The Protector (2005)
The Protector is a Thai action film directed by Prachya Pinkaew and released in 2005. Known in Thailand as Tom-Yum-Goong, the film stars Tony Jaa and is renowned for its impressive martial arts choreography and stunts.
Plot Overview: The film follows Kham (Tony Jaa), a skilled martial artist and elephant trainer living in Thailand. His life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved elephants, including a prized bull elephant named Kohrn, are stolen by a crime syndicate and smuggled to Australia.
Determined to retrieve his stolen elephants, Kham travels to Sydney, Australia. There, he becomes entangled in a dangerous world of crime and corruption. The plot centers around his quest to rescue Kohrn and bring the criminals responsible to justice.
Along the way, Kham faces numerous challenges and adversaries, including a local crime boss and a ruthless gang involved in illegal animal trafficking. Using his exceptional fighting skills and martial arts prowess, Kham takes on a series of intense and highly choreographed combat sequences to achieve his goal.
Themes and Style: The Protector is celebrated for its action sequences, particularly its use of Muay Thai, a traditional Thai martial art. The film showcases Tony Jaa’s remarkable physical abilities and features some of the most impressive hand-to-hand combat and stunt work seen in action cinema.
The movie blends elements of action, drama, and martial arts, with a strong emphasis on high-energy fight scenes and acrobatic stunts. The story also touches on themes of loyalty, justice, and the bond between humans and animals.
Impact and Reception: The Protector received positive reviews for its thrilling action scenes and Tony Jaa’s dynamic performance. The film’s fight choreography, directed by Panna Rittikrai, earned particular praise for its creativity and execution. It became a significant entry in the martial arts genre, contributing to the international recognition of Thai cinema.
The film was a commercial success in Thailand and gained a following among action fans worldwide. It helped establish Tony Jaa as a major action star and set a new standard for martial arts films with its elaborate and realistic fight sequences.
Overall, The Protector (2005) is known for its high-octane action and impressive martial arts choreography, making it a standout film in the genre and a showcase of Tony Jaa’s incredible skills.
