Muay Thai Giant

Muay Thai Giant (2008) is a captivating blend of action, comedy and drama, brought to life by the remarkable performances of Dan Chupong, Kessarin Ektawatkul, and Jason Fenton. This Thai movie, also known as Somtum in its native language, presents a unique fusion of traditional Muay Thai fighting sequences intertwined with a heartwarming narrative that demonstrates the power of compassion and determination.

The film opens with the introduction of a gentle giant named Barney Emerald (played by Nathan Jones), an affable, kind-hearted Australian who is on a vacation in Pattaya, Thailand. True to his nature, Barney, despite his intimidating physique, shies away from confrontations and fights. His tranquility is sharply contrasted by the relentless energy and aggression of Dan Chupong’s character, a ruthless and skilled Muay Thai fighter.

Barney's vacation takes an unfortunate turn when he is robbed and left penniless. In his pursuit of retrieving his stolen belongings, he crosses paths with two Thai sisters. One of them, Dokya (played by Sasisa Jindamanee), is an innocent young girl who loves to read, while her older sister, Katen (Kessarin Ektawatkul), is a small restaurant owner and an adept Muay Thai fighter. The trio embarks on a journey that intertwines their lives in unexpected ways.

As the narrative unfolds, Barney's fateful encounter with an exotic Somtum salad plays a pivotal role in his transformation. He discovers his tremendous strength and fighting acumen whenever he consumes this spicy Thai delicacy, adding a unique twist to the typical superhero trope. This gastronomical serendipity propels Barney into the violent and high-stakes world of underground Muay Thai kickboxing, showcasing a delightful contrast between his original persona and his newfound Muay Thai prowess.

Katen and Dokya, meanwhile, encounter their struggles and hurdles. Katen is striving to keep her small restaurant afloat, dealing with a plethora of problems including gangsters and land sharks. At the same time, the innocent Dokya dreams of entering a spelling competition, showcasing a juxtaposition between the brutal world of Muay Thai and the seclusion of a dreamy-eyed bibliophile. Barney, driven by a newfound sense of justice, comes to their aid and unwittingly finds himself in the crosshairs of a powerful gang headed by a deadly woman, Madame Lee.

Through director Nonthakor Thaweesuk's lens, viewers experience an enthralling blend of exhilarating hand-to-hand combat sequences, the chaotic beauty of Thailand's urban and rural landscapes, and the thrill of engaging chase scenes. The movie successfully delivers the adrenaline rush associated with traditional Muay Thai boxing while providing ample moments of hilarity thanks to Nathan Jones' comic timing, balancing the grueling brutality with lighthearted humor.

The movie's music score by European artist Bruno Brugnano complements the narrative, weaving a spectacular storyline that appeals to both fans of solid combat action and those drawn to more character-driven, humorous narratives. The martial arts choreography exhibits the raw intensity and complexity of Muay Thai, portraying the sport's beauty, brutality, and reverence in Thai culture.

Overall, Muay Thai Giant is a movie that doesn't simply rely on stereotypical martial arts film elements. Instead, it delves deep into the relationships between its characters, all while adding in an interesting quirk that creates an inherently unique protagonist. The movie not only serves as a platform for showcasing Muay Thai and Thai culture but also manages to tell an engaging story about human relationships, dreams, and determination. The performances of the cast, including Dan Chupong's intensity, Kessarin Ektawatkul's resilience, and Nathan Jones' magnetic yet bemusing persona, bring the story to life, making Muay Thai Giant a must-watch for fans of the martial arts genre as well as those craving a fascinating and heartwarming story.