With music, students and school figuring so prominently in the promotion for "Phror Arkad Plian Plang Boi" ("Seasons Change"), audiences could be forgiven for expecting an inspirational drama along the lines of "Mr Holland's Opus" or the award-winning French movie "The Chorus".

In fact, "Seasons Change" is nothing more than a teenage comedy, albeit one with some neat dramatic touches that may have some sensitive souls reaching for the tissues.

And, as it comes from one of the six "Fan Chan" ("My Girl") directors, Nithiwat Tharatorn, it has a good-natured feel to it - an affectionate and humorous buzz that has become a trademark of their films.

"Seasons" is about Pom (Vithavas Singlumpong), a 15-year-old boy with a talent for drumming who enrols at Mahidol's College of Music because he is in love with one of his classmates.

Unlike his fellow students though, Pom is uncertain about his future and is forced to make a decision when his parents discover that it's music not pre-medical classes he's attending.

Their discovery coincides with Pom entering a competition for a scholarship to study music in Hungary.

"It's a situation many young people have experienced," says the director.

Thai parents have traditionally considered the entertainment business - whether music, acting or film - as an unstable career.

Nithiwat himself studied Business Administration for two years before deciding to become a filmmaker. So, he switched to Chulalongkorn University's Communication Arts faculty and signed up for a film course.

"We believe that a student with good grades should become a doctor or an engineer. Finding a career in the arts is too risky, but it's fine as a hobby," says the director.

"I think everyone has the right to choose his or her own life. A musician or a filmmaker can achieve social status, respect and wealth."

The success of "Fan Chan" brought Nithiwat all three almost overnight, but prior to that, the director says his parents were very worried about his prospects.

"But I'm lucky that they never stood in my way. And I've always worked hard to prove that I can support myself in the life I have chosen."

Nithiwat is grateful for the help he received from Madihol's principal, well-known musician Sukree Jaroensuk, particularly in showing him how teachers help students to develop their talents.

The other two central characters in the film are Dao (Yuwanat Arayanimitsakul) and Aom (Chutima Theepanat).

Dao is a gifted violinist who is destined to make it big on the world stage. Aom is no less talented, but needs space to grow as a composer.

Only Pom needs to clarify his choices.

"Percussion is important to both classical and rock music. You are cool when you are in a rock band, but when you are playing classical pieces, you are just part of the orchestra," says the director.

"For me, a violinist is a natural soloist. Women playing this instrument look so perfect to me. They're always outstanding, sitting in the front of the orchestra, while the drummer stands behind and just strikes the drum occasionally," he explains.

Nithiwat leaves it up to the audience to decide if Pom has made the right decision in choosing the drums, pointing out that success and happiness depend very much on the individual.

"Sometimes a good player in a street football team might be happier playing with friends than training hard on the national squad."

The film plays out to the accompaniment of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", with each part of the story loosely tied to a change in weather.

"Spring" reflects hope, when Pom's first love leads him to the school; "Rain" denotes contentment with friends and family; "Fall" is a time for falling in love; while "Winter" brings suffering.

Popular rock sounds, including "Len Khong Soong" and a cover of Assanee-Wasan's "Sai Lor Fah" by Big Ass, showcase the young student's drumming.

Rookie actors Vithavas and Chutima play their roles convincingly with strong support from top actress Panisara Pimpru as teacher Rosy and Thai-based Japanese actor Yano Kazuki as a percussion instructor.

Vithavas was taught drumming by Tortrakul Bai-ngern of rock outfit "Silly Fools", while both Chutima and Yuwanas studied the violin as children.

Nithiwat brings a balance of humour and pathos to the film that makes it stand out from the solo works of his "Fan Chan" partners.

There are no corny jokes or funny one-liners, just gentle humour that will leave viewers smiling.

"It reflects my personality. I'm not a colourful person and have the least sense of humour of all of us," he admits.

When asked which of the seasons best reflected his mood after completing the film, Nithiwat replies without hesitation, "Spring!

"I'm happy with the film and I hope it will be a success."

"Seasons Change" is now showing at theatres nationwide.

Parinyaporn Pajee

The Nation