Darin
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
vink-sis
The Road To Mandalay is one of the piercing artworks of Asian cinema. It tells the story of two people who sneak into Thailand from Myanmar in search of a better life. What makes it so impactful is its simplicity and rawness. The narrative doesn't try to accentuate the throes of poor migrants as they struggle to eke out a living. It follows a rather disinterested, albeit plaintive, subtext as the protagonists move across the border multiple times and explore different ways to work things out. As days go on, one can feel their optimism dissipate and anguish build up. The cinematography is breath-taking, particularly the countryside scenes which tend to be highly evocative. There are a few stellar moments with subtle background score which underscores the intensity of those scenes. There's a scene where the couple travel in a jeep as it passes through a dense mist of clouds and fog. The scene had a strong imprint on me and lingered on long after the movie was over. The movie carries an ominous overtone without making the plot over-dramatic. It does a good job of retaining emotive elements without compromising on realism. The characters are real and so is their pain. All in all, an unforgettable movie.
Raven-1969
Thailand is where the hopes and dreams of millions of illegal immigrants from Myanmar are realized, or – more often - crushed. The Road to Mandalay focuses on two such determined immigrants, Lianqing and Guo, who are each in search of a better life. They meet by chance, after just crossing the border, in a pick-up truck traveling deeper into Thailand. Guo kindly offers Lianqing his more comfortable and expensive spot in the truck. However, Guo's kindness does not end here. He keeps offering Lianqing contacts, jobs, food, places to stay and more. She won't be bought though, not by him or anyone else, despite the intense pressure to sell her body. Yet the alternative is dangerous, degrading and monotonous work, 14 hour workdays, documents and permits perpetually out of reach, a crowded cement floor for a bed, running from the police, dirty air and everywhere there are tolls and bribes to pay, among other obstacles. Drugs dull the pain for Guo, yet selfless and hard-working Lianqing soberly continues to try to follow the rules. One of the two will give in to the relentless pressure.The Road to Mandalay is invigorated with unforgettable and resplendent scenes, alternately tragic and uplifting. Among these scenes; Lianqing emerges from a factory after a long shift and is splashed with water by dancing, joyful co-workers, Lianqing clings to Guo on a moped in the rain and cries after a deep disappointment, and Guo tenderly places a necklace on Lianqing's neck. This enlightening, timely and poignant film aids in the understanding of the plight and vulnerability of illegal immigrants. The actors, despite their young ages and lack of experience – or perhaps because of such things, are capable and compelling. The camera-work is wonderful, often focusing on the eyes of the characters for dramatic effect. As always, it is fascinating to begin to understand a different culture and people. Thai, Burmese, English and Chinese are some of the languages used in the film. Seen at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.
