Fantastic Fest 2008

Brief Summary:
Action-packed Muay Thai fighting drama by Kongkiat Khomsiri (Art of the Devil 2), Cinematography by Wisit Sasanatieng (Tears of the Black Tiger).

Full Description:
“A pulpy crime actioner about three hopefuls from the sticks mixing it with the big boys in disco-era Bankgok, Kongkait Komesiri’s solo helming debut packs all the mayhem demanded by genre fans and delivers more emotional clout than regular chopsocky fare.” – Variety

“Landing a one-two elbow blow that’s hard enough to leave blood in your stool, yet sentimentally sweet and nostalgic enough to bring tears to your eyes, Muay Thai Chaiya was a winner as the closing film of the Bangkok International Film Festival.” - 9/10 stars, WiseKwai, Rotten Tomatoes

In the mid-1970s, three boys from a southern Thai village become friends while passing the summer in a beachside boxing camp. Amid the backdrop of the peaceful coast, the three boys train in the regional ancient art of Muay Thai Chaiya with the hope of fulfilling their dream of becoming professional boxers. After dominating the rural boxing rings the trio set off to make it big as fighters in the Bangkok arenas.

There’s two things that are important to me about this film. First - it looks great. It’s a 70’s period piece and it really feels right - from the locations, to the clothes to the cars, everything seems to be spot on. Granted, Thailand still has a bit more polyester in their daily diet than the states, but the look and feel of this movie is exceptional. A glance at the credits explains why. Art direction was overseen by Wisit Sasanatieng, director of one of the most gorgeous movies ever to emerge from Thailand: Tears of the Black Tiger. Second, the fighting is strong. It’s not as flashy or mind-boggling as Tony Jaa, but it definitely delivers, and delivers often. You also get a wide range of styles and techniques. The early training and rural matches are straight-forward Muay Thai boxing, but when you get to the underground illegal fight clubs of Bangkok things get truly depraved and frankly downright absurd. It seems obvious to say, but Muay Thai gets a lot more exciting with chainsaws and machetes in the ring. (Tim League)