“The Protector” (2005), also known as “Tom-Yum-Goong,” is a Thai martial arts film directed by Prachya Pinkaew. The film stars Tony Jaa as Kham, a young Thai man on a mission to rescue his stolen elephants and bring them back to their rightful home.

The story begins in rural Thailand, where Kham and his father live a peaceful life raising and caring for elephants, which hold deep cultural and personal significance for them. However, their world is shattered when a criminal organization led by Madame Rose (Xing Jing) steals their prized elephants and smuggles them to Sydney, Australia.

Determined to retrieve his beloved animals, Kham travels to Sydney, where he faces numerous adversaries, including corrupt officials, gangsters, and formidable fighters. Along the way, he allies with Mark (Petchtai Wongkamlao), a Thai-Australian police officer who becomes entangled in the investigation.

“The Protector” is renowned for its breathtaking martial arts sequences, choreographed by Tony Jaa himself. The film showcases Jaa’s incredible physical prowess and acrobatic skills, particularly in the iconic one-take fight scene in a multi-story building and the final battle in a restaurant filled with bone-breaking action.

The film’s action scenes are complemented by its emotional core, as Kham’s quest is driven by his deep bond with his elephants and his sense of duty to protect them. This blend of heart-pounding action and heartfelt storytelling makes “The Protector” a standout in the martial arts genre.

“The Protector” received praise for its stunning fight choreography and Tony Jaa’s performance, cementing his status as one of the leading martial arts stars of his generation. The film remains a favorite among martial arts enthusiasts and fans of action cinema.