Tom-Yum-Goong

Tom-Yum-Goong, released internationally as "The Protector," is a captivating martial arts action film produced in Thailand in 2005, directed by Prachya Pinkaew and starring Tony Jaa, Nathan Jones, and Xing Jin. The film, known for its excellent fight scenes, integrates various styles of martial arts, in particular the traditional Thai combat art of Muay Boran, executed in a mesmerising fashion by the leading actor, Tony Jaa.

The plot of Tom-Yum-Goong is an emotional one, intertwining the themes of brotherhood, sacred customs, and revenge. It revolves around a young Thai martial artist named Kham, played by Tony Jaa, living in a small village who is tasked with the family duty of raising and looking after a herd of elephants, regarded as sacred symbols and part of his family's ancestral lineage.

However, the peaceful existence of Kham and his elephants is disrupted when two of the elephants, including a precious one named Por-Yai together with its calf, are kidnapped by an international syndicate aiming to sell them into the polarising world of exotic animal trafficking.

Tony Jaa's character sets off on a perilous journey to recover his stolen elephants that leads him far from his rural life in Thailand to the bustling metropolis of Sydney, Australia. Kham, driven by the indomitable spirit of brotherhood, love, duty, and vengeance, brings with him unique techniques of Thai martial arts, exhibiting the electrifying power of Muay Boran as he encounters numerous foes along his path.

Joining Tony Jaa on screen are co-stars Xing Jin and Nathan Jones, each delivering memorable performances. Xing Jin portrays the character of Madame Rose, a cold-hearted, greedy and malevolent femme fatale who is the mastermind behind the exotic animal trafficking ring who imported Kham's elephants to Australia. Nathan Jones, a towering figure in the movie, perfectly fits his role as T.K, a merciless thug who works for Madame Rose and is one of the many hurdles in Kham's path to reunite with his beloved elephants.

While the plot of the movie is emotionally gripping, Tom-Yum-Goong's major standout is in its action-packed sequences, which exhibit a wild blend of breakneck speed and brutal power, staged in long, clear shots without the use of visual effects, wires, or stunt doubles. Tony Jaa's agile and acrobatic combat sequences throughout the film throw light on the traditional Thai martial art form, for which Jaa had undergone intensive training.

The high-octane action sequences also play out on a grand scale, set amidst beautiful backgrounds of Buddhist temples, vibrant city streets and exquisite grand mansions. Notably, there is one particular unedited single shot fight scene that spans several minutes and involves Kham taking on dozens of attackers single-handedly. This scene is shot on a steady cam while Jaa ascends upwards through a large spiral building, a testament to the craftsmanship of Tony Jaa's stunning martial arts abilities and Prachya Pinkaew's innovative filmmaking skills.

Tom-Yum-Goong's narrative is further enriched by its exploration of societal contrasts between East and West through the differences between Kham's rural life in Thailand and the urban jungle of Sydney. It also addresses environmentally conscious themes through its subplot involving exotic animal trafficking.

The movie flows with a rapid pace, carrying the audience along a thrilling ride full of exhilarating fight scenes, emotion, and a heroic journey all woven together by Pinkaew's adept direction and the extraordinary abilities of the lead actor Tony Jaa and his co-stars.

All in all, Tom-Yum-Goong is a film that holds a powerful appeal for fans of martial arts cinema, as it offers stunningly choreographed fight sequences while also sharing a meaningful story about the bond between a man and his elephants, extending beyond ownership into the realms of ancestry, love, and devotion. This film is a testament to both Jaa's exceptional abilities as a martial artist and Thailand's rich heritage and culture, making it a must-watch for any action aficionado.