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This amazing film is based on the true story of Parinya Charoenphol, known to everyone as Nong Thoom – the champion kickboxing transvestite. Described as a living paradox – he fought like a man in order to become a woman – Nong Thoom's story is an incredible tale of one effeminate boy's determination to do whatever it took to raise the money to turn himself into the woman that he had always felt that he was.The story in itself is moving enough. But Uekrongtham's superb direction lifts this movie into the ranks of truly entertaining cinema. The film starts with a young American journalist going in search of Nong Thoom to write her story. He tries to track her down in Bangkok's infamous red light district, Patpong. Suddenly he is accosted by a group of hoodlums but is rescued by the whirling feet of an unseen figure who flies through the air and demolishes the gangsters, landing perfectly on her glamorously stilettoed feet. She then proceeds to tell the journalist her life story. Nong Thoom was an effeminate boy from the start and Uekrongtham derives much comedy from the young child's interest in girls' clothes and make-up. Even as a novice monk he insists on keeping some lip-gloss, on the basis that it isn't actually lipstick. Born to a poor family he tries to think how he can help to earn money for them all. As a young teenager he ends up in a kickboxing fight, against his own inclination, but he knocks his opponent out with one mighty kick and a career is born. At this point you wonder how the director will get us through to the climax without the film becoming a rather long, dull and predictable biopic; but in fact, the kickboxing training scenes and early bouts are fantastic, full of dynamism and full-on action that make you realise what a tough profession it is. Uekrongtham interlaces the action with little comic vignettes or moments of pathos, such as Nong Thoom's excitement when he is given his first ever make-up set. As his transvestism becomes ever more integral to his life it becomes difficult to see how this can be combined with his boxing. One day he decides to fight in make-up and though he faces ridicule and scorn he wins the fight handsomely. His manager senses a great marketing strategy and encourages him to carry on wearing the make-up, as long as it's waterproof! Abused by many of his opponents before their fights, Nong Thoom proves himself to be by far the better and tougher boxer, winning all the way to the championships in Bangkok. He kisses his defeated opponents because he says: "I don't like hurting strangers." His boxing bouts attract ever more razzmatazz and culminate in an ill-advised trip to Japan where he fights the infamous female pro-wrestler Kyoko Inoue (playing herself) and eventually wins but realises he has just become a near freak show. Finally he takes the decision to have his sex-change operation. It makes for a very exciting, funny and moving story. Nong Thoom's dedication to a sport for which he has no obvious love is impressive and his sincerity and desire to be true to himself is a salutary lesson to anyone. The kickboxing action is exhilarating and occasionally takes the breath away with its speed and power. Beautifully shot throughout, the colours seem to become ever more vivid, in tandem with Nong Thoom's make-up and costume. The pacing is excellent and what could have been a rather well-meaning but obvious film, is constantly entertaining and full of fun, without appearing shallow. A great story and a great film.
Reviewed by John Gorick
Reader comments about Beautiful Boxer
Wilson (wilsonfoo24@yahoo.com) writes:
I was very impressed by this movie, keep it up the good work. Most of all, i was impressed by asanee suwan for his muay thai fighting and it spurs me on to register for muay thai fighting lesson.
Wai (waigatal_83@yahoo.com) writes:
another wonderful thai film... very impressed with the cinematography, martial choreograhy and the talents... Asanee Suwan a hell of an actor... he fights as well as he acts... thailand rocks.. more movies based on real life experiences please...
Sherin (Email address withheld) writes:
I think Asanee Suwan is sooo gorgeous!!!! Sigh!!!! And there's nothing i can find on him online!!! But a really brilliant movie!!! For a first time film effort by Director Ekachai Uekrongtham, this is superb work!!!
April (harshbrown@hotmail.com) writes:
Art is a very good actor... and he really shows the feminine side of a man... i must say Art will look beautiful if he is a real woman as much as Nong toom... keep up the gd work Art!!!
Nicholas (Email address withheld) writes:
One of the few films that makes me reminisce over and over again. The film does not show tranvestites as typical male hungry or mentally weak humans. Simple story told in unconventional manners and not always chorologically. New factors added : the appearance of a faceless woman in several stages of Noon's life, imagination of self winning the beauty contest etc. A gem.
