't come back strong until the last 20 or so minutes. Also, the film has it's share of Asian ghost story cliché's but... that being said, it remains original enough in it's initial premise and delivery that the good qualities outweigh the bad.

Bottom Line- Dorm is a well done sensitive ghost story with brilliant cinematography, acting, and score. While it does have it's clichés and faults, the premise and delivery far outweigh the faults.

Was the above comment useful to you?

3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
The Best Movie I Have Seen In Years, 27 septembre 2006
10/10
Author: chongchuanmun de Malaysia

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I am a Chinese, living in Malaysia. Why do I start my review with that? Simple. I am not a racist, and I believe that a movie transcends race, religion, and culture. It is a work that brings together the elements of human nature and human ingenuity, both the best and the worst, into film, to weave a story that has a meaning and a reason, that gives us clues to how to live a better life. This is what a movie means to me.

With that said, I must state here that the recent movies that I have seen these few years were, to say the least, disappointing. Dorm, is better than them. Period.

The best movie I have seen still remains to be Donnie Darko, but Dorm comes very close. Very close. You can put it up there with Stand By Me and The Sixth Sense. The movie touched me in so many levels that after the movie, I started talking to myself about life and beyond. I know what you are thinking by now. I bet you are thinking that this reviewer is crazy. Maybe I am. But do read on.

The first thing that I want to state is that, this is not a horror movie. It doesn't scare you. It doesn't make you jump. It doesn't make your hair stand on ends. No, this is not that kind of movies. As some reviewers already stated, this is a coming of age movie, one where the character learns about himself and grows. This is a supernatural movie about ghosts and friendships, about sacrifice and childhood, about a father's sin and a son's journey into becoming a man, a better man.

I gave this movie ten points, so the first two points go to the story. This is a tried and tested method. A linear and chronological story that has no branches, no what-ifs, and no shocking endings. Hence, no screw-ups. The story was coherent, and the plots were all properly placed (albeit a bit flat), and the characters well-developed. The climax was justified, and the story was properly wrapped up before closing. This movie doesn't give you nonsense like a kid transferring to a new school and then bumps into a ghost for no good reasons. No, the father had an affair with the maid, the son saw it, and was shipped to a boarding school to keep the secret safe. The son suffers for the father's sin. As we later found out, this was not the case. The father in fact did it for the good of his son, but being a child, it wasn't easy for him to come to terms with the fact that the father was doing what was best for him. Dealing with domestic issues in a supernatural thriller is uncommon, but effective here as the father later deals with his adultery with his son. I used to be a school teacher myself, and the scene that grips me most was the headmistress seeing one of her own child drown at the bottom of the pool. I believe one could go crazy from a tragic accident like that. The Boy Who Cries Wolf was illustrated perfectly here in the movie, so kids, take heed. The best thing that I like the most, is that in this movie, the ghost is not a vicious, nasty, ugly, blood-thirsty, flesh-hungry, brain-dead, decomposing slab of meat that goes around haunting people for no good reasons. Why did Sadako do it? Why don't we ask how she did it with a tape? In this movie, the ghost is a little boy who had an unfortunate accident, who lives on to suffer the consequences of his own actions. Although his character was not very well developed, and you can practically tell he is the ghost 30-minutes into the movie, you won't actually mind at all. You will sympathize for him. You will feel for him. You will love him as if he is your son. And it was this friendship, a kid making his first friend in a new school (who happens to be a ghost), is what struck me the most. We remember all too well that first day in that new school, and that first person who came to talk to you who eventually became your best friend. Their friendship goes to such a level that a mere child was willing to risk his life to save the soul of not one, but two persons. One of the dead and one of the living. The story did not do the smart thing (like the ghost took over the boy's body as with we have seen in The Skeleton Key) or leaving the story wide open for a sequel. No, the boy saved the ghost, but therein lies the dilemma. Not only did he has to put his own life on the line, he also had to let the ghost leave. And then he told the headmistress the truth, and thanked her. The story didn't do the smart thing, but the right thing. And why did the ghost haunt the kid? Who asks the new kid to go to the toilet in the dead of the night? He was asking for it!

