Director Chatrichalerm Yukol was also known as Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol. He was a Thai film director, screenwriter, film producer and National Artist. He was performed Arts branch of Movies and TV Drama in 2001.
Chatrichalerm was born on 29th November 1942. His parents were Prince Anusorn Mongkolkarn (father) and Ubol Yukol Na Ayudhya (mother). Both are filmmakers and co-founders of the Lavo Pappayon Company.
In 1999, Chatrichalerm began work on his most ambitious film project. This project was called “The Legend of Suriyothai”. It was a lavish production about the 16th century Siamese Queen Suriyothai.
Chatrichalerm Yukol was a prolific director in the 1970s. In 2001, the historical epic “The Legend of Suriyothai” and “The Legend of King Naresuan” in 2007 both movies are most famous in his career.
Chatrichalerm Yukol uncle was Prince Bhanu Yukol, a pioneering Thai filmmaker. He went to Australia for schooling. He completed graduation in geology.
Director Chatrichalerm Yukol was also a member of the jury at the 31st Berlin International Film Festival.
Chatrichalerm also worked as an assistant to director and producer Merian C. Cooper. His grandfather and helped filmmakers Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack with the film “Chang” in 1927.
Chatrichalerm was best known for his work on “The Legend of Suriyothai.” His filmography stretched back to the 1970s. Chatrichalerm Yukol first film, 1971’s “Out of Darkness,” was Thailand’s first science fiction film.
Chatrichalerm Yukol was part of the first wave of Thai directors.
He was produced films that reflected changes in society. One of the films he produced was “Khao Chu Karna”, which was based on a well-known story by Suwannee Sukhontha.
“Dr. Karn” movie was released during the months prior to the violent pro-democracy student protests in the year of 1973. The movie addressed corruption in Thai society.
Chatrichalerm Yukol personally showed the film to Field Marshal and former Prime Minister of Thailand Thanom Kittikachorn. He was able to persuade the dictator to release it uncut.
Many of Chatrichalerm’s films had a social message. For example, “Hotel Angel” (1974) addressed the downsides of prostitution.”Daughter” & “Daughter 2” movies dealt with teenage sex and delinquency.
“The Elephant Keeper” (1987) focused on protecting the environment. “Powder Road” (1991) highlighted the evils of the drug trade.
Chatrichalerm Yukol films often depicted the lives of the poor and working class like “Freedom of Taxi Driver” (1984) and “Song for Chai Phya”.
Some of his films often featured brave actions, such as “Gunman” (1983), “Salween” (1993) and “The Colonel” (1974).
Some of his films submitted by Thailand for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film: “The Elephant Keeper,” “Song for the Chao Phya,” and “Daughter 2” etc.
Following the success of “The Legend of Suriyothai,” Chatrichalerm embarked on an even more ambitious project, “The Legend of King Naresuan”. This movie was focused on the 16th century Siamese king of the same name.
“The Legend of King Naresuan” movie was initially premiered in two parts in early 2007 and it has the larger productivity than “The Legend of Suriyothai” movie.
