''It's The Only Way To Survive''

Born To Fight - 2004

Starring : Dan Chupong

Born to Fight

If you’re into Thai action, you should see Born to Fight, aka Kerd Ma Lui.

Starring Dan Chupong and directed by Panna Rittikrai, Born to Fight is a non-stop action film that contains some jaw-dropping fighting and stunts. Once again, Panna Rittikrai proves he is the master of Thai action, as everything he touches seems to turn to gold.

Dan Chupong plays Diew ( or Deaw in the English Sub version) . He is a police man in the Thai police in Bangkok, and the film starts with him and his Partner tracking down a master criminal in the guise of General Yang, here played by Nappon Gomarachun.

In the onslaught of the capture of the General, Diew’s partner is killed in an explosion when he is trapped in a container lorry. A Bomb is set to go off, and Chief, Diew's partner, orders him to leave him and capture the general, which he does, but not before the bomb explodes, killing Chief.

Now Diew is depressed at the death of his partner and takes time out to go on a trip with his sister, who is part of the Thai Taekwondo team that has teamed up with Thai national athletes who help less wealthy people in the remote villages. They do this by doing Charity work, giving goods and help to the less fortunate.

Now Diew's sister is not happy that her brother is chaperoning her, but she brings him along. Upon arriving in the remote village, they give out gifts and toys for the children and provisions.

Now amongst the athletes is Diew's sister Nui, who is played by Kessarin Ektawakul, who herself is a Thai national Taekwondo champion. Along with Gymnasts, Muay Thai boxers, footballers, and Rugby players all out to do their part.

Sadly, whilst relaxing with the villagers, they are attacked by the Militia of an evil drug baron (who just happens to be the guy Diew has just put in jail).

The attackers enter the village, shooting the villagers at random, causing a mass panic, regardless of who they shoot: women, children, or the elderly. Once in, they put up perimeter fences, install cameras, and set up a base. They then make footage of themselves killing hostages so they can send it to the Thai president.

Dan Chupong

Once sent, they demand the release of General Yang by a set time, or hostages will die. Now Diew has managed to evade capture with another villager who he has had a fight with. He decides to make a break for it to get help, but in doing so stumbles upon the Militia's evil plans to send a nuclear missile to Bangkok and blow it off the planet.

A fight ensues where Diew battles Guards with planks of 2 by 4 which happen to be on fire (this has to be one of the standout fights of the film). Unfortunately, he is captured and sent back to camp to join the rest of the hostages.

But Diew knows the truth now and must help save the lives of millions by stopping the crazed army from setting off the nuclear missile. He riles up the passion in the remaining hostages to fight to survive or be killed.

Now the action begins as the villagers and the athletes combine forces to overthrow the militia. What follows is a masterclass in fight action and stunt work as the athletes show what they’re made of by displaying their arts to the fullest as they flip and kick the enemy whilst dodging bullets and grenades.

With standout fights coming from Kessarin Ektawakul (Nui) as she fights an evil girl from the Militia who has an equally similar repertoire in the martial arts stakes. Then we have the amazing gymnast who saves a baby, ties it to himself, and battles whilst flipping and vaulting everywhere. Of course, there are lots of moments that make it exciting, like the Elderly villager who fights traditional Muay Thai against the attackers whilst protecting the children.

Then you have Dan Chupong, who unleashes some astounding kicks that either start with some sort of spin or end in one. I truly believe Dan Chupong is very versatile and seems to be able to move more gymnastically than Tony Jaa.I have seen him in several films now, and he never ceases to amaze me.

So what do I think of Born to Fight? Well, it's a top film; though very violent, it portrays what can be done when people pull together under duress. As well as being a fine showcase for Panna Rittikrai's direction and fight work, it is also a fine piece of entertainment.



Review By: Sertes Nake

Review date: 2009



Updated October 2026

Director: Panna Rittikrai

Produced By: Prachya Pinkaew, Sukanya Vongsthapat

Starring: Dan Chupong, Nappon Gumarachun

Kessarin Etawatkul ( Taekwondo Champion)

Somluck Kamsing ( Muay Thai Fighter / Boxing Medalist)

Year: 2004

Country; Thailand

Length: 96 minutes