Unfortunately, my lamenting has caused me to run out of words, so I'll be brief on the rest. The directing was good, except for the oversight on Ton's hair length. The music was superb, especially the ending song. The special effect was good, and the cinematography is brilliant on the use of colors and lighting. Lastly, the acting. One word: superb. Charlie is even better than Haley, hands down. The scene where he had his first meal with tears in his eyes, my heart bleed.

I wish IMDb would give me more words, cause there are so much more I want to talk about this movie!

Was the above comment useful to you?

1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
A Haunting Experience, 22 février 2007
9/10
Author: dcp11 de United Kingdom

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This film has just won the 'Generation' Children's Film prize at the Berlin Film Festival where the panel of young judges were very impressed with the tension filled plot and the acting of the young leads.

"This film depicts with unbelievable tension how a close friendship is possible between 2 boys from different worlds. This film is very special, not least due to the convincing actors." This was the quote from the jury members who awarded the film 1st prize.

The plot is set around ghostly goings on at a boarding school in Thailand. The sinister headmistress clearly has a secret. Why does she cry alone in her room after looking in a desk drawer? Who is the mysterious boy whom only Chatree (the lead character) can see? The twist ending is slightly derivative of the 'Sixth Sense' but don't let that put you off.

A DVD (with English subtitles) is available from Hong Kong retailers.

Was the above comment useful to you?

4 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent movie with an unusual plot., 20 octobre 2006
10/10
Author: emailmaggie de Hong Kong

I would've given this a 10 if the unnecessary sex scenes were cut out. Afterall, as you can see from the movie poster, this movie is about a bunch of kids in a dorm, nudity is uncalled for. I really like the hilarious parts of the movie where they integrate some mixed feelings of horror and comedy. I would say the Thai are pioneers in terms of putting funny elements in a scary movie - especially in those specific parts. The two little actors did great. They really depicted their short-lived friendship so dramatically without too much exaggeration. I especially liked the kid who starred as Vicien, he did an exceptional job portraying the solitude and benignancy yet he still managed to send chills down the spine at some parts.

Was the above comment useful to you?

Creepy kids..., 1 septembre 2008
8/10
Author: poe426 de USA

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

It's all too rare to find a fright film (or a "supernatural drama") that offers up anything new. That's okay: it's like watching a western (or any other genre film); certain conventions are a given. It's often what's done within those parameters that makes a movie interesting. THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE was built according to specs, but managed nonetheless to surprise pleasantly; as did DON'T LOOK NOW; as does DORM. The loneliness of the lead character and his acceptance of his ectoplasmic pal is just one of the pleasant surprises here. That the little dead boy is afraid of ghosts himself is just icing on the ectoplasmic cake. A funny and moving (and spooky) little movie, DORM rates a look.

Was the above comment useful to you?

2 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Dorm makes everyone touched, 18 novembre 2006
10/10
Author: faiz_far_east de Malaysia

If I had to see this movie over and over again I will possibly like to see this movie over and over again. Ton(Charlie Trairat)'s acting looks so real in this movie and the part which is very realistic was the part when he cried when he remembered about his family when he's eating. Although we see it's not as scary or gory like shutter, Dorm can make children watch it. Not all Asian people are liking those scary and gory movies. It also makes people in Malaysia(what i'd seen) touched when the ghost(Wichien)(Sirarath Jianthaworn) looks like he really exist and when he crashed his legs and wishing for help but no one helped him. I admit that this movie is not scary but somehow it really makes people like to see it. Another thing is this movie makes people want to solve all mysteries that happened in the movie. Some examples of the mysteries are what's Pranee(Jintara Sukaphat)'s commitment with Wichien and why Ton hates his father.

Was the above comment useful to you?
Page 1 of 2:[1] [2] [Next]

Add another comment

Related Links

Plot summary Ratings Awards
External reviews Official site Plot keywords
Principaux Détails Your user comments Your vote history