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Celluloid
DramaRomanceFantasy Editor's Pick

Tropical Malady Review (2004) — 81% Celluloid Score

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul · 2004 ·

Short answer

Is Tropical Malady worth watching?

Yes. Tropical Malady (2004) earns an 81% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (94%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (80%). See the 4 inputs.

81%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

94% Editorial Rating
80% Audience snapshot · excluded
78 Metascore
★★★★☆ Letterboxd 4
7.1 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 58m
Age rating
NR (US) · 12 (UK)
Cast
Banlop Lomnoi , Sakda Kaewbuadee , Siriwej Jareornchon , Udom Promma , Huey Deesom , Saritpong Boonyadison , Arna Rattapan , Donruedee Chana , Mantana Wannaros
Country
Thailand
Language
Thai

Also known as สัตว์ประหลาด Mal dos Trópicos トロピカル・マラディ 열대병 热带疾病 熱帶幻夢

Where to watch

We do not have a confirmed subscription streaming listing. Check services in your country; rental, purchase and cinema options may differ.

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (94/100).
  • General viewers mostly liked it (80%).
  • Metascore is generally favorable (78/100).
  • Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4/5).
  • Celluloid Score 81% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded drama, romance, fantasy pick
  • Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is Tropical Malady worth watching?

    Yes — Tropical Malady earns an 81% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama, romance, fantasy pick. Read our full review (3.5/5).

    Celluloid verdict

    Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s queer jungle fable — Cannes Jury Prize — remains the international face of Thai art cinema that Bangkok’s world festival champions at home.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics (94%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (80%).

    What is Tropical Malady about?

    The passionate relationship between two men with unusual consequences. The film is divided in two parts. The first half charts the modest attraction between two men in the sunny, relaxing countryside and the second half charts the confusion and terror of an unknown menace lurking deep within the jungle shadows.

    Watch the Trailer

    Critic Reviews

    Short review 4 min read English Tropical Malady

    Tropical Malady (2004) Review: A Romance That Turns Feral

    Tropical Malady is Apichatpong Weerasethakul's two-part Thai fable, a tender gay romance that becomes a hypnotic jungle legend; mesmerising, if deeply elusive.

    Yes, for adventurous viewers. Its split structure and slow, dreamlike second half will lose some audiences, but few films evoke desire and mystery so vividly.

    Kaiser Khan Founder & Editor

    Tropical Malady stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    Tropical Malady production still 1
    Tropical Malady production still 2
    Tropical Malady production still 3
    Tropical Malady production still 4
    Tropical Malady production still 5
    Tropical Malady production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    Tropical Malady: frequently asked questions

    Is Tropical Malady worth watching?

    Yes. Tropical Malady (2004) has a Celluloid Score of 81%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    How long is Tropical Malady?

    Tropical Malady runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

    What is Tropical Malady rated?

    Tropical Malady is rated NR in the United States and 12 in the UK. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in Tropical Malady?

    Tropical Malady is directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and stars Banlop Lomnoi, Sakda Kaewbuadee, Siriwej Jareornchon, Udom Promma, Huey Deesom.

    What is the Metascore for Tropical Malady?

    Metacritic's Metascore for Tropical Malady is 78 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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