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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Headshot (2012). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Tul, portrayed by Nopachai Chaiyanam, is a hitman whose life dramatically changes after a fateful assignment goes awry. While carrying out a task, he is shot in the head, plunging him into a three-month coma. Upon waking, he discovers that his perception of reality has been completely altered—everything he sees is inverted. This surreal experience leaves him questioning the nature of his injury: is it a strange consequence of his trauma, or a form of karmic payback for his violent lifestyle?

As Tul grapples with his new reality, he encounters an enigmatic young woman, played by Chanokporn Sayoungkul, who further complicates his already tumultuous existence. She’s upfront about her attraction to men in uniform, which immediately piques his interest but also raises suspicions about her intentions. Who is she, and how is she connected to the dangerous game that ensnares Tul?

The narrative, based on Win Lyovarins’ novel Rain Falling Up the Sky, unfolds in a complex, non-linear format that reveals the dark transformation of Tul from a dedicated police officer into a ruthless assassin. This descent into the criminal underworld is marked by a series of violent events, including a shocking murder and an encounter with corruption and betrayal that’s all too familiar in the lawless corners of contemporary Bangkok. His moral compass hangs by a thread, and he must navigate through treachery, with each choice heavy with consequence.

As we delve deeper into Tul’s chaotic journey, the film, directed by Pen-ek Ratanaruang, immerses us in a world painted in muted tones, reflecting the bleakness of his path. The haunting score by Vichaya Vatanasapt adds to the sense of an unending spiral downward, echoing Tul’s struggle to reclaim his life and identify amidst the shadows that surround him. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Tul’s character remains the embodiment of a man caught between duty and a violent reality, constantly seeking redemption—even when faced with the darkness of his past. Ultimately, Headshot challenges viewers with philosophical questions about life, morality, and the law, leaving us pondering the true nature of humanity.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Headshot (2012) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Tul's Assignment

The film begins with Tul, a skilled hitman, receiving a package filled with photos and information about his target. He decides to act on this data, showcasing his commitment to his profession as he prepares for a hit.

Gated estate

The Assassination

Tul confronts his target at the gated estate, effectively executing the assassination with a precise shot. However, in the chaos of the shootout, Tul is critically injured when a bullet strikes him in the head.

Gated estate

Coma and Awakening

After the assassination gone wrong, Tul falls into a three-month coma. Upon waking, he discovers that his perception of the world has been altered drastically, as he now sees everything upside down.

Hospital

Meeting the Mysterious Girl

As Tul navigates his disorienting new reality, he encounters a captivating young woman who introduces him to unexpected emotions. She seems intrigued by his past as a cop, stirring a curiosity within him about his own identity.

The Inverted Perception

Tul grapples with the implications of his inverted perception, struggling to reconcile this bizarre new perspective with his past as an assassin. This disorientation raises questions about whether it’s due to an injury or a form of karmic retribution.

The Bloodied Corpse

Tul discovers a bloody corpse in a bathtub, which sends him deeper into the darkness of the criminal underworld. This gruesome revelation marks a pivotal moment in his quest for understanding as he uncovers the layers of corruption around him.

Abandoned location

The Drug Bust Incident

Amidst his chaotic journey, Tul witnesses a drug bust that reveals the pervasive corruption in the city. The event shapes his perspective, making him increasingly aware of the moral complexities surrounding his line of work.

City streets

The Attempted Bribe

Tul finds himself entangled in an attempted bribe, showcasing the desperate measures people take to evade justice. This event accentuates the moral decay he faces, forcing him to confront the ethical implications of his actions.

Contemplation of Evil

Tul immerses himself in a book that explores the inherently evil nature of mankind, initially finding the ideas curious. As events unfold, he starts to resonate with the book’s themes, leading him to question his own role in the cycle of violence.

Transformation from Detective to Assassin

The narrative unfolds Tul's transformation from a straight-laced detective into a ruthless assassin. This evolution reflects the complexities of his character and the corrupt environment that has forced him into such roles.

Bangkok

Struggle for Morality

Throughout his journey, Tul continually struggles to make ethical choices in a world rife with immorality. This internal conflict drives the narrative and illustrates his desire for redemption amid chaos.

Return to the Underworld

As Tul delves deeper into the underworld, he encounters figures who embody the corruption he seeks to fight. Each new interaction pushes him further into a moral quagmire, complicating his efforts to reclaim his identity.

Confrontation with his Assassin Past

Tul is inevitably confronted by his past actions as an assassin, leading to a climactic moment of self-realization. This confrontation forces him to face the consequences of his choices and the life he has chosen.

Bangkok streets

Seeking Justice

Driven by a need to atone for his past, Tul begins seeking justice for those wronged by the criminal elements he once served. This quest signifies a shift in his character from apathy to active resistance against evil.

City

The Question of Redemption

As the film concludes, Tul's journey poses a poignant question: Can he ever truly redeem himself in a world steeped in corruption? His story is a reflection on the complexities of morality and the human spirit's struggle in dark times.

Characters

Explore all characters from Headshot (2012). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Tul (Nopachai Chaiyanam)

Tul embodies the complexity of a man torn between duty and survival, having transitioned from a lawman to a hitman. His struggle with his own moral compass becomes more pronounced after he awakens in an altered state. Despite his violent profession, he seeks a sense of purpose amid chaos.

🔫 Hitman 🧠 Transformation

Mysterious Girl

The mysterious girl in Tul's life serves as a catalyst for his introspection and moral questioning. Her beauty and boldness contrast sharply with the darkness surrounding Tul, representing a flicker of hope in his chaotic world. She challenges him to reconsider his past choices and their implications.

👩‍🦰 Enigmatic ❤️ Love Interest

Setting

Learn where and when Headshot (2012) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The film does not specify a particular historical time frame, focusing instead on the contemporary world of crime and corruption. This modern setting allows for a critique of today's societal norms and the moral ambiguities faced by individuals like Tul. The narrative's chaotic unfolding emphasizes the urgent and pressing nature of the themes it explores.

Location

Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is known for its ornate temples and bustling street life. In 'Headshot,' it serves as a backdrop that highlights the corruption and moral decay within the urban landscape. The film's action unfolds in its shadowy alleys and luxurious estates, reflecting the dual nature of beauty and brutality.

🏙️ City 🔍 Crime

Themes

Discover the main themes in Headshot (2012). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


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Morality

The theme of morality is central to 'Headshot,' as Tul navigates a path of violence while grappling with the implications of his actions. His transition from a detective to an assassin underscores the moral dilemmas faced in a corrupt society. The film raises questions about justice and retribution in a world where right and wrong blur.

🌀

Identity

Identity plays a significant role as Tul experiences a drastic transformation after his injury. His new perspective on the world raises profound questions about self and existence. The struggle to reclaim his identity while immersed in the underworld reflects the film's exploration of personal integrity in a conflicting environment.

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