Beautiful Boxer

(Biutiful Boksoe)

Synopsis:

Based on the real life story of Parinya Charoenphol (Asanee Suwan), a Muay Thai boxer who underwent a sex change operation to become a woman. The movie chronicles her life from a young boy who likes to wear lipstick and flowers to her sensational career as a kickboxer – whose specialty is ancient Muay Thai boxing (moves which she can execute expertly with grace) – to finally confronting her own sexual identity, which leads to her sex change op.

Quick Thoughts:

Wow! This biopic Queer Sport & Trans film is utterly captivating and chock full of stunning visuals that bring the story of Parinya Charoenphol to life onscreen. It’s luscious, it’s emotional, it’s tear-inducing – it’s simply incredible! Told in a flashback/interview style, Director/Writer Ekachai Uekrongtham takes us to new depths of understanding in “Beautiful Boxer”. Focusing on the positive aspect of her story, he handles the her story with reverence and respect to honour the transexual conviction that Nong Toom is a woman trapped in a man’s body. However, the success equally relies upon the incredible acting & Muay Thai boxing skills of Asanee Suwan, providing an honest femininity to Parinya while performing all of the impressive martial arts stunts as Nong Toom. It’s Uekrongtham’s first feature film, so there are a few issues with the cinematography. But frankly – I didn’t care, it’s that great of a film! “Beautiful Boxer” should be at the top of everyone’s “To Watch” list.