"Inspired by the life of Luang Pradit Phairoh (Sorn Silpabanleng)" "Names, characters, places and incidents are the work of imagination." "Tew." "Master..." "We've been friends far too long for formalities." "Sorn, I'm counting on you to get well soon." "I want to hear you play the ranad again." "Don't worry about me, old friend." "Just promise that you'll never let our music fade away." "Tew, where's Sorn?" "I didn't do it..." "Sorn!" "Trying to steal my spot at the ranad ek?" "I got you!" " You were great, little brother!" " Let me go!" " I'll see you at the competition." " Let me go!" "Where did he learn to play like that?" "Sorn, mind the steps!" "You naughty boy!" "Tew!" "Tew!" "Aren't you coming to my house for the competition?" "No, but look over there." "I made you something for good luck." "You should have studied music with me." "Oh, no." "I couldn't stand the pain." "Remember last time I played the cymbals with you?" "My fingers are still sore!" "Music needs players and listeners." "I'm a better listener." "But you're natural at the ranad, just like your brother." "If you ever hit a note out of tune, I'll be the first to hear it." "A lot of people have come out for this year's festival." "I'll get Master Sin." "Master Sin!" "Come quickly." "What's going on?" "What's all this commotion?" "Oh, Suwan!" "Who did this to you?" "Sin, who did this to our son?" " Yim..." " Open your eyes!" "Talk to me!" "He was attacked in the orchard." "I found him too late." "It must have been those punks he beat in the ranad competition." "Sorn, Sorn... my son." "Your brother is dead!" "I made it for you to practice with, if you're still in the mood to play." "My father won't let me." "I want so much to be a musician..." "Tew..." "I need your help." "I must be nuts, letting you bring me out here." "It's the only way." "If Father hears me playing, he'll kill me." "All right." "But make it quick." "Make it loud, too." "This place gives me the creeps." "Suwan has been gone for months." "Yet still I see you consumed with grief." "You know, it wasn't music that killed your son." "He was killed by people who'll never know the true value of music." "Sorn is as promising a musician as his brother, isn't he?" "It's better to bend than break." "Suwan is gone, but that's no reason to let Sorn's gifts go to waste." "Is that you, Tew?" "Who's there?" "Tew?" "Cut it out!" "Is this what you've chosen to be?" "A little thief?" "Father..." "I..." "How dare you disobey my orders?" "I'm sorry, Father." "Put the ranad back in its place." "And don't let me catch you playing it again, not until you pay the proper respects to your new teachers." "Sorn, you must promise me that you'll lead a moral life and that you will never use music for immoral purposes." "Promise me that you'll never harm others to win fame." "From now on, you must regard music as divinity itself." "Music will reveal to you that which is otherwise hidden from sight." "It will guide you as you travel the untraveled path." "Follow it, and you will taste the sweetest ambrosia." "Come on, it'll be a great time!" "Our first regional competition." "We've got nothing to worry about." "Sorn will have them in his pocket in no time." "Don't be so sure." "If those musicians from Ratchaburi weren't ready, they wouldn't have come." "Are we ready?" "Let's start." "But, master, Sorn's not here yet." "We're not waiting for him." "Go ahead." " Chum?" " Yes?" "Take his place." "The 7th key." "What did I tell you?" "Settle up, please." "Settle your bets." "Take heart, fellas, we're always ready for another wager." "Just let another note ring out loud and clear." "All right." "Hey, that's not fair." "You can't hit two at once!" "Who can hear them if you don't hit them one at a time?" " You didn't say a thing when you took our bets." " Losers can't complain!" "Trying to cheat us, eh?" "Where's my money?" "Big talkers..." "The 7th and 16th keys!" "Well!" "Listen to that!" "My bag, please." "Sorn, let's go." "Shit!" "Who do you think you are?" "You ignore practice and keep us waiting!" "Oh, Father." "One missed practice isn't such a big deal." "Besides, I can play the ranad ek blindfolded." "In Ratchaburi, Chum will play the ranad ek." "What about me?" "If you can play the ranad blindfolded, playing the khong wong with your eyes open shouldn't be a problem." "Right?" "Take your seat." "We'll be starting very soon." "How are you?" "Ah, Master Sin." "Thank you for coming today." "I'm looking forward to hearing your famous ensemble." " Excuse me." " Yes, sir?" " If everything's ready, let's begin." " Yes, sir." "I've been looking forward to hear you play." "Give it all you've got, my boy." "Somehow, I thought you'd be much younger." "Yok is more than ready, sir." "Look at the power in his wrists." "Sorn, you should take my place." "Go tell your father I'm not ready." "You can say that again." "Excellent!" "Excellent!" "So, what do you think of my ranad ek player?" "Are you sure you want to continue?" "You