Review of Same Same But Different (2009) by Mette Marie K — 22 Dec 2010

Speechless. That's how the movie "Same Same But Different" leaves you. And as happy as one can be after.

Going to the cinema. Incredibly authentic, honest and feeling, and without one single touch of kitsch, Detlev Buck narrates the love story, which is based on the real story of Benjamin Prüfer and Srykeo Suolvan. Everything - from the music to the camera setting - spreads a unique magic, which had seemed to have disappeared from the theaters as a consequence to the dousands of "we'll-save-the-world"-movies - but it's back. Off course, we don't want to forget the two young leads. First off all David Kross, who has already been known as a promising actor of the next generation, since he was part of "The Reader". He plays the calm and a little humoristic role of Benjamin Prüfer, as if it was written for him only. Apinya Sakuljaroensuk, who is yet rather unknown outside of Asia, plays his big love Srykeo, and she is as well the perfect cast for the little, sweet, but also very stubborn and vivacious Cambodian girl. (Besides, her accent is enchanting). The supporting actors, all of them still rather unknown, are also important for the movie and fill out their characters comparatively well. The soundtrack, a mixture of many different and known Songs, is also very worth mentioning. Sometimes quiet and soft bass tones and just after that loud rock sounds and lamenting cries in the background - this blend makes not only Cambodia feel as seizable as possible to the audience, but also the river of emotions, to which the two young lovers are given up helplessly. It is especially that river of emotions, which flows through the movies from the beginning to the end, that puts the audience under the ban. You goe with Benjamin to Cambodia for having fun, fall in love with Srykeo, have a long-distance relationship with her. You discover, together with him, that Srykeo is HIV-positive. And at the end, you're put at a crossroad with him.

"Same Same But Different" is really a small masterpiece, that especially defines the word "modern" in a new way. It's a modern, very special love story. Detlev Buck said in an interview, that he would be claimed having an inclination to kitsch, if the movie wouldn't be based on a true story. I do not approve of that at all. This movie will stay in your mind without a trace of kitsch - except for a fine, romantic vein, which slowly, but steadily, weaves it's way through the movie. So it's no movie for lovers of big action-hit-it-movies, though I do not want to exclude the whole male audience by saying this. Who likes having deep things served in a light way, is going to love this movie - but not only that person.