Jessica (Email address withheld) writes:
I really like this movie alot. Despite after watching this movie in cinema,I wanted to buy the vcd to watch it. this movie really touched me and make me laugh.asanee suwan has play a great role in it.he is now one of my idol as well as parinya...I really like this movie alot.it will be a unforgettable movie
cendolabc (cendolabc@yahoo.com) writes:
I really admire Nong Toom for having the courage to be honest with himself. At this moment, I am very much in love with the actor who played him, Asanee Suwan. Afterall, he is a straight guy who is now very in touch with his feminine side. =)
Steven (davispirit@aol.com) writes:
Beautiful Boxer is an amazing achievement on so many levels. First of all the acting is superior. Asanee Suwan is a born natural. I didn't feel is performance was overt as so many do when playing transvestites. Its obvious that he loves the art of kickboxing. Never have I seen such grace on the the big screen. The cinematography is simply beautiful. I hope this movie comes out on DVD real soon. If anyone knows of a source let me know ASAP.
anim (hasnidahanim@tv3.com.my) writes:
it was very interesting film i ever seen...keep it up!!! i think this film gonna win a lots of awards in the future...
Shah (Email address withheld) writes:
well....such a nice movie. It will change the stereo type perception of people on transvertive. The movie is superb and I would like to give 10/10 on the rank. I had watch it for more than 3 times in cinema. This movie can make peole laugh and crying at the same time. MARVELLOUS! keep up your good efford. Hopefully this movie had the second episod maybe regarding his life after the operation.
david (corvette4u@aol.com) writes:
I want to see the great movie.
when and where will it be released in
the USA, california, or
is it now available ?
on vhs or DVD ?
please advise with any info.
David
Ashanti (ashanti_201@yahoo.com) writes:
This movie is the best Thailand movie I ever saw and it really captures my heart. Especially the performance by Asanee Suwan, a non transvestite,real-life kickboxer and a first time actor. And he did won the Thailand's oscar for best actor!He really impressed me.He had found a new fan in me, I'm his really big supporter now. Keep up the good work, Asanee!
Ann (Email address withheld) writes:
I love this movie! I'm a Thai fan of Asanee (in fact, we call him "Art",which is his nickname, in Thailand). However,there're some points that many people still misunderstand about Nong Toom. Many people think he started his career as a kickboxer because he wanted money to do a sex-change operation. That's not true. When she (or he) was young, her family was so poor that she had to become a kickboxer to earn money to sustain her family. She was a very good kid and I was really impressed.
And the film is brilliant!
norashikin (toeranobo@yahoo.com) writes:
wow...i love this film...i just watch it 3 times..asanee...u make me crazy...anybody knew more about asanee...plez tell me...
SaBRYNa (minatgiler02@yahoo.com) writes:
What a SUPERB movie!! I want to watch it more and more and more!! Asanee Suwan.. Erm.. i'm his biggest fan right now!!I can't find much of his pictures or stories, anyone knows, please tell me!This movie has indeed change my perspective about the transvertives.. I'm speechless..'Beautiful Boxer' is the best movie ever!
waNee (blackroses_08@hotmail.com) writes:
This is the great movie i've ever watch...By the way, i'm from Singapore...This story has inspires me alot when i watch it for the first time...I love Asanee Suwan very much...he is cute when the first time i see him at the screen of my televisyen...Also, i think Nong Toom or rather Parinya has made a very good choice of her or his own...All of you should remember dis...no matter what other people say about you, just ignore them...the most important thing you should do is to believe in yourself and follow what does your heart says...So, BEAUTIFUL BOXER ROCKS...I LOVE ASANEE SUWAN...(",)
Rina (leerina@hotmail.com) writes:
This is the most beautiful film I've ever seen... extremely moving. I watched Beautiful Boxer five times and it still touches my heart everytime i watch it. The actor Asanee is superb, this may be his debut acting, but his performance just blew me away. Everything about this movie is just perfect... it's sad, moving, heartwarming and not to mention courageous. And oh, Asanee is so so so so gorgeous... a great actor blessed with good looks :)
Fern (Email address withheld) writes:
It IS a beautiful movie. It touched my heart and soul. Asanee is great as Noom Toom. It's hard to find people like her who would actually fight for their dreams.
iman (Email address withheld) writes:
GREAT MOVIE!!!
the most important role is asanee. you are very-very talented actor!!!
keep it up!!!
Zuhairah Abas (putriqamra@hotmail.com) writes:
...definitely beautiful boxer is a good movie.... i like the way it was told.... i also love the fighting stunts...The actor who played Nong Toom is great too... he can be hansome and she can transform into a beauty... Realistic enough to catch the heart of the audience...
ferry (Email address withheld) writes:
Hey, I'm from Indonesia, just watched this movie 2 days ago on DVD. Before I watched it I had thought that it was going to be another stupid transexual-mocking movie, but what i found was a great movie. It was a touching,funny,sad, and beautifully executed movie.
