Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent thriller has social messages and strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bangkok Breaking: Heaven and Hell
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BANGKOK BREAKING: HEAVEN AND HELL, disgraced paramedic Wanchai (Sukollawat Kanarot) finds himself in the middle of a battle between gangs trying to kidnap a mogul's daughter. As he tries to reach safety, he goes deep into places where corruption and injustice are leading people toward a violent outcome. When there is no one to trust when it comes to receiving help, where do the needy turn?
Is It Any Good?
As with many films trying to do and say too much at once, Kome Kongkiat Komesiri's adrenaline-filled thriller often feels more overwhelming than revelatory. The ideas explored in Bangkok Breaking: Heaven and Hell are important and urgent, but the social themes get lost in between explosions, car chases, fights, and shootouts. In Sukollawat Kanarot, the director has found a compelling leading man who shines in quieter scenes where we learn about the motivations his character has to act in a righteous way, but the constantly urgent tone doesn't allow viewers to sit with their thoughts long enough before another explosion or fight erupts again.
Although the film is executed wonderfully in technical terms, it becomes muddled and exhausting while trying to be entertaining and delivering a powerful message. Viewers might be repelled by the gore of some situations, where sensationalism takes over the humanity necessary to convey a call to social change.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the nonstop action of the film and how it affects the humanity of the characters. Do you feel like you get to know enough about anyone in the film to root for them?
How does Wanchai show courage and compassion? Do other characters show that to him?
How does the film depict poorer neighborhoods in Bangkok? Do you think it depicts them in a way that's fair and realistic? Do they seem excessively scary and violent?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 26, 2024
- Cast : Sukollawat Kanarot , Sanya Kunakorn , Atitaya Tribudarak , Yasaka Chaisorn
- Director : Kome Kongkiat Komesiri
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Southeast Asian Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Southeast Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s) , Southeast Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 1, 2024
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