look a bit stunned." "Don't let me hold you back." "Please begin!" "Move your bloody hands!" "What are you waiting for?" "Sir, that's not him." "That's their ranad ek man back there, playing the khong wong." "Stop!" "Stop!" "What's going on here, Master Sin?" "I invited your ensemble to travel all this way so that we could hear this promising young man named Sorn." "Why aren't you letting him play the ranad?" "Have you already decided we're not in your league?" "Not at all, sir." "Then let's see what the best of your bunch can do." "Win or lose, I want you to give it all you've got." "Yes, sir." "Are you sure this is the guy?" "Positive, sir." "Sorn, it's good to see so many of your students here today." "What about the food and drinks?" "Can you handle it all?" "Of course." "I've got all the help I need." "Here you are, Piak." "Thanks." "Excuse me, is this Master Sorn's house?" "How is your father, Terd?" "He's fine, sir." "He loaded me down with things for you." "Thank you." "You want to be a musician." "What instrument do you play?" "Cymbals, sir." "Don't you tell me you learned that from your old man!" "Let's hope you're not a chip off the old block!" "You should join the ensemble out there." "Piak..." "Help him with his things, then bring him to see me outside." " Right away, master." " Make it quick." " Yes, sir." "Terd, let's go outside." " All right." " Hi, Cham." " Good afternoon, master." "Good afternoon." " How are you, master?" " Very well, thanks." "The ensemble's raring to go today." "Hurry up, Terd." "Coming." "Try to make that jump from the first ranad to the second a bit smoother." "Well done." "It's the supple movement of your wrists that counts." "Thai musical instruments are simplicity themselves." "Yet the more simple the instrument appears, the more subtle our techniques must be." "Concentration must be your top priority..." "Who's making all that noise?" "Terd, see what it's all about." "Push it up against the wall." "Okay." "Thank you." "Oh, Terd, there you are." "Please put the bench in front of the piano for me." "I'll go pay the movers." "It's the piano from Austria, Dad." "It's used, but still in excellent condition." "Play something for me." "I haven't had a chance to re-tune it yet." "That's all right." "Wait..." "Hold it." "Okay, try it again." "So here you are." "What's wrong with you?" "I've got a terrible stomachache." "And the runs, too." "Am I right?" "And how." "I've had them since this morning." "Liar!" "You're too scared to play, aren't you?" "Well, if you're not going to play, then pack your stuff and get out now!" "How's your stomach feel now?" "Move your ass, you chicken!" "What about the others?" "Everyone's ready but you." "Master, you have a visitor." "Sin!" "What brings you to Bangkok?" "I've brought my boy to give him a taste of the big city." "Sorn, come say hello to Uncle Kaew." "Look how big he's gotten." "What a fine looking kid." "I've heard you've become quite a hotshot on the ranad." "When are you going to come and join your uncle's ensemble?" "He's just a country boy." "I couldn't let him ruin your reputation!" "Oh, modest as always, is that it?" "Come on, let's have a drink and talk about old times." "Go have a seat with the ensemble, son." "Make yourself at home." " Kuad, take good care of my nephew." " Yes, sir." "So, you play the ranad?" "Yes." "Most of the other ensembles didn't want to play here." "But the host is such an old friend, I couldn't refuse." "When it comes to competing with Khun In, most ranad players hide like turtles in their shells!" "Is Khun In here?" "Yes, but I'm not sure if he's playing today." "If he does, your son will get a chance to hear the best there is." "You sure it's all right?" "I've never played in front of such a big crowd before." "If I were well, I wouldn't ask for your help." "Today my wrists have no strength." "Don't worry, your father's style and Master Kaew's are exactly the same." "So when can we start?" "We've been ready for ages!" "So?" "Who's that playing ranad for them?" "I guess it's Kuad, same as always." "Are you deaf?" " Sorn!" " That damned Kuad!" "Kuad, you're dead meat!" "It's some new kid." "I've never seen him before." "His technique's not bad but his arrogant tune irritates me." "You know, he's really got something." "Maybe, but I brought him here to listen and learn, not to show off." "Sir, you play so beautifully." "Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation." "Thank you." "Would you play a solo for me?" "I don't recall ever having heard such a romantic sound." "Go ahead, youngster." "All right." "But just one." "Let him be." "In years of playing, I've never had a request like that." "What's he doing, cutting into Sorn's tune like that?" "I thought I might find you here." "One trip to the big city and you don't even stop by to see your old friends when you get home." "What's all this about?" "Tew... in all my life, I've never heard such fearsome sounds from the ranad." "I've tried to match