I didn't know much about thai-boxing before, I never knew that thai-boxing is also beautiful and artful.
Asanee acts brilliantly, I just knew now that he is a thai-boxer. Great feminity side he showed in the movie.
Finally I was lucky enough to notice from the credit title that Nong Toom plays cameo as the beauty consultant, and sure she is a real beauty.
Now I'm wondering when will Indonesia make a movie as good as this one.
Honey (jireh712@yahoo.com) writes:
Hello, I'm a Filipina (Philippines), i was so curious about this movie when i look it up on the net, and then i promise to my myself to buy a copy of this movie, really it was a great movie. I love watching Boxing, but this movie is striking! It just shows that you can do what you want if u really work hard for it! Congratulations to Asanee Suwan (He's very handsome!) and to the Director.
Alex (Email address withheld) writes:
I saw this movie in Thai without English subtitles, and even without words the power of the emotions and visuals came through.
cindy (Email address withheld) writes:
I've never seen a movie that makes me want to watch it over and over agian. But after seeing Beautiful Boxer, I find myself watching it over and over agian. It's so touching, funny, and sad. Asanee Suwan was a great actor, and he just got a #1 fan. :)
Echo (Email address withheld) writes:
I was like "Wow" "wOW" "wOW", after the movie. I need not describe the movie's beauty with words, you can see it with your heart. It's been quite a while since I've seen such a gem. Everyone in the movie is great, from the beautiful and compassionate mother, to the young Nong Toom's, to the lead actor himself. ( a real asian cutie !) He's an amazing actor. I never thought such a macho guy could make me believe he is a woman. Kudos to the dirctor and the superb cast. I sincerely believe Asanee can make it big in Hollywood someday. gOOD lUCK !
jordan (j_collectziones@lycos.com) writes:
the most beautiful gay film i watched in my entire life! very impressive and touching....thailand really made such an international quality film!from the plot to music, to actors and cinematography, its all fantastic! this film will really made a name in both worlds specially in opening the doors to reality that other people cannot understand.
Steve (Email address withheld) writes:
I wanted to see the movie because I heard about Nong Toom on a national radio news show (in USA). I was so impressed by the movie - one of the best I have ever seen. The screenplay is great, as is the direction, acting, sound, editing, etc. I can’t believe a movie this great was Ekachai’s first feature length film, and Art’s first time acting. WOW! I am looking forward to what they do next. I really loved the way each emotional scene would end with the camera panning out on the scenic background – nice touch.
The film really opens up the mind of the viewer. It is emotional and not demeaning of the transvestite central character. Parinya had a hard life and the strength and conviction to work hard to achieve her dream. She is obviously a strong person – emotionally as well as physically.
The one point I wish that Ekachai did which would really help the audience was tell the age of Nong Toom at the start of his older years in the film – where he is reading the English translation book. In real life, he was only about 13 then. Most of the rest of the movie takes place when he is between 13 and 16, his age when he fought in Lumpini stadium for the first time. When you realize that he was struggling with all these conflicts at the same time of adolescence – a tough emotional time anyway, you get more of an appreciation for what he was going through.
After seeing it in the theater, I bought the DVD. The bonus disk is very informative.
Jessica (death_by_jess@hotmail.com) writes:
this isnt a comment, but i have a question. does anybody know the name of the song in "beautiful boxer?" im not talking about the score, but rather the one with the lyrics. if you could tell me, i would really appreciate it. thanks
raul pagatpatan (raul_joseph_69@yahoo.ca) writes:
I just watched this film on DVD. This movie is one of the best movies i've seen. Not knowing that Asanee Suwan is a novice in film acting, and a thai kick boxing champion in real life, his performance is comparable to that of a veteran. He played the role so well! Superb! More news about Suwan. Can't wait!
andrea mallari (new_whisper@yahoo.com) writes:
My cousins and I watched it in DVD. We were amazed by the story. It's not just an ordinary story, but it also have a lesson for those who are confused. I love the fighting scenes, and I feel like having a crush on Asanee, the beautiful boxer...
Rodel (fantastic_guy23@yahoo.com) writes:
Actually, i've seen the movie just last night. I was so impressed with the story. Is this really a real life story? What a SUPERB and AWESOME one... The lead actor really portrays the role... THUMBS UP! Rod - PHILIPPINES
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