Watch Hormones

Hormones (Pidtermyai huajai wawoon) is a vibrant, energetic coming-of-age romantic comedy from Thailand, directed by Songyos Sugmakanan. Released in 2008, the film portrays the complexities and jubilances of teenage life through a series of interwoven stories, capturing the essence of young love and the rollercoaster ride of adolescence. The movie boasts a multi-talented cast including the likes of Sora Aoi, Sirachuch Chienthaworn, and Chantavit Dhanasevi, each playing a crucial role in bringing their respective characters to life.

Set against the backdrop of a typical Thai school, Hormones explores the lives of several high-school students as they navigate through the trials and tribulations of growing up. With an insightful eye, the director delves into different aspects of teenage life, from academic pressures and peer relationships to burgeoning romances and the search for identity, all while maintaining a light-hearted and often humorous tone.

The story is a tapestry interlacing several characters and their experiences with the hormonal changes that come with puberty. Each storyline stands on its own yet is expertly woven into the larger narrative, constructing a world that's relatable to anyone who has ever experienced those tumultuous teenage years.

Sirachuch Chienthaworn plays the role of a considerate and introspective young man who finds himself the object of affection for many girls in his school. His character is a thoughtful portrayal of a teenager caught in the throes of learning what it means to be in love and how to handle the attention he receives. The performance is nuanced, capturing the bittersweet nature of growing up and the accompanying emotional revelations.

Chantavit Dhanasevi's character adds a vibrant contrast to the ensemble, embodying a more carefree and extroverted personality. He goes through his own journey of self-discovery and growth, dealing with the themes of friendship and self-worth. As the film confronts the awkwardness and excitement of teenage romance, Chantavit's character brings a certain charm and comedic relief to the narrative.

The inclusion of Japanese actress Sora Aoi in the cast adds an international dimension to the film. Her character interacts with the local Thai students, shedding light on cultural exchanges and the universal nature of certain adolescent experiences. Her portrayal is sensitive and empathetic, highlighting the common ground that people from diverse backgrounds share when it comes to matters of the heart and the inherent complications of hormonal changes.

Hormones is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of youth culture in Thailand, with a soundtrack that resonates with the spirit of the era, featuring catchy pop numbers and emotionally charged ballads that underscore the emotional beats of the film. The director uses the music to enhance the ambiance, creating a palpable energy that captures the vivaciousness of youth.

Visually, the film skilfully employs a colorful and dynamic cinematography. It reflects the heightened emotions and chaotic beauty of adolescence, with fast-paced sequences interspersed with more contemplative moments, allowing the audience to breathe and connect with the characters on a deeper level.

While the narrative focuses on romance and friendship, it does not shy away from addressing more serious themes. Hormones grapples with the pressures of societal expectations, the struggles of communication between generations, and the dilemmas faced by those on the precipice of adulthood. The movie respectfully acknowledges the difficulties of adolescence without losing sight of its inherent humor and tenderness.

Critics and audiences alike have praised Hormones for its genuine and relatable depiction of teenage life. It doesn't simplify or sanitize the experiences of its young characters, but instead presents a candid representation of their world, filled with confusion, joy, and the inevitable mishaps that come with growing up.

Hormones stands as a memorable entry into the teen film genre, notable for its eclectic cast, heartfelt storytelling, and astute observations on the bittersweet journey of adolescence. It is a celebration of the chaos and clarity that mark the end of childhood and the beginning of everything else – a feel-good movie that both resonates with those living through their own hormonal shifts and evokes nostalgia in those who have left their school days behind.

Hormones is a 2008 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.