Click to read the article
Beautiful Boxer (2005)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted: 34
Fresh: 27
Rotten:7
Average Rating: 6.6/10
Theatrical Release:Jan 21, 2005 Limited
Synopsis: Based on the true story of Thailand's famed transgender kickboxer, Beautiful Boxer is a poignant action drama that punches straight into the heart and mind of a boy who fights like a man can become... Based on the true story of Thailand's famed transgender kickboxer, Beautiful Boxer is a poignant action drama that punches straight into the heart and mind of a boy who fights like a man can become a woman. Believing he's a girl trapped in a boy's body since childhood, Parinya Charoenphol (affectionately known as Nong Toom in Thailand) sets out to master the most masculine and lethal sport of Muay Thai (Thai boxing) to earn a living and to achieve his ultimate goal of total femininity. Touching, funny and packed with breathtaking Thai kickboxing sequences, Beautiful Boxer traces Nong Toom's childhood, teenage life as a traveling monk and grueling days in boxing camps. Shot in 9 provinces across Thailand and in Tokyo, the film also features a series of explosive matches where Nong Toom knocks out most of his opponents in Thailand and Japan. Directed and produced by Ekachai Uekrongtham, the film stars Asanee Suwan, a real-life kickboxing champ as Nong Toom. The role earned him the 2004 Supannahongsa Award (Thailand's equivalent to the Oscar) for Best Actor. Beautiful Boxer also features compelling performances by Thailand's award-winning actor Sorapong Chatree in the role of Nong Toom's coach and former Miss Thailand Orn-Anong Panyawong as Nong Toom's mother. Kyoko Inoue, one of Japan's top female wrestlers plays herself in the film. She has fought with Nong Toom in real life back in 1988. That historical match was reenacted for the film in a dramatic sequence shot at Toyko Dome. Nearly all of Nong Toom's opponents in the film are also professional kickboxers in real life. Beautiful Boxer has been officially selected for the Panorama Section of the 2004 Berlin International Film Festival. It’s the only Thai film in the 2004 Panorama. -- © Regent Releasing [More]
Starring: Asanee Suwan, Sorapong Chatree, Orn-Anong Panyawong, Kyoko Inoue
Starring: Asanee Suwan, Sorapong Chatree, Orn-Anong Panyawong, Kyoko Inoue, Sitiporn Niyom, Yuka Hyodo, Keagan Kang, Nukkid Boonthong
Director: Ekachai Uekrongtham
Director: Ekachai Uekrongtham
Screenwriter: Ekachai Uekrongtham, Desmond Sim Kim Jin
Studio: Regent Releasing
Get This Movie
Reviews for Beautiful Boxer
a long, meandering accumulation of unnecessary detail, where any number of episodes might have "got the chop" with little damage to the overall integrity of the film.
The film earns points for avoiding buffoonery, but it plods along with few surprises or emotional flash points.
An inspiring drama which, despite its uneven nature, still manages to pack a punch.
A rather sensitive and sweet biopic about a someone who believes he’s unfairly trapped in a man’s body, a body he can use to whale the tar out of his opponents.
Made without much finesse and tends to lumber rather than soar, but still possesses a sweetness that's rather disarming.
Star Asanee Suwan is tenderly moving as Toom, showing his struggle to find internal peace as he fights savagely to get it.
Manages to take a story that Jerry Springer would love and turn it into a sober and sensitive character study about identity and self-determination.
At almost two hours, the film might have benefited from some tightening, but that’s a minor complaint.
A basically lighthearted, sprightly film about this most singular of real-life characters.
Heartfelt and spectacularly conceived, especially the exciting fight sequences and gorgeous production design.
Related Forums for Beautiful Boxer
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
79% 79% |
Gran Torino |
30% 30% |
12 Rounds |
23% 23% |
Confessions of a Shopa… |
|
The Code |
39% 39% |
Inkheart |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
22% 22% |
Push |
12% 12% |
The Unborn |
29% 29% |
The Little Red Truck |
|
Five Fingers |
|
Night Train |
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Beautiful Boxer at Rotten Tomatoes
- Beautiful Boxer at IGN
- Beautiful Boxer at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

MSN's David Fear and Frank Paiva go head to head discussing the pros and cons of Bruno star Sacha Baron Cohen.

The AV Club's Scott Tobias takes a second look at David Lynch's cult classic, Lost Highway.

TIME takes us on a 25-year long journey into the superstar's career, giving us a look at his 10 best roles.

BuzzSugar reports on Paramount's plans to rebirth the iconic TV show as a comedy film.



Top Critic

