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Beautiful Boxer
User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10

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  1. Maciek
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    I rarely see films twice, but “Beautiful Boxer” continues to be a remarkably evocative film even on a second viewing. I saw it last summer at Outfest, and took several friends to see it this weekend, because I knew that they wouldn’t see it on their own. It was a third choice film when I first saw it at the festival. I’m not a fan of boxing, and have seen my share of documentaries on the transsexual experience, so I was not particularly interested. Since I hadn’t seen a Thai film, I decided to go. What a gratifying surprise the film turned out to be! “Beautiful Boxer” transcends time, culture, ethnicity, and gender identity to illuminate the humanity of the characters. Asanee Suwan the lead actor who plays Nong Toom is amazing. At the first viewing I thought that there was a very similar looking stunt double who did the fight scenes. Yet in the post film discussion with the Director Ekachai Uekrongtham we learned that the Asanee is an actual Muay Thai professional boxer. This was his first acting role. That makes his performance even more remarkable. He communicates the full range of Toom’s being, seamlessly integrating the feminine and masculine dimensions of his/her personality. In Iron Ladies and in other transgender themed films, the transvestites are usually in-your-face, over-the-top characters. The gender themes are either campy and/or played for laughs. “Beautiful Boxer” on the other hand conveys the inner life of the Toom’s struggle to assert her identity. I was very moved by Toom’s dignity, steadfast courage, and perseverance in coming to terms with who she is. The film is poignant and ultimately inspiring. Yet it is also very entertaining. The film provides a window into Muay Thai boxing, both its beauty and violence, the socio-economic conditions in Thailand, and aspects of Thai culture. It was a most rewarding experience. BTW my friends agreed. Go see it!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. DavidG.
    Mar 6, 2005
    9
    A sensitive movie about desires and decisions made so young in life it seems unfathomable. This picture did not fall into the same cliché traps of so many other films dealing with transgender do. I was moved by this film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. AbbyK
    Aug 13, 2005
    8
    The cinematography was spectacular, the storytelling was captivating, and the acting was wonderfully sensitive. The fact that this story has been based on the "real" Nong Tum (correct spelling), makes the movie even more inspiring.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. [Anonymous]
    Feb 14, 2005
    9
    This movie was so touching and beautiful! A must-see.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. Jan
    Feb 20, 2005
    9
    Very good acting & fight scenes.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. ChadS.
    Mar 23, 2005
    7
    If the only Thai films you're familiar with are those directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, "Beautiful Boxer" will surprise you by its very mainstream sensibility. This film, with its many crane shots, in retrospective voice-overs, and aim-to-please humor, was clearly made for a general audience which would indicate that Thailand isn't plagued with Christian fundamentalism. Although Nong faces his fair share of discrimination, it's not by the people close to him, in particular, the coach, whose reaction to his pupil's secret life is not what you'd expect. At times, the tone of "Beautiful Boxer" is all over the map, because the film tries to have it both ways. The predictable laughs that can be had at most people's perceptions that the idea of a gay boxer is an oxymoron, and also the solicitation of our sympathies when that oxymoron starts to wear down our hero. Nevertheless, Asanee Suwan is very good, and "Beautiful Boxer" tells a story that, most likely, could only have happened in Thailand. Dennis Rodman, however, would've probably played basketball in drag if he was given permission to.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. SamJ.
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    Exceptionally well-crafted and moving biopic that treats its subject with emotional restraint and dignity. The film boats a truly superb central performance and lush production vales. First-time Thai director brings some dramatic complexity to the material.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Hank Sartin
    70
    Uekrongtham handles the material with reasonable restraint, and you can't help but cheer on the hero.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    80
    Ekachai's film takes a more compassionate view of its subject and boasts a dynamic performance by real-life kickboxer Asanee Suwan.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Russell Edwards
    70
    Sweetly entertaining but bland biopic.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »