Sunset at Chaophraya (1939 Film)

Sunset at Chaophraya, known in Thai as คู่กรรม (Khu gam), is a 1996 feature film directed by Euthana Mukdasanit. Set against the historical backdrop of Siam during World War II, the film explores dramatic personal conflicts during the Japanese military occupation.

Background and Plot

In 1939, Siam faces the looming threat of Japanese invasion while the Free Thai movement gains momentum. Angsumalin, the daughter of a military leader, bids farewell to her friend Vanus as he departs for England to study, declining to make a formal marriage promise until his return. Following the Japanese invasion, circumstances connect Angsumalin with Kobori, an idealistic Japanese captain linked to a powerful general. Despite her initial animosity, she enters a political marriage with him to safeguard her family and support the Free Thai movement. The narrative reaches its climax in 1944 with the return of Vanus.

Production and Release

Directed and produced by Euthana Mukdasanit, the film features writing contributions from Wanich Jurunggidanan and Euthana Mukdasanit, based on the underlying novel. Pipat Pyakha served as the cinematographer. Released in 1996, the production has a runtime of 135 minutes and features dialogue in both Thai and Japanese.

Cast

The film stars Thongchai McIntyre as Kobori and Apasiri Nitibhon as Angsumalin. Additional cast members include Thiraphat Sajakul as Vanus, Rohan Dadlay, Deux Doksadao, Yogo Hisamatsu, Junichi Jo, Takako Katoh, Ewa Kula, Kazuki Nakashima, Masaki Nishigaya, Sutisa Putnuj, Supakorn Srisawat, Nobuho Sukamoto, Chitrakorn Sundarapakshin, and Vilaiwan Vatapanich.