Mai’s movie

Romantic classic gets a remake

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of Sahamongkol Film International

Last year’s blockbuster Pee Mak launched the career of beautiful 22-year-old actress Davika Hoorne (Mai) virtually overnight. Despite being having a Thai-Belgian background, Mai has been offered many roles in local historical dramas.

The latest period drama to star Mai is Plae Kao (The Old Scar), a new Sahamongkol Film production that is due to open in local cinemas on Mother’s Day.

Directed by M.L. Pundhevanop “Mom Noi” Dhewakul, The Old Scar is a remake of a classic based on Mai Muang Derm’s famous novel. Starring with Mai in the film is actor Chaiyapon Pupart (New), and the two take on the characters of Riam and Kwan respectively in this timeless love story.

Student Weekly recently went along to the press conference for The Old Scar at Central World, where we had a chance to sit down for a chat with Mai. The young actress told us about the making of The Old Scar and about her plans for Mother’s Day.

Student Weekly: How did you become involved in this film?

Mai: At first, Mom Noi invited me to visit him at his house. I was really excited because he’s such a well-respected director and most of his films are amazing. I went with my mom to meet him and found out that he wanted me to be part of his new project. As a new actress, I felt honoured and proud. The workshop and film shoot took around seven months to complete.

Student Weekly: Were you familiar with the story of The Old Scar before working on the film?

Mai: Not really. I might have heard the theme song form an older version of the film when I was a kid, but I had no idea about the story. After I got the role, my mom told me about the story and how it was one of Thailand’s most important works of literature.

Student Weekly: Where was the film mostly shot?

Mai: We shot most of the film in Suphan Buri. The entire process went quickly and smoothly. We all had a great time there.

Student Weekly: You said in a previous interview that being in The Old Scar was like acting in two different movies at the same time. What did you mean by that?

Mai: In The Old Scar, it’s almost as if I play two different characters in the same movie. I play Riam, a poor farm girl who does what tradition Thai farmers do — harvest rice and ride a water buffalo. But her life changes when she’s adopted by a rich family and sent to study overseas to learn how to be a proper lady. Riam is like a totally new person by the time she comes back. I really want everybody to see that scene because it’s one of the highlights of the movie.

Student Weekly: There are some amazing clothes in the film. Can you tell us about the costume designs?

Mai: It was very fun wearing all those clothes! But for me, wearing those beautiful dresses didn’t feel as exciting as wearing the farmer clothes. It’s not something I’d get to do in everyday life. I had a chance to dress like a farmer, wearing a traditional bamboo hat. I even learned how to harvest rice.

Student Weekly: With your half European background, have you ever wondered why you usually get offered roles in Thai period dramas?

Mai: I’m curious about that myself. I don’t understand why, but at the same time I feel honoured to have these opportunities. It’s better than having a typical role of a pretty girl flirting with a boy at a mall or something. [Laughs.]

Student Weekly: Apart from The Old Scar being released, do you have any special plans for Mother’s Day this year?

Mai: I guess I’ll take mom to see the movie with me. [Laughs.] Mother’s Day is good to remind us to feel gratitude for the love of our mothers, but I think that every day is a good day to do something special for your mom.

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