them, but I can't!" "Are you out of your mind?" "Throw these chains away!" "You have no idea what I'm going through!" "There... that tune..." "Can't you hear that tune?" "It's Khun In, taunting me with his ranad!" "Take it easy, Sorn!" "Can't you hear it?" "Can't you hear it?" "Sorn!" "Sorn!" "Here we go." "I've put new weights under each key." "And I've replaced the ivory lining on the base." "Now it's even better than new." "Thank you." "How's business going?" "Oh, master, the less said about that the better." "Ever since war broke out, things have gone from bad to worse." "The worst of it is, all anyone's interested in these days is whatever's "new"." "Whatever happened to respecting traditions?" "This new government even wants me to chew my betel nut in secret!" "Want to try it out?" "That's not necessary." "I trust you." "How much?" "There's no charge." "Just touching this ranad is an honor for me." "Its sound is crystal clear." "I've invited you here today... because of your graduate studies in music in Japan." "Your knowledge of Japanese could be of great service to our new government." "I'd like to request your assistance as an interpreter, now that Japan is using Thailand to stage their Southeast Asian campaign." "It's an honor for me to serve my country." "On behalf of the royal Thai army then, I thank you." "I'm told that you're an expert in a variety of musical styles, and that your father is a respected instructor." "Since I am in charge of enforcing our country's new cultural guidelines," "I'd like your opinion on these regulations before I submit them to our leader." "Perhaps you may have some suggestions of your own." "Lt. Col. Veera, rules such as these are a very serious matter." "Serious times call for serious actions." "Our leader is determined that we civilize our nation." "Many older aspects of our culture are in need of sweeping reforms and very proper controls." "Pardon me, but what is it about music that needs to be controlled?" "It's not just music." "It's anything outmoded and obsolete." "I'm afraid it's beyond me to make any suggestions along these lines." "And frankly, I don't agree with these policies at all." "And I'm also certain that my father and other music teachers will disagree as well." "Thank you for your frank opinion." "I know some may find these changes difficult at first." "But for me, it's a simple matter of implementing new policies, and making sure they're followed." "Please take those guidelines along with you." "You'll need them." "I plan to put them into effect as soon as possible." " Are we going straight home, master?" " Yes." "What should we do?" "This way, master." "Quickly!" "The air-raid shelter's this way!" "Hurry up!" "Mind the children!" "Wait, master!" "I left the ranad in the car!" "You go first." "I'll meet you there." "Terd!" "Terd!" "Don't go that way!" "This way." "Are you hurt?" " No, I'm all right." " Okay." "It's bad this time." "There are bodies everywhere up there." "Terd." "What are you doing out here?" "Uncle Tong's ensemble is practicing at the temple." "If you're feeling better, why not play the ranad with them?" "I quit." "What's the use of playing anymore?" "Hey..." "What the hell are you talking about?" "Don't tell me you've spent all these years practicing just to let one Bangkok hotshot scare you shitless!" "What the hell do you know about music?" "Yeah, I'm not smart like you!" "The only thing I know about is catching fish." "You stubborn fish!" "Get out of the mud!" "Look!" "With your limber wrists you'd have hooked him in no time." "And there's no telling how fast Khun In might have got him." "But I'd beat you all!" "I've got a few trade secrets of my own." "What is it now?" "I need to play my ranad!" " I'll have to take him right away, master." " What's going on?" "We have to go to Ratchaburi with these men immediately." "They all sound the same to me!" "Don't you have anyone better than this?" "Father." "Father!" "I want you to listen to my new technique." "Later." "Behave yourself today." "Mr. Sorn, His Highness will receive you now." "What can such a young boy do?" "This is a waste of time." "Go ahead, boy." "I'm all ears." "Where did you learn to play like that?" "Is this what you've been teaching your son?" "Your Royal Highness, I beg your lenience." "My son is but an ignorant boy." "Please take mercy on him." "Is he your son?" "He's got a very unorthodox style." "It's quite different." "I like it." "Would it be all right with you if I invited him to join my royal ensemble?" "We're honored by Your Royal Highness's graciousness." "For decades this ranad has been with you." "But today those bombs almost tore it to pieces." "It's only wood that would have been destroyed." "That kind of damage we can repair." "But this thing..." "CULTURAL REGULATIONS:" "THEATRICAL SHOWS AND MUSIC is more destructive than any bomb." "It's good to be back at our favorite spot again." "Here we are." "Turn it up." "That's our favorite song." "You shouldn't