Putting a modern spin on an existing story is nothing new. The storyline may be twisted, supporting characters added or omitted. Or we can try sprinkling some rainbows to put some new lights in the familiar.
This month, we saw the TV adaptation of a classic folktale and play, Sung Thong 2018, finally wrapping after 110 episodes. The story of Sung Thong has been around since the Pre-Rattanakosin period. It follows a prince who hides his true appearance and marries into another royal household after taking part in a matchmaking ceremony. This fantasy tale features princes, princesses and magic. It has been adapted for screen a few times, though never quite like in its latest incarnation, concluded just 10 days ago following a year-long run.
In a twist in the show's final episode, another prince who marries into the royal family comes out to his wife that he is gay. This prince, named Chaiyan, has been portrayed as an effeminate gay man from the start, despite having been straight in past adaptations.
In the series, Chaiyan can be seen flirting with the tall, dark Ngoa Pa, who is a disguise of Phra Sung, the main character of the story. Ngoa Pa, however, seems rather scared of Chaiyan's advances. And in a move that is perhaps designed to be comical, the ever-shirtless Ngoa Pa tries covering himself with one hand while the other covers his behind when being pursued by Chaiyan. A little crude. A little stereotypical. But in the end, it took Chaiyan into entirely new territory.
The final episode saw Chaiyan confessing to his wife that he has never liked women and that his parents were well aware of it. Yet they got him to join the matchmaking ceremony, where he ended up becoming betrothed to one of the princesses, now his wife.
"I don't hate you. I just don't like women," said Chaiyan.
Alicia Vikander and Lily James as bride and groom team up for marriage equality in One Red Nose Day And A Wedding. Photo: www.facebook.com/comicrelief
So what happens once the secret is out? His wife, Padma, initially lashes out, asking how she could be met with such misfortune. Chaiyan is quick to point the positive. Isn't it better for the two to part now instead of putting Padma "through hell for the rest of her life"? He also reveals that he has a straight twin brother who can perhaps take his place. How convenient is that? The prince continues to convince his wife, though she seems inconsolable. His attitude is quite nonchalant, offering that they can still be sisters.
I can't say I like how the entire scene -- or Chaiyan's characterisation -- was portrayed. Still, I have to admit that the decision to feature a coming-out in a show on free TV that is watched widely by audiences of all ages, including kids, was an impressive step. It was unexpected, of course, but somehow fitted almost naturally into this tale that has been around for a few hundred years.
So far, there has yet to be any backlash to the coming-out scene. As it was sort of done for comedy, maybe the audience didn't take it too seriously and perhaps didn't think much of it. We'll never know. Regardless of reception, for better or for worse, a scene of a gay man coming out to his wife has already seeped into viewers' consciousness.
But Sung Thong 2018 wasn't the only thing on our screen that decided to feature a little diversity in its storyline. Crossing over to the UK, Comic Relief's Red Nose Day TV charity drive had its own spin, in the form of mini-sequel to the 1994 hit Four Weddings And A Funeral. The short film, titled One Red Nose Day And A Wedding, was specially made for this year's fundraising stalwart. We're at yet another wedding, though this time it's the wedding of Charles and Carrie's daughter Miranda. Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell reunite 25 years later to reprise their respective roles, with Lily James playing their daughter, the bride.
In the church, Miranda walks down the aisle, though her supposed groom is yet to be revealed. We only see a figure in a black suit waiting far off. It is only when the bride reaches the altar that we suddenly find ourselves at a lesbian wedding. Lo and behold, Alicia Vikander is there sporting a black tux and red lips as Faith, Miranda's childhood bestie and spouse-to-be. Cue the swoon. The two looked so cute together we need a feature-length sequel to explore how they grew up and subsequently fall in love. But for now, we will settle for their sweet wedding vows and a few kisses.
The short was almost endearingly perfect. But seeing the vicar -- played by Rowan "Mr Bean" Atkinson -- struggling so much at officiating a same-sex wedding and fumbling through "man and wife" or "wife and wife" was pretty awkward. British humour and all, I get that it tries to emulate the feel of the wedding from the original film, though I wish this humour could've been featured a little differently. It was almost a missed opportunity not to portray same-sex weddings as ordinary (especially in a country that has legalised them since 2014), instead of an unconventional affair in a religious setting.
Despite all, the chemistry between James and Vikander saved the day. It's 2019; isn't it time for some lighthearted lesbian romcom?
In recent years, we mostly saw tough drama for the ladies, such as in Carol, Disobedience and The Favourite. We still need those, of course, but can't we have something a little lighter, too? It's not like we can watch Imagine Me And You on repeat forever.
It's great to see something old-school, even traditional, being modernised with some LGBTI twist. They definitely give us a glimpse of possibilities that can be explored in future projects. And hopefully one day these storylines of diversity and inclusion can serve as more than elements of surprise and supporting arches, but take centre stage with nothing obscuring the spotlight.
Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views of LGBTI.
