Jan Dara: The Beginning (2012): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2012, Jan Dara: The Beginning is a drama and romance film directed by Pundhevanop Dhewakul, running about 120 minutes.

What it’s about. Based on a famous Thai erotic novel, the film tells the story of Jan, a boy who grows up in a house lorded over by his sadistic and debauched father, Luang Wisnan. Set in the 1930′s the story recounts the growing pains of Jan, whose mother dies while giving birth to him and who’s intensely hated by his father. Jan grows up with Aunt Wad, his stepmother, and he struggles to reconcile his guilt and longing with different women in his life, including a girl called Hyacinth, whom he adores, and later Madame Boonleung, his father’s lover who becomes a key to Jan’s sexual awakening.

Who’s in it. Jan Dara: The Beginning stars Mario Maurer as Jan Dara, Sakrat Ruekthamrong as Luang Wissanandacha, Bongkoj Khongmalai as Miss Waad / Jan Dara's aunt / Luang's wife and Sawika Chaiyadech as Dara / Hyacinth, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.1/10, Jan Dara: The Beginning has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Jan Dara: The Beginning page.

If you liked it. Fans of Jan Dara: The Beginning tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.