Man Suang Review – Rich Visuals Thinly Veil Weak Plot
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Directors: Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubtien, Chartchai Ketnust, Pond Krisda Witthayakhajorndet
Writers: Pond Krisda Witthayakhajorndet, Ning Bhanbhassa Dhubtien, Parida Manomaiphibul
Young dancers Khem and Wan are tasked with a mission: infiltrate “Man Suang,” a luxurious entertainment club in Siam, to uncover secret political plots brewing within its walls. However, as the friends begin their covert investigations, they soon realize that they are in far more danger than they had bargained for.
“Man Suang” is a period drama thriller, with a rich display of Thai culture and dance traditions, while the plot it poorly thought out. Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat of “KinnPorsche” plays primary protagonist Khem, an ambitious talented dancer who aspires to rise in ranks and perform for nobility, while Bas Asavapatr Ponpiboon is his dancer friend Wan. The two of them receive help from Chatra (Mile Phakphum Romsaithong), a Taphon (traditional Thai drum) player, who seems to have his own hidden agenda in aiding them. Tong Thanayut Thakoonauttaya portrays Hong, the young master who inherits “Man Suang” following his father’s demise under mysterious circumstances, prompting concerns about a more sinister scheme at play.
One of the primary focuses of “Man Suang” is a missing document lost when an important official was murdered at the entertainment establishment. Khem and Wan are tasked with finding this document and immediately get down to business. It’s strange that nobody in Man Suang becomes suspicious when the two newcomers openly inquire about the murder or the missing document. All the writers had to do was portray their “investigation” more discreetly to make it more believable.
The lavish, colorful costumes and dances of “Man Suang” are its highlights. Although Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat lacks the natural grace or gait of a trained dancer, he looks stunning in a dancer’s garb and manages to deliver his performative scenes effectively. However, there is one scene where he is required to sing, which comes off as completely out of tune and is plain awkward to watch. An actor with years of dance training would’ve elevated Khem’s role. Tong Thanayut as Hong stands out as the most consistently entertaining character in the film, infusing his role with a certain zest despite his limited screen-time, although viewers familiar with his other works are likely to appreciate his versatility more.
With a 2 hour runtime, the creators should’ve focused on building-up the primary plot a little more, instead of cramming the film with too many supporting characters. In the end, “Man Suang” is a chaotic mishmash, overflowing with too many elements and struggling to find a balance between its lighter moments and the more serious subplots.
Rating: 5.5 on 10. You can stream “Man Suang” on Netflix.
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