Great Film: Beautiful Boxer
A poignant mix of testosterone and estrogen charged struggles within oneself..
I had the good fortune to catch the movie in my country Singapore, where
the
local audience has been warming up to Thai movies in recent months, no
less
thanks to other Thai movies in the same league that has made an impact
here
- notably "Ong Bak" and "Fan Chan".
While Beautiful Boxer marks theatre director Ekachai Uekrongtham's
directorial debut in the cinematic stage(previously best known for his
Chang
& Eng musical), it certainly packs a poignant & powerful punch with a
deftly artistic element that will pave the way for his future movies to
come.
Actor Asanee Suwan does a fine job as reel-life Nong Toom struggling to
make
enough money as a thai kick boxer to undergo the knife in his dream to
become a real woman. The director treats his audience to a refreshing
array
of kick boxing stunts coupled with his artistic creativity that makes the
action and poignant scenes commendable and touching. The inner struggles
faced by Nong Toom as he battle the collision of testosterone and
estrogen
within his body and soul delivers the true essence and spirit of the movie
that makes watching it an uplifting experience. The close relationship and
love he gets from his endearing mother soothes his inner pain and cushion
the degree of sympathy showered on his potrayal as a pitiful
character.
Some of us can probably resonate with his pain and inner conflicts as
there
are often setbacks that leaves us "emotionally crippled".
The reflective scenes with plenty of natural scenary could, however, been
better choreographed with more grace to create a more sombre
mood.
Above all, Asanee potrays the character with tremendous aplomb and steely
will, and was duly rewarded with a 2004 Thai Suppanahongsa Best Actor
Award.
As my tagline suggests, its rare to see such a testosterone and estrogen
charged movie within the same character A commendable effort that will
turn
the spotlight on finer Thai movies to come. 4 stars out of 5. - Tukta's
Sarmee
Cast
- Nong Toom / Parinaya Charoemphol played by Asanee Suwan
- Pi Chart played by Sorapong Chatree
- Nong Toom's Mother played by Orn-anong Panyawong
- Nong Toom's Father played by Nukkid Boonthong
- Nat played by Sitiporn Niyom
- Herself (Female Wrestler) played by Kyoko Inoue
- Jack (the Reporter) played by Keagan Kang