pour brandy that way, my dear." "With good brandy, just this much is enough." "When you lift the glass, the liquid will be warmed by your hand and a smoky aroma will rise from the heat." "This is a fine imported spirit, not some jug of local rice wine." "You have to learn to be more civilized." "Don't tell me you still wear a sarong and chew betel nut at home." "Turn that down a minute." "How smooth you are." "Next time I'll take you to play at the Li-kay theatre." " Thanks, Uncle." " Brother, what's with all this racket?" "You were playing so loud, we could hear you across the street." "Was it that loud?" "Okay, fellas, let's hold it down a bit." "Better if you knock it off altogether." "I don't suppose any of you have a musician's license?" "Come on, we're just having a little fun." "Surely we don't need a license for that." "They aren't paying you to arrest people in their own homes, are they?" "Don't get smart with me." "And this saw sam sai fiddle is on the banned instruments list." "Or don't you think the new laws apply to you?" "Let this be a warning." "And I'd better not have any more problems with you." "That's enough for today, boys." "We'll play again another day." "Thank you." "Ah, Sorn, here you are." "These are some people you need to meet." "They're the musicians you'll be playing with." "I found him at Ampawa, and now I leave him to you." "You've got a new ensemble to rehearse." "Your Royal Highness, which instrument will Sorn be playing?" "I intend for Sorn to be my palace's new star at the ranad ek." "You men are the best musicians in the kingdom." "I expect you to be unbeatable." "Why did you stop?" "I was enjoying it." "Uncle, I didn't hear you come in." "Me?" "You're the one who crept in here." "I've been here since last night." "Maybe I drank a bit too much..." "Do you work here?" "Sort of." "You must be a newcomer." "Who else would show up this early?" "That tune just now was so sweet." "If I were a girl, I'd be crazy for you." "I'm just waiting for rehearsal." "Silly boy." "The musicians are all off today!" "Go get something to eat." "In the kitchen." "Do you know where it is?" "You've come quite late." "There's not much left." "Here's the last bit of curry." "This is plenty, thanks." "Have you finished?" "Let me take a look." " It's done, Auntie." " Let's see." "Is it all right?" "Not bad at all." "You're very promising." "But you have to carve the leaves more sharply." "And don't press so hard here." "You'll bruise the flesh." "Here's some fruit." "That should fill you up." "Thank you." "When you leave, take this stuff to your father." "The dried chili and fish are top quality." "A gift from His Royal Highness." "Food fit for a king." " Can you handle it all?" " I'm only going to the front of the palace." "But there are several big bundles." "Thank you." "Just put them down here." "What do you do at the palace?" "I'm a new musician in the ensemble." "Which instrument do you play?" "Ranad ek." "You should have told me." "I would have carried those bundles myself." " You have to take care of your wrists." " Don't worry about me." "I'm glad I could help." "If you need anything else, just let me know." "I'd better go." "What do you call that style?" "It's a new one." "I'm trying..." ""A new one."" "You look like a dog with the shakes!" "Don't ever let me hear you play like that again!" "Stick to the traditional techniques." "This is the royal palace, not some temple fair!" "That's enough for today!" "My head is about to explode." "His Royal Highness is expecting us to be ready for the next competition." "We're hoping you won't shame us all." "Please give me a little more time." "I won't let you down." "You'd better not, especially since you'll be competing against Khun In." "Khun In?" "That's right." "Why else would my head be pounding this way?" "We must prepare ourselves for any encounter with our enemies, and arm ourselves with bravery and unity." "And we must act in accordance with our government's regulations in order to become a fully modern nation." "In times like these, every musician will be keeping a low profile." "But things won't stay this way forever." "Take your counting stick." "Quick!" "Quick!" "Hurry it up!" " Are you all right?" "Take a rest if you need to." " No, I'm okay." "One... two... three..." "Hey, help him out." "He took quite a spill." "Poor Piak!" "Take this money to him, to help with his medical expenses." "Yes, sir." "Do you know when he'll be able to play again?" "It will probably be some time." "Both his arm and wrist are broken." "The doctor can't even guarantee that he'll be able to play like before, once the cast comes off." "Darling?" "Will you have your usual?" "Sip it slowly or you'll waste it." "I saw you yesterday, plotting your winning strategy for the competition." "So, a young man from Ampawa dares to challenge Khun In." "I've got a lot of money riding on you." "Don't let me down." "What?" "Do you want to go home broke?" "No choice." "Everyone else was