30 and still flirty

 

‘Thirty years old and still single: what’s wrong with you?” Most modern unmarried women no doubt cringe when such a question comes their way so one can only wonder what they’ll think about two romantic comedies on the same theme in theatres at the same time.

 Movie fans were baffled when the teasers for “30+ Sode on Sale” and “30 Kamlung Jaew” were released almost side-by-side. To overcome the confusion, Sahamongkol Film’s “30+” is sticking to its original release schedule and hits the screens next week while rival studio M-Thirtynine’s “30 Kamlung Jaew” has been postponed from its October 20 release date until next month. The themes, however, remain unchanged.

“Though women are independent and many are happy in their single life, I think there are plenty of ladies out there who are serious about this issue,” says Somjing “King” Srisuphab, the director of “30 Kamlung Jaew”, adding that his ideas for the film came from his friends who have successful careers and stable finances but still feel unfulfilled.

“They are independent, have plenty of self-esteem and enjoy life, but many of them want someone to be with them. One of my friends is a smart, beautiful woman but no man came into her life and now she lives with a woman. This is not about homosexuality but it answers the very basic need of having someone you love and with whom can share your happiness and sadness when you return home at the end of the day,” says King.

Puttipong Promsaka Na Sakonnakorn, the director of “30+ Sode on Sale”, agrees, saying that the inspiration for his movie also comes from observing younger friends. He made his directorial debut last year with “Sing Lek Lek Thee Riak Wa Rak” (“A Little Thing Called Love”), which was a surprise hit earning Bt80 million at the box office.

“Women may achieve everything career- and money-wise, but they still need someone at home with whom they can share happiness and grief,” he says.

“30+ Sode on Sale” sees actress Chermarn “Ploy” Boonyasak in the role of Ing – a woman who dumped by her longtime boyfriend at the age of 32. After consulting a fortuneteller who informs her that if she doesn’t find a man soon, she’ll have to wait 20 years for one to come along, she’s desperate to find Mr Right. Puttipong says he got the idea from listening to gal pals in their early 30s talk about longing for the right guy.

Co-starring Arak “Pe” Amornsupasiri, Pijitra Sirivejjaphan and Sudarat “Tukky” Butprom, “30+” is a light-hearted comedy about a gang of girls desperately chasing the right man for their friend.

“Many women have high standards and rules for their guys but I believe that if you don’t set your dreams too high but simply look around, you’ll find the person who can give you the happiest moments of your life,” says Puttipong.

King’s “30 Kamlung Jaew” takes a more subtle approach. Thirty-year-old Jaa (Patcharapha “Um” Chaichuea), who recently broke up with her long-time boyfriend (Peter Corp Dyrandal) finds herself at a crossroads when a younger man falls for her and goes out of his way to prove his love. Conflicted about her own feelings, Jaa’s emotions are in even greater turmoil when a junior colleague develops a crush on her and her ex returns to her life again.

King, who’s best known movie to date is 1989’s “Prik Khee Noo Kub Moo Ham”, which covered Thai romances in the US, says he’s wanted to make the film for a long time but admits that returning to romantic comedy in his 40s is probably the reason for the more subtle pacing. The result is a heart-warming story of a woman who has a conflict in her mind rather than one who is fighting with friends or family.

“You will see Um in a dimension you have never seen before. Unlike her superstar, untouchable image, Um in this film is vulnerable. She’s a woman we can relate to,” says King.

Ploy’s character in “30+” is close to her real-life personality. The director uses the actress’ personal charm to draw the audience to the character.

“I’ve seen her since she was young and I know that she’s a very attractive women. Blending her real personality into the character makes Ing more convincing,” says Puttipong.

A woman desperate to find the right guy is not a subject new to Thai movies. The blockbuster “Rot Fai Fah Ma Ha Na Ther” (“Bangkok Traffic Love Story”) shared a similar formula, with office worker Mei Li (Cris Horwang) falling in love with BTS Skytrain track-maintenance engineer. 

The two films are likely to do well with mainstream fans and yes, the 30-year-old single women too. After all, we all know Jaa, Ing and Mei Li in real life.