USER REVIEWS
One of the best all out action films on 2005...
The Protector (aka: Tom Yum Goong) was a great all out martial arts movie. The story could have used some more work, but the amount of quality action scenes makes up for that and then some.
- Andrew Gorham, Michigan, USA | March 12, 2007
You should see the movie! It's the bomb!
You should see the movie It's the bomb!
- Clarke Jang, Oakland, California | March 15, 2007
Straight up fun
This movie is honestly worth a good forty bucks for the action sequences alone. It's a good thing that it costs about a third of that, and has a lot more to it. I've watched this movie far more times than I'm really willing to admit.
- Spence, Missouri | March 16, 2007
Great DVD and Movie!!
Dragon Dynasty did an awesome job with this DVD! One of the best movies I've seen from Thailand!
- Don Jariyasunant, La Palma, CA | March 17, 2007
The film is interesting but it falls apart in a few aspects.
First of all, the tacky and useless CGI effects sequences were completely out of place. Yes, it is true, that these strange visions of warriors are the memories of Kham's (Tony Jaa's) training. It is also true that, because of these interludes, Tony Jaa is able to defeat whatever enemy is in his path by remembering specific tactics or techniques. This is all well and good and serves its purpose but it is so lame. The is not remotely realistic. Now, for all who claim that it is not supposed to be realistic and/or that it is just supposed to be stylized, this movie needs to find a better style! Secondly, the choreography is lacking. There is no doubt that Tony Jaa is an incredible martial artist and can perform incredible movements. It seems that "The Protector" is more interested in simply showcasing a bunch of slow-motion individual movements by Tony Jaa. There are too many scenes in which there are several consecutive slow-motion shots of Tony Jaa doing something amazing. This excess of slow-motion slows the scenes down tremendously. The choreography needed a lot more smaller, less acrobatic movements, so that such a problem does not occur. There should have been a much better balance between big and small movements to make the choreography interesting and engaging.
- Dakota Hadfield, Michigan, USA | March 18, 2007
Tony Jaa - Tom Yum-Goong
What else could i possibly ask for? The name should have been ''Warrior King'' like in the UK not ''The Protector'' besides that perfect
- Sleepman, United States | March 19, 2007
This movie is great
This movie has some of the best stunts I've ever seen. If you're at all into this genre do yourself a favor and see this. Best of all the DVD has both versions available. See it. Stop reading my comment and see the movie.
- Supes1619, Orange County, CA | March 22, 2007
Action films are bitter without the great TONY JAA!!!
Eye popping stunts, jaw dropping action and sensible plot... 1 dvd good as ten... this is the best. tony jaa, keep up the good work! you're one hell of a one man combat machine...
- waynemar "the movie addict", cebu, philippines | March 22, 2007
Wow... Draw Dropping Fights! I was left stuttering...
Love the roller skater fight.. Oh and btw Tony Jaa = next Jet Li
- Dom, Canada eh? | March 23, 2007
good
good
- good, good | March 23, 2007
A new tool in martial arts action
THE PROTECTOR (the heavily edited U.S. version of TOM YUM GOONG) is
another Thai action flick that features the trademark collaboration of
director Prachya Pinkaew, stunt/fight choreographer Panna Rittikrai and
of course, Tony Jaa in cutting-edge action that took off in ONG-BAK:
THE THAI WARRIOR. This time, you get to see more of Jaa's combat
specialties that rely on Muay Thai kickboxing, acrobatics, grappling
and other martial art forms.
Jaa plays Kham, a young Thailand native and caretaker of elephants who
goes to Australia in search of his two elephants that were kidnapped by
a crime organization led by an evil sinister named Madame (Xin Jing).
He's forced to use his martial arts skills to take out thugs and
corrupt cops with the help of Mark (Petchtai Wongkamlao- ONG-BAK), a
righteous cop who happens to have more trouble in his hands when a
corrupt Australian cop frames him for murder.