betting on Khun In." "Never mind." "You're the best of the best." "Such romantic sounds from the ranad I've never heard..." "Look!" "Excuse me." "I need some time alone." "My compliment must have embarrassed him." "I put the two of you in charge of him!" "And yet you let this happen right under your noses?" "There's no way to replace him now." "You've got to bring him back!" "And I promise this... you won't enjoy the consequences if you fail!" "Here's your dinner." "I had to do this behind my father's back." "Thanks." "I couldn't have survived without you." "Yesterday, two guys from the palace came looking for you." "When your old man found out what had happened, he just about had a stroke." "How long are you planning to hole up in this anyway?" "Try to get some rest." "Father?" "Father..." "I'm sorry." "Don't say anything." "If this is the way you want it..." "I won't force you any longer." "I'll lodge an appeal for clemency with His Royal Highness." "Go tell our rivals that the competition is cancelled." "And tell everyone in the ensemble" "I'd better not see their faces again." "What is it now?" "Mr. Sorn seeks an audience with Your Royal Highness." "What are you waiting for?" "Get him!" "Your Royal Highness, I beg your leniency." "I place myself at your mercy, Your Highness, and await any punishment you deem fitting." "And you'd deserve it, too." "Boy, you've got such talent." "And I've done everything I can to support you." "I've found the best masters to teach you." "But you've ignored my support and let your teachers down." "Who do you think you are?" "How dare you show me such insolence?" "Ah, Master Tian." "Here he is..." "Sorn, your student." "Tell me, what do you think I should do with him?" "It is just as I assured Your Royal Highness." "Sorn would return to us when his heart was ready." "It's still my humble opinion, Your Highness, that you'll find no greater rival for Khun In than our impetuous young Sorn." "Well, isn't this a rare old time?" "Give it your all tonight, people." "The house is packed." "If Piak were still with us, he'd have been playing ranad tonight for sure." "Welcome back to the best Li-kay show in town." "We're here to entertain you, if it won't break any rules." "Our leader says dance with dignity." "So let's celebrate our modernity." "And if the cops bust in, then tra, la, la, la, out we go." "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" "Let me waste no more of your precious time." "Sit back, relax, and enjoy tonight's show." "The Tale of Prince Chantakorop." "Get out there!" "Prince?" "Princess?" "Are you the owner of this troupe?" "Your performance license, please." "So where's this big show?" "What's the holdup?" "Has this script been approved by the Cultural Affairs Ministry?" "Well, certainly." "It's just a simple folktale." "Nothing immoral about it." "Our audience just wants to have some fun." "What's the big deal?" "Well, for one thing, the song you just sang was cynical and offensive." "I could arrest you right now." "And for another thing, those musicians shouldn't perform sitting on the floor." "Let's see your musician's licenses." "For this, you treat us like criminals?" "What's the point in being so strict?" "We're just trying to make a living here." "I've had just about enough of this crap." "Enough?" "I'll tell you when you've had enough!" "What are you looking at?" "Pick that junk up!" "I've seen your face before..." "Run, Terd!" "Run!" "Get him!" "Shoot him!" "Stop!" "Master..." "Don't worry." "I've paid bail for all of you." "Thank you very much, sir." "Forgive us for being such a bother." "Never mind." "But I'm worried about Terd." "He hasn't given himself up yet." "Please don't be angry with him." "It's these damned rules!" "I've never seen anything so ridiculous in my entire life!" "When will it be over?" "Are you sure he lives there?" "Yes." "That's why I didn't proceed without further orders." "Leave this up to me." "Master, did I make a mistake?" "No, not at all." "You hit every note perfectly." "But I want to hear more than just perfect technique." "Sorn, if you lose this competition, it won't really matter." "You haven't lost for all time." "But if all you want is to win today, what will the music mean to you tomorrow?" "These keys are too tightly strung." "Feels like someone's poking a needle in my ear." "Let's loosen them up and let the notes breathe a bit." "Then you can give it another try." "Your Royal Highness, your presence here today is a great honor." "This competition is all anyone's been talking about at the Grand Palace." "If your new lad can actually beat my man, our music could be on the verge of a great new era." "Not that I believe in miracles, mind you." "Master Tian, it's been far too long." "Is this your new protege?" "I can't take much credit." "His ways are his own." "Nevertheless, please show him a bit of mercy." "I'm only here to honor our music." "And in that pursuit, I never show restraint." "Ah, young master Sorn." "You