First off, completely dismiss the person's review who didn't enjoy the movie. It's so completely obvious they know nothing about Muay Thai, or fighting for that matter. He said something along the lines of the lead actors form was amateurish, and that he is an amateur. That is SO wrong. As someone who trains in Muay Thai, I know that technique is super-duper important and this guy had great technique. As soon as he begins training it's very, very obvious this guy has had previous training. The knees were beautiful, he kept his shoulders up, threw punches with fluidity....I can go on and on. By the way, the actor playing the lead, Dida, this is HIS story, and he's a World Champion. Yeah, he's no amateur.
The movie itself is no slouch either. The movie gives off an intimate and nice feel of what being at a Muay Thai camp in Thailand would feel like. Following our lead from a petty thief to a Muay Thai fighter was a very fun and interesting ride. I suppose I'm more bias because I love fighting and appreciate technique and the brutality Muay Thai delivers. But if you also enjoy these aspects then you should also enjoy Chok Dee.
With simple side plots the involve back-stabbing and love, the movie also tries entertaining you with other real life areas. But the star of the movie is really the Muay Thai. And by using non-actors mostly, the film delivers lots of legit muay thai. Since they know their sport so well, the fights aren't played so softly. Instead they'll throw the kicks to safer spots like the shoulders or arm pit area.
Chok Dee delivers an intriguing yet simple story, by having a lead actor who expresses himself with a solemn intensity that really works. He's obviously not a great actor, but when you're watching him fight and train, acting flys out the door. As with the other good comment I also agree that a bit more focus on the camp would have made the movie something special. Instead you do have subplots, which do fine on their own, but it's not why you're watching this flick. If you enjoy fighting and Muay Thai, there is no reason for you not to check this out. A surprisingly good film.
