๐ฅ The Protector 2 (2013)
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Marrese Crump, JeeJa Yanin
After the bone-breaking success of The Protector (2005), Tony Jaa returns in The Protector 2 โ a bigger, flashier, and more ambitious follow-up that blends brutal Muay Thai combat with modern cinematic spectacle. Set against the neon-lit chaos of Bangkok, this sequel continues the story of Kham, the humble elephant caretaker whose loyalty and courage once made him an international legend.
The story begins when Kham once again finds himself framed for a crime he didnโt commit โ the murder of a powerful elephant dealer. Hunted by the police, rival gangs, and mysterious assassins, Kham must fight his way through an endless gauntlet of enemies to clear his name and rescue his beloved elephant Khon. But this time, his journey draws him into a deadly web of international crime, led by a ruthless arms dealer named LC (RZA), whose empire is built on blood, betrayal, and underground cage fights.
Tony Jaaโs performance is a masterclass in physical storytelling. Every punch, kick, and elbow strike is delivered with lightning precision and spiritual intensity. While the first film was grounded in raw, realistic choreography, The Protector 2 embraces a more stylized, high-energy approach โ incorporating parkour, wirework, and even motorcycle stunts through fiery warehouses and crumbling rooftops.
The standout fights are pure adrenaline:
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Tony Jaa vs. Marrese Crump delivers some of the most fast-paced, rhythmically brutal choreography ever filmed.
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Tony Jaa vs. JeeJa Yanin adds a powerful Muay Thai showdown that feels both elegant and fierce.
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And the final battle with RZA, though more cinematic than realistic, brings an almost comic-book flair to the storyโs climax.
The film also integrates more technology and international influence than its predecessor โ 3D effects, CG explosions, and slick camera movements. While some fans missed the gritty realism of The Protector (2005), others appreciated this sequelโs energy and global scale.
At its heart, The Protector 2 still carries Tony Jaaโs signature message: loyalty, respect, and the spirit of Muay Thai. Itโs a film about fighting for what you love, even when the world stands against you.
The music by Terdsak Janpan and the stylish direction by Prachya Pinkaew create a modern martial arts epic that celebrates both tradition and evolution.
โญ Rating: โ
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โ (8/10)
A high-octane, visually bold sequel that modernizes Muay Thai cinema โ combining explosive action, emotional loyalty, and Tony Jaaโs unstoppable warrior spirit.