Phayu (Arak Amornsuksiri) and Fah (Pataraya Krueasuwansiri).

GTH's new romantic drama promises to have moviegoers reaching for the tissues

The poignant story of a love triangle in a close knit group of friends is one that's close to the heart of director Yuthalert Sippapak.

The subject of his latest film, "Rak/Sam/Sao" ("The Last Moment"), it also marks a return to the beginning of his career, echoing the original plot of "Rak Ok Bab Mai Dai" ("O Negative"), which was written while he was a student at Silpakorn University and is based on personal experience.

Unfortunately, Yuthalert and producer Euthana Mukdasanit didn't see eye to eye on the storyline and the end result was a different film directed by Pinyo Roothum.

Ten years on, the director is now having it his way, with a romantic drama that's set in Silpakorn University's Decorative Arts faculty. It depicts the love Phayu (Arak Amornsuksiri) has for the terminally ill Fah (Pataraya Krueasuwansiri), and how the jealousy of Num (Ratchawin Wongwiriya) comes close to destroying all three of them.

"Most romantic dramas have a feel-good ending, so the audience leaves the theatre smiling. My movie has a tragic ending but I think filmgoers will still go home happy," says the director.

For Yuthalert, the most significant change is the male character. In his previous movies, men have misbehaved and received their come-uppance. In "Rak/Sam/Sao", Phayu is so decent, he's almost too good to be true.

"This film salvages men's reputations," he laughs. "But good guys do exist. I have a friend who will do anything for his woman, no matter how badly she treats him."

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Three's a crowd

>> Chermal Bunyasak and singer Pakorn "Dome" Lum were originally cast as Num and Phaya but later replaced by Arak and Ratchawin.

>> "Rak/Sam/Sao" is now showing at theatres nationwide.