An unforgettable coming-of-age film

How To Win At Checkers (Every Time)

Superstar Thai actor-model Toni Rakkaen headlines this striking debut feature from Korean-American writer-director Josh Kim. As the now grown Oat, he recalls his childhood experience of trying to rescue his gay older brother Ek from being drafted into military service.

Told with a nuanced detail from the younger brother's point of view, this drama takes a refreshingly unadorned and impartial look at an essentially loving environment where social conditions are governed by corruption and false ideals. 

As Ek grapples with the gritty realities of life in Bangkok - working at a bar for male hustlers and sex-workers - he has also found love with his more privileged boyfriend Jai. When the moment of truth arrives with the draft lottery these 21-year-olds must draw either a black or a red slip to possibly be conscripted into the armed forces. Who will be sent off to the service and who will get to stay home?

“Get ready for this tearjerker – I even cried during the trailer [Every Time]. So amazing.” – Robin Dorner, Editor in Chief.

Based on the stories from the bestselling book Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, the film unfolds as a riveting dramatic portrayal of poverty and privilege, corruption and the compromises of growing up in contemporary Thailand.

How To Win At Checkers (Every Time) also features stellar performances from Ingkarat "Ryu" Damrongsakkulas as the 11 year-old Oat and Natarat Lakha "Nut" as irrepressible trans woman Kitty. The film is writer/director Josh Kim's debut feature film, and was produced by Hollywood veteran Chris Lee (Superman Returns, SWAT, Valkyrie), Edward Gunawan, and Anocha Suwichakornpong.

How To Win At Checkers (Every Time) will be released on DVD and VOD on February 2. Thailand's submission for Best Foreign Language Film to the 2016 Academy Awards is a riveting, bittersweet coming-of-age drama set on the gritty fringes of Bangkok.

To view the trailer: www.vimeo.com/127986212

The Gayly – February 2, 2016 @ 12:15 p.m.