Salween (1993)
A gripping Thai war-action drama set along the volatile Burma-Thailand border, where justice is scarce and survival depends on the gun.
Salween - Movie Information
- Original Title: มือปืน 2 สาละวิน
- Release Year: 1993
- Directed by: Chatrichalerm Yukol
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Action, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: Thai
- Spoken Languages: Burmese, Thai
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 22, 1993 (Thailand)
- Alternative Titles: Mue Puen 2 (TH)
- Production Companies: Prommitr Production
- Production Countries: Thailand
Salween - Plot
The border of Burma and Thailand is lawless place, where people live and die by the law of the gun. Into this situation comes a young police lieutenant, intent on reforming the rough and rowdy local police force along the Salween River.
Salween - Trailer
See the action unfold along the Salween River in the official trailer below.
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Salween - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Chatrichalerm Yukol
Main Cast
- Sorapong Chatree as Sgt. Raem
- Siricoup Metanee as Police Lt. Danai
- Chatchai Plengpanich as Tulay
- Wichuda Monkolket as Dokaor
- Noppol Gomarachun as Somsak
- Paweena Charivsakul as Kanda
- Somchai Asanajinda as Taweepong
- Piset Sangsuwan as Lert
- Suchao Pongwilai as Aung San
- Ron Rittichai as Khor Min
Writers
- Stirling Silliphant
- Chatrichalerm Yukol
Salween - FAQs
What is Salween about?
Salween follows a young Thai police lieutenant sent to the wild, gun-ruled borderlands between Burma and Thailand. Determined to clean up a corrupt and unruly local force along the Salween River, he confronts violence, moral ambiguity, and the harsh realities of life on a lawless frontier.
Who directed the 1993 Thai film Salween?
Salween was directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol, one of Thailand's most respected filmmakers. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Hollywood veteran Stirling Silliphant and served as the film's editor, making him a central creative force behind the entire production.
Who are the main actors in Salween?
The cast is led by Sorapong Chatree as Sgt. Raem and Siricoup Metanee as Police Lt. Danai. They're joined by Chatchai Plengpanich, Somchai Asanajinda, Suchao Pongwilai, Wichuda Monkolket, and several other prominent Thai actors in key supporting roles.
Is Salween based on a true story?
While Salween is a fictional narrative, it draws heavily on the real conditions of the Burma-Thailand border region in the late 20th century — a genuinely lawless zone marked by drug trafficking, ethnic conflict, and armed militias. The film's setting and tensions reflect documented historical realities of that frontier.
When was Salween released in Thailand?
Salween opened in Thai cinemas on May 22, 1993. The film was produced by Prommitr Production and stands as one of the more ambitious Thai action-war productions of its era, blending genre thrills with a grittier, socially conscious perspective on border life.
What languages are spoken in Salween?
The film features dialogue in both Thai and Burmese, reflecting the bicultural reality of the Salween River border region. This bilingual approach adds authenticity to the story and underscores the complex human dynamics between Thai and Burmese characters throughout the film.
Who wrote the screenplay for Salween?
The screenplay was co-written by director Chatrichalerm Yukol and Stirling Silliphant, the Oscar-winning American screenwriter known for In the Heat of the Night. Silliphant had a long creative relationship with Thai cinema, and his involvement gave Salween an unusually polished international dimension.
What are some movies similar to Salween?
If Salween appeals to you, check out The Ambush (2021), The Kill Team (2019), 47 Bombs (2021), and Balkan Line (2019) for more intense war and action drama. Walking with the Enemy (2014) and Battleground (1949) are also worth exploring for their gripping wartime narratives.
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