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The Protector (2005), also known as Tom-Yum-Goong, is a high-octane martial arts action film directed by Prachya Pinkaew, known for his work on Ong-Bak. The film stars the legendary Tony Jaa as Kham, a young man from a rural village in Thailand who embarks on a deadly mission to retrieve his stolen elephant, a cherished family member, from a criminal syndicate.

The story begins with Kham’s peaceful life in a secluded village, where he lives with his father and their elephants, which are treated with the utmost respect and care. When his prized elephant, “Por,” is kidnapped and transported to Bangkok, Kham sets out on a journey to recover the animal and bring those responsible to justice. His pursuit takes him into the underworld of Bangkok, where he faces off against ruthless gangsters and corrupt officials who will stop at nothing to protect their illicit operations.

As Kham delves deeper into the criminal network, he uncovers a conspiracy that is far more dangerous than he initially realized, involving not just animal trafficking, but a web of corruption reaching the highest levels. To rescue his elephant and protect his honor, Kham must use his unparalleled martial arts skills, which include brutal Muay Thai techniques, in a series of fiercely choreographed fight sequences that showcase Tony Jaa’s incredible athleticism and combat prowess.

The film is renowned for its breathtaking action scenes, particularly its legendary one-take fight scene, which sees Kham battling through a multi-story building filled with enemies.

This sequence, along with other high-impact fight scenes, is a testament to the film’s commitment to practical stunts and Jaa’s physical skill, making it a standout in martial arts cinema. The film also features stunning choreography that combines Thai boxing with acrobatic techniques, creating an action-packed experience that remains memorable to this day.

At its core, The Protector is a tale of loyalty, family, and the lengths one man will go to protect those he loves. The film blends traditional martial arts storytelling with modern action filmmaking, offering an intense, exhilarating experience for fans of the genre. Tony Jaa’s captivating performance and his masterful fight sequences make The Protector a landmark in action cinema, solidifying Jaa as one of the most accomplished martial artists in film history.