Review: ‘Chocolate’

“Jija† Yanin Vismistananda plays a young autistic girl, Zen, who grows up next to a Muay Thai boxing studio. Through observation, Zen absorbs the teachings and the techniques of Muay Thai. When her mother’s hospital bills start escalating, Zen and her cousin set out to collect debts from the gangsters that owe her mother money, which leads to an escalating series of death-defying fights.

‘Chocolate’ is certainly one of the better Prachya Pinkaew films, as good as either ‘Ong-Bak’ or ‘Tom yum goo.’ The screenplay is a little ham-fisted but the fight scenes – and let’s just admit that its the fights that people are buying tickets for – well, the fight scenes are amazing. Jaw-dropping execution.

How long will it be before we see a pairing of Tony Jaa and Jija Yanin? It’s bound to happen. Fans of the martial arts genre will be blown away by some of the stunts in ‘Chocolate.’ I’d love to see what Jaa and Yanin are capable of together.

JiJa Yanin is an amazing performer and will undoubtedly be embraced by action fans around the world. ‘Chocolate’ rests upon her shoulders and she carries the film throughout, laying the groundwork for what will hopefully be a fruitful career. Not only is she an accomplished athlete but a charming, engaging performer. When you see the movie, keep an eye out for her impression of Bruce Lee. It’s priceless.

Chocolate opens in limited release February 6.

[Overall: 3.5 stars out of 5]