Thailand's newest heist thriller film "Bad Genius" or "Chalat Kem Kong" has been well received by critics and viewers from different countries. The movie received several positive reviews for its simple narrative story and brilliant direction. The film will be released in Australia and South Korea on Nov. 2.
The plot of the movie revolves around high school kids in Thailand who formed a test-cheating syndicate called "Bad Genius" in order to make millions of dollars by deploying a massive scheme to give out answers to students who will be taking a test called the STIC. The film is based on real-life events and is a reflection of Thailand's struggling education system with corrupt practices from authorities.
The movie, according to many critics, managed to utilize the idea of cheating with various methods like hand signals based on piano pieces. It has been recognized as one of the most well-thought and well-executed films in Thailand this year.
Most reviews commended the brilliant chemistry brought out by the young ensemble of cast members, especially those playing the main characters in the film — Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying who plays the mastermind of the heist, Lynn, and her partner in crime, Bank, portrayed by Chanon Santinatornkul. In a particular review published by Pajiba, it was indicated that "Bad Genius" is a combination of "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Breakfast Club."
During a question and answer portion with director Nattawut Poonpiriya at the New York Asian Film Festival, he revealed that he did not want any romantic element to be added in the movie. Some fans were disappointed to witness no love-chemistry between the two prime characters, Lynn and Bank. "It's my intention to make a movie that, there is no romantic part," he said.
The movie premiered on May 3 in Thailand and June 30 in the United States. It also hit theaters in several other countries including Canada, France, Philippines, China and Belgium in recent months.
"Bad Genius" got a 91% rating from Rotten Tomatoes and 8.2 out of 10 score from IMDb.
