4 Kings 2 (2023)

Dir, Phuttipong Nakthong

Language : Thai

Genre : Gangster / Crime

Written by : Eswandy

4 Kings 2 is a powerful continuation of the Thai film 4 Kings, a gritty drama that delves into the lives of technical school students who find themselves caught in cycles of violence and honor-bound rivalry. It is the sequel to 4 Kings, a film that created a phenomenon in 2021 as the highest-grossing Thai film of the year. The sequel builds upon the foundation laid by its prequel, offering a deeper and more emotionally charged narrative that explores the complexities of youth, identity, and loyalty.

Set in the 1990s, 4 Kings 2 picks up where the first film left off but shifts its focus to a new set of characters, while still maintaining the overarching theme of school rivalries. The film centers around the conflicts between technical school students, who often engage in street brawls to protect the pride of their school uniforms. At its heart, 4 Kings 2 isn’t just about the violence, but the reasons behind it—the search for identity, the pressure of peer influence, and the struggle to break free from societal expectations.

The film presents a raw, down-to-earth portrayal of youth in a way that feels authentic and relatable, especially to those familiar with the culture and era it represents. The fight scenes are gritty and realistic, capturing the brutality of street brawls without glamorizing violence. Yet, beyond the physical confrontations, the film digs into the emotional battles each character faces, exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery.

One of the standout elements of 4 Kings 2 is its character development. Unlike many films in the same genre, where characters are often one-dimensional, 4 Kings 2 allows its characters room to breathe and evolve. Each character has their own backstory, struggles, and motivations, making it easy for the audience to connect with them on a deeper level. Whether it’s the pressure to live up to expectations or the pain of coming from a broken home, every character in 4 Kings 2 is given a moment to shine. The audience is also free to choose which side to support because this film manages to give space to all the characters to tell their stories.

Visually, 4 Kings 2 is striking. Set against the backdrop of 90s Thailand, the film captures the era’s distinct style and vibe, with fashion and music playing key roles in setting the tone. The film’s soundtrack, much like its predecessor, is a major highlight. The rock music of the time serves as both a backdrop and a key narrative device, bringing the characters together in moments of raw emotion and intensity. For the youth of that era, music was not just entertainment but an outlet, a way to express the inner turmoil they often couldn’t put into words.

For fans of coming-of-age dramas with an edge—especially those who enjoyed the first film—4 Kings 2 is a must-watch. Its emotional depth, relatable characters, and realistic portrayal of youth in conflict make it one of the most impactful films in its genre. 

 Usually, a sequel movie will not be able to match the first movie but this time i honestly felt that 4 Kings 2 is even better than the first installment. The ending of this story also seems to give a clue that the story has not yet ended with the appearance of some important characters from the first film which certainly gives a new direction to the 4 Kings franchise. I really hope that there will be a continuation to this story because in the last few years, there really hasn’t been a juvenile, school delinquent themed movie that I enjoy as much as I enjoy 4 Kings.

When it was shown in cinema, this film has recorded a higher collection than the predecessor. So it’s no wonder if Phuttipong Nakthong, the director, will continue this tale of famous rivalry between Bangkok’s technical schools that is packed with emotions, hopes, and dreams.

*This article is written based on the reflection of the writer’s own personal view and expression towards the subject matter.