Tropical Malady 2005

As Keng (Banlop Lomnoi), a soldier assigned to a rural outpost in Thailand, embarks on a duty to investigate the eerie slaughter of cattle from local farms, he unexpectedly meets Tong (Sakda Kaewbuadee), a charming villager. Their first meeting in the picturesque landscape soon blossoms into a heartfelt connection, with Keng becoming a part of Tong’s life, lending a hand at an ice factory, and enjoying peaceful moments together.

One pivotal night, while they maneuver through the streets in an ice delivery truck, they come across a scruffy dog in distress, its condition stirring their compassion. A visit to the vet reveals a dire diagnosis: cancer. Driven by compassion, Tong’s decision to sign the paperwork for the dog’s chemotherapy showcases the depths of his kindness. As the night unfolds, they choose to escape into the world of cinema, losing themselves in the magic portrayed on screen.

Their friendship grows as they explore a nearby cave, where an elderly woman enchants them with a folklore tale about two destitute farmers. These farmers, guided by a wise young monk, stumble upon a treasure of precious gems. However, their greed leads to an astonishing turn of events where their fortunes turn to frogs—an allegorical reminder of greed’s pitfalls. As the sun sets, Keng, Tong, and the woman’s companions remain enveloped in the cave’s serene ambiance, relishing the comfort of one another’s presence.

With days passing, their bond deepens into a sweet romance marked by whimsical motorcycle escapades around the village. One magical evening, as they pause to savor the moment at the roadside, their longing reaches a crescendo, only for Tong to slip away into the night, leaving Keng confused and yearning for clarity.

Following the departure of Keng’s troop from the village, he is left contemplating the ambiguous occurrences that have transpired. Soon, rumors spread regarding a supernatural force wreaking havoc on the livestock. As anxiety escalates, Keng finds himself given a solitary mission to face the fearsome spirit of a tiger shaman. His journey into the woods is charged with apprehension, tracing the shaman’s footprint and preparing himself for an encounter at a solitary tree amidst the forest’s haunting silence.

Once darkness envelops the woods, Keng awakens to the shocking presence of the shaman in his human form. A fierce confrontation unfolds, but ultimately leads to Keng’s defeat, leaving him battered and bruised at the base of a steep incline, his survival uncertain. Regaining consciousness, Keng discovers himself still clutching his firearm, but surrounded by an unsettling stillness reflecting the devastation of the preceding night. A curious primate approaches, undeterred by the chaos, warning Keng that unless he conquers the shaman, he faces a grim fate, trapped eternally in the spirit world of the shaman.

The approaching night brings forth sounds of life, and as Keng aims his weapon, he discovers instead the lifeless form of a cow. Miraculously, the spirit of the cow rises and begins its journey towards a luminous tree, as if beckoned by an invisible force. As Keng attempts to retreat, the shaman, now a majestic tiger, pursues him with relentless vigor.

In his frantic escape, Keng soon loses his firearm, resorting to crawling through the rugged terrain. His fate inevitably leads him face to face with the tiger shaman atop a towering tree. What follows is a charged moment of silence between the two, a mutual understanding in their gaze. With a solemn vow, Keng surrenders, declaring, >“I surrender my spirit, my flesh, and my memories,” as the tiger shaman begins to absorb him into its otherworldly essence.

Amidst the howling winds, Keng remains fixated on the tiger shaman, underscoring the ethereal tension of this harrowing encounter.