Hit Man File

Film critic Sananjit Bangsapan takes a turn behind the camera, and his knowledge of film history is evident in this intelligent, stylish thriller that pays homage to its predecessors. Tanthai (Chatchai Plengpanit) has abandoned his idealistic involvement in the Communist Party, and adopted a new life as Bangkok's most ruthless killer for hire. He has left his conscience left by the wayside, and, as long as the price is right, anyone is fair game for Tanthai. That is, until a conniving politician hires him to take out an ambitious, up-and-coming drug kingpin, a job that promises to upset the fragile peace maintained among the gangs. The hunter becomes the hunted, as he becomes targeted by rival Triad families as well as the crooked police. Meanwhile, Tanthai faces off with an old rival, and feels his long-dead conscience waking once more. The gritty beauty of Bangkok's underworld shows through in almost operatic splendor, offset by sensational violence and sensuality, as well as Chatchai Pongprapaphan's haunting score.