"Mad Unicorn" is based on a true story, a rags to riches tale based on a local hero. Jira Maligool, the executive producer interviewed Kamsan Saleen who started poorly and built a delivery express business that became very huge. From there the story was developed by a team.
In the series Santi starts off as a worker in a sand pit, but is able to negotiate money for a bigger opportunity in Bangkok. Working for a touring company he helps a wealthy Chinese man have sex with a Thai woman by translating each to the other. He gets invited to Shanghai where he gets embroiled in a drinking challenge. There he meets up with an older mentor, Kanin and is given an opportunity. He also meets up with a Chinese Thai woman, Xiao who seems very sophisticated. You sense a romance, but it doesn't end the way you would hope.
Between Kanin and Xiao he does get started on an Express company, but soon finds himself betrayed and up against formidable obstacles. The focus on the series is how he innovates and steels himself. Constantly looking for investors with the major ones being Chinese. Tension mounts, but he is a tough cookie.
Basically it is a business story with lots of crookery and determination to overcome it. A little more physical action than might be typical. Santi is a very likeable as is Xiao, but Kanin is evil. It is engaging--one of the most intense bingeing adventures for me.
The cast and crew are key to its success. Here are a few contributors.
Jira Maligool, was the executive producer who started the ball rolling. He has 40 producer credits, 4 for directing and 8 for script and continuity including "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" (2024). See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/how-to-make-millions-before-grandma-dies.html
Nottapon Boonprakob was the director and one of the writers. He studied Social Documentary Film in New York. He has 4 directing credits, 5 for writing and 3 for the camera and electrical department.
Tanida Hantaweewatana was a key writer. She has 7 writing credits including "Bad Genius" (2017). See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/06/bad-genius-out-of-thailand.html
Vichaya Vatanasapt was the music composer. He got a degree in architecture, but had joined a band and soon helped form a music producing company. He has 30 composing credits and 3 for the music department including "Bad Genius" (2017).
Phalao Jiraungkookun was the cinematographer. He has 7 cinematography credits including one of my favorites, "Bad Genius" (2017).
Natara Nopparatayapon played Santi. He studied Mandarin for two months and was able to master a two page monologue in that language. He has 8 acting credits including "Delete" (2023).
Jane Methika Jiranorraphat played Xiao. She was once a runner up for Miss Teen Thailand. She joined a girl band and has been involved with singing. Methika was part Taiwanese and didn't have to learn Mandarin. She has 23 acting credits.
Thaneth Warakulnukroh played Kanin, a ruthless business man. He was a singer and also record producer. Thaneth has 10 acting credits including "Pop Aye" (2017), "Bad Genius" (2017) and "Thai Cave Rescue" (2022).
Thailand has produced a number of memorable movies and is developing the necessary multitude of skills. "Mad Unicorn" is available on Netflix, subtitled or dubbed.
As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen. They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time and if you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.
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