Men Are Human, Women Are Buffalo

Women's studies chair Joanne Hershfield (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) directs this documentary about domestic abuse in Thailand. Maytinee Bhongsvej, executive director of the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women, estimates that as many as 44% of Thai women have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. Yuangrat Wedel from Plan Thailand believes the roots of the problem run deep, since 14th-century Thai law (long since eradicated) stipulated that “men are human, women are buffalo.” Five victims—ranging from teenaged to middle-aged and poor to prosperous—also speak out here as their subtitled stories are illustrated through the shadow puppetry (nang talung) of Lisa Sturz (accompanied by Jim Beckwith's score). The youngest of these, 15-year-old Mai, became pregnant when a co-worker raped her and threatened to ruin her reputation if she told anyone. A valuable look at the subject of violence towards women in Thailand, DVD extras include extended interviews with Bhongsvej and her colleague, Dr. Suteera Vichitranonda. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)