The Kick

The Kick is an action-packed, multi-cultural martial arts film from 2011, directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who is well-known for his work on high-octane movies like Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior and Chocolate. Starring South Korean actors Jae-Hyun Cho and Ji-won Ye, along with Thai actor Phetthai Vongkumlao, the film is a synthesis of South Korean and Thai cinema that provides a unique punch in the martial arts movie genre.

The main plot of the movie revolves around the Moon family whose life, full of routine and discipline, receives a sudden turn of events. The Moon family is no ordinary family. They are a South Korean flock of taekwondo masters who have recently relocated to Thailand. Lead by their parents, the three kids in the family, Tae Yang, Tae Mi, and Kyung Ho, each hold their share of the ability, creating a display of fantastic stunts, breathtaking martial artistry, and well-choreographed action sequences.

Orchestrated with a perfect blend of humor, action and colorful family dynamics, The Kick revolves around how this unique family comes together when they face adversity. They aim to cultivate their martial arts skills not for violence, but for self-discipline and to enhance their persona. Taekwondo is cleverly integrated into the storyline as a holistic way of life rather than just a fighting technique.

Apart from the familistic element, the narrative takes a thrilling turn when the family winds up unintentionally getting involved with an infamous gang of Thai antiquities thieves. Without giving too much away, the plot sees a prized Thai artifact get stolen, with the Moon family finding themselves right in the middle of the chaos.

Jae-Hyun Cho with his brooding charm gives a commendable performance as the father, while Ji-won Ye, with her grace and agility adds a distinct flavor to this martial arts wonder. Together, they spearhead the storyline with their dedicated performances, pushing the boundaries of action movie anatomy. Not to be left behind, Phetthai Vongkumlao as the central Thai character adds a healthy dose of humor and wit to lighten the otherwise action-driven narrative.

The film stands out not just for its fight scenes, but also for the way it introduces the culture and the people of Thailand to the viewer. We see a sparkling Bangkok as never seen before through the eyes of a South Korean family. The Kick effectively brings to light the diverse cultural and social habits, creating a vibrant picture of Thailand along with delivering a power-packed martial arts experience.

The Kick balances its physical athleticism with its soulful depiction of the importance of family. It explores the fact that the unity of a family can stand strong against any obstacle. The familial bond becomes a driving force in their collective fight against adversity, and the film painstakingly paints this picture through expertly choreographed combat scenes intertwined with emotionally charged moments.

Director Prachya Pinkaew has used his signature directorial style by incorporating vibrant action sequences using local martial arts. The stunts choreographed by Panna Rittikrai are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with plenty of jaw-dropping moments of martial arts mastery. The film is layered with adrenaline-pumping taekwondo sequences, luminous shots of Thailand's cityscape and calming glimpses into the personal lives of the Moon family.

The Kick serves as an exciting spectacle for fans of martial arts cinema while still managing to be a heartwarming family drama. It's visually impressive and emotionally engaging, featuring acrobatic combat scenes that are countered by a warmth and depth to the characterization, creating a well-rounded cinematic experience. It's an absolute must-watch for those who appreciate not just action, but a captivating exploration of family bonds, cultural diversity and, of course, a thrillingly well-executed display of martial arts.