Revisiting The Iron Ladies

On Monday, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand resumes its Contemporary World Film series with a screening of The Iron Ladies (Satree Lek).

Released in 2000 in the midst of the Thai New Wave, Youngyooth Thongkonthun's debut feature was one of the first Thai films to be an international smash-hit.

The story of a gay-and-transgender men's volleyball team, the comedy played at dozens of festivals (both gay and straight) and won many awards.

Picked up for international sales by Fortissimo Films, the film remains widely accessible, thanks to DVD releases in North America and elsewhere.

Among the recent slew of offbeat sports comedies from Hollywood -- yes, Dodgeball, Talladega Nights and Balls of Fury, I'm looking at you -- The Iron Ladies still stand tall.

And it's also arguably the best Thai sports movie, with a heartfelt, inspiring and entertaining story that's based on actual events.

Youngyooth is expected to be present for a Q&A after Monday's night's screening, along with members of the cast, including Chaicharn Nimpulsawasdi (Jung) -- winner of the Subhanahongsa Award for Best Supporting Actor -- Kokkorn Benjatikul (Pia) and Phomsit and Sutthipong Sitthijamroenkhun and Anucha Chatkaew (April, May and June).

The showtime is at 8pm -- arrive early if you want a seat. Admission for non-members is 150 baht. And they're serving wine from the GranMonte Company (Thailand) for 100 baht a glass.

(Via FCCT Bulletin; cross-published at Bangkok Cinema Scene)