Most genres used in film were created here in the United States. While we ma have started them we by no means have a monopoly on them. Actually, many countries have added their own ethnic and cultural distinctions to various types of films and made them into something completely different. It has been known for a long time that the Asian film industry has managed to do this with action flicks. Most film aficionados are familiar with Hong Kong action movies. They are heavy on marital arts prowess and frequently defy gravity with their amazing use of wires. In recent years the cost of the infrastructure required to make movie has decreased. With the advent of digital technology a film maker with the most modest budget imaginable can turn out a descent movie. This has also opened the film industry to a lot of aspiring film makers in nations that previous weren’t much into creating cinema. One such example is the growing numbers of films coming out of Thailand. Over there they are making great inroads in action and horror films that are gaining recognition in the international film community. It should be remembered that many of their writers and directors are carving out a new niche for themselves and there is a great deal of experimentation going on there. As such the films may not be as polished and fine tuned as those from other countries. While there are faults to be found most are forgivable and ultimately it is exciting for a film fan to be able to watch a culture express itself in this fashion. The latest film from this country is ‘Chocolate’ by Prachya Pinkaew. It reflects the rich martial arts culture of the nation and adds some rather unique twists to the plot. It is not new to have a female protagonist kicking butts all over the set but the leading lady of this film plays a young woman with autism. I have seen a lot of Asian action flicks over the years and can’t recall this particular twist to the story line. This is action the likes of which you have never seen before. It will keep you riveted to your seats at all times. The film has made the usual rounds in the Asian film festivals and has been working its way through Europe and is now available on region one DVD through Magnolia Home Entertainment. Leave it to them to find a little gem like this movie. You are not a true, die hard action fan if this is not in your collection.

Providing the screenplay are Chukiat Sakveerakul and Nepalee Sakweerakul. Sakveerakul has a few other scripts behind him including ‘13 game sayawng’ or as we know it here in the States’ 13: Game of Death’. He has the ability to write dark and moody stories that are so strange and compelling that the audience is instantly pulled in. Sakweerakul is new to the trade making his start with this screenplay. The story here does a better than average job of setting up what the audience is really waiting for; the martial arts. To many fans of the genre the plot may seem plodding and slow but it is necessary to lay down the background required by the story. This is not the mindless action movie many are used to and as such may not reach the target audience with the success it deserves. You have to pay attention to the stories and the character development to get the most out of this film. The main character’s autism is a brilliant plot device. It is about time that people with differences like this be shown in a positive way in movies. This goes a long way to establishing a bond between Zen (Yanin Vismistananda) and the audience. In a film of this type it is vital to allow the audience to become emotionally vested with the lead. It assists in our cheering her on as she takes on the local mob. This is a more human approach to the action flick than is usually seen and it is certainly refreshing. It was also a major element in ’13; Game of Death’ so hopefully this is a style that will be continued not only by these writers but other in the field.

Prachya Pinkaew has been directing films for most of this decade. During this time he has made quite a name for himself including several awards and holding the post of the Thai Film Directors' Association’s president. Included in his credits are the critically acclaimed ‘Ong-bak’ and a good number of other taut and thought provoking action movies. Martial arts movies have a certain fascination for audiences. It is amazing to watch people engaged in a form of fighting that is as beautiful as it is deadly. Pinkaew works extremely well with his cinematographer Decha Srimantra. He has worked on several of the ‘Eye’ horror series as well as the famous Pang Brothers in Hong Kong. This movie is beautifully filmed. There is a grace and exotic style that is incredible to look at. The movie not only works as an action movie but is visually stunning. Pinkaew has a lot over his contemporaries with the way he films the action. Many films have had female fighters at work and most film them as if they were just curvier males. Pinkaew allows the beauty and femininity of Yanin Vismitananda, also known as JeeJa Yanin to come through. The action is more graceful and well choreographed than is typical with the guys. The action is slower in some respects, more deliberate. This comes across to the audience in such a fashion as to breathe new life into the genre.

Zen is an autistic young woman who enjoys watching television. Seeing so many hours of martial arts exhibitions has resulted in her learning the moves almost by muscle memory. It doesn’t hurt that she lives adjacent to a Muay Thai school and is afforded an opportunity to develop her natural skills. In a flashback we see Zen’s mother Zin (Ammara Siripong), who is married to a local mob boss known as Number 8 (Pongpat Wachirabunjong). He is the jealous type and is disturbed by Zin’s relationship with another competing gangster, Masashi (Hiroshi Abe). Zin is fed up with Number 8 and wants to be with Massahi but 8 will have no part of it. Number 8 forbids Zin from going off with Massashi and this is effective for at least awhile. When Zin discovers that she is pregnant, with Zen. All of this leads up to the present day where Zin becomes ill with cancer and it is up to Zen to find a way to get the necessary money. At first she tries some martial arts exhibitions but soon it becomes obvious that if her mother is to be alright Zen must take on Number 8’s gang.

This is just a well crafted film that breaks the expectations of the genre. JeeJa Yanin is not only beautiful she is quite an expert in martial arts. This tiny, barely five foot tall, young woman has grace and style that is astounding. You will not believe your eyes as she goes through her paces. If you are an action fan it this is something that you have to get. It looks like Thai action films have arrived and we should all be glad about it.