Even in modern society where it seems that everyone is already expected to possess liberal and more open views, it seems that the two concepts of athleticism and homosexuality are still perceived to be alien from one another. Sports and athletic activities are usually related with masculinity and physical prowess, while homosexuality, especially the male variety, is usually connected to things of a more feminine nature like beauty and grace.
So, for a homosexual to engage in sports may somewhat be a novelty at the start. But for an actual homosexual to engage in Thai kickboxing or Muay Thai, a combat sport known throughout the world for its ceremony and graphic violence, it may indeed be a good subject for a feature film.
“Beautiful Boxer,” is a 2003 film from Ekachai Uekrongtham, a Thai director based in Singapore. Be warned though: this film is actually a biographical account, meaning the film is based on a true story. The movie is about the life story of Nong Thoom who became a famous personality in Thailand and around the world. For one, he is a kathoey, the local term for a male-to-female transgendered person. But in a country where homosexuals from all over the world go to for safe and inexpensive sex change surgeries, a kathoey may not actually be a novelty.
Yet, Nong Thoom rose to prominence because he became a Muay Thai fighter. In a sport known for its graphic violence and high degree of machismo, Nong Thoom’s case was certainly a first. This was the certainly the case as he insisted on fighting with full make-up , much so that it caught the world’s attention.
The film follows an American journalist who wanted to chronicle the life of this unique personality. He got to know how at an early age, Nong Thoom cultivated his two skills – kickboxing and make-up application. Being born to a poor family, Nong felt the need to master kickboxing so that he could fight and bring home prize money to support his family. At the same time, he also started to discover blossoming feeling for some guys in his life, from childhood friends to training camp companions. He would later grow a fascination for make-up, something that was introduced to him by the wife of one of his kickboxing trainers. He then withstood the ridicule of people watching him fight and his competitors himself at how seemingly funny he looked, with a face full of make-up while engaging in a violent slugfest.
The critics grow silent though, as he always emerges victorious in his fights. His fame grew, as he became known internationally, fighting even in Japan and later engaging in other careers such as acting and modeling. But in the end, the film showed that inside the beautiful warrior is the same kid who just wanted to find a decent way to support his family.
The film has been shown to largely art house crowds throughout the world, with most audiences giving out positive reviews. The film did not run without the expected controversies, though. A scene had to be cut when it was shown in the film’s native Thailand because of male frontal nudity.
Reality
He is now a she. In real life, Nong Toom’s dream has come true after undergoing a sex-change operation in 1999. Now a model and actress based in Bangkok, Nong Toom can no longer fight in the ring. Women are not allowed in professional boxing rings for men in Thailand.
Born into a poor family of nomads, Nong Toom spent his childhood traveling around the country with his family before settling down in Chiangmai province in the Northern part of Thailand. Prior to his big match in Bangkok in February 1998, he’d won 20 out of 22 matches in many provinces. He’s feared by his opponents for his trademark swooping kicks, flying elbows and stinging uppercuts. His deadly prowess in the ring made it hard for the public to understand his ambition of becoming a woman.
Undoubtedly one of Thailand’s best known kickboxers, Nong Toom is admired by many for his courage and despised by others who accused him of tarnishing the masculine image of Thai kickboxing.
Cast
Asanee Suwan as Nong Thoom
Sorapong Chatree as Pi Chart
Orn-Anong Panyawong as Nong Thoom’s mother
Nukkid Boonthong as Nong Thoom’s father
Sitiporn Niyom as Nat
Kyoko Inoue as herself (female Japanese wrestler)
Sarawuth Tangchit as Nong Toom (as a boy)
Keagan Kang as Jack the reporter
Awards and nominations
Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Best Feature Film, winner (2004)
Thailand National Film Association Awards – Best Actor Asanee Suwan, winner; Best Makeup Kraisorn Sampethchareon, winner (2004)
San Sebastián International Film Festival – Sebastian Award, winner (2004)
Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival – Best Film, winner (2004)
Outfest Achievement Award – Outstanding Emerging Talent, Ekachai Uekrongtham (2004)
GLAAD Media Awards – Outstanding Film – Limited Release, nominated (2006)
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