Upon Kham's (Jaa) arrival in Australia's Thai town, Sidney, his search
leads him to the organization's headquarters where Madam has her
operations in the 'Tom Yum Goong' Thai restaurant. He fights his way
through a long line of thugs with close-range attacks and arm-bending
takedowns while throwing them through balconys, tables, flower vases
and other equipment before facing off against Johnny (played by
stuntman and Wu Shu martial artist Johnny Tri Ngyuen) in a one-on-one
martial arts brawl. Mark and Kham find themselves working together
after a senior policeman, linked to the organization, frames him for
the murder of another corrupt policeman and a business executive.
Like ONG-BAK, this movie has a simple plot which was made to allow room
for non-stop fights. This time, instead of traveling to recover a
stolen statue, Jaa sets out to recover his two pet elephants. As a
result, director Panna Rittikrai and Jaa determined to overwork the
action sequences to please their fans the way Jackie Chan puts his life
on the line for his.
Speaking of Jackie Chan, there's one sequence, set in a wherehouse,
that comes close to CITY HUNTER and RUMBLE IN THE BRONX where Jaa
encounters a gang, equipped with BMX Bikes, Rollerblades, 4-wheelers
and foes who wield florescent bulbs at him. This allows Jaa to showcase
his stunts, martial arts and acrobatics on furnature, cars, fences and
other equipment that will appeal to Chan movie lovers.
Pinkaew also salutes Jackie Chan in a scene where Jaa arrives at the
airport and accidentally bumps into a man who turns out to be a direct
look-a-like of Chan that will have you thinking twice.
The film is packed with loads of spectacular fights to check out. One
fight concerns Jaa being challenged by three skilled fighters in a
burning Buddhist temple, flooded with water. The first one is played by
Zero Gravity Stunt Team Member and gymnast Lateef Crowder, who puts on
an incredible display of Capoeiria. His second foe is played by Jackie
Chan Stunt Team member Jonathan Foo, who engages in Wu Shu kung-fu and
uses traditional swordsmanship. Jaa's third challenger is played by
Australian wrestler Nathan Jones, who out matches Jaa by size, weight
and strength. Jones is probably best remembered as the wrestler who
fought Jet Li in FEARLESS, he battled Brad Pitt in TROY and even
wrestled in the WWE years earlier for a short time. Jones delivers a
variety of wrestling moves and leaves the battle unresolved, at least
until the finale.
Some of the most notable fights take place in a five-story circular
room where Jaa battles countless bad guys from the bottom floor to the
top. In the finale, he uses freestyle martial arts against 50
henchmen with bone-crushing grappling moves, close-range takedowns
and a variety of combination attacks.
Some mixed events fall in place during the film as Mark and Kham hide
out from the police while Kham continues his one-man martial arts
attack on the operators of Tom Yum Goong. Madame takes over the family
business by killing off the owners. Kham comfronts her and her army of
henchmen as they go out to do battle while Mark goes out to rescue his
kidnapped sister who's also a victim of Madam's evil doings.
The overall rating of THE PROTECTOR was a downfall because of the solid
story and lack of character development but thankfully, it can be overlooked with the trademark tools of Jaa, fight choreographer Panna Rittikarai and director Prachya Pinkaew
who help put the film in the shape of a cutting-edge martial arts piece that can be appreciated without being framed as a bad National Geographic nature program on elephants.
It was good to see ONG-BAK co-star Petchtai Wongkamlao, remembered as
the humorous con artist, re-team with Jaa and make people laugh with
his comedic humor and jokes. Johnny Tri Ngyuen delivered some of his
martial arts skills against Jaa but it should have been a longer fight.
He deserved more screen time and his supporting role revealed him as a
talented actor that will hopefully earn him bigger roles in future
projects.
Hopefully, Jaa's next movie will improve on some of the flaws that THE PROTECTOR suffered from and provide him with better character development for his acting so he won't be looked at as just another non-acting martial artist. The results of his screen fighting expertise can possibly put him in the category with his heroes Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li to earn himself the crown as America's next action star.
The good news about this film is that distributor 'Dragon Dynasty' gave
it the ultimate treatment on DVD and included the original uncut TOM
YUM GOONG version to unravel all the missing material not shown in the
American version along with it's original dialogue that will definitely
please the fans (familiar with the original).
