LanguageThai
English
Japanese Release dateNovember 28, 2003 (2003-11-28) (Thailand)
February 7, 2004 (2004-02-07) (Berlin)
April 29, 2004 (2004-04-29) WriterDesmond Sim, Ekachai Uekrongtham
Beautiful Boxer (Thai: ) is a Thai biographical sports film by Singapore-based director Ekachai Uekrongtham. It tells the life story of Parinya Charoenphol, a famous kathoey (trans woman), Muay Thai fighter, actress and model. She was portrayed by male kickboxer Asanee Suwan.
Based on the true life story of a Thai who wishes to have a sex change operation to become a woman. to pay for this he enters the brutal world of Thai boxing, un-nerving his opponents by performing a makeup application ritual before each fight.
Cast
Asanee Suwan as Parinya Charoenphol
Sorapong Chatree as Pi Chart
Orn-Anong Panyawong as Parinya Charoenphols mother
Nukkid Boonthong as Parinya Charoenphols father
Sitiporn Niyom as Nat
Kyoko Inoue as herself (female Japanese wrestler)
Sarawuth Tangchit as Parinya Charoenphol (as a child)
Keagan Kang as Jack the reporter
Reception
The film has received very positive reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes the film received an 80% "Certified Fresh" approval rating from critics.
There was controversy in Thailand about the full-frontal nudity in this film. For Thailand, the nudity was cut.
Awards and nominations
Won
Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Best Feature Film
Thailand National Film Association Awards – Best Actor (Asanee Suwan), Best Makeup (Kraisorn Sampethchareon)
San Sebastian International Film Festival – Sebastian Award
Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival – Best Film
Outfest – Achievement Award – Outstanding Emerging Talent (Ekachai Uekrongtham)
