THE PROTECTOR IS MARTIAL ARTS THAI STYLE

The Protector, his debut film here in the states. Taking on a deadly gang to retrieve a stolen elephant in the film, Jaa shows off his unique choreography.rn

Jaa is also highly skilled in Tai Kwon Do and sword play. His idols growing up were Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee but he strives to create another form of martial arts that will engage the audience in a different way.

“I wanted to make it different from other movies. In editing other movies they use a lot of special effects, slings and stand-ins. The difference we put a lot of Thai culture in this movie especially Muay Thai kickboxing. It’s more unique than other movies.”

The film was close to Jaa’s heart as his parents were elephant herders.

“Yes, yes making it realistic not everyone can do it. That’s what makes it so new and exciting. As an actor I want to demonstrate the skills to make it different. You get the feeling, the emotion, so the audience can be amazed and feel, ‘wow how can he do that?’ That’s what I want.”

The Protector opens today in theaters nationwide.rn

“Really the elephant is one of the most important symbols of Thailand. It shows Thailand’s unique culture. However to experience the relationship between human and elephant is really rare. You can only see it in Thailand. Example my home town, I grew up with two elephants.”