Happy Old Year is a 2019 drama film that represents Thailand at the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021. The movie, directed and written by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, tugs at the heartstrings of viewers with its sentimental theme. The story revolves around the life of Jean, played by Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, who thinks it’s easy to clean out the clutter in her home. However, she ends up wrestling with memories of the past that she had ignored for a long time.
Synopsis
Jean has just returned to Thailand from Sweden with the intention to build her online business. She plans to renovate her family house, which is met with resistance from her mother, especially when Jean said that she would throw away all the “junk” in the house. However, Jean manages to convince her brother Jay (Thirawat Ngosawang) to support her plan.
Guided by various steps, Jean quickly starts disposing of things, following the mantra of “setting goals and seeking inspiration.” But, she didn’t expect to be overwhelmed by the memories attached to the items she’s cleaning out. She struggles with the process but manages to follow through with it. Eventually, she realizes that throwing away things that have sentimental values can bring her more harm than good. She decides to return them to their rightful owners, repairing her relationships with her past.
Review
Happy Old Year is a movie that is simple yet sentimental. Thabarongrattanarit precisely and intensely crafted the story of Jean’s emotional journey through her sentimental belongings. Viewers can resonate with Jean’s experiences of having to let go of the past, and how hard it can be.
The film, with its minimalist approach, is relatable and truthful, striking a chord with its viewers. It shows that the past is often hard to let go of, and that it can be painful to dispose of the things we keep. But, the ultimate lesson that Jean learns is that making peace with the past is worth all the discomfort caused.
Conclusion
Happy Old Year is a heartwarming story of an emotional journey that many people can relate to. The movie is more than just a story of decluttering, but a story of emotional weight and baggage that comes with the things we keep. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past, making peace with unresolved issues, and moving forward with positivity and a comfortable mind.
Overall, this is a movie worth watching for those looking for an impactful and sentimental theme. Happy Old Year tells a powerful story that is both honest and heartwarming.