- Chris Stoddard, Clinton, Md. | March 31, 2007
Solid film Excellent Action
I very much enjoyed this movie and it is great to see a fresh face like Tony Jaa. His Muay Thai style is a great addition to the martial arts genre.
I would have preferred an extended fight sequence with the female crime lord (too brief)and some dubbing was evident but all in all a very good movie.
- Will Rushlow, Ypsilanti Michigan USA | May 04, 2007
Amazing......
Tony Jaa is one hell of a find; Excellent fighter,extremely athletic,& very disciplined and dedicated actor & The ladies love him. When I went to see "Ong Bak" in the theatre here in the good ol' U.S. of A I would have to say
45%-60% were women and all of them were ooohhhing and aweing throughout the film. Almost the same with "The Protector". The story of "The Protector" could've a little bit more tightening up for my taste, but the action was spot on, reminded me of Jackie Chan's "Drunken Master" and "Police Story" I had a great time watching the movie. (Can't wait for Tony Jaa to make a Hollywood picture hint hint Joel Silver)
- Craig, Pittsburgh Pa | May 29, 2007
Not bad!
good stunts and fighting, nice to see some fresh martial artists! one thing, i have also seen ong bak, and spirited killer(from thailand), the stunts are gd but the fighting? muay thai is very good no doubt, but after seeing one tony jaa film the fighting isnt any different the next. in my opinion the fighting is not varied enough, effective yes but entertaining?
- samuel, uk | June 21, 2007
Awesome.
It is one of the best martial arts films I have seen. No wires, No stunt doubles, No CGI!! Amazing. I love this movie. I hope to see Tony Jaa in more movies like this. I believe that he is in fact, the next great martial arts great.
- Jaren, Belleville, WI | June 30, 2007
Action & Martial Arts at 100%
TONY JAA is "the bruce lee new generation".
- nikydragon, italy | July 05, 2007
F'ING AWSOME!!!
This has to be the best release off Dragon Dynasty!! Two Discs with "The Protector" on one disc and "Tom-Yum-Goong" on the other one...great great DVD
- Elliot, Minneapolis | July 05, 2007
great film. thank god for dragon dynasty for good quality dvds
i hope dragon dynasty keeps up the good work. i really would like them to release all the project a and armour of god films and so jet li films that were butchered my diminsion films.
- slave, sac., ca | July 23, 2007
This film was awesome
Tony Jaa has proven that his one of the best martial arts star around and the temple fight was awesome.
- R.Green jr, Beaumont,tx | August 05, 2007
The film was excellent.
I thought the fight scenes were brillant. I really appreciated the fact there were no CGI or ropes. Tony Jaa really made the film believable. I liked the idea of showing the flashback with his ancestory.
- Rose, Savannah, GA | August 06, 2007
The DVD quality was great
I've tried to watch this film twice now and both times I've fell asleep. I don't know what it is. I'll have to try it again.
- Rafael Santiago, United States | August 21, 2007
Great action but bad picture quality
If you like Ong Bak you will also enjoy this film. It's not much in terms of story but there is plenty of great action to enjoy. One thing though is that the film is in really bad quality picture-wise. Might be because of a low budget.
- Michael, Denmark | September 24, 2007
The Protector is the best best Martial Arts Action Film Since Enter the Dragon
I've watched "The Protector" at least 6 times and I'm still impressed with those incredible fight scenes. Although the film's plot was average, the action kept me focused. Tony Jaa's Martial Arts style is superb!!!!! If Bruce Lee were alive today, he would definitely give Tony Jaa an A for ACTION!!!
- Orlando T. Webster, Manassas, Virginia | October 06, 2007
THE NEW SUPER HERO
TONY IS REALY THE BEST ACTOR AND HIS THE FIRST FILM ONG BACK WAS THE BEST FILM I HOPE HE SHOULD MAKE A GOOD FILM WITH JET LI OR JACKIE CHAN BECAUSE THEY ARE THE KING OF ACTION NO ONE CAN TOUCN THEM
THANKS
- MUHIBULLAH AND BASHIR, QUETTA PAKISTAN | October 20, 2007
It was the best movie ever
I thought that the fight sence were amazing. The plot was perfict.
