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Crime drama

Buoyancy (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Buoyancy (2019) movie poster

Buoyancy is a 2019 crime drama directed by Rodd Rathjen, starring Khem Ratha as Young Man with Drink, Saichia Wongwirot and Rous Mony. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $50,281 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 78/100.

worldwide gross
$50.3K
Echo Score
78
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Buoyancy (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Rodd Rathjen
Genres
Drama , Crime
Original language
Thai
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Buoyancy About?

The premise of Buoyancy without spoilers.

A young Cambodian boy is sold into slavery and forced to work on a Thai fishing trawler. Surrounded by brutality and the torture of his fellow workers, he struggles to maintain his innocence. As he witnesses horrific acts of violence, he grapples with the possibility that survival may depend on adopting the ruthless tactics of his captors, blurring the lines between victim and oppressor.

Buoyancy Themes & Keywords

· 30 tags
  • bare chested male
  • trawler
  • human trafficking
  • murder
  • revenge
  • slave
  • slavery
  • teenage boy
  • 14 year old
  • coming of age
  • fisherman
  • fishing
+18 more
  • fishing boat
  • teenager
  • farmer
  • farming community
  • running away from home
  • cambodia
  • gulf of thailand
  • bludgeoned to death
  • bludgeoning
  • held at gunpoint
  • punched in the face
  • death by drowning
  • pornographic magazine
  • shot in the shoulder
  • quartering
  • written by director
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
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Cast & crew

Buoyancy Cast & Characters

Khem Ratha leads the cast as Young Man with Drink, with Saichia Wongwirot as Kadir and Rous Mony as Kea. Directed by Rodd Rathjen; 35 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Buoyancy

· 31 more
Show all 35 cast members
From the director

More from Rodd Rathjen

More films directed by Rodd Rathjen, best-rated first: Buoyancy and Tau Seru.

Full filmography
Ratings

Buoyancy Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (70).

78 /100

Buoyancy Echo Score Breakdown

Buoyancy delivers a compelling visual and emotional experience anchored by strong direction and striking cinematography, while its subject matter remains urgent and thought‑provoking. Critics highlight its tense, minimalist storytelling and effective performances, though some note a repetitive narrative and limited character depth. Audience reactions echo this mix, praising the film’s craftsmanship and impact but pointing to occasional tonal and pacing issues. Overall, the film stands as a powerful, if imperfect, exploration of modern slavery at sea.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels through its precise direction and striking cinematography, with reviewers noting the effective use of light and composition to convey confinement. Production design supports the bleak setting, and editing maintains a steady rhythm that sustains tension. Minor visual criticisms are absent, resulting in a highly regarded aesthetic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When evaluating character and emotion, performances are broadly praised for their authenticity, with non‑actors delivering convincing portrayals. The central character study is noted as stark and impactful. However, some commentary points to one‑dimensional development and limited depth in supporting roles, tempering the overall impression of character richness.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the plot is described as gripping and urgent, maintaining suspense through a minimalist approach. Critics commend its relevance and narrative tension, yet audience feedback highlights predictable beats and repetitive structures that detract from originality. The pacing generally serves the material, though narrative predictability moderates the score.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In the sensory domain, the film benefits from an immersive score and strong visual style, with naturalistic sound design enhancing the environment. While the soundtrack receives acclaim, a few viewers note that the sound design is not universally appealing. Overall, the auditory and visual elements coalesce to reinforce the film’s atmospheric intensity.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Assessing rewatch factor, the film’s haunting themes and powerful imagery encourage repeated viewings for deeper understanding. Its emotional resonance and educational value contribute to lasting appeal. Some audiences find the intensity challenging, which may limit casual rewatchability, yet the overall impact suggests a strong incentive to return to the film.

Box office

Buoyancy Box Office

Buoyancy grossed $50,281 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$50.3K

International
$50.3K
Videos

Buoyancy Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Buoyancy.

Buoyancy | Trailer
Details

Buoyancy Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Na powierzchni” and “苦海浮生”.

Also known as
  • Na powierzchni
  • 苦海浮生
  • Freedom
  • Плавучесть
  • 浮力
  • Flutuação
  • 부력
  • 浮俘

Seen Buoyancy?

FAQ

Buoyancy FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Buoyancy, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Buoyancy?

Buoyancy runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was Buoyancy released?

Buoyancy was released on February 8, 2019.

Who directed Buoyancy?

Buoyancy was directed by Rodd Rathjen.

More films by Rodd Rathjen

Who is in the cast of Buoyancy?

Buoyancy stars Khem Ratha as Young Man with Drink, Saichia Wongwirot as Kadir and Rous Mony as Kea, among 35 credited actors.

How much did Buoyancy make at the box office?

Buoyancy grossed $50,281 worldwide.

Does Buoyancy have a post-credit scene?

No. Buoyancy has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Buoyancy in?

The original language of Buoyancy is Thai.

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