CHOCOLATE (2008) by jeff

Directed By: Prachaya Pinkaew
Written By: Napalee & Chukiat Sakveerakul
Cinematography By: Decha Srimantra
Editor: Rashane Limtrakul & Pop Surasakuwat

CAST: JeeJa Yanin, Ammara Siripong


This film is directed by the same man who directed ONG-BAK and again makes a memorable action film. He also gives a nod to his previous films by having the lead character watch and learn from those films starring Tony Jaa

Now here is a little gem that should appeal to the art crowd as it is a foreign film and a kung-fu flick which should please the Action audience. The added attraction is that the hero of the story is female which is so rare that it makes you feel proud and fascinated at the same time.

When it comes to the violence at least the heroine isn’t malicious when it comes to handing out the pain. She is usually attacked first and is more defending herself then anything.

You have to at least admire a film where the villains lead henchman is a cross-dresser. It modernizes the tale while adding a bit of humor to a film that is pretty simple story wise it could have been made during the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s and you still wouldn’t have had to change anything really.

If a man played the main role I’m not sure it would be as noteworthy or exciting.

The film is short and still moves at a fast pace before you know it. It’s over.

The film doesn’t suffer from common problems I seem to find with most kung-fu movies. The action scenes don’t feel repetitive. You remember each sequence individually.

The Stakes do rise slightly with each fight until the inevitable mesmerizing final battle that seems to throw everything into it.

The film starts off as a love story with the two lovers torn apart and then the movie moves to there off spring who has developmental problems but has a talent that she can mimic any fighting style just by seeing it on tv almost like in THE MATRIX but this story tries to stay close to reality. Her mother develops cancer and needs expensive medicine so her cousin decides to track down people who owe her money he is the daughter’s caretaker so he brings her along and when the people don’t like them asking for money and react violently she basically defends them. Tons of action, Tons of impressive stunts.

A MUST SEE

GRADE: B