Watch Mindfulness and Murder

Mindfulness and Murder is a 2011 Thai mystery drama directed by Tom Waller. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Nick Wilgus. The movie revolves around the story of a Buddhist monk who investigates a brutal murder that takes place in his monastery. The film is set in a small monastery located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The lead monk, named Father Ananda, is known for his peaceful and compassionate nature. He regularly meditates and practices mindfulness to find inner peace. However, his peaceful world is shattered when a woman is found murdered in the monastery grounds. The victim is identified as Jit, a market trader whose business has attracted some controversy over the years.

The crime scene is surrounded by mysteries and clues that puzzle the local police. Father Ananda, who has had some prior experience with investigating a similar murder case, offers to assist the police in their investigation. However, the lead investigator, Inspector Tati, is initially hesitant to accept Father Ananda's involvement, but eventually, he agrees when he realizes he is running out of leads.

The investigation gets underway, and slowly but surely, the police, along with Father Ananda, start to piece together Jit's life and the events that led to her murder. They discover that Jit was a regular visitor to the monastery and that she had a history of conflict with some of the other monks. Furthermore, they find out that Jit had a complicated past and was involved in some shady business deals. These revelations lead them to suspect several people, including a businessman, a police officer, and some of the other monks, of committing the crime.

As the investigation progresses, Father Ananda draws on his mindfulness and meditation skills to stay focused and alert, but he struggles when his own feelings and biases are challenged. He must confront his own fears and prejudices as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the murder. As he and Inspector Tati close in on the culprit, Father Ananda must decide where his loyalties lie.

The plot of Mindfulness and Murder is well-crafted and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The beautiful backdrop of the Thai countryside adds to the movie's charm, and the characters are portrayed vividly, with their complex personalities, motivations, and beliefs explicitly depicted. The lead actor, Vithaya Pansringarm, delivers an outstanding performance as Father Ananda, bringing a calm and compassionate presence to the screen that sets the tone for the film.

The film's soundtrack and sound design are noteworthy, with a mix of traditional Thai music and ambient soundscapes that weave together to create an immersive experience. The editing and cinematography of Mindfulness and Murder are likewise impressive, helping to build the film's tension as the investigation continues and the mystery deepens.

Overall, Mindfulness and Murder is a well-executed movie that offers a unique take on the typical murder mystery genre. The film examines issues of loyalty, trust, and prejudice, and explores how the practice of mindfulness can help us stay focused and aware in the face of difficult challenges. It is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that is well worth watching.