original Thai title: KRASUE [Severed Head Ghost]
also known as THE BEGINNING OF THE KRA-SUE LEGEND

director: Bin Bunluerit
starring: Lakana Wattanawongsiri · Akekaphan Bunluerit · Natthorn Somkanae · Nak-rob Traipoe

       

The concept of a 'flying head ghost' has roots in Asian folklore and is prevalent in many different countries. Over the years, many movies have been made. Probably the best known is 1989's MYSTICS IN BALI from the Malay Peninsula where the creature is called a Penanggalon. There's also THE WITCH WITH THE FLYING HEAD from Taiwan, plus GHOST OF THE GUTS EATER and VALENTINE KRASUE (et al). But regardless of the origin, this monster is not a cleanly-severed flying head; rather, the spinal column and internal organs are still attached. This exceptional movie - from Thailand - tends to be a bit different from the others as it attempts to recreate the origin of the legend.

Set in 1763, the story opens with an impressive battle sequence [and one of the most shocking, realistic beheadings on film]. It all has to do with rebel forces protecting the Khmer capital city from the invading Knight Harnsuk. During the battle, King Suranetaravoraman is slain and young princess Tarawatee taken prisoner. The victor wants Tarawatee for a wife but she is in love with a Thai spy named Fajang. When she refuses advances from Knight Harnsuk, the girl is sentenced to being burnt at the stake. This all leads to a witch switching her soul into a village girl's body and a 'resurrection' that eventually results in the birth of the Krasue ghost.