Netflix production 'Hunger', directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, tells the story of Aoy, in her 20s, who works as a cook in her family's noodle shop. Aoy gets a life-changing opportunity when she joins an elite team of private chefs led by Paul Taylor. But Aoy soon realizes the brutal nature of the culinary world. The Thai thriller drama film uses food as a metaphor and makes some poignant social commentary about social classes and their desires. Naturally, viewers should wonder if the story was inspired by real events. So let us share everything you need to know about the inspiration behind 'Hunger'.
Is The Hunger Based On A True Story?
No, 'The Hunger' is not based on a true story. The film is based on the original concept by director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri and screenwriter Kongdej Jaturanrasamee. The story is based on the culinary scene of Thailand and explores the conflict between a young woman who enters the world of professional cooking and her intolerant master. Director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri ('Inhuman Kiss') talked about the concept of the movie in an interview with The Post.
“There are so many different types, layers and classes of food in Thailand, and I saw it as an ideal size to explore what poor and rich people eat and consume. Food brought to my mind only one question: Are people from these two worlds hungry for the same things? Sitisiri said in an interview. Thus, it is clear that the director wants to use food and cooking as a metaphor for the class struggle in Thailand. The same is represented in the film through Aoy's journey, as the protagonist comes from a humble family and struggles financially.
Moreover, the film depicts the socio-economic divide between chefs and their wealthy customers. In a separate interview, the director explained that he originally conceived the concept of the movie based on a few news events. Sitisiri noted that he has come across several reports of wealthy and influential people not caring about breaking the law and engaging in corrupt activities. These events made him question the greed or "hunger" of the influential section of society and wonder what people would do to reach their level.
In simpler terms, Sitisiri wanted to explore the interrelationships between human needs and desires through a complex and layered commentary on the class system powered by food as a metaphor. Therefore, it is safe to assume from the director's words that real events did not directly inspire the story of the film. Instead, he provides poignant social commentary on the state of society through complex characters, each driven by relatable motivations, and adds some realism to the film.
Are Paul and Aoy Based on Real Cooks?
In “Hunger,” the lead role is Aoy, a hardworking and talented young chef and actress, Chutimon Chuengcharoensukyingsoon. Meanwhile, Chef Paul Taylor, a famous chef, is her teacher. Actor Nopachai Chaiyanam plays Chief Paul and interferes with his character, Aoy. However, since real events do not inspire the story, it is safe to assume that neither Aoy nor Paul was based on an actual chief. What's more, the actors who tried on the role required extensive cooking training to be able to act out the challenging kitchen scenes.
Chutimon studied cookery under Chef Gigg at Bangkok's famous Lert Tip restaurant. Meanwhile, the director worked with Chef Chalee Kader to ensure the kitchen scene remains visually stunning. Therefore, with the dedication and determination of the actors, the film archives an authentic depiction of the high-pressure and fast-paced atmosphere of a modern professional kitchen.
On the narrative side of things, Paul epitomizes the caliber and success of a professional chef. Meanwhile, Aoy comes from a poor family who see her cooking skills as an opportunity to provide a better life for her family. Therefore, Paul and Aoy are two sides of the same coin as they both come from poverty and have a passion for cooking. However, they have completely different impulses that add emotional context to their stories.