Watch The Elephant King
- R
- 2006
- 1 hr 32 min
-
6.2 (562)
The Elephant King, a drama film from 2006, explores the complicated relationship between two estranged brothers who reunite in Thailand. Oliver Hunt, played by Jonno Roberts, is visiting his brother Jake Hunt, portrayed by Tate Ellington, in Bangkok. The brothers have not seen each other in years and have vastly different lifestyles. Oliver is a successful New York journalist, while Jake lives in Thailand as a semi-successful artist.
Upon arrival, Oliver learns that Jake has disappeared to the Thai countryside in search of a mystical elephant. It is revealed that Jake is obsessed with this elephant, which he believes possesses a magical aura capable of curing any ailment. Oliver's search for Jake leads him to meet Lek, played by Florence Faivre, a beautiful and mysterious Thai woman who helps him navigate through the unfamiliar city.
As Oliver delves deeper into the Thai culture and way of life, he realizes that his brother is more lost than he thought. Like the elephant that Jake is seeking, he is also searching for something to heal the pain of his past. With Lek's guidance, Oliver finds himself on a journey of self-discovery, one that will change his life forever.
The Elephant King is a well-crafted film that highlights the contrast between the East and the West. The beauty of Thai culture is shown in its vibrant colors and customs, while the lifestyle of New York is portrayed with its fast-paced nature and daunting architecture. The movie's cinematography has a very naturalistic feel, which gives the audience an inside look at Thailand's hidden and lesser-known areas.
The movie's score is another highlight. It is a mix of traditional Thai music, upbeat dance rhythms, and contemporary pop beats that complement the film's mood and tone. The soundtrack's fusion is a reflection of the blending of cultures that occurs in the film.
The acting in The Elephant King is deserving of recognition. Jonno Roberts takes on his role with a certain sincerity that maintains the audience's sympathy towards his character's struggle to understand his brother's way of life. Tate Ellington portrays Jake with a certain intensity that seems derived from the character's inner turmoil. Florence Faivre is another standout, bringing light and levity to the film with her portrayal of Lek.
The film's themes are relevant even today. The Elephant King portrays the bonds of family, the pursuit of happiness and the human need for healing in a poignant and sensitive way. The movie explores the concept of brotherhood and the complicated family dynamics that can sometimes drive people apart.
In conclusion, The Elephant King is a captivating tale of heartbreak, relationships, and self-discovery. The film is a blend of vibrant musical scoring and natural, often gritty cinematography that showcases Thailand's vibrant culture. With its strong, relatable characters and compelling storyline, this film is without a doubt worth watching.
The Elephant King is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 46.