What's happening in this scene in Shutter (2004)?

October 24, 2023 7:47 AM

Early in the original Thai version of the film Shutter, our two main characters wordlessly do a ritual that I didn't understand. I took some photos; can you help me learn what's going on here?

In the scene they go to a public building, and Jane burns what looks like a certificate in a bowl with a flame. She then pastes a small pink paper onto a pillar, among others. Nearby there are bulletin boards full of gnarly vehicle accident photos.

Not much else to add except 1.)I love Tun's shirt in this scene and 2.)This was a good ghost story :o

posted by Monster_Zero to Media & Arts (2 answers total)

Best answer: Wat Hua Lamphong?

Wat Hua Lumphong is called the coffin temple because of its benevolent practice of providing coffins to those who cannot afford them. Some of the coffins go to homeless people who died alone. Even for non-Buddhists it is considered an act of compassion to donate coffins and plenty of travelers will come to Por Tek Tung foundation at Wat Hua Lumphong to do this. If you want to donate a coffin it will cost you 500 baht (although you can donate less). Tell the staff in attendance how much you want to donate by writing your name on a pink slip. After donating money, you will get the pink slip back and a certificate. Next, pray and then paste the pink paper on a coffin. Next to this is an area that looks a bit like a Chinese temple where many local people come to pray. Here you pray again and burn the certificate in the bowl.

posted by zamboni at 8:14 AM on October 24, 2023 [12 favorites]

Response by poster: Ah, fascinating! So for Jane this is could be an attempt at penance. Thank you!
posted by Monster_Zero at 8:36 AM on October 24, 2023