Ashes (2012)

Ashes Poster
Original Title: หนังสั้นจาก

In collaboration with Lomo, an Austrian camera company, and Mubi, a global film website, Weerasethakul was invited to make a work to launch the new LomoKino, a portable motion picture camera. Ashes juxtaposes the intimacy of his daily routine with the destruction of memories and his observations of the dark side of Thailand’s social realities.

Film Overview
"Ashes" is a British criminal offense thriller movie, launched in 2012 and directed by Mat Whitecross. The film features Ray Winstone, Jim Sturgess, and Lesley Manville in leading functions. The story revolves around a guy handling the impacts of Alzheimer's illness whilst trying to fix the mystery tied to his past. Framed by delicate handling of a hard-hitting style like Alzheimer's, interwoven with a gripping plotline and thriller elements, "Ashes" presents a narrative loaded with thriller, excitement, and emotional depth.

Plot Summary
"Ashes" begins by introducing the character of James (Jim Sturgess), a troubled boy getting his dad Frank (Ray Winstone) from a retirement home. Frank, experiencing Alzheimer's, barely remembers his own child. James takes Frank on a journey to backtrack his past and unlock his fragmented memories, unveiling a life steeped in mystery, betrayal, and violence.

In the process of deciphering the reality, James' relationship with his father is extremely changed. Their journey exposes the dark tricks of Frank's past as a mob enforcer, his separated relationship with his partner, and his eventual seclusion due to Alzheimer's. Despite these discoveries, James reveals unwavering dedication and empathy in assisting his father discover closure.

Characters and Performances
Ray Winstone gives an effective efficiency as Frank, completely representing the vulnerability and frustration associated with Alzheimer's. His character early in the film is at the grace of his own mind, irritable, and lost within his own life. As the story unfolds, Frank is presented in a brand-new light, a terrible figure haunted by unresolved issues.

Jim Sturgess excellently represents the character of James, a man burdened by a struggling upbringing and the responsibility of looking after his ailing father. His psychological journey from bitterness to understanding and forgiveness is touchingly illustrated. Lesley Manville as Frank's wife offers an excellent addition to the ensemble, showcasing psychological depth and intricacy.

Themes
"Ashes" links 2 main themes-- a son-father relationship and a thrilling exploration of a dark past. The film effectively utilizes the theme of Alzheimer's to represent a falling apart truth, discussing themes of identity, memory, and redemption. The expedition of the crime world offers an interesting narrative background, while also functioning as a metaphor for the dark corners of the mind that are gradually being lost to Alzheimer's.

The intense and complicated relationship in between James and Frank is the emotional core of the movie. Their journey from estrangement to reconciliation is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, forgiveness, and shared struggles.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Ashes" is a compelling drama with remarkable performances, effectively mixing a delicate portrayal of Alzheimer's with an interesting crime thriller story. Moved by solid efficiencies from the cast, a gripping plot, and an emotionally resonant exploration of strained family relationships, "Ashes" is a memorable movie that stimulates deep psychological reactions in the viewers while clarifying the terrible impacts of Alzheimer's.

Top Cast