The Man-Eater (2004) Zee-Oui

Movie Rating NR Contains: Strong Language Violence Graphic Violence Gore Sex Nudity Mature Situations

Director: Multiple Directors Movie Genre: Thriller, Character Study Country: Thailand The Man-Eater Score Card The following scores are based on a 0.0 to 10.0 rating scale Hover your mouse pointer over the name of each scoring category below for a description Direction: 7.8 Writing: 6.8 Acting: 8.0 Cinematography: 7.4 Sound and Score: 7.0 Functionality: 8.0 Presentation: 8.7 Genre Comparison: 8.0 General Comparison: 7.7 Overall: 7.7 Reviewed 2007-01-11 04:49:46

The Man-Eater, from Thai directors Buranee Rachjabun and Nida Suthat Na Ayutthaya is based on the true story of Zee-Oui, an ex Chinese soldier trying to start a new life in Thailand. Zee-Oui is physically and mentally ill, suffering from a severe form of tuberculosis coupled with paranoid delusions. From the moment he sets foot in Thailand, Zee-Oui is constantly harassed and tormented by the locals. As his physical condition gets worse, he becomes more and more mentally unstable. At the height of his insanity, Zee-Oui comes to the conclusion that he has to eat the hearts of young children to stay alive.

Long Duan does an exceptional job of portraying Zee-Oui as a misunderstood societal outcast whose despicable acts are simply a means of self-preservation. Zee-Oui learns how to kill while serving in the Chinese army during World War II. His mother, in an effort to cure a childhood illness, fed him a man?s heart. The well developed background of Zee-Oui?s character, along with Long Duan?s superb acting makes it easy to feel sympathy for Zee-Oui in spite of his actions.

The cinematography ofThe Man-Eater is full of muted, earthy colors, which gives it an otherworldly feel. The most vibrant colors in this movie are sudden bursts of red whenever Zee-Oui takes a child?s life. The attention to detail given to the composition of each and every shot is astounding and rarely seen in movies of this day and age. Also, the award winning score by Ponprom Sanitwong Na Ayudhya is wonderfully emotive and enhances the mood that each scene attempts to evoke.

Unfortunately, the gruesome subject matter and gory visuals will likely limit the mass appeal of this movie. There are quite a few intense scenes, but most of the violence during the murders is implied with the most brutal moments taking place outside of the frame. In spite of this film?s disturbing nature, the production quality is exceptional and more on par with world renowned blockbusters than the substandard, gory, genre pictures that exist solely to shock and disgust the audience. This is definitely a movie for the adventurous and not something to be taken lightly. Open-minded viewers will be treated to a gripping character study of what happens when a man living on the outskirts of reality for his entire life finally falls over the edge.