Watch Angulimala

Angulimala is a 2003 Thai film that tells the story of a notorious serial killer named Ahinsaka, who was later renamed Angulimala. He lived during the time of Lord Buddha and was feared and despised by many for his violent tendencies. The film begins with Ahinsaka living a life of luxury as the prince of a small kingdom in India. He is intelligent, charming, and has everything one could ask for, except for a sense of purpose. One day, he overhears his father discussing the ways of Lord Buddha with his advisers and becomes curious. He sneaks out to witness Buddha's teachings and is moved by his wisdom and compassion.

Shortly after, Ahinsaka's father passes away, and the kingdom is handed over to his uncle, who is jealous of Ahinsaka's popularity and attempts to have him killed. Ahinsaka manages to escape and joins a group of bandits, where he learns to fight and becomes known for his brutality. The more he kills, the more feared he becomes. He adopts the name Angulimala, which means "garland of fingers," as he wore a necklace made of his victims' fingers.

One day, Angulimala hears that Lord Buddha is in the area and decides to kill him as a way of proving his superiority. He sets out to do so and eventually meets Buddha face to face. Buddha sees through his intentions and engages him in conversation, asking him why he kills. Initially, Angulimala is defensive and insists that he does it for self-preservation, but after some prodding from Buddha, he realizes that he kills simply for the sake of killing.

This realization is a turning point for Angulimala, and he decides to renounce his former way of life and become a disciple of Lord Buddha. He is initially met with skepticism and ridicule by other disciples who fear him, but he proves himself to be sincere and dedicated to his new path. He eventually becomes one of Buddha's most devoted followers and helps spread his message of compassion and non-violence.

The film does an excellent job of demonstrating the transformative power of spirituality and the potential for redemption. The acting is superb, with Nopachai Chaiyanam delivering an outstanding performance as Angulimala. His transition from a ruthless killer to a devoted disciple of Buddha is realistic and compelling.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with stunning landscapes and vivid colors, bringing the viewer into the world of ancient India. The score is haunting, and the sound design is immersive, immersing the viewer into the world of the film.

Overall, Angulimala is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that teaches the power of redemption and the transformative power of spirituality. It seamlessly blends historical facts with fiction to create a compelling narrative that will leave viewers fulfilled and deeply moved.