30 Kamlung Jaew proves that old cliches can be pretty entertaining if deployed correctly. Despite having essentially the same core elements as 30+ Sode on Sale, a movie we disliked enormously, about a 30-something woman looking for true love, 30 Kamlung Jaew is a little more impressive. Not only is it veteran director Somjing Srisupap’s (Mae Bia, 303) first film in seven years, it’s also an instance of good casting, score and production, creating a much more convincing film.
Aum Patcharapa plays Jaa, a successful, and beautiful, account executive whose boyfriend, Nop (Peter Corp Dyrendal), ends their seven-year relationship on the day she turns 30. A year later, Por (Ken Phupoom), a fresh, handsome 23-year-old accidentally crashes her 31st birthday party, crushes on her (of course, she likes him too) and—surprise!—turns out to be her neighbor. But because of the large age difference, Jaa tries to reel back her true feelings as Por pushes to move things forward before he leaves in six months to work offshore as a petroleum engineer.
Nothing is new in this movie—a beautiful girl who has everything except a good guy, a hot guy who doesn’t care about a silly age gap, awkward but funny wooing scenes, girl friends who are love mentors and even a very romantic score—but they actually all come together and put a smile on your face. Aum Patcharapa proves again that she has more than just a (very) charming face and figure, while Ken Phupoom’s bland acting is immediately forgiven when he smiles—well, it’s his first film so we didn’t expect much anyway.
Although there are some slow points and some silly plot twists, it’s all part of the light-hearted entertainment. The best part? It’s a pretty strong endorsement for 30-something women acquiring younger, and very hot, boyfriends.