'Queens of Langkasuka' mixes martial arts, sword fights and mighty cannon shot for a magical, action-packed tale

There are some big guns firing in "Queens of Langkasuka", and they are loaded with popcorn.

An entertaining mix of "Pirates of the Caribbean" fantasy and Southeast Asian history, Nonzee Nimibutr directs this ambitious, action-packed tale, filled with martial arts, swordplay, gorgeous costumes, revenge, sorcery and dive-bombing hang-gliders.

For all the palace intrigue and flaring nostrils, the story is pretty simple. The 17th century kingdom of Langkasuka, ruled by Queen Hijau (veteran actress Jarunee Suksawat in a comeback role), is surrounded by enemies.

Her only hope is a pair of huge cannon that have fallen to the ocean floor. The queen is now in a race to build another set of cannon before an attack by her enemies, Prince Rawai (Eak Oree) and the evil sorcerer pirate captain Black Raven (Winai Kraibutr from "Nang Nak").

All-star cast

A fantastic ensemble cast makes "Queens" a delight. Ubiquitous leading man Ananda Everingham plays a pivotal role as Pari, a sea gypsy who is gifted in the ways of Du Lum - the Force of the ocean. He communes with sea creatures and can let go a yell powerful enough to make a tsunami.

"Dynamite Warrior" star Chupong "Diaw" Chungprung brings the action, playing Lord Jarang, the Queen's tenacious military chief. This being a fantasy, it's okay if he leaps up in the air and flies around. Sword fights mix with muay thai under the coordination of action supervisor Panna Rittikrai.

Fleeting romance blooms between Pari and the queen's daughter, feisty Princess Ungu (Anna Ris). Pari's reluctant mentor White Ray (Sorapong Chatree) has secret paternal ties that echo "Star Wars". He also represents the conflict with the dark side of Du Lum.

The adventure culminates with an armada of pirate ships shelling a fortress, Ananda riding a manta ray, a sea-gypsy air force and a leaping humpback whale. And despite a preponderance of computer graphics, the entire affair has the old-time quality of a 1930s seafaring epic.

XTRA

All HANDS ON DECK

>>"Queens of Langkasuka" opens in cinemas tomorrow.

>>The movie was planned as a two-parter but condensed to one 120-minute feature.

>> The massive screenplay by SeaWrite Award-winning author Win Lyovarin has been adapted into a book.

>>Read the full review at blog.nationmultimedia.com/WiseKwai