look quite calm for a lamb on his way to the slaughter." "Well, let's get started." "No sense postponing the inevitable." "May I invite the visiting ensemble to perform first, Your Highness?" "Why, certainly." "With pleasure." "Khun In, are you ready?" "Your Royal Highness, I am." "No need to look so glum." "If your ensemble's not up for it, we need not count this as an actual competition." "You're very kind, but perhaps we should give Sorn a chance." "Sorn, when you're ready." "We're in deep shit now." "Mind your tongue!" "Oh, shit!" "Enough!" "Enough!" "You're completely out of tune!" "Please stop that racket at once!" "Is this battered old ranad the best your palace can afford?" "It appears that we've won an easy victory." "Isn't that right, Khun In?" "Your Royal Highness, it is." "If your ensemble wishes to change the keys, we'll give you a chance to save face." "Is that acceptable to you?" "Your kindness is much appreciated, sir." "But I insist that, if Sorn's ranad falls out of tune again, he loses on the spot." "Muek!" "Yes, Your Royal Highness?" "Remember this old friend?" "Your father had me bring it along just in case." "Don't let us down." "If the new keys are in place, let's get started." "Yes, Your Royal Highness." "What do you think, Your Highness?" "He's really something." "It seems our players are evenly matched." "What do you say we let them go at it one-on-one, one ranad soloist against the other?" "Okay with you?" "Are you serious, sir?" "Yes." "The tension's killing me." "Let them settle the score among themselves." "I have to admit, your new lad's certainly got pluck." "Will he make it?" "Sure he will." "He'll either win or lose." "Flawless." "How can anyone top that?" "How on earth is he doing that?" "Unbelievable!" "Young Sorn, never have I heard such sounds in all my life." "Sir, you have earned my deepest congratulations." "Please accept my apologies for any offense my winning may have caused you." "I hope that there won't be any hard feelings between us." "On the contrary." "It's my honor to compete with such an excellent musician." "Never forget what it is that you've won." "It's up to you to keep our music alive." "He's coming down." "Please remember that he hasn't been well." "I promise to take but a few minutes of his time." "Please have a seat." "You should find a table and chair for him so he can play in accordance with current regulations." "At my age, new methods aren't so easily learned." "Besides, playing on the floor of my own home won't do any harm." "Please come this way, Lt. Col." "What can I do for you?" "I assume you know about the situation with Terd." "If he's guilty, he deserves to be punished." "But he hasn't been back here since the incident." "In the event that he does," "I'll inform you immediately." "However, if you'd prefer to search my home now, please be my guest." "I'll take that as your official permission." "You've spent a lifetime earning the respect of all traditional Thai musicians." "You could help them further still by convincing them to comply with the new regulations." "I'd prefer not to have to prosecute any further violations." "These rules were issued only in pursuance of our leader's desire that we grow into a truly modern and civilized society." "By "civilization"" "do you mean we must abandon our own traditions?" "We must regulate those things which have become obsolete." "Rules and order are essential in cultivating the growth of strong and civilized societies." "I agree that orders are essential in maintaining discipline among your troops." "At your command, your troops must be prepared to march swiftly into battle." "But musicians and artists require a different sort of discipline." "And any orders given to them by leaders with no knowledge of their traditions will surely do our society more harm than good." "Are you questioning the wisdom of our nation's leader?" "Our nation must prepare to fight against invasion by the world's mightiest powers." "Our survival depends on the faith we place in our leader." "But what will the cost of that survival be?" "A large tree can stand against a storm only if its roots are deep and strong." "Unless we nourish those roots, how will the tree survive?" "I haven't come here tonight to debate with you about these matters." "It's simple as this... rules are rules." "Once issued, they must be followed and followed by every last Thai citizen." "And that includes you!" "Do I make myself clear?" "There's no sign of him outside, sir." "Shall we continue our search inside the house?" "No." "I don't wish to disturb the master any more this evening." "Allow me to bid you a good evening... and to thank you for your cooperation in these matters." "Sir, shall we order him to stop?" "Isn't that Master Sorn playing the ranad?" "What a glorious sound!" "Sir, what are your orders?" "Get in the car." "I said, get in the car!" "Darling?" "Sorn!" "Someone, come and help!" "What are you trying to say, my love?" "What is it, Sorn?"