- Gac3025, Kentucky | November 22, 2007
Great
Tony Jaa is the new man in town
- Jay, Florida | December 08, 2007
Absolutely Breath Taking!
I thought this had to be the most action packed and absolutely outstanding martial arts films i've seen thus far! The stunts and choreography are just un-matchable, and at one point Xing's stamina is shown through a continuous 5 min fight sequence of him running up the stairs kicking some butt, with NO cut away sequences. The cinematography combined with the outstanding martial arts talent makes this movie a 5 in my book!
- Steven Inkin, NY, United States | December 18, 2007
10,000th Viewing... Praying for Jaa Panom.
It would be a horrid thing for history to repeat itself and rip away from us the blessing of Tony Jaa's life and presence, as it has the life of the Great Bruce Lee.
Tony is a Wonderous Martial Artist and he is skillfull in every measure of his life. He is beautiful and fluent in the dance of "kicking a*s." The word "awesome" does not describe his agility and composure.
Sure, the movie had some, shall I say, loop holes that didn't quite make much sense to most viewers. But, one must look beyond, into what it is really all about, the many aspects of real Martial Arts. Spirituality, discipline, self composure, ability, speed, focus, honor, ect...
Tony's main focus is to put Thailand on the "map" of notice. He wants people to see Thailand for the beautiful and spiritual place that She is and honor Her for Her people's values. This is why this film has become what it is. He has found his place and he will dwell there for some time to come.
Remember, even the Great Bruce Lee played in roles that were not quite good enough for him. Tomy Jaa has done the same.
He will rise to the top as time progresses. Everyone will know his name. Just as they do Bruce Lee himself. He will echo throughout history as at least, the second greatest Martial Artist ever to live. Next to the God of "beat downs." (Bruce Lee)
May the Great One guide and bless you, Jaa.
I wish you the best in luck, love, and spirituality. You truly are walking the rightious path.
*S
- Who I am., Where I am located. | January 21, 2008
Fantastic movie with a Bang
Tony Jaa (Paanom Yeerum)is the next action super star to explode on screen. After the Ong Bak smash hit Jaa and his crew did it again with The Protector. Jaa Fan
- Bountha Chhoom, Washington | January 29, 2008
BRILLIANT
TONY JAA IS THE BRILLIANT CHOISE FOR ENTER THE DRAGON 2 MOVIE!!!!TOM YUM GOONG IS THE BEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE !!
- ARKADIUS LEOPOLD, GERMANY:LEVERKUSEN | March 05, 2008
TONY JAA IS THE PERFECT CHOISE FOR AWEKING THE DRAGON MOVIE!!
EXCELLENT!!!!SO REALISTIC MARTIAL ARTS CHEOGRAPHY I NEVER SEE BEVOR!!!
- ARKADIUS LEOPOLD, GERMANY:LEVERKUSEN | March 05, 2008
A must have!
This was the first movie I purchased from the Dynasty. I had to have it and I'll never let it go! In my top 10 all-time favorites. Was I wrong for laughing at the elephant getting thrown into the window? LMAO!!!
- Ross Pho3nix, Indianapolis, IN | March 31, 2008
An Action movie to remember.
This is one of the best Hong Kong Action flicks since ONG BAK, Tony Jaa is my dog,and my mentor since after Bruce Lee.
- Craig Colson, Jamaica,NY April 23,2008 | April 23, 2008
As good as HKL
ive seen all three versions...
The Protecter
Tom Yum Goong
Warrior King
I have just one critisism.... Why did u change the name? Its far too obscure, whereas the original Thai title referred to the Aussie Restuarant... Why? Why? Why? And while we are at it, why call a game of Rugby(in helmets).... football? And call the actual game of football (worldwide reference)... soccer? It must be some kind of involuntary reaction akin to Tourettes syndrome... anyway, I digress....
This film is excellent!! U dont need a heavy storyline or a reason for the fights... U just `ave it!! (as we say in England) Looking forward to more Tony Jaa and more Thai cinema give em a chance... Thier film industry is still very young and with time I am sure they have so much more to offer us...
