My Girl

This 2003 Thai film was directed jointly by six people and tells a story of childhood set in the eighties. Working in Bangkok, Jeab learns that Noi-Naa, his childhood friend, is to be married, and driving home the years come back to him. In the flashback the two are neighbours and always together, and being friends in a place where boys and girls play in separate groups puts them both in difficulty. The film builds childhood as nostalgic without exaggeration, placing cassette players, television theme tunes, street games and school detail with care. It constructs no great event, showing instead how separation is experienced in childhood. It was a large box office success in Thailand and played a part in the revival of its cinema. Who it's for: viewers who like nostalgic youth films and Thai cinema. Who it's not for: anyone expecting plot; the film is made of memories.