“Beautiful Boxer” Directed by Ekachai
Uekrongtham Here! Films
Boxing in Hollywood has come a long way since the
testosterone-driven “Rocky.” Oscar nominee
“Million Dollar Baby” told the common tale of a
woman’s struggle to prove that she can fight like a man. But
what happens when a man fights in order to become a woman? In
“Beautiful Boxer,” to be released Feb. 21, filmmaker
Ekachai Uekrongtham tells the real-life story of Thailand’s
famous transgender boxer, Nong Toom, whose victories inside the
ring helped him overcome the personal battles stirring in his
heart. The novelty factor of the film is obvious. In the ring, Toom
wears his lipstick and training bra with as much confidence as he
does his six-pack abs. In addition to the heavy makeup, which
becomes his trademark, he plants an apologetic smooch upon his
defeated opponent at the end of every match. “Beautiful
Boxer” could have easily turned out to be no more than a
circus show. But director Uekrongtham masterfully weaves great
tenderness, lush visuals and fierce physicality into Toom’s
story. Set in Thailand’s green countryside and the busy
streets of Bangkok, the story unfolds in its native language,
accompanied by English narration and subtitles. A merciless sport,
Thai boxing gives Toom the opportunity of a lifetime. Coming from a
poor northern province and having been ostracized during his
childhood years for his girlish ways, Toom uses boxing as a source
of income to support his family and build self-confidence. With his
excess earnings, he hopes to be able to afford a sex-change
operation and finally achieve womanhood. Balancing his rock-hard
body with soft-spoken demeanor and tons of makeup, real-life Thai
boxer Asanee Suwan delivers an authentic performance as Toom. Suwan
struts in heels as well as he delivers a near-fatal uppercut to the
jaw; in fact, he accomplishes both feats in one scene. Like Toom,
“Beautiful Boxer” treads a similar tightrope, as beauty
and brutality coexist throughout the film. Without downplaying the
intensity of boxing, the film hones in on the artfulness of the
sport. The way it is presented on the big screen, Thai boxing is as
graceful as it is painful. But in some ways “Beautiful
Boxer” follows the stereotypical sports-movie formula. Toom
thrives under the instruction of his inspirational coach Pi Chart
(Sorapong Chatree) and undergoes a pivotal “eye of the
tiger” experience in his chase for fame and fortune. Whereas
Rocky aimed to sport the championship belt, Toom strives to slip a
first-place pageant sash over a sequined gown. For Toom, boxing
becomes a vehicle for self-expression, and the wider his opponents
sneer at his appearance, the harder he kicks. “Beautiful
Boxer” gives sports a makeover and suggests that “being
a man” really demands serious self-confidence, not sheer
masculinity. -Frances Sun