13: Game Of Death

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Horrorphile - March 2009

13: Game Of Death

March 3rd 2009 01:12

Pusit (Krissada Terrence) is having the worst day of his life. He lost his sales job, his car, his girlfriend, and most importantly his dignity. But then a strange phone call on his mobile from a so-called game show offers him the chance of winning one hundred million baht (roughly $3m). All he has to do is complete thirteen challenges set by the game show with instructions via the phone. With each challenge completed successfully Pusit receives a large sum of cash deposited directly into his bank account.

But the challenges start off on an odd foot and became more and more morally reprehensible. Not to mention disgusting and repulsive. Very soon Pusit founds himself neck deep in trouble, but with a steadily fattening bank account. The temptation to continue playing the corrupt and murderous game is too strong.

Krissada Terrence as Pusit

The first two challenges are to kill a fly and to swallow the fly. A cinch. The third is to make at least three children cry. It’s a little questionable, but certainly not something to cause Pusit serious qualms. The fourth challenge is to rob a street beggar of his money jar, and if he tries to stop you then beat him. Pusit arrives in a restaurant for the fifth challenge. Now it’s getting difficult … and stomach-churning: he has to consume a large plate of excrement.

Achita Sikamana as Tong

13: Game of Death (2006 aka 13 Beloved) is a savagely black comedy from Thailand. Taste has been thrown to the dogs. The movie’s moral fibre and sense of humour further soiled and darkened when Pusit has to retrieve the putrid remains of an old man who’s been floating at the bottom of a well for ten days for his seventh challenge.

The first challenge is easy ... Swat a fly

Soon enough the challenges involve serious injury and death. Pusit is in too deep now. His work colleague Tong (Achita Sikamana) realises just what her confused workmate is up to and tries to intervene, but to no avail. Pusit has sold his soul to the Devil and now the Devil is collecting his dues.

One of the challenges sees Pusit in a street fight with a gang member

13: Game of Death is based on a comic book by Eakasit Thairatana, who co-wrote the screenplay with 25-year-old director (Matthew) Chukiat Sakveerakul. It’s an intriguing premise; part Falling Down, part Faust, part Feardotcom. I’m not entirely sold on the unusual mix of comedy and horror, but for the most part the movie works well as a thriller. It succeeds also in not falling prey to its own ethical balancing act. The finale is satisfyingly bleak.

Removing the body from the well is a particularly grueling challenge

The performances are very average, with only the two leads delivering adequately, whilst the bit-parts are acted dreadfully. Production values are on the lower end of the budget, but there are numerous sequences that showcase the director’s visual flair, especially one sequence – the movie’s most gleefully horrific – that will have horror fans reminiscing on Hannibal’s gory finale.

Pusit reaches the final challenge and is deeply shocked

13 is an acquired taste, but it definitely cuts the mustard, and hurls the ketchup. But you'll require a Herculean stomach; the fifth challenge will have even the most steely guts lurching.

13 Game Of Death Thai movie poster and Australian DVD cover art

Here's the trailer:

13: Game Of Death DVD is courtesy of Madman Entertainment, many thanks!

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Posted By: Bryn - Category: movie reviews

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Comments

4 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Damo

March 5th 2009 07:11

I think I would cut my losses before number 5.

That is reality TV worthy

Comment by Bryn

March 6th 2009 04:28

Horrorphile

Damo, so you've seen the flick huh?

Comment by Damo

March 6th 2009 04:50

nup

I just have an aversion to seeing people eat poo.

Comment by Bryn

March 6th 2009 09:41

Horrorphile

Damo, I forgot that I mentioned it in my review! Yes, well, let's just say, I gagged, and I don't gag very often in movies at all!

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