RATING★ 6.4
WORTH IT? MAYBE
The Gangster backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Gangster.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Gangster Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

Set in 1950s and '60s Bangkok, this Thai crime drama tells the tale of Jod, a promising young gangster moving through the ranks of the city's mafia.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Action, Drama, Crime cinema, then The Gangster offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2012 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Action films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Crime films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Gangster, a standout production of 2012, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Action, Drama, Crime landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Set in 1950s and '60s Bangkok, this Thai crime drama tells the tale of Jod, a promising young gangster moving through the ranks of the city's mafia. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Drama, Crime are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Set in 1950s and '60s Bangkok, this Thai crime drama tells the tale of Jod, a promising young gangster moving through the ranks of the city's mafia."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Krissada Sukosol Clapp, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Action, Drama, Crime genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Kongkiat Khomsiri is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 114 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Gangster truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Drama, Crime, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Gangster explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2012 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kongkiat Khomsiri respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Gangster serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Krissada Sukosol Clapp or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Gangster is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

114MIN

At approximately 1.9 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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