Watch Happy Old Year

Happy Old Year is a Thai romantic drama film released in 2019, directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit and starring Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, Sunny Suwanmethanont, and Sarika Sartsilpsupa. The movie revolves around a young woman named Jean who has just inherited her family home. Despite her desire to turn the place into a craft workshop, the house is cluttered with old things that she can't seem to let go of.

Jean is an architecture graduate with a passion for upcycling and repurposing old items. She dreams of creating a workshop in the family home that once belonged to her grandparents. Her boyfriend, Aim, is supportive of her decision to turn the house into a workshop but is also worried about Jean's hoarding tendencies, which create a space issue. The issue of holding onto things becomes foregrounded when Aim suggests that they convert an antique wooden cabinet into a table and Jean is hesitant to comply.

Jean's desire to clean out the house is complicated by the fact that it is filled with sentimental items that remind her of her family members, particularly her father. She can't bring herself to throw away these memories, which then leads to issues in their personal life.

The film grapples with the themes of materialism, nostalgia, and sentimentality. As Jean struggles to let go of her old things, she is forced to confront her past and the memories that she has associated with these physical items. Along the way, she learns to accept change and forge her own path.

The movie's storyline is not action-packed and there are no major plot twists, but it invites the viewer to reflect on the power and privilege of possessions in contemporary culture. Happy Old Year tackles sensitive topics such as loss and the importance of letting go of the past. But it also explores how physical objects and space can influence the people who inhabit them.

The performances from the lead actors are commendable, especially Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying's portrayal of Jean. Her acting is nuanced and subtle, capturing the character's internal conflict with authenticity.

Visually, the movie is visually pleasing with a soft color palette, aesthetically composed shots, and artful camera movements. The film's director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit avoids dramatic shots or a showy visual style and instead grounds the film in realism, making the story all the more poignant.

The film's soundtrack is also a standout, primarily consisting of acoustic guitar pieces and songs that complement the introspective quality of the story. Along with the acting and visual elements, the music further draws the audience into Jean's emotional journey.

In conclusion, Happy Old Year is a poignant and tender film that speaks to the power of memory and material goods in our lives. Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit's directorial touch is gentle, allowing the story, actors and visuals to hold the emotional weight. This is not a film that will appeal to those seeking action or grand twists, but it is a movie that challenges viewers to think about the simple things that we hold onto. The performances, visuals, and music work together to tell a story that is inherently human, a story that anyone can relate to. It’s a movie that will leave you feeling a range of emotions, and perhaps questioning the importance of the belongings you hold onto.

Happy Old Year is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.