The Protector (2005)
The Protector (2005) 
The Protector (also known as Tom-Yum-Goong) is a high-octane martial arts film starring Tony Jaa, showcasing his jaw-dropping Muay Thai skills. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew (Ong-Bak), the film follows Kham (Tony Jaa), a skilled fighter on a mission to rescue his stolen elephants, which he sees as family, from an underground crime syndicate in Australia.
The highlight of the film is its action sequences, particularly the legendary one-take stairway fight, where Jaa battles through waves of enemies in an unbroken shot. His unique “elephant bone-breaking” Muay Thai style delivers bone-crunching intensity, setting this film apart from typical martial arts movies. The choreography is raw, brutal, and incredibly fluid, making every fight scene a spectacle.
Though the plot is simple and the dialogue sometimes weak, The Protector thrives on its relentless action and Tony Jaa’s physicality. His ability to perform stunts without CGI or wires makes every move feel authentic. The film also features impressive performances from Nathan Jones and Johnny Nguyen as formidable adversaries.
If you’re a fan of martial arts cinema, The Protector is a must-watch. It may lack deep storytelling, but it delivers some of the most intense and innovative fight sequences in modern action films.
