Not knowing anything about Muay Thai Fighter, I went in with a complete blank slate and despite certain flaws I quite enjoyed the film.
If this film says nothing else, director/writer Kongkiat Khomsiri seems to be a huge fan of Martin Scorsese. Using Scorsese’s trademark storytelling techniques including voice over and flashbacks and the occasional slow motion, Muay borrows heavily if only thematically from films like Raging Bull and Goodfellas.
The story follows three best childhood friends, Piak, Phao and Sa-maw, from a small Thai village who grow up learning Muay Thai fighting. When they move to the big city along with Piak’s wife, Sriprai, their unbreakable friendship is put to the rest as Piak and Sa-maw get wrapped up in the world of underground fighting and organized crime while Sriprai ends up living with Phao who makes a successful career of legitimate boxing.
Piak and Sa-maw’s lives get more and more turned upside down until their new lawless life clashes directly with Phao’s fighting career. Each man must make a choice as a the final big fight with the steroid pumped American fighter grows near.
It’s not the most original story, but Khomsiri, creates three fully realized characters in these three best friends and through the good and bad it is intriguing to see what happens to them. Character wise the biggest flaw of the film is Sriprai, who seems to offer little more than the obligatory female character that every story like this needs.
The story is a little choppy at times as the film covers a very long period of time, but you get enough not to get lost or confused and it only slightly distracts from the enjoyment of the film. It’s even got a nice reveal at the end the really puts everything into focus. The acting across the board is very solid and the cinematography is great, though when you’re inspiration is Scorsese, it better be!
Pulling elements from tons of classic American boxing films, Muay Thai Fighter brings a fascinating international spin to the genre which, mixed with some great characters, brutal fight scenes and a very strong ending, make for a great couple of hours spent watching a movie.
Muay Thai Fighter is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen and the sound is in Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 with English and Spanish subtitles. This is a pretty good looking film. The transfer here is fine.
Behind the Scenes: (8 min.) Pretty typical making of. Mostly interviews with the actors and director about the film and there characters.
Trailers Muay Thai Fighter, The Legend of Bruce Lee, Storm Warriors, Legendary Assassin and Kung Fu Master
Muay Thai Fighter might not be the most original story, but putting the boxer story most Americans know and love in Thailand and focusing in this amazing fighting style make this a must see for fight film fans. Highly Recommended.
Lionsgate presents Muay Thai Fighter. Written and Directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri. Starring Akara Amarttayakul, Thawatchai Phanpakdee, Sonthaya Chitmanee and Phreeta Kongpetch. Running time: 116 minutes. Rated R for brutal bloody violence and brief sexuality. Released on DVD: April 12, 2011.
