SUCKSEED (2011) 
SYNOPSIS
Ped develops a crush on Earn when she helps him during a Music class dilemma. Ped gain Earn’s favor, and to do that, he has to learn how to sing her favorite song. Before Ped manages to have the courage to let Earn listen to him sing, she moves to Bangkok. A few years later, Ped spends his time with his best friend, Khung. They try a lot of things (yoyo, rollerskates, etc.) and eventually decide to form a band. When they realize that being in a band can attract girls, they have more motivation to practice. The problem arises when Ped and Khung want to woo the same girl, Earn, who just moves back from Bangkok.
CAST: Jirayu Laongmanee (Ped), Nattasha Nauljam (Earn), Pachara Chirathivat (Khung), Thawat Pornrattanaprasert (X)
RECOMMENDED TO: teens, young at heart, anyone looking a fun, light movie, everyoneeee
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT?
Let’s just say that I was smiling the whole time I was watching this movie. It has everything I want in a feel-good teen movie. I am terribly in love with SuckSeed right now and the only thing I could think of is watching it again. I rarely watch a movie twice but this makes me believe that I can watch it a hundred times without ever getting tired of it.
SuckSeed is produced by GTH, the same company that brought us Hello Stranger and Bangkok Traffic Love Story—both movies I love dearly. Based on that information alone, it’s easy enough to expect a lot from SuckSeed. But before I flood you with emotional rants, let me say first the objective reason why I love this movies.
It has a relatable story. What’s new about a movie about teens forming a band? Nothing much, but this movie takes that story into something anyone will like. Sure, this movie has mixed reviews but everyone can relate to it. We all went through that phase believing we’re fated to be rockstars. This movie gives so much life to that plot with the characters of Ped, X, Earn, and especially Khung.
With the amazing editing and well-paced flow of the story, it was hard to believe that it’s the director’s debut movie. The movie takes you from Ped’s childhood memory of Earn to his voyage into his teens with somehow the same affection for the Earn. When you look at it, this story is really about Ped, but we wouldn’t have his story developed enough if we wouldn’t develop the people affecting his stories. Ped’s a follower. Ever since childhood, he’s been following whatever Khung says and doesn’t really take initiative. But when he wants something bad enough, he shows that he’ll do anything to get what he wants. Be it Earn, or Khung’s friendship. He overcome his inhibitions and fears when he wants something bad enough.
It’s surprising how much I like this film, though. I’m not into musicals and movies revolving around music aren’t my thing. But in this one, I enjoyed the singing. When the scene is getting too dramatic, a singer will pop out of nowhere and sing! It’s quite amazing how the characters would even sing along, but maybe I’m just easily entertained. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I knew the artists.
It doesn’t hurt that our three main actors are incredibly adorable, too. I admit that there are times when I feel like their acting is forced but it still works! They act like real high school kids and I just want to huddle them in a hug and never, ever let go. Khung, Ped, and X’s scenes together are so much fun. Their scenes are really the highlights of this movie. Their desire to perform on stage is transcending through the screen. I just want for them to be the best and to win the battle of the bands. However, I knew that even though this is a positive movie, it won’t go over the top by making all their dreams come true. Okay, end of spoiler here.
Of course, there’s no teen movie without an innocent first love. Earn is the epitome of the cool girl in high school. She’s pretty, friendly, and can play the guitar like some pro. (Nattacha can really play the guitar so I like her so much more.) She’s the perfect girl to fall for when you’re awkward and shy like Ped. All their scenes together sent butterflies to my stomach. Just thinking about them makes me smile like a fool! Argh. It’s been a while since I felt like this for a movie! The actors who played Ped and Earn have so much chemistry. They are now my new OTP and you can do nothing about it!
They said that SuckSeed followed GTH’s formula to create a hit movie. They said that the trick is “to stick to clean, optimistic stories with uplifting messages and an overall feel-good vibe.” And that’s exactly what SuckSeed do. We are given three boys who doesn’t really have that much talent in music. With enough practice, passion and perseverance, they slowly let their dreams materialize. This movie will leave you laughing till the last scene. This will definitely be one of the movies I’ll watch when I’m starting to feel like there’s nothing good left in this world.
If you think I’m praising this movie a little too much, maybe I am. Heh. I just really, really love it, and it will be amazing if more people will see this movie and love it as much as I do.
EXTRA FANGIRL RANT
(That photo doesn’t give his face and appeal any justice! No, I’m not defensive.)
My first thought after watching the movie: Thai boys are out to get my heart, and I really don’t mind. I really, really don’t mind.
Kao (Jirayu La-ongmanee) is adorable as Ped in this movie. He’s exactly my type. He’s tall, lanky, dresses simply, and incredibly awkward. He also has some troubles confessing or making moves towards the girl he likes. Yes, that’s exactly my type. He made me squeal like a high school girl, and I end up gushing in every scene. He rapidly climbs on top of my favorite Thai actors list and cemented his spot.
Then I found out he’s only turning 16 this Oct. 29. SIXTEEN. SIX-FUCKING-TEEN. I’m five years his senior. FIVE YEARS! And I’m crushed like crushed peanuts. (WHUT) Turns out he’s the young Mario Maurer in The Love of Siam! I already thought he’s cute in that movie. WAAAAAAAI ARE YOU SO YOUNG? But seriously, if you’re going to watch this movie, don’t like him too much if you’re a lot older than him. You’d end up feeling old and depressed like someone *cough*me*cough* I know.
Beware, ladies. These boys will make you feel like a grandma.