Beautiful Boxer (2003)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Beautiful Boxer is a touching and meaningful Thai movie by Singapore-based director Ekachai Uekrongtham. Nong Toom's life story is the main subject of the film which is playing by Asanee Suwan, a male kick boxer in the real life. Nong Toom was a Thai boxing champion before but she is a model in Thai today.In the movie, Nong Toom is a transsexual person who faces her real sexuality bravely. I like the film because I really admire her behavior and spirit. The fans of the genre would be satisfied since the impact of the story is really strong. It is difficult to imagine that a masculine man would choose to do a surgery in order to become a femininity lady. The storyline/ structure of the film are wonderful because it not only shows the life of Nong Toom to audience but also displays her internal talk and state of mind which is easy to understand. I can predict that the main character is a male transgender who wanted to become a woman in his childhood. However, it's still a good movie because it's fun to know how people with gender distortion are thinking and feeling. In the film, when Nong Toom was in the childhood, there are many shots about lipstick. Nevertheless, Nong Toom had interests to be a woman is not because of cosmetic but is mindset. He/She hates violence of Thai boxing but he/she loves the beauty of it. He/She joined the competitions was not because of gaining reputation but letting family to have a better life.Beautiful Boxer relates to the society. There are few people who have gender and sexuality problem. Also, these people usually got discriminated. But, we cannot say that being a transgender or transsexual is their fault since they are born this way. "Life will take you on many roads. But only when you look inside, do you find the strength to be yourself?" and "The most difficult thing is try not to forget what you really want to be." I really like these two sentences which Nong Toom mentions when she was interviewing by a western reporter. The film tells us that if you are comfortable with the opposite sex, there is no need to be ashamed of it. Although some people would laugh behind, being what you really are is more important.

Beautiful boxer is a great trans-gender film, and I enjoy watching the film very much. Since it is based on true story, I can understand trans-gender people's mind and behavior more. The way of the film portrays is amazing, and Toom has perfectly shows his struggle of being a professional boxer or a "real" woman. Toom has wanted to become a girl since he was young, and it is surprised to see that he could play boxing in such a professional level. Since boxing is extremely manly sport, it is hard to imagine a man who is feminine in the ring. However, Toom does not care how other people's point of view and decide to wear make-up in the ring. In addition, he has become a famous boxer in Thai. The film is trying to tell people that do not give up easily for your dream and desire. In addition; society should respect trans-gender people's ability and right. This film is recommended for everyone since the film is based on true story, and people should learn how to accept and respect the people such as Toom in the society.

I thought it was a very touching and powerful movie. Parinya Toom showed a lot of courage and heart and stood up for what she wanted to do and believed in herself. I thought a lot more people were understanding in the choice she made and showed that the Thai culture is very understanding. I felt sorry for her, however, when she fought the Japanese professional wrestler because it seemed like more of publicity stunt than a real fight which I think hurt her reputation with the people.Overall I thought it was a great film and really shows that you can follow through with anything you want to.

I had never heard of the movie before I watched it, but I thought it was very well done. This film shows the intense internal story of Toom, a transsexual as he grows up in a mostly unaccepting society. One of the more interesting things about the movie is that it unfolds against the beautiful but unfamiliar Thai setting. The movie does a great job of revealing the culture and the art of Thai boxing as Toom carefully tip toes his way through society, and merely tries to live the only life that he feels comfortable with. The directing, acting, and story telling were all spot on. The story is told well and the insight into the life of someone that extraordinary is well done. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this unique picture that not all producers would consider worth their time.