When Thieves Must Become Monks to Dig for Treasure in a Temple: Review of 'Nak Prok', a Thai Film That Flips Crime and Faith

If you think Thai films about monks, temples, and superstition are all about ghosts and spirits, open your mind to 'Nak Prok', a 2010 film that takes a wild concept and tells it with sophistication: thieves who become monks to dig up money hidden under a temple. Sounds funny, but it becomes a thrilling ride that questions faith in a painfully compelling way.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

The story begins with three thieves: Pan (Somchai Kemglad), Por (Pisal Wattanayaovanont), and Sing (Ray MacDonald), who rob an armored car and hide the huge sum of money in a cemetery in an abandoned temple. But when they return to retrieve it, they find the hiding spot is under a new temple being built. The three thieves decide to become monks to secretly dig for the money without raising suspicion. However, they must confront a temple caretaker (Sayan Chantarawiboon) who is equally cunning, and when superstition comes into play, events take unexpected turns.

The film runs parallel storylines: the three monk-thieves digging for money, and a police investigation led by Inspector Prem (Pasit Ruangwut), steadily increasing tension. The story is cleverly told; no character is useless, each has a clear role and motivation.

Acting and Characters

The three lead actors deliver convincing performances. Somchai Kemglad as Pan portrays the decisive gang leader who begins to waver when confronted with the supernatural. Ray MacDonald as Sing is the hot-tempered elder who creates conflict. Pisal Wattanayaovanont as Por is the gentlest character and the only one who starts to genuinely believe in Buddhism after ordaining.

Additionally, Intira Charoenpura as Namphueng, Sing's wife, performs well, especially in scenes where she must choose between love and fear. The caretaker, played by Sayan Chantarawiboon, exudes cunning and greed eerily. The film makes viewers sympathize with every character, even the villains.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Director Pawat Panangkasiri tells the story concisely without dragging. At 92 minutes, the film effectively creates an oppressive atmosphere within the temple. Cinematography by Phop Suksuwan uses tight angles and dim lighting to convey hidden secrets, especially in temple scenes lit by candles and small windows, evoking a sense of sacredness mixed with fear.

The score by Chaiyapat Thongphut (of Modern Dog) enhances the mood, with urgent rhythms in tense scenes and haunting strings when characters go mad. The film uses natural sounds like wood knocking and chanting to increase realism and discomfort.

Editorial Analysis

What sets 'Nak Prok' apart is its questioning of faith through characters who ordain with impure intentions. When evil men wear robes, does sanctity protect them? The film answers through escalating supernatural events, not by showing ghosts, but using symbols and Thai beliefs, such as the Naga (serpent) guarding the temple. The money hidden under the temple, where Buddha images are enshrined, underscores the characters' sins.

The film also reflects Thai society where religion is exploited by the selfish: thieves ordain for gain, and the caretaker uses tricks for money. Yet, there are characters who genuinely believe, like Por and the old monk Chuen (Sayan Chantarawiboon), representing remaining goodness. The film doesn't dismiss faith as worthless but shows how people corrupt it.

A downside is the plot's similarity to some foreign films like 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' or 'A Simple Plan', but 'Nak Prok' adapts well to Thai context. Some pacing drags, especially in the middle with repetitive digging scenes. However, the film's strength lies in building suspense until the final minute: will the money be found, and what will become of the characters?

Verdict

<p>'Nak Prok' is a Thai film that boldly questions faith in a way rarely done before. With a unique plot, strong performances, and atmospheric direction, if you like crime films with spiritual depth or films that make you question good and evil, 'Nak Prok' is a must-watch.</p>