The Protector (2005)
The Protector (2005)Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
Starring: Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Xing Jing, Johnny Nguyen, Nathan Jones
Genre: Action / Martial Arts / Crime
Runtime: 111 minutes
Original Title (Thailand): Tom-Yum-Goong
OverviewThe Protector follows Kham (Tony Jaa), a peaceful young man raised among elephants in rural Thailand. When his beloved elephants are stolen and smuggled to Australia by an international criminal syndicate, Kham travels to Sydney on a relentless mission to rescue them โ unleashing brutal Muay Thai justice on anyone who stands in his way.
Built around Tony Jaaโs unmatched athleticism and bone-breaking combat style, The Protector delivers a visceral journey of vengeance fueled by loyalty, tradition, and the unbreakable bond between man and beast.
What Worked
Tony Jaaโs stunt work and real martial arts (no wires, no CGI) โ jaw-dropping, especially the legendary one-take stairway fight Real Muay Thai combat techniques including “Muay Kotchasan” (elephant style) Inventive choreography with environmental use (glass, wood, fire) Emotional story rooted in cultural heritage and honor Unique premise centered on animal smuggling and Thai identity
Fan Reactions
โThat staircase scene? One of the greatest long takes in action history.โ โTony Jaa is a human weapon โ no stunt double, no wires, just madness.โ โNot deep plot-wise, but the action is pure art.โ โThe emotion hits harder than expected โ Jaa really cares for those elephants.โ
Final Verdict
The Protector stands as one of the most iconic martial arts films of the 2000s, thanks to Tony Jaaโs jaw-dropping physicality and heartfelt sincerity. While light on story, it’s heavy on impact โ quite literally. If you love raw, grounded action with cultural soul, this is essential viewing.
Rating: 
7.5/10 โ A martial arts masterclass with heart and shattered bones.
7.5/10 โ A martial arts masterclass with heart and shattered bones.
