Beautiful Boxer (2003 - Thailand) 

Directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham 

Starring Asanee Suwan

He fights like a man so he can become a woman

Thats the tagline for the film and pretty well sums it up. A surprisingly mainstream orientated uplifting film giving a slightly romanticised view of the story of Nong Toom/Parinaya Charoemphol from childhood to post op sex change, this is based on a true story and has the blessing of the actual person.

I wont go into detail about the storyline as its pretty straight forward except to say that from a very young age Nong Toom wanted to be a female. The only way he could earn enough to take care of his family and have the operation was to take up a sport that he saw as nothing more than mindless violence, kick boxing. 

His trainer can see his potential but it is the trainers wife who reveals the poetry and beauty of the sport to him. After winning a few fights, Nong Toom starts to wear make up in the ring, a hero to some, a cheap gimmick to others and offensive to many more including several of his opponents, he struggles on determined to be able to become the woman inside.

Well theres no need to add that he/she finally achieves their goal, helped by some, persecuted by others he becomes physically female (as far as that can be achieved).

The events shown in the film are obviously (for dramatic purposes) altered giving the film the same sort of feel as Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story it also broadens the appeal of the film but detracts from what must have been a real struggle mentally. The boxing is fine, certainly looks brutal enough though not on the same level as Ong Bak, there are quite a few fights shown but theyre tightly edited so as not to detract from the story.

So overall, if you enjoyed Dragon or other boxing/fighting films and the struggles of a person to find their true self then Beautiful Boxer comes highly recommended. Well-edited, very good camerawork and decent acting all go to make a pleasurable viewing experience. 

Cheers Trev.

BBFC rated 15.

R2 Pal dvd released by Tartan Video.

DVD extras include a making of doc and interviews with the director, star and Nong Toom/Parinaya Charoemphol.