One Take Only

I just watched One Take Only and it tries to mix love, crime, and style but struggles to find the right balance. Directed by Oxide Pang, the film follows Bank, a small-time drug dealer, and Som, a prostitute, as they fall in love and dream of a better life. To escape their troubled world, Bank takes on a big drug deal hoping to secure their future. But things quickly fall apart, leading to a tragic ending that feels both sad and inevitable.

The story has potential but it never fully connects. The film spends too much time showing off visual tricks like fast cuts, slow motion, zooms, and color changes, making it look more like a long music video than a real story. Some moments look great but many feel unnecessary and slow everything down. I often felt the style was there to distract from the weak plot and thin characters.

Bank and Som could have been interesting. Their lives reflect the struggles of Thai youth caught in poverty and temptation. But the movie doesn’t spend enough time developing them. We get glimpses of their pain and hope, yet the emotions never run deep. Even the sex scenes and violent moments feel staged and forced rather than real or emotional.

There are a few bright spots. The two lead actors, particularly Wanatchada Siwapornchai as Som, give sincere performances. The final act where everything falls apart is sad and beautifully shot. But by then it’s hard to care much because the story has already lost focus.

For me, One Take Only is more about style than substance. It tries to say something about love, greed, and youth but never digs deep enough. It looks flashy but feels empty. If you’re a fan of the Pang brothers and enjoy their visual flair, it might be worth a look. Otherwise, it’s a forgettable attempt that proves style alone can’t save a weak story.