- darkloud, UK | May 22, 2008
Action Scenes Were Great. The Plot Made No sense
Maybe it's just me, but why did a crime syndicate steal some elephants? Now the movie did provide a little backstory on why elphants are important to thai culture but it dosen't explain why they needed elphants. The "bad guys" didn't really pose a threat. there was no plot for world domination. there was no plan to take over thailand or somthing of that nature. just some transexual stealing some poor kids elephants. I mean yes, they did kill tony jaa's characters father, but if you watch the original uncut version all he's concerned about is the whereabouts of his elephants (The american version added the "You killed my father" line)
The action sequences get 4 stars
while the plot gets only 2 for not being very realistic.
- Anthony, Pennsylvania | June 07, 2008
Terrific !
Tony Jaa is the next greatest martial artist.
- Jake, Pennsylvania | July 01, 2008
The Torch Has Been Handed Over
Tony Jaa has been handed the torch as the next martial arts star. What's great is he has the stunts and action impact of Jackie Chan and the ferocity and explosiveness of Jet Li. I'm still cringing from the bones snapping in that massive fight scene near the end of this film. This is who we been waiting for, lets hope Hollywood doesn't ruin it for us lol..
Great Film & The story is unique and fresh.
- Sub, New York | August 11, 2008
Can it get even better ?
Growing up training to protect . Then gets push to the limit to use his skills .
. /nickkader
- Nick Kader, Indianapolis,Indiana | September 15, 2008
Not as good as Ong-Bak but it has it's moments
For me, the final fight sequence which is pretty lengthy is the only saving grace for this movie. Tony Jaa has the talent and the movie does has it's moments of slick fighting but it seems like a lot of the budget was wasted on making the movie too flashy, too edgy.
- Wish, Toronto, Ontario, Canada | October 10, 2008
Exellent Movie!
DVD from Dragon Dynasty for Region 4 appears to have no Feature Commentary with Asian Film Expert Bey Logan included on either Disc 1 or Disc 2 despite advising this on the back of the dvd case. Does anyone else have this problem?
- Oscar, Sydney | October 15, 2008
That movie was my very first to watch Tony Jaa
That movie was good, I love it, I like when Tony shows the way to break Bad Guys bones you heard right? I was like: My god, He's very good to do that. He did so many ways to break, I love that, Good Job Tony. KEEP UP TO GOOD WORK!! Me and Everybody are counting on YOU!!!
- Buddy Grech, Johnstown, PA | January 20, 2009
Top of the line performance, production, script, characters and ACTION!!!
Keep it up...(making movies for martial arts fans)
- GSC, Portland, OR. | December 20, 2008
The Protector = Ong Bak
Yes, the action is absolutely CRAZY in this movie, but I probably won't watch it again for some years because the plot was recycled from Ong Bak and very simple. I'm a big fan of the Shaw Bros. era, but those days are over. The story has to be more developed and engaging. There are 2 more Tony Jaa DVDs at Best Buy, but I can't bring myself to purchase them...not after this.
- Call me...Green, Portsmouth, VA, USA | January 11, 2009
OUTSTANDING
I saw the movie in its original release in Thailand. Even though I am not fluent in Thai I was able to easily understand the dialouge without subtitles. The Jackis Chan and other cameos were very well recieved. I am not sure how many noticed Jackie Chan in the airport seen early in the film. He had a long haired wig If I am not mistaken. The film easily defines the importance of family and honor and the simple fact that anyone can make a difference using the strength and courage that exist in the most honorable souls.I have watched this film with my Neices and Nephews explaining to them the power of the CHANG and how it relates to all. It is an important message that cannot be retold enough.
- Mike Young, 1 Golf View Ct, Carolina Shores, Calabash NC 28467 | January 13, 2010
Did u see that?
The beginning scene... U had to pick up your face too. Don't lie. All that for an elephant... AN ELEPHANT!!!! Every Dragon Dynasty I come across is a memorable story. U don't get this in theaters. If it did, I be broke! Oh yeah, u can learn alot from this movie about a person's "weak points"
- Peaches, Neptune, NJ | September 17, 2009
BUY NOW
