RCB Film Club is concluding 2019 with a screening of Beautiful Boxer, the internationally-acclaimed Thai movie notable for combining sport, culture, gender relations and social awareness, at the RCB Forum, 2nd floor of River City Bangkok, Charoen Krung 24, on Saturday at 4pm.
Directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham, this is a heartfelt biopic of transsexual muay Thai boxer Parinya "Nong Toom" Charoenphol, who gained international fame for her prowess in the ring, but struggled with gender dysphoria.
In her teens, she managed to win numerous title-fights and earn money to help her impoverished family. She eventually made enough to be able to undergo sex-reassignment surgery.
Beautiful Boxer is tough and realistic in its portrayal of the fight scenes, but sensitive and beautifully layered in dealing with Nong Toom's sexuality. Nong Toom faced criticism both in her professional and personal life, but her talent as a boxer gave her the courage to be true to herself -- and the film poignantly portrays the transformation of the tough boxer to the "beautiful" one.
The movie was invited to more than 200 global film festivals, winning 15 international awards, and was released in over 30 countries.
After the screening, there will be a question-and-answer session with filmmaker Ekachai, Nong Toom and Ataporn Suwan, the muay Thai boxer and actor who played the title role.
The movie is in Thai with English subtitles. There is no admission fee but reservations are recommended.
Email clubmovie2019@gmail.com.
Parinya Charoenphol with Ataporn Suwan. Photo courtesy of RCB Film Club
