Same Same But Different

This one’s actually different from the usual “similar, but somehow not.” This one’s an adaptation, a Cambodian adaptation, with very obvious Thai undertones: The German film Same Same But Different, with – yes – the David Kross in the leading role who convinced as young Ralph Fiennes in the phenomenal The Reader. The female leading act? Thai actress Apinya Sakuljaroensuk. Who captivated the film’s makers the very first second.

The film’s world premiere takes place this August at Locarno Film Festival‘s Piazza Grande. Release date’s early 2010. Without having seen the film you may have a pretty good idea what the movie could be all about. Noteworthy I find that a Thai theme becomes Cambodian – if the content would be slightly more political our Thai rulers would have new material to pick a quarrel with our neighbor.

It’s definitely a film I’d like to see – beside Soi Cowboy directed by Thomas Clay with whom we’ll have an interview once the DVD is launched. It will be interesting to see how uniquely Khmer Same Same But Different is – or how Thai the Cambodian capital’s milieu has become. Who has never spent a night at the telling Heart of Darkness, a reminder how Bangkok was in the older days.

Wise Kwai has a good write-up. And follow the movie’s blog to get all the background and current events.

Here’s the official intro:

SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT tells an unusual and moving love story. After finishing school Benjamin, a young German, goes on a long journey through Asia. In Phnom Penh he meets the Cambodian girl Sreykeo and instantly falls in love with her. It is only after their first night together that he discovers she works as a bargirl. Nevertheless he enjoys the time he spends with her in this mysterious country torn between modernity and belief in ancient spirits. Back in Germany he realizes that he wants to fight for his love and has to take responsibility for it. Against all odds he tries the impossible: To remain together with Sreykeo for always.

And a teaser: