Skin Trade (2014)
Skin Trade (2014)
Skin Trade, directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham, is a gritty, high-octane action thriller that tackles the dark world of human trafficking. Starring Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, and Michael Jai White, the film blends brutal combat with a heavy subject, delivering an intense experience for fans of action with a conscience.
The story follows New York cop Nick Cassidy (Lundgren), who becomes a vigilante after his family is murdered by a powerful Serbian crime lord (Ron Perlman) involved in human trafficking. His quest for revenge takes him to Thailand, where he crosses paths—and fists—with local detective Tony Vitayakui (Tony Jaa), who has his own reasons for fighting the trade.
The action is where Skin Trade shines. Tony Jaa delivers his signature fast, fluid Muay Thai moves, while Lundgren brings raw power. Their fight scenes are among the film’s best moments—especially a brutal one-on-one showdown. Michael Jai White adds another layer of martial arts intensity, and the film never lets up on momentum.
Although the plot is a bit predictable and the dialogue occasionally clunky, the movie deserves credit for addressing serious real-world issues within the framework of a traditional action film. The international setting adds flavor, and the performances, especially by Jaa and Lundgren, show strong dedication to the material.
