Born To Fight 2 Disc Ultimate Edition

By: Denis Blot

May 2007

DVD Features Video: 1.85:1 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1,  Thai DTS 5.1 Feature Commentary with Hong Kong Cinema Expert Bey Logan The Making of an Action Epic, a 60-Minute Documentary Action!: On the Set of Born To Fight Original Theatrical Trailer U.S. Promotional Trailer Theatrical release: 8/05/2004 DVD released on 4/24/2007 by Dragon Dynasty Running time of 96  minutes Starring: Chatthapong Pantanaunkul, Santisuk Promsiri, Kessarin Ektawatkul Director: Panna Rittikrai Plot: When a remote Thai village is overrun by terrorists armed with a nuclear missile, an elite undercover operative leads the most unique fighting force ever assembled in a heroic bid to save their nation.

“Born To Fight” is a high budget (in terms of Thai cinema) remake of a low budget film of the same name director Panna Rittigrai made 20 years ago. Its basic plot that includes a drug lord, terrorists and the threat of a nuclear bomb rings so true to the 1980s though perhaps even more so today. There is also a great deal of patriotic spirit expressed in the film which might remind some viewers of the “Missing in Action” trilogy with Chuck Norris, though in this case it is all out Thai patriotism with a cast of famous national athletes, the national anthem played and even the flag being carried.

Rittigrai uses the talents of the athletes brilliantly in the film, by creating stunts that integrate their sport. The use of gymnastics, soccer, rugby, and others that might appear like a cheap gimmick in a martial arts film, actually adds well to the action. There is also a surprising amount of gunplay, that while good is often brutally violent and might astonish viewers who are expecting the more beautifully choreographed martial arts and gunplay, that seem to exist independent from reality, found in typical Hong Kong cinema.

It is the stunts in Thai cinema that has perhaps brought them to recent popularity. Forsaking the technology of CGI (computer generated imagery) Thai filmmakers have continued doing stunts in the traditional form that provides a sense of authenticity to their work and will leave viewers in awe as they realize the dangers the actors put themselves in. Simply seeing the behind the scenes footage and the actors testimony in the DVD extra “The Making of an Action Epic” will provide you with a whole new respect for the film and Thai martial arts cinema.

Besides the aforementioned DVD extra, there is also a full-length commentary with Hong Kong Cinema scholar Bey Logan. Logan effectively integrates the history of Thai cinema and Thai culture while discussing the film. Unlike sitting through a boring lecture, Logan’s passion for Hong Kong cinema is clearly evident and the information he supplies is both engrossing and helpful (i.e.- learning about Thai patriotism, or that in Thailand teachers wear military style uniforms clarifies scenes in the film).

While the film plot is very run of the mill, martial arts fans are bound to find this film a guilty pleasure and should definitely consider purchasing it. Most however, will be pleased with watching it once and will undoubtedly be encouraged to look at more Thai films.

Reviewer’s Opinion: RENT IT!!