Keeping with the martial arts theme of the weekend, let's take a more serious turn for one of the most unique true story's/films of all time, "Beautiful Boxer". This movie is the story of Nong Thoom, a young man in Thailand who struggles with his identity. Ever since he was a small boy he felt different, and was more in tune with his female side. Eventually Nong Thoom takes up muay thai, where he becomes a very talented fighter winning prize money to provide for his family, but eventually to fund an expensive sex change operation. In one of the manliest sports around, Thoom must battle with keeping his feelings to himself or letting his true self out. Below is a picture documenting the stages of the real Nong Thoom:
This is the kind of story you wouldn't believe is true till you saw it with your own eyes. It is one of the craziest events in world history in my opinion. But as crazy as it sounds, it isn't that insane of a story. It is a remarkably done film that only a foreign film maker could create. Although this film has some rare subject matter, I would say it is somewhat tame. The operation is discussed, but we never see it. The film is more about the feelings of the fighter and what a different young man goes through, thrown together with the training and fighting lifestyle of Thailand's national sport. Also this is one of the rare films to use actual Muay Thai instead of just movie martial arts. The actor playing Nong Thoom is portrayed by real life Thai boxer Asanee Suwan, who had never acted prior to this film. Any movie buff and foreign film fan should check this movie out. It is not just an action movie, it is everything. This film is extremely rich in quality and look. I am not doing the film justice with a 2 paragraph review. You must view it with your own eyes to fully understand and appreciate this story.
*4 Lance Approvals*
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