A typical example of the short films that were screened as pre-programs in film theaters as well as being the oldest horror film in the Thai Film Archive's collection, “Prai Takian” is a production of exceptional quality for the time period. A quaint and kitschy oddity that combines the characteristics of Thai horror films that are still found today, “Prai Takian” stands out as the cinematic ancestor of many Thai ghosts that would materialize on the screen in the following decades.
Takian's vengeful spirit terrorizes both the villagers and the sorcerer who tries to make her disappear.
Generally speaking, the movie serves itself solidly on the jungle atmosphere. The idea of the villagers being out in the woods seeing their daily lives before being attacked by the ghoul is a nice introduction to the short. Seeing it emerge from trees or from the roods of their huts to come for them generates some creepy imagery which is aided along by the continued presence of the spirit. As the otherworldly appearance generates some tension, the inclusion of the mystic trying to use his spiritual prowess to combat it is when the short works best. A high-energy affair mixed with the right amount of comedy and chills including numerous chases around the village as well as an imaginative finale, these elements manage to give the short a lot of importance and impact.
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However, there are some not as impressive aspects to “Prai Takian.” The inclusion of the traditional Thai brand of slapstick comedy is rather off-putting and cringe-inducing at best. While dealing with a murderous spirit in their midst, bonking your head on a tree branch and falling into a river stream that wasn't there two seconds earlier seems forced and unnatural. Other times, colliding with a friend and knocking them down is just lame since the gag is highlighted and not that funny. Likewise, although through no fault of its own, the lack of context here comes into play. With no subtitles or even translations of anything going on, the origins of the ghoul and its purposes here are a complete mystery. However, given the state of the film and its historical legacy, this factor is more of an annoyance than a true grievance.
As an important piece of history in regards to Thai horror cinema, “Prai Takian” is a fun cinematic launching point that can be seen for later genre fare to come. However, that doesn't bring much else here as the cringey aspects are far more prominent especially due to its shorter length. It's mostly serviceable for fans of the genre to see where its origins come from or even Thai cinema enthusiasts seeing where their history started at but